Another busy week was in store for us. On Monday, John and I travelled into Saskatoon as I had an appointment with the eye specialist.
The appointment was in the afternoon but we left early enough so that I could get some much needed retail therapy as possible. I had several items to pick up and John, being the awesome shopper that he is......sat in the truck!! That was great because going shopping with John is like going hunting with the game warden!! No fun there!!
My appointment with the specialist went well but it was a long 2 hours. It was good news though. What the optometrist thought he saw was deemed "artifact" on the films as there was nothing showing any abnormalities on the scans and xrays I had at the specialist's office. With that good news, I took my dilated pupils home. Of course I forgot to bring my sunglasses along and ended up wearing John's glasses over top of mine. I looked like a total jerk but I really did not care!! The sunlight was killing me!!
We are getting company on the weekend and that meant we had to restock our wood supply so, we loaded up a cooler with some liquid refreshments and headed out to our favorite wood picking spot. It didn't take too long before the truck was full and we were headed back home where we split it and threw it into the storage trailer. We then headed out for a second load and this one ended up staying in the truck to be split the next day.
The grass needed to be cut before the weekend and of course the sewer tank needed to be emptied before our guests arrived on Saturday. Good thing that is "outside" work and John takes care of that!!
I have a couple night shifts to work before the company arrives and it will be good to get back to work after all these days off. Life is good,
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Sunday, July 19/2015 - Saturday, July 25/2015
It was a lazy week for us. I worked two shifts and had the rest of the week off. It was a nice change for me as I have been busy this month at the nursing home.
We did manage to get the camper off the old truck and onto the new truck. John has been busy making some necessary repairs on the camper and we should be good to go by the time October rolls around.
The weather has been rather rainy but with the recent forest fires, we are still thankful for the moisture.
The garden is certainly starting to flourish and I have been busy starting "the harvest". I made a batch of relish and it turned out awesome. The beans and the peas will be ready to go by next week. I have been sending lots of goodies over to Gary from the garden and he is eating much healthier now, much to his horror!! I know Arlene would be proud of him eating his vegetables!!
The flowers are finally starting to bloom as well. Finally, the morning glories are showing their lovely blossoms. Hopefully the few sweet peas that came up will bloom as well before too long.
All in all, it has been a good week.
We did manage to get the camper off the old truck and onto the new truck. John has been busy making some necessary repairs on the camper and we should be good to go by the time October rolls around.
The weather has been rather rainy but with the recent forest fires, we are still thankful for the moisture.
The garden is certainly starting to flourish and I have been busy starting "the harvest". I made a batch of relish and it turned out awesome. The beans and the peas will be ready to go by next week. I have been sending lots of goodies over to Gary from the garden and he is eating much healthier now, much to his horror!! I know Arlene would be proud of him eating his vegetables!!
The flowers are finally starting to bloom as well. Finally, the morning glories are showing their lovely blossoms. Hopefully the few sweet peas that came up will bloom as well before too long.
All in all, it has been a good week.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Sunday, July 12/2015 - Saturday, July 18/2015
Sunday was a "sleep" day for me and also was the start of a three day stretch off. It was a long time coming but so very needed.
I finally had to break down and water the garden as the rain has been practically non existent so I hauled out the hose and hooked up to Gary's well and gave the garden a good drink. There is so much of it ready now that it is hard to keep up with it. The lettuce, kale, swiss chard, green onions and beet greens are ready to eat. There are a few cucumbers on the vines and many little tomatoes starting. The pea pods are abundant but will require bit more time to fill out. The beans will be my next headache!! GOD, I love my garden!!
We entertained the neighbours on Sunday evening and decided to go for a Sami ride on Monday. Shirley is off on Monday and it will be the first time that her and I get to the trails together this season!!
We will take the little trucks as there is a good possibility of rain. This way we can stay dry and take Hogan along as well.
