Back to the Disposal Routine, Wet and Cold

The Ridge

On Monday, Mar. 30^th we slept until 8 o’clock!! It just felt right, such lazy bones we are getting to be! I was making my tea and when I disposed of my teabag in our kitchen composter, I thought of the garbage. Today, is pick up day! We don’t have enough recycling to worry about but I handed Bill our last tag and he drove the bag down to the roadside before 8:30. We’ve forgotten what time they come but we didn’t want to miss our first pick up. It only happens once every 2 weeks so don't want to miss it.

We've been waiting for today by keeping our full bag in the Bunky

We had our drinks while reading blogs and comments and I chatted back and forth with Donna while working on the Word search from the paper. I gave up on working on the Crossword this morning with 80% of it finished. I’d have to cheat to fill in the rest so moved on. Hunting for scrambled words is good for the mind too and for hand dexterity! 😊 I looked up at 11:40 and the garbage truck was just pulling up. Now we know what time they come. Last summer it was much earlier.

I walked down to put the letter in the mailbox before noon

This morning, we put together and I typed a letter to Manulife for our refund from returning over a month earlier than what we paid for. We’ve never done this before when we’ve returned a couple of weeks early, as we didn’t think it was an option when it was our choice. However, this wasn’t our choice and it should be a nice little sum. We are entitled. I walked it down to the mailbox in between the showers. It was cool at 4C/39F and a bit misty. Still a nice walk. I took my normal pictures of the lane.

Along the fence line down here, I like watching my geraniums in the spring

When I returned, Bill made his second coffee in his thermos and went out to work in the Hangar for half hour. It will be cold out there, with no heater right now, but he wanted to straighten a few things up and then see what he could get into. We will just be having oatmeal for brunch today. I got Madame IP out and started a batch of steel cut oatmeal for myself. I haven’t had it for quite a while and I love it. It will take 10 minutes to cook and 12 minutes to release. Yum.

this mossy railroad tie along our fence caught my camera's eye today

Above, I mentioned my kitchen compost bin and that is something I’m happy to get back to. There is a lot of wet garbage that can be disposed of this way and when you pay for your garbage pickups, it makes sense to minimize where you can. There are some questionable things, like eggshells that I don’t put in every time. We have a lot, as you know from our breakfasts, and unless I crush them really fine, they don’t compost very quickly. I use my judgement on how often they go in the bin.

A little bit of composting helps

So, I have one sleeve done on my sweater and it turned out great. Last night, I was not having an equally good result with the second one. After a couple of attempts and rip outs, I left it until today before I go at it again. Curious now, while waiting for the oatmeal, I tried the wooly mammoth on. Hmm, it fits great but in widening it (which was necessary) I was left to self-judge the neck area. I’ve made it too wide and the seams slip right off my shoulder. Crap! I’m not tearing it out so insteadI will try and do another self-adjustment. Fingers crossed!

The pond water up near the hill is quite high
and it usually doesn't last into summer

Bill went back down to the Hangar after having something to eat and we were both content doing our own thing. I worked on my sweater and put the dvd in of Dances with Wolves. Kevin Costner is a pleasure to watch no matter what part he plays. I haven’t seen this movie for over 20 years and even though very long, I enjoyed it very much. I made myself a cup of Earl Gray and touched base by text to make sure my pilot is doing okay.

The snow on the berm is less and less every day

Then at 4:45 I thought I’d better put the sweater down (sleeves almost done!) and start prepping supper. Meatloaf and veggies tonight. After the meat was prepared and in Madame IP for cooking, I went out for a walk down the laneway. I wasn’t sure if the mail lady stopped today. It’s a cool day with a chilly wind and I had my hoody up the whole way. As it turns out, our flag was up but all it was was another card regarding the Covid virus. Stuff we’ve already seen and already know.

On the way back up the hill, I stopped in to see Bill. It was after 5 and he was working on a plane while watching NCIS. He returned to the Suite after he heard that I wasn’t watching anything up here and could turn it on. The temperature for the rest of the day didn’t get above 3C/37F and as you can tell, that has even dropped since first thing this morning. We know it is supposed to warm up a bit but only by a few degrees over the next few days. We’re waiting for double digits!

