Wednesday & Thursday June 16 & 17, 2010

Wednesday

I went for my walk this morning. It was cloudy but hadn't started raining.

Other than that not a lot was accomplished today. We went out to Home Hardware and found that they don't cut counters there. They have to be ordered and since ours is a special size it will probably take two weeks. I phoned Rona and they said the same thing. I called Home Depot in Carleton Place - ditto for them.

So, Gordon called the plumber with the idea of cutting out the counter we have to fit the new sink. We'll see what happens there.

We went back out this afternoon to Home Hardware and picked up some caulking that expands for the hole in our cement block foundation. The inspection had said it wasn't serious but it did need to be done. We also got some downspout extensions. Home Hardware is becoming almost a daily event!

This afternoon I had a nap and I slept very deeply. I had a dream that my stepdaughter, Michelle came to visit with the two girls and some other lady and Faith found another bathroom in the spare room. You wonder where these things come from. I also remember thinking that I didn't have enough meat loaf to feed everyone and wondered what I was going to feed them when the door bell rang and woke me up. Gordon went and it was some guy selling home alarm systems. That's not something you buy from a door to door salesman!

It rained hard this afternoon for a while. I think we've had enough now and this summer is now feeling suspiciously like last summer. At least everything is green and the rain doesn't bother me as much in a house as it would in the RV. More pouring rain after dinner!

We went out for sunset as it looked like it might be a good one but it fizzled. We did get some photos before it fizzled, then went to a different spot and took a photo of this old boat. The Fire Department were playing with their hoses and I had to cross the locks to get over to see it. Scary!

Sunset from Lower Reach Park near us


Firemen playing with their hoses


Crossing the locks


Boat houses near locks




Old boat at locks

Osprey in nest


Thursday

It rained a lot overnight. I woke up around 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. When Gordon got up around 5 a.m. I turned on the radio. That usually works to put me back to sleep and it did it's work.

Since the plumber was scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m., I reluctantly got up at 7 a.m. and headed out for my walk. There were lots of big puddles around but it wasn't raining. It was chilly though at 14C (57F) with quite a breeze. It seemed strange walking that early. Instead of lots of kids around when I usually walk, there were lots of people going to work.

By noon the plumbers were gone. I had a new kitchen sink and taps, the downstairs bathroom was fixed, the inside part of the outside tap was fixed but they couldn't find a sink small enough to fit in the vanity we have in the upstairs bathroom. Gordon decided we should just replace the taps today and we'd do some research on a bathroom vanity. I had found a small sink at Home Depot in Carleton Place and it would fit but the taps would have to be offset, which is a possibility. The other possibility is to go back to the moulded sink that we have now as they do make those vanities in the right size. It still has to be ordered as our sink is offset so that's possibility number two.

I was too tired to think about it so even though we still had lots to do I decided to lay down and have a nap. It turned into about 3 1/2 hours but I felt like I would live.

The day also turned into a bright sunshiny one so another day I spent having a nap when it was beautiful.

For those of you that I'm boring to tears with my blogs lately, remember it's a diary for me too!

Monday & Tuesday June 14 & 15, 2010

Monday

This morning was kind of rainy so I just piddled around the house, didn't do anything useful.

We had an appointment in Ottawa with our financial people to get set up with some life insurance and a follow up appointment with my family doctor to discuss the results of the tests taken after my annual medical. All my tests were within normal range but she is concerned that I might have sleep apnea so she's scheduling me for the overnight test.

In between appointments we stopped at Ikea and I found a stool to hold my fan. I always have a fan on at night in the bedroom and I'd been using my outdoor table but I need my outdoor table for beside my swing so I've been looking for something for a while, something else off the list!

My new stool holding the fan


That accomplished we stopped at Natural Food Pantry to get some gluten free stuff, then we had an early dinner at Wendy's before going to see another desk that I had found yesterday. We needed something to put our new printer and the scanner (that's still in the RV) on. It was in good shape and was a fair price so we loaded it on the truck and it's now in the office.

The office is furnished now


I've discovered that lifting something heavy immediately after eating is not a good idea. It causes a lot of gastric discomfort! Remind me not to do that again.

Only a couple of more things are needed - a small freezer and some sort of storage for extra bedding - a dresser or chest of some kind.

We had rain and cool temperatures on our way in to Ottawa and sunshine and warmer temperatures on our way home.

Tuesday

I've felt lethargic for some time now on waking up in the morning. This is one of the reasons why my doctor wants to send me for sleep apnea testing. As I've said before I've been very negligent in going for my morning walk so since it was bright, sunny and beautiful this morning I decided to get off my butt and go. I really enjoyed the walk and even did a bit of running but I still feel lethargic!

I called the Smiths Falls hospital to see if they can do the sleep apnea test here but they don't have the equipment so I guess I'll have to go to Ottawa. Bummer!

I got some energy later in the morning and got the front door washed, then I washed some of the siding around the door. After that, I went to the basement and tackled some of the boxes. I made a lot of headway.

The plumber stopped by to show me some brochures on sinks and taps. We picked out what we wanted. They said we should go to Home Hardware and pick out our counter top. Later in the afternoon they got back to us with a good price and they will start the job on Thursday. It will be good to get it done before the dreaded HST tax starts on July 1st. Instead of 5% on some items, we will now be charged 13%. It's too complicated to explain and very depressing! The provincial government tells us it will create jobs. Let's hope so, some good has to come of it.

