The sun is shining this morning and I am thinking that it will be a very hot day today. I can feel the heat from the front windows already and am glad that the curtains are closed and think they will stay closed for most of the day.
It will be wonderful for the kids as they are having a "beach" day today. I am sure there will be some sunburns today.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are playing today so the only thing on my agenda today is to watch the game.
I will have to wash some dishes as I have ignored them for a few days now. Today is the day!!
As it turned out, it truly was a "quiet" day as I lounged around all day watching TV and reading. I did manage to get my lazy arse off the bed long enough to make a pot of chili for supper.
As the evening progressed, the clouds kept building rather ominously in the sky and there were several flashes of lightening and some thunder. It did manage to sprinkle a bit although not as much as I thought it would.
I got a text from Kim at the lake and they had a great "beach" day. Not surprising though, some of them are supporting sunburns.
They will be packing up camp tomorrow for the trip home and I imagine they will stop here for a bit before heading back to Saskatoon.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 27/2012
I am up early and headed to the laundromat. It is time, as the clothes are stacking up and I hate letting it get out of hand. Three loads is plenty and if I can get the triple load washer, it will be cheaper. Gosh, I really have no life when I worry about whether or not I can get the triple load washer!!
Before I get to the laundromat, I stop at the SGI license issuer in town and get some stickers for "old blue" so that we will be legal when we head to Clearwater today.
The kids have text us and asked us to come for a ride. They are going to do "the loop" today and it will be nice to ride with them. We have been working hard all week so today will be a much needed day off.
John loaded the quad on the back of "Old Blue" and it just fit. Wow!! It is a good thing that it is not an inch longer or there would be no way it would. We soon arrive at the lake and I have to check out the damage to Kellen's face. After I give him a hug and thank him for not dying, or worse yet, not ending up with a brain injury, I give him the "Mom" lecture about helmets and using his head to make better decisions. Stupid hurts and Kellen is one sad panda this morning. His face is very swollen and bruised but the suture lines are clean. It will heal but I can't imagine him going to work for a week or so. This will be an expensive faux pas for Kellen but it could have been so much worse. I think this injury has made all the kids realize just how fast things can go wrong. Lessons Learned The Hard Way.
We head out onto the trails - 12 quads and one dirt bike. The trails are dryer than what I would have thought although the few "bad" spots were still bad and of course there are always a few losers who think they can go where no man should go!! Two quads and two winches later, they are out and we are once again headed down the trail. There were several stops along the way and the day actually went well. There were no kids driving out of control and the amount of beer consumed was actually quite reasonable. I guess Kellen's accident was still pretty fresh in every one's mind.
There were a few overheating quads on the trail today and the dirt bike ended up with a flat rear tire (he runs tubes so was not repairable on the trail) but he was able to ride it into Chitek Lake where he left it at the friend's house. He will pick it up later tonight with his truck.
Back at camp it was time for whatever supper the various groups had planned. John and I stayed for a bit then headed home. It was a busy day and I was glad to be back at he bus safe and sound. I think even Hogan was glad to be home. I think tomorrow will be a very quiet day!!
Before I get to the laundromat, I stop at the SGI license issuer in town and get some stickers for "old blue" so that we will be legal when we head to Clearwater today.
The kids have text us and asked us to come for a ride. They are going to do "the loop" today and it will be nice to ride with them. We have been working hard all week so today will be a much needed day off.
John loaded the quad on the back of "Old Blue" and it just fit. Wow!! It is a good thing that it is not an inch longer or there would be no way it would. We soon arrive at the lake and I have to check out the damage to Kellen's face. After I give him a hug and thank him for not dying, or worse yet, not ending up with a brain injury, I give him the "Mom" lecture about helmets and using his head to make better decisions. Stupid hurts and Kellen is one sad panda this morning. His face is very swollen and bruised but the suture lines are clean. It will heal but I can't imagine him going to work for a week or so. This will be an expensive faux pas for Kellen but it could have been so much worse. I think this injury has made all the kids realize just how fast things can go wrong. Lessons Learned The Hard Way.
We head out onto the trails - 12 quads and one dirt bike. The trails are dryer than what I would have thought although the few "bad" spots were still bad and of course there are always a few losers who think they can go where no man should go!! Two quads and two winches later, they are out and we are once again headed down the trail. There were several stops along the way and the day actually went well. There were no kids driving out of control and the amount of beer consumed was actually quite reasonable. I guess Kellen's accident was still pretty fresh in every one's mind.
There were a few overheating quads on the trail today and the dirt bike ended up with a flat rear tire (he runs tubes so was not repairable on the trail) but he was able to ride it into Chitek Lake where he left it at the friend's house. He will pick it up later tonight with his truck.
Back at camp it was time for whatever supper the various groups had planned. John and I stayed for a bit then headed home. It was a busy day and I was glad to be back at he bus safe and sound. I think even Hogan was glad to be home. I think tomorrow will be a very quiet day!!
