Me, the Moon, Snowfleas, and Deer

 I gave myself some down time after a hectic week. My PA is still working on his 100-day cough. The meds are helping him sleep and clear his lungs. Praise be. Thanks for your kind words about the man. He's been very good about taking his meds.

I watched a TV piece about a spa in Toronto which uses *ASMR techniques. They said that it is a place where you can "unwind, feel cared for, relax in a safe place." That's just what I needed. I knew where to find it! It was a regular ManiPedi and it was as soothing. 

I decided on a manicure just now since I can wreck a good one in no time during gardening season. This is the in-between times. Snow and no bugs.

I suppose that is wrong. There are bugs. Outside in the snow the snow fleas are working up to mating season! They aren't truly snow fleas, properly called Springtails. They don't bite. I researched it some once. 

Springtails on snow Jan. 2012

snow flea in the macro lens
This photography is harder than it looks!

I traded in my macro lens back in the day. Here I am using my iPhone 11↓ on Friday. Not so bad photos. I was out feeding them. There were 9 Saturday around 6:30, but they disappeared by the time I'd had coffee.

I attempted the snap the moon. Through the window. 

I've taken moon photos before. 

The moon was hiding behind clouds.

Look at the snow we've lost. March 1st

This morning you can see the pumpkin from the fall.

Bala, Muskoka back when we lived there.

*ASMR - Wikipedia

An autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation and pleasant form of paresthesia, that usually begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and spine.

Bees on the Basil

 Tuesday I watered in the morning. It was lovely. I've got the front garden into shape for fall. The leaves rattle in the wind. Their crinkly selves are ready to let go. 

We've been having 30 ℃. days, and 14 ℃. nights. It's perfect. Once the sun goes down, we open up the windows. It won't last, so one must revel in the last warm days. We would like some rain. Everything is getting crunchy. There was 140mm+ rain in August, and very little this month (37 mm). (No rain since Sept. 9th!)

We haven't had many clouds, we're fairly dry , but this set... 

The bumble bees are well, bumbling around on the basil. They bounce on the flowers, carrying heavy loads.

A little, teeny, new Wood Frog. I did the lawn and found two snakes, plus a billion frogs. They mostly jump straight ahead, so I have to veer. Then they hunker down in the grass again. That's why I keep the settings at the highest level.  

In Autumn, I usually put some chestnuts in Peter's wheel barrow. I've shown video of the Red Squirrel harvesting them. They stole it out of the barrel! 

Ta da! Just one pumpkin.

I was using the grater, slicing up some carrots for a stir fry. It did not go well. I suggested no one buy me a Mandolin. That's just asking for trouble! We taped up the thumb and carried on. 

I took myself off for a pedicure. The new colour has a fabulous name, but I cannot remember it! You just have to laugh. My scars... 

April showers bring May flowers

 With the nice weather, I thought I'd get a pedicure for spring. The relaxation was much-needed. I didn't realize how cold it would be! We've had cold, splatty rain for days. The action has been with the squirrel caught mid-flight!

I ordered myself a new shirt. I was pleased with it. Even dug out my capri pants. I put on my face, and my old capri pants.

 🏠Vacant land on Gore St.  

On the way home, I stopped to grab photos of the new build in town. I've been snapping photos, just for posterity. They'll rent for $2300/month. Not the affordable and rent-to-income places we need. Apparently, our premier only want to help his rich builder friends with single family homes well beyond the income of many on hourly wages. 

What does one do on yet another rainy day? It's been raining for SIX days. 

Thankfully we have power. There were thousands without power in southern Ontario. Those danged winds.

🥌Curling is an option. It is strictly a spectator sport for us. Our backs and knees would never hold out for that. 

Cinnamon rests until we can go walkies!

I had a conversation with Jesse, in Vancouver. Skiing is done. He's promised to upload the rest of his winter photos. He said that all three of my kids will be together at his cottage near Lindell, in B.C. It is lovely when families can all get together. The Vancouver kids came to visit us in July 2022. I am estranged from my youngest. It is great that they will have a good visit. There are swimming pools, and a beach nearby. I am happy for them. Summer is coming together.

Garbage is out. The new week begins. I hope you have a good one!

I had a trip into town!

 I decided, with the troops arriving Monday, I should have a relaxing pedicure. Off I went. It didn't begin well.

Firstly, I was tailed by a Bell van the whole way into town. Then three emergency firefighter vehicles went by. I duly pulled over, which is the law. The Bell truck tried to pass me, since he didn't hear the sirens or see the flashing lights. 

Firefighters from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

The town was crawling with people and vehicles. Into the hotel I went. The parking was atrocious, I snagged the 2nd last spot. I found the last viable spot, methinks. Some people aren't very good at parking between the lines!

This dude didn't seem to care where he parked. Parking was difficult to find. The employees park here, as well as guests. 

I had my pedicure, and relaxed. I needed that. It's a lovely setting for a spa and hotel. 

Out the window I could see the wedding preparations as Ivy worked on my toes. Women white dresses, and men in tuxes wandering back and forth! It's a popular spot for weddings. They stay in the hotel, have their hair done, and party. 

Stewart Park is amazing! The land was donated by Mrs. Stewart in 1947. What an everlasting donation. The gift was given on the condition that no one would be charged admission to visit. That's why the free July music festival is so much fun for all. I was there when there was another wedding: A wedding in Stewart Park in Perth. The photos are so much fun.

I had my deluxe pedicure, which includes a foot and leg massage. I was so relaxed. Heading home, I was tailed by a big, black SUV who thought I should be doing far more than the speed limit. I put on my turn signal, slowed down, and spotted something in the driver's side view mirror. I couldn't believe it. A motorcycle passed the SUV and me. If I hadn't stopped he and I could have been in a terrible way. I was so upset. Why are people in such a hurry? 

motorcycle from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

🚑 The bad news is that our local Perth ER is closing for five days. They are having trouble getting staff. There are a variety of reasons, which our re-elected premier doesn't seem to have a handle on. ("Nothing to see here, folks!") Dr. Drummond says it is due to a nursing shortage exacerbated by a COVID breakout on Thursday. His nursing staff has shrunk from 15 to 5. We'll have to drive 20 km to Smiths Falls, which is easy for us, but not for the most vulnerable.

This morning, on the local news, I found out what the firefighters were headed to Saturday afternoon:

#LeedsOPP and @RideauLakesFire responded to a 30ft vessel on fire in the Rideau Ferry area today. The captain sustained minor burns and made it safely to shore before the vessel sank. The Ministry of Environment has been notified and recovery to follow. @RLTwp ^nc pic.twitter.com/6uTEt5wuMx

— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) July 2, 2022

 Be safe out there, people. We have people who love and need us.

Winter birds & poetry

winter makes me less than bold
darkness reigns with biting cold
hunker down when temps are frigid
icicles form in lines most rigid

out my window I watch the scene
mounds of white with little green
feeding birds an avocation
cheaper than a big vacation

birds a-flutter in clouds of frantic

few with notions of romantic
daytime brings a colourful bustle
finding food a daily hustle

in the night wee critters scurry
across the snow their feet a-flurry
they must be watchful for a predator
Mother Nature she is the editor

pedicure stated on the certificate
pampering there it was magnificate
too cold for sandals home I ran
toes are pretty although it's Jan.