Finishing the Puzzle, Thinking Ahead, Wild and Windy

Park Place Resort, Q. Az

Monday, Feb. 21^st is Family Day back home in Canada (most provinces) and President’s Day here in the US. We woke up to warnings of strong winds and gusts so Gibbs and I slipped out for our walk as soon as we were up. That was late today, we slept in until 7:45. I thought, since we normally feed Gibbs his breakfast at 8, that maybe we could feed him and ‘then’ go for our walk. 😊

The first clouds we've seen in a long time
Makes for a pretty sunrise

However! We all know who is in charge here and although I thought he might go for a longer walk after eating, he has his routine. He wouldn’t go near the dish, instead hopping up on my recliner with me. He was telling me in no uncertain terms that we had to get out there. Bill and I laughed at this as I got dressed and away we went. I’m glad we went when we did because the winds had increased by 9. Gibbs knows best!

Walking before the wind picked up but the clouds
were moving around pretty good

I had my tea and Bill and I each had some of our own cereal. I’m still enjoying the homemade keto ‘oatmeal’ and only eat it when I feel hungry after our walk. We found it quite cool inside the Suite this morning so turned on our Blue Flame heater to take the chill off. Surprisingly, it was a nice temperature of 50F/10C but it was the winds that played havoc. Bill watched some tv upstairs and I sat downstairs and crocheted.

The winds were crazy this afternoon but
the clouds moved out by noon
Notice the dust blowing across the road from the SW

We had bacon and eggs for lunch and then before 1 I went over to the clubhouse for some puzzle work. It was nice to see Patty and Rick the hosts back in the office so Bill and I talked to them about next year. With minimal conversation, since we’d talked a lot about it, we reserved for 3 months next year. Staying here longer is still an option but we’re up in the air about it.

Our hosts are saying all the right things, “lots of puzzles to be done” (Rick), “we’re so glad you’re coming back” (Patty). Anyway, with that out of the way, and out of our minds, we feel content we’ve made the right decision based on us, regardless of what or who next year brings. 😊 I sat and finished the puzzle by 3:15 and even though there are 5 frustrating pieces missing, it is pretty. When I break it up in a day or two, it will be fire fodder.

So, here it is - 5 pieces
Can you find the holes?

How about now?

Sitting around at home nearing 5 o’clock, our time, we called the next to last of our offspring, with the exception of one who was away for the weekend. My daughter was available and we had a nice chat to catch up on both ends. They also are digging out from the weekend snowfalls but are doing well otherwise. We’ve talked to the them all, which is not something we manage often but it is always gold when we do. ♥

Because last night, I felt that our lasagna
was not quite enough to fill us, but 2 pieces
would have been too much, we added a veggie.

For supper, we finished up the last of the lasagna. Too windy to barbecue anything and this was simple. Simple wins every time with me. 😊 The dust was blowing around pretty good today but the sun managed to rule the day for the most part so we used our solar panels while we could. Not much change is expected tomorrow and we’re in for some cooler temps but we reached 69F/20.5C before the sun began dropping.

My sister, Donna, took a drive out to their two properties
The Acreage to check for mice at their trailer
(there were none)

The evening was spent watching a few of our programs, others were put off because of the holiday, we assume. This was a nice day spent at home together and we’ve successfully made some permanent plans for next year. That’s positive thinking on our part. I hope you’ve had an enjoyable time in your neighbourhood too.

And at the Ridge, the best news
"No tracks up the lane" and "things look good up there"
😃
Good night everone!
Happy Family Day and Happy President's Day

Thank you for your visit.

Rain Again, Scheduling Mom Time, Carpets, SNOW!!

Bill was up around 6:15 on Wednesday, Oct. 17^th and I remained awake in bed for another half hour. Just because I could and there was no urgency to get up. We had our coffee and tea together and read some of what our friends are up to this week. A lot of packing up, appointments, repairs etc. going on before crossing the border. Some are leaving sooner than others but we’re down to focusing on our own departure dates and hoping for nice weather.

