New Morning Experience, Walkabout with my Sweetie, Cold Start, Last Family Dinner

I was awake with a tickle in my throat a couple of times through the night, once at 3 am and then again around 5. Luckily, I was able to clear it with a cough and dropped off to sleep again. When I woke again around 7, Bill was already downstairs. I must have really dropped off as I didn’t hear him leave the bed. That is what’s nice about a king bed, one movement doesn’t disturb your sleeping partner.

We have the large site on the corner

So, here it is Sunday, Oct. 21^st and we have a new view out our windows. Beside us to the southwest is nothing, behind us is a country road and a residential home and to the northeast facing the clubhouse there are many vacant sites. It is peaceful. 

The view out our back window

Today, Bill said it was 34F when he got up and it had risen to a balmy 37F, where it remained for the rest of the day, by the time I got up at 7:30. We sat with our tea and coffee and when I lifted the night shades I could see gray heavy clouds overhead. Blech.

Looking up towards the clubhouse
Nice and peaceful here right now

We read our friend’s blogs and just enjoyed this non-hectic lifestyle. Bill’s list of things to do from the ‘Ridge closing’ was old news now and it would be good for him to really settle down. Into the garbage it went. 

Finished with the list, yay!

When Gerry and Melinda visited last night, they informed us that the park summer water supply was available to us until sometime on Monday. That’s good to know and we may top up a bit more before it is turned off. 

We walked up the hill past Ron and Loree's place before heading
back down the hill 

I wanted to get back into my walking routine, having slipped out of the norm for the last few days. When I indicated I was going, Bill suggested joining me so we bundled up around 9:30 and walked around the park together. My goal was to get a mile in and we did better than that, finishing at the clubhouse where Bill asked Kristi in the office for a Rock Glen decal. 

A very colourful decal

Not one for sticking stuff on our possessions, he’s finally come around to wanting to put meaningful decals on the back of the Suite. It says a little bit about us too. We briefly said hello to Melinda before heading back.

The overgrown lily pads have gone to seed

It was a bitter cold walk but only our noses and ears suffered. Next time, I’ll wear my buff to cover my ears or my winter toque. Bill hooked up to the water tap, since we had access and flushed out our black water tank using the park water. That is something we can’t do without hook ups. With a few gallons of fresh water added to our tank, we will be good for the rest of the week and until we arrive at our next destination. While that was happening, he set up the satellite dish and we had the signal connected really quickly.

I started breakfast and we were eating bacon and eggs by 10:30 or so. I feel much better this morning than I have the last couple of days and although I’ve sounded like someone else when I can speak, I’m very happy to have my full normal voice back again. Just to be on the safe side, because the bug is still in the air, Bill and I are taking Vitamin C and D plus last night I had another ginger and honey tea. I don't feel bad, other than more tired than usual and fortunately no sore throat, but we'll continue to work on keeping it from getting worse.

Some trees are just the perfect shape
I love this!

We cleaned up dishes and Bill sat and read more of the Harry Bosch story Two Kinds of Truth on my Kobo. I was feeling tired so went up to the bedroom for a snooze with my afghan. It took a while but I know I dropped off for 20 minutes at least before I got up and had my shower. I could hear some logs being sawed downstairs so I knew the book was done. Another bonus about retirement and this lifestyle, if we need a snooze, we take it.

We've noticed a few cabins are getting new rooves (roofs)

When I was dressed, Bill came up for his shower. We didn’t expect company today but wanted to be ready early just in case someone dropped in. Clemson is getting spoiled and probably very confused about his dinner time as Bill fed him around 3 today. We like to make sure he’s digested it enough and can go out for his business before we leave him alone. He will look after the house for possibly 4 hours while we are gone. He is such a good dog for us.

Another hilltop view overlooking the valley sites

We left the park a few minutes before 4 and arrived at Montana’s on Ontario St. in Stratford at 5. Our table for 6 was reserved, thank goodness as it was at least a 45-minute wait for others. We weren’t seated long before Carol, Brian, Liz and Bruce arrived. This is always a bustling place, no matter the city, and the food is always great. Lots of choices on the menu. Bill and I just had tea and coffee tonight before placing our orders for food.

