Back to Schedule, Back to Routine, Getting Better at Winter Driving

Paisley, On

On Monday, Feb. 8^th I know I woke up from multiple dreams through the night. My sisters were involved this time. I’ve dreamt about my daughter and I recently, Bill’s sisters and I recently and now my sibs. Interesting. I guess they are in the back of my mind and although I had a nice conversation with Patrick yesterday, he wasn’t in one, yet. 😊

From our window, I could see the snowplow and dump truck
cleared the end of the lane just in time for Bill

Black Beauty warming up

Bill left after watching the street plow and the sidewalk plow go through. Just before going out the door, the dump truck and blower went by, cleaning out the ‘hill’ at the end of the lane. He was on his way by 6:30. I couldn’t sleep but stayed in bed until 10 to 7 when I got up too. I got washed and dressed before going down for my tea and getting my coffee thermos ready to pour.

Bill is cleaning yesterday's and overnight's snow off her

The vehicles were all cleaned off yesterday morning but lo and behold, they were covered again and we both had to brush and scrape a bit. Wes went to work today too so he had to clean the van off as well. It was a bitter cold morning, the wind making it worse than the -11C that it was reading on Ptooties’ thermometer. I wasn’t keen on the drive this morning as BCRd 3 was snow covered, but the hard- packed stuff that was icy too. Bill told me later that he debated texting me about the road condition but at the same time wanted me to make up my own mind. I appreciated that, no pressure either way.

My side of BCRd 3 was not good
but I felt pretty confident in myself and Ptooties today
this is heading south

No fault of the plows, they'd been through 
and had salted
(looks like my hands are on the dash in panic, haha,
but that's my gloves drying off from clearing the snow off the car)

I stuck to 70 to 80 kmph and it seemed that everyone else was doing the same thing. I never felt pressured and actually felt in control at all times. Turning towards Walkerton and for the rest of the drive, the roads were mostly track or completely bare. The lot at the Mat was cleared by the plow and two people had laundry in the machines. Mostly, I was alone as no one hangs out inside much and that makes cleaning much easier.

When I turned onto #4 highway towards Walkerton and Hanover
the roads were 90% clear (west/east)

The plows are good and this is close to Durham
as he widens the lanes

Roads are perfect in Durham

One fellow, a regular, told me that he watched golf yesterday on tv in Scottsdale, AZ and he actually thought of me, wishing I was there. 😊 That was nice of him to say. I finished with the floors a few minutes after 10 and was on my way home. First a stop at the water depot to fill our job and then make my way to Paisley. I turned off #4 and onto BCRd 19 figuring that I could handle Concession 8 even if I had to take it slow. It was snow covered but quite fine.

Hwy 19 north and there was actually light snow in the air

And the sun was poking through the bare patches of sky

I had a hard time getting my key to unlock the deadbolt and almost called Susan to let me in. (thank goodness she was home, I thought) Just as I set the full water jug down to get my phone, one last try opened it. I don’t know why it sticks like that but anyway, it did. Susan suggested I call her when I’m on my way home and she will unlock for me. I may as well get the treatment that Bill gets, eh? That will work fine as long as they are home.

Concession 8 was completely ice and snow covered
but hard packed 
I didn't go much over 65 but it was fine with no other traffic

I finished my coffee in the thermos and went upstairs to change clothing. I’m glad I was able to get to work today, it feels like I accomplished something worthwhile. On Wednesday, I will have a bit of shopping to do but today was pretty straightforward. I also have a couple of puzzles to drop off then too. I sat in the front room with my Grisham book before lunch and then fried up an egg with some peppers, pepperoni and cheese for a tortilla wrap. Yum, that was tasty!

Being the only one on the road, I stopped to take
a picture of the snow (ice?) covered river

Susan and I chatted about a new auction that is open and soon about to close, so I nipped upstairs to have a peek. This one is out of Elmwood which is a small town not far from here. One where I lived as a young girl for a few years. I didn’t find anything that I had to have but put a few items on a watchlist and will see what happens tomorrow with them. It closes on Wednesday. I walked to check mail but the box was empty so sat with Susan at my puzzle. She was painting a craft.

