A Very Special Birthday, Hopping to It with Help

The Ridge

On Friday, Sept. 30^th the birthday boy was up before his alarm. I was also awake, running things through my head. Will the hall be clean? When can I get the keys? Will I have enough food? Will Bill be surprised with his guests? Etc. etc. etc. One thing I won’t be concerned about is the weather.

No pictures today, so let's look back over the last 5 years
2017 Sept. 30th

It’s a gorgeous morning with a forecasted temperature of 17C/63F and tomorrow is supposed to be the same. Not sure if the sun will be with us but as long as it is fry and warm, I’m a happy camper. 😊 After Bill left for work at 7:30, I left at 7:45 for town. The Mat needed attention today, the floors in particular were messy and dirty. I was happy to clean it up and leave it spic and span, as it kept my mind occupied.

Sept. 30th, 2018
 watching his Grandson's play hockey

A stop at I.D.A. for a couple of things, a stop at Rob and Pat’s to pick a container up and then I scooted home. The rest of the morning was just prepping, things I won’t mention because the birthday boy is my most dedicated reader. ♥ This afternoon, Donna came out to help with some food prep and that helped me considerably.

Supper out on Sept. 30th, 2019

When we finished, Gibbs wanted us to go out with him so we did. 😊 We sat in the sun on the patio and discussed fall flowers and changes we want to make to our gardens. Gibbs ran around entertaining himself and when he started barking and running for the laneway, we saw that Bill was home early. We finished just in time! Yes, the little guy still barks some but I believe he stops sooner at least.

A rainbow for his birthday, 
Sept. 30th, 2020

Things are under control – as long as that hall is clean!! I’ll be decorating in the morning and tomorrow will be a full day with too many pictures, I assume. Bill and I went up the road to pick up the hall key and a coffee maker from Gloria and we drove directly to the hall. I needed help to set up the heavy tables and he obliged. Oh, Gibbs came along and by the way, the hall was clean! 😊

That is Bill's boss, Mike, but this is the job
they were working on Sept. 30th, 2021

It wasn’t a very nice birthday supper but in Bill’s words “If you made it, sweetie, it’s a nice supper”. ♥ I’m going to leave this post there and relax for the evening.

Bill's birthday supper
Well, this is my plate but he had his on toast
I really splurged tonight!
Good night!

Thank you for stopping around and Happy 70^th Birthday to my sweet, caring man!

Who Turned the Heat Off? Taylor's Birthday ♥

La Posa South, Quartzsite, Az Well, we woke up on Saturday, Jan. 15th to a chilly morning again. It has been cool most mornings and this one was not much different. Cooler than yesterday. I bundled up and Gibbs and I headed out for our walk around 7:30. The sky that greeted us as we started out was stunning. The transformation of colour facing east took about 10 minutes to go from bright pink to a yellow shade. Beautiful.

We walked back towards the mountains to the southeast – and kept on going. When I cut across to the west, I totally got disoriented. I knew which general direction I had to go to get to the main road but suddenly nothing was familiar. ☹

All around us, the sky was pink. I can’t say I was worried for myself; rather I was thinking of Gibbs, it’s a long walk for little legs. Thank heavens for landmarks, since I couldn’t see the Stinger ‘B’ from the angle she was sitting, nor did Bill have recognizable flags up this year as per usual.

Lost Mom? What do you mean you're not sure where we are? The landmark I finally found through the rv’s and washes was the group of 2 saguaros. One with the bird’s nest in the top arms. Phew!

On the 'no outlet' road, this huge tent was set up on a large 'fenced in' (with rocks) site. I couldn't read the signs and didn't venture too close. Weird. Something goes on in there for sure. I bee-lined down the ‘no outlet’ gravel road and we crossed through the wash with the steer stone creation heading towards the cacti. I knew our grouping wasn’t far from there and Gibbs then got his nose in gear to get us home. ♥ Bill was just making the bed and it was 45 minutes after we’d left home. The clouds lay across the sky like a fleece blanket and it sure didn’t seem like there would be hope of seeing the sun today.