With a sky like this this morning, we knew we were in for a crazy day

Bill had his shower and had to take Ptooties to Hanover to get an oil change before she goes into storage. I didn’t have anything on my plate until he returned. With the heavy clouds, it remained dark until 7:30 and then the rain came so I didn’t get a walk this morning. Sitting here just before 9 we noticed it wasn’t just rain but that stupid white stuff! It is 37F so we’re sure it won’t stick around.

After Bill left at 9:30 I called Rockwood Terrace to make a reservation to have supper with Mom on Friday. She enjoyed the lunch we shared last year and so did we. Their prices have gone up but you get a nice meal, and I don't have to cook it or clean up after it. Guaranteed she will ask us if we have a small corner in our suitcase to sneak her along. 😊 Mom loved the rv’ing scene in her earlier years.

The sky is clearing as I start removing things off the shelves/counters in here and packing them away. These decorations won’t come out again unless we are situated for 2 week stays. Bill has decided to store his Dad’s ship in the Bunky, instead of the Hangar, after all. The bench in there is quite full with his Stinson plane. That will get moved on Friday.

Today is the day to shampoo our carpets so I got the vacuum out and began the first step, looking for any spots that might need pre-treatment. There is one at the edge of the carpet under the dining table but nothing major. By the time Bill got back from town, it was 11. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the haircut that he was hoping for. The town barber had one in the chair and two patrons waiting. He’ll try again.

I made him a toasted omelette sandwich and then grilled my leftover taco from Friday night. I added some sliced black olives and mozzarella cheese. I ate it with a knife and fork the way I eat quesadillas and it was very good! After dishes, we lifted the coffee table up onto a mat on the couch and I had already moved the dining chairs onto the recliners. Bill started. We had no instruction booklet but it was pretty much straight forward. We’ve used the rental ones before.

Clemson took his leave very quickly and went up to the bedroom. Hiding in amongst the pillows, he would be happier anyway. When Bill moved up there on the second tank fill, Clemmy lifted his head as if to say “is there no safe place?” Funny how we can read disgust in our pet’s faces. :S

Ignoring us completely

Now it is a waiting game for the carpet to dry. With the second go around, with an empty tank, it sucked up a lot of the excess water. Nice job and all done before 1 pm. I was going to see Mom this morning for a short visit but with this going on, I will wait and see her on Friday. That will be pleasant and a good way to say goodbye. Looking outside around 3 and we couldn’t see much of anything. It was a freaking snow storm and it was covering the ground.

This is the look when Daddy disturbed him
Can you see him?

While we waited for the floor to dry, we sat in our recliners with our books and when our eyes got too heavy to read, Bill tilted his chair back and I went up on the bed with Clemson. I need ear plugs so I can drop right off and I knew I was tired for some reason. It was an hour later when I got up and came downstairs to find Bill awake and reading. He is into Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly on my Kobo and I’m into Badlands by C.J. Box.

At 5, Bill fed Clemson, he actually waited tonight, and I began prepping supper. Boneless pork loin chops, the last pack in the freezer. These are not my favourite so once more I’m trying a new recipe. 

This was Clemson the other day 'staring' to get an early dinner
Bill was asleep in the recliner next to me but that didn't stop him

Once they were ready for the oven, I bundled up and took a walk down the lane to retrieve the local flyers. Perfect timing because no sooner did I get back in when the blowing snow returned with a vengeance. Snow, sun, snow, sun. Ontario weather.

I prepared dressing and corn and turned them on to cook after the chops were done. They only take a few minutes. We’ve not hit any temperature above 35F/2C today so this is just confirming more and more why we need to get out of here. Two more days before we leave the Ridge and that is unbelievably good. We were eating supper by 6:30 and it was delicious!

Clemson goes out for a piddle in the snow

I enjoyed the chops more than Bill because he likes the actual taste of pork chops. These had a sweet sauce with brown sugar and garlic. Yummy for me. We had some corn and dressing leftover to have for tomorrow night with our meat loaf and then we have quite a run of meals outside the home. Family time and that isn’t a complaint. It will be very nice.

I'm hoping it will be gone tomorrow morning

We cleaned up dishes and tried to sit and enjoy our recorded programs from Monday night in between Clemson wanting to go out. I think the snow is intriguing to him. My goodness, at 7:22 there was at least 2” on the steps and the patio mat! Enough already! Other than that, it has been a great day. 

