Life sure evolves

Still fighting this gastro issue, I'm on the mend. Canadians have learned to live, work, play and thrive in a climate that has distinct seasons. Then the seasons blur, there is such an impact on us.

What I enjoy reading about are the many Canadians who embrace the seasons. Our kids ski in winter, bike, hike, and swim in summer.  It is quite something how our lives (in retirement) still revolve around the weather. Several faithful readers point out that they haven't been able to snowshoe for a few years with our milder winters. We are living longer, and people in my generation are learning to embrace life as it changes, finding hobbies and volunteer work to keep them focused. 

The temperatures are up and down here this week. I enjoy physical activities – when I am healthy. While I used to jog, bike, play softball, volleyball, etc., I find it difficult aging gracefully, when they tell us to keep  active, when it results in tendonitis, shin splints and physiotherapy! We sold our bikes. 

I don't mind shoveling snow. Joseph Brian used to, when he was able. It is so difficult giving up activities one used to love. 

snow blower from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Look at the melting snow! We had this last week, and this week we are above freezing, then, on the weekend, going down to double-digit below zero numbers. This is a normal Spring sight, not January!

 

it is melting! from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

The storm landed a lot of snow and rain on the trees. It is ridiculous for January. Happily they bounced back this time!

 

frozen trees from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

The birds don't normally bath in winter, but it has been so mild. You can notice the female cardinal behind the mourning doves!

 

bath time from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

I guess I'm back to birding and watching deer out the window this week. It is the small pleasures we find. JB had about 20 deer outside this morning. They are ready for spring. King Frederick still thinks he is boss, despite not antlers. It's a pecking order that works in nature. Ears back, he chases others away.

Our lame deer, who we think might be one of the Princes, we will call Duke. He turns up in the afternoon, when the other deer are not around. JB goes out and gives him extra rations. It's tough being in a pack when you cannot defend yourself.

We'll see what February brings! Take care, be careful out there. 

Saturday drive and Cyclosportive Perth

Saturday, after Saturday lunch, we kept on driving south. Gardens are at their best, drought aside.

I had JB turn around to take a better photo. The next 4 photos are all this property.


Then, there were the clouds. These are the remnants of Hurricane Florence.

She spun counter-clockwise, and flipped off some clouds as she advanced up the continent. Still no rain.

Eloida Lake Boat Ramp

We stopped at a boat launch, I wanted to dip my toes in the water. Sadly, there was a tailgate party. (Totally illegal, BTW.) The truck was parked right in the water. Their dog ran up to us and shook its coat! They asked if we were launching a boat, and if they had to move their truck. We said no!

On the road again. Nice shack.


Can you tell that there is an election on Oct. 22nd?


My traditional post photo.

Forfar Cheese Factory

We were keen to explore the North Shore Rd. I was disappointed that there was big signage saying it was a private road. I am dubious.

Cyclosportive Perth – A friendly fall cycling event

There was a bike run on Saturday. It was a big one. They put marks on the road. I am happy that our local roads now have a wide, paved shoulder. It's much easier to navigate our way around them.
I saw a few people who were lost, despite the marks! You are supposed to download the route to your gps.
There were 154 riders, according to the blog post. The routes listed on the webpage have disappeared, but there were routes from Perth to Westport, 100km and 175 km.



I love this sign. The doe and fawn are happy to wander onto the road.


Home and safe.

Trip to Herbfest on the long weekend!

There were a lot of bikes on the road. All 'Vulnerable Road Users." This trio pulled into the gas station just outside Almonte, at CR #29 and Wolfe Grove Rd. It's a very busy intersection. Dad, in flip flops, doesn't understand either the law, or responsible parenting.
I cannot understand such neglect. In Ontario minors must wear helmets. There are various laws across Canada.



Traffic was heavy on this long weekend. Leaving the house at 8:00 a.m., we arrived at the new location in White Lake for 9:30. Driving was horrid. This guy passed us, you can see the oncoming car between his rear view mirror and the truck.



For years, Herbfest was located nearer to Ottawa. (Sunday trip to HerbFest! 2015;  HerbFest in Almonte 2012)
I've been thinking about growing my own sprouts, and I recalled a vendor having such supplies. No go! HerbFest 2016 is a mere shadow of its former self. There is a southeastern burn ban, since we've had little rain.


We made it to Herbfest.  It was pretty quiet. As has been the case, some hadn't even set up their booths yet! (We like to arrive early, before crowds!)




We visited
Part of the attraction is the Waba Cottage Museum  on this property. We had a Daycation to Burnstown's House and Garden Tour in 2014, and went in. We didn't bother this time. Once you've seen one old church and school house...


Parking volunteers didn't have a clue. They were more concerned with collecting the $2 per person fee, than facilitating the smooth entrance and exits of cars. They stopped this car and the previous car, pulled over on the right, which would have let us leave. Rather than doing so, they stood in the way and we had to wait for the two cars to pay, pass us, and then we could make our exit.

We met a couple on the way in, who lived up the road, and were only spending 20 minutes there. We drove 88km, over 90 minutes to attend!


This is what I bought: Joe Pye, a tall grass, and a poker thingie, I cannot remember the name of!