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| Old Blue loaded up- Off to Clear Water Lake |
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| Group photo |
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| Heading out |
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| Jace and Kimmy going deep! |
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| Which way? |
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| Waiting for the group |
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| Snake Grass |
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| Beverage! |
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| Chitek River Bridge |
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| Just fits |
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| Kids having fun! |
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| Don't lip off to your brother Maddy! |
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| They just can't stay out |
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| Amanda |
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| Bailey |
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| Start of Chitek River |
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| Ya it was there! |
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| Heading home in the dark |
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| We made it! |
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| Bailey in her leopard suit- GRRRR |
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 29/2012
Well it rained real hard for most of the night and at one point I was jarred awake by a very loud, rather vicious sounding crack of thunder. Man, was it loud. I bet the lightning that preceded it must have been amazing. I haven't heard a crack of thunder like that ever. As it turned out, it was the topic of the day!!
I guess the garden is now, good to go as far as any watering needs for the next week or so!!
This morning, it is sunny and warm out. That is a good thing as I am sure some of the kids at the lake who have been sleeping in tents will need this sunshine to dry out their gear.
The kids will all be heading home today so I imagine there is all sorts of activity around the campsite. The only bad thing about camping is the packing up at the end of it. Oh well, I imagine Jace will be leaving the camper here with us so that is one less thing he has to haul back to Saskatoon.
I have to work a night shift tonight so I hope all the little lovies have come and gone by the time I have to get ready and go.
It is almost the end of the month and I am working full time for the month of August. Woo Hoo - cha ching!!
Casey and Amanda were the first to show up. As suspected, they have some wet linen so that was quickly draped over the chairs and placed in the sun to dry. Both of them say they had a good time but I think little Amanda just may have been overwhelmed by all the "friends". There were a pile of them and since she is rather shy, I am sure she is glad the weekend is over. She is a little trooper though.
They only stayed for an hour or so then were headed back to Saskatoon and their jobs tomorrow. I did note that Roxy was one tired puppy and spent all her time here lying in the grass sleeping. She is usually running around like an idiot!!
The next to arrive was Chris. He stopped for just a few minutes to say goodbye then he too headed to Saskatoon.
Kellen and Keaton came next. Kellen's face looks much better today. Much less swelling although it still looks sore. He is finally going to get the prescription filled for the antibiotics the docs prescribed and that is a good thing. Keaton is driving as Kellen is not allowed to and Kellen is also off work for two weeks. He is a welder and I imagine a flash burn to some already bruised and swollen eyes would not be good. They stayed only long enough for me to take a final look at Kellen's wounds then they too were headed back to Saskatoon.
Gary came over for a visit. He has been busy mucking with his quad again and also had to assemble a few of his Bell satellite dishes for work tomorrow.
Dave and Shirley came by also. They were out for a drive on the trails in the little samurai. Man, it was like Grand Central Station around here. Of course everyone was enjoying their "refreshments" while I had to sip on crystal lite. No alcoholic beverage for Marie!!
Shirley went home for a minute to get me some eggs and when she came back, brought both her dogs. Now Bear (their big shepherd/lab cross) and Hogan don't normally get along but the last few times they were together, they ignored each other. Not so today as before too long they got into a most nasty fight. John grabbed Hogan by the collar to try and separate them and that is when Bear took a good bite and nailed Hogan a good one on his right shoulder. In the melee, I somehow managed to get a huge bruise on my ankle from the flying feet. With the dogs separated, I put Hogan in the bus and examined his wound. It was an ugly one, Bear got him good. It sure could use some stitches but I was headed to work and no one was in any condition to make a vet run. I cleaned it up good and filled the wound with polysporin and I will keep my fingers crossed that it heals without too much trouble.
Jace and Kimmy arrived just before I headed to work. They are supposed to be cooking supper for us but alas, they are too late to cook me supper but did end up cooking for John, Dave and Shirley.
According to John, Jace and Kimmy headed to Saskatoon around 10:00 p.m. They took their camper as they have to camp next weekend at Macklin where they are participating in a "Bones" tournament. Apparently, it is a game where you throw.....what else.......bones!!
I guess the garden is now, good to go as far as any watering needs for the next week or so!!
This morning, it is sunny and warm out. That is a good thing as I am sure some of the kids at the lake who have been sleeping in tents will need this sunshine to dry out their gear.
The kids will all be heading home today so I imagine there is all sorts of activity around the campsite. The only bad thing about camping is the packing up at the end of it. Oh well, I imagine Jace will be leaving the camper here with us so that is one less thing he has to haul back to Saskatoon.
I have to work a night shift tonight so I hope all the little lovies have come and gone by the time I have to get ready and go.
It is almost the end of the month and I am working full time for the month of August. Woo Hoo - cha ching!!
Casey and Amanda were the first to show up. As suspected, they have some wet linen so that was quickly draped over the chairs and placed in the sun to dry. Both of them say they had a good time but I think little Amanda just may have been overwhelmed by all the "friends". There were a pile of them and since she is rather shy, I am sure she is glad the weekend is over. She is a little trooper though.
They only stayed for an hour or so then were headed back to Saskatoon and their jobs tomorrow. I did note that Roxy was one tired puppy and spent all her time here lying in the grass sleeping. She is usually running around like an idiot!!
The next to arrive was Chris. He stopped for just a few minutes to say goodbye then he too headed to Saskatoon.
Kellen and Keaton came next. Kellen's face looks much better today. Much less swelling although it still looks sore. He is finally going to get the prescription filled for the antibiotics the docs prescribed and that is a good thing. Keaton is driving as Kellen is not allowed to and Kellen is also off work for two weeks. He is a welder and I imagine a flash burn to some already bruised and swollen eyes would not be good. They stayed only long enough for me to take a final look at Kellen's wounds then they too were headed back to Saskatoon.
