No Doubt it is Autumn, Bridal Shower, Doggie Fun

The Ridge

On Friday, Sept. 24^th we were all able to sleep in. After going to bed by 10, I was surprised that we slept so late – especially my bed mates. When I woke and checked the clock it was 7 am. Gibbs and Bill were still sound asleep. I waited until closer to 7:30 and rolled onto my back which always gets the little guy’s attention. He gave me morning kisses and I got up to take him out. We managed that without waking Bill up. 😉

On my way through Durham this morning, I stopped
to get a picture of the action at McGowan Dam
We saw it on the new last night

We had our morning drinks together and around 9 I went to Hanover to pick up a few things at Walmart. It was another dreary damp day. Bill didn’t have to work today so had planned to pick up the debris and the cut logs at the laneway end while I was gone. It wasn’t very warm so we ‘ix-nayed’ that idea. We have 2 days to do that and there should be some dry breaks over the weekend.

                                                  Want to see it in motion?

                                                           Check it out

I was home just before 11 and had a bite to eat before relaxing. I was overwhelmed by the birthday wishes I received yesterday. Facebook alone blew me away; talk about feeling loved. ♥ 

Yesterday, I mentioned the tree blocking 
Bill's entrance to the Acreage when we needed water
He had to return with a chain saw to clear it out
of the way

I had a blog to finish so did that and then settled in my chair with my book. By 2:30, I was finished it and have to say how much I enjoyed it. Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis, if you get a chance to read it, you won’t be disappointed.

A nice change in the weather after
leaving the Ridge

I showered first, then Bill and we got dressed to go to Bill’s daughter’s bridal shower in Tavistock. It’s just over 90 minutes so Bill offered to drive me since it would be night driving after the party. I appreciate gestures like that and it meant Gibbs didn’t have to be home alone – he could come and spend time with Bill. Somewhere. 😊 We left after 4 and I’d packed some egg salad sandwiches with a butter tart for supper.

Whoopee! I get to go too!

He's trying really hard to be good on the drive

Not far down the road, the sky changed. We left under a dreary cloudy sky and cool 11C/51F temps. Along Hwy 6, we had blue sky and soon, more blue than white and the temperature began rising. Weird but great! The party was to be held outdoors on Yvonne’s sheltered patio if possible so the closer we got to their town, the chances of that improved. We decided to stop along the way and eat before our arrival.

This isn't supposed to be a lake
It's a farmer's field 😟

We stopped in Stratford and ate our sandwiches along the river bank. I’ve never done the ‘river walk’ which is odd because Bill is from Stratford. It just never seemed like the right time to stop and walk.

Yoga in the park
No thanks

taking in all the sights

 We were always just driving through, on our way somewhere where time was of the essence. So, today was nice even though we only walked for about 20 minutes. The day had warmed up to a pleasant 16C/60F. I was tickled to see 2 beautiful swans who came to pose for my camera. 😉

The pretty, very full, Avon River

This little girl wanted to give Gibbs things
flowers and sticks 💗

Well, hello there beautiful!

We arrived at the house about 6:45 so was surprised that we were the first arrivals. Bill was unsure what he should do, where he should go, thinking that perhaps Dennis would be home. The 3 girls were setting things out so Bill decided to take Gibbs for a walk. He walked part way with our grandson, Zach, and then came inside with another one, Connor, to sit in the living room. We had a nice turnout, all family on Krystal’s side so I knew everyone quite well.

We were warm enough since the wind had died right off and when it cooled down later, Dennis turned on their large propane patio heater. Krystal was pleased with her gifts, anxious to update kitchen pieces in their home. The conversation and the wine was flowing and I had one glass more than I normally would have but that was an indication of how comfortable we all were. There was so much food and the 13 of us made a nice dent in it. 😊

Everyone had a good time

When Dennis let their 2 Goldies out into the back yard, Bill brought Gibbs to join them. Mind you, he hasn’t had experience with other dogs, other than Gracee in July, so I was interested in watching this. 

Gibbs was definitely the baby
not only in age but it didn't bother him!

I love the calm kissing going on here
with Gibbs and their older female goldie, Chloe
Look behind Bill's leg

One of the retrievers was quite rambunctious, only 2 yrs. old, but Gibbs didn’t back down at all and had fun running and running and running with Clark. At least we know he can be good even with some big dogs. He wore himself out and we waited until he calmed down before we left for home around 10.

Chloe is older and much calmer than Clark
Connor and Zach helped keep them entertained

It was a late night for all of us with Gibbs sleeping a lot of the drive home. With the exception, of course, of sitting up to make sure Daddy took the right turns. LOL This was a great day topped off with a fun evening. It was nice to see of Bill’s girls again, 4 of our grandsons and of course the rest of the family who were present.

Although a serious discussion, there is
something about this picture that touches my 💘
Bill and his bride-to-be daughter, Krystal

No surprise here on the drive home
good night!

Thank you for stopping by!

Habit Forming, Trip to London, Bridal Shower, Surprise Supper Out, Birthday Missed

The Ridge

On Sunday, Sept. 8^th we had no reason to rush to get up – again. It was Sunday, after all, and when I peeked behind my window blind at 6:45 all I could see was dullness and lots of fog. I didn’t have to work and obviously I wouldn’t be walking through that on a country road. So, it was 7:30 when we decided we should get up.

