Twice Rinsed, Country Drive, Meeting More Family, Victoria Day 2-4 Weekend

The Ridge

On Saturday, May 22^nd when I woke and checked the clock, it was 5:47 am. Bill was still in bed and there wasn’t a sound from downstairs. We got to sleep in, more importantly, Bill got to sleep in a bit. At 6, Gibbs whimpered so it was time to get up. Praising him for sleeping in, Bill took him out for his piddle and poop and we were up for the day.

On my way home from Durham, a glance
across a recently plowed field shows a promising sky
to the west

I began sorting clothes but it was early enough that I could have my tea at home before leaving for town. Around 7, I was on my way to the Mat. Two loads of laundry washed and I finished cleaning by 8:15. Looking at the ‘iffy’ sky, I took a chance and brought the clothes home to hang. That could be a mistake as when I got them hung on the line, the rain clouds moved in. Oh well, a second rinse won’t hurt them.

And the sky to the east with a battle of sun vs cloud

Bill had an item from the latest auction to pick up and since we couldn’t take Jazz on account of the possible rain, we all 3 hopped into Ptooties. It wasn’t at the usual Rockford location so we needed to follow Google maps to find the farm from which to pick up. We found it easily enough, along some country roads and then drove further to Owen Sound. Bill had ordered the Royal Canin Puppy Small food from PetSmart since we were getting low at home so we did the curbside pickup.

The rain started as we were leaving O.S. so we were glad to not be on the bike BUT it also meant the chances were high that our clothes were getting wetter. 😊 A chance I didn’t mind taking. On the way home, down Hwy #6, we stopped at my sister’s home, CedarHaven to pick up a Norwex order for our friend. Of course, we had to show our new baby off too so we all went inside for a short meet and greet. How could anyone not love a little fur ball like that and I knew they liked him.

And the clothes got a second rinse around noon hour

After Gibbs having met his second auntie and uncle, we headed home. The rain was enough to keep the wipers on but not heavy at all. The line of clothes was right and properly wet and the sky indicated that we weren’t done yet with the precipitation today. We came inside and had our lunch of bacon and eggs. I vacuumed while Bill started dishes and then he took Gibbs upstairs with his blanket and a chew toy. Hoping to coerce him into the idea of a ‘snooze with Daddy’. I think it worked, there is only silence from upstairs. 😊

Downstairs, I also relaxed in my chair with my book. I’m too tired at night after posting my blog (when I do it at all) so not many pages get read. The book is good and I want to get lost in it. Today, with the rain, was a good opportunity since we couldn’t do much outside. On the positive side of things, thank goodness for the rain! My plants wanted it, I wanted it for them and they should thrive because of it.

Bill finished adding sides to my wagon
We agreed that they didn't have to be removable
until winter when we store it away
This will be a huge improvement, holding in twigs and
branches when I need it to

The boys woke up and came downstairs after an hour of sleep. Bill said he settled down and slept. Moved around a fair bit in amongst the pillows that we put around the bed edges but still slept a lot. 😊 That’s good news and we hope it will be habit-forming. I dozed in my chair a bit too and managed to get many pages flipped as I got further into my story. At 3:30 I made a cup of tea and then went out with Gibbs to check the clothes on the line. They are coming along and it looks like the rain has stopped for the day.

We walked down to the Hangar where Bill is working on a project. That was enough for Gibbs to do his business(es) and we came inside for the required feet (& belly) wiping. Bill counts as he dries each paw so I carry that forward as well. Clemson learned how to lift the feet on command, they are so smart! I wrote some on my blog and took a couple of ground beef burgers out of the freezer for supper. I’ll cook some corn on the cob as well while Bill bbq’s.

What do you do with a small puppy and a wagon?

Planning an escape route

The afternoon went by with Gibbs sleeping under the table for the most part and me reading. We went out again around 4:30 to check the clothes and they were almost dry but not enough to bring them in. With no dryer to finish them off, we have no room to spread things out. The sky to the northwest is looking pretty dark and there is a chance for a thunderstorm around 7. Oh-oh. Not much we can do but wait it out.