Montana's for supper, never a let down
A bonus that it was only 10% of last night's meal! :)

I opted for the Southwest Skillet with shrimp and chorizo sausage in a tomato, onion and pepper sauce served over rice. It had a wee 'bite' to it and was delicious! Bill had a simpler meal of a Steak Sandwich on a bun with fries. I had to laugh at the size of Brian’s plate of Nachos and even more so at the look on his face as it was placed in front of him. I promised no picture of him with it but had to include the serving itself. Needless to say, half of it was left behind.

Southwest skillet
Definitely a go-to for another time

The conversation flowed and we had a lot of laughs over dinner. A few memories of Dad were shared and some teary goodbyes when we parted around 7. These goodbyes are very bittersweet. It was a calm but cool evening as we drove back ‘home’ to our Suite and Clemson in Arkona. It feels weird not to be driving to the Ridge, not bad, just weird. That feeling will dissipate once we cross the border, truly on our way.

Brian's Nacho skillet could have fed all of us

We were home by 8:15 and instead of watching tv, we sat with our books. At 10:30 Clemson and I were in bed, with Bill following within minutes. He had an early morning departure planned. This was a quiet, relaxing day and we enjoyed it.

And another awesome family photo
Good night from us at Rock Glen!

Thanks for stopping in!

Thanksgiving Sunday, Morning Walkabout, Mom Visit, Dinner and Family

I was up on Sunday, Oct. 7^th at 7:10 and it was just a tad darker than what I like to walk in so opened blinds, prepped our coffee to bide my time for 10 minutes. Bill joined me downstairs and I’m sure would have come for a walk had Clemson been up and out, but that wasn’t the case this morning. It was a nice walk, did my 2 miles returning to the Suite to have my tea. Our little pooch was still sleeping and didn’t rise until about 9! A total switcharoo!

This pretty yellow flower is not giving in to fall

Bill went outside for a bit after we finished our drinks and read blogs. I hopped in the shower first so I would be ready for the day before I go see Mom. We’ve made a tough love decision regarding our Thanksgiving dinner and Mom. It makes me sad as I type this but I know, as most of my family knows, that it isn’t necessary to take her. It is too hard on her with so many people whom in her mind ‘she doesn’t know’. I am not taking her with us today.

Mom and I in the Parlour
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm so grateful to have her still in my life
I think this is one of my favourite pictures with Mom

I prepped the dressing and veggie dish that I’m taking to my niece’s and began making breakfast. Bill came in and sat with Clemson, who will also not be going today, and read his book for a while. After eating, I got the cooler bags out to make sure my tart container would fit and thought about what drinks to take. Joanne, today’s hostess, will be providing cutlery and dishes and it is a buffet style dinner with everyone pitching in. Drinks are up to the individual.

Mom wanted to fold some of the towels

 Aha! I was then inclined to mix up a batch of Beer Margaritas so I could take some along. Bill might have one drink of something while there, so can take his rum and a few Coke/Ginger ale along. Usually only one alcohol drink is all he allows himself if he is driving. I love him for that. I left the boys at home and drove into Durham just before 11 and found Mom in her room. All the guilt about whether we should be including her in the day’s festivities disappeared with her first few words to me.

When her back bothered her, she sat, determined to fold this one

“How did you know I was here? I just arrived this morning.” My mind was put at ease that we made the right decision. I didn’t mention that it was Thanksgiving in case she remembered about our gatherings enough to question that. We had a lovely visit, walked some in the halls, in the direction of her choice, and stopped in the Parlour. I’m sure I’ve said how much I love this room. We took a couple of selfie pictures and goofed around with the hats and scarves before folding some of the laundry in the baskets.

She was trying to be serious

Mom’s back has been bothering her for a while and today was no exception. Another good reason not to take her away from her ‘comfortable’ place. I wish they would find out what the issue is but after blood and x-rays, they found nothing to substantiate the pain she is having. We walked a bit more and then we went down the elevator to her dining table. She was very chipper and comical saying goodbye, making sure I drove careful, didn’t speed and kept 4 wheels on the ground. 😊

Dig in!