Our china bell from Hatch hangs on our cherry tree in full view

 With the IP on its NR, I cooked some broccoli on the stove for me and corn for Bill in the microwave. We were eating shortly after 6 and got dishes out of the way soon after. I’m really stumped on how to decrease the neckline on my sweater so will be pulling up little YouTube clips to help me out. I’ve come so far but it needs to be fixed for sure. I worked on my post to get that out of the way and then went back at it. We have programs on tv to watch so that will keep me calm. 😊

The meatloaf has not let us down yet
Good night from the Ridge

This was definitely an inside day with a couple of short laneway walks. I know Bill has made some progress in the Hangar but I’ve pretty much stuck to the indoors. I hope you’ve found things to do in your home, in your location during this isolation period. Staying healthy is the bottom line for all of us.

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

Expected Rain Storm, Spell, Water Fill, Garbage Dump, Afternoon Company

The Ridge

On Friday, June 28^th I woke up at 5:45 knowing I had a much better sleep than the previous night. We both did. Bill was up about half hour ahead of me and already down enjoying his coffee. I felt a pang of loss as soon as I was up and dressed but forged on and joined Bill. It was cloudy, the sun didn’t have a chance against the heavy bank on the horizon, although it tried. I didn’t feel like a walk at 6 and then just got lazier.

When we left for town, the family was in our front field

I sat at my laptop and read comments and some blogs. Bill wanted to go and get water so bent over to kiss me good morning and I reached up to do the same and hug him. I was feeling great. Then I wasn’t. Bill said my head dropped onto his shoulder and I passed out for a few seconds and then when he let go, did a few body jerks. Geesh! The dizziness and clammy feeling were next what I experienced in my confusion so I asked him to help me lay down on the floor. A cool wet cloth helped and eventually I got up to the bedroom.

At the dump, I see these gulls and vultures up on the hill

Strange feeling and it was over really quickly. We figure it was because we haven’t eaten really well since Wednesday night and I know yesterday I didn’t drink much water. Silly, when I think about the amount of liquid my body expended through tears. Anyway, I’m fine and just had a lapse of knowledge about the water consumption. I even had a glass of milk with supper instead of my normal bottle of water late afternoon.

While laying down, Bill joined me to be sure I was okay and after a brief doze, he got up and left for water. I’m not asking for sympathy, although I’m sure there is concern, but I want it recorded for our records. When he returned with water, I was up, feeling fine and began making our bacon and eggs. Let’s start the day off with a good meal. Funny, how in sadness, our appetites wane, just when we may need it most.

I couldn't believe this one sitting so still with his powerful wings spread

We cleaned up dishes and Bill loaded up the leftover small pieces of drywall from the Hangar and we drove to the Durham Landfill/Dump. The young fellow was generous and didn’t charge us when he saw the small amount we had. That was appreciated. Next to Foodland for some Zero Coke which Costco in Guelph doesn’t carry (yet) and Bill loaded up 5 bags of black earth. I’m determined not to waste the hill planting from Thursday morning. We stopped briefly at our buddy’s home and I borrowed a couple of dishes from Pat.

By the time we returned home, it was starting to spit and then rain heavier. The gardens needed it and it also confirmed an indoor visit with Gayle and John. They’ve been busy around their place so it will be nice for all of us to sit and relax together with a coffee or drink. Bill vacuumed the Suite for me and between us, we gathered up Clemson’s ‘things’. From the car, truck, cupboards and couch we added to the pile. I need to wash his bed, vehicle cushions and blankets and then we’ll decide what to do with them.

So I zoomed in to make sure he was real and he sure was!

Tomorrow, we are invited to my daughter and her partner’s house for a house-warming party. We’re looking forward to that and I’ve offered to take devilled eggs. Madame IP will be working today so I began early, loading as many eggs at a time on the trivet. I managed to put all 26 eggs in and they were all done in 5 minutes. With a 3-minute natural release and an ice bath, they were ready for peeling. By the time, I got one peeled our company arrived.

It was nice to see Gayle and John and because of the rain, we moved inside. I made some coffee and tea and Bill had a Zero Coke. The day was warm outside, reaching 74F/24C and the rumbling of thunder was all we saw of a real storm. No wind, no lightning and nothing scary. My kind of storm! We enjoyed each other’s company, hearing of their Mexico tales and sharing some of our own stories regarding Clemson.

When they were ready to leave around 3:30 or so, I showed Gayle where I planted some of her transplants. She was encouraging for the location and even thought some of the periwinkle may come back in the spring. We said goodbye and as they drove out the lane, I realized how truly ‘out of it’ I am. I didn’t get a picture of them. Come to think of it, I didn’t get a picture of much today at all so I will keep this short.

My new facinator

We needed the rain, if you can believe I said that. My gardens cry for it every few days. Now it can stop. The grass needs cutting again so we’ll take care of that over the next two days. Around 4:00, Bill started cleaning the Weber Q and I pulled a few weeds around our patio mat. With the gravel wet, they came out easily. At 4:30 I remembered that MacGregor’s Ladies Fashions was have a Summer Sale, starting today.