We explored a new trail on Monday and although it went for several miles back into the bush, it eventually spit us out into the muskeg and we knew it was time for us to turn around. None of us wanted to be winching, cursing and swearing or expending a lot of energy!! It was a day to cruise the trails and enjoy a few adult beverages.
We came across some huge wolf tracks and I think they were the biggest ones I have ever seen. Man, I sure would not like to meet the owner of these tracks face to face!! I can only imagine how big and beautiful he is.
We stopped at Buck Lake on the way home and enjoyed the quiet solitude of one of our many Northern Lakes. Dave was trying to figure out the easiest way to get his little fishing boat down the hill to the lake as the shore line was several hundred feet "down the hill". Hmmmm.... am thinking the winch would come in handy here somehow.
It was an awesome day and all of us enjoyed the outing. The rain was falling and we arrived back in town and it was nice to get home.
The football game was about to start but we got way laid in watching it as Patrick stopped by on his way back to Big River. He had been in town for a funeral so stopped for a few refreshments before heading home.
We did get to watch the last half of the game and Calgary won so neither John nor I were impressed with the end result!!
The weather has remained hot, hot and hot with only a few sprinkling of rain. Hmmm, not good for the forest fire situation but we are told that there has been some rain up there and things a looking a bit better.
I took one day to harvest some of the garden and since I am scheduled to be back at work on Thursday, I had better get my unifoms ironed and ready to go. I only have the one day to work so far and am once again looking forward to more days off. I think this is when the camper will be ready to switch to the new truck. Now that just may turn out to be a bit of a chore but we will cross this bridge when we get to it.
I finally had to break down and water the garden as the rain has been practically non existent so I hauled out the hose and hooked up to Gary's well and gave the garden a good drink. There is so much of it ready now that it is hard to keep up with it. The lettuce, kale, swiss chard, green onions and beet greens are ready to eat. There are a few cucumbers on the vines and many little tomatoes starting. The pea pods are abundant but will require bit more time to fill out. The beans will be my next headache!! GOD, I love my garden!!
We entertained the neighbours on Sunday evening and decided to go for a Sami ride on Monday. Shirley is off on Monday and it will be the first time that her and I get to the trails together this season!!
We will take the little trucks as there is a good possibility of rain. This way we can stay dry and take Hogan along as well.
We explored a new trail on Monday and although it went for several miles back into the bush, it eventually spit us out into the muskeg and we knew it was time for us to turn around. None of us wanted to be winching, cursing and swearing or expending a lot of energy!! It was a day to cruise the trails and enjoy a few adult beverages.
We came across some huge wolf tracks and I think they were the biggest ones I have ever seen. Man, I sure would not like to meet the owner of these tracks face to face!! I can only imagine how big and beautiful he is.
We stopped at Buck Lake on the way home and enjoyed the quiet solitude of one of our many Northern Lakes. Dave was trying to figure out the easiest way to get his little fishing boat down the hill to the lake as the shore line was several hundred feet "down the hill". Hmmmm.... am thinking the winch would come in handy here somehow.
It was an awesome day and all of us enjoyed the outing. The rain was falling and we arrived back in town and it was nice to get home.
The football game was about to start but we got way laid in watching it as Patrick stopped by on his way back to Big River. He had been in town for a funeral so stopped for a few refreshments before heading home.
We did get to watch the last half of the game and Calgary won so neither John nor I were impressed with the end result!!
The weather has remained hot, hot and hot with only a few sprinkling of rain. Hmmm, not good for the forest fire situation but we are told that there has been some rain up there and things a looking a bit better.
I took one day to harvest some of the garden and since I am scheduled to be back at work on Thursday, I had better get my unifoms ironed and ready to go. I only have the one day to work so far and am once again looking forward to more days off. I think this is when the camper will be ready to switch to the new truck. Now that just may turn out to be a bit of a chore but we will cross this bridge when we get to it.
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| Checking out a new trail |
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| Butterflies |
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| Huge wolf track |
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| Add caption |
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| At Buck Lake |
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| Buck Lake |
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| Heading home |
Sunday, July 5/2015 - Saturday, July 11/2015
We started this week off smoky and cloudy. There looks to be rain in the air and that would be a good thing as the fires up north are still raging.