These 3 collages were a fluke. I had inadvertently switched the button from Auto to Burst Shots. My original is on the left in this one, but aren't the others nice? We didn’t. Bill went up to get a bladder full of water but only because we were down to half tank. It is a practice we like to follow and especially now with the RV show starting soon. Nice to be topped up before it gets too crazy. Hard to believe that we have been here for a full week, seems longer which is a good thing because we are enjoying ourselves out here in the boonies. 😊

The saguaros could be seen from a distance, thank heavens!

At this point, I was feeling relief. My originals are top left and centre. The other two are interesting burst shots. After bacon and eggs for lunch, Nancy walked over with Bill, Gibbs and I to meet a commenter who follows our blog. Pam made a comment on my post that they arrived Tuesday and were right down the road from us. Funny how things like this come together! I love it! One of my favourite things about this lifestyle. We are all in it together and meet new friends in the coolest ways!

Gibbs was a very good little boy today. No rock chewing and a minimum of barking at passersby. ♥ Gibbs and their 8-year-old standard Poodle, Fred, played back and forth while we visited with Pam and Mark. Beside them, their friends, Bonnie and Clyde…….er, I mean Joe also joined in the chit chat. They are all from Virginia and two very nice couples. Thank you for the welcome, guys! Hopefully they can join us for a Happy Hour before they leave in a week or so.

Gibbs and Bill waited outside while I made lunch. The day did warm up to about 63F/17C but it sure didn’t feel like it with the cool wind gusts to 15.9 mph. Nancy had a game to watch on tv so huddled up inside with Cooper, who wasn’t feeling his normal self today, and Bill and I came indoors to read and doze, whatever came about. Gibbs slept on my lap for quite a long time too. My cuddle bums. I haven’t seen anyone at the Stinger ‘B’ all day but the Jeep was gone when we returned from our visit. We are all staying where it’s warm.

It is always nice to meet new friends. At 3:00, I made Bill a hot chocolate and myself a cup of tea. We shared some caramel popcorn for an afternoon treat. Hard to resist which is why we don’t buy it often. 😊 I started writing my post for the day and saw Tom drive in so understood that Deb has probably been busy with crocheting. She whips up a blanket in no time flat, in my opinion, something I’ll never be adept enough to do.

Yesterday, when we were in town (or was it Thursday?) I ran into Sandra D’s Beauty Parlor and made an appointment for a hair cut and style. She seems to be the only one working so it won’t be for a week. Shucks, I’ll just have to put up with it and avoid grabbing the scissors for a few more days. I’m bad for that but this time I want more than just a trim so will wait the time out.

This huge rig went by and since it is a DRV like ours but the Fullhouse instead of Mobile Suite, I had to get a picture. It's huge! Love the little car in the middle. ♥

We took turns today watching the neighbours set up a wind generator apparatus. Don't judge, most of you have probably peeked at someone through binoculars! :) For supper, I reheated, reheated and reheated leftovers. Mac & cheese and hamburger goulash for Bill, mashed tator tots and chicken strips for me. It was fast and easy. It took us no time at all to prepare, eat and clean up from supper. Sometimes that's a good thing, other times, I wish it would last longer, especially the eating part after a lengthy prep time. 😊

There were way too many hash browns (which was a tip from Nancy to reheat tator tots) so the remainder got tossed out. I was full. After dishes, Bill went upstairs, since the generator was running (no sun means low batteries), to watch tv and I worked on my blog. I’ll watch some programs that are recorded downstairs. This was a slow day and when it’s cool like this, I don’t even miss Happy Hours because we’d rather not sit outside anyway. Twenty-seven years ago today, I was in the delivery room of a hospital in Ontario. My first grandson was born and since 'Dad' wasn't in the picture, I was my daughter, Bridgette's, coach. There is a funny story that she loves to tell and we all get a laugh but the best part is that Taylor, known to his friends as Tj, came into our world. Happy Birthday to that sweet young man today. ♥

A favourite picture from his youth.< Good night! Thank you for your visit!

Monday, July 9th – Happy Birthday, Clemson! Forgotten Picture, SisterFest Begins

Now that the most important thing has been taken care of, we’ll get on with our day. Silly little bum doesn’t even know he is 14 years old! 

A few pictures over the years of our
birthday boy

I was up to greet this beautiful day at 6 and Bill slept until 6:30. I was in bed early last night. By 9:30 I had crawled under the sheet and I heard my phone downstairs. Bill answered to find it was my son, Patrick calling in response to my queries about the upcoming weekend so we chatted for a bit and then I was off to Dreamland.