When I returned from MacGregor's our families cleared the road
Notice how the babies now look like their parents

Not being able to resist a 30 – 60% off sale, I drove to the other side of Durham to check it out. I wasn’t successful this time, at least not at any price I wanted to pay so I checked out the Facinator dressers. I already had purchased one at the last sale so today chose a different colour and walked out pleased as punch at 5:20, 20 minutes past closing time. The owner’s husband didn’t mind as “I live here!” he said when I apologized.

Pork chops, mushroom soup rice and asparagus with butter

Back home, Madame IP cooked 2 very thick pork chops with mushroom soup rice in the inner pot. I used the microwave to cook asparagus and mixed veggies for Bill. This was a good supper and we were actually hungry for it tonight. That is a good sign to have our appetites returning. The Suite is still ‘empty’ but we are coping. Thank you everyone for your kind, supporting words over our loss. We know Clemson is still in good hands.

I hope you don't mind, but my posts may include a picture of
our little bum for a while
This was taken at our London home, when Clemson was only 2 1/2
Good night everyone!

Thank you for stopping in today. Your comments mean a lot to us.

Productive Day, Relaxing Too, Garbage and Laundry Day - Bessie

Bill and I were up and at ‘em on Monday, Oct. 2^nd shortly after 7 again. This seems to be the norm for us and that works well. We had our first morning java and he loaded the car after I sorted the 3 loads of clothes. When I left around 8 Bill hopped on the riding mower once more and cut the back field. When I returned around 9:45 he was just finishing up.

Garbage Day and only one more to go before we leave

We both had another drink and sat for some breakfast. Bill likes his cold cereal with dried craisins and I prefer my oatmeal so we ate before we got back at it. I hung the clothes knowing that they would be dry in no time with that sun and breeze. I had another bit of staining to do, it seems Bill builds things and I stain them but that works for us. While I did that he did some of the weed trimming around the area.

I moved on to cutting the grass here in our sitting area and put the blade on the lowest setting. Since the grass won’t burn now if it is shorter and isn’t growing as fast, hopefully I won’t have to cut it more than once, if that. We finished up about the same time and sat on the ‘patio’ to relax. I knew the Sanitation Engineers had been so I walked down to collect the bins and check for mail at the same time. I’m so happy to be getting a few more days of this glorious weather.

Turning onto Baptist Church Road - a nice drive

Bill and Clemson moved inside and we treated ourselves to a piece of carrot cake before Bill called our restaurant in London to make reservations for the family dinner. With fingers crossed, we were pleased that the date worked for the venue as well and they could accommodate 22 of us. Knowing that, I sent an email to all of the kids again firming up the details. I took my book outside and the boys had a snooze in the recliner. 

Nice sky today and it only got better

The laundry doesn't take long to dry today

 Sitting there reading, my Fitbit buzzed and ‘said’ that I should take 193 steps so I did. I grabbed Bill’s little camera and down the laneway I went. When I got to the end I looked to the northeast and noticed a cow up the road on the wrong side of the fence. Hmm, obviously there is a hole in the fence somewhere. I turned around and came back to the Suite and exchanged cameras. I wanted to go up on our hill and see if I could get a better look with my zoom.

today I planted 3 Jack in the Pulpits
and wanted to be sure to remember exactly where

I also wanted to mark where my 3 poppies were planted

Up by my clothes line I saw that she was walking down the road towards our place. When she meandered to our driveway’s end, Bill and I decided we should alert the farmer. By the time we got to the end of the driveway with the truck, ‘Bessie’ was under our apple tree. I almost didn’t see her. Mrs. Farmer and her Mom were driving towards us, already alerted of their runaway but we all spooked her and she took off to the ditch towards Baptist Church Road.

The corral is looking good all cut and trimmed

We stepped back out of sight and they drove past her in an effort to get her turned around towards the now open gate into the field. Poor thing was probably quite scared by now. It worked, she came back and casually walked into familiar territory. Bill and Mrs. Farmer closed and locked the gate. 

Can you see what I see?

Our pond in the forefront, Bessie on the road, her family on the other side of the fence

At our driveway she realizes where she should be

Mrs. Farmer's mom tells her where to go
Notice the finger?

Bessie didn't like that idea
See how close to the corner she is?
Mrs. Farmer drives further and turns around

they got her back and she walked into the gate on her own

Here, she is mooing "I'm home!"

