Trees and Barry

 It was wonderful celebrating Thanksgiving with the kids. I am still curating a few photos. These were in the cue, before the leaves and the snow falls!

Ah, those blue skies. This looks like the last of the turkey vultures. They will migrate soon.

I had help wrapping the swing bench for winter. No, not Cinnamon, Joe Brian! I needed someone with actual hands. This was later. We were headed out.

I appreciate the light levels.

In the back 40, where Barry Beaver is working, the trees are lovely. He is working on the ASPEN saplings.

This is the aspen grove, and the saplings. 

I went for a walk on the far side of the wetland. Barry has been after all kinds of trees. All summer he's gone after Aspens. He is picking on any old tree, I guess for his lodge.

Here is his lodge on the far side of the wetland, covered in fresh mud.

This was last year's lodge, it seems neglected. I had so many winter photos of critters trying to get in. Fisher, coyote, etc.

Back to the house, forest swathed in yellow.

There was a deermouse in the closet. I freed it, but Cinnamon is a deep thinker, not a fast killer, and I went to bed. It's been a busy few days over Thanksgiving. Much fun!

Back at the house, I processed the trailcam memory cards. Barry was working for hours. He was on two cameras, I wanted to show how far he lugs these trees. 

On the other side of the out cropping/little hill, is the path down to the wetland. The doe likes the work Barry has done. Much easier walking!

More Thanksgiving!

That was a fun time! Me and my sous chef! 

Forest walkies, standing with Jean-Luc, my SIL. Also Aster wearing my winter coat.

They have such fun!

Breakfast on the deck. It is a nice spot. Guinivere watched them.

Monday morning didn't feel like Monday. I forgot to do garbage! Caitlin took out the recycling, at least.

Jordan drove them home. He has Reading Week this week. And a trivia tournament in Ottawa next weekend. Then it is back to Kingston. 

Dazzling colours!

This morning we have a big storm. We shall hunker down.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Plans began early...

Monday

I sent links to Caitlin. The boss gave the OK. I adore turkey, but Joe does not. Caitlin always host a turkey dinner for other family members. I always feel guilty at the work! This will be a fine meal.

"Shepherd's Pie"

Wild Rice Bowl

Tuesday we confirmed plans with Jordan. We were to pick him up at the Smiths Falls train station Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. He agreed to be my sous chef on Sunday! 

Joe Brian brought me a bouquet for the table, and 'Christmas crackers!'

🍠 🥕 Next, a grocery list. I checked all the things we had, made a list of things we hadn't, and Grampa rewrote it into several lists. With our small 'bar' fridges, it is tricky. They don't store veggies well. It'll be two shopping treks.

There were things I'd run out of, and spices that were likely very old. Maple syrup was on the list, as well as paprika! The fresh veggies could wait for another shopping day. Syrup for market day.

Wednesday

It occurred to me that we could put the rice mixture in the crock put to keep it warm on Sunday! 

I cruised on down to the farm stand for pumpkins, gourds, squash, carrots, etc.!

Thursday – cleaning, and my volunteer work

Friday

Joe Brian did a final shop. I organised things. I cooked the sweet potatoes ready for the topping.

Saturday

I began setting the table. My gourds from down the road.

We had dinner. At 8:20 Jordan texted that his train was there in Kingston. I kept watching it online. 

Update online:

“We currently don't have a timeline for rail traffic to resume, although we anticipate a significant delay. Expect possible train-related delays following a report of a collision between a train and an Amazon truck on Pykeview Dr, Gananoque." 

By now it was dark, not a great place to be.

  We watched several shows about Taronga Zoo, then Gray, and Anna Pigeon. The next day, Caitlin reminded me that they had visited Taronga Zoo. I had forgotten!

By 9 p.m. "Train 59 is holding East of Kingston. We currently expect the train to be held on site until at least 22:00, although additional delay could occur before the train can resume its trip. Train 54 is holding at Kingston station, and is expected to be able to resume its journey at approximately 21:20."

At 9:18 Jordan texted and said they were on the move. Only an hour delay at this point!

We were picking him up in Smiths Falls. Planned arrival time vs. actual!

By 9:57 still held at Gananoque. Then, suddenly they were off. It was an hour from there to Smiths Falls.

We arrived at 11:00  and the parking lot was full. Getting in was tricky. It is reading week this week for Queen's students. We were worried about getting back out. 

 

At last!

All three of us went down well. The next morning, Jordan and I cooked up a storm! 

Before dinner there was a trip outside for fresh air.

Aster had made pies.