It was a nice 'summery' meal tonight

Bill came up at 6, just minutes after I turned the tv on. A favourite movie of mine was in its last half hour and I never like the ending, but it is Kevin Costner so of course, I have to watch it. We watched it together and I cried. Message in a Bottle. At 6:30, I started boiling the corn and Bill put the bacon and burgers on the Weber Q. We were eating shortly after 7 and cleaned up by 7:30. It is Bill’s night for tv so up to me to decide whether to stay or go (upstairs). 😊

Of course, at 7:45, the sun arrives and the sky clears
A beautiful night!
We would have gone to the Acreage for their first campfire
but the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing tonight
Priorities, you know!! 😂

At 8, I went out and brought our dry clothes in 😀
Good night y'all!!

This was a bit of a lazy day started off with a nice morning family drive. Thank you for popping by!

A Drive to Woodstock, Early Birthday Gift and a Wee Mystery

The Ridge

On Wednesday, Apr. 28^th Bill and I were up before the birds at 6:15. We washed and got dressed for the day. A busy one but a good one. We left the house at 7 to clean the Mat in town and left Durham after fueling up at 8:15. Today, Bill was off work and we were taking an easy drive to my daughter’s house outside of Woodstock.

We knew threats of storms were a possibility
so kept an eye on the sky
It got better as we moved to the east

Bill had something to pick up and I had an early ‘kind of birthday’ gift for her. Bridgette works at Regency Fireplace Products in Guelph BUT right now she is working from home, as many others are because of the lockdown. When we arrived, she was in the midst of a call with her boss but managed to snag a hug. No one will tell me that I can’t hug my daughter when I see her. 😊 When your child holds their arms out to you………nope, can’t resist.

We had a bit of running around in Woodstock so I hid her gift in the sunroom while she was busy and took care of that. Almost 2 hours later, we returned and finished up what we went there to do. If it sounds like I’m being a bit secretive, it is true but it is Bill’s story to tell, not mine. Before we left, I placed a large poster board that I’d bought at an auction on their couch. I got the reaction that I was looking for. 😊

I almost missed this cute little paradise
for summer fun along the highway

Bridgette loves and always has loved Jim Morrison of the rock band, The Doors. When I saw this come up, I had to bid, and bid and bid once more to win it for her. It isn’t really a birthday present, she was going to get it anyway but her birthday is just around the corner so why not? I got another excited hug for that and I have no doubt she’ll find room in their home for him. Chris won’t mind. Teehee. We said our goodbyes and drove the 2-hour distance home.

Bridgette's favourite musician

We stopped in Hanover for another errand and a late lunch at A & W, during which I saw Donna walk by on her way to the drug store. That was purely coincidental so we chatted briefly before we were headed to Durham. One more stop in Durham and as I was driving on Baptist Church Road, M called to see if I could work a few hours on Friday morning. Yay! Sure can!

Her daffodils are a lovely welcome

The country road they live on

We’d eaten a big lunch at 2:30 so won’t need supper. I blended the Jell-o and cream cheese mixture so we could have that for dessert later if we wanted to. Bill made us a cup of tea and we relaxed together. I did get my pictures downloaded and my blog written so that was a start. Around 6:30, we wanted a nibble so had some toast with peanut butter and/or apple butter. I had a piece of each and then for dessert I had some homemade ice cream. 😊

An interesting bridge 

A beautiful old church in Woodstock

I made it Keto chocolate ice cream and keto strawberry ice cream yesterday. I included a picture of the ingredients in a Mason jar in Tuesday’s post. It turned out great so I am happy to share it with you in case you’d like to try it. Many of us are ice cream lovers. The recipe says to make it in a Mason jar, of which I only had one empty one but next time, I’ll make it in a bowl with my hand mixer.

