The summer is officially half over this weekend. We start counting the days til school starts and I'm finding that a little depressing this year. It is hot today with the temperature expected to reach 30* today. No rain in sight either. I've lost count how many counties in the province have declared themselves agriculture disasters. My girlfriend was away for 5 days and as she cannot water her garden, pretty well everythig had died. As she has said, she is on well water and there is no guage to say how much water is available.
Our garden is doing pretty well, but then we water and our water bill is going to be huge. We do try and use as much gray water as possible. The corn finally has' flowers'; now whether there is enough 'summer' left to actually get any cobs is the question. Next year I think I'll start the corn inside and then out under the polytunnel. We didn't plant until June10th or so this year. Plenty of tomatoes . Now we wait to see if they have enough time and heat to turn red ! Beans are finally producing and we're keeping our eyes on some tiny cukes.
It was time to go get groceries today. The fridge was almost empty. Each t ime we go, we are shocked by the price of meat, fruits and vegetables. I said that we're going to end up just dragging a piece of meat across our plates ! I found a box of bacon ends for a good price. Bacon makes everything taste better. It'll be handy for fried rice and frittatas. I packaged it in about 1/2 pound bags so we won't be tempted to cook too much. I used up the last of the ham to make ham and lentil soup with some summer squash, celery and onion. It tastes good although it doesn't look appetizing.
We've had ygs 3 days this week. My ES helps take care of 3 mentally handicapped adults, all siblings. The eldest was not in the best of moods this week, so ES thought it better that YGS stay with us. He is fortunate that he can take his son to work to play with his former day care providers children. YGS loves being out on the acreage. Today they were all going into the Telus World of Science to see Jurassic Forest. Funny how all kids love dinosaurs.
I finished the back of the sweater and am on the left front. I think I have ripped back as much as I have knit ! Hopefully I'll get it finished before school starts. I have some fleece pieces out to make Marley a camping poncho. She was shivering when the cold front rolled through. Thankfully thunder doesn't seem to bother her.
I didn't feel like cooking supper tonight so picked up a rotisserie chicken. When I came home, I quickly made a potato salad and some devilled eggs. All that is left to do is to make a tossed salad and slice the French bread that was warm from the bakery. Easy peasy , especially in this heat.
The back and side gardens were mowed today sol hopefully we will get to the front yard tomorrow. My grass' transplants' seem to have taken. next time it rains, I'll try to get out and do some more.
ED returned home safely. She is working form home today - actually she has taken 2 PD days to finish her papers. I see from her tweets that work has been contacting her a lot ! She even did homework while travelling ! She'll wonder what to do with her time when she finishes her Masters.
Now to find something to watch. There is nothing on tv, and I think I've exhausted all that I can watch on Netflix. Can't read and knit at the same time or I'd be working on the pile of books I have !
Friday, July 31, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
The Days Pass By
Nothing extrordinary happened in the last while. YGS had decided that he'd like supper and a sleepover every night ! LOL He is eating us out of house and home ! Last Monday we ended up with all three grandchildren for a sleepover. The model planes they all made did not fly very well at the park, but they had fun doing it ! We were tired by the time they'd all left ! OGS wished they had a set night that they could sleep over as their cousin does.
The last week of the Tour de France was fun to watch. I madly worked on my lap afghans and managed to finsh all four by Friday. My wool stash has gone down by over half. Now I am knitting a lightweight sweater for myself. Well I hope it will fit me as I adapt a Classic Lace pattern. It's a dusty rose colour and will be a change from all my black sweaters.
The gardens are doing well. I have managed to transplant more of the new grass which grew in one of the front garden beds. Hop;efully they take and spread to fill in some of the bare spots.. it hs been said that El Niño has not truly hit yet so we are supposed to expect more drought conditions. The rain the last few days has certainly helped the plants and lawns.We'll try to get the lawns mowed today after they dry out some. by this time of the year, we have often had to mow twice a week. This year we can do it every second week ! I need to get out and deadhead some roses and maybe even pick some green beans ! Some of the cherries will need picking and processing as well.
Next we I need to do some paper work and maybe even cut my hair. Can't stand the length anymore.There is not much left of summer vacation. Once August hits, the days will pass by and the next thing you know it's back to school !
The Green Lap Afghan
Well, I sure have trouble getting photos on here. This is the Green Lap Afghan. The others are Blue, Purple, a MixMatch with 3 others completed earleier in the year being brownn, greens and a red and cream.
This is one of the Lap Afghans. there are 7 in all. Cant get those pictures on here, neither the picture of my sweater. Must figure it out sometime.
Floors are swept and washd so that is another job done for today. As we have been dog sitting during the week, it had seemed useless to wash them. Now they're clean to start the week !
ED comes home this week after a wonderful week in the Dominican Republic. YGS and the Marley have missed her. YD is off to Canmore for a family wedding. Sons are playing baseball so the family has been busy. Now I'll get my act in gear with the end of the Tour and the Pan Am games.
