Trip to Almonte

 We had a goal: to replace the ground screw from our bird feeder system. The bear bent it one night, May 13th. The power they have is amazing. There wasn't any rush, I won't feed birds until the fall, but it was good to go for a drive and get out of the house. 

We got our used one, new to us, from Gilligallou, and toddled on our way. I eyed the feeders and bird seed, but there was no point in buying any. The moths are too happy to visit it.

Almonte is a typical part of Ontario. We only have three seasons here: bugs, construction, and snow, and they aren't mutually exclusive! It is a big hole, and they have to take advantage of the season.

I quite like the Post Office murals:

We arrived, and I snapped a couple of photos of the Enerdu plant. I'd been watching their progress: Almonte hydro dam protests have made the news! They are up and running, and the protests have finally stopped.

This is a neat building. There used to be a restaurant on the ground floor, and their signage is funny. I guess people don't notice it is now a textile store. They have a sign on the stand to indicate this! The upper floors are condos.

They had a woman directing pedestrians around the work. Here is JB with his sherbet cone!

I am surprised he had room for his ice cream! We had a delightful lunch on the patio of the Barley Mow. The hanging baskets were lovely. There was a nice wind, on a lovely day. It was so joyful.

The former train bridge is open to the public again. Pedestrians, dog walkers, an ATV, as well, traversed it.

I had blackened chicken burger. It was great. The server was happy and friendly. All went well.

It was such a lovely outing. Hooray for summertime, and being able to eat outdoors.

Cancer Treatment in Ottawa

 PART LXXXVIII –  May PSA test, and Lupron injection May 19th in Ottawa. Every 3 months this has to be done, at least once a year in Ottawa, since 2014. This has changed, since driving through snowstorms to Ottawa. We can get the injections here in winter. Next healthcare appointment will be a bone density scan this summer.  

It's a journey. With another good PSA test, we were ready for his quarterly Lupron injection. 

I prepared by having my toenails done! I anticipated sitting in the park, wearing my sandals, and taking some bird photos. I jinxed it.

We left at 9 a.m. in the pouring rain. Arrived home at 1:30. My bum was numb! Normally I can walk around the park.

There is construction everywhere, so we added 15 minutes to our departure time, for an 11 a.m. appointment! 

It didn't start out well, with delays here. It was like driving on fudge. This was 3 minutes sped up 3 x's. Just for fun!

road construction 3xs speed from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

It is provincial election season here, until June 2nd. We stopped for a pit stop near Manotick and I read the signs. 

I dropped JB off at the main entrance, and from there I went to the park – to park.

There was a bit of rain! I texted Caitlin my photo, then texted Happy 39th Birthday to son, Jesse, with my photo. I knew he could understand our rain, living in Vancouver.

 Ottawa Hospital patients, unless in a bad way, have to go in alone for appointments. Normally, this is a lovely park. I've seen gulls, crows, a kestrel, and song birds here. Not today! I sat and read a research paper, I review for the Action Research network. Normally, this is a lovely sit.

Someone was walking his rottweiler in the rain! There was some entertainment. Then there was the long-haired dude doing the grass.

Dreary it was, and lots of people parking on the street. I mean, why try to snag a $13 parking spot when you cannot enter the building. Somedays, before COVID, we'd have to wait for a parking spot. 

Did I mention it was a dreary drive?! 

Infill buildings intrigue me.

Josephine was competing here representing her high school in the pouring rain. It was at the Mooney's Bay Track & Field facility. She competed in javelin. But by now I was anxious to get home. JB's hip gets sore. It would have been fun to try to find her here, but we just weren't up to it.

Now, I dread the drive into the city. The drive out isn't as bad, usually. When you drive two hours to get to an appointment, you worry! As we traveled home on Riverside Dr., I noticed the signage. A 'high-risk collision' area. (Google screen capture.)

This dude, I assume it is a dude, passed us in the middle of the intersection. I made a complaint.

He wove in and out of traffic, in his big vehicle, dragging the trailer after him in the pouring rain. 

Ottawa traffic from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Nondescript photo, but I was happy the rain stopped. Finally. It began, again, nearer to home, but at least the road wasn't so slick.

This poor Smiths Falls building.

Rideau Ferry bridge repairs. 

JB went into the store for a 'beer run,' as well as other supplies. I waited for him. The bridge refurbishment is massive.

 

We arrived home, rested, put up our feet. Somebody has a sore hip, but that will ease up. After dinner, I ambled out onto the back deck to check the rain gauge before bed. Lo and behold: Junior Bear. (Spring bear hunting season is May 28 - June 11.) 

Bear May 19 from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Monday Drive

 Monday morning, July 5th, we went for a drive. It was good to get out and about.  It was the first time since the pandemic.

The county was cleaning up the ditches.

The farmers were harvesting hay.

Many boats at Rideau Ferry Marina are still wearing their boat coats. 

It's a pretty drive, down Old Kingston Road. 

I wondered what might be down here! I think it is a farm, according to my research.

The ubiquitous day lilies are so pretty!

I've been trying to find this property. I've narrowed it down. They have a great stone fence.

The fencing is interesting. It won't keep anything out, but it is pretty! Old Kingston Rd. 

It is biking season!

Woodworking is such a great skill!

Corn is agrowing!

Can you see the chickens in the front yard pen? 

On to Narrows Lock.

The osprey are busy on their nests. 

Portland! It was quite busy. We aren't too keen on shopping, yet!

One of our three seasons: bugs, construction and snow.

Sped up double time: I counted about 6 cars that went through after the light turned red. Important people, with important things to do! Portland  

Westport! Isn't this pretty?!

More construction! Happily, we weren't in a hurry.

Lots of LDD caterpillar damage.

53 Norwood Rd., a hunt camp! (We try not to drive by during hunting season!!!) Yours for only $169,000. A wee cabin with hydro, 29 acres, about 1/3 swamp, but that is it! A fixer upper?! I noticed the dog houses were removed.

These spots are so pretty. Norwood Rd., near Westport. It's teeming with critters.

The tree canopy is a bit thin, but in the forest it'll come back. 

I love the vanity licence plate: LOO WHO! 

It was so good to get out on the road. Normally, we'd go for lunch somewhere, but we aren't comfortable doing that, yet. We were home by 13:30 and enjoyed the drive.