Gary came over for a visit. He has been busy mucking with his quad again and also had to assemble a few of his Bell satellite dishes for work tomorrow.
Dave and Shirley came by also. They were out for a drive on the trails in the little samurai. Man, it was like Grand Central Station around here. Of course everyone was enjoying their "refreshments" while I had to sip on crystal lite. No alcoholic beverage for Marie!!
Shirley went home for a minute to get me some eggs and when she came back, brought both her dogs. Now Bear (their big shepherd/lab cross) and Hogan don't normally get along but the last few times they were together, they ignored each other. Not so today as before too long they got into a most nasty fight. John grabbed Hogan by the collar to try and separate them and that is when Bear took a good bite and nailed Hogan a good one on his right shoulder. In the melee, I somehow managed to get a huge bruise on my ankle from the flying feet. With the dogs separated, I put Hogan in the bus and examined his wound. It was an ugly one, Bear got him good. It sure could use some stitches but I was headed to work and no one was in any condition to make a vet run. I cleaned it up good and filled the wound with polysporin and I will keep my fingers crossed that it heals without too much trouble.
Jace and Kimmy arrived just before I headed to work. They are supposed to be cooking supper for us but alas, they are too late to cook me supper but did end up cooking for John, Dave and Shirley.
According to John, Jace and Kimmy headed to Saskatoon around 10:00 p.m. They took their camper as they have to camp next weekend at Macklin where they are participating in a "Bones" tournament. Apparently, it is a game where you throw.....what else.......bones!!
Thursday, July 26/2012
I have awoken to yet another nice day in the neighbourhood. Already it is hot. I got a text from Gale today asking if I would come and help her pick raspberries. John was just getting up and he usually spends and hour or so waking up and checking out the Internet so I had plenty of time to go and help.
When I arrived there, her and Charley (who has recently returned from visiting his Mom in Lloydminster) were picking weeds. Those damn things have flourished in her fertile soil and are darn near as tall as the pumpkins so the three of us commenced to weeding. Two hours later, the garden was damn near weed free and looked awesome. After a bit of a coffee break, we started picking raspberries. There were quite a few ready and in no time, we had the canes picked pretty clean although there were plenty of green ones still to ripen. I just may have another "picking" date in store for me!! Of course, the next time she asks me to come pick berries, I will wonder "does she mean weed"!!
When I got back to the bus (berries and some rhubarb and a rhubarb pie in hand) John was already working on the man cave. We worked until all the wood was up on the walls. There is now only the trim to do and of course the paint. There are a few more electrical receptacles that need to go in but that is an easy thing to do. The holes are cut and ready.
I got a call from Jace and he started the conversation by saying "Not to make you worry or anything.....". Dear God, if that doesn't get one's adrenaline pumping, I don't know what does. He continues by asking where the nearest place to get stitches is. Jesus, who is bleeding and what happened? Apparently Kellen flipped a quad backwards going up Mystery Hill and the radiator relocate hit him in the face. Jace took him to Meadow Lake hospital where he is now the proud supporter of approximately 30 sutures to his eyebrow and nose. Apparently these kids need a bit of a chat about quad safety and the need for full face helmets. Why, even at their ages, do they need to learn these simple lessons the hard way?
Casey and Amanda stopped by on their way to Clearwater, where they are going to camp for the weekend with the rest of the kids. They forgot a few things so stocked up on what they needed and headed off. We will see them tomorrow as we will probably make it over there for a visit and maybe a quad ride!!
Happy hour rolled around and Dave and Shirley came for a visit as well as Gary. Gosh, the five of us have not been together for a few weeks so it was nice to sit and chat with everyone and catch up on all the news.
Tonight, I raided the potatoes and found some good sized ones ready for eating. I gave some to Shirley and offered some to Gary but he did not feel like cooking tonight so declined my offer....silly man!!
Everyone soon headed home to prepare their supper and John and I did the same.
It was pork chops and fresh potatoes for us and man, were those potatoes good. Butter and fresh chopped dill and I was in heaven!!
We spent the rest of the evening relaxing in front of the TV resting up from the days work. I am tired and can't seem to quit yawning. Gee, I don't think I am this tired after working 12 hours at the nursing home!!
When I arrived there, her and Charley (who has recently returned from visiting his Mom in Lloydminster) were picking weeds. Those damn things have flourished in her fertile soil and are darn near as tall as the pumpkins so the three of us commenced to weeding. Two hours later, the garden was damn near weed free and looked awesome. After a bit of a coffee break, we started picking raspberries. There were quite a few ready and in no time, we had the canes picked pretty clean although there were plenty of green ones still to ripen. I just may have another "picking" date in store for me!! Of course, the next time she asks me to come pick berries, I will wonder "does she mean weed"!!
When I got back to the bus (berries and some rhubarb and a rhubarb pie in hand) John was already working on the man cave. We worked until all the wood was up on the walls. There is now only the trim to do and of course the paint. There are a few more electrical receptacles that need to go in but that is an easy thing to do. The holes are cut and ready.