Ours Saskatchewan Roughriders play on Sunday and this will be the first game without our starting quarterback. He is gone for the season. So, we will see how things go. Well..... we lost but it was a very good game that required two overtime sessions. We lost by 2 points!!
It was back to work for me this week. Another busy one I might add. Man, the weeks certainly fly by when I am busy!!
John mucked around on the new truck a bit, getting some of the much needed "stuff" installed into the cab - like the inverter so that I can charge my kindle and the phone while we are driving. Apparently, there are a few more things that need to be done before the camper gets switched onto the new truck.
Ours Saskatchewan Roughriders play on Sunday and this will be the first game without our starting quarterback. He is gone for the season. So, we will see how things go. Well..... we lost but it was a very good game that required two overtime sessions. We lost by 2 points!!
It was back to work for me this week. Another busy one I might add. Man, the weeks certainly fly by when I am busy!!
John mucked around on the new truck a bit, getting some of the much needed "stuff" installed into the cab - like the inverter so that I can charge my kindle and the phone while we are driving. Apparently, there are a few more things that need to be done before the camper gets switched onto the new truck.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Sunday, June 28/2015 - Saturday, July 4/2015
Work, Work, Work......That seems to be all that I am doing lately. I eat, sleep and work. And this is retirement???? Lol. There is something definitely wrong with this picture!!
John and I have managed a few trips down the North Road and have even taken Hogan for a swim at Vimy. Hogan loves the water and despite the fact that he continues to lose weight and is failing to thrive, he seemed to enjoy the outing. I don't think he realizes he is sick and that is a good thing.
The forest to the north of us is burning. There are currently 116 forest fires burning and only 26 are under control. Needless to say, we have a lot of smoke in the air here in town. Some mornings, the smoke is on the ground. We have a evacuation plan ready at the nursing home just in case the air quality gets so bad that the residents have to be evacuated. I looked on the emergency phone fan out and I see that my name is the first on the list to be called. One of the perks to be actually living right in town I guess!!
Our Canadian Football League has officially started and we have been busy watching the games. It was a brutal first week in the league with as many as four starting quarterbacks going down to injuries. Of course Saskatchewan's was one of them. He will be out for the season with an Achilles tendon rupture!! Holy Buckets!! We are starting off great!!
John and I went on a rescue mission to Green Lake this week where Gary and Arlene had gone fishing. Apparently he was stuck in the lake and needed a tow. When we arrived he was indeed stuck. His whole truck was in the lake and the rocker panels were under water. I might mention at this time that this is a brand new 2015 truck!! I do not think it was meant to be "in the lake". Another fisherman was there and had attempted to tow him out but was unable to. After several failed attempts and a snapped tow rope, the guys then put the other fisherman's truck in front of ours and the two of them pulled and pulled until Gary finally came free. Man, his poor truck is no longer new. It now supports a twisted bumper and the air damn is looking a bit shabby as well. Not to mention the million and a half gallons of water that drained out of the cab!! But, he was out of the lake and more than ready to get home. John and I had to quickly beat it back home because I had to work a night shift. Man, our life is never dull for very long!!
John and I finally broke down and went for a load of wood this week. We headed out to our favourite spot and soon had a load. The smoke was pretty prevalent along the road and hanging in all the low areas.
When we got home, rain clouds were forming so we quickly got the wood into the storage shed and then John started a fire and we sat around it until supper was ready. At one point we were sitting under the umbrella!! No point wasting a good fire just because of a bit of rain!
Another busy week has come and gone and it saw us celebrate Canada Day and also the USA July 4th. No fire works around here though as the fire bans were on. No one wanted to risk endangering the very dry forest. We did get a bit of rain and that certainly helped but we could certainly use a whole lot more. Maybe this upcoming week will bring some. For this we can only hope........