The last week of the Tour de France was fun to watch. I madly worked on my lap afghans and managed to finsh all four by Friday. My wool stash has gone down by over half. Now I am knitting a lightweight sweater for myself. Well I hope it will fit me as I adapt a Classic Lace pattern. It's a dusty rose colour and will be a change from all my black sweaters.
The gardens are doing well. I have managed to transplant more of the new grass which grew in one of the front garden beds. Hop;efully they take and spread to fill in some of the bare spots.. it hs been said that El Niño has not truly hit yet so we are supposed to expect more drought conditions. The rain the last few days has certainly helped the plants and lawns.We'll try to get the lawns mowed today after they dry out some. by this time of the year, we have often had to mow twice a week. This year we can do it every second week ! I need to get out and deadhead some roses and maybe even pick some green beans ! Some of the cherries will need picking and processing as well.
Next we I need to do some paper work and maybe even cut my hair. Can't stand the length anymore.There is not much left of summer vacation. Once August hits, the days will pass by and the next thing you know it's back to school !
The Green Lap Afghan
Well, I sure have trouble getting photos on here. This is the Green Lap Afghan. The others are Blue, Purple, a MixMatch with 3 others completed earleier in the year being brownn, greens and a red and cream.
This is one of the Lap Afghans. there are 7 in all. Cant get those pictures on here, neither the picture of my sweater. Must figure it out sometime.
Floors are swept and washd so that is another job done for today. As we have been dog sitting during the week, it had seemed useless to wash them. Now they're clean to start the week !
ED comes home this week after a wonderful week in the Dominican Republic. YGS and the Marley have missed her. YD is off to Canmore for a family wedding. Sons are playing baseball so the family has been busy. Now I'll get my act in gear with the end of the Tour and the Pan Am games.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Agriculture Disaster Area
We're all still praying for rain especially the farmers in our county which has just declared Parkland is in a state of disaster. The crops are poor due to very little moisture and are now being attacked by grasshoppers. As we drove th rougoh town today, we noticed a huge number of lawns that were yellow and the city has heavily mulched the newer trees. It sees that people are restricting their watering to their flower beds[ of which there are less ad less] and their potted plants. We use gray water for our flowers. We rarely 'run' water in our sinks, but if we do to get hot water for dishes, we fill up a watering can. Very little water goes down our drains.
Needless to say, the beef cattle herds are getting smaller and prices are skyrocketing; fruit and vegetable prices are going through the roof ! Our 'treat' this week was a cauliflower at $5 a head ! The only meat we bought was some hamburger. Thankfully we still have quite a bit of meat in the downstairs freezer. I have a family of meateaters so there is going to be some adjustments by them as we can not afford meat !
On Monday we had YGs for his sleepover while his dad played baseball. Well yesterday he decided he'd have another sleepover ! he gets nothign special; in fact on Monday he had no treats and didn't even go into the hot tub. We played makebelieve with a doll and an old telephone and then it was off to bed ! Playing outside most of the days on the acerage seem to be agreeing with him. His appetite is growing !!
Even though the yard is still a work in progres, I am pleased with the colour that I see in every corner. I do love perennials ! We work so hard to make the yard a pleasant place, and it is really pi$$ing me off when I see the mess in the yard next door. It seems to me to be getting worse and worse. Their landlord is going to have to put out a great deal of money and work into the house before he is able to rent it out again. Oh well, should count my blessings. They are quiet and really quite nice.
Chili for supper and maybe even some homemade tortillas.
Needless to say, the beef cattle herds are getting smaller and prices are skyrocketing; fruit and vegetable prices are going through the roof ! Our 'treat' this week was a cauliflower at $5 a head ! The only meat we bought was some hamburger. Thankfully we still have quite a bit of meat in the downstairs freezer. I have a family of meateaters so there is going to be some adjustments by them as we can not afford meat !
On Monday we had YGs for his sleepover while his dad played baseball. Well yesterday he decided he'd have another sleepover ! he gets nothign special; in fact on Monday he had no treats and didn't even go into the hot tub. We played makebelieve with a doll and an old telephone and then it was off to bed ! Playing outside most of the days on the acerage seem to be agreeing with him. His appetite is growing !!
Even though the yard is still a work in progres, I am pleased with the colour that I see in every corner. I do love perennials ! We work so hard to make the yard a pleasant place, and it is really pi$$ing me off when I see the mess in the yard next door. It seems to me to be getting worse and worse. Their landlord is going to have to put out a great deal of money and work into the house before he is able to rent it out again. Oh well, should count my blessings. They are quiet and really quite nice.
Chili for supper and maybe even some homemade tortillas.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Rain, Rain, Come again Today !
