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.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
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..
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