I love these little plants in Bridgette's garden
She called them 'Whoville' plants and explained them
as a variety of peony

1 cup of 35% heavy cream, 1 tbsp cocoa, 3 tbsp powdered sweetener of choice, dash of vanilla. Shake for 5 minutes until cream begins thickening. (mine never did so I put it in the freezer anyway for 3 hours. Yummy.

For the strawberry ice cream: 1 cup 35% heavy cream, ½ oz (I used 1 tbsp) crushed freeze dried strawberries, 3 tbsp sweetener, dash of vanilla. Shake and freeze for 3 to 5 hours. You won’t regret it. After the second day in the freezer you have to let it sit for 15 min. to scoop it. 😊 You’re welcome!

Clifford is pretty with the old style lamp posts
lightening up the main street

A & W Uncle Cheddar Bacon Burger

Bill packed his lunch and then we did dishes before working on blogs again. I’m hoping he is writing one tonight, to fill in the blanks from today. This was a wonderful day that couldn’t have gone any better. We had rain and stormy skies here, a couple of times apparently, while we had nothing in the part of southwestern Ontario where we spent the day. Temperatures reached 18C/68F and humidity was high.

a closer look at the recipe ingredients
Before and After below

Good night!

You can read between the lines by checking out Bill's blog here

Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are always welcome.

Two Walks, One Pleasure Drive, Great to be Outside

Paisley, On

On Thursday, Mar. 11^th there is one little boy who turns 2 today. We weren’t able to see Easton William today but we were thinking of him. He is having a small birthday party in another week and a bit so will get our hugs in then. 😊 Bill was off to work at his regular time and I was up, washed, dressed and out the door within 45 minutes.

Just a few hours old

And now he's a much loved big brother at 2 years
Happy Birthday, Little Man!💓

It is already, or should I say ‘still’, a lovely mild 11C/54F so I’m not missing a beat. The house downstairs was quiet, although I know they were ‘up’, so I left as quietly as I could. Wes came out into the garage as I was putting on my ‘new to me’ white runners from Value Village. No boots today, the sidewalks were bare! Yay! I only wore my hoody with the wind breaker that I wore late summer and spring last year. I was plenty warm too with a light scarf around my neck.

The snow you see here was completely gone by 3 pm

I could see that the sun had already made an appearance in the eastern sky but hoped, as I walked, that it didn’t disappear too quickly behind the clouds. We’d heard a mixed forecast, could be lots of rain, could be clouds, could be sun. Typical Ontario forecast. I made my way south down the main street and detoured to the east following my nose onto the back streets. I was taking the right turns as I had a couple of conversations with dog owners.

Heading south out of town

Putting a lot of faith in this sky

I was happy to turn onto this street again
Easton would love this train!

Meet Chelsea,  12 yr. old little sweetheart

The sky to the west wasn't looking too good

But the sky over Chelsea's house looked good

My trail is part mud and gravel but mostly snow

I didn't catch this handsome little guy's name
Yorkie/Poodle mix
about the same size as Clemson

They were friendly and obliged when I asked if I could take pictures of their pooches. Oh, the pang I feel when the little mutts are friendly and come to me. 😊 I extended the walk as much as I could until I felt a drop or two of rain and hastened my step towards home. The sun was losing the battle. By the time I reached the house, I had my hood up but it didn’t amount to much at all and had quit soon after.

Fnally, the ice is gone from each side of Ptooties

No worries, I got 2 miles in. Back home, I had my tea and came upstairs to read our friends’ blogs to see what everyone is up to. Some spread across the southern state of Arizona, some in Nevada and others in California make us envious of their surroundings and weather. Others closer to home, Oregon and some in Canadian provinces and/or northern Ontario. The latter are experiencing some of the same weather we are, just earlier or later.

It was delicious!

I went downstairs at 11 and the landlords had gone out. On a nice day like this, I didn’t blame them one bit. I made a batch of steel cut oatmeal in Madame IP, it is so easy, and had a small portion for breakfast – oops – lunch. At 11:30 I decided to hop in Ptooties and go for a drive myself. I followed B.C. Rd 3 to Conc. 8 to the corner of B.C. Rd 10 where BizyBee Auctions is located. The auction ended last night with me coming out on top for my 6 items.