I got a call from Jace and he started the conversation by saying "Not to make you worry or anything.....". Dear God, if that doesn't get one's adrenaline pumping, I don't know what does. He continues by asking where the nearest place to get stitches is. Jesus, who is bleeding and what happened? Apparently Kellen flipped a quad backwards going up Mystery Hill and the radiator relocate hit him in the face. Jace took him to Meadow Lake hospital where he is now the proud supporter of approximately 30 sutures to his eyebrow and nose. Apparently these kids need a bit of a chat about quad safety and the need for full face helmets. Why, even at their ages, do they need to learn these simple lessons the hard way?
Casey and Amanda stopped by on their way to Clearwater, where they are going to camp for the weekend with the rest of the kids. They forgot a few things so stocked up on what they needed and headed off. We will see them tomorrow as we will probably make it over there for a visit and maybe a quad ride!!
Happy hour rolled around and Dave and Shirley came for a visit as well as Gary. Gosh, the five of us have not been together for a few weeks so it was nice to sit and chat with everyone and catch up on all the news.
Tonight, I raided the potatoes and found some good sized ones ready for eating. I gave some to Shirley and offered some to Gary but he did not feel like cooking tonight so declined my offer....silly man!!
Everyone soon headed home to prepare their supper and John and I did the same.
It was pork chops and fresh potatoes for us and man, were those potatoes good. Butter and fresh chopped dill and I was in heaven!!
We spent the rest of the evening relaxing in front of the TV resting up from the days work. I am tired and can't seem to quit yawning. Gee, I don't think I am this tired after working 12 hours at the nursing home!!
Wednesday, July 25/2012
OMG!! It is late when I get up - 9:30!! I must check for bed sores!! I have not slept this late in ages and although it was late when I finally did get to sleep, I usually do not sleep in.
It is garbage day today and I wonder if I missed the pick up. I forgot to put the garbage can out at the curb yesterday so I guess if I did then, too damn bad. There wasn't much in there anyway.
It is rather dreary out this morning and it looks like the weather man's prediction of showers just may be correct.
As I sit here catching up on the blog, I hear the garbage truck and know that I have not missed pickup yet so I must get the can to the curb in the next few minutes or I will. As I look outside though, there is a very fine down pour of rain going on and now I am going to get wet!! Geez Louise!! The garden is in need of the rain so I am glad that it is getting it. I just hope that is doesn't hit the lake and the kids but I guess the quads can be repaired under the tarps if need be.
When I was talking to Jace last night, he asked if I had any nail polish remover as I guess Kimmy forgot hers. Now, what self respecting woman would go to the lake without her nail polish remover?? Well, I have two bottles of it here so will gladly share. I will text them again this morning to see if there is anything else they may need before John and I head over for a visit.
I must also head to the grocery store today as our fridge is pretty damn bare. John has been surviving on toast, popcorn and kraft dinner over the last few days!! Poor thing!! It is a good thing I filled the dog's dish before my two days of work or he would be starving too. Both of them really miss me when I work (but only as far as food goes!!).
John and I worked for quite a few hours today in the man cave and finally got the "It's 5:00 o'clock somewhere" neon sign up. It looks good but will look even better when the wall is painted behind it. In the meantime, it is up and ready to party!!
When we finally finished up for the day, John started a campfire and we sat around it waiting for supper to cook. It was awesome and bed soon followed.
It is garbage day today and I wonder if I missed the pick up. I forgot to put the garbage can out at the curb yesterday so I guess if I did then, too damn bad. There wasn't much in there anyway.
It is rather dreary out this morning and it looks like the weather man's prediction of showers just may be correct.
As I sit here catching up on the blog, I hear the garbage truck and know that I have not missed pickup yet so I must get the can to the curb in the next few minutes or I will. As I look outside though, there is a very fine down pour of rain going on and now I am going to get wet!! Geez Louise!! The garden is in need of the rain so I am glad that it is getting it. I just hope that is doesn't hit the lake and the kids but I guess the quads can be repaired under the tarps if need be.
When I was talking to Jace last night, he asked if I had any nail polish remover as I guess Kimmy forgot hers. Now, what self respecting woman would go to the lake without her nail polish remover?? Well, I have two bottles of it here so will gladly share. I will text them again this morning to see if there is anything else they may need before John and I head over for a visit.
John and I worked for quite a few hours today in the man cave and finally got the "It's 5:00 o'clock somewhere" neon sign up. It looks good but will look even better when the wall is painted behind it. In the meantime, it is up and ready to party!!
When we finally finished up for the day, John started a campfire and we sat around it waiting for supper to cook. It was awesome and bed soon followed.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24/2012
Once again, I find myself heading off to work. I looks like it is going to be another nice day.
I hope the kids are having a blast at the lake while this lovely weather holds out. Showers are in the forecast but even rainy weather at the lake is better than good weather at home. There is something about having a beer under an ugly blue tarp while the rain is dancing over your head trying to put the campfire out!!
There were weather watches for many of the areas in the province today for huge thunderstorms, rain, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes. Man, tis the season for tornadoes this year. There have already been several here in Saskatchewan and although we usually get one or two, I think I heard that we have already had seven confirmed touch downs. That is just nasty and I would hate to think that this is becoming a common occurrence here in our relatively safe little province. We have never really had to worry about huge weather events but as I said before, they are becoming increasingly more common.
It was a good day "at the office" again today. Actually, the last two days have been a lot of fun. The staff I was working with are a hoot to work with so there were lots of laughs and great conversation. I love my job and it is such a good break form this retirement routine!!
