Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
since August 2006
Today starts off wonderful, bright, sunny and warm. We had our coffees, computing etc.. and set off on a nice 2 hour drive in our car to visit my daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren north of Toronto, not too much traffic today. On the way we passed Canada's Wonderland with rides operating on this warm sunny day. They are not supposed to open until May 8th, maybe just testing the equipment?
Canada's Wonderland
We arrived about 12:30 and the kids were on the quiet side street, riding their bikes and just generally enjoying the beautiful day. The youngest and our first grand daughter all pretty in pink, with her curly red hair and bright blue eyes being such a doll, was the centre of attention most of the afternoon as the boys were being boys, trucks, bikes, swings, balls burning up their excess energy. Of course she is a natural dancer, as she demonstrated dancing with Elmo.
a few pics
We brought this nice new pedal truck out of the attic over the garage, along with a pedal race car for the boys to enjoy.
nice pedal truck
It was last fall when we last saw them other than the webcam a few times over the winter. Sure is nice to get together, with everyones busy lifestyles. They had worked together to put on a very tasty early supper of baked pork chops, topped with a tomato/onion sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli. Followed by strawberries and ice cream and a very nice espresso afterwards.
so tasty, before the tomato sauce
Well after a wonderful outside visit this afternoon and delicious meal, we headed out, back to the farm and our house, I like to get home before dark, which does not happen now until close to 9 pm. It was so nice to see everybody again even if only for a short visit. Our next visit we will be camped much closer or they may even visit one of our campgrounds this summer as well, they do like camping.
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Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
since August 2006
Cool, windy and overcast again most of the day but no rain. The forecast promises warmer weather soon thou, it can't come soon enough. With not much on the agenda today, this morning I went to the wholesaler in Waterloo for a box of our favourite coffee, and stopped by ma's for coffee and a visit.
Back to the farm to putter about, compute and read, too cold to play outside, not sure where the day went. Before we knew it was time to start cooking, the dinner special tonight is corned beef, cabbage, and carrots done in the pressure cooker served with creamy mashed potatoes and a tossed salad, all very tasty. We had picked up this roast in Willis Texas back in March for St. Patricks day, but when we arrived at Abita Springs resort, on the day, our friends welcomed us there, with a corned beef and cabbage dinner. So we just kept ours until now.
tasty treat
By the time we were finished it was after 8 o'clock and time to go home and relax, a CSI tv show then off to bed. Saturday morning is exciting, we are off to visit my oldest daughter, son in law and three grandchildren in the morning, a nice two hour drive, in our car.
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Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
since August 2006
After the very high winds and rains yesterday the weather warmed up overnight. About 6 am it was 60f (15c) but a short while later was only 42f (8c), with some threatening looking clouds moving quickly across the sky.
dark clouds
We puttered around most of the morning, I repaired a broken window in the shop then after lunch Suzie had a dentist appointment in New Hamburg. And I went to Oak Manor Organic Flour Mill across the road to pick up a 12kg bag of Spelt flour for Sandy's baking.
Spelt Flour
Well I thought it was for Sandy's baking but she was busy doing bookwork and I was volunteered to bake a double batch of mini pecan tarts with spelt flour so that Dennis could enjoy them as well.
pecan tarts
We did the taste test and actually pretty good, I think I like them better with spelt. Then puttering around a bit, after milking, we decided to go to EJ's Tavern in Baden (formerly the Baden Hotel) with Dennis and Sandy. We have not been here for quite a few years, it was one of our favourite small town Taverns when we lived in the area. Not much has changed, the decor still as we remembered it, even with new owners, but with the new owners came a new menu, still pretty good food thou. But we did miss the huge handmade schnitzel, rolled ribs and pigtails that used to be on their menu.
same decor
So Dennis and I had some hot wings and fries (as you know I love my wings), Suzie had a small schnitzel on a bun (not like the original thou), Sandy a chicken breast and all was pretty good. Especially the large selection of ice cold draft beer on tap, how can you go wrong with that?
tasty hot wings
Years ago when we came here on thursday it was karaoke night, but things have changed, there was a band playing (actually a bunch of guys jamming) and were very good, some good country, and rock & roll songs great dancing music, so we danced, its been a while.
good band
Well all good times come to an end so we did finally go home to bed, about 10 pm (not 2 am like we used to) interesting how times change, the band was older and so are we, they started at 8 pm and were probably ready to call it a night as well.
So now I remember what we used to do in Ontario in the cooler weather. Its really tough to decide if we like the warm southern winters or cold winters here and suffer with nights out like this, hmm what to do??? I think Suzie will agree that we will suffer with the warm winters as long as we can.
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A bit warmer today, at least not the bitter cold we had a few days ago. I ran a few errands and the weird weather had the sun come out, light rain, sunny, heavy rain, sunny, cloudy, and rain. Every time I wanted to do something outside it began raining.