This afternoon I put a bread mix in the breadmaker, then took off to pick up some groceries. My new stamp came in so now I have a pre-inked stamp with our address on it. No more hand writing!

Sunday June 13, 2010

This morning we headed out to more flea markets. On the way to one we saw a garage sale so stopped on the way back. I got an inside garbage can that is separated with one small black box and one small blue box for recyclables. I've been using plastic bags in my broom closet so thought this would be more efficient. However, the garbage can is too big for the closet. I can get the black and blue box in it though.

My $3 purchase


We didn't find anything at any of the flea markets.

Before we went out this morning, Gordon got our wireless doorbell in place. The front and back doors have different chimes. Cool!

This afternoon we went to the town of Perth which is about 20 km (12 miles) or so from Smiths Falls. Perth is a very pretty town and in fact claims to be the prettiest town in Ontario. We stopped by the Perth Conservation Area on our way as we took the Rideau Ferry Road to get there. That is also a pretty drive. We stopped at a flea market in Perth but this was more of an antique market and had prices to reflect that so on we went, parked the truck and took a walk around town. We took a different route home. It was a nice little Sunday drive.

Perth Conservation Area & Tay Marsh Butterfly Trail - leads out to the marsh

Fountains in the Tay River in downtown Perth

This tower is part of the Perth Public Library. It is called the Hose Tower as it is where the firefighters hung the hoses to dry out.

I thought this slogan was kind of catchy for the Perth Courier newspaper

This reminded me of a Japanese Bridge

More of Stewart Park

Sitting on the end of one of the bridges in the park



I decided to get some swing time as it's a very pretty day here and then came in and made some meatloaf for dinner. It was excellent!

Saturday June 12, 2010-Busy Day

We had called a plumber a couple of weeks ago and he was supposed to get back to us at the end of that week but we never heard from him. I found a plumber online that lives right down the street from us and we had made arrangements for him to come this morning.

He arrived and we went through our list. He had brought another guy with him, both of them are old timers. We went through our list of stuff and a couple of things he talked me out of even though it would have made him money. I like that. Anyway, he's to get back to us on Tuesday with a price.

Then I put a gluten free bread mix in the breadmaker and we headed out to pick up some more 'stuff' as if we didn't have enough stuff in the basement however the stuff in the basement isn't the right stuff if you know what I mean.

When we moved in it took us a while to notice that the house doesn't have a door bell on either door. Very odd. Anyway today we finally bought a wireless doorbell that will work for both doors. We also needed an outdoor trash can as we've been using bags however they tend to attract critters and we don't want critters in the garage.

Gordon is also fixing up his office so needed a desk lamp and a trash can so we got those items. Setting up house is costly!

Here are a couple of photos of the living room.




After lunch I was doing laundry and I lay down to read then I thought that since it finally stopped raining I should go for a walk. I haven't been nearly as diligent since we moved here and even before because of my shoulder so I took off and walked the circle around the river. I walked 4,862 steps and burned 203 calories. I have no idea what that is in miles but it took about 45 minutes. It seems like a long way but it's really pretty walking on the path by the river. I should have taken my camera but I didn't want the extra encumbrance and since it was cloudy, I didn't bother. When we have a nice day I'll take it with me.

I had gotten my second wind or else the walk gave me energy but I vacuumed and dusted the house with the exception of the room where the oil tank is. As far as I'm concerned that room doesn't exist and keeping the door closed works for me! Oh, for a gas furnace!

The sun started to shine so we went out for sunset. We went to the RV Park in town which is called Victoria Park. Here are some photos:

Sunset over Rideau Canal at Victoria Park

After that we went for a drive to Otter Lake - more photos. This is a great sunset spot about 15 minutes from the house.

Otter Lake Sunset

Thursday and Friday June 10 & 11, 2010

Thursday

I can't believe how tired I was this morning and how nice it was just to lie in bed.

Gordon had already been to the hardware store this morning and gotten what he needed to mount his DVD cabinet on the wall. Now he has a place for his photos (it's barely half full).

DVD cabinet attached to the wall - all that stuff on the floor has now been put away



Then he needed to go to Staples to get some sleeves for the DVDs. I went along as I wanted to order a stamp with our address on it. While there I also needed to get ink for our inkjet printer. Gordon looked at the price of ink for the inkjet and then started looking at laser printers. Needless to say, we came home with no ink for the inkjet but we do have a new laser printer!

Dee and I finally got to do chat and video on Yahoo Messenger! We were so excited!

Since not much was on TV tonight and our VCR isn't hooked up yet (yes, we still have a VCR), I thought I'd watch the Desperate Housewives finale on the internet since we now have high speed. Well, imagine my surprise when I find out that you can't watch a full length streaming video outside of the U.S. What's with that? Do they think only Americans are interested in this stuff? ABC needs to get with the times!

Friday

This morning Gordon took the truck in for an oil change. It's not nearly so far to go anymore! While he was gone I decided to line the drawers in the kitchen and bathroom with the wallpaper that I bought at the thrift store the other day. I did eight drawers in the kitchen and four in the bathroom as well as the bottom of the bathroom cabinet and I still have some left but not enough to do all the kitchen cupboards. I think I'll use it to line the cupboard in the laundry room.