My stuff loaded ready to go

I opened blinds and with the windows open, it was a refreshing 64F inside. I was excited for the day and the upcoming week with my sisters. The only thing wrong with that excitement is that is what brings on a bout of shingles. Lordy o Lordy. Anyway, it is second nature to me now, I just wish they wouldn’t come so often. Too much excitement in my life, obviously!! Ha ha. I made my tea and finished posting my blog from yesterday. 

A picture from yesterday
Mom and her girls
Left to right
Sister-in-law, MaryBeth, Gayle, Cathy, Audrey, Mom, Donna, Me

When our drinks were done, Bill went to Durham to the H.H. with a few things on his list for weekly projects and I went out and filled the watering can 4 times to water my potted plants and vegetable garden. I’m hoping that will suffice until I return on Thursday, Bill has enough things to do. He will be spending some time at the Acreage with the brother-in-laws and some time here. They try to find at least one ‘group project’ to do either there or here in between the comradery.

Love this window display

When I finished that, I got cleaned up and finished packing my bags. I say it in plural because we seem to have sold all of our small suitcases. Duh, not sure how we managed that but I found a few medium-sized carryalls would do for all my treasures. With my laptop, camera bag and tripod, it looks like I’m going for more than 4 days!

Gayle's welcome table

Lots of food choices that will provide us brunches each day

 At 9:45 we were loaded up and on our way to the Acreage. Bill followed me in Ptooties with Black Beauty. He is bringing Gerry’s utility trailer back so he can load the dock at the Ridge and deliver it to the Acreage. Audrey and Donna were just walking down the wooded lane to the front where their suitcases etc. were. Once loaded we kissed the guys goodbye and I drove to Gayle’s in Chatsworth. None of us had eaten yet so Gayle began bringing out the food. What a spread!

Such interesting shops to explore

Connecting with our last and youngest sister in Owen Sound, Wendy agreed to meet us at Value Village at 1. This part of our time together is tradition. We always hit 2 or 3 second hand stores. It is fun and a lot of laughs because we all go in saying “I don’t need anything” but usually walk out with something, and sometimes many somethings. Great fun. The rest of the afternoon was spent in Owen Sound, walking through some quaint shops in the downtown area.

Interesting repurposed guitars

The Artists’ Co-op is their community art gallery represented by 45 members displaying their talents. We always enjoy a walk through each year. A new shop for us to visit was ‘barebirch’ where creativity thrives in interior décor. Way out of our price league for most things but if you find something, it will be unique! We wandered until our tummies told us it was time to find somewhere to eat.

Now this would have been a luxury steam iron back in the day

The belt chair

Wendy had mentioned a ‘pub’ across the river from the Harbourfront Museum where she works. We were pleased with the simple atmosphere at Mudtown Station. This is an historic station that has had a rebirth in the life of a pubhouse restaurant. Jenny our server was a delight and we enjoyed the meal so much, it will be added to our annual ritual for a few years. When we left there, we headed to Wendy’s home for a cool down and chit chat for a couple of hours.

Beer battered white fish and deep fried garlic scapes

We all had Mojitos! a very refreshing drink

Of course, the first thing on the agenda when we got back home was to take turns modelling our purchases. Yes, there are no exceptions, we pester until you actually try them on to get an opinion from everyone. Today, the theme seemed to be summer dresses as all but Gayle brought one home. We had great fun and continued chatting until midnight. We also have a Scrabble game on the go that we all take turns to play on.          

The place probably looks like it did years ago
I like it when things are left the same

Our first meal out together

It was a great day! I hope you enjoyed one too. Thank you for taking the time to see what we’re up to! Your comments are always appreciated.

Whirlwind Days, Family Reunion, Tiring But Great Day

Bill and I were awake around 5 and I was up at 6. We slept okay with the furnace set at 66F overnight. Bill thought he only heard it come on a couple of times. It was decent downstairs and I went about opening blinds while making my tea. Bill stayed in bed for another 20 minutes, resting. I’m sure he hoped to drop back off but couldn’t so he got up and joined me.