John did a lot of work in the man cave today and is tired. The one room is just about complete and the "header" which runs across the opening between the two rooms is almost done. I am not sure how he was able to manage holding the header in place while he screwed it ( that just sounds dirty! ) but obviously he managed. I could not have been easy though. There is just a bit of board needed along the top of the plywood and we can then add the trim and wa la.... the walls in one room will pretty much be done!!
The kids texted us tonight and asked if we were coming to visit but with John and I both tired from our day, have declined the invitation. Jace then asked us to come and hang with them tomorrow. It sounds as if it will be a "repair the quads" day as he managed to break an axle on his quad and Chris was headed to Meadow Lade for parts for his. I just don't know how all these quads end up breaking as John and I have had ours now for over a year, have travel more miles than all their quads combined, go all the same places they do and have not broken anything. It is strange!! Oh well, not my problem but I hate it when my kids are so looking forward to having a good time and end up side lined because of the need for repairs. Casey is supposed to be coming up Friday and I will keep my fingers crossed that he will end the weekend with his quad in one piece. He was quiet discouraged the last time he was up here with all his breakdowns. What fun is it making payments on something that is always in the repair shop? Does a Mom ever stop worrying? I think not.
It was late when I finally felt tired enough to actually go to sleep (once again God felt it was ok to keep me up until the wee hours of the morning) and was just about to hit the zzzz's when I smelt the unmistakable aroma of Pepe La Pew. All the windows were open in the bus so I had to get up and shut them all. Man, Pepe was close and he stunk!! John slept on, totally oblivious of the stench!!
Finally, now I can sleep......right?
I hope the kids are having a blast at the lake while this lovely weather holds out. Showers are in the forecast but even rainy weather at the lake is better than good weather at home. There is something about having a beer under an ugly blue tarp while the rain is dancing over your head trying to put the campfire out!!
There were weather watches for many of the areas in the province today for huge thunderstorms, rain, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes. Man, tis the season for tornadoes this year. There have already been several here in Saskatchewan and although we usually get one or two, I think I heard that we have already had seven confirmed touch downs. That is just nasty and I would hate to think that this is becoming a common occurrence here in our relatively safe little province. We have never really had to worry about huge weather events but as I said before, they are becoming increasingly more common.
It was a good day "at the office" again today. Actually, the last two days have been a lot of fun. The staff I was working with are a hoot to work with so there were lots of laughs and great conversation. I love my job and it is such a good break form this retirement routine!!
John did a lot of work in the man cave today and is tired. The one room is just about complete and the "header" which runs across the opening between the two rooms is almost done. I am not sure how he was able to manage holding the header in place while he screwed it ( that just sounds dirty! ) but obviously he managed. I could not have been easy though. There is just a bit of board needed along the top of the plywood and we can then add the trim and wa la.... the walls in one room will pretty much be done!!
The kids texted us tonight and asked if we were coming to visit but with John and I both tired from our day, have declined the invitation. Jace then asked us to come and hang with them tomorrow. It sounds as if it will be a "repair the quads" day as he managed to break an axle on his quad and Chris was headed to Meadow Lade for parts for his. I just don't know how all these quads end up breaking as John and I have had ours now for over a year, have travel more miles than all their quads combined, go all the same places they do and have not broken anything. It is strange!! Oh well, not my problem but I hate it when my kids are so looking forward to having a good time and end up side lined because of the need for repairs. Casey is supposed to be coming up Friday and I will keep my fingers crossed that he will end the weekend with his quad in one piece. He was quiet discouraged the last time he was up here with all his breakdowns. What fun is it making payments on something that is always in the repair shop? Does a Mom ever stop worrying? I think not.
It was late when I finally felt tired enough to actually go to sleep (once again God felt it was ok to keep me up until the wee hours of the morning) and was just about to hit the zzzz's when I smelt the unmistakable aroma of Pepe La Pew. All the windows were open in the bus so I had to get up and shut them all. Man, Pepe was close and he stunk!! John slept on, totally oblivious of the stench!!
Finally, now I can sleep......right?
Monday, July 23/2012
John and Hogan made it home safe and sound last night and both of them are sleeping like babies. Of course it is only 6 o'clock in the morning and if I didn't have to go to work today, that is exactly what I would be doing!!
Hogan didn't even get out of his chair to go outside to pee. Now, that is tired. I imagine he ran around the campground with the other dogs having a blast. Poor baby is tired!! (ya, we'll so am I but I am headed to work!!)
Off I go....... Hi Ho, Hi Ho.....
I'm back and it looks like "the boys" had a quiet day today. John mucked around in the man cave doing wiring and such and I can't imagine Hogan did anything to write about. Me, well it was hot in the home today and with no central air conditioning, you can imagine how many "tropical" moments I had!!
It was into the shower and then chilling in the bed with my most favourite electrical appliance .... my fan !!! With the breeze from the fan blowing in my face, I slept, alarm poised and ready to wake me up again tomorrow morning for yet another shift at the home. Life is good!!
Hogan didn't even get out of his chair to go outside to pee. Now, that is tired. I imagine he ran around the campground with the other dogs having a blast. Poor baby is tired!! (ya, we'll so am I but I am headed to work!!)
Off I go....... Hi Ho, Hi Ho.....
I'm back and it looks like "the boys" had a quiet day today. John mucked around in the man cave doing wiring and such and I can't imagine Hogan did anything to write about. Me, well it was hot in the home today and with no central air conditioning, you can imagine how many "tropical" moments I had!!