Lining the kitchen drawers


We had to go out this afternoon to pick up some things and Gordon thought it would be a good day to go to the RV. We haven't been there in about a week and a half so he took the weed eater along. He looked after the long grass, I packed up almost all of the inside. There's one cupboard left for another day but my basement is bulging! I think I'm going to have to have a garage sale!

Tuesday & Wednesday June 8 & 9, 2010

Tuesday

To see the photos that Gordon took of Danica's graduation ceremonies and the aftermath, click here.

It was a low key day for us, both really tired. I had to go out and get some groceries. I'm also looking for a clothes hamper that will look nice in the bedroom since that's the only place I have for it. Sears has an assortment of bamboo hampers (if they have them in stock) but I'll check out some other stores first. The ones Walmart has are plastic or canvas and aren't what I'm looking for. When we had the house I had found a really nice wicker one at Winners so I'm hoping that when I go to Ottawa on Wednesday I might find something. Right now I'm using one of my collapsible net laundry hamper that I used in the RV. Not really very esthetically appealing but okay for hauling laundry down to the laundry room!

Wednesday

I was up and ready to leave for Ottawa this morning shortly after 9 a.m. My first stop was Ikea and it took about an hour to get there. I was disappointed. They didn't have the magazine rack that they used to have that I liked and the cord cover for our bedroom TV looks like a gray vacuum cleaner hose. All I bought there were some steak knives.

From there I went to Bayshore Mall. I was still early to meet Najat for lunch. I worked with Najat at the last place that I worked before I retired, Breconridge. She has been off work as she had an operation on her back but is returning on Monday.

I stopped first at HomeSense and found some laundry hampers but they were all round. I don't want round. I went to Winners but they don't have that sort of thing anymore probably since they own HomeSense and it is just downstairs from them. Guess I'll have to order from Sears. The good news is it says on sears.ca that they are in stock.

Then off to Moxie's for lunch. Najat had invited Sue who I also worked with to come as well so that was a surprise. Moxie's were very accommodating for my food sensitivities and I wound up with a salad with sliced chicken on top. Najat paid the bill as well. Thanks, Najat!

Back to my shopping after lunch. I got some coasters at HomeSense and a meat thermometer as I found out when we went to Nancy's that mine no longer worked.

I was also stopping at Nancy's to pick up some of our stuff that she found when packing up as I hadn't seen Max forever. When I got there, Nancy was home. Today was one of her compressed days so we got to have a chat and I got lots of doggie hugs.

Back on the road, a bit less than an hour to get home as I was coming from Kanata. It's nice driving through the country, very little traffic!

Sunday and Monday June 6 & 7, 2010

Sunday

Well the Oriental spaghetti salad verdict - it was very good!

We had rain all morning and Betty drove from Lindsay to Smiths Falls in the rain. It took 3 1/2 hours! She spent a couple of hours with us and got her first look at our little house.

Luckily it cleared later in the day so she didn't have to drive the rest of the way to Ottawa in the rain.

In fact, the sun came out later in the afternoon and I got to go for a walk and even got in some running. My new ipod nano is great!

Gordon and I went out at sunset and although the sunset wasn't a great one, I took a few photos in golden light.




Monday

I was up at 6 a.m. as we had to get ready to go into Ottawa. After four years, today was the day that our niece, Danica graduated with honours, magna cum laude from Ottawa University with a BSc in Biomedical Science. Here's a photo of her just as she had received her diploma. I'm afraid that my camera didn't do a very good job. Luckily, Gordon has taken quite a few photos.

The Convocation took place at Southam Hall in the National Arts Centre in downtown Ottawa.

After the ceremony we took some photos. We are all so very proud of her!

This photo symbolizes Danica on her way up (on the stairs) - her uncle's idea.

With the Parliament Buildings in the background

With her parents



From there John and Margie, her parents took us out to lunch at Swiss Chalet near their place. They chose this as they knew we can both eat their food.

Back at their house, Danica received a few gifts, then we headed for home after first stopping to return the comforter set that finally came in from Sears.

We got Danica a glass pendant in her favourite colours, black and orange.


After we got home, we both took a nap. I slept like the dead!

Saturday June 5, 2010

I was getting tired of my old template and the templates that blogger provides didn't inspire me so I decided to google it and found several sites that provide templates. This one feels kind of cheery!

This morning I made an oriental spaghetti salad. I got the recipe from one of our free weekly newspapers we get. Since my sister is coming for lunch tomorrow I decided to try to make something different. I was going to make a gluten free white cake from scratch but my baking powder had expired (in 2003). Shows you how much I bake! Instead since I had to go out for baking powder anyway, I bought a GF white cake mix instead.

We also picked up a new mailbox as our old black one was peeling and looked generally unkempt. So now we have a brand, shiny new white one. When we paint the interior doors (red), the mailbox might also get a coat or two of red.

While we were out I picked some wildflowers to dress the place up a bit so I have daisies and lupin. I also saw some Queen Anne's lace just at the top of our street. I might have to go and get some of that later.

