Some Work, Some No Work, Summer-like Day

The Ridge

On Tuesday, May 26th the day started out pretty normal for a work day - for each of us. When I got up around 7 and got washed and dressed, I noticed that Bill hadn't been following the normal routine. 

Good morning!
Before I even started Ptooties,
I thought this would make a good
picture. I was right.
(note the 5th wheel hitch she tried to push)

His work partner had left messages that he was not going to make it to work today. A mishap was all we knew. It is gearing up for a nice, hot, day so Bill did have things he could be doing at home. All is good. I, on the other hand, had to go to clean the Mat.

A look across the pond to the east.
A very calm morning.

I met with a lady who had a complaint about losing $8 this past week in our most expensive machine. I don't even follow up with the boss, they don't seem to reimburse - not trusting people, I guess. Anyway, I could tell it was a legitimate complaint and I reimbursed her.

I found this picture on my big
Canon camera.
How pretty!

I take the $ out of the machines and she was/is a very nice lady just trying to do laundry like the rest of us. I never saw anyone else while I did my cleaning and left the place in good condition. 😉

 

Never, ever will I get tired
of this. He keeps trying to take
'doggie' outside but I know he'll 
try to bury him.

Since it was only 8:30 and I wanted to go back and buy the $3 flags at Dave's $ Store (it's actually called The Crazy Dollar), I waited in Ptooties and played my Wordle games. When Dave opened up his store at 9, I was in and out with 10 of the flags.

I finished the 2 wood plant markers.
Should I cover the sticks? They won't be
outside in the elements.
What do you think?

Back home, Bill was out with the dump trailer on BB, loading the extra branches we've accumulated. He was about done (in more ways than one) when I drove in. The blackflies were eating him alive! He wanted to do some weed trimming but I agreed that he rest for a bit.

When I walked down to see
just where the Kildeer's nest was....
I wasn't surprised but I was freaked.
Such an open spot. Just 2 eggs right
in plain view and the gravel that Bill
backs his cargo trailer onto.
LOL
I marked it with logs so we'll be aware.

He and Gibbs dozed, very briefly (6 minutes, private joke) and I finished 2 wooden plant markers and began prepping more greeting cards. One can never have enough made ahead of time. 🤭 We had lunch together and Bill garbed up and went out to do the weed trimming around our corral.

No worries, I know who this
masked man is. 
💕

When he finished and had done an awesome job, he loaded the weed eater up and drove to the flying field to do some trimming there. He also had some clothing (club) donations dropped off from a former member and wanted to bring them home so mice wouldn't get into the boxes.

It was another photo op in
my opinion.

I wanted to be outside too but ........well, one day soon. Gibbs and I did go out for the mail around 2:30 and then I sat with him and relaxed. We went out again, just after making a cup of tea at 4, he was expecting Bill any time. You know, the 'get home from work' hour. 😍

The pond is drying up on the west
side of the lane.
What a change from a month ago.

We just nicely got our butts into the king chairs and Bill came up the drive. Just that short time, and I could tell my bare skin was going to be someones supper so Gibbs and I came in until Bill joined us. For supper, he'll be out again braving the flies to grill his burgers.

The walk 'to get the mail' is a bit
one sided. Someone found shade,
and stopped. Hard to see him but
he did eventually join me when I sat
on the grass outside the gate entry.

I guess they weren't so bad, I never heard one "you buggers!" out of him. 🤭 These burgers are thin, Great Value (Walmart) brand so we'll finish our last two and have made note not to buy them again. They tasted just fine, but just thin. 🤷‍♀️

Bill did fries with his and I air fried some onion rings. Boy, do I love them! We took care of the dishes and had to dump the gray tank. Usually, without us preserving water at any time, really, other than the obvious, we last about 11 or 12 days before it's time.

The corral all trimmed nicely
and Gibbs races me to the top of the hill.

Bill went to the Hangar for a change and i worked on my blog. I have a couple of programs of mine to catch up on. I've missed a couple of finales. This was a wonderful day with only 1 job outside of the home. Robin had asked me to clean today but her guests decided to stay another night.

The trailer isn't full but
I'm not sure if we'll be able to add
more before Saturday when the dump opens.
Well, 🤔there is one more tree I'd like taken out.

I'll clean on Thursday to prepare for her Friday night guests. I think it will be a busy season ahead! Yay! The $ will come in handy to help pay for a few things. 

Every other day, I am filling the
jam dish. Both Mr. & Mrs. are
frequent visitors. Yay!

We reached a wonderful high of 27.222C/81F today and if it wasn't for the breeze coming in our windows, the a/c might have been on.

Gibbs helped me finish my burger.
Those last couple of bites are almost
too much for me.
The rings? No one gets to share!
Good night.

