Mixed Bag of Weather and Projects = Great Day!

The Ridge

It was just before 7 when I got up on Sunday, May 19^th. It was a mild morning with our weather station reading 56F/14C. I wasted no time. The sun was out, the sky was blue and there wasn’t any wind. I slipped my puffy vest on over a single lightweight hoody and by the time I got to the end of the lane, took the vest off and left it on the gate post. Sometimes 56F isn’t that warm but it was today! Yay!

How's this for a nice morning for walking?

My back was nasty this morning so I took a walking stick. I didn’t want to give up and turn around. It wasn’t the most comfortable walk but I persisted, twisting and stretching as I walked, and enjoyed every minute, every step of the 2 miles before reaching home again.

Good morning!

I had my tea outside when I returned and it was so nice in the King chairs, listening to and watching the birds at my feeder. 

And I had coming

Two male goldfinches and 1 female mostly and the red-winged blackbird that keeps trying to eat their food. Comical watching his yoga moves as he sticks his beak in the small hole. Oh well, he is hungry too and I haven’t put any seed out for the bigger birds yet. I’d taken 3 regular strength Advils with my tea and it seemed to be helping.

While I was  being so leisurely, I can’t even recall what Bill got into without stopping to think about it. Oh yes! Now I remember but I saw him taking pictures so hopefully a blog post soon! I keep saying that and in time, my busy guy will do one.

It was shower day for both Bill and I and rather than saving water (teehee) we opted for taking turns today. He was done working outside and so got cleaned up to work on his Stinson Reliant. I think it is almost done, just needed warm weather to paint. 

So far, just the rows on the left planted

We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and cleaned up the evidence before going about our day. While he went out to the Hangar, I swept the floor and got everything looking spiffy inside again. It seems that I got cleaned up to get dirty again. I hate, as anyone does, to be ‘out of commission’ so regardless of what it might mean tomorrow, I went to work in my vegetable garden. Bill had removed most of the big rocks from tilling so I put knee pads on and took my seed packets of onions, radishes and sunflowers up the hill. With gloves and a hand rake and trowel, I removed even more rocks and planted.

And my new flower bed is ready for planting

I planted a couple of sunflowers in each corner of the garden and 1 packet of radishes and 1 of green onions in the rows furthest east. I’ll wait the 10 days and plant a second packet of the little red veggie. That should supply me for the summer. I didn’t get my multiplier onions in yet, but hopefully tomorrow. With that done for now, I was feeling pretty good so moved down to the new flower garden area that I’d asked Bill to till for me. There was a lot of grass and grass roots to pick up and remove as well as large and small stones. I was excited, this was a good spot – I hope.

And chippy wasn't hanging out too far from the bird feeder
looking for droppings

When I finished that, I knew that I’d done enough for the day. It was only 2 when I grabbed a bottle of water from the bunky and my book from inside the Suite. I put the cushion I bought for my lounge chair on the King chair to make it easier on the butt and settled in. 

I enjoyed watching the birds today
Oh? That isn't news, is it?

This must be a female oriole?

While in the bunky, I covered the futon with a nice comforter we’d had on our queen bed in our sticks and bricks home. Hard to purge some things if they were useful. It looks nice there. I forgot to get a picture today.

Had to burn some wood today

The wind increased and the temperature did as well. Humidity was running rampant but we’re not complaining at all. This is what we’ve been waiting for! I know it isn’t going to last, dropping ridiculously tomorrow again, but we’ll take it when we can. I read quite a few chapters of James Patterson's The Haunted until the wind was becoming too strong, sitting with my back to it. I could see a very black cloud moving in from the southwest so closed up the bunky, told Bill I was moving inside and made myself a tea.

The winds and rain brought me inside

I had to close the windows on the south side as the rain was spattering in on the entertainment centre. The rain got wild for a bit and then it stopped and things calmed down. The black cloud has moved off the to the east – for now. There are warnings out for the next hour or so and we’ll be watchful. Bill moved inside around 3, also done for the day. It will be tomorrow before we pop over to the Acreage to see Donna and Gerry, they didn’t arrive until around 3.