Out he comes
John and I have managed a few trips down the North Road and have even taken Hogan for a swim at Vimy. Hogan loves the water and despite the fact that he continues to lose weight and is failing to thrive, he seemed to enjoy the outing. I don't think he realizes he is sick and that is a good thing.
The forest to the north of us is burning. There are currently 116 forest fires burning and only 26 are under control. Needless to say, we have a lot of smoke in the air here in town. Some mornings, the smoke is on the ground. We have a evacuation plan ready at the nursing home just in case the air quality gets so bad that the residents have to be evacuated. I looked on the emergency phone fan out and I see that my name is the first on the list to be called. One of the perks to be actually living right in town I guess!!
Our Canadian Football League has officially started and we have been busy watching the games. It was a brutal first week in the league with as many as four starting quarterbacks going down to injuries. Of course Saskatchewan's was one of them. He will be out for the season with an Achilles tendon rupture!! Holy Buckets!! We are starting off great!!
John and I went on a rescue mission to Green Lake this week where Gary and Arlene had gone fishing. Apparently he was stuck in the lake and needed a tow. When we arrived he was indeed stuck. His whole truck was in the lake and the rocker panels were under water. I might mention at this time that this is a brand new 2015 truck!! I do not think it was meant to be "in the lake". Another fisherman was there and had attempted to tow him out but was unable to. After several failed attempts and a snapped tow rope, the guys then put the other fisherman's truck in front of ours and the two of them pulled and pulled until Gary finally came free. Man, his poor truck is no longer new. It now supports a twisted bumper and the air damn is looking a bit shabby as well. Not to mention the million and a half gallons of water that drained out of the cab!! But, he was out of the lake and more than ready to get home. John and I had to quickly beat it back home because I had to work a night shift. Man, our life is never dull for very long!!
John and I finally broke down and went for a load of wood this week. We headed out to our favourite spot and soon had a load. The smoke was pretty prevalent along the road and hanging in all the low areas.
When we got home, rain clouds were forming so we quickly got the wood into the storage shed and then John started a fire and we sat around it until supper was ready. At one point we were sitting under the umbrella!! No point wasting a good fire just because of a bit of rain!
Another busy week has come and gone and it saw us celebrate Canada Day and also the USA July 4th. No fire works around here though as the fire bans were on. No one wanted to risk endangering the very dry forest. We did get a bit of rain and that certainly helped but we could certainly use a whole lot more. Maybe this upcoming week will bring some. For this we can only hope........
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| Prairie Lily |
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| Vimy Lake |
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| Hogan fetching the ball |
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| Shaking off |
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| Smoke from our many forest fires |
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| Headed out on our rescue mission |
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| Gary deciding weather to use the truck or the boat to go fishing |
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| Pelican checking out the situation |
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| All hooked up |
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| Lets give it a try |
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| Smoke in town from the northern fires |
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| Hogan enjoying another fire |
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| Hogan waiting for some fish from Garry |
Sunday, June 21/2015 - Saturday, June 27/2015
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.
Today is the official Father's Day Quad Rally. Everyone is up and at it fairly early despite the late night last night. Breakfast was made and quads were checked and lots of grass was removed for underneath the machines. We were soon ready to head out. We had quite a troop with us and once we registered, we were down the dusty trail.
The weather looked rather threatening and we all hoped that we would not get rained upon but hey, it really wouldn't be a good rally unless we got rain!!
We had to skirt around one of the planted farm fields where we usually ride and found ourselves on the same road John and I travelled with "Old Blue" last week so we found out where that trail eventually led to. It popped us out right beside the fence line on "Eddie's Trail"!! It was at one of the designated "beer" stops and I had often wondered where that particular trail took you. Well..... now I know!!
We did manage to get into a bit of rain but it was really only a minimal shower and not really one to worry about.
Of course we thought we were the last ones on the trail but we were passed by a few more people which indeed made us the last folks of the rally.