As children we were nit thrilled waking up to a rainy day. We had to change our 'plans' and figure out some indoor activities, never realizing how important the moisture was for crops etc. Alberta is in drought conditions, in fact the western provinces are all crying for rain. With Hubby's asthma, we have had to keep all windows closed because of the heavy smoke in the air. We need a good rain, 3 days of gentle, constant rain to cleanse our air, dampen the forest fires and fill our rain barrels.
They switched beds, rearranged the p;osition of the fan etc. etc. Thankfully GD just closed her eyes and went to sleep. First one to sleep and last one to get up.
Don't know when they are all goinng home, but the rest of the day will be a lazy one. No outside work will be done today although a lot of work remains to be done with the remmants of the pond. Lots of riverock to be moved and areas to be levelled.
Plants are doing well, several tomatoes and the cucumbers have started flowering.The corn is getting taller and taller and I'm keeping an eye out for any ears starting. Have to do some research on a plant that has appeared. Not sure if it is a perennial geranium, but it sure is pretty. I also realize I have pulled several others out ! Darn !
My niehgbour next door[ very hard working and nice people] is turning his yard into a construction site. They have a young couple living with them who have a boat, aa tent trailer and a work trailer. Now he has two huge fiberglass strctures- like huge bathtubs and is offloading masses of wood , 2x8' and some plywood. Grr We work hard to make our yard a pleasant an appealing oasis and we have that mess next door.I know they have talked abouat buying a lot out at Spring Lake so perhaps they are getting ready to build. Very rarely do you ever get a renter that looks after a property.
The youngsters want something to eat, so I had best find something.
They switched beds, rearranged the p;osition of the fan etc. etc. Thankfully GD just closed her eyes and went to sleep. First one to sleep and last one to get up.
Don't know when they are all goinng home, but the rest of the day will be a lazy one. No outside work will be done today although a lot of work remains to be done with the remmants of the pond. Lots of riverock to be moved and areas to be levelled.
Plants are doing well, several tomatoes and the cucumbers have started flowering.The corn is getting taller and taller and I'm keeping an eye out for any ears starting. Have to do some research on a plant that has appeared. Not sure if it is a perennial geranium, but it sure is pretty. I also realize I have pulled several others out ! Darn !
My niehgbour next door[ very hard working and nice people] is turning his yard into a construction site. They have a young couple living with them who have a boat, aa tent trailer and a work trailer. Now he has two huge fiberglass strctures- like huge bathtubs and is offloading masses of wood , 2x8' and some plywood. Grr We work hard to make our yard a pleasant an appealing oasis and we have that mess next door.I know they have talked abouat buying a lot out at Spring Lake so perhaps they are getting ready to build. Very rarely do you ever get a renter that looks after a property.
The youngsters want something to eat, so I had best find something.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Sadness, Smoke, and Life goes on
The sun is an orange ball in the sky because of all the forest fires in the 3 westernmost provinces. The air is heavy with smoke , and there have been some reports of ash falling. We are hundreds of kilometres from any fire. This weekend we are also under a heat advisory so since it's early, I've opened all the windows to get some cool air, albeit reeking for soke, into the house.
On Thursday we made a very quick trip to Value Village in St. Albert and picked up a sports coat and shortsleeved dress shirt for Hubby.The little river that runs through the city is just a mudbed right now. Not good. Marley was very excited to see us when we got back, but lay around for the rest of the day. We fed her ice cubes and plopped ice cubes into her water dish as it was so hot. Records were broken that day. Supper that night was leftovers and salad.
Friday was a hard day for all of us. A good friend who touched many lives was laid to rest. Hubby and I vacuumed and cleaned the car so it would be presentable driving a friend of George's to the funeral. We picked him up in Edmonton to drive him out here to the church. All my children took time off work to pay their respects. Joyce was our neighbour first and then became our friend. YGS thought his dad and Uncle looked like they should be on the News because of their suits !! He came too, and I was a little worried, but he didn't say a word during the service, not.a.word. He said afterward, Was I really quiet, Grandma ? No one knew that a 5 year old was sitting in the pew !
It was hard. She told no one of her illness,until she could no longer hide it - even family. She didn't want sympathy from anyone. We had only learned a couple of weeks ago thata she was ill, but her husband had promised her not to say anything more. We learned of her death while we were camping. I was checking FB and was shocked.She was the crews' Den mother for Westjet, a job she loved and they all loved her . In fact, they arranged for a bus to bring a group up from Calgary. Aloving, genuine woman. Rest in peace, Joyce Leadbeater.
Our family ended up here and we chatted for quit a long time and then everyone went home to do what they had to do. As much as it hurts sometines, life does go on.YD had just pulled into her driveway 15 min before the service, so although they trieed to get back in time, they were just a little late. We will be having the eldest grandchildren for a sleepover tonight. They have time at a beachhouse by the Pacific Ocean, also affected by the smoke from the fires.