It was into the shower and then chilling in the bed with my most favourite electrical appliance .... my fan !!! With the breeze from the fan blowing in my face, I slept, alarm poised and ready to wake me up again tomorrow morning for yet another shift at the home. Life is good!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Sunday, July 22/2012
The sun is shining this morning and it looks like it is going to be a nice day. There are no ugly clouds in the sky and that is a very good thing. I have a few days of blog that need to be written so that is my mission for today - get it caught up.
Jace and Kim were at a wedding last night but I suspect they will be stopping here before they head to Clearwater Lake for their week of fun and frolic. The weather is supposed to be cooperative so I hope they have a blast. Every year the kids come together for a week of drinking and partying, quadding and boating, fishing and suntanning. They have a blast.
Chris came up early to grab a couple of sites for them. He stopped here Thursday night before heading to Clearwater.
As predicted, Jace and Kim and Scott and Jill arrived here before heading to Clearwater. Jace needed to take on some water and had forgotten his chairs so had to borrow a couple of ours. They stayed for a couple of beer and just as they were about to head to the lake, Larry and Ariane came for a visit.
They timed their visit perfectly as we said good bye to the kids and were able to sit and chat with them for the next few hours. They have to get back to Saskatoon today as Ariane is working tomorrow.
It was wonderful talking with them as we had not had a good chat for a while. They are planning on spending some time in the states this coming winter so we may be lucky enough to visit down there as well.
Once the Zerrs left, John got on the riding mower and did our grass and Shirley's next door. It didn't take long and he was done. Gary came over for a drink and I decided to head over the Dave's and raid his freezer. I have several steak stored in there and tonight, I feel like a steak for supper. After all, it is the weekend.
When I got to Dave's he was in the back yard mucking with a hand winch. I asked him what he was up to and he said he just got back from the bush. His quad is stuck and he piled up his winch so was unable to get unstuck so, ended up walking about 8 miles back to his truck and was damn near exhausted. Rubber boots are definitely NOT the thing to be walking in for any great length and the blisters on Dave's feet are a stark reminder of that.
He said he was waiting for Shirley to get home from work and then they would go and rescue it. I offered our services but Dave, being and stubborn independent kind of guy said he would wait for Shirley.
John cooked our supper then headed over to Clearwater to hang with the kids for a while tonight. He took "Old Blue" and went the back roads. I texted Kim to say he was headed that way and to text me when he got there. Forty five minutes later, I got the text so now can relax.
I am headed to bed now, but Kim tells me she will call me when John starts the trip home.
Jace and Kim were at a wedding last night but I suspect they will be stopping here before they head to Clearwater Lake for their week of fun and frolic. The weather is supposed to be cooperative so I hope they have a blast. Every year the kids come together for a week of drinking and partying, quadding and boating, fishing and suntanning. They have a blast.
Chris came up early to grab a couple of sites for them. He stopped here Thursday night before heading to Clearwater.
As predicted, Jace and Kim and Scott and Jill arrived here before heading to Clearwater. Jace needed to take on some water and had forgotten his chairs so had to borrow a couple of ours. They stayed for a couple of beer and just as they were about to head to the lake, Larry and Ariane came for a visit.
They timed their visit perfectly as we said good bye to the kids and were able to sit and chat with them for the next few hours. They have to get back to Saskatoon today as Ariane is working tomorrow.
It was wonderful talking with them as we had not had a good chat for a while. They are planning on spending some time in the states this coming winter so we may be lucky enough to visit down there as well.
Once the Zerrs left, John got on the riding mower and did our grass and Shirley's next door. It didn't take long and he was done. Gary came over for a drink and I decided to head over the Dave's and raid his freezer. I have several steak stored in there and tonight, I feel like a steak for supper. After all, it is the weekend.
When I got to Dave's he was in the back yard mucking with a hand winch. I asked him what he was up to and he said he just got back from the bush. His quad is stuck and he piled up his winch so was unable to get unstuck so, ended up walking about 8 miles back to his truck and was damn near exhausted. Rubber boots are definitely NOT the thing to be walking in for any great length and the blisters on Dave's feet are a stark reminder of that.
He said he was waiting for Shirley to get home from work and then they would go and rescue it. I offered our services but Dave, being and stubborn independent kind of guy said he would wait for Shirley.
John cooked our supper then headed over to Clearwater to hang with the kids for a while tonight. He took "Old Blue" and went the back roads. I texted Kim to say he was headed that way and to text me when he got there. Forty five minutes later, I got the text so now can relax.
I am headed to bed now, but Kim tells me she will call me when John starts the trip home.
Saturday, July 21/2012
Oh, it is rather dull and grey outside when I awake from my much needed sleep and rain is definitely in the air. I have to wash a few of my uniforms as I work Monday and Tuesday and the laundry mat is closed over the weekend for the summer. That sucks so I will have to give the washing machine here in the bus a whirl.
As it turned out, the machine worked great and my uniforms are now outside hanging under the awning as it has been raining on and off since I got up.
John is busy on the computer and I decide to weed a bit in the garden between rain showers.
There is a football game on later so that will kill a few hours of this rather dreary day.
I decided to cut down the rest of the swiss chard and have that for supper tonight and it took me quite a while to clean it all but oh my, it was so tasty I was glad I did it. Now, it can regrow and we can have another feed or two off it.