Goose the Spruce and our red maple are covered for another winter

And just in time, my garden was taken care of

Supper was good

And the sun played tag with the snow

Thank you for reading along today.

Perfect Day, Putting Plans in Play, Ptooties Brings Bill Home, Veggies, Visitor

Today is Saturday, July 7^th. I didn’t have a very good night’s sleep because even though I had closed windows against the cool night air and covered the bedspread with my Mexico blanket, I was cold. I slept well from 10:30 to 2:30 but it was every hour after that I was awake. I should have got up and turned the furnace on to at least 65F but after having a/c on just a day ago, it seemed unreal to think that. LOL

If you look close, you can see the mist on the pond
as the sun makes its appearance

Early morning visit by all 3 families

Farm country, no matter how big you are, there is
always someone bigger gets in the way

So, I suffered and continued to curl up against and around the warm furry body beside me. I also didn’t want to disturb him in that he’d want to go out at those ungodly hours! So, when I looked at the clock for the last time at 6:15, I got up. Brrr. I put flannel sleep pants and top on and came down to open blinds. Let’s get the sun in here. The sky was a gorgeous blue, totally free of clouds. Within 10 minutes, the inside temperature rose from 59F to 61F. That’s better!

The first one to arrive

I made my tea and chatted with Bill 2 ½ hours away. When sleepyhead roused himself at 8, I let him out and drove into Durham. My plan was to get the sheets washed and hung on the line to dry. It was 9 when I left the laundromat and made my way home. I should stop at the LCBO  but it isn’t open until 10. I’ll do that this afternoon.

I drove to the conservation area beach

I usually park on the other side of this walkway over the dam

So, I chatted with the 50+ geese foraging here
They weren't skittish of my company at all and they avoided the sand
which was nice - no goose poop

On the way home, I stopped at a familiar residence to peruse a regular garage sale. She often has items out at least once a month and I’m not there often enough to know if they are the same items. I picked up a set of queen sheets for the trailer Bill is bringing home for Jess ($2), a set of linen look placemats (.50) 

I like these pretty placemats

and a couple of books ($1) before scooting home. I hung the sheets and probably by the time I got back inside the Suite, they were dry. It is that kind of day although hardly a breeze at all.

A couple of lovely buildings in Durham
The old library and the United Church

This is the MOST interesting residence in town
I'd love to go through this place!

I boiled half a dozen eggs and peeled and cut potatoes to cook. I’ll make up some egg salad so Bill has options for sandwiches this week and make a potato salad for the reunion tomorrow. 

A Before Sunday and a Before Monday list

A Sister Fest list
what to take, what to pack? Hmm

I have homemade cookies in the freezer that I’ll take too, not to Bill’s liking. I sat at the table and began my lists. Things to do and prepare for tomorrow and Things to pack for Sister Fest. I do believe in lists and just have to shrug my shoulders if we forget something that is in our heads but NOT on the list. Lists do work if we utilize them properly!

Sheets dried really fast

At 12 noon I fried up a couple of eggs for lunch then I changed into shorts and went outside to see what I could get into. I should cut the grass before I leave Monday so Bill doesn’t have to. Sounds like a plan, right? We’ll see. At 1:30 I hopped in B.B. and drove towards Hanover. I was meeting Donna at the Ayton Road and following her to the farm where she picks up her allotment of weekly vegetables. This week she invited me along and I got to share in the bounty.

The coolers were all set up for you to take your alottment

We arrived shortly after 2 and I met Donna’s cutie patootie, Devon, as he was setting out the tubs and coolers of fresh veggies. I neglected to take a picture of all that I came home with so here is a peek into my fridge. Broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cukes, zucchini, snap peas, green onions, fennel, parsley, cabbage, oh my! Donna and I split some things and others, I took or she took, depending on what we preferred.

although this program isn't worth it for Bill and I
It is a very well-organized set up

After we were done with the vegetables, we walked out behind the driving shed and picked flowers from their lovely flower garden. I know I picked too many but there is no limit and the more you pick, the more they grow. Donna and I were also offered to pick strawberries in the patch way out there. It was quite warm but I thought Bill would enjoy some strawberries while I’m gone so I picked a small basket.

