Chillin' with Patsy: confirmations

The Ridge

On Wednesday, Apr. 14^th I was up before 7 and was able to see Bill off properly. I was fully awake and thought it would be good to start my work day a bit sooner. Usually, I dawdle and go in to the Mat for cleaning for 8:45 and then I’m ready for working at the body shop for 10.

Just about to leave the Mat

The sky was clear blue and the sun had given me that burst of encouragement. I would leave for town and work from 8 to 9 and hopefully start at M’s for 9:30. It was only 30 minutes difference but that is a big deal for me. 😊 First, I had to stop at the bank and take out some cash. I needed coin to wash Bill’s work overalls and 2 work coats. I won’t lie to you, my nerves were a bit on edge, afraid of what I would encounter this morning.

Back home, the serene pond was calming
when I needed it

It was quite a relief to see ‘homeless girl’ sitting outside the RBC branch with her bags set inside the foyer. That meant she wasn’t going to be in my way at the laundromat. I relaxed, withdrew my $$ and left. I found the floor a mess, so before doing anything else, I swept first instead of one of the last things today. Within 10 minutes the front door opened and in she came and set up shop to sleep in the chairs.

No mail today - a chilly walk to the end of the lane

I’ve read your comments and I’m so touched with your concerns. I’m paying attention and have decided that I won’t speak to them anymore. If it is a hopeless situation to do my job, I’ll leave, otherwise, I’ll go about my business as best I can and get out asap. They are not my responsibility even though I have great concern myself for the customers who come in. So, I cleaned, didn’t speak to her and left at 9.

He's back

He has his eye on that feeder too

As I turned down a side street towards home, I was pleased to see the familiar West Grey police parked at the side. I rolled my window down and stopped across from him. Whether he recognized me from last fall or not, he was very friendly. After the pleasantries, I said “I clean at the laundromat”. He said without missing a beat “Is Tara at the laundromat?” Me: “is that her name? yes, she is” Him: “Tara or Renee” with a shrug.

Now there's a nice splash of colours

Back and forth about how I saw her at the bank, him saying he had booted her out of there too and would do the same at the Mat. 😊 Nothing more needed to be said but I let him know that I will not approach or speak to her anymore. He confirmed that was a good idea. The Mat can’t be monitored any better than what Jamie is doing now with his home cameras unless he drives in to town every evening and kicks everyone (customers or not) out at 10. So, this is how I move forward because I do enjoy the job.

Chickadee-dee-dee

I came home feeling better, made a coffee in my thermos and drove to the shop. I taped and sanded the F150 for 3 hours. As I was leaving, a neighbour who occasionally uses the Mat stopped in for Jamie’s #. She was doing some laundry when a man and woman (different ones) walked in (daylight). One began asking for $$ and the other passed out in the chair. She. left with her granddaughters. It’s sad and it can be scary for young and old alike. ☹

And another pretty visitor
but these trees are pretty hard to peck at

Okay, my rant is over. I had hung Bill’s things on the line and that sun had dried them within the 3 hours that I was gone even though the air is much cooler today. I’ve had to run the blue flame heater, set on low, to keep the chill out. We’ve stopped using our infra-red heater, for now, hope to use propane instead but we’ll see. The temperature reached 10C/41F today but will be going down to freezing tonight. That means there may be some mixed precipitation. Yeuch!

He sat unmoving for a few seconds

Inside, I changed out of my work clothes and got washed up. I had no other plans than to have some lunch (another yummy jam-packed wrap) and read my book. Around 4, my book was done and it was added to Bill’s pile. He’s not reading much these days so I may have to pack some away under the bed for now. He texted and said he was working late which is good to know. I’m just planning a simple, poor man’s supper so no big deal.

Two batches of pancake mix

There was no mail for us today and although I’m expecting a parcel, no word of when it will be arriving either. I looked out my window and saw a picture/video worthy scene. Loree, only for you. If I’d been quicker on the draw, 3 of the calves were running back and forth before following their parents into the barn. They head in every night around this time for milking and the evening. I love how they just follow each other.

It is a bit blurry but it worked!

Bill's plateful

Bill was home by 5:30 and at 6 I started supper. I knew he’d be pleased with what I’d planned as he loves pancakes. 😊 Regular for him and almond flour no carb for me along with peameal bacon/ham. It was delicious but it meant a lot of dirty dishes. Woops! I made way too many pancakes and had some left over for lunch. We didn’t need dessert tonight.

My supper, I wish we'd had more of the bacon

The evening went along quietly. After dishes, Bill made his lunch for tomorrow and we watched ‘useless’ tv until bedtime. Wednesday night doesn’t provide much for entertainment for us. Our CTV meteorologist didn’t confirm any snow flurries tonight but in the wee hours of Friday morning we could have some in the air. She doesn’t expect accumulation so that is good. Lots of rain though over the next few days.