Finally about 3:00 pm I was ready to do go outside again, and it once again began to rain lightly. I came back inside our coach and noticed Omer come out of the garage in the heavy rain, with thunder and lightning heading to our coach, he wanted in, was afraid of the storm. So inside he came and the rains began. We had sideways rain and huge gusts of wind (up to 89kph, 50mph) rocking our coach. After a few minutes it went away and our electricity went off.
After checking about a few small branches in the yard came down, a larger one near the end of the laneway and a huge one just down the road, blocking the road and taking down some power lines with it.
branch down the lane
As luck would have it Ontario Hydro workers were just around the corner and were soon there. But they could not do much until their forestry crew got there with chain saws to cut up the huge tree and open the road.
cleaned up branches
crews ready to work
They need electricity for the milkers and to do chores in the barn so the emergency generator came out and was hooked up to a tractor suppling enough power to the barn. We were ok with our power inverter, solar panel and our own generator if we need it. They were heading out for supper with friends so we decided to just grab a take out pizza in Plattsville for another early supper. Then we could read and compute for a while, the winds died down and the sun came out after the storm. We watched a movie on tv and went to bed just before 10 pm the power was still not restored. So this morning once it warmed up a bit I went outside and plugged us back into power. All is well here.
Its just too bad that we do not have the warning systems in place for severe weather, like we have experienced south of the border. It seems difficult to find out information until after the fact.
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since August 2006
Tuesday morning and warmer sunny but windy with rain off and on. We both had appointments for our yearly physicals at 9 am in Stratford, so off we go to get this done. No waiting but as the nurse called both of us in the office I knew something was up. Apparently it has not ben a full year since our last one (we were a week early) and OHIP would not pay for it, so were were rescheduled for next week. We did not really want to pay for these. So no problem, we did a bit of shopping and enjoyed the morning drive.
Back home to putter about with a few things here and there, Dennis and I finished servicing the lawn tractor, got it running well and I cut a bit of grass over the septic bed that really grows fast. We were having an early supper tonight, 5:30 (between chores and milking) so I made a tomato rice casserole topped with pork chops coated in crushed corn flakes and spices, carrots with fried onions and butter, a tossed salad, and the rest of the green bean casserole. So that Dennis could eat if he had time our reheat later.
pork chop casserole
Tasty
Now that we had an early supper and the rain showers had stopped, the sun came out, and the front porch was very inviting facing west and sheltered from the wind it was very warm with the late afternoon sun. So we grabbed our books, chairs and enjoyed this spring time opportunity, of course Omer joined us too.
Omer says I'm here
she is my friend he says
serious conversation
that tickles
Now that he has had enough brushing for a while, he takes off probably playing in the field with some of his buddies, (raccoons, skunks, ground hogs, foxes, coyotes, maybe even another dog), getting wet, muddy, covered in burrs or maybe sprayed by a skunk. No problem Suzie will fix.
relaxing with our books
When the sun was on us it was hot, I had to take my shoes and socks off, and was going to put on my shorts, but when it went behind the clouds it cooled down, so hot and cold it was but absolutely fantastic, for a couple of hours before heading inside for the evening. A wonderful sample of more summer weather to come.
When we are heading south.
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Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
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Another sunny morning and getting milder, more spring like. But more rain in the forecast making it difficult for Dennis to get on the land and get their crops planted, this time last year most crops were in.
Off to the store for a few items, and back here to make a huge pot of ham and bean soup from sundays' ham bones. Then I made a tossed salad to take to moms, a get together with my sister, brother, youngest daughter, their spouses and two of our young grandsons. A very nice casual lunch, lots of food, munching, chatting and playing with the boys. So nice to see everybody after a winter away.
lotsa food
yummy veggies
As the day progressed, it was time for everyone to say good bye for now and return to their perspective homes. We back to the farm and BBQ'd some burgers and a salad for a light late supper, with Dennis and Sandy after chores. Then called it a night after another busy, fun day.
Our souther migration begins.
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This morning is sunny and getting warmer, we are enjoying this as spring is finally getting around to being here. After coffee, computing, morning walkabouts, and puttering around outside, we got a few last minutes things ready and then off to Suzie's parents for Easter Sunday dinner. This is always a great family get together, the tables were set for the 30 people who could make it, including 10 children. Most everybody was there, a cousin and her son from Germany, cousins from Ottawa, Aunts and Uncles Kitchener and Tavistock, even Gramma (96 yrs old)was there as well.
ready to go
We got there a bit early to help out with a few last minute things, everyone was there by 1:00 pm with their salads, and casseroles to add to the bone in ham (with homemade mustard) and potatoes, and a large variety deserts, from cheese cakes, to pies all made with spelt flour.
lots of food
tasty deserts
After lunch games began, upstairs, and downstairs, people chatting and the children burning up energy, inside and out, playing catch, tag, having fun. Everyone had a great time, nice to get together catching up. Then later on, about 7pm those of us left (about half) ate again, ham, salads, deserts, we did a pretty good job of trying to finish off the food. Now bellies full we all head home promising to get together again at least for Thanksgiving in October.