Thank you for popping in. Your comments are welcome as is your company. ☺️

A Bit of Both, A Few Errands

The Ridge

Today, Thursday, Aug. 8^th, my day was filled with a bit of work outside the home, a bit inside the home and a bit of relaxing. Bill was up at 6 and on the road to work by 7:15. Gibbs and I watched him go and then I made my tea and headed for town to clean the Mat. Ptooties needed a fuel fill up so I was happy the price had dropped 4¢ overnight. "Slurp!", she was thirsty!

Good morning!
This was last night's sunset.

No surprise here and 3 more to follow.

I wasn’t there long and the little Newfie (he doesn’t mind that handle) arrived at the front door. He already walks with a walker but today he was fighting to get in the door. I helped as best I could to reach around the laundry laden walker to hold the door and he told me fell and euchered his hip. Anyway, he put his laundry in and then walked across to the gas station for scratch tickets. LOL I guess he’s okay. 😊

These clouds are so pretty!
The sun is valiantly trying to break through.

Another first-time customer came in and asked for assistance/opinion on a few things. Nice man. I see more men in there than women, which I find interesting. It’s probably like a 3:1 ratio. I finished up and drove to Foodland and then to fill our water bottle at Battery Pro/Water Store. When I returned home, it had warmed up so I opened windows.

He isn't crazy about it, but he does
stand quite well. Don't put my front paws in though, Mom. 💗

I know he'll just lick himself dry.
Oh dear. I massaged the itch spray into his tummy and
will keep watch today.

I had planned on making cheesecake but decided to wait until after lunch, instead I created an Epsom salt bath for Gibbs. He has been scratching his tummy a fair bit so I wanted to see if this helped. Then I read some of my book. It will be finished today, come hook or crook! 😊 I fried up the last of my keto bread and took the advice from one of my readers. I ate 3 pieces and put the rest in a freezer bag. Thanks for that tip!

This was a good way to use up the keto bread.
I'm done trying, I shall wait until we get to Arizona!

I was too full to try it so Bill was the guinea pig.

A walk down the lane to check mail

and to deadhead and count dahlias.
53 left today. 💖
I'm tickled pink/purple and red!

Our only clear view of the messy pond
and only because Bill cleared a path.

I made Instant Pot Cheesecake but found I had to substitute some yogourt for sour cream and then again for 1/3 cup of cream cheese. Geesh! I thought I had enough ingredients. They were acceptable substitutions according to Google so it should still taste okay. For supper, I figured, since it isn’t supposed to rain until after 7, to have barbecued sausages. A bun sounds good so I may have one too.

The Sedum (with many names)
is not very tall but ready to
become 'showy'.

Gibbs and I were in and out a few times, each time my book went with me and a few more chapters got read. Bill was home by 4:30 and we relaxed until it was time to start grilling. The clouds had moved in but no precipitation forecasted now until 10. 😊 The sausages were good and filling. Bill had a piece of the cheesecake and gave it a thumbs up.

No words, just lots of LOVE

After the few dishes, I finished my blog and turned the tv on. Last night, I watched Miss Virginia, a movie recommended to me by my sister, Cathy. It was heartwarming, heart wrenching too but a good watch. Many are based on true stories so that makes them a bit more interesting. If you like Maggie Smith (Lady Grantham from Downton Abbey), The Lady in the Van is good.

This pot of mini petunias is a strange one.
One week it is glorious with red fllowers
and the next it looks deader than dead.
The stems look dead but today I have a pretty presentation.

This has been a good day, warmed up nicely to 24C/75F, with a slight breeze. Did you get the kind of day you wanted?

Sausage on a bun with cheese, mustard and onion.
Good night!

Thank you for popping around.

Some Work, Some Play, Some Self-Made Heat

The Ridge

On Saturday, July 28^th I was up and mobile by 7 or very soon after. Bill, of course, was up sooner than that. It was an absolutely morning, although a tad chilly at 11C/52, so he and Duncan left to go to the flying field. I wasn’t far behind, on my way to the Mat to clean. I decided not to do laundry today since Bill doesn’t need work clothes this week. I can do it Monday.

Good morning!
I was pulling blinds to keep it cooler
and noticed the shadows.
So, play time!
(when is the last time you've done this?)

Early morning drive.

I finished sorting the Lost and Found (remember that bag of clothes?) threw out anything stained or torn, bagged the good children’s clothing and brought the good adult items back here for the clothing exchange. On the way out of town, I dropped the one bag off at the front door of the 2^nd hand store since they hadn’t quite opened yet. Back home, after Patty finished inside, we sat outside with Gibbs and then each had an early lunch.

So cute!!

I was having company today for cleaning Williamsford! That’s fun and sPatty was anxious to see the bnb I’ve talked about. 😊 We worked together, not that I wanted her to work, but she helped make the beds, bag the recycling and watered and deadheaded the outside plants. On the way home, we swung by Robin’s and she was home now and had her garage sale open. I was happy they could meet. We left the garbage and recycling at her house for Monday’s pick up.