Pretty clouds and sky

I cleaned up the dishes and made myself a cup of tea around 3:15 and came upstairs. The puzzle was nipping along but I felt like reading as I waited for Bill to text me. At 5, I went downstairs and waited in the front room for him and Susan and I chatted. When she went to greet Wes from his day, I came upstairs with my book. I hadn’t planned much for supper but had things in my head to offer. When Bill came home, he said his stomach was acting up so we agreed on beef soup and toast.

Before lunch, I sat in the sunny front room with my book
rather than read upstairs for a change

A tasty egg wrap in a warmed tortilla today

It went down well and after dishes and a lunch packed, we came up to our room. Jeopardy was at 7:30 in the theatre room and then Bill and I watched 9-1-1 and 9-1-1 Lone Star downstairs. This was a good day to get back at the jobs and into another week. We are actually hearing that it will be warming up a bit by Thursday to -4C/24F. Good news!

Today's accomplishment

However, there is some not-good news that came about today. Our Emergency Lockdown in Ontario has been extended 1 more week. At least, in our immediate area. Toronto area – 2 weeks. That’s as far as I paid attention to. It is frustrating, we were all hoping for things to open up as we’ve had one death in this whole area and less than 40 active cases as of today. Numbers are dropping. The week will go fast at least.

Set up camp on Feb. 8, 2018
at Fortuna de Oro, Yuma, Arizona
LOVED this place!
Good night!

Thank you for stopping around!

 

Profitable Hour at the Mat, Getting Used to Winter Travel, Sunshine Peekaboos

Paisley, On

On Wednesday, Jan. 27^th there was nothing unusual about the start of our day. Bill was up and out the door by 6:30, texting me after a few minutes to inform me that the plows had been down the highway and it was snowing lightly. I knew I was going to be brave today and not even think about whether I was going to work or not. I was going.

Cleaning the car off before I left at 7:50 was the biggest chore. We’d received a dumping again yesterday and a bit overnight so Ptooties was blanketed with another 3 to 4”. I’m very sheltered where I park but sometimes that means a lot of snow blows in there and has no where to go so………..dumps on the roof. 😊 It was light and fluffy so it only took a few minutes to clear.

The highway wasn't bad at all

Big flakes were coming down and the roads were snow covered to track bare. I just kept my speed at 80km and it didn’t seem to impede anyone else. Eventually, the lanes were 90% clear so I could increase to 90km/hr. I didn’t even try going by way of Concession 8, it looked messy, but stayed on the highway and went through Walkerton, then Hanover on the way to Durham.

The sky to the east was pretty amazing
The sun was trying really hard to peek through the clouds
giving it an unusal effect

The fuel gauge was just above ½ so I pulled into the ‘Pay at the Pump’ tank (there are only 4) at the Pioneer rather than the ones where you have to go inside to pay and topped her up. Next time, I should be eligible for .07¢ off with the Journie points card. I think. Gas prices were $1.08/litre, slowly getting up there but still better than it used to be. I drove across to the Mat of which the lot had been cleaned out. There was someone’s laundry in a machine when I arrived but the Mat looked clean.

A non-speaking man retrieved his clothes in a cardboard box (unknowingly leaving 2 t-shirts inside) and left without a peep. Fine by me. I hung the shirts on one of the carts to dry and hope he returns for them. No matter their condition, he looked like he needs them. ☹ One washer was dirty so I threw the rags I use and the rag mop head in and ran it through a wash. The floors were wet in spots from snow boots/shoes so I just swept with the broom, then did a quick damp mopping.

This truck and trailer pulled out ahead of me but he was going the same speed

Isn't this cute? His older brother and sister were
alredy on the bus and he's running
Mom was in the lane with the dog watching

I'm sure she was saying, 'hurry up!'
He disappears inside

Today, I seemed quicker than normal, geesh! I did have to take the shovel out and clear the 3’ wide walkway across the side of the building as well as the front and back entrances. That filled up the rest of the hour. After sprinkling down the last of the salt in the bucket, I was done. Already, with the patches of sun I was seeing, I could see it melting the snow by the time I left. I was in the winners circle today as in one lint tray I found $10.35!

The lint trays in these dryers are about 20" wide
and about 28" long
This one had $8 plus some eggshells (?)

When I looked in the dryer (never satisfied, huh?)
there was another $2.35 that hadn't fallen through

I stopped at Walmart for 4 items and came out with about 14. Never fails but I just figure when I’m there, I’ll get this and this and this. I may have to stop Friday for milk but we’ll see. The store is always busy but not overly. Everyone is courteous and friendly, customers included. We are all in this together and seem to understand it helps to be cordial about it. I checked through the self-checkout, in and out like clockwork. "Have a good day, ladies!"