The trail was the same as the previous years but it does give one a bit of variety. There was enough water holes for the kids to play in and get stuck in and many of the kids were glad they wore their hip waders!!
By the time we arrived at the wiener stop, there were only a few wieners left and a dozen buns which were quickly dispensed. It was here that Jimmy O (I think he was still feeling the effects of yesterday's ride), Jeffy and Dave decided to call it a day and head back to town via the grid. The rest of us chose to stay the course and finish the rally.
Gary's quad had started to heat so Dave hooked up his winch to Gary's quad and Gary drove front first into Vimy Lake in the hopes that this would solve that little problem. There is a huge drop off right here at the edge so that is why the winch was used. At least Gary's quad would not go for a most unwanted swim!! The water did wonders and there were no further issues with the quad until the final 8 miles home.
The last leg of the rally was indeed the most adventurous with us having to leave Preston's quad in the bush for the night with a broken ball joint and spindle. He hit a tree.....dumbass!! Loretta's quad popped a bead on one of her tires and we were unable to get it to seat again so the guys took one of Preston's tire off and used it to get her out of the forest.
Eventually, we all made it back to 8 Mile and the grid. It was getting late and that of course is not unusual. This was the last beer stop of the trip (everyone was by now out of beer!!) and we soon headed back into town. I was the last of the bunch. Gary was in front of me and it wasn't too long before he was pulled over and his quad was heating again. Three stops later, we were about 2 miles from town and John had came back to see what the issue was. We put a tow rope on him and towed him home. Finally, we were all back in town! Fun was had by all and it was time to fire up the BBQ and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Monday came all to quickly and people started packing up and heading for home. The weekend was officially over and the rain clouds had moved in. Of course the guys had to do a rescue mission before they left as Preston's quad was still in the bush. Three hours later, the mission was deemed a success as the quad was home.
Jace and Kimmy were planning on heading over to Clearwater Lake for a few days of R&R but decided to stay in the yard tonight and go over in the morning. Hopefully the roads are drier and the sun is out.
They did eventually get to camp for a few days and I of course headed back to work!!
All in all, it was a busy but good week. The rains eventually stopped and we got some nice weather. Life is Good!!
Today is the official Father's Day Quad Rally. Everyone is up and at it fairly early despite the late night last night. Breakfast was made and quads were checked and lots of grass was removed for underneath the machines. We were soon ready to head out. We had quite a troop with us and once we registered, we were down the dusty trail.
The weather looked rather threatening and we all hoped that we would not get rained upon but hey, it really wouldn't be a good rally unless we got rain!!
We had to skirt around one of the planted farm fields where we usually ride and found ourselves on the same road John and I travelled with "Old Blue" last week so we found out where that trail eventually led to. It popped us out right beside the fence line on "Eddie's Trail"!! It was at one of the designated "beer" stops and I had often wondered where that particular trail took you. Well..... now I know!!
We did manage to get into a bit of rain but it was really only a minimal shower and not really one to worry about.
Of course we thought we were the last ones on the trail but we were passed by a few more people which indeed made us the last folks of the rally.
The trail was the same as the previous years but it does give one a bit of variety. There was enough water holes for the kids to play in and get stuck in and many of the kids were glad they wore their hip waders!!
By the time we arrived at the wiener stop, there were only a few wieners left and a dozen buns which were quickly dispensed. It was here that Jimmy O (I think he was still feeling the effects of yesterday's ride), Jeffy and Dave decided to call it a day and head back to town via the grid. The rest of us chose to stay the course and finish the rally.
Gary's quad had started to heat so Dave hooked up his winch to Gary's quad and Gary drove front first into Vimy Lake in the hopes that this would solve that little problem. There is a huge drop off right here at the edge so that is why the winch was used. At least Gary's quad would not go for a most unwanted swim!! The water did wonders and there were no further issues with the quad until the final 8 miles home.