After getting my items from BizyBee, I drove into Elmwood
my old stomping grounds

A quick picture of the cemetery
Daddy used to cut the grass here when we lived in Elmwood

I had no more than a 5-minute wait and loaded the goodies in the car. Some framed pictures, 3 of which where the reason I bid (they come in lots sometimes), a new insulated lunch bag, some piggy banks for the youngest grands (just in time) and an interesting lamp. Since I was that far from home, which is only 20 minutes, I drove north through Elmwood, just for fun. When I saw the ball park, I stopped for pictures. 😊

Cute, huh? How many of you are singing
their theme song from The Grinch Stole Christmas?

From the quick melting, a lot of fields
looked like this 😞

and this

Back home again, I began making chili for supper. Madame IP was getting used today after a bit of a break again. Once we are back in our Suite, she will get used a lot more. At one point today, I got my little DirtDevil vac out and did our floors. With tonight’s supper prepared, I slipped out to the garage to get the new puzzle sorted from border pieces but I didn’t get much further than that as it was too hot out there to do anything. With a headache in the works, I came up to our room and laid down for half hour.

You've seen many pictures of the dam before
But none like this!! 😲

The sun was making more and more appearances so I got up after Bill texted that he would be late tonight and went for another walk. I wore my ‘new’ laundromat jacket this time and since the wind had picked up considerably since this morning, it was perfect. It was another great walk and I met one of the same men I’d met this morning. He started work at the real estate office across the street. We chatted for a few minutes and then I walked across the bridge.

It is easy to see how dangerous water can be
My new friend, Michelle, said in the summer you can walk out in this area

We met this lady on the trail (see how clear the trail is?)
but her Boxer mix had no intention of walking any further
He wanted to stay and hang out with Ezekial, Michelle's dog

Am I ever glad I came back out today. Well, the pictures speak for themselves. I met a lovely young lady with her Goldie/Shepherd and we ended up walking together along the trail (she calls it the dyke) and chatting the whole time. It was a really nice walk even though both of us had to brace ourselves several times against the strong, really strong wind gusts. My goodness, it was blowing us both around. 😊

Michelle and Zeke pose for me

When I came back, I grabbed my book and sunglasses and sat on the front porch bench until the sun lowered itself behind the building across the street. The temperature changed by a couple of degrees and I came inside to wait for my working man. It was 5:30 when he was on his way so I went down to unlock the door. W &/or S must have been outside, the door wasn't closed tight I hoped they’d leave it open when they came in. I stirred the chili and came back upstairs. Bill got home before 6.

this is one of the waterways at the bridge I always walk across

It is hard to tell here but the Saugeen River is only about 3 feet from the bottom of the bridge
Michelle told me a few years ago it was touching the bottom

Around 6:30, we each heated up a bowl and toasted a couple of slices of bread. It was good. I think each time I make it now, it is different. I didn’t use tomatoes this time, Bill isn’t fond of them so I usually only use them every other batch. This time, I used tomato paste, didn’t have sauce, but it was nice and thick and quite good! There will be leftovers for a couple more nights. We finished the meal with a cupcake.

Supper just needed to be reheated

Upstairs, I worked on my blog and listened to see if they were watching Jeopardy. If not, I’ll stay put and read more of my book. It is good and although a murder mystery, different from other detective stories I’ve read. This was a great day, I took full advantage of the day off and don’t feel that I wasted a minute by just sitting around. And it was all for ‘me’! 😊 Aren’t those types of days wonderful? You know the ones I’m talking about.

Happy Hour at Ridgeview RV Resort, Bullhead City, Az is our memory today
Mar. 11, 2017
Nancy & Ken, Oscar & Roland
Molly is stretched out on the patio

It's obvious that we were all enthralled in a story
Judy & Lori

Clemson & Bill
Looks windy 😂
Good night!

Thank you for your visit, to complete it.