Back home, Bill and Clemson were trying to have a snooze or trying to read and one always led to the other. I finished making the dressing dish while he had his shower and then relaxed a bit myself in my chair. There is no rush to get to Hanover, life is too short to rush anywhere, so we took our time. The sooner we leave, the longer Clemson will be alone. Dinner is at 3ish so it won’t be a late day anyway.

A yummy Thanksgiving meal
ham, turkey, sweet potato casserole, turnip, mashed spuds
dressing, eggplant parmesan and a brussel sprouts dish

We were in the Rav on the way by1:45 and then after forgetting something and having to go back, we tried again at 1:55. It was 2:30 when we arrived at Joanne and Ted’s on Lake Rosalind 4 Rd. and most everyone else was there. You go through the motions, saying hello to sisters, brother-in-laws, my sister-in-law, my daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, their spouses and of course ‘noticing’ the 3 young teenage girls as they run through in giggling induced ‘cool’ states.

Downstairs table for some to eat

My eyes were searching for my son, Patrick and youngest grandson, Nathan. Once I spotted them, I was fulfilled. Nathan, at 8 is a real charmer. Playing on his tablet, his “Gramma, I haven’t seen you for ages!” was sweet and his big hug was sincere. ‘Now let me get back to my game’ was in his mind, I’m sure, but I love him all the same. We were eating soon after 3 and there were a lot of food choices. Turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, gravy, turnip, oh my.

Upstairs sitting area

Desserts were available on the hall counter and they were plentiful too. There would be no complaints that there wasn’t enough food. The rest of the afternoon was active, I sat and then walked around, talking and listening to the many conversations going on in different rooms of the big house. 

B-i-l Bill and my Bill shoot the bull

It’s too big for me, missing the cozy factor, only because I’m past that stage and my understanding of needing a large home for two people has changed. After all, look where we live!

Donna's family gathered at this table

It was a great day and at 5:30 we packed up and said our goodbyes. I think it was a good thing we came back home because Clemson had had an accident and that makes us feel bad. Bill fed him and I emptied the coolers before catching up on this post. 

Dessert line up

My sisters, Cathy and Donn, cutting (and sampling!) pies

My dessert plate
Apple pie, mixed berry pie and pumpkin tart

I think the couple of drinks I had today were taking a toll on my energy system as I felt exhausted. Hmm, I haven’t had a beer margarita for a while and forgot how strong they are!

And Nathan entertains himself with his tablet

Happy Thanksgiving blue eyes!

and out the window, Keira and my niece, Morgan walk the rough hill top

I downloaded pictures from today and sat with Bill for the rest of the evening. If you had Thanksgiving dinner or gathering today with family and friends here in Canada, I hope it was a good time.

But going down was a different story
Morgan, today's tree hugger

Thank you for stopping by!

Blessed Relief! Walkabout, Hair Cut, Supper at the Acreage

With the windows open all night, I woke at 6 on Friday, July 6^th to a whole different day. The air coming in the window was fresh, really fresh! Yay! The humidity and heat spell has broken for the time being. I don’t think we got any more rain overnight, at least I didn’t hear it. I don’t sleep with earplugs when I’m alone in case my phone goes off and I need to hear things. Clemson doesn’t snore.

The view from our back window facing east
I love the fencing around the property

So, I got up, began making my tea when Bill called for our morning chat. We all miss each other, the daily routines and having someone nearby, but I know we are all grownups (even Clemson!) and are able to occupy ourselves otherwise. I’m just a tad disappointed that the last two days were so hot and humid that I wasn’t able to do anything outside while here on my own. Now that it has cooled down, considerably…56F this morning…I have things planned.

Looking out over the pond to the north east

First off, after my brew, I took my camera and went for a mile and a half walk. What a change, I needed my lightweight hoodie and I was able to walk briskly. There was no breeze moving the trees when I first got up but by the time I returned a wind was blowing enough that I closed windows for a bit. The Suite hasn’t been 71F inside for quite a while! This is lovely and I know it won’t last but hey, it is summer in Ontario.

This one looks more north

While Clemson makes his usual rotation around the Suite, from bed to my recliner, to Bill’s recliner to the couch (following the sun) I prepare to drive to Hanover for a trim this morning. If you look at the picture, you’ll see how the sun has moved and the destruction in Clemmy’s wake. The blankets get bunched up 20x in a day and we keep straightening them. God, we love this little guy. Reading Barbara’s post about losing her little gal buddy makes me appreciate this one’s antics all the more, if that is even possible.