The last leg of the rally was indeed the most adventurous with us having to leave Preston's quad in the bush for the night with a broken ball joint and spindle. He hit a tree.....dumbass!! Loretta's quad popped a bead on one of her tires and we were unable to get it to seat again so the guys took one of Preston's tire off and used it to get her out of the forest.
Eventually, we all made it back to 8 Mile and the grid. It was getting late and that of course is not unusual. This was the last beer stop of the trip (everyone was by now out of beer!!) and we soon headed back into town. I was the last of the bunch. Gary was in front of me and it wasn't too long before he was pulled over and his quad was heating again. Three stops later, we were about 2 miles from town and John had came back to see what the issue was. We put a tow rope on him and towed him home. Finally, we were all back in town! Fun was had by all and it was time to fire up the BBQ and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Monday came all to quickly and people started packing up and heading for home. The weekend was officially over and the rain clouds had moved in. Of course the guys had to do a rescue mission before they left as Preston's quad was still in the bush. Three hours later, the mission was deemed a success as the quad was home.
Jace and Kimmy were planning on heading over to Clearwater Lake for a few days of R&R but decided to stay in the yard tonight and go over in the morning. Hopefully the roads are drier and the sun is out.
They did eventually get to camp for a few days and I of course headed back to work!!
All in all, it was a busy but good week. The rains eventually stopped and we got some nice weather. Life is Good!!
Monday, June 15/2015 - Saturday, June 20/2015
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| Our Elevator as seen from the Railroad right of way |
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| At Church |
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| Took old Blue for a cruise |
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| Hogan enjoying the sun |
We actually should have been going for a load of wood but a quiet drive in the forest seemed much more enjoyable.
I work 3 days this week so am getting down to the last few days to get stuff done for the weekend. Gee, I wonder if I will actually be ready!! Oh well, when the kids arrive, it will be all good, I am sure!!
The troops started arriving on Friday, Casey included (which was a nice surprise) and by the time I got home, the party had started. Of course Jace and Kimmy had not arrived yet (and Jace was supposed to be packed and ready by the time Kimmy got off work!!) so I decided to stay up and wait for them. Eventually they did arrive and I was able to then head into bed. I was so tired that I must admit, I did not hear one sound once my head hit the pillow.
Of course, when I got up the next morning (Saturday) and headed to work, it was pretty damn quiet in the yard. Not even the dogs were stirring!!
There was a ride scheduled for Saturday and when I arrived home from work was certainly not surprised to see that the quadders had not yet arrived home. I really did not expect them until at least 10:00. I did get a surprise when I did get home as Scotty and Jill and their 3 week old baby Tessa had arrived. I had not expected them as Miss Tessa was so young. It was good to see them I finally got to hold that sweet baby girl. She is certainly a precious little thing but unfortunately is plagued by colic and was certainly not very happy!! Both Scotty and Jill looked exhausted!!
I started a campfire (we never did go get wood) and we all waited for the troops to arrive back in the yard.
It got later and later and later but finally I got a call at 1:00 o'clock in the morning to bring gas down to "Eight Mile". Many of the quads were running low and no one knew if they had enough to make it back. Fortunately, Scotty was here and headed out. As it turned out, all the quads made it home on what they had in their tanks but some were convinced they were sucking fumes!!
As it turned out "THE IDIOTS" ( and that is the only word that is appropriate) decided to do "the pipeline". Holy Buckets.....that would be about 2 or 3 miles of muskeg hell. Eventually and I do mean eventually..... meaning several hours later and a million miles of winch cable being pulled out, they all made it through and were able to start the trip home!!
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| The troops arrive Friday night |
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| Preston and Dale |
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| Lorreta and Kayla |
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Friday night beverages |
Needless to say, everyone was exhausted and more than happy to go to bed hungry and dirty!! Man, am I glad I had to work. Of course I am much smarter than this bunch of idiots as I would NEVER had ever gone down the pipeline. I am afraid I would have headed home first!! Unbelievably, all quads managed to make it home without any damage so everyone was ready to go on tomorrow's ride and that, will be another post on the blog!!
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