The rest of the day showed us a mixed bag of weather. We’ve had heat, humidity, rain, sun, clouds, wind and by 6 pm we even had thunderstorms. Moments when we couldn’t see the laneway from so much rain to moments of beautiful wet clarity of how green things are. Clemson isn’t afraid of storms at all, bless his little heart, and when I moved out of my chair at 5:30 to start supper he just stretched out across the blanket.

Within a couple of minutes, the temperature dropped
and the winds increased

We settled in when the rain started to watch some more of our prerecorded programs. At least we can do that if the satellite signal is lost. The storms could continue until 8 pm at least. 

I hope you enjoy this collage
What do geese think?
The top 4 pictures, it was raining heavy and they sat there while it poured and the wind blew
They took turns flapping their wings when it stopped
and then they all turned together and followed each other to the front of the pond
Wha???

For supper tonight, we had two plans. Burgers on the Weber (if it wasn’t raining or storming) or chicken thighs which I’d thawed during the day (if it was doing either of the above). Decision made at 5 pm. Chicken it is! I don’t mind, I’m hungry. 😊

storms don't bother me

So, I sautéed the large thighs in oil in Madame IP, trying to brown the skin up more than usual. Once done that, I added red skinned potatoes, a large onion and a couple of carrots on top of the trivet. I cut the large potatoes in half because I’m only cooking for 15 minutes. That’s all the thighs need so I’m hoping that is enough for the spuds as well. 

chicken thighs on saute

 We had spent the day today ‘unplugged’ from power, using our solar panels. Earlier when the winds got wild, the thumbnail sized rain drops fell and the black clouds moved overhead I ran out and plugged us back in. I didn’t want to get caught and having to do it last minute. 

Everything in the pot ready to cook

The IP has built up pressure, released some steam and has started cooking our supper. We were eating by 6:30, all but the corn cooked in one pot. And if I’d planned it, I could have added that too. The chicken was delicious and the vegetables were done perfectly. There were leftovers for another night, but only potatoes and veggies. 

Bill decided Clemson didn't need his sweater today
although tomorrow it may go back on
He has to grab it and carry it around for a while

The dishes were cleaned up by 7 and rather than watching more recordings, we watched our regular Sunday night show, American Idol. It was 3 hours so I’m not sure I can stay up to the end. I’ve asked Bill to record the last hour as I need to get up early for work tomorrow. 

And I was watching for a rainbow all day
So a full double one was awarded to us
I've never seen one so bright and thick at the base

This was from across the room, out our back window
Stunning!

As crazy as this day was for weather systems, we had a good one. We got things accomplished and enjoyed some pleasure time doing what we enjoy.

And not to short change the sunset
Also stunning
Good night y'all!

Thanks for your visit!

With a Push and a Ride, the Jobs Get Done, Cooler Refreshing Day, The Fab Four

It was not a good night sleeping for me mainly due to my own laziness. Remember the bedspread covering story? Well, who knew that last night it was going to drop down and produce a cool night for sleeping. The duvet would have been nice. However, all I had to do was get up and slip some pj’s on and it wasn’t until 3:30 or so that I finally gave in and did that. I know I didn’t get any more than likely 5 hours of sleep if that and for me, whoa!

A gorgeous day

Anyway, we got up within 20 minutes of each other on Saturday, June 2^nd, me lagging behind. Bill turned the furnace on so it would come on and warm the Suite up a bit. We had our tea and coffee while catching up on friend’s blog posts from yesterday and then Bill went out to start cutting the fields, the corral and the berm behind us. Once I finished my tea, I, also, got dressed and went out with my push mower. It was only 50F/10C so quite a change from the past week, but a great day to cut grass.

Sitting in our king chairs and I looked up

My areas got done within an hour and it looks great! Instead of using my weed whacker/trimmer, I used my gloved hands and pulled some grasses and weeds that were too close to the hostas and Bridgette’s Bloom (Corabelle) around the property. I never knew that was another name for them but now that I do, I will use it and spell it OUR way. I finally got the pile of rocks moved, some to the driveway and some to the other side of the Restroom.

