A Love Story For Thanksgiving

 Had a medical emergency here this morning.  This Wren came headlong into the balcony door.

Looked like it had broken its neck.  But, after about a 20 minute rest, it gathered itself and flew away.

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A.J. and Reggie came for lunch.  We had set the table for five, but Michelle was visiting her mother.

Happy Thanksgiving!

These days you have to be thankful for any opportunity to hug loved ones!

A welcome, and needed, visit.

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Speaking of loved ones..........

Almost seventeen years ago my friend Ed Strecker called to see if I would buy tickets to a dinner/dance that his daughter was running in support of Autism.

I responded that I would love to attend, but I would need a date............Jean and I had separated eight months previously.  And if he could find me a date it would be a bonus if she was a golfer too.

A slight pause and he asked "Do you know Mardi Bullivant?  She and her boy friend broke up."

I knew Mardi slightly from a meeting that had occurred probably thirty years before.  Mardi's husband had been the leader of the Dofasco Male Chorus.  The wives of the members joined in for the Christmas shows and my secretary, who was married to a member of the Chorus, was holding a Christmas party for the group.  She invited Jean and I.

Mardi was across the room and our eyes met.  Thirty years later we each remembered what the other was wearing that night!

So Ed suggested that I give her a call which I did.  I introduced myself and asked if she would be able to join me for the dinner/dance.  I got an immediate "Yes!".  So I said "wow, that was easy".  In typical Mardi fashion she responded "well, I can say no if you want".  Needless to say, I didn't.

Our first date was Hallowe'en (the story will be continued).

Today I gave an emotional thanks for my good fortune in finding my life partner.  No harsh words, just lots of laughs, and we profess our love for each other at least once a day.

I am a lucky man!  Love you babe!

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Stay well.  Stay happy.

Thanksgiving Dinner

 Today was about the turkey - no, not Trump!

Kathryn and Anna joined us for dinner and cards.  A really nice evening!

Anna's internet business is doing really well.  And Kathryn is enjoying her landscaping experience.  We have much to be thankful for!

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Take care.  Stay well.  Appreciate your circumstances!

Charlie Brown Plants

 Trillium Hill is ready for Hallowe'en.

These two "pumpkins" are now at the end of the driveway - six feet apart of course!

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Every year about this time, I tour the garden centre looking for "Charlie Brown" plants that I can use to improve the landscaping.

Cindy, David's garden centre manager, puts some plants on sale for "Wacky Wednesdays".  Today I found a couple of Junipers, originally $46. each,  They had been on sale on Wacky Wednesday for $5. each but didn't move.  I figured, at that price, the boss could afford to let me plant them on the property!

So I spent a few minutes planting them at the top of the hill down front.  A couple of times the plants I have picked were too far gone to survive, but it's amazing how most of them turn out after receiving some TLC.  We'll report further on this effort in the spring.

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Watched the CNN show First Ladies, tonight featuring Michelle Obama.  Classy lady - classy show.

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Tomorrow, Kathryn and Anna are joining us for turkey dinner.

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Stay well.

Fall Colours

 They've been working on our underground garage, and asking people to relocate their cars while their area is affected.  Mardi had to move hers for a couple of days last week.

This has made parking in the above ground lot almost impossible to find.  The guy who owns this scrap heap certainly isn't helping the situation.

A bit entitled?  I bet he's a Trump fan!  OK, maybe I'm frustrated because I'm parking a block away right now.

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Back to the greenhouse today.  Cut the grass between the greenhouse and the pond.

The mower belt slipped off part way through.  If you know John Deere mowers, this is a major issue. You have to dismantle the deck and remove it to fix the problem.

But thanks to Sean, who took charge, we were back in action in about a half hour.  Thanks Sean!

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Took a picture of the escarpment while I was back there.  Fall colours are just about at their peak.

Sue and David expect to have a house in this picture in the next couple of years.  What a location!

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Terrible, but not surprising, news about the domestic militia terrorists in Michigan.  I hope when they come to trial that their Accomplice-In-Chief faces a treason charge along with the rest of them.

Could be a good thing that this surfaced before the election, because Trump is certain to try to inflame passions if/when he loses.  Perhaps people will be more aware of what he is up to after this mess.

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Stay well.  Stay safe.

A Short Story

Forgot to mention Steve Lougheed's birthday yesterday.  Sorry Steve.  Best wishes.

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Finished wiring the boat trailer.  Then cut the grass for a couple of hours.  Came home and had a nap.

That's today's story.

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Stay well. 

The Fishing Hangover

 After a period of recovery this morning, I headed to the greenhouse to rewire the boat trailer.  The trailer, when David bought it, had a mickey mouse wiring arrangement, so we're going to redo it properly.

Got a new bracket installed and the lights placed.  Tomorrow it's on my back under the trailer completing the wiring (Mardi, if I'm not home for supper, I may need a rescue).

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Watched the Vice-Presidential debate.  Much more civilized than the Presidential debate.  But, once more, the moderator failed to control the stage.  Pence couldn't be shut up and when the candidates didn't answer the question posed, she didn't pursue the issue.

Let's just hope the polls are correct this time, with Biden holding a significant lead.

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Stay safe.

Fishing, but not catching

Sorry folks.  The internet, which was tortoise slow, quit entirely last night as I was about to send the blog.  So, I'm home with my sweetheart and have torn myself away from her to complete the fishing story.

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First, a recap for Sunday night.  Since we didn't catch any fish we had to be satisfied with a monster steak dinner, baked potato, carrots and beans, mushrooms and onions.  Sad to be us!

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Monday was slightly warmer and sunny, but the breeze was up.

That's David and Sean in the distance.

We do live in a beautiful country!

And, Mother Nature sure knows how to grow things in impossible places.

Ewen caught another small Pike, but the rest of us came up empty-handed.

As did Roger and Gary.

It's at times like this that you have to remind yourself - it's not about the fish, it's about spending quality time with guys you love.  Mission accomplished!

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We got packed up this morning (Tuesday) just before it started to rain.

On the way out we saw cattle in two fields, lying down.  Folklore has it that when cows lie down, fish don't bite.  Which, I suppose, means that those damn things were lying down for the last three days!  As Ron King would say - Sheeesh!

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Speaking of Ron King, I missed his and Al Addis' birthdays on Sunday.  Sorry guys!

Mardi's niece Gabriella celebrated her birthday today.  Congrats!

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Stay well.  Stay safe.  Otherwise, enjoy!