I cleaned the whole place but no doubt will have to vacuum that burgundy living room carpet again in the morning. Tonight I'll get the laundry done and out of the way. The place is looking pretty good (upstairs anyway).

Here's the recipe for the Oriental Spaghetti Salad if anyone is interested in trying it.

Spaghetti with the lengths broken in about four pieces (I used a whole package of GF corn spaghetti)

2 carrots, diced

½ cup sweet red or green pepper, diced

½ onion, chopped

1 can tiny corn cobs, drained and cut into bite sized pieces

½ cup peas, fresh or frozen

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces

¼ cup soy sauce

1 tbsp vegetable oil

½ cup mayo

½ tsp prepared mustard

Before you cook the spaghetti, break the strands into three or four pieces. Cook in boiling water just until the spaghetti has lost the starchy taste. Before you drain the spaghetti, read on.

If you are using frozen peas, measure them into the bottom of your colander. Drain the spaghetti by pouring it on top of the peas. The hot water will thaw them and they’ll be ready to use.

Run cold water over spaghetti and peas and drain well.

In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, peas, chicken, carrots, onion, peppers and corn.

To make the salad dressing, mix the soy sauce, oil, mayo and mustard together. Use a whisk, or stir with a fork until the mixture is smooth.

Pour half the dressing over the salad, and toss to coat the spaghetti and vegetables. Add more dressing if needed. Refrigerate overnight and serve at room temperature.

For some reason Gordon can't eat store bought mayo so I made my own for this recipe. They do sell gluten free mayo so I might try that if the homemade doesn't go over well. My mother always made her own mayo when we were on the farm but hers turned out creamier than mine did. I'll have to research some more recipes.

Friday June 4, 2010

Last evening while the stove was cleaning and it was kind of smokey in here, Gordon went out and bought us some new smoke detectors. There was only one in the house and it was at the other end of the house from the bedroom so he got two.

Yesterday when we bought the comforter set at HomeSense, I said to Gordon, I'll bet the Sears order comes in now. Guess what? I got the email this morning. The Sears order is in. Since I've washed a lot of the items in the set I purchased, I'll be sending the Sears set back. Wouldn't ya know it!

Got lots of things accomplished this morning. Gordon worked his butt off but had fun playing with his new ladder.

This afternoon we went for a drive to the little hamlet of Jasper. We first stopped at Edmonds Lock as it's on the way. I can remember going there when I was a kid. There used to be a government surplus place there to get used office furniture. When my sister started high school we went there to get her a desk. I would have been about 8 or so. I don't remember much about it. It has some interesting buildings.

General Store in Jasper - reminds me of buildings in Texas

Old Community Hall in Jasper




At Edmonds Lock



On to Easton's Corners, another hamlet with more interesting buildings.

Old Carriage Factory building at Easton's Corners

Old wooden bridge at Kilmarnock Lock


Kilmarnock Lock


One thing I found out on our excursion today, this area has LOTS of places to picnic. There are lots of locks on the Rideau River and every one has a picnic area. If you're interested in the history of the Rideau canal, click here.

After that we came back to the city to run some errands and pick up some food for the weekend. My sister from Toronto is coming for lunch on Sunday as our niece's graduation from Ottawa U is early Monday morning. Betty hasn't seen the house yet so we've been trying to get the place spiffed up a bit.

Here's a photo of the bedroom for those of you who have wanted to see it. It looks like the head of the bed is really high but it's really only 4 inches off the floor. I need to look for curtains now.


I found some gluten free hot dog buns at our local grocery store today. So we're having hot dogs tonight and eating outside on our patio set for the first time! It's time it got christened!

Thursday June 3, 2010

For Gordon's latest blog update, click here.

Last night Gordon's son called him and left a message (Gordon was in bed) so Gordon called him back this morning. They have news. They're having twins in November. Our 7th grandchild will be the 7th and 8th! That's the first set of twins on Gordon's side of the family.

I was up most of the night with a sick stomach so stayed in bed most of the morning trying to catch up on the sleep I didn't get. Gordon had a scheduled appointment for a consultation with Dr. Tambay who was the doctor that diagnosed his celiac disease eight years ago.

By noon I felt a little better so we got ready to go in to Ottawa for his appointment. I dropped him off as there's no where to park a one ton truck. I headed to HomeSense which is a store owned by Winners. It sells dishes, bedding, some indoor and outdoor furniture etc. My main objective was to find a comforter set.

The only one I could find was a toile in black and cream so I bought it. I also bought a few towels. Their prices are really good on towels and they are soooo soft.

I was still in the store when Gordon called to say his appointment was over so I headed to the cash and got checked out. Then off to pick him up.

I showed him the comforter and he basically hated it. Since there's another HomeSense at Bayshore Mall, we stopped there and took it back. They had a different selection there and we found a set we both liked so bought it and headed for home. This comforter set also came with sheets which we didn't really need but we got them anyway.

Now I have to call Sears and get the other one canceled.

It's such a relief to be back in Smiths Falls after a trip to Ottawa. There aren't so many small parking lots here so not much problem parking the truck.

We decided we would have soup for dinner tonight so I made some cornbread from a gluten free mix that I bought at Bulk Barn. It's not as light as the mix I get in the U.S. but it will have to do.