He starts in the left recliner, hops over the console to Bill's and when
the sun leaves there, this is where he ends up

I drove to Hanover in Black Beauty, feeling kind of powerful up in that seat, looking down over the peons around me. Ha ha, not really, the truck is big but not as high as a 4 x 4 (TG). I pulled into the parking lot at First Choice expecting to be in a waiting line but there were 2 in the chairs and I was next. When a 3^rd girl walked out from the back and it was Brandy, my regular gal, I was thrilled. It isn’t difficult to do my hair at all, snip here and there, but it is nice when you have someone you are familiar with.

I love this view
and it is the hill Clemson always runs up 

Walking out the lane this morning

Country roads, take me home, to the place, I belong!

She was done in no time and with a senior’s discount of $1 off plus an added tip, I toodled out of there in 15 minutes tops. With no time limit on my schedule, I went to Mark’s in the same mall area and then Walmart. Both had great sales prices and I picked up a couple of things for Bill, Mom and even for me! I was gone longer than I expected to be but looking at sandals for me and shoes for Mom is always a challenge. I hope at least one of the pair I chose for her is suitable.

The brush pile: it is a good thing that it composts down on its own

I like the clothing at Mark's but not always keen on their prices
Do love their Clearance sales though

I drove home and sorted the goodies before having some egg and a yogourt. I can’t believe that it is only 66F/19C today, after the last week and a half, that is unbelievable and so nice! I changed and put on some work grubs and went out to do some more trimming down the lane. Perfect day to do it. After working at it for about an hour, the body temperature sure warmed up and I was ready to call it quits. I filled one wagon load, pulled it up the hill and dumped it in the brush pile.

Today's wildflower bouquet
The daisy's are gone but the gorgeous Queen Anne's Lace wins the prize

Clemson likes it at the Acreage but if I plan on relaxing at all, I decided to feed him first and leave him in charge of the Suite. He said he is okay with that. Otherwise, I’d be on constant alert wondering where he’s wandered off too. When I arrived, I saw John and Gayle’s Montana parked behind the Ponderosa cabin, where all their other 5^th wheels used to be parked, years ago. We used to all get together with our rv’s or tents on the August long weekend. Since we got the Suite and the Ridge, we don’t take ours in the Acreage. It’s too big to risk on the sharp turns.

You'd have to actually see their driveway from the road
to know what the challenge really is getting a large unit in here
Mike's travel trailer on the left

Home for a few days
John will stay in it while us sisters invade their home

It was a bit tricky getting their 38’ in there but as Donna said ‘I’m just glad I wasn’t there to watch’. Donna offered me supper so after John left, she prepared spuds and chicken breasts. They love their Weber Q and are becoming pros at making great meals on it. It sure tasted good to me! 

They love Weber Q as much as we do

Bill called after we finished eating and told me that Patrick, my son, picked up his new to him tent trailer. Yay! I’m so excited for them, purchasing their first rv.

My young'un and his new trailer :)

Gerry has had a couple of new house listings fall into his lap so they’ve decided to go home tonight and get a start on evaluating them. I headed back home around 7:15 to find Clemson standing at the door waiting for me. What the?? Can he hear the truck? Is it a familiar sound frequency or how is it he heard me? He was at the door when I came home earlier too. So weird. Maybe he’s been bluffing the whole time and laughing behind our backs. 😊

Tools of today's chore

The wind has settled down a bit and it is a gorgeous cooler evening. I will be happy to have my sweetie home tomorrow and it is already sounding like a busy day. As I drove up the driveway with Black Beauty, I had a brainwave. Instead of leaving the trimmings on the side of the lane for morning, why not toss them up on the back of the tonneau cover? That worked like a charm and in one trip, the evidence of my hard work was cleaned up.

This tomato plant wins the day's award for most tomatoes
It's growing in a pot (garnished with goose feathers)
and has 17 tomatoes!!