Today will be spent weeding[ I've already been out doing some] and today I think , the 'plastics cupboard needs a clean out. The 'purple lap afghan' is done, now onto the greens and cream.
And so life goes on
On Thursday we made a very quick trip to Value Village in St. Albert and picked up a sports coat and shortsleeved dress shirt for Hubby.The little river that runs through the city is just a mudbed right now. Not good. Marley was very excited to see us when we got back, but lay around for the rest of the day. We fed her ice cubes and plopped ice cubes into her water dish as it was so hot. Records were broken that day. Supper that night was leftovers and salad.
Friday was a hard day for all of us. A good friend who touched many lives was laid to rest. Hubby and I vacuumed and cleaned the car so it would be presentable driving a friend of George's to the funeral. We picked him up in Edmonton to drive him out here to the church. All my children took time off work to pay their respects. Joyce was our neighbour first and then became our friend. YGS thought his dad and Uncle looked like they should be on the News because of their suits !! He came too, and I was a little worried, but he didn't say a word during the service, not.a.word. He said afterward, Was I really quiet, Grandma ? No one knew that a 5 year old was sitting in the pew !
It was hard. She told no one of her illness,until she could no longer hide it - even family. She didn't want sympathy from anyone. We had only learned a couple of weeks ago thata she was ill, but her husband had promised her not to say anything more. We learned of her death while we were camping. I was checking FB and was shocked.She was the crews' Den mother for Westjet, a job she loved and they all loved her . In fact, they arranged for a bus to bring a group up from Calgary. Aloving, genuine woman. Rest in peace, Joyce Leadbeater.
Our family ended up here and we chatted for quit a long time and then everyone went home to do what they had to do. As much as it hurts sometines, life does go on.YD had just pulled into her driveway 15 min before the service, so although they trieed to get back in time, they were just a little late. We will be having the eldest grandchildren for a sleepover tonight. They have time at a beachhouse by the Pacific Ocean, also affected by the smoke from the fires.
Today will be spent weeding[ I've already been out doing some] and today I think , the 'plastics cupboard needs a clean out. The 'purple lap afghan' is done, now onto the greens and cream.
And so life goes on
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
The Heat Comes Back !
The temperatures are expected to go up ito the 30 degree range. Too hot for me ! I've been awake since 3:30--- sure wish our neighbour wouldn't let her dog out to bark as she gets ready for work. So I decided I might as well get up and do something. The kitchen and downstairs floors are washed.I took the spider plant down and left it outside to repot later on. I've rooted some others which should refresh the pot.
I realized last night that Hubby has not got a sports jacket to wear to the funeral. ES has his suit which no longer fits him. ES wore it to court. So I am thinking a trip into Value Village is necessary this am to see what we can find. I have a black dress which I used at my MIL's funeral and one last summer.We also need to vacuum the car as Hubby is picking up one of George's friends who can no longer drive. Hopefully we can get that done while the shade is still in the back.
Once the funeral is over, I can get ito the gardens , move more soil and river rock. It is a never ending process. Hopefully my next summer we'll have finished filling in the pond and have a proper veggie garden and surrounding area.
We spotted a bird we had not seen before down in Drumheller. At first I thought it might be a Northern Oriole, but it could have been a Western Tanager. Hard to pinpoint it when it is a female as their plumage is so much duller/different than the male. The bird flitted from tree to tree so we couldn't even get a photo for reference.
Every door and window is open to let all the cool air in. Once we leave, I'll close pretty well everything up to keep cool.
I realized last night that Hubby has not got a sports jacket to wear to the funeral. ES has his suit which no longer fits him. ES wore it to court. So I am thinking a trip into Value Village is necessary this am to see what we can find. I have a black dress which I used at my MIL's funeral and one last summer.We also need to vacuum the car as Hubby is picking up one of George's friends who can no longer drive. Hopefully we can get that done while the shade is still in the back.
Once the funeral is over, I can get ito the gardens , move more soil and river rock. It is a never ending process. Hopefully my next summer we'll have finished filling in the pond and have a proper veggie garden and surrounding area.
We spotted a bird we had not seen before down in Drumheller. At first I thought it might be a Northern Oriole, but it could have been a Western Tanager. Hard to pinpoint it when it is a female as their plumage is so much duller/different than the male. The bird flitted from tree to tree so we couldn't even get a photo for reference.
Every door and window is open to let all the cool air in. Once we leave, I'll close pretty well everything up to keep cool.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Doggie Daycare
Beautiful day here today, as was yesterday. It looks lilke we have saved the tomatoes. The leaves were curled as the plants were so dry. Another day and I think they would have died. Even beore the trailer was backed into the parking pad, I was watering them ! then after we were pretty well unpacked, Hubby put the sprinkler on for a good long time. I had thought of moving some out of the vertical planter into a tiny spot in the vegetable garden, and I still might.Other than the tomatoes, everything else seems to be doing well.