I haven't used the oven since we've been here as it's been so warm. It was really dirty so I decided to clean it tonight. I love self cleaning ovens but they sure do smoke a lot and that really bothers my eys and Gordon's lungs.

I'll be taking some photos around the house now that things are pretty much in order. We have to decide on which of Gordon's photos we want to enlarge but for right now we have the pictures and frames that we've picked up at garage sales and flea markets. At least we have things on the walls!

Tuesday & Wednesday June 1 & 2, 2010

Tuesday

Tuesday morning I found a desk on usedottawa.com. That's the last big item to furnish our upstairs. We still have a couple of end tables to find. So in the afternoon we took off for the east end of Ottawa. We arrived without much of a problem. The owner and his wife are moving to Newfoundland so are selling a lot of their stuff. The desk is very big and heavy. Luckily the owner helped Gordon get it into the truck but I couldn't help but wonder how we would get it into the house.

When we arrived back at the house we got the smaller pieces inside but the top part was really heavy so Gordon decided to take it apart. However, he couldn't find out how to do it so I went next door to our neighbour to see if her son-in-law would come over and help us. He was there within 15 min. and all pieces are now in the office. Once Gordon gets the bottom part together we'll have to have him come back to lift the heavy top part onto the base. There's no way I can lift it. I managed to move it about 3 inches or so in the truck and it was all I could do.

Wednesday

This morning I went out to get some shopping done.

When I got back Gordon had a plan to get the top of the desk onto the desk. It took a bit of finagling but we did it!

After that, since I had seen a chair on sale at Staples, we headed in that direction. However, we also needed end tables for the living room. So we made a slight detour to pick up the tables, then on to pick up the chair and a chairmat to put on the carpet under the chair.

While I went outside for some swing time, Gordon put the chair together. My neighbour from across the street came over to chat for a bit. She showed me a public access to the water just two houses down so now Gordon has only a short walk to get to the water. Amazing what you find out from people who have lived her for 40 years.

Gordon is getting quite adept at putting things together. He's been quite cheerful about it but he tells me it's only because he's almost done. We now have all the furniture items for upstairs. FINALLY!

If I could only get my comforter set from Sears, I'd be happy and then I could take some photos!

Monday May 31, 2010

Today while I was doing the laundry I decided to clean up the laundry/furnace room. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the house was built. We're talking serious dust bunnies, spider webs and dust. My eyes are still smarting and it's late afternoon.

We've known since shortly after we moved in that our central vac system didn't work very well. Today I decided that we either needed to buy a new vacuum or fix this one. So away we went to the Vacuum Depot. The lady that owns it is very helpful. She had some suggestions one of which was cutting the PVC pipe to see if the pipe was clogged.

When we got home Gordon took the pipe off the canister and suction was good so he started taking the piping apart and we found a MAJOR clog. Once the clog was removed, we now have a central vac system back in working order! I am happy!

While we were out we stopped at Home Depot and got a closet rod to use for hanging up clothing out of the dryer so Gordon got that installed this afternoon.

While out, we took back the gray comforter to the Sears catalogue depot so now the only one I have is the beige and black one and they still can't tell me when it will arrive or if it will arrive. However I just got my new Sears winter catalogue so I'm looking at comforter sets in it.

Things are shaping up!

Saturday and Sunday May 30 & 31, 2010

Saturday

I put the RV ad on different internet sites for selling - Lanark, Renfrew, Toronto, Peterborough. Let's hope that helps.

I rested most of the day, didn't feel that well .

In the afternoon went to Carleton Place, a I needed some stuff from Bulk Barn.

Then on to RV, packed up the truck with another load. There's still a couple of loads left to pick up!

Tranquil Acres, our campground where our RV is located was celebrating! Shonagh and Dave have owned the place for 20 yrs so they put on a dinner for everyone at the park. It was excellent, lots of food and they even got Gordon a gluten free pizza. There was a lot of stuff there that we could both eat. I even had baked beans ( I usually don't because of the tomatoes but I fortified myself with Tums first. I also had a small piece of anniversary cake. I felt almost like a normal person!

Beautiful Irises at the campground

Quite a turnout


Sunday

Gordon went out at sunrise-south of Smiths Falls and found some scenic areas. You can see some of his photos by clicking here.

When he came back we got ready and went back to the flea market-didn't buy anything. The stool I saw last week that I wanted was broken.

This afternoon we went to the Vintage Car Show and Craft Market at the Lombardy Fair Grounds. Lots of beautiful old cars and the crafts were pretty good too!

This was my favourite - 1949 Buick convertible - I voted for it!


Lots of old cars

This was my second favourite - a 1955 Thunderbird hardtop - even the interior was cream and turquoise!



I had made arrangements to pick up a filing cabinet near Merrickville that was advertised on Kijiji. It was heavy to get to the truck even with all the drawers out of it. I spent most of the evening filing!

Thursday and Friday May 27 & 28, 2010

Thursday

Not as hot today and lots of cloud; The sherbet didn't agree with me, I felt nauseated for the latter part of the night so took it easy this morning and mostly stayed in bed.

This afternoon we went out, I walked around downtown a bit to see some stores. Gordon went in search of a Smiths Falls baseball cap. He didn't find one but did find a little touristy store called Spotlight on the Rideau with crafts, paintings and photography that sells your photos on commission. He's thinking this is a possible way of promoting his photography in the area.