When we head south again.
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This morning started off foggy and warmer than it has been. Coffees and computing walkabout, then into Plattsville to the garage where a bunch of guys hanging about with coffees and solving all the problems of the world. Comment being George is here it must be summertime! So I chat there for a while, nice to see people I have not seen for quite a while, then back to the farm to putter about.
It was nice, sunny and warm, about 22c (70f) so in my t-shirt it was nice to play outside, I picked up a few fallen branches, and worked at cleaning up the gravel, mud and sod that somehow was deposited here over the winter outside our door. Somebody said that happens sometimes with snow removal. I vaguely remember a long time ago we had the same problem at our house. I puttered about a bit more servicing the garden tractor, in the shed with Dennis there as well. Then he and I went to grab a Timmies (Tim Hortons coffee) at the drive thru in Tavistock. Sandy and Suzie had gone to her parents to help set up their house for the Easter Sunday get together, its gonna be a large crowd. When they got back Sandy whipped up an apple pie and a cheese cake for tomorrow, all done with spelt flour.
Tonight after chores they were going to visit some friends for supper, so we were on our own. No problem we will take this opportunity to go into Plattsville, Shakers Restaurant, chicken wings for me, with a tasty hot sauce, and schnitzel for Suzie. Good food, a nice atmosphere and of course more people we have not seen for a while.
tasty wings
yummy schnitzel
After we finished up, got our bill, (even thou reasonably priced by Canadian standards) we realized that we again are back in Canada, a lot more money than we paid all winter for comparable meals. That's another reason why we don't eat out too much here.
Then back home to relax and enjoy a lovely sunset thru the trees. It was a huge red ball that the camera did not pickup,(too bright)
nice view
sunset across the creek
Of course while I was wandering about taking the pictures, Omer needs to see what I am doing and just follows me about the yard, making sure I am up to no good, he does his job well.
Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
since August 2006
Well after the shock of the early morning snow today, (I posted those pictures yesterday), things warmed up a bit and the sun was shining. Coffee, computing and cozy warm we were. Once the view out the front window changed from white to green I was outside.
looking south
looking east
Then I went for a short drive to Plattsville just to see the quiet of the village we lived in for 25 years, stopped and chatted with nephew Mark who was puttering about in his garage, then back home for lunch. No leaves on the trees yet and not many crops planted yet.
nice drive
Of course Suzie and Omer are playing on the kitchen floor, Suzie beginning the task of brushing out his winter coat.
brushing
Then a bit more puttering around and headed to visit Suzie's sister and brother-in-law, Rose & Ross, their son Reid was there with his wife and son Copper. They have a busy driveway with all his company vehicles (Pavestone Plus) parked there for the weekend.
their crowded driveway
Rose, Ross and Suzie
their grandson playing
Well chatting, catching up, visiting and playing with Cooper, then Ross fired up the Barbie for some perfectly cooked, melt in you steaks, accompanied by Roses' creamy mashed potatoes, broccoli/ cauliflower/ mushroom casserole and a tasty salad.
Ross on the Barbie
Rose and Suzie dishing up the veggies
We had a wonderful visit and a yummy supper, nice to get back together and visit with relatives when we are back home, in another week or so we hope to have visited with everyone.
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Join us as we travel North America in our Holiday Rambler Vacationer,
since August 2006
This is what I saw Fri. morning when I got up to post Thursdays Blog!! And it was shaping up to be such a nice day yesterday.
not impressed
what happened?
When are we heading south?
Ok back to how was our thursday. Our first night at the farm, it was still cold windy, we kept our slide closed to cut down the drafts and had a good nights sleep. Early morning, coffee, computing and a trip to town to check out the morning gossip at the garage. It turns out that another local fulltimer had just returned from his winter in Texas yesterday same as us, also staying with relatives.
I am thinking it must be spring time and the weather is improving, the graders are out fixing up the country roads.
grading the roads
I had called my chiropractor first thing and got in for and adjustment at 11:15 am, and all is well, this year so far, amazing how my back is liking the warm sunny winters and not working, wow I like this job! After here I stopped to visit ma, she made us lunch, we had a lovely visit, I made a few adjustments on her computer, promising to visit again soon.
Then I picked up few things and back to the farm, putter around a bit, set up our satellite dish (not so cold and windy now). I get to make supper (my job here), Sandy's choice for the supper special tonight was liver and onions, creamy mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus and a tossed salad. Like I mentioned on an earlier posting either you love liver or hate it, we all just happen to love it. So when the chores and milking are done, after 7 sometime, we can relax and enjoy.
tasty meal tonight
By the time this was done it's time to watch a bit of tv before calling it a night.
Thanks for stopping by.
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