This sleeping in is getting to be a habit!

Today was about going to London for a shower
A full day

It was a tad chilly in the Suite, 57F, so Bill ran the furnace through a couple of cycles. We would each be having a shower soon so that would warm the bathroom up for us. We had our tea and coffee together and read blogs to see what our friends are up to. Bill had his shower first and then my turn. He slipped out to the storage shed and brought in our Blue Flame heater. We’ll use it for heat now and turned the furnace off.

We encountered varying skies but it was a nice day for a drive

I made us a filling breakfast of omelette sandwiches and we were in the car just before 11. Today, Bill’s 2^nd oldest daughter was hosting a bridal shower for his youngest daughter at her home in London. It is a long drive and we wouldn’t make the drive for just anyone but for family, of course it wasn’t an option. It was mostly cloudy, big fluffy ones by now with some cray mixed in with the white but there was also some blue sky in between.

The temperature outside was 50F/11C when we got up and by the time we were on the road, it was 54F/13C. Between our version of ‘idiot’ drivers (aka people who shouldn’t be driving) we made it safe and sound to Charlotte’s at a few minutes past 1 pm. The shower wasn’t to start until 1:30 and there were a few people yet to arrive from Stratford area.

It was a room full of 14 family guests including the bride-to-be

Charlotte was a great host and had 3 fun games for the adults that the 4 young gals could also take part in. I kept my sheets for 2 of them so I will remember them in case I ever have a party. It isn’t about winning but I still was pleased that I won her version of Family Feud. Jessie opened gifts, in between the games, and received a lot of great things for her and Matt to set up house. Many things were off her Wedding Registry at Walmart. Best way to shop, no?

Easton performing for cousins Haley and Shelley and Great Auntie Liz

Easton was present as well and was passed around like a little sack of potatoes. Did I say ‘little’ sack? He is quite the bundle and I could only hold him in my arms for so long before handing him back to Mom. He will be 6 months old on Wednesday. He isn’t crawling yet but has 3 front bottom teeth to boast about. What a cutie pie, he is, looking more and more like his Dad every time I see him. There was quite a spread of food so we feasted and then sat and visited until 3:30.

Lots of snacks

I’d texted Bill at 3 that he could come anytime as the only guests were his family; sisters, nieces, granddaughters, daughters and great-nieces. He skipped the rat race at Costco and after shopping at Lens Mills Store for wing material and spending some time at his flying field with his friends, he joined me at Charlotte’s. We hung around until about 4 and then headed for home. It was a nice shower.

Grandpaand Easton

And as we drove away from London, I captured some photos of trees with changing leaves. Already! Not tons yet but enough to indicate a season change. I brought my ThinkPad along for the day as that enabled me to write today’s post. I knew I’d be tired by the time we got home tonight. Arriving in Tavistock, I’d closed my laptop figuring that was it for this day and I could report our home arrival time and say goodnight.

My favourite picture of the day is the big one here
Jess, the honoured guest and bride-to-be

That wasn’t it for the day. Bill drove around by Bob and JoAnn’s house and thought maybe we’d stop for a quick hello. We noticed a young man and a wee boy getting out of their vehicle in the driveway so almost kept on going. “But we’re right here”, we thought, so turned around and parked. The greeting we received at the front door was spectacular. No other word for it, it was awesome. We stepped inside and I could smell food cooking.

Capturing pictures of the approaching Autumn

Oh darn! We dropped in on them as they’re ready to eat. Their son and grandson had just arrived to have a fish feast for supper, for fish that Sean and Bob had just caught today. We greeted them, met Sean and Chase and planned to leave but they were having no part of that. We were seated and fed with fresh deep fried Walleye, fries and salad within 30 minutes of walking in the door. Who does that? Bob and JoAnn do.

This one was almost completely turned

JoAnn had homemade blueberry pie and whipped cream for dessert and we left at 6:30 smiling and shaking our heads. We had planned to stop at the fish and chip wagon in Durham but figuring on a Sunday night at 7 they wouldn’t be open. If that didn't pan out, our plans for supper were undefined. This was great and we had a fun catchup and got to know Sean a bit while we were at it. How wonderful it was to see them again and discuss our winter travel plans a bit.

The drive home from Tavi was uneventful and the sky cleared somewhat, the closer we got to Durham. That meant a cool night. We pulled into the lane at The Ridge around 8:00 and now I can say that we had a great day! For more reasons than one, it was meant that we stop and visit our ‘new’ friends today.

And I didn't take my camera or phone inside Bob and JoAnn's place so
I can't even show you the delicious meal we had
Sorry, for the late posting, but I was busy! :)

Before I close, I wanted to mention that yesterday was my 2^nd Grandson, Jake’s birthday. I didn’t miss it, chatted with him but missed spreading the news. So, Happy 22^nd Birthday, Jacob!

I know he is dressed in Hallowe'en garb but I love the picture of him
Have you seen Pirates of the Caribbean?
Meet Jack Sparrow aka Jacob

I hope you’ve had a good Sunday too. Thank you for stopping by.