Some pretty irises in someone's garden along the sidewalk

This is Davidson's Courtyard in downtown Smiths Falls


I didn't feel like cooking so tonight we went to a local downtown restaurant called Gerbo. I called first to be sure they could accommodate our finicky stomachs and spoke to one of the cooks. They were very accommodating. I told the waitress of our problem when we went in and when Gordon ordered minced steak. She came back and told him it had bread crumbs in it. We had great service. The food was ok but not great. But I didn't have to cook it.

Afterward we went to the Country Fair Mall as I had seen some side tables for the living room but we decided they weren't what we wanted. I did get another set of cutlery as we run out quickly with the dishwasher. I don't like to run it unless it's full. So, I need more dishes too! My sister has a set of good dishes that I had given to her for my nephew when we went on the road but they got a ton of stuff for their wedding so she's going to give them back to me. The only problem with them is they aren't good in the microwave as they have a gold line around the outside of the plate. I have put them in the dishwasher before though.

Friday was mostly cloudy with a few sunny periods in the afternoon. It wasn't nearly as warm as it has been but still warm enough.

This morning was the first morning I've gone for my walk in about a month. I've missed it but my shoulder seemed to bother me when I was walking. I cut it a bit short but it was nice to get out.

After that and breakfast, I got my passport form ready to go, gathered up some errands that I had to do in town and after lunch I went first to downtown Smiths Falls to get some photocopies and mail my passport. I had to fax some things and I wanted to do a bit of looking around downtown. I checked out some stores and the two thrift shops. I managed to buy a couple of things there. I got two small Corelle ramekins for heating stuff up at one store and a wooden napkin holder at the other one. Penny is starting to rub off on me. LOL

After that I went to Walmart for some things. I was also looking for some annuals to plant in the bed at the front of the house but I wanted red petunias and they didn't have any. Next stop was Canadian Tire, ditto for them so I went to Gemmell's Nursery and got some. Now they're planted.

While I was out my order came from my Scotia Rewards. I had ordered a Nano ipod for me and am ipod dock. So now I have something else that I need to learn how to use.

Wednesday May 26, 2010

Tuesday

Tuesday was hot, hot, hot! We reached a high of 34C (93F).

In the morning I ran some errands and picked up one of the comforter sets (gray with black flowers) at the Sears catalogue desk. The other one (taupe with black stripe) should arrive on Saturday (in Ottawa). I ordered these way back at the beginning of April and they've been on back order. I think the one I picked up today is too dark. I didn't take it out of the bag as I'm pretty sure that's the one I will be returning and I figured I'd never get it back in the bag. The carpet in the bedroom is beige and white mottled so I think the 'other one' which is taupe, white and black will work better and it's lighter. There isn't much black in it.

In the afternoon I got in some swing time again but it was pretty warm even under our big tree so we turned on the a/c to be sure it's working. It did a good job.

Wednesday

I didn't take a muscle relaxant last night nor tylenol this morning and my shoulder felt good when I got up so I decided to test it and vacuumed the whole place. My shoulder seems to be better. Let's hope it lasts!

I also called Canada Revenue to get tax forms from 1992 to 2003 as proof that I was living in Canada and not the U.S. It's time that we get busy on getting the information to the lawyer now that we've got the move under our belts. There's still lots more to do but we can function on what's been done now.

Today is supposed to be just as hot as yesterday so we turned the air conditioner on this morning which is why I was able to do the vacuuming. Otherwise it would have waited for a cooler, less humid day.

This afternoon I sat out on my swing again. Gordon came out and I said "today's the type of day when I miss ice cream". Of course, I can't eat it since I'm lactose intolerant but I did mention rainbow sherbet. So a while later he went out to get a photo of the day and came back with rainbow sherbet so we each had some. It sure tasted good on such a hot day. Our thermometer clocked 38C (100F) at about 4:30 p.m. That must be a record for this time of year here!

Monday May 24, 2010-The End of Victoria Day Long Weekend

Sunday was a busy day. First thing we went back to the Flea Market. We only bought one more frame but it has a limited edition print in it, don't like the print much though.

When we got back I headed to the Mall as there was some stuff on sale only for the weekend that I wanted. While there I picked up some groceries. Gordon called and said my sister and her husband wanted to come to see us this afternoon so I firmed up times with her and bought groceries so they could stay for dinner. I usually only buy for the two of us so if someone drops in, they don't get fed!

Right after lunch we headed over to the RV to mow the grass. The mower wasn't available so Gordon had bought the weed eater just in case. While there we loaded up the truck with more stuff. It's amazing how much that place holds!

On our return, Gordon started putting the swing together and got it done before he had to start the barbecue to cook the pork chops I had purchased.

John put the timer on our bathroom light so now we don't have to worry about turning the light off, it turns off by itself. His plan is to run another wire from the attic to put in separate switches but he has to bring his HAZMAT gear to do that.

I put together a dinner of pork chops, corn on the cob and rice with peaches, strawberries and blueberries for desert.