Looking lovely again

This one area in the front field is often wet
It was dry enough for Bill to attempt it with the rider
Needless to say he got stuck and had to push it out!

I think that was enough for today. Nothing says I have to do the top of the corral today, so I’ll leave that for now. I put the mower and gloves away and just relaxed with Clemson outside. Bill finished cutting and then after a bite to eat for lunch, proceeded to weed whack around the fence line, gardens and buildings. He does a better job at that, much more stamina than what I have for the job. I sat outside and read the flyers and it was beautiful, bearable sunny day. With little or no noticeable humidity, it felt great on my skin.

The geraniums along the front fence have bloomed

Inside, I had a yogourt and a couple of pieces of cheese before cleaning up my nails. They were so bad! Tonight, or late afternoon actually, Rob and Pat are picking us up for another fun evening at Casino Rama. We are going to have an early supper and feed Clemson around 4 to be ready for our ‘taxi’. 😊 I am excited to see The Fab Four tonight, loving Beatles music since their career began. I’ve chosen what I’m wearing and when my nails are completely dry, I’ll hop in the shower before Bill comes in for his.

I'm not the only one enjoying the day

Sitting on the dock of the bay, er, pond

Bill closed his eyes briefly while I wrapped the leftover pizza in foil and lit the Weber. On low, it heated up nicely. Bill isn’t crazy about pizza the way I am and although admitted it wasn’t too bad, only wanted one piece. Miss Piggy ate the last 3 pieces. Gerry needed to borrow a level for a job they’re doing at the Acreage so he arrived after Bill and I finished supper. I was just finished getting dressed when Rob and Pat drove up the driveway.

Clemson was watching one of our resident chipmunks race and hop
around the front lawn

This guy, on the edge, looks like a mini helicopter

It was shortly after 4:30 when we had Clemson fed and loaded into their car for the drive to Orillia. It is a 2-hour drive but there was lots to see and conversation, as always, was a comfortable flow. Sandra and Bill were just finishing up their meal in the restaurant and joined us in the lobby. With a nice greeting, we split up to go and spend our allotted $20 in the Casino. Bill and I weren’t thinking and forgot our player’s cards. Duh!

My, we clean up nice!

Don't we?

Buddies!

Casino Rama entrance

We each had fun, up and down for 25 minutes with our cash and walked away after only losing $10 each. Better than we’d prepared for! The seats we had were in K section, almost the middle, and they were great! 

The Fab Four sounded just like the Beatles and even the Host “Ed Sullivan” had us laughing with some very familiar traits from the 60’s. We had a great time, knew every song and sang along.

"It's going to be a really big shew"

Hope this video plays so you get a taste of 1964

We thanked Sandra and Bill for acquiring tickets for us, yet again, and Rob drove us home. It was midnight when we crawled into bed. Clemson was sound asleep in bed and didn’t hear us come in. He minded the house well. 😊 A wonderful day!

Bill, me, Bill, Sandra, Rob, Pat
And a very good night!

Thank you for popping to have a read. All of your comments are appreciated.

Warm and Breezy, Some Yard Work, New RV Friends, Happy Hours and Turtles

On Wednesday, May 30^th Bill was up ahead of me again and I think it was actually 7:30 when I made my entrance to the downstairs. I made my tea and sat with Bill to read what everyone has been up to. We are approaching the end of another month and we did well again with the use of our 19 gb of wifi. On the last couple of days, we use more than usual just so not to waste it!

Clemson feels the cold and the heat
He stretches out here to enjoy the fan's breeze

After finishing our hot drinks, Bill took Black Beauty over to the Acreage and filled the water bladder. We just like to keep our fresh tank topped up, once we get to ½ tank (50 gal) we talk about when to go get more. Our water bladder has paid for itself 100 times over and if you are thinking about buying one, we highly recommend it. We never, no matter where we are, have to worry about how much water we use for a shower, washing up, doing dishes. I like that a lot.

