Saturday December 5, 2009-Decorating For Christmas

It was -4C (25F) as I set out on my frosty walk but once I got going it wasn't bad at all.

Nancy had bought lights for the outside of the house yesterday so I decided that today was the best day to get them up since our weather is supposed to go downhill this weekend. So Gordon got out the stepladder and with minimal curse words he got the ones up on the eaves. Then I did the garland wrap on the railing outside. So the outside is pretty much festive looking. (Photo compliments of Gordon.)

The rest of the day was spent quietly reading or taking a nap. Oh, the life of a retired person!

Friday December 4, 2009-Road Trip

It was bright and sunny this morning and 0C (32F) when I went for my walk. I was actually warm, couldn't believe it. Maybe my blood is thickening up!

The gray squirrel is trying to figure out how to get into Nancy's new bird feeder.

Gordon called the Dodge dealer this morning as we had a headlight out and one of the roof lights as well so we got an appointment for 1 p.m. The Dodge dealer that he trusts is in Smiths Falls, a small town about 57 km (36 mi) southwest of here. On our way we stopped at the RV to check it out and everything looked ok.

Gordon dropped me at Walmart at Smiths Falls as I had some things to pick up, then came and got me after he finished at the dealer. We took the scenic route home.

We thought this was a pretty barn

For a minute there, I thought we were in Arizona when we saw these people on horseback along the road.

We reached a high of 4C (39F) with times of clouds and sun.

Thursday December 3, 2009-A Restful Day

It poured rain during the night and was still raining this morning so I didn't brave the weather today.

We spent the day here at the house reading, watching TV, napping and on the computer.

I talked to my younger sister this morning. I had planned to go over to see her today but I'm paranoid about bringing germs to her so I told her I'd wait for a nicer day.

It rained off and on for most of the day but we reached a high of about 5C (41F) which is warmer than it was in Kansas City!

Wednesday December 2, 2009-A Drive

It was cloudy and -2C (28F) when I went for my morning walk. I didn't have much energy and I expect it's from my H1N1 shot yesterday. It seems the only affects I'm having is lack of energy (which isn't rare for me) and a sore arm where they gave me the shot.

Later in the morning the sun came out and stayed out for the day. Since it was sunny we decided to go for a drive.

Pretty area

Elk & turkey farm

Marshy area

Pinhey's Point

Tuesday December 1, 2009-H1N1 Flu Shot

I had my walk this morning. It was cold but I was dressed for it. Since it was cloudy I didn't take my camera.

After breakfast I had errands to run one of which was to stop and get a bracelet and a time to go for my H1N1 flu shot. I got a time of 3:30 p.m. to return.

On I went to run other errands, then home to unpack the groceries and read for a bit with a nap thrown in before heading back over to the Kanata Recreation Centre to get my shot. I didn't even feel it. I was in and out in about 1/2 hour. You have to wait 15 minutes after your shot to be sure you won't have a bad reaction. So far so good.

Nancy had purchased some strip loin steaks so Gordon barbecued them for dinner while I made a sweet potato and marshmallow casserole and some friend onions and red and yellow peppers for our vegetable. It was a pretty good dinner!

Monday November 30, 2009-Some Snow

When I got up this morning there was some snow on the ground. We had light flurries for a short time this morning and I don't think it got much above 0C (32F) all day so the snow is still with us. We had more than this on November 5th but it melted right away. Not so sure that's going to happen with this as the forecast for the foreseeable future seems to have snow in it every day. I think our winter has begun!

Max in the snow in the backyard

Snow on top of the truck



The cleaning lady was coming this morning so I didn't get my walk in. I try to get all our stuff put away off the tables and floor so she can just clean.

I spent a quiet day reading and finished a book by V.C. Andrews.

Max is a dog that doesn't like to be under blankets but I couldn't get him out from under this one this morning for a couple of hours.

I downloaded, printed and completed the forms from the ottawa.ca website that need to be completed for the H1N1 flu shot so I might go and get that done tomorrow. The crowds are thinning out. I'm just afraid because of my sensitivity to eggs that I might feel pretty lousy for a couple of days. Oh well, it's not like I have a lot to do!

Sunday November 29, 2009

We did have some sun today but it was chilly. There are reports of some snow flurries coming our way tonight and for the next couple of days. I took my walk along the Trans Canada Trail and walked through the industrial area that is just on the other side of it.

The rest of my day I spent reading. My sister called and wanted to see if I could find her a better rate than she obtained by phone from the Westin Hotel in Ottawa for over Christmas. Amazingly, I couldn't! I thought internet rates were supposed to be cheaper!

I was also looking on line at places to rent in Mexico. They don't appear to be very cheap either! We thought I could fly down and Gordon could drive so we'd have the truck while there. Tioga George has mentioned Aticama so much that I was looking for something in that area but their prices seem comparable with Florida. I'm sure there are other places that I haven't looked where there are better deals.