Then it was time for Lost. It was an interesting finale. I'm kind of bummed that they died but I guess it was a fitting end. I stayed up to watch a bit of Jimmy Kimmel as he had some of the Lost stars on. I don't do well staying up after midnight so I didn't watch most of it but noticed that Matthew Fox who played Jack was on drugs. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!

Today I slept in till after 9 a.m. but have been lethargic all day so didn't do the planned run to the RV. I planted myself on the swing for most of the day. It sure was nice out there under the tree listening to the traffic and the trains. Too bad the motorcycles are so loud going by, that was the only bad part.

Gordon went out for a while and toured the Heritage House Museum which is just down the road from us. He knows that I'm not much interested in history so he went by himself.

It's been warm today with a nice breeze. Gordon said the temperature was 28C (82F) when he was out in the truck.

Saturday May 22, 2010

Friday was a beautiful sunny, warm day so Gordon got busy and put together the patio set. Only the swing left to go! He also went to Canadian Tire and picked up a ladder that was on sale. When he got back I showed him a weedeater on sale at TSC so he went and got that too.

In the afternoon we decided to go and do something fun so we went to the Lilac Capital of Ontario, a hamlet called Franktown which is between Smiths Falls and Carleton Place. Unfortunately due to the early spring, the lilacs were just about done but they have a place called Lilac Lane where the lilacs line the lane. You can walk it or drive it but it's pretty narrow!

Franktown, Lilac Capital of Ontario



Lilac Lane

There's an interesting little church in Franktown called Beckwith Rectory



Since we were nearly at Carleton Place we stopped by the RV and picked up the propane tank. I also cleaned out our clothes closets and got some cleaning products. Getting it cleaned out slowly!

This was Friday night's sunset from our front porch


While there we noticed that the grass around the rig where the riding mower can't reach really needs to be cut. We'll take the weedeater over and get that done very soon.

Today I woke up to cloud and showers however after breakfast and piddling around for a while we began to see some hints of sun so off we went to some garage sales. We got a trouble light, a cooler and a cream & sugar set. Gordon is concerned that the one I have for sugar doesn't have a top on it and he's afraid of ants so for $1.00 I got a whole set. We looked at a few others but didn't see anything.

We dropped the stuff off, had lunch and went out again but no luck till we happened by the local Flea Market. Gordon saw that there were some bikes there so we went in and got two bikes for $20 as well as a bunch of picture frames both small and large. Now we have to pick from Gordon's photos to get enlarged to put in them.

It was warm and a bit humid today and we had a thunderstorm and quite a bit of rain around dinnertime but this week is going to be quite hot and sunny.

Thursday May 20, 2010-Wednesday and Thursday

Yesterday we went on a search for an extension cord for the mower, a dehumidifier, a weed eater and something to cut up some tree limbs. We got the extension cord and the shears to cut up the tree limbs as Gordon had trimmed trees on the weekend and we have to take them to the compost site on Saturday.

Gordon mowed the yard and had just enough power cord to reach the far corners of the yard. He also got the new barbecue put together.

I was doing well with my shoulder till mid afternoon, then I had to break down and take a muscle relaxant. I hate feeling groggy all the time. I'm groggy enough as my natural self!

Today we were staying home to wait for our furniture delivery. They arrived around 9:45 a.m. We thought that the bedroom furniture would have to be assembled but it didn't. Gordon thought he would be putting it together for 2 days! They did set up the bed but we had to take it apart again to raise the head of the bed for my reflux disease. Most things were set up by lunch time except the bedroom as we had to go out and get some bricks to raise the head of the bed.

Gordon putting together the new coffee table


We have one problem with our TV stand/fireplace. To run the fireplace and have heat (which we certainly don't need now) we need 11 amps and the plug is 10 amp and is shared with others so we'll have to have an electrician in to fix that before winter.

After the bedroom got assembled, we started putting our clothes away in the cupboards.

Summer arrived today with a bit of humidity. It was 27C (81F) when we went out to the lumber yard.

I've done well today, I took 2 Tylenol this morning and no muscle relaxants although I think I'll need one to be able to sleep tonight but that's certainly better than the last few days. I think all that moving and carrying boxes wasn't helping.

We're ready to relax a bit now and enjoy our new stuff.

Wednesday May 19, 2010 - Getting You Up to Date

Saturday

More moving; Margie & John brought us new swing from them & Betty & Garth. I’ve always wanted a swing and this one is even better – it’s a hammock swing so the seat lays down into a bed. The ugly wallpaper peeled right off without much of a problem; John took the parts off with putty knife; Margie & I went out to the hardware store and got paint and switches & stuff.

Washer & dryer work fine so will cancel our new set at Leon’s.

We took Margie & John to dinner at Country Diner. It’s not much of a payment for all they’re doing for us!

Went back to Nancy’s to sleep; met Nancy’s sister & husband who were there for dinner; really tired; crashed at 8:30 PM.

Sunday

Up early.

Took 1 load to house then returned to Ottawa; went to Leon’s; they canceled the washer/dryer without a problem; back to Nancy’s for another load; said goodbye’s to Nancy & Max; stayed our first night in the house.

Monday

Up early for the Cogeco guy to come to install internet, TV and phone service. He arrived around 9:30 a.m. Insurance agent came too to take photos of the oil tank and pellet stove.

