Kids, pumpkins, blue skies

 I know my long-term readers ca appreciate where the years have gone. Aster (gr. 11) had a PD day last week, and went to visit Jordan at Queen's University. They had a blast. Jordan is on the Dean's list for high marks in year two of Astrophysics. He's working and playing hard. 

Jordan took Aster to classes. Aster liked the Timbits!

"The Present and Future of High-energy Neutrino Astronomy."

A healthy food bowl for dinner! Aster took the bus there and back, and had a grand time.

I visited our local farm, and bought some gourds and pumpkins. This swan gourd is quite something!

I had to go into town, and on my way home...

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. 

A family visit!

I was doing gardening and found a wee bird's nest on the ground. I imagine a hummingbird or red-eyed vireo. It's so small. 

 

My theory of the perpetrator, AKA the culprit who was knocking over my plants left evidence! 

They left paw prints. Butch Raccoon for sure!

 

They even did a number on Emily and her Lobelia. I replanted it. Sigh.

The kids came over for a sleepover Friday, July 24. Aster plugged in the car. Aster has just begun in-car driver's ed!  The in-class sessions are finis.

Dinner was fun. Sausages in a bun, corn from down the road, birthday cake! Caitlin had brought souvenirs from her trip. Grampa was given a Lithuanian cap.

We have jokes. The year Jordan turned 15, I made a mistake and thought he was 16. Since then we always add a year to the birthday.

She is actually turning 47!

 

I gave Caitlin her birthday present, even though her birthday isn't until Aug. 16th. You never know what they will be up to next month.

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Aster was given a few items to celebrate summer. Another joke, 'beer and chips' is what Grampa always says we used to give the grandies. 

It is tiger lily season. The hummingbirds adore it.

Aster did a photo reprise!

Saturday morning the kids went swimming! Back home, we were told it was a great time swimming. Aster drove there! 

Then it was time to go home. But first, the family made a visit to the candy store, and a visit to Stewart Park for old times sake. Grampa used to take the grandies there during Gramma Camp.

Jordan is doing well, working in a grocery store stocking shelves. He is in heaven. He's quite the organiser.

Shingle repairs

We had new shingles put on the roof the year after we moved in, in 2011. I'd lost some photos, but Google stored them somewhere when I searched. 

We had A massive windstorm in May, 2018. I managed to fix the shingles which flipped. Our eavestrough replacement was in June, 2022. 

When I was up cleaning out the gutters in May, I spotted this issue. You can see the nail holes as Jean-Luc, my SIL, pointed out. I asked if I should work from the top to the bottom to repair them. 

They had a window of time, and they offered to come and fix them. It's been crazy busy for them. I was profoundly grateful.

 

I put on my work shoes, old runners I've had for many years. JL hustled up on the roof. Caitlin has the same style of ancient work shoe/runner! I held the ladder and Caitlin ferried up supplies. 

We had a nice visit. They brought leftovers for lunch, and they ate a bite while we chatted. They had to get home to pick Aster up from their penultimate Driver's Ed in class session. Soon it'll be two-hour lessons in the instructor's car. It is hard to believe this little kid is growing up so fast. When Aster needs a drive to school, they will drive. Great practice!

Joe Brian had brought some scones, which we sent home. Aster had one for breakfast with tea, and sent a thank you! Isn't that sweet?! 

A new week begins, and I have to get garbage out at the road. Have a good one, all!

Buds & blooms

While we are back in the coolish weather, the buds are doing their thing! This is the horse chestnut tree:

lilacs

The trillium are in bloom in the forest. Tulips and Grecian windflowers are in bloom.

More good news, the lily bugs are awake. I shall have to dig out my bug collector.

The Forsythia is at its peak.

The pileated woodpecker is doing a number on the tree. I haven't noticed it but I have heard it.

Aster and a beginner's driver's licence! She drove part way home!