Alternate spring!

 Tuesday was an amazing day. I opened up the door and let the fresh air in. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. We were to have a warm day, and then a deep freeze. This morning is is -12℃. after falling very quickly during the afternoon. More on that later.

I was supposed to have a client, but they had to cancel. I spotted a photo of one of my favourite clients, I was with her for 3 years. I used to do her nails for her. We had fun, and I miss her spirit. She wanted bright red nail polish, but some of her kids said it was inappropriate! 

JB suggested we go out for lunch, since I was all dressed.  I like to dress in cheery colours for my clients.

The sky was lovely, the snow cover about half gone.

Down at the marina, the boats are in their coats. The water on top of the ice shows the warmth. 

The geese are flying in small groups. It's a bit early for them, as the water isn't thawed and there is little food. This was a drive-by shooting, from my car window! 

The snow machines sit dejectedly on the bare lawn waiting to be put away for spring.

We thought we'd try Boston Pizza. It was nice and quiet. A patio overlooking a parking lot...maybe not.

The parking lot was interesting.

It is a strange place for this truck to park. We had to drive around them. The woman said it was her husband waiting for her??!!

From there we went to Motts Mills. The roads were muddy in spots.

168 acres for sale

The melt water is flowing quickly.

sounds of spring from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Drive carefully! 

#FrontenacOPP commercial vehicle rollover on Westport Road - Hamlet of Fermoy. No injuries. Roadway closed and detoured for approximately 45 minutes for clean-up and removal of the vehicle. ^rm pic.twitter.com/QOhvoGPZKo

— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) February 14, 2024

Motts Mills

Saturday, April 26, we drove to pick up my prize. I won a new TV stand! I suggested we go by Motts Mills to see the dam. With all the flooding along the Flooding in Ontario and Québec, I was quite curious.

The dam was redone, we've been here before. Motts Mills Refurbished Dam, July, 2016. 

Also, May 20, 2017. 

The area hosts a lot of critters: frogs, fish, ducks, etc. Snapping turtle and rivers and dams (June, 2015) prior to the refurbishment. This snapping turtle was quite something.
 

The wetland can absorb a lot of water. It's a pretty little spot, with a bench for sitting, once the water goes down and the sun comes out.



There is something about rushing water in this setting. Soon it will slow and the dragonflies will be out.
Motts Mills from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Round Lake Dam on the Bonnechere River

Here’s some perspective on water levels around here. The dam ends 1/3 of the way across the River. The closer 2/3 is water flowing over and around. There is no elevation change between lake and river. pic.twitter.com/gn3V7sZP88

— Matt Cruchet (@Paramedic_Matt) May 2, 2019

Saturday lunch

Summertime: ♪♫♬ the livin's easy♪♫♬. Florence hurricane has petered out, thankfully. What a mess. The typhoon in Japan (Bangkhut)was historic.  The shoulder seasons are the best, however. Fewer line-ups in town.


We keep thinking this is our last patio lunch, but the weather is hanging on here. Out west they've had snow! We took off to CC's in Rideau Ferry. They don't know our names, but they asked if we wanted indoors or the patio. We walked out to the patio and the young lady seating us said, "Oh, your favourite table is taken!" We still had a view of the water.

I didn't bother taking my long lens. Heaven knows I have enough photos of boaters! This is the videocamera, for the most part. It's not bad. People were really enjoying the weather.


Between the island and the shore, about 100 Canada Geese hang out until it is time to fly.


Mmmm, lunch. My favourite pasta.


Server Justin James is a hoot. He has begun to sell his photographs. He spent last winter in New Zealand, and took many photos. His photos are for sale. He refers to me as 'Mrs. Poison Ivy,' as we first met him when I'd had another poison ivy incident. He teases me unmercifully.


You can visit his webpage, and buy his photos. He's a very affable young man, who has traveled the world.


On the road, a wonderful tree. You'll notice this is a photo through the window, with bug juice.

Motts Mills Dam

From there, we took a drive down #29. You can hear me, "Slow down, slow down!"
My driver does so. "OK, turn right here." He's good at following orders, if he hears me!
This is a favourite spot. They refurbished it, and put in a dam that allows for the water to dam up in spring. This provides a habitat for the critters. The posts are all that is left of the old dam.



Motts Mills Dam 2017
This was in November. I anticipate it filling up over the winter rains and snowfall.


Prior to the refurbishment, there was this old dam (only the posts are left, above). I found a snapping turtle sunning itself there. Snapping turtle and rivers and dams (June, 2015) You can see how much water there was in spring.


I sauntered down to where it drains into the creek. The flowing river is now just a series of pools.


Little minnows are ripe for the picking. There was a snake, which scuttled under a rock. The cycle of life!


JB was in the car, studying the map to determine our next heading. More tomorrow.