Off to Narrows Lock Part 1

Sept. 22nd 

Joe Brian decided I ought to get out of the house. He's been into town for groceries and errands. I'd worked hard on the pond, and bringing in fishies. Time for a drive. Off we went. The plan was to get to Narrows Locks, look for birds, and then have lunch in Newboro.

First job, to fill the gas tank. 

Rideau Ferry is very quiet.

It was windy. I could see Langmuir Streak or Circulation (wiki)on the Rideau River. You can see them when the wind pushes particles and the froth looks like white streaks:

A new build! 

Our goal was to go to Narrows Lock, and look for birds. We approached the traffic circle, the bane of Joe's driving existence, and realized we'd need a plan B.

Turns out they were working on the hydro poles along the road, and the road was closed. 

On to Part 2 of our trip: Newboro. Lunch at The Stagecoach Inn. It is a lovely spot, in an old building with beautiful beams and decor. A good panini lunch!

It is a pretty town. 

I walked into Kilborn's store while Joe Brian had his sorbet outside. There was a small dog who ran at me. It launched itself at me, straining at the leash barking. It scared everyone who was shopping. I had a moment, after yelling out in shock! There was a baby in a carrier who was startled, too. Everyone was shocked. I began shopping and realized I was going to have an anxiety attack if I didn't leave. Shopping over.

These trumpet flowers were magnificent.

It is a region filled with bodies of water. The Newboro Marina was fairly quiet. 

From there we drove around a bit. Through Westport! More to come.

The joys of Autumn

 Things are getting quiet out there! No wonder... The brass cat was my mother's.

Happily I still have videos to savour. Both Freds have gone down for winter! Not a peep from them. My theory is, they go to their winter burrow (6A in the front garden corner). Then they come out in the warmth of the afternoon. This is what bears, porcupines, reptiles, and other critters do. 

I donated some leftover kale to Fred. 

   

The rest of the kale went into my chilli! I stripped the leaves off, chopped up the stems and put them in early. They take time to cook.

Jordan asked what was in it, I'd posted it on the family photostream. I had the recipe my mom gave to Joe Brian when he was retired and I was not. I did add I added chick peas, kidney beans, kale, local hamburger, an onion, can of diced tomatoes, a jar of salsa, chilli powder, dried minced garlic, and molasses! 

This is Autumn comfort food!

 

The backyard is covered in Wild Aster! 

In the meantime, I washed all my spring/summer clothes, ironed them and popped them in the cedar closet. 

🍁Fall Chores

Next project is shutting down the water fountain. I drained it yesterday, and I'll let it dry then scrape off the algae. The birds have been scarce. 

🍁 Hello Autumn!

🍁 It is officially Autumn. After dinner, cozying up under the blankets, we enjoy our TV Shows. Lately, it is the Marlow Murder Club (2024). It is light and fun.

The Oast House as spotted on an Escape to the Country, Season 33. £1,225,000 !

Overhead, fair warnings from the police scanner. It was flying the next day, so all turned out well!

Sept. 19, last sighting of Fred!

I didn't realize Cinnamon slipped outside. Both Nutmeg and I wondered what turned the light on! 

   

Sept. 17, Fred stared down #75 black squirrel. 

 

Sept. 14 th Red Fox was concerned about Butch! I wonder if it is a young fox. 

 

Fred Sept. 15 

Things are heating up and cooling down!

I've put up a few things for Autumn. Frosty has his outfit on. Scarecrow girl and skeleton are at the end of the deck. She sits on a pile of hay.

With all the goldfish indoors, I filled the goldfish pond back up a bit, just to protect the water lilies. It was grunt work. Those rocks are dead weights! 

I have cement block in there. It protects the fish, giving them somewhere to hide. The water pump sits on them, as well.

The leopard frogs have tried to move in. 

🍎More fun! Caitlin and Aster went apple picking, then to see the Spiderman movie. Two thumbs up, apparently. We don't do theatres, too noisy and crowded. A pie was made, as well!

🍏 I thought of a poem we used to recite with them when the grandies were little (and when I taught kindergarten!):

           
        Way up high in the apple tree. 

        Two little apples smiled at me. 

        I shook that tree as hard as I could. 

        Down came the apples. 

        Mmmm, they were good!

My son, Jesse, and family went to a Medieval Faire. Also, first day of school for our Vancouver grandies!

 

Jean-Luc and his two buddies flew from the Republic of Türkiye. to Warsaw, Poland. They took a tour. 

This statue, The Little Insurrectionist (below left) is honouring the child soldiers who fought and died during the Warsaw uprising in 1944. 

"The Warsaw Uprising was a major World War II operation by the Polish underground resistance to liberate Warsaw from German occupation."

Warsaw Uprising monument next to the Supreme Court 

And still humans battle on for territory and resources. 

I have been in the kitchen: chilli and biscuits.

Banana bread helped warm the kitchen up. We need it. It was only 5℃ this morning.