Trip to the Vet

 It was that time of year! Time for an annual examination, two vaccines, and a thermometer up the butt! 

It's a bit of a trick. I threw Cinnamon in the bathroom and shut the door. Joe worked on Nutmeg, grabbing her after luring her with a treat to his lap. I fled downstairs, grabbed the carriers and put them in the foyer out of sight. Nutmeg (AKA 'Maggie' some days!) was shoved in. I mistakenly put Cinnamon (in the larger carrier) on top. He rolled around and knocked himself over. 

This really ticks her off. 

Cinnamon howled all the way there. Once he was there, despite a dog barking outside in the waiting room, was fairly calm.

Joe manhandled her out of the carrier. It's really peculiar that this is 'home' when they are at the vet.

After we were done, I hauled them back out to the car. It looks, feels and sounds like Spring. I could hear a bird in Spring song. Merlin (I haven't used that app in months) told me it was the House Finch! 

Can you see it?! 

Well, no, you can't see it. I can confirm it as I heard him. And I have a photo from home. SPRING is coming!!!!!

 

We hauled them home, all was quiet during the drive. They know the drill. It is far easier to let them out of the carriers and run to the house. Cinn took off to the right towards the front door. Nutmeg to the left, to the back door.

Cats back in the house, they'll likely sleep all afternoon. It's anxiety-provoking for all of us.

Joe's idea was that we go to Westport for lunch. This view is amazing every time. Tricky place to work, there were flaggers.

He posited that we hadn't been to The Cove Inn restaurant since last summer. My favourite bird species is the heron. Isn't it ironic?!

It was nice and quiet. It's a spot that rocks at night, with live bands. 

It was a lovely drive on a sunny warm day. The rivers are flowing. It looks so promising. 

They are working on the telecom wires. In fact, there were a lot of people out working. Winter limits this activity.

On the way home, I noticed that the house that had a fire (Jan. 19, 2023) is finally coming along and nearly rebuilt. What a job. There have been shortages of workers, materials, and higher costs for everything. I feel for the family. 

We've more snow on the way. We'll see how that goes. The driveway just thawed. Oh well, it'll melt again. Labbit has been using the sidewalk!

Saturday drive to Elgin: on to Chaffeys Lock & Westport

 From Elgin we went to Chaffeys Lock, followed by Westport. This was the second leg, here was the first. It's fun seeing the landscape without the leaves out. The first photo shows the limestone. The next, a delightful old home.

      

The old hotel, formerly Opinicon, has been bought, and refinished. 

    

There is another one, Hotel Kenney. There was a fun TV show, Salvage Kings, who visited the Hotel Kenney, and found some amazing treasures and a ghost, trying to clean out the place. That hotel is on the canal system.

It is quite pretty in season (see below)! We had lunch there one summer, prior to COVID! I hope they manage to make a go of it. The problem is getting staff. They hope to be a wedding venue, to add to their services. 

These old locks still function well. It is a wonderful lock system right from Kingston up to Ottawa.

This was a mill back in the day. When we last visited it was an art gallery. 

There was a couple walking where I was headed at the end of the pier. You can see them in the 2nd photo, below.

I walked down to the end of the harbour, as well. I could see birds off in the distance. I spotted a heron during one visit.

It was bitterly cold, with winds whipping up at me off the lake. I didn't drag my zoom with me, but I did get some video. It was a pair of eagles soaring above the geese and ducks on the water.

Chaffey's Lock from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

It's a nicer visit in summer, but it was peaceful. What's with the red candle, though?!

    

It is the end of snowmachine season. The trails, created over defunct railway lines, are closed. The next photo is a hunter's tree stand. Hunting season, thankfully, over.

 

I like this house in Newboro!
    

Finally, Westport! 

From there, home! 

It is a big day in Ottawa, Thursday, with President Biden visiting. There are many police at the airport, security everywhere. Ottawa has had a freezing rain warning. We had rain overnight, which I expect will continue, despite the blue indicating snow here. I hope all goes well. 

 

Monday drive to Canoe Lake Road Part 3

 From Canoe Lake Road, we headed back to Westport. 

• Monday drive to Canoe Lake Road Part 1
• Monday drive to Canoe Lake Road Part 2

This house has the date 1912 on the left gable. I like th variety of homes.

There was a fire in Fermoy, since we've last been there.

I used to photograph mailboxes! 

Westport is a lovely town. Many  small towns have extend their outdoor space this way. 

Isn't this pretty? Except we couldn't walk together on the sidewalk for the plants!

The harbour is quite popular.

They have a lovely bee and bug garden!

Lots of different land uses. Cottages, farms, and mansions!

The colours are beginning to appear.

Walk of Sorrow

From there, home, and putting our feet up!