After the Cogeco guy left we went out to get a new belt for the beater brush on our central vac; also returned a switch we had bought yesterday for our bathroom fan. John was trying to give us either two separate switches or a timed switch since every time you turn on the light the fan comes on too. A bit of a hassle but something we can live with; also went to the town offices to pick up a recycle box and some extra tags for garbage. We’re only allowed two items other than our recyclable stuff.

Tuesday

We started the day by tracking down the vehicle licensing office to get our addresses changed on our driver’s licenses and the truck ownership.

Then errands to run in Ottawa; John came to put the second coat of paint on the bedroom and brought his friend, Pete to help. We had lunch at Wendy’s in Ottawa and then stopped at Nancy’s to pick up some stuff we’d forgotten and stopped at the RV on our way home. Max was glad to see us!

We now have wifi in the house. It took a while for our router to decide it was going to work but now we’re ‘back to normal’.

Tuesday May 18, 2010-See Gordon's update

Since I haven't gotten around to an update, click here to read Gordon's.

Friday May 14, 2010-Phase Four of our Life

Today we began Phase 4 of our life together. In 1990, we got married and Gordon moved to Canada and we lived in my condo on Goth Avenue in the south end of the city. That's Phase 1. Three years later we bought the house on Shadow Court in the west end (Phase 2). In 2004 we sold everything and bought our fifth wheel and hit the road (Phase 3).

So our new to us house in Smiths Falls is Phase 4.

I was up bright and early as we had to be at the lawyer's in Smiths Falls for 9:15 a.m. We made it with lots of time to spare. (What good little Virgos we are.) We turned over our money and signed a ton of papers. The lawyer was excellent at explaining everything.

From there we went to the Roosterant for a late breakfast and then headed to Carleton Place to spend a few hours at the RV. Tranquil Acres opened today so the gate was open and we were able to take the truck in. I got a bunch of stuff packed up and Gordon put it in the truck so we could take the first load to the house. We left the RV shortly after 3 p.m. We were still early as we had been told they wouldn't have the keys till 4 p.m. or so, so we stopped by the library and I got signed up for a library card and picked out a couple of books. I can't be without a book! Then off to the lawyer's office. The keys weren't there yet so we waited and they arrived about 4:50 p.m.

Then it was off to the house where we inspected it and were pretty happy with the way it was left. We moved the stuff in from the truck, nothing very exciting, towels, sheets etc. The previous owners also left the washer and dryer. It wasn't part of the agreement so tomorrow I'm going to try them out and if they work I guess I'll cancel my cute little stackables. It's just too much for us right now to have to move them out of the basement.

It had been cloudy all day but late this afternoon the sun came out. I hope that's a good omen of things to come in our new life.

Here's a photo of us on the front step.

Wednesday May 12, 2010-Let's Sell This RV!

If any of you know someone who would be interested in our RV, please refer them to me!

2004 Titanium 33E38TS (triple slide) fifth wheel for sale

MAKE US AN OFFER! We need to get this unit sold as we have bought a house. No spam please!

The Titanium was manufactured in Ontario and is a great vehicle for traveling as there is only 33 feet on the road but you get 38 feet of living space. The three slides make it very spacious. We lived in it full time for over 5 years. It is a very comfortable unit and has lots of storage space. This is a well built model suitable for full timing if that is something you have looked at for your retirement. The Titanium has a very aerodynamic nose which makes it easier on your mileage.

Asking $33,000-all serious offers will be considered.

The unit has an ideal floor plan. Easy to get to the refrigerator, bathroom and bedroom when stopping without touching the slides.

Features:
U shaped kitchen counters with lots of cupboard space
separate pantry
double sink
queen size bed
sofa bed in living room
free standing dinette
porcelain toilet
washer/dryer ready
bathroom skylight
exterior shower
7000 lb axles
thermo pane windows
head of bed raised for those with reflux disease or breathing problems; (this can be reversed)
day/night shades
oak galley area flooring
fluorescent ceiling lights
15,000 BTU air conditioner upgrade
Fantastik powered roof vent in bedroom
central vac
paddle fan in living room
holding tanks insulated & heated
many more items

Optional purchases:
Shaw Direct receiver for TV
Internet satellite dish and modem
2004 Dodge Ram Laramie 1 ton Diesel for sale that has pulled this fifth wheel all over the U.S. and Canada

The fifth wheel is presently at Tranquil Acres near Carleton Place, Ontario.

To view, please email smerrikin@yahoo.ca or call the campground at 613 257-4757 (by appointment only)

Monday May 10, 2010-Gearing Up for Closing

Hope all the mothers out there had a Happy Mother's Day.

When I woke up on Mother's Day it was 0C (32F)! We were supposed to have some snow flurries overnight and this morning but so far it didn't happen, thank goodness! It was the same temperature this morning, way too cold for this time of year.

I spent most of yesterday afternoon in bed. I'm having a problem with my left shoulder so today I went out and got some stuff to rub on it. Hopefully it will clear up. I have way too much to do to have a shoulder problem or any other problem this week!

We have something going on for most of the rest of the week so this morning I went out and picked up some stuff at stores that we don't have in Smiths Falls.

Only 5 days to closing!

I haven't kept track of what I've been doing since my last post and I can't remember anything interesting so just thought I'd let everyone know all is well!