Sitting here alone, I decided to pour myself a Caesar. I’d mixed some up to take to the Acreage and ended up just drinking water. Maybe with an ice cream cone, that I know Clemson will have to share, and a drink and a good book. But first! I have a post to finish so I downloaded my pictures and set about doing that. This has been a good day, I’ve enjoyed my shopping spree, some quiet time, some work, some walking and a nice dinner prepared by someone else. Bonus!

And just before I posted tonight, My little brother from Cold Lake, Alberta
sends me this picture.
They left on Wednesday for Ontari-ari-ari-o!
Boondocking in Parry Sound, On.! Yay!
We'll see them Wednesday.

Thank you for taking the time to stop in. It means a lot and if you wish to comment, my smile becomes broader still.

Morning Walk, Met a Blurker, Yay! Roadrunners, Bill Goes for the Gold!

I was awake around 6:30 and remained still (as in not moving) in bed listening to Bill in his slumber. He must have been dreaming because at one point his leg kicked out in my direction. I thought it best to remove myself from the under the cover attacks! It was 7:05 when I crawled out and got dressed after peeking out my window at a new view. When it feels chilly downstairs, I turn the fireplace on and that is what I did this morning.

It is really too bad we don't have nice views in the sunrises
this is gorgeous!

After preparing the Keurig and stuff for our hot drinks, I slipped out for my walk. I went up and down a few of the lanes on our end of the park and walked around the pickle ball, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts once more. The staff were busy cleaning them up, not that they looked like they needed it in my eyes.

Pop!

One of the joys of doing that job, she said, was getting to see the morning sunrise in the east and the pink mountains reflecting in the west. 

The sun is just touching the tops of these peaks in the Foothills

I met a few other early walkers and got a kick out of the old-style golf carts used here. 

this one is my favourite, so far

When I got close to home, I saw Bill and Clemson just stepping out of the Suite.

From the entrance to the park, this is where we are
Can you see our home?

We took a short jaunt with the little bum, sniffing and dribbling often. Clemson, not us. With our tea and coffee, we settled in to reading blogs and comments from yesterday’s posts. There was a rat-a-tat on the door so I glanced out at a tall lady at the bottom of the steps. “Patsy?” she asked. “yes”. Her next movement made me feel like a bit of a celebrity and warmed my heart. She placed her hands on her chest and smiled with a sigh. 

No doubt, this would be my court

I questioned in my head “have I met her before?” when she announced that she was a lurker or blurker, whatever we called it. Ha ha I love that! She has followed my blog since summer, a year ago (I think) and I am one of her daily reads. That is wonderful to hear and it is so nice to meet Vicky. She commented once on a post in the summer and the more she talked, I remember the name she used very well.

Horseshoes
the sand is under the green covering
I suspect to keep critters out?

Scoreboard for horseshoes

I think it is lovely to hear an opinion of why non-bloggers enjoy reading what we bloggers write. Today, I learned a new viewpoint. Not verbatim, but Vicky said that being a native of Arizona, she has begun to see things as ‘humdrum. They have saguaros and palo verde trees in their back yards. They see them every day and tend to them. Seeing Arizona’s beauty ‘again’ through my eyes (and other visitors) she is learning to love it all over again. Wow! That is awesome!

Stunning!

We chatted outside, the 3 of us, for a nice visit before inviting her to come back with her husband, Don, for their first Happy Hour any time before Monday. (I hope you do, Vicky, I have no contact information for you). It wasn’t until after she left that I told Bill that Don was waiting in the truck, over there, and pointed to the parking lot. He didn’t realize that or would have walked over to say hello.

Clemson soaks up the rays like his mama

Stuff like this gives me a warm fuzzy feeling, even more so that she felt comfortable enough, felt that she knew me enough to just come and knock on our door to meet us. Thank you for doing that! That doesn’t happen often in a sticks and bricks house back home. This is what is so cool about what we are doing. At the end of a day, we could have met 2, 4, 6 or 8 new friends!

As I was sitting at my laptop, I looked out the window and saw our first roadrunner. I called Bill to come quickly. These pictures are courtesy of Bill and his Canon EOS 7D. Some were through the window and some from outside. This fellow showed no fear.