Biding our time this morning,
We took a walk with our little guy
My two handsome sweeties

Today, my head was spinning so at 5 I knew I was done sleeping for sure. I had things to complete before we left at 10 for the reunion. There was no way my hope for cutting the grass was going to be fulfilled so we just decided to forget it. It can wait until Thursday. When we finished reading our friend’s blog posts we had our showers and got dressed. I blended the mayo mixture into the mashed potatoes, onions and egg.

Clemson exploring his options
"How far can I go before they haul me back?"

With everything loaded into the Rav4, cooler, dishes, chairs, camera and tripod, we drove to Rockwood to pick Mom up. She was dressed in light blues, looking very pretty but once she saw my suggestion of her pink pants, white top and navy jacket, she was quite pleased. One of the pairs of shoes fit her quite nicely and she wore them today. The other pair, I will return later this week.

Our chauffeur for a while
Mom kept wanting to pay the driver :)

I sat in the back with Mom so we could chat and Bill could drive without distractions. When we reached Wroxeter Bill admitted to feeling sleepy so he moved to the passenger seat and I drove us to Clinton. Mom was quite thrilled with the blue sky, ‘Christmas trees’ and country homes. We arrived right around 12 noon at the Conservation Area and were greeted by a couple of my Aunts, Uncle Gerry and a few cousins already present.

We had a nice gathering as usual

Family picking through the old memorabilia

Gayle and John were also already there. There was a mix-up and another group had also spoken/reserved for the pavilion. Our group arrived first and with some adjustments, we offered them tables for their own gathering. They carried them down to the shade trees and enjoyed themselves. Our event was a success, lots of food and catching up with family. Mom is usually not at her best in large gatherings like this but since she only has 2 siblings left, we feel the obligation to take her.

Mom and her sister going through old photos

Neither of them could be 100% sure who all
was in the picture

She sat with Bill and I with Gayle close by so she managed to enjoy a plentiful meal. My potato salad was a hit with just enough to bring home for a few leftovers. My cousin, Ellen, had brought many boxes of pictures, books, stamps, rocks from Uncle Harold’s house. He passed last year but had lived in our Grandparent’s home for many many years. 

                                                      (forgive me for sharing some)

I grabbed a few of my aunts and uncles with Mom as children

Mom and Daddy on their wedding day
Jan. 15, 1946

Mom's twin siblings, Gerry and Joan
and
our bachelor Uncle Harold
I never knew him without a big bushy beard

Mom on the far right with her siblings picking cucumbers
their Dad, my Granddad on the far left supervising

My Grandma with Aunt Fern (left) and smiling Mom
on the right 

My Aunt Fern, Mom's remaining older sister,
with my sisters Cathy, Audrey, Gayle
and baby Donna
Mom usually made all their dresses
This would be July or early August 1950

The 3rd Whitbourn Family Reunion grandchildren
If it weren't for us Snelgrove children
it would just be a get together
Back row: Cousin Harvey, Donna, Audrey, Cathy, Gayle, Bruce
Middle row: Cousin Lila, Granddad and Grandma & baby ?, Cousin Carol
Front row: Cousins Olive, Stephen or Brad, Tommy, Ricky, ME, Stephen or Brad?

I love this middle article Uncle Harold kept
A story of Mom and A. Fern

The collection of ‘stuff’ you can just imagine and Ellen wanted us all to have an opportunity to retain something of Grandma and Granddads. It was fun and we indeed all left with a small item.

None of us sisters knew that Uncle Harold did rug hooking
He had at least 10 rugs so we all chose one
Mine will keep my butt more comfy on the king chair

It was soon time to pack up for home and to get Mom back on time for her supper. We shared the driving again, Bill obviously didn’t get enough sleep last night. Mom was the perfect traveler, enjoying the drive immensely “even though I don’t know where I am, and have never been here before”. We just laugh stuff like that off because she lived in that area for quite some time.

Sitting outside in the shade and lovely breeze
the geese got brave
All 3 families obviously didn't see us

When they moved, I got up with my phone and snapped the picture

I walked her in to “welcome back, Marjorie” by many staff and signed her back in before taking her down to her table. Bill and I drove home and it was perfect timing to feed Clemson. We weren’t hungry yet ourselves so sat outside in the cool air for a while together. Inside, around 7:30 I had some potato salad and Bill made a sandwich. The day was a busy one and I still have lots left to do before tomorrow.

Another reunion going on last night

Toe nails ready for the week!

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