Pretty sky resting over our Suite

While he was gone, I pulled a few weeds out of my flower garden and wished Donna and I had talked about the landscape screening before she began planting there. The grass, in particular, is such a nuisance coming up through the periwinkle and phlox. Oh well, too late now! I did buy 3 bags of black mulch so will finish pulling the weeds and then spread it around. It doesn’t need a lot, there is so much ground cover now, but it will help.

A new snapping turtle crossing the lane this spring

When Bill returned, we took Clemson with us into Durham. Bill needed to go to the bank and I went into the Liquor Store to buy some wine.  We are having company at 1:30 this afternoon from Flesherton. We’ve never met them before, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, and want to be sure to have a drink selection for them. They are having a house showing so will be bringing their mini schnauzer. I hope Clem is on his best behavior!

I have 2 of these metal geckos

I made a bacon and eggs brunch and then skipped out to cut our ‘front lawn’ (it is the only way to describe it) while Bill cleaned up the dishes. Of course, I want it to look nice today but when I finished I was really hot and had to sit to cool down. A cool shower felt wonderful but I was still red-faced for a while afterwards. Bill was cleaned up so went outside and hopped on the rider and did the berm (hill) area behind us. We’re not happy with the darn dandelions, Deb D.!

this one got a new paint job first!

With windows open, our Fantastic Fan and ceiling fan pushing the hot air out, the Suite although warm, isn’t too bad. There is a lovely breeze up here on the Ridge and with our blinds half closed, we probably won’t be needing the a/c today again. We sat outside for a bit and soon enough a Chev Equinox drove up the driveway and our company had arrived right on time. We had a wonderful visit with Ellen and Scott. The conversation flowed easily, as it often does between fellow rv’ers and we shared some wine, water and rv'ing tips.

Bill, Pat, Ellen, Scott and Rob
Oh, and Tanner is between Pat and Ellen

After about an hour and a half of great chit chat, our friends Rob and Pat dropped in on their way home from Barrie. The more the merrier! That’s what we say so we pulled up a couple more chairs and they settled in quite nicely. Time flew by and when everyone left, it was with the guarantee that we would all see each other again soon. The wind had really picked up but with the high temps around 87F/30C and the humidex reading much higher, we were grateful for it.

Chair hopping a bit following the shade under the awning, which tended to flap crazily every once in a while, we managed to stay mostly out of the sun. Bill fed Clemson at 5 and Bill and I chatted about what a nice couple they are. They are almost 10 years younger than us, well Scott definitely is, and we are so excited for their upcoming adventure. We hope they went home after a successful showing to an offer on their home and property.

Look what Clemmy found!

Oh-oh, neither of us put any thought into supper tonight so when Bill said how does toasted bacon, tomato and cheese sandwiches sound? I said ‘Great!’ I went outside for another few minutes, enjoying the breeze sitting in the shaded king chairs. At 6:30 we were so lazy that we even skipped the bacon and just had toasted tomato, lettuce, cheese and mayo. That was quite enough, we were sated.

"And what are you doing up here?"

And Mr. Snapper had turned around to cross the road again

After dishes, we drove into Durham and took Clemson along. We were going to see his buddies again but this time so Bill could check Rob’s fifth wheel hitch. Something about the capture plate, things that I know what they are but don’t get involved in. Pat, Clemson and I sat up on the deck until the guys joined us. We discussed some weekend plans and took our leave around 8. It was a beautiful night but without the breeze, you could feel the day’s heat lingering.

Such a pretty sky

Back home, Bill finished a few things he was working on and we settled in for the night. Between the heat and the couple of glasses of Girl’s Night Out wine, I knew I wouldn’t be up too late tonight. I’d really planned on reading a few more chapters in my book. It is good. 

This has been a really nice day. Some work and lots of visits with friends at Happy Hour. It felt good to have company today and to meet new friends. I hope yours has been a good one too.

The sky before a possible evening/overnight storm
Good night from the Ridge!

Thank you for popping in. Your comments are appreciated!