Still enjoying the sunshine appearances on the drive

At the car, I texted Donna that I was on my way. I had a bag with two puzzles for her and 2 tops. As a show (mostly for her neighbours, in case they are the ‘type’), I wore my mask around my neck and slipped it up over my nose and mouth when she opened the door. She got a laugh out of that. I wasn’t in the house long, and I’m certainly not worried about passing anything to or getting anything from my sister. We’ve seen each other often enough during this pandemic.

Driving through Durham

A pet peeve of mine
Clean off your darn vehicle!!!
Lights not very visible, let alone his license plate

It was a straight drive home. Interesting how in 2-3 hours, the roads have cleared up. Even close to Paisley but entering the outskirts, the snow started again and clouds were in control of the sky. Wes had had Jim come in and clear the laneway while I was gone, which I was glad. Not so much for me but for Bill. He had a hard time backing in last night, even with the 600 lbs. of sand bags in the back. It's the ice underneath. Probably Wes will spread some of his ice salt down to melt the hard-packed stuff.

Lovely blue sky on my drive home

On each end of Walkerton, there are steep hills
with a speed limit of 50 km per hour
It's tough to do without your foot on the brake the whole way
It should be called Valleytown

My new coat/jacket was due to arrive yesterday by FedEx and wouldn’t you know it, the weather delayed it. I’ve received a message acknowledging that it should be here today. I hope so and I hope it fits this time. 😊 Since it was just before noon hour, I put the groceries away and immediately made myself another one of those yummy quesadillas. This time with some sour cream that needed to be cleaned up.

Roads were clear for the most part, just wet

Upstairs, I started my blog and then went down to do the dishes and work (play) on the puzzle. It didn’t take long to put in the last 30 pieces and when I got to the last one, I called Susan in to show her. I left the last piece for her to place. Now she could say she did ‘some’ of it. 😊 She was quite pleased with how it looked, and has fond memories of where she got the puzzle and from whom. They have a car they call Betty Boop so the framed puzzle will go with them for display at their car shows.

A repeat of yesterday's lunch

With that puzzle completed, I came upstairs to look for my next one. I have 4 left to do, one from my girlfriend, Brenda, 2 from Donna and 1 that I’ve had for a while. Three of them are 750 pieces so I will work on those here first, where I have room to spread the pieces out. At home, in the Bunky or in the Suite, I am only able to do the 500 pc. puzzles. The snow, once more, has been off and on all day but not at all heavy like yesterday.

It was inevitable
The puzzle is done, now it's up to Wes to
move the 22" x 27" onto a board and glue
it
Isn't she cute?

This will be my next one
I will enjoy it too

I walked over to the Foodmart variety across the street to buy some lottery tickets. I figured I was lucky enough to find $ in the Mat today, I may as well see how far the luck goes. LOL I never hold my breath but it is fun to try once in a while. When I returned, I made myself a cup of tea and began preparing supper. I’d decided on lasagna in Madame IP. Bill came in around 4:30 just as I was finishing the prep.

The lasagna is looking and smelling yummy

We came upstairs after I opened a Pillsbury can of crescent rolls. Always nice to go along with pasta. I’ve never made lasagna in the springform pan but someone in my IP group on Facebook did that. Worth a shot although mine is always so runny that I think I’ll be serving it right out of the pan rather than removing the bottom like she did. I don’t add cottage cheese to my recipe, never have, so it is never as thickly packed.  I add enough other cheeses.

Supper was delicious and we have leftovers for another night. We cleaned up dishes, Bill made his lunch and I went next door into the tv room to watch Jeopardy. I’ve missed it all week and apparently one contestant is doing really well, on his 5^th or 6^th game. I can’t even imagine knowing that much stuff! Wow! The evening following was quiet but I wasn’t in the mood for starting a new book yet. There were some crosswords and Jumbles that I did instead.

You know what? Sometimes, you just gotta get goofy
Memory from our first year in Quartzsite, AZ
First year to meet Gerry and Melinda too
I had a few wigs to get silly with
Jan. 27, 2017

Good night!

Thanks for stopping in. Have a great night!