I ironed my uniforms so now I am totally ready for Monday and Tuesday. I have tomorrow off so don't have to think about getting ready for work!!
The evening was spent quietly with John and I watching separate TVs.. Thank heavens for that!! I finally got to watch the movie Final Destination 5!! Woo Hoo - it wasn't any better than the rest of them but I am hooked!! And the moral of the story......You can't cheat death!! Nothing like a good horror story to go to bed by!! Good Night and Sleep Tight!!
As it turned out, the machine worked great and my uniforms are now outside hanging under the awning as it has been raining on and off since I got up.
John is busy on the computer and I decide to weed a bit in the garden between rain showers.
There is a football game on later so that will kill a few hours of this rather dreary day.
I decided to cut down the rest of the swiss chard and have that for supper tonight and it took me quite a while to clean it all but oh my, it was so tasty I was glad I did it. Now, it can regrow and we can have another feed or two off it.
I ironed my uniforms so now I am totally ready for Monday and Tuesday. I have tomorrow off so don't have to think about getting ready for work!!
The evening was spent quietly with John and I watching separate TVs.. Thank heavens for that!! I finally got to watch the movie Final Destination 5!! Woo Hoo - it wasn't any better than the rest of them but I am hooked!! And the moral of the story......You can't cheat death!! Nothing like a good horror story to go to bed by!! Good Night and Sleep Tight!!
Friday, July 20/2012
I am up early and making coffee. I know that Ed and Deb like their coffee so am getting it ready for when they wake up. I quickly jump into the shower hoping that it will make me feel better as I am feeling the effects of yesterday's silliness.
John gets out of bed early and we all sit around outside enjoying the sun. It will be another day of travel for Ed and Deb and Brooklyn but at least at the end of this day, they will be where they want to be - The Narrows where they can enjoy the water and the boat can be docked at the Marina. There is some awesome fishing at the Narrows and Ed loves to fish. Brooklyn does as well and that is just like her Mom.
With coffee over, Deb and Ed head off down the road and John heads back to bed. It is just too early for him to be up!! Me, I still feel like crap and I too attempt to lie down. I have to work nights tonight and certainly hope to feel a whole lot better before I have to go spend the night at the nursing home!! Lying down did not work for me so I decided to just sit in the chair and read.
Gary came over a few times to borrow tools so that he can continue the never ending saga of him fixing his quad. Today he is banging on something in his garage and if I listen closely, I can hear him cursing as usual!!
John got the lawn mower out and headed down to Gale's to cut her grass and perhaps do ours also. I did not see him again today as I eventually head off to work, tired, but feeling better but I must say, it was a rather long night.
John gets out of bed early and we all sit around outside enjoying the sun. It will be another day of travel for Ed and Deb and Brooklyn but at least at the end of this day, they will be where they want to be - The Narrows where they can enjoy the water and the boat can be docked at the Marina. There is some awesome fishing at the Narrows and Ed loves to fish. Brooklyn does as well and that is just like her Mom.
With coffee over, Deb and Ed head off down the road and John heads back to bed. It is just too early for him to be up!! Me, I still feel like crap and I too attempt to lie down. I have to work nights tonight and certainly hope to feel a whole lot better before I have to go spend the night at the nursing home!! Lying down did not work for me so I decided to just sit in the chair and read.
Gary came over a few times to borrow tools so that he can continue the never ending saga of him fixing his quad. Today he is banging on something in his garage and if I listen closely, I can hear him cursing as usual!!
John got the lawn mower out and headed down to Gale's to cut her grass and perhaps do ours also. I did not see him again today as I eventually head off to work, tired, but feeling better but I must say, it was a rather long night.
Thursday, July 19/2012
I am up early and so excited. We get to have power today!!! Woo Hoo!! The coffee is on and I am waiting to hear movement on the other side of the garage.
Eventually Glen arrives along with his young son and the trenching begins. I went out and took a few pics of the action (for this blog) and then Sask Power arrives to hook up the wires. It is a glorious site to behold and I took some pics of them too.
The pole that we are hooked up to looks like a rat's nest and one of the boys from Sask Power has put in for an upgrade on the pole as he said that the way it is now is not really acceptable. We have four lines running across our property and he said that was not good.
One of the Sask Power guys saw all the jeeps so when the job was done, he had to take a closer look at them. He failed to see the two sitting in the shop so had to look at them as well.
Glen's son saw the old saddle John had in the shop and asked John how much he wanted for it because he wanted to buy it. After some thinking and great deliberation, John finally ended up just giving it to him. Now there was one happy little boy walking out of the shop with an old saddle in his hands. He has some work to do on it as it needs some stirrups and lord only knows what else but he had a grin across his face like he had just found gold!! Me, I secretly did another happy dance as I sure did not want that stinky thing in the man cave!!
With the power in and the bus up and running, we packed up the jeep and headed to the trails. We will be heading into the Block and eventually taking a back trail that will spit us out onto the Big River Grid. It will be a nice ride.
We met a bunch of quadders as we sat at Deer Lake for a refreshment. The "guys" were headed out for a camping/fishing weekend. Just a guy thing!! They had a boat and two fishing rods and a shitload of beer!! They looked to have enough camping gear for the year!! A few of them were already well on their way to a "good" time.