YGS was over yesterday and he did have quiet time !!He never stops talking or eating , but is a joy to have around. Marley settled in and then we discovered I had no dog food left. She sure enjoyed the chicken I fed her ! ED came over afater work to pick her up and ended up staying for supper as long as there would be enough leftovers for YS to have after baseball. ED asked YGS if he wanted to come home with her ......and he answered her the same as he did to his Dad who said he'd coe over to see him afterwork and before baseball...... No way, I'm having a sleepover ! Now he doesn't get '' extra treats' and his bedtime is his usual time, but he just loves haviang sleepovers. He gets to have two books 'read' to him by Tumblebooks, hops into bed and that is it !
I've been up early as usual when the Tour de France is on. I'm working on one lap afghan, but as the square becomes larger, it seems to be taking forever to even make one round ! And to think I have 3 more to do ! They'll keep me busy all summer.
The lawn was cut this morning and pots and begonias watered. Tomorrow is to be in the 30* range. Some weeding was done and I transplanted some more grass. funny how grass does so well where you don't want it to-- in the flower beds ! Most of the transplants have taken so I'll keep on doing it. Hopefully we'll get some rain soon. Our water bill was $103 the last month. Yikes, it looks lilke no rain until Monday. We use gray water to help with some of the watering and we have 2 rainbarrels that we use in the back.
Marley is here again today. Since ES had been off work for a couple of months, Marley has not been left alone . At least today, she came with some food although she doesn't seem to be impressed and would rather have something from the fridge. She is a quiet little dog, not yappy at all , which makes the dogsitting quite easy.She 'talked' to me this morning, and have just realized what she wanted. I thought food, outside --- no she wanted to play.....didn't happen.
A few more things to tidy up; we washed all the throw rugs and bathmats yesterday and then it'll be time for a nana nap .
YGS was over yesterday and he did have quiet time !!He never stops talking or eating , but is a joy to have around. Marley settled in and then we discovered I had no dog food left. She sure enjoyed the chicken I fed her ! ED came over afater work to pick her up and ended up staying for supper as long as there would be enough leftovers for YS to have after baseball. ED asked YGS if he wanted to come home with her ......and he answered her the same as he did to his Dad who said he'd coe over to see him afterwork and before baseball...... No way, I'm having a sleepover ! Now he doesn't get '' extra treats' and his bedtime is his usual time, but he just loves haviang sleepovers. He gets to have two books 'read' to him by Tumblebooks, hops into bed and that is it !
I've been up early as usual when the Tour de France is on. I'm working on one lap afghan, but as the square becomes larger, it seems to be taking forever to even make one round ! And to think I have 3 more to do ! They'll keep me busy all summer.
The lawn was cut this morning and pots and begonias watered. Tomorrow is to be in the 30* range. Some weeding was done and I transplanted some more grass. funny how grass does so well where you don't want it to-- in the flower beds ! Most of the transplants have taken so I'll keep on doing it. Hopefully we'll get some rain soon. Our water bill was $103 the last month. Yikes, it looks lilke no rain until Monday. We use gray water to help with some of the watering and we have 2 rainbarrels that we use in the back.
Marley is here again today. Since ES had been off work for a couple of months, Marley has not been left alone . At least today, she came with some food although she doesn't seem to be impressed and would rather have something from the fridge. She is a quiet little dog, not yappy at all , which makes the dogsitting quite easy.She 'talked' to me this morning, and have just realized what she wanted. I thought food, outside --- no she wanted to play.....didn't happen.
A few more things to tidy up; we washed all the throw rugs and bathmats yesterday and then it'll be time for a nana nap .
Monday, July 6, 2015
We're Home !
We're home safely after a wonderful few days.
When everyone was up on July 3rd, we had a delicious breakfast of bacon , eggs and toast. Sure is nice having a toaster :) The best thing we did two years ago while travelling the western States was to bring a converter and an extension cord ! We're able to plug in all our devices , a light or even a fan ! We feel we're 'glamp;ing' although not by big RV's standards !
We headed off to the HooDoos which was a lot of fun. Jim. Liam and Marley are climbers. Marley was like a mountain goat ! I took the dog back to the parking lot, got her off pavement, into the shade and with some water. I made the decision then NOT to go to the museum and stay outside with the dog. It would have been too hard on her and on me. the temperature was 33*, but feeling like 36* Much too hot for her and me .
We travelled down to the Atlas Coal Min Historical site but at $35 a person, we decided it wasn't worth it. So off we went to the Suspension Bridge over the Red Deer River. YGS was apprehensive at first, but was fine by the time he was halfway. On our way back to the campground, we sstopped off at the grocery store and picked up fresh fruit and veggies alng with some treats. We realized as we had BBQed smokies for supper that we really missed fresh veggies. Didn't think we were that health conscious, although that was always the plan. ED had veggies left over from her party, all neatly packed up and still in her fridge !