We chatted briefly and said goodbye before driving down the road to see if we could find the hole or gap in the fence. I’m sure Mr. Farmer will be doing the same thing before too long. We watched for a while but Bessie seemed confused why she was alone in one field and her family were on the other. She soon laid down to rest.

She was tired out from her long walk

When we came back I went up the hill and started folding clothes off the line. Bill put a few things away and helped me bring them in. Everything dried so nicely, smelling fresh.  Inside we each put our own things away and we relaxed again. Seems like we do that a lot but that is why this life is so good. We work, we rest, we putter, we relax, at exactly our own pace.

Tonight's supper (mine) Yummy

and I emptied another bottle of wine
thanks Gayle and John for leaving it behind, it was very good!

 After reading outside for a while longer, I closed up the bunky and put the outside chairs away. Bill cut up potatoes for homemade fries and I got out the fryer to heat the oil. We still had a left-over pork chop and enough roast beef for one and gravy. It will be another hot meal out of the fridge and it helps clean things up at the same time. We are at the stage where it is important to know what is in the freezer and be careful how much we buy.

I'm amazed at my potted flower choice this year
If I keep dead heading the daisies, they keep smiling for me

Dinner was great and dishes soon out of the way. Time again to relax. I sat at my laptop and Bill put NCIS on. They are reruns but we love it when nothing else is on. At 8 we watched The Voice and recorded The Good Doctor at 10 and The Brave at 11. I can’t keep up with all the times and channels but Bill has a head for this kind of thing. 

Beautiful

It is nice to have some shows recorded for those nights when nothing good is on.

It has been a wonderful summer-like day in the neighbourhood and we have NO complaints about this 23C day. I hope you can say the same about yours.

And the finger points to the moon

Another conference at the north pond

Good night all

Thanks for reading today. I love to read your comments.

Walking - Day Five

Another few days and another discovery or two.

Now I said that I have a couple of options each day, which way to walk. There is no snow on the sidewalk now..........yet, so depending on my mood I will make a choice. Again on the flat route, I pass a couple of bus stops. I've never had need to take a city bus but once in my life and that was many moons ago bb (before Bill) in the dead of winter in -32C (not kidding!) temps. Don't care to do it again but I would if I had to.

It wasn't long into my new treks that I started to notice a pizza box, Tim Hortons' cups, water bottles at this one particular stop. I shouldn't worry about increasing garbage around a stop that probably has the same patrons day in and day out. If they don't care what they are walking in, why do I?

But I do. It is all I can do to NOT bring a garbage bag with me and clean up the area. Except I'd need to bring a rake along as well. Come on people!!! Today I took a picture, I'm so disgusted that it just keeps piling up, worse every day. Now food is added to the pile, gum and cigarette packets.

The stop is in front of a small strip mall with a Service Ontario depot, hair salon, aquarium store and restaurant among the businesses. Granted it isn't 'their' mess or concern but wouldn't you think a city this large OR a business owner in this space would feel inclined to help clean up the area?

At least  chaining a garbage can to this sign would seem like a good start, don't you think? How difficult would it be to replace a garbage bag on occasion?

Now I'm ranting, but all this whining/discussing/meeting about what we can do to improve bus service, city streets etc. etc. for the 'poor' riders this sure doesn't make me think we/they deserve it. This is a main thoroughfare, a 4 lane street that runs directly through the city from the east to the west, the street our hospital is on with close access to the 401 series highways. So, yes visitors come through here all the time. I'm so proud.....NOT!

The picture hardly does my rant justice but it is really gross.

Just a side note, many of these people ride the bus by choice not necessarily need but the garbage buildup isn't because they are of any particular class. (Actually they have NO class in my opinion) The ones tossing garbage can afford to eat pizza and Tim Hortons but obviously have no pride in their city.

I have a solution to this but it means that the multi-millionaire dollar conglomerate would need to take on an extra task. Since 85% of the garbage is Timmys' cast offs, how about they start to offer a .25 refund off your next cup IF you return the cup? Everybody loves a savings and perhaps there wouldn't be so many left on the streetside. Someone would gratefully gather them up and return them, not for reuse but for the environment, T.H. can recycle the cardboard, and another cuppa is sold!

I found this little tidbit article just before hitting publish:

Tim Hortons Locations Ditch     Porcelain Mugs In Favour Of Disposable Cups.

                                  Its Cups are The Most Recognizable Litter in Canada

Odds are,  if you look into a garbage can anywhere in Canada, you’ll see at least one Tim Hortons cup. 

I guess that would be better than under our feet?? Or not!

Thanks for listening and reading. Maybe when I'm retired I'll go clean up this area. LOL