I did spend some time writing our end of the year newsletter today.

Saturday November 28, 2009-Out for Dinner

It's been cold and windy all day today but we did have sun for a change. The wind was strong enough that it reminded me of my morning walks in Texas.


I spent most of the day on the couch reading. I did get some of Nancy's Christmas decorations out but we didn't do anything with them yet.

Nancy is having a couple of girlfriends over tonight and they're bringing dinner. Unfortunately neither of us can eat it so it's regular fare for us! So since we found out there was at least one smoker in the company (Nancy goes outside to smoke), we decided to go out for dinner since both of us can't tolerate cigarette smoke.

We wound up going to the Bella Vista (the restaurant we had planned to go to on our anniversary). Gordon says their gluten free pizza is the best. I had scallops with rice (wasn't much on the menu that I could eat) and the scallops were very dry. It came with Greek salad so after picking out tomatoes and feta cheese, I had lettuce and black olives but it was ok. I'm getting used to it!

After dinner we stopped at a Mall that we don't get to very often but I guess it's not close enough to Christmas yet as it was closed so we drove to downtown Ottawa and then into the market area coming home via the Ottawa River Parkway and stopping at the Walmart in Kanata for something to clear the smoke. I have to say it doesn't do a very good job.

I can remember when cigarette smoke didn't bother me and when we came to Nancy's I wasn't aware that it did, it's been so long since we've been around smokers indoors. It makes it hard to breathe and makes me extremely nauseated and Gordon's been coughing quite a bit.

Since it's open here at the house from upstairs to downstairs we had the bathroom and bedroom closed off so just went to bed when we got home, consequently no blog got posted last night, so here it is!

Friday November 27, 2009-A Visit

It was raining this morning so I didn't go for my walk and we had to get ready to go to friends of ours about an hour away for 11 a.m.

Before we left Gordon took this photo of Max and I on the couch. He's such a sweet dog.


We left just before 10 a.m. It was raining here and we ran into sneet, snow and more rain on our trip to Perth, ON.

Some sneet on the windshield

This is their house and what a beautiful house and in such a lovely area!

This is Shonagh and Dave. They are the owners of our favourite campground in this area and we consider it our home campground. Shonagh prepared a delicious meal for us, keeping in mind our problems with food.

This photo was taken looking out the window from their family room.

After lunch the rain stopped for a while so we went for a walk around the area. There are many trails and beautiful spots. Even though it was cloudy it was still beautiful.


An interesting tree. I liked the angle.


We had a very enjoyable day with wonderful company. It was dark when we got home and Nancy was already home but she was going out tonight so we're puppy sitting.

Thursday November 26, 2009-Meeting an Old Friend

The sun actually shone this morning while I was out for my walk. It was already 7C (45F) at that time and was quite warm although cloudy for the remainder of the day. Rain was forecast but we didn't get any. Our high was 11C (52F).

It was also sort of hazy this morning as you will see reflected in some of the photos below.


This little bush still has leaves

A muskrat mound

A goose reflection

I got ready and was out the door before 10 a.m. today. I had some shopping to do and I was meeting a friend of mine, Linda for lunch at the Carlingwood Restaurant at Carlingwood Mall for lunch. I haven't seen her for about 17 years. We had a good catch up and will probably see each other again this winter.

Photo below of us taken by the waitress

After lunch I had more stops to make and was home in time to make up some burgers (requested by my husband) so he could BBQ them, some fruit salad (for me) since I had a big lunch and do some reading.

Wednesday November 25, 2009-Only a Month till Christmas!

Hard to believe that it's nearly Christmas. This year has gone really fast. It seems the older you get the faster the time goes.

Today was fairly warm for this time of year at 7C (45F) but it was dull and rainy. It did stop long enough for my walk this morning. I didn't take my camera so no photos today.

Most of the day was spent lounging around reading and on the internet.

I had bought some sirloin steak yesterday (it was on sale so cheaper than round or blade) so made some swiss steak for dinner. It turned out pretty well but probably could have baked it a little less.

Tuesday November 24, 2009-Running Around

It was very foggy this morning and 0C (32F) for my walk but at least there isn't snow....yet.

Foggy photos


I hung around the house all morning and read my library book. I've read it before but I enjoyed it so decided to read it again - it's Colony by Anne Rivers Siddons.

After lunch I went out to pick up some groceries. Gordon was out of orange juice so that was the main reason that I went out but of course when I got there I found other things that we needed. When I got back to the house I picked up the mail and the lawyer in Buffalo had sent something I needed to sign before he can proceed with the case. So I signed it and drove over to the post office to get it mailed.

We have had other fulltiming RV friends turned away from the border today. This is getting ridiculous! Do the border agents have something against RVers or just specific ones?

Monday November 23, 2009-Good news!