We returned to the campsite, had a quick lunch and they took off to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. ES had been given free tickets by his ex's parents. YGS was grouchy which is retrospect was our fault. We should have had him cool down and have some quiet time before setting off. I sat with Marley, moving around into the shade and read the Outlanders book. When the others returned, Liam played at the little playgrouond with many, many other kids . He loved it. Hamburgers for supper and a campfire. We tried Campfire Shooters and they were good. I had bought giant marshmallows so one was more than enough.
The next day we had wonderful hot showers. there is always hot water in this campground. Later in the afternoon, we went to the splash park in Drumheller. However a cold front was coming in and YGS was so cold, his teeth were chattering ! YGS, ES and Hubby climbed the huge dinosaur and looked out of its mouth at the observation deck at the top. As we left, it started raining !! ED had gathered everything into the kitchen tent and then we put tarps up to keep ore of the rain out. Eventually it stopped long enough to BBQ potatoes and steaks. We had to rush back into the Kitchen tent to eat though ! ES had a roaring fire going, so eventually we were able to sit outside and enjoy it. We were all pretty tired, though.
The nest morning was an easy breakfast, a couple of leftover pancakes, toast and cereal. Camp was dismanatled, the later part in rain and we were off. rain off and on all the way home, but bright and sunny here at home. We've had no rain here. My tomatoes were nearly dead. Hopefully with the amount of water we gave them yesterday will bring them back to life ! Some unpacking was done, and then we went over to ED for a quick supper.
I've been up since before 4am. Laundry was gathered, dishes have been done, and the rest of the unperishable food taken out of the trailer. YGS will be here this am, as well as Marley. ES starts his new job today and although he is able to bring him to work, he thought it best not to today. YGS doesn't know it yet, but he'll be having a nap - or at least quiet time !
YS had a wonderful baseball tournament.
When everyone was up on July 3rd, we had a delicious breakfast of bacon , eggs and toast. Sure is nice having a toaster :) The best thing we did two years ago while travelling the western States was to bring a converter and an extension cord ! We're able to plug in all our devices , a light or even a fan ! We feel we're 'glamp;ing' although not by big RV's standards !
We headed off to the HooDoos which was a lot of fun. Jim. Liam and Marley are climbers. Marley was like a mountain goat ! I took the dog back to the parking lot, got her off pavement, into the shade and with some water. I made the decision then NOT to go to the museum and stay outside with the dog. It would have been too hard on her and on me. the temperature was 33*, but feeling like 36* Much too hot for her and me .
We travelled down to the Atlas Coal Min Historical site but at $35 a person, we decided it wasn't worth it. So off we went to the Suspension Bridge over the Red Deer River. YGS was apprehensive at first, but was fine by the time he was halfway. On our way back to the campground, we sstopped off at the grocery store and picked up fresh fruit and veggies alng with some treats. We realized as we had BBQed smokies for supper that we really missed fresh veggies. Didn't think we were that health conscious, although that was always the plan. ED had veggies left over from her party, all neatly packed up and still in her fridge !
We returned to the campsite, had a quick lunch and they took off to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. ES had been given free tickets by his ex's parents. YGS was grouchy which is retrospect was our fault. We should have had him cool down and have some quiet time before setting off. I sat with Marley, moving around into the shade and read the Outlanders book. When the others returned, Liam played at the little playgrouond with many, many other kids . He loved it. Hamburgers for supper and a campfire. We tried Campfire Shooters and they were good. I had bought giant marshmallows so one was more than enough.
The next day we had wonderful hot showers. there is always hot water in this campground. Later in the afternoon, we went to the splash park in Drumheller. However a cold front was coming in and YGS was so cold, his teeth were chattering ! YGS, ES and Hubby climbed the huge dinosaur and looked out of its mouth at the observation deck at the top. As we left, it started raining !! ED had gathered everything into the kitchen tent and then we put tarps up to keep ore of the rain out. Eventually it stopped long enough to BBQ potatoes and steaks. We had to rush back into the Kitchen tent to eat though ! ES had a roaring fire going, so eventually we were able to sit outside and enjoy it. We were all pretty tired, though.
The nest morning was an easy breakfast, a couple of leftover pancakes, toast and cereal. Camp was dismanatled, the later part in rain and we were off. rain off and on all the way home, but bright and sunny here at home. We've had no rain here. My tomatoes were nearly dead. Hopefully with the amount of water we gave them yesterday will bring them back to life ! Some unpacking was done, and then we went over to ED for a quick supper.
I've been up since before 4am. Laundry was gathered, dishes have been done, and the rest of the unperishable food taken out of the trailer. YGS will be here this am, as well as Marley. ES starts his new job today and although he is able to bring him to work, he thought it best not to today. YGS doesn't know it yet, but he'll be having a nap - or at least quiet time !
YS had a wonderful baseball tournament.