It was hard to choose just a couple, so indulge me, please.

all fluffed and ruffled

After settling down

this one shows his/her colouring through the palo verde tree

but this one displays it better

And then he got down on the ground and walked right over to the fence

For breakfast, I decided to light the Weber and while Bill was in the shower, cook bacon and eggs out there. It turned out pretty good and I have enough cooked bacon now for tomorrow as well

I got cleaned up after putting the dishes in the dishwasher as we had an appointment for Bill in Los Algodones. Gold, remember? He is going for the gold!  Cheer, cheer, yay! Rah, rah and all that!

Simple breakfast but nutritious

Driving I-8W we saw this beautiful overpass

We crossed into Mexico around 1:30 and bee-lined to Dr. Eva’s office. His appointment was for 2 pm and he didn’t have to wait more than 15 minutes to get in and see her for his filling. We met another couple in the waiting room (of course, we did!) getting their teeth cleaned for the first time here. They are from Vernon, B.C. and have a son in Surrey where our friends, Colin and Charmaine lived in 2011. 

By the time Bill came out and we walked back to the entrance/exit, we realized how bad a time it was to be crossing back into the U.S.

Vehicle traffic lined up on our left to cross as well
The line goes as far as you can see in the picture and then vees
back the same distance on the right side of the white fence

Whoa!! Huge line-up. The longest we’ve seen. The good news is that while in line, under cover from the hot sun, you talk to people. So, we met yet another couple from Oregon. Funny, how within 10 minutes it seems like you’ve known someone for a long time. Nothing is sacred, the wit and humour shared with a new friend is as if you’ve joked with them for years. The line moved quite quickly and we were through the Border Crossing within 40 minutes and on our way into Yuma.

As you are 'herded' (not really) through the line, these street vendors try and sell
you cold water (tempting at only $1)
and hats. Can you see the lady on the right with at least 8 hats on her head? Perhaps if we
weren't under shelter, on this 91F day, she would have sold some.

On the U.S. side, in the parking lot you get a clear view of part
of the WALL
Notice the Border Control tucked up there watching for offenders

Bill promised me yesterday that he would take me to a Farm Stand that we passed on the way here. Before going to Fry’s, I wanted to see what fresh veggies I could pick up. Can I just say “anything and everything”? I picked up a basket and filled it for under $10. Prices I would not see at a grocery store. So glad we went there. Then at Fry’s, Bill dropped me at the door to go in and get our milk, cream, eggs and a couple of other things.

While in Algodones, we got a text that our blogger friends, Tom and Deb, had arrived in our park for their 3 free nights. They aren’t too far away from us with their Stinger “B” so we’ll get together with them tomorrow. Bill made the decision of supper tonight but nothing to do with his filling. The freezing is almost out and he has no pain. He doesn’t look any different even though he is a richer man for his visit. (teehee)

I've never seen this cactus before - at least not with these little fuzzy
clothes on

However, we weren’t hungry just yet. Bill suggested a walk before we eat, so we took a jaunt around the park to see where Tom and Deb are. Before we were even close, we could see their “B” on the other side of the drive. 

We stopped to say hello before making our way back to our Site. We warmed up the leftover stew and dumplings I made the other day so that made for an easy supper and empties a large pot from the fridge.

This is the same cactus as above, close up
Not so fuzzy anymore but still very interesting

 It hasn’t been a hectic day, but it has been productive. We are done with the dentist for this winter and saved $1,000 in the process. We used the dishwasher for our breakfast dishes just to keep it primed. It is seldom used so good to once in a while throw a load in and run it. After supper, we cleaned up our few dishes by hand and emptied the dishwasher.

We had a lovely sky tonight to the west

Bill and I love the lighted palm trees

The sun's reflection in the Resort Home Centre windows

I can’t believe it is Feb. 8^th already. How time flies when you’re having fun. By the way, the free wifi here sucks too. Maybe up at the pool or clubhouse it works but even though we can connect at our site, you can’t open anything. Duh! Oh well, it would have been nice is all.

Well maintained landscapes

 I hope your day was a good one. Thank you for reading. Feel free to comment.

this just might be my favourite picture of the day

Vicky and Don, if you are unable to stop around again, please send us an email or a text on the number on the card we gave you. Ideally it would be nice to chit chat again in person and you need to be featured in a photo on my blog post!