When we first arrived at the lake. there were two loons swimming not too far from shore. I think they did not appreciate us disturbing their day as they were very vocal. I took the opportunity to video them and their vocalization. It sounded awesome so I hope it comes through on the video. The sounds you will hear are their excited sounds and not their long lonely mournful evening sounds that one hears at the end of the day.
We carried on from there and at the next refreshment stop, Dave asked us if we had seen the moose. I had been looking for moose all along the trail as this was the area that the cow and calf usually hang around. John and I did not see any sign but Dave and Shirley saw a moose eating at the edge of Slide Out Lake. She was buried well into the bush and she may have had her head down when we passed her causing us to miss her altogether but Shirley managed to get a few pics of her on their way by. There was no sign of the calf but it could have been obscured by the trees or was lying in the grasses. The moose wasn't too concerned by the noise of the trucks as Dave said it turned its head and continued to eat. Another Kodak moment provided by Mother Nature!!
Because both John and I like to travel Lilac Trail, We headed that way. There is one ugly spot on this trail and John was wondering about it and actually contemplated not doing the trail. WHAT!! And why do we have a winch, I ask!!
Well, we got to the ugly spot and it wasn't took long before Marie was playing her favourite role a "winch wench". As I was hooking up the winch, I noticed some whitish coloured things in a clump on the ground and thought they were a clump on mushrooms. Not wanting to disturb them, I stepped around them and proceeded to continue with the task at hand. It was an easy out for the winch and then Dave had to get through. He managed to bully his way through the mud and did not have to be winched out. When I went to leave the area, I took a closer look at the mushrooms and realized that they were not mushrooms at all. I had stumbled across a birds nest with several whitish/brownish coloured eggs in it. It was nested in the grass by a couple of tall poplar trees. I have no idea what kind of eggs they were but wondered why the bird was having them so late in the season. We all took pics then left the nest as we found it, wishing the mom bird good luck with her soon to be babies.
We continued down the trail, eventually accessing the main trail to Hooker Lake, took another side trail that spit us out at the old white truck in the field. We took pics of "Old Yella" beside this old truck and Dave got a few pics of the Sami beside it as well. It just would not be right to drive past this old abandoned truck and not take any pics.
While there, I noticed that the open field around the truck was covered in bluebells and I took a few pics, hoping that the lens would capture the beauty of the field. What an incredible wonderland for the woodland creatures.
While there, I noticed some Golden Rod just coming into bloom. Wow, that is a sure sign of Fall!! I always marvel at how nature has all these signals pointing towards the change of the seasons. Golden Rod is certainly one of them and it is only the middle of July!!
The next time John and I are one the trails, I bet there is signs of some of the leaves starting to turn colour.
We stopped just before we accessed the trail that would take us to the Big River Grid. It is here, in the dried mud that I saw the first set of wolf prints. They were mixed in with the deer prints and I imagine that Mr. Wolf may have been tracking the deer. Nature can be rather harsh at times and survival of the fittest is the number one rule out here in the forest.
The second set of tracks I saw and photographed, was along the trail to the grid. Here in the mud were some of the biggest wolf prints I have seen to date. I definitely do not want to meet up with the owner of these prints unless I was in the truck and well out of harm's way. I bet he would be gorgeous to see though. As you can see from the pics, his feet were as big as my hand!! WOW!!
Eventually, we got to the grid and it was an easy few miles home. It was a great day on the trails and I look forward to our next outing.
John started a fire and the four of us sat around for a while before it was time to think about supper. I cut some swiss chard for Dave and Shirley for their supper thinking it would be nice to have some for our supper as well. they soon headed home.
I had wandered over to Shirley's before we left and took a couple of packages of steak out of their freezer for our supper and as it turned out, it is a good thing I took 2 packages out as we were about to have some unexpected but wonderful company.
John checked for any messages on the computer and there was one from his cousin Edward and his wife Debbie. They sent a message saying they were leaving Alberta and would likely be here this evening for a visit. Now we have not seen Deb and Ed for many, many years. We used to camp together all the time when the kids were small but somehow, life gets int the way - jobs change, circumstances change and kids grow up making it tougher and tougher for everyone to get together. Before you know it, ten (or sixteen years) years go by.
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| Shirley's pic of the Moose along the trail |
It is a good thing that Deb and Ed don't really care what "state" I was in and we had a wonderful visit with them. They brought along their granddaughter Brooklyn and she so reminded me of her Mom at that age. Eventually, John cooked supper (yes, I had enough steak) and we all headed to bed shortly after that. Deb and Ed are headed to The Narrows for a week of camping and fishing tomorrow. We will get to visit tomorrow morning as well, before they head out.
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| Glen trenching the power line in |
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| Getting it hooked up |
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| Loons on Deer Lake |
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| Dave and Shirley coming down the trail |
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| Some other riders we met |
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| Slideout Lake |
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| Dave coming through the mud hole |
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| Duck eggs |
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| Oops! |
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| Shirley getting the winch |
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| Thanks Dave |
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| An old truck we always play on |
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| Goldenrod |
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| Field of Bluebells |
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| Crossing the creek |
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| Dave coming across |
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| Granny meets the big bad wolf |
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| Beverage |
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| Hogan enjoying the day |
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| Pelicans on McRob Lake |
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| Having a feast |
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| Relaxing on the Beaver Lodge |
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| Great day |
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| The wolf is going the same way |
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| He is a huge one! |
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| Heading home |
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