Birthday Wishes, M-I-L Checks In, Asking a Favour, Lots of Critters

The Ridge

We were up and about at 7:30 on Tuesday, Mar. 31^st. Once more we were expecting nothing more than a dull forecast for the day but a slight rise in temperature will be a bonus. We didn’t drop below freezing last night, which was nice, and the winds actually diminished by morning. Not completely, but they lessened by some 5 mph.

Still a few traces of snow around our area

We had our tea and coffee. We are getting low on half and half cream for our brews so I’ve started using my whipping cream in my tea and coffee. Ooolala! I love its wholesome richness. First thing on my mind was to contact my sister, Wendy, and wish her a great day. She wasn't answering her phone, so I ended up leaving a message after the second call. What you don’t know about my youngest sibling is that she came into our lives at the wee age of 8 months.

The sun tried this morning to make an appearance
but failed for the most part

My parents fostered children when I was a teen. I fell in love with the babes we looked after until they were adopted into new homes. Wendy was only our 3^rd – and our last. She was like a missing digit that we didn’t realize we needed. An adorable little redhead, she brought us joy, the first broken bone in our family of 7, and a great companion for my younger brother, Michael. Wendy is 16+ years my junior and only 5 years between her and her new brother so they became close.

A selfie with Wendy before cel phones

When it was time for Wendy to start kindergarten in our small town, adoption papers had already been put in place for her to join our family. Now she is a grown woman with a beautiful young daughter. I’ve always felt close to her, since as a teen she was occasionally in my charge and even on a couple of dates with me! She has surpassed me in her intelligence and ambitions and I’m very proud to call her my little sister. 

Happy Birthday, Wendy!

I also needed to send a birthday wish to a girlfriend from my past. A prominent bestey from those same teen years in Lucan, ON, we were inseparable as we shrugged our way through high school together. Happy Birthday, Ruth (Rufus!) Moving on with the day, I’ve had a suggestion to post a picture of the dilemma with my sweater neckline. So, for the crocheting gals out there, remember ‘keep it simple’, I’m new to this whole thing.

It has been too long since we've seen each other, Rufus
I hope you don't mind seeing this picture of us with your sweet Papa
Happy Birthday, my friend!

Bill went out to dump tanks, not because they are full but because it is better to keep on top of it than wait until we ‘have’ to do it. Inside, I texted our neighbor to the east and asked a favour. We just need a couple of things from the grocery store to get us through until Saturday when we can get out and shop for ourselves. She obligingly replied and will drop them off after work today. I’ll leave the $ on the table outside for her. It is appreciated very much. 😊

The second hummingbird nest down the laneway
Last years

Do they ever reuse them? It was built quite well

After breakfast of bacon and scrambled eggs, I boiled water and made up a batch of Raspberry Jell-o for desserts. Not wanting to limit our choices, I also made keto custard in Madame IP. These are ingredients that I always have on hand. Always. Bill went down to his Hangar; he found some enjoyment yesterday of what he’s missed over the winter. As long as he is warm enough, I’m happy.

Through the grasses, you can see the other
popular turtle log, soon to be occupied, I hope

The pond is still this morning

Tiger lilies already pushing upward

I walked down the lane even though I knew it was too early for the mail. Stopping in to see Bill on the way back up, he is working away on building a model plane. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it one day. Back inside, I boiled water for a Top Ramen packet of noodle soup. I used to eat these years ago but left them alone after the paleo/keto came into effect. In Quartzsite I bought 2 chicken flavoured ones for a quick lunch or supper.

this is pond overflow to the front field

and here is the corral hill with just a teeny weeny patch of snow left

After making it up, I thought for sure Bill would enjoy it as well so made the second one for him and took it down to the Hangar in a thermos mug. 

I'm sure you've all tried these at one time or another

It was just what we needed on a damp cold afternoon

After I finished that, I undid (rip-itted) what I’d added to the neckline of the sweater and took pictures. Have at it, ladies! The neckline itself is 19” across at the back where ideally, 14” would probably be perfect. The front of the neckline is 12”.  Anyway, I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Please don't look at mistakes LOL

I sat with my book in my comfy chair for most of the afternoon. The book was more interesting right now than another movie would be. Bill indicated that he would be down at the Hangar until closer to 5 so I managed to get a lot of chapters done. The book will be finished tonight! 

Here I go with the critter pictures
The gander surveying while the goose eats

There is quite a difference in size between Ma and Pa

Our ‘grocery exchange’ went as planned but as Maxx Trails eluded to in her blog, it feels shady as if we are of criminal nature. 😊

I left the money on the table for our grocery items
and waved at Tammy from the window

I washed the bread wrapper and the cream carton down with Lysol after removing it from the bag and placed it in the fridge. Then washed my hands after throwing the bag in the garbage. It sure feels weird but a practice we’ll get used to over the next couple of months. 

they are hard to capture but there were four ducks in the pond

and a muskrat (or beaver) swims the length 

and Chippy looks like he's smiling at me!
Welcome back, he says.

For supper tonight, I placed the leftover meatloaf, still in the pot, into Madame IP for steaming. This is essentially a reheat process and it works amazingly well. Let’s share a potato tonight!

Supper was very good

We were eating shortly after 6 and everything was cleaned up by 6:30. I wanted to get my post finished so I could sit and enjoy the evening with Bill and our programs. This was another quiet day in our neighbourhood and that was just fine by me. I hope you can say the same.

Looking up the lane, it looks long from this view
Good night, everyone!

Thanks for your visit to see what we’re up to.