Beautiful day.

Back home, I realized I left my phone at the bnb, sitting there being charged. Duh! I made the drive back before the new guests arrived for tonight. By now, it was hot out, reaching 28C/82F and higher with the humidity. That’s quite alright, we have enough shade if we want it. The boys were working on an airplane down by the Hangar (in the shade), and when the Stinson Reliant revved up, I knew they were making progress.

Adult toys?
When we're finished, I'll donate
at least one, if not both, to Robin for the bnb.

Patty and I had picked up some FREE games along the highway earlier so played a few games. When it was time, our guests had supper ready and we joined them in their lovely home. This is what they do each time they come, one night is a ‘treat’ to thank us for their stay.  Although it is never necessary, we quite enjoy it! ♥

It was another
awesome meal.
White Bean Chicken Chili.
I need that recipe!!
Plus, a grapefruit pie. ♥

Throughout the day, I was receiving notes and pictures on Messenger from my sister and hubby from Alberta. They had flown out on behalf of our siblings for our nephew’s wedding. It would have been lovely to have gone but the finances weren’t there for us, so the pictures were great!

Gibbs entertained us.
Left picture, can you see his eye through that hole?
He sat there for auite a while watching me. 

Are you laughing at me, guys?
I'm sure Chippy went in the wood pile.

After supper, we met outside for a campfire and we were happy Donna, Gerry and Mike joined us from the Acreage for a few hours.

A beautiful evening.
The sun dropped and we all needed hoodies.
We couldn't see the 9 pm ISS because it was still too light, but Bill, Duncan
and I saw the second one at 10:26. Cool!

It is odd that it turns so cool on a July evening, especially after such a hot day. The whole weather system is screwed up this year – everywhere! 

I didn't  notice until too late
that everyone but Duncan was 
looking at the camera.
Gibbs was the focal point of their attention.
Come on folks!! Haha

It was a really nice day and evening but after 10:30, I was not able to write my blog. There are more important things going on! 😊

♥ Congratulations Larissa and Alex! ♥
My brother, Michael and sister-in-law, Crystal.
They look amazing! 
Good night!

Thank you for the visit too!

Can you Call it Rain? Working for the Morning, Visitors for Tea

 

The Ridge

On Friday, Sept. 8^th it was a cloudy, damp sky when we woke up. Bill got up at 6:30 although he wasn’t working today again but needed to take Black Beauty for an alignment at 8. I got up at 6:40 because I needed to clean the Mat and then report to M for a 3-hour shift. Better to get going early. We both left the Suite at the same time and Gibbs dutifully ate his breakfast and took his ‘look after the house’ treat.

To start the day, Hibiscus #9 & #10

It was just 7 am and I followed him to Durham where we parted ways. 😊 I love our ‘big a**’ truck, and yes, the view from behind does make her ‘butt’ look big! Ha ha! The Mat was empty but someone had a load of wash in one of the bigger machines on the north wall. When that ‘someone’ returned, I am sorry to say that I wish he hadn’t. A new customer to me and after saying good morning, he never shut up. ☹

I like conversation but not the type that he so fervently spouted at me. He is big into research and politics and all the controversial ‘stuff’ going on around us and told me this a few times. Honest to goodness, he followed me around as I worked and went on. I was taught not to be rude to others so exactly how do I tell them in another way that I’d rather not hear it?

Perusing through my old pictures this afternoon,
I just HAD to share these few with my daughter.
Bridgette, you were such a sweet daughter to raise. 💗

This fellow needs to research on how to read people, the ones that are clearly closed off to his rant. LOL, finally, with 10 minutes left of my shift and his laundry completion, he changed the subject to something local. I was glad when he left, more than glad. Now my rant is over. 😊 (I drove home vowing to say something if it happens again. But what? Maybe, I’d just avoid going in until he was done!)

Three years ago, I made rhubarb tarts.
Today, would have been a great day for that!
If I only had enough rhubarb. 😞

The day was forecast to be a dull, damp one from beginning to end. They called it rain showers on the radio but this wasn’t even that. It was a heavy mist that would bounce in and out all morning and afternoon between a sunny sky and heavy clouds. The temperature also remained cool although it felt warmer first thing. We actually turned our fireplace on for the afternoon. I stopped at Robin’s to drop off her clean sheets and vacuum and collected my pay. 😊

I spent an hour with Gibbs and then drove over to M’s. A town run was first and then I swept and vacuumed out his old trailer for the next 2 hours. The cupboards and walls had Styrofoam and it had deteriorated so much that it was like opening a bag of those peanuts, but smaller. You know how much static that creates. I managed to get it done and admit that it is now ready for M to move things in there for storing. I know he was pleased with how it was left.