The strawberries were free and when they have an abundance
of a certain veggie, they are 'take as much as you like'

We said goodbye, parted ways at #4 highway and I drove to Durham. I stopped at the LCBO and picked up what I choose to drink this week. I settled on coolers and picked up 1 Cow Bell beer for Bill. He isn’t a big beer drinker at all but I thought it would be good to buy local, well, semi-local. The brewery is in Blythe, an hour away. On the way through Durham earlier, I’d noticed that Rob and Pat were home from Rock Glen so I thought it appropriate to drop in and welcome them back home. I gave Rob some of the hand picked flowers…….er, I mean Pat.

I used to have 2 vases but didn't feel the need so
my wildflowers had to go with the exception of the
tall white ones

A 'tiny house' on their property for the parents when they come
Cute!

He's back!

 I left around 4 and made it home about 15 minutes ahead of Bill. Clemson was outside to greet him. He looked pretty darn nice to me too, dressed in his CanAm duds. He unloaded the Rav and I put things in the fridge. Now there’s a challenge but once more we are fully stocked up on food stuff. We decided that it would be nice to share a drink so I made him an Appleton’s and Coke and myself a rye and Coke.

Not the  best picture but I did catch him taking off this time

Neither of us felt hungry, he had a late lunch and I’d been munching strawberries and kohlrabi. Bill finished off the last of the Black Cherry ice cream and I’d settled for yogourt and strawberries. My potatoes were cooked, mashed and eggs, onions and salt and pepper added. In the morning I’ll blend in the mayo, mustard and sour cream and it will be ready to go.

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, Bill got a text from his daughter, Krystal. She was in Durham and wanted to come to see us. It was so good to see her and we had a lovely visit. She stayed longer than we expected and that was wonderful! At 9:40 we watched her drive out the lane. This has been a good day and we can feel the humidity creeping back in. Get ready, summer is back!

Beautiful sky - Good night!

Thank you for stopping by. I’m going to sit with my sweeties. Your comments are welcome!

Hump Day, More Lawn Care, Plans for the Next Couple of Days

On Wednesday, Aug. 9^th I woke up at 6:30 beside Clemson and realized Bill had vacated the bed. Hmm, never heard a thing. That is one thing for sure about a king bed, movement from one side does not distract a sleeping partner. I love that. I dropped back off until 7 and both pooch and I rose to greet the day.

Clouds versus sun

 The clouds were challenging the sun so it could be a mixed day but it is already 15C so I’m happy. I had a tea with Bill as he finished reading posts and I caught up on mine. He had decided to take the drive to Walkerton, about 40 minutes away, to their drive test location. Bill is going to follow through to get his AR license, therefore he needs to pay and set up an appointment for the near future.

This has been a true headache from day one and we honestly wish we’d never heard a thing about it. Now that we know of the legal requirements required to pull a heavy trailer such as our Mobile Suite, Bill feels obliged to get licensed properly and have our truck and fifth wheel registered accordingly. He (we) have always tried to do the right thing so why should that change? We aren’t the type to just let it lie and take our chances on the highway.

Yesterday at McPhail’s RV Centre we were actually really reaching beyond the realm of our wishes. We thought we’d at least take a look at motor homes, see what was ‘out there’ and see what we could afford IF due to circumstances, we felt it wise to switch out our home. Neither of us want to give up our beautiful Mobile Suite and have never thought about owning a motor home. Requirements vary for driving one of these.

Just a couple we looked at

Things change, Jello jiggles if you will, and although we aren’t saying this is the route we’re taking, we need to keep options open in case Bill can’t get this license upgrade. Unfortunately, if that happens our standards are very high so finding a motor home at the right price with the proffered quality we want could be very difficult. Yes, we are spoiled.

So, Bill left after a shower at 8 am and I decided to pull up my socks (not literally) and get outside to finish the job I started yesterday. The battery has been charging for 18 hours so should be good. Famous last words! I was able to complete the main section of the lawn and along the fence line where Bill can’t cut with the big mower but then it died again. Jeesh! Maybe we need a new battery.