Friday, July 3, 2015
A Good Start
Here we are sitting in our hidden gem of a campsite ! 11 Bridges Campground near Drumheller. We are in a glade with grassy areas, enough room for our kitchen tent, Erin's tent and our trailer !! Marley has done her 'perimeter walk and stays in our secluded 'home'. YGS says " This is just perfect!" and " Camping is the Best Thing in the World !" You can't ask for anything better than that !
Games of cribbage were played last night and imagine it will continue later tonight if the weather holds.
Up early this morning, and Marley heard me and barked so we know she'll warn us of anyone coming into our site. ES and I have already finished a pot of coffee while everyone else is still asleep. An owl has been hooting and a small wild rabbit has been visiting. A good start.
Games of cribbage were played last night and imagine it will continue later tonight if the weather holds.
Up early this morning, and Marley heard me and barked so we know she'll warn us of anyone coming into our site. ES and I have already finished a pot of coffee while everyone else is still asleep. An owl has been hooting and a small wild rabbit has been visiting. A good start.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
What a Glorious Day !!
Canada Day 2015 was a wonderful day! The haze from the forest fires disappated and the sun shone ! No rain, just a cooling bit of wind. Perfect ...
Hubby and I ran around to pick up last minutes items for the party, and a few things to bring camping. ED said to wait on picking up supper items until she saw what she had left from the party. We managed to freeze 24 bottles of water which will keep the food cool for a day or two and then we'll drink them.
I lost count of how many people showed up at ED's party. We went over about 2:30 and stayed till 8:30. I am not a party animal !! We brought the dog back. She had been very well behaved, especially with the children. But as more people were arriving and the fireworks were in the near future, ED thought it best that she be safer and quieter here. She somehow during the night ended up sleeping at my feet. This morning she is a little confused. Even though she is over at our house almost every day, a member of her family is with her. She keeps checking out to see if they have arrived yet. I'm betting they aren't even up ! This will be Marley's first time camping.......at least we're not going into bear country !
Hubby and I are all packed up except for the cold food. We've decided against bringing wood. We have enough 'stuff' with 5 people and a dog !! Hopefully the weather holds..
Hubby and I ran around to pick up last minutes items for the party, and a few things to bring camping. ED said to wait on picking up supper items until she saw what she had left from the party. We managed to freeze 24 bottles of water which will keep the food cool for a day or two and then we'll drink them.
I lost count of how many people showed up at ED's party. We went over about 2:30 and stayed till 8:30. I am not a party animal !! We brought the dog back. She had been very well behaved, especially with the children. But as more people were arriving and the fireworks were in the near future, ED thought it best that she be safer and quieter here. She somehow during the night ended up sleeping at my feet. This morning she is a little confused. Even though she is over at our house almost every day, a member of her family is with her. She keeps checking out to see if they have arrived yet. I'm betting they aren't even up ! This will be Marley's first time camping.......at least we're not going into bear country !
Hubby and I are all packed up except for the cold food. We've decided against bringing wood. We have enough 'stuff' with 5 people and a dog !! Hopefully the weather holds..
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Happy Canada Day !!
Happy Canada Day !! Today we are 148 years old ! YD and ES have been busy preparing for the 3rd Annual Canada Day Party. My ED's house backs onto Jubilee park in our city. There are activities and events galore. So far there are 42 people coming !! They picked up our kitchen tent for shade[ although it might be used as shelter from the showers ! ]
I will shortly be making a list of a few things we have to pick up for our camping trip. We are still hoping to get the trailer washed. ED bought a lot of food, so she said she is sure she'll have leftovers to bring, certainly enough for the first night ! A colleague at work told me about toasting marshmallows, pulling out the centre and pouring in some Bailey's irish Cream-- a Camper's Shooter. Must pick up marshmallows ! LOL
I have 4 lap afghans started. All my little bits of wool had been colour sorted and used up. Now I can use the cones of wool I had been given ages ago and finish them up over the summer. We saw of the cones of wool for sale in an store in Washington for 35 dollars !! I'm sure I was given over 10 and now I am down to three to use on the afghans. Another one is a beautiful variegated gold and real which I plan to use in a shawl or scarf. I might even try to crochet it if I have time to search for a pattern that I can follow. I am a knitter, not a crochet; a basic granny square is all I can do.
The rain has certainly made the plants spurt up. I am sure I will have lots of weeds by the time we come back, even though we are away for only 4 days.
YD and her family are off the races in BC and then for a holiday/ SIL brought back the kayak thata they borrowed for their camping weekend earlier in the month. I don't know where one would go to go camping out west. BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan are tinderboxes. Guess we'll stay home for most of the summer. We are now under an Air Quality Advisory. I can see and smell the smoke from hundreds of kilometres away.
Time to get my act in gear and make my lists !!