This should be posted in the Mat.

Bill and I had lunch together at 1:30 and then puttered. I went through our Memory Cupboard, sorting and reminiscing and he went to the Hangar until Gayle and John came to take more things from their Montana to their house. Before they left, we had tea and coffee together and caught up. Things are moving along for them, and they are slowly getting settled in, finding places for the items they are keeping. There are going to be a lot of donations!

Tasty!

For our sweet tooth tonight.

For supper, we had baked pork chops, potatoes, corn and broccoli and topped it off with some ice cream and raspberry sauce. Now, I’m full to the brim but it was delicious, a good hot meal on a cool day. The ice cream? Well, that was a lapse in judgement perhaps. 😊 Bill washed the pots, I dried and the dishwasher was set for everything else. The days are getting shorter and not only because of the clouds, we’ve noticed how dark it is by 8 o’clock. Too soon!

Sometimes an inspirational quote just
fits the bill.

This was a good day, as most are for us. I like the feeling I get after working my part time jobs. I feel like I’m contributing in a small way to our lifestyle and I get to choose what it is I want to do while making friends along the way. It was nice to see my sister and her hubby too. Gibbs and I sat and watched some tv after my blog was finished. I had to go fishing for some pictures today since I wasn’t outside enough to take many.

This was two years ago, looks like a prettier
day for sure!
Good night! (We might be running the heat pump tonight)

Thank you for the visit!

Summer Returns, Food Shopping, Another Long Day for Bill

The Ridge

On Thursday, Aug. 31^st I remembered that I had to go to clean the Mat but I wasn’t in a rush. It was 6:30 when we saw Bill off in Black Beauty, the truck was needed today, and it was 7:20 when I made my mug of tea to-go and left for town. I knew Gibbs would be alone all morning since I would be carrying on for our groceries in Hanover.

It was a busy morning so my first
picture is of my lunch at 1:30.
It was delicious!

The Mat was pretty decent but there was a customer that needed some assistance a couple of times. The coin machine was making change for bills but not from loonies or twonies so she needed quarters for the dryers. I arrived just on time for her. With my routine thrown off, I was backtracking a bit and needed to empty the lint on the 3 big dryers. That is usually worth the effort as I seem to always find a ‘tip’ in there. Today, it was $2.60. 😊

A story and a lesson.
In Montreal, we discussed how the yellow jackets/bees
are pests at the hummer feeder. Audrey sent a link
on how to get rid of them.
On the right, I followed instructions and wrapped some of
my mint stalks around the feeding area. See the bees?
Later in the afternoon, the main picture shows no bees
and although Mr. Hummingbird isn't here, he 
frequented it all afternoon. 💗
No bees!

I drove to Independent first, got the few things there that were on sale, then to Walmart for the bulk of our items, back to Dollarama searching for a cheaper price on almonds and then back in Durham, Foodland’s sale items finished off my shopping list. I don’t mind shopping but it is still tiring, searching for the right aisles for the right items. By the time I got home and unloaded Ptooties ‘full to the brim’ trunk, it was 12:15.

Gibbs and I enjoyed the outdoors
Bottom picture is him suntanning.

Gibbs watched as I found spaces for everything, the freezer is definitely full now! Then, I had some seeded rye bread toasted with sauteed tomatoes and zucchini. Oh my, that was good! I wish I’d thought to buy some feta cheese, that would have topped it off nicely. Today is such a beautiful day, the polar opposite of yesterday’s joke, so Gibbs and I went out to soak up some sun. He stayed in the shade mostly and I dozed in my gravity chair.  😊

I think I dozed more than read but
it is a good story.

Once cooked, heh heh, we went for a walk around 4:30 and it was then that Bill called to say they’d be late – again. Even later, methinks, once he told me what they had to do before getting home. 

Our walk to the corner
He plopped in the shade of the apple tree
as soon as we returned home.

Gibbs is tired out and while I sit to read my book, he stretches his little body across the cool floor. He’s too busy keeping watch when he's outside to really rest. It was 6:20 when I came inside for my tea and it was 7:15 when Bill drove up the lane. Loooonnnggg day = good $$.

My western doesn't look like much but it
was jam packed with goodies.
Bill's was twice the size, he earned it today!

I decided on toasted westerns for supper and they turned out to be just right. We finished the last 2 pieces of pie off and I did the dishes while Bill made his lunch and did the banking from today’s purchases. He records everything in Quicken. I could have done it, but didn’t today. This was a good day, our larder is full again and so is our fridge and freezer. That’s always a good feeling. We reached a high temp of 21C/71F and it was gorgeous!

The sun sets on our last August day
this year. 
We have a week of hot weather coming up.
Good night!

Thank you for the visit.