The day started out rather foggy and we only had a brief period of sun this afternoon. I didn't get to go on my walk today since the housecleaner was to come at 8:30 a.m. However she called and said she wouldn't be there till 10 a.m. I still didn't go on my walk.

After breakfast I went out and did some shopping and then Nancy and I went out this afternoon. She gets every other Monday off since her hours are long the other days.

Today's good news is that my sister is home from the hospital! I haven't gone into much about it here on the blog but she had a very serious operation and we're so thankful that she is now home. Thanks to everyone on Facebook who said prayers for her.

Sunday November 22, 2009-An Easy Day

I've added a new blogger to my sidebar. George and Marilyn have recently also had problems with US Immigration, to read about it, click here. Luckily they were able to get things straighteed out and were allowed to cross the border and continue on their way within a couple of days.

Not much happened around here today. It was supposed to be bright and sunny but I didn't see a hint of sun all day. It wasn't cold though.

Other than going out for my walk I just sat around the house and read and watched TV.

Saturday November 21, 2009-Company for Dinner

People have commented on my blog that we might still get out of here this winter. That's not in the plans even if the deportation thing gets resolved quickly. I have an appointment with an eye surgeon in January about getting my cataracts removed so even if this gets straightened out, we'll remain here in Ottawa for the winter.

It was 7C (45F) when I went for my morning walk so didn't need the usual bundling up. Just as I got to the Trans Canada Trail I heard the tap tap tapping of a little Downy Woodpecker. That made a good start to my day.

The Downy Woodpecker

Where are the green fields coming from at this time of year?

Lots of geese in the air this morning

Power grid runs along the Trans Canada Trail

We spent a pretty quiet day and I even got in a nap this afternoon before Nancy's company, Mark and Joyce arrived for dinner. These are old friends that used to be her neighbours in a previous location. We had an excellent dinner of ribs, broccoli, carrots, roast potatoes (I had brown rice) and I made two mug cakes since it was Joyce's birthday.

Friday November 20, 2009-Lawyer Consultation

Today was mostly cloudy and rainy but not cold but I managed to get my walk in without being rained on. In fact November so far has been pretty nice weather. It could be so much worse!

After breakfast I went out to get some groceries and things but was back in time for lunch.

My telephone consultation with the lawyer in Buffalo was for 3 p.m. He says there are two ways to go about this. I can forget about the deportation and just apply to be allowed back into the US, or we can apply to have the deportation set aside and terminated. If that goes through I won't have to go to Buffalo to appear.

The lawyer will get all the information needed, prepare affidavits to prove we have been in Canada all this time and I'll have to get some paperwork together to show proof of our residing in Canada as well. At the point we're not sure how long we have to prove that we've lived here.

Now that he has a hefty retainer fee, he's ready to get moving on it.

Nancy managed another full day at work!

Thursday November 19, 2009-Lawyer

After my morning walk and breakfast, I finally got around to calling the lawyer in Buffalo.

Photos from my morning walk-all about trees




First of course, the receptionist wanted payment, then she would make a telephone appointment with the lawyer. We got that straightened away and she called me back this afternoon with an appointment for tomorrow. So hopefully I will get some answers then.

We also managed to raise the head of the bed today. I've been feeling kind of ill the last few days and I have a feeling it's related to reflux so hopefully this will help.

Nancy left for work at 6 a.m. today and managed to stay all day. Amazing!

Wednesday November 18, 2009-Stuff

Although today was busy I find I don't have much to write about.

I had my usual walk. It was bright and sunny again.

More of the Trans Canada Trail

Frost on the logs

This scrub reminds me of southern Texas


A stand of white birches



This afternoon we went to check out the RV again and pick up some flours and my Family Tree program. We took some back roads and enjoyed the drive.

A really big llama and some sheep. The sun was really bright so it's overexposed.

Old log barns

And a cute little log house


A third cousin found me on Facebook and we are going to compare family trees so I wanted my Family Tree program which I had left at the RV as he's given me lots of information for it.

Nancy is going to attempt to go back to work tomorrow so we'll be on hand in case she's unable to stay for the whole day.

Tuesday November 17, 2009

Today was another bright beautiful sunny day but a bit on the cool side. I had a nice morning walk and took longer than usual since I missed yesterday.

This farm is quite a ways from the Trans Canada Trail but I used my zoom lens

I'm pretending these Canada Geese are Sandhill Cranes

An overexposed lone tree


This morning I went out to do some shopping and when I came back Nancy was ready to go out and do some as well so I went with her. So I'm shopped out!

By the way I got an email from the lawyer in Buffalo. I just have to call him.

Monday November 16, 2009

I was up early this morning as the housecleaner was to be here for 8:30 a.m. I didn't go for my walk and she showed up right on time. Nancy had an appointment at 8 a.m. so we needed to be here.

After she left I lay down and had a long nap. There's just been so much going on that I've been tired.

It was bright and sunny all day but cooler than it has been.

I didn't even get outside the house today.