I will shortly be making a list of a few things we have to pick up for our camping trip. We are still hoping to get the trailer washed. ED bought a lot of food, so she said she is sure she'll have leftovers to bring, certainly enough for the first night ! A colleague at work told me about toasting marshmallows, pulling out the centre and pouring in some Bailey's irish Cream-- a Camper's Shooter. Must pick up marshmallows ! LOL
I have 4 lap afghans started. All my little bits of wool had been colour sorted and used up. Now I can use the cones of wool I had been given ages ago and finish them up over the summer. We saw of the cones of wool for sale in an store in Washington for 35 dollars !! I'm sure I was given over 10 and now I am down to three to use on the afghans. Another one is a beautiful variegated gold and real which I plan to use in a shawl or scarf. I might even try to crochet it if I have time to search for a pattern that I can follow. I am a knitter, not a crochet; a basic granny square is all I can do.
The rain has certainly made the plants spurt up. I am sure I will have lots of weeds by the time we come back, even though we are away for only 4 days.
YD and her family are off the races in BC and then for a holiday/ SIL brought back the kayak thata they borrowed for their camping weekend earlier in the month. I don't know where one would go to go camping out west. BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan are tinderboxes. Guess we'll stay home for most of the summer. We are now under an Air Quality Advisory. I can see and smell the smoke from hundreds of kilometres away.
Time to get my act in gear and make my lists !!
Dull Monday
A drizzly dull day to start off my full official day of holidays ! Can you call it a holiday when you don't get paid ?? I had a full slate of things to do todya. The trailer needs a good cleaning and a final sweep of leaves off the trailer pad was also on the list. However with the drizzle this morning, that isn't going to happen.
Another set of windows haave been cleaned, the irises have been deadheaded and the kitchen tidied. My poncho is now sewn.[ YGS will be pleased] Yesterday a few mending jobs were done so that is out of the way. EGS qualified and got his racing driving license yesterday ! He's only 8 !!! ED stained her deck in 32* sunshine. She said she is sure the stain dried on impact.Looking at the weather forecast, it's a good job she got it done yesterday.
Hubby is off paying the municipal taxes . It's such a huge chunk of money, but couldn't rent for the cost of the taxes. He was supposed to go and add some boards onto the stairs of the ED's deck. They are already stained and ready to go. We'll see if the rain lets up, although if it rained gently all day I wouldn't mind. We desperately need moisture.
Where did the time go ?? It rained practically the whole day so I contented myself with going through my wool stash and watching some episodes of Midsommer Murders that I hadn't seen on Netflix. YGS came over for a sleepover while the sons went to baseball. The other team forfeited but YGS didn't want to go a sleepover so he didn't go home with his Dad. We don't do anything special, he goes to bed at his usual time , but he thinks it is so special ' I read for a bit. Years ago I had read the Outlander series and I have restarted them. They are a lot more fun to read after seeing the TV series.
Rain again yesterday but I managed to get out into the trailer. It hasn't been used in two years since we went to Yellowstone. In a break in the rain, Hubby and YS did a minor patch . Then the next thing ED, ES YGS were over. Some went into the hottub and we spent a couple of hours sitting around outside. There is a haze in the air from all the forest fires. Then it was off to bed to read.
It was our 42nd anniversary yesterday and the first time, Hubby has ever forgotten !!!
Another set of windows haave been cleaned, the irises have been deadheaded and the kitchen tidied. My poncho is now sewn.[ YGS will be pleased] Yesterday a few mending jobs were done so that is out of the way. EGS qualified and got his racing driving license yesterday ! He's only 8 !!! ED stained her deck in 32* sunshine. She said she is sure the stain dried on impact.Looking at the weather forecast, it's a good job she got it done yesterday.
Hubby is off paying the municipal taxes . It's such a huge chunk of money, but couldn't rent for the cost of the taxes. He was supposed to go and add some boards onto the stairs of the ED's deck. They are already stained and ready to go. We'll see if the rain lets up, although if it rained gently all day I wouldn't mind. We desperately need moisture.
Where did the time go ?? It rained practically the whole day so I contented myself with going through my wool stash and watching some episodes of Midsommer Murders that I hadn't seen on Netflix. YGS came over for a sleepover while the sons went to baseball. The other team forfeited but YGS didn't want to go a sleepover so he didn't go home with his Dad. We don't do anything special, he goes to bed at his usual time , but he thinks it is so special ' I read for a bit. Years ago I had read the Outlander series and I have restarted them. They are a lot more fun to read after seeing the TV series.
Rain again yesterday but I managed to get out into the trailer. It hasn't been used in two years since we went to Yellowstone. In a break in the rain, Hubby and YS did a minor patch . Then the next thing ED, ES YGS were over. Some went into the hottub and we spent a couple of hours sitting around outside. There is a haze in the air from all the forest fires. Then it was off to bed to read.
It was our 42nd anniversary yesterday and the first time, Hubby has ever forgotten !!!
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