Next plan of attack was to haul out my FeatherLite weed eater, put on my hat, gloves and ear muffs. I hate it when you are all geared up (literally and figuratively) to do a job and then you can’t get the darn piece of machinery started!! 

Grass looks better

After numerous tries, numerous cuss words, my heart pumping and my temperature rising, I had to lay it down and walk away. After taking a cool down break (again literally and figuratively) I went at it again but to no avail. Grrr.

It is lucky that it didn’t end up in the pond! I have a very high tolerance level for most things, my patience is one of MY strongest virtues. Saying that, there is a fine line upon which my patience is running out and the frustrating anger steps in. No warning, really. The gloves were tossed on the ground, the muffs and hat as well and I stormed off to my chair in the shade to cool down once more.

Bill takes the last load and I pull my wagon

After discovering that Bill had made a stop at my sister’s and was still in Hanover, I came inside to pour myself a second tea. No point in waiting for him to get it going for me. I played my games on FB (Scrabble and Words with Friends) drank my tea as well as my smoothie and put my fingers to the keypad. Calming down by the time my sweetie drove in and soon after I heard the weed eater start up. Of course!

The sun has made a more dominant appearance so I’ll try this again. I just want to finish the chores so I can settle down for the afternoon. Nope, I still needed Bill’s magic touch to get it going, so much for purchasing a Feather LITE! After all that, I finished the trimming around my area of the property while Bill did the front and back fields, the corral and around the shed.

A special gift from our friends, Rob and Pat

Today's garden fare

While Bill worked on the fence lines at the front field I took my wagon and clippers down the lane. I don’t recall if I shared the brush along the sides of the lane with you but today it had to go! This is no easy chore, but I persisted until Bill finished and offered to get his tractor with the wagon for me to load stuff into. This would save me multiple trips up to our brush pile. Yay!

Pretty clouds and Clem enjoys the chair too

After 3 loads to the pile, we called it quits. I could feel my face was red and noticed Bill was just as hot. After putting things away, I hopped into a cool shower. Wow, that felt amazing! I slipped on a loose-fitting summer dress and settled outside in the shade while I finished bringing my body temperature down. Yes, lots of water was consumed.

a broken handle

I could hear Bill inside sawing logs and soon enough I couldn’t focus on my new book either. After two chapters, I put a quilt on my ‘new to me’ lounge chair and slipped it back into a nice position and closed my own eyes. Whether I dropped off is a mystery but I sure relaxed. When the boys came outside Bill had a job to do.

He drills a hole in each end of the handle

We found out this morning that he is required at CanAm for tomorrow and Friday for 3 orientations. The Coolatron that he uses to carry food back and forth has a broken handle. Bill is a Mr. Fixit and will at least try to make things work if he can so he set about making a new handle so he can pick up the cooler easily.

And then files to smooth and widen the holes

Fitting a dowel in between the holes in the handle

I watched for a while and then my Fitbit asked that I take it for a walk. Clemson joined me as we walked to the end of the lane way. After our trimming cleanup, it looks so much better and will not scratch the Suite when we pull it out on Aug. 20^th. Clem was slow so I slipped into the front field to see if there were any turtles on the tree. Yup, I wasn’t disappointed.

The final push to attach the new handle

And success for Mr. Fixit!

My slowpoke walking mate

 Soon after returning to my comfy chair, Bill finished his job and went inside to watch NCIS. The person who delivers flyers just went by so I once more wandered down to empty the mail box. For supper tonight we are barbecuing hamburgers with an extra one for Bill tomorrow night. Here we are, back in the throes of routine.

With the meal and dishes cleaned up I settled in for the night. It has been an accomplished day and I just have a bit of lawn to finish cutting in the morning. Bill packed his bag and will head out at a decent time tomorrow. It will be a bit of a shock to Clemson and I, after having him home for two weeks.

Brilliant goldenrod
Did you know? Goldenrod is a perennial plant that is well-known for its healing properties. This wild edible is a plant that reproduces through its roots, bulbs, stems and by its seed. .

I hope you have enjoyed this fantastic day.

Clemson and I relaxing late afternoon

 Thank you for stopping in. I’d love to hear from you!