I’m feeling smug because I managed a large load of laundry that dried outdoors before this evening’s rain arrived. It’s felt like a lazy day but I have collected rubbish to throw in my skip that will be removed next Tuesday and begun to organise a few items to bring out of storage in my spare room. Finding a new light bulb required for one of my lamps was a drama because the cupboard is in a far corner of that room so I found myself squeezing between stacked framed pictures, copper piping placed there by the builder and boxes of goodness knows what! Two newly recovered dining chairs have been brought out so I’ve had my first meal on a comfortable chair at a table in over 3 months and feel civilised again.

When I walked up our access track with the dogs we came upon an injured bird so I placed it in the long grass at the side and continued on but when we returned it was back out in the open so I hooked the dogs by their leads on a gate and collected the poor creature that was struggling to walk. I phoned the vet and explained it’s plight so they agreed to take it in and after finding a small box to place it in, I drove into town. It certainly had strong lungs as it shouted at me so hopefully will recover. If they can help it recover they will release it back in this area.

Not much else happened except my occasional search for a new pet to rehome has hopefully come up trumps this evening. Look at this funny, grumpy, hilarious face.


He looks a perfect character and at 14 years might struggle to find a home so I’ll phone the shelter tomorrow!

Pouring with rain outside so good for the garden but I understand we’ve got a week of this so I’ll no doubt soon be fed up and complaining.

Jackie

Just seen the new puss JACKIE. He's lovely. Will Brady accept him? Mike and I decided the other day if we could have our time over again we would have a rescued animal retreat. I particularly like old donkeys.
Anne.

No I am not dead – yet!

Been a crazy week - Something every day and just when things would slow – something else came up. The graduation (friends daughter) and birthday (my sister turned 73) last weekend were great. Weather has been nothing to complain about – the usual mix – today is sunny, humid mid-80’s and earlier at 2am it was pouring rain / lightening – I ran to shut windows etc.

New dentist went well and the rec’d a call 2 days latter to see if I could come for a cleaning on the fly. It was in 2 weeks but they cancelled. I jumped at it. There have been cookouts, ice cream stand, company visits etc. and told Jean I need to return to COVID regimen.

Masks no longer required at gym for staff (patrons stopped mid-May). Things are getting somewhat normal. Gov. Cuomo had stated a few weeks ago the NYS Fair would be open with certain attendance limits. Told Jean BS political games and it will change soon… walla… the doors are open per last week revised statement. I’ll skip commentary. While many people have dropped their masks, I find it sad that so many young people “teens – 30’s” cling to theirs saying the “like them.” Obviously it is different for those over 65 with co-morbidities. On a positive note I can’t imagine Fauci will last too much longer. So much news to follow – some very interesting and other items seem like “wag the dog.”

I look at photos from a year ago and can’t believe all that has happened. I laugh when I thin of 15 days to flatten the curve and months later (May 2020) when we got new cars thinking – this is probably going to last another 60-90 days! Ha Ha Ha – I know I am old, because I often lament I would go back to the 60’s in a heartbeat (without internet even) as long as we had todays medical knowledge. LOL.

We were gone most of yesterday and of course tomorrow is Father’s Day. So many memories of my dad and being a dad. I was a good dad, but could have been even better with what I learned through life experiences… My daughter and family will be here tomorrow. I tell her how proud I am of all her accomplishments both personal and professional…but not sure she understands the depth of sincerity… she is better than me in so many ways…and that fills my heart.

Enough of my blather. Based upon this week, I can imagine I will be checking in a few times a week, but not always daily. You are a wonderful and diverse caring group!

Over the next two days, I hope to go back and read the over 50 posts I have missed in one week. I did catch George and Betty “walking the plank”.

Sandy – Yes it was great attending the musical and I can tell you have “been there done that” re: video and one was ordered. I imagine sleep overs soon with the girls, but not sure about Andrew – after all he is all grown up at 13 LOL. I can only imagine your pride in watching Bryanna.

Jackie – Laughed when I saw PM Boris running… he definitely needed you to dress him LOL.

Just for the heck of it – here is a pic of Jean at the graduation party last weekend and my “bargains” from yesterday’s pit-stop at Waterloo Mall (did lots of walking) – actually Jean did better than me and spent less than $10.00. Oddly enough, I will spend full price on others, but find a bit of fun in bargain hunting.




Have a wonderful evening – more tomorrow. God bless! Bob

Good evening. Just a short note. I spent the day doing chores and then switched over to coloring for cards. I need to water my plants a bit later.

Good to hear from everyone. Be safe.

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

Happy Father’s Day.

Happy Summer Solstice (yes, it is on the 20th this year).



And finally, I am doing my own happy dance as we have rain today. Yes!

Lin🙋🏼‍♀️
❤️❤️

Unique teapot

I got up far too early so half asleep right now.

I did a bit more weeding early and discovered a panel of the fence is leaning, one good blast of wind and it will fall. Reported to Mark.

Then Michael came over for lunch but prior to that he took Bean for two long walks before it got too hot. Bean had her bath and she now looks soft and fluffy. A quick squirt behind the ears of Au de Advantage and we are all set for a flea free summer. Hobbes, Dereks giant puss, is now going for outdoor walks with a harness and leash so he's about to get squirted as well!

Mike has just taken off to go to his friend Sandys for a barbecue. I'm trying to keep awake!

Sorry this is a blah post - zzzzzzz

Anne.

Good morning sneakers. Rain all day today apparently but I’ve managed a short walk with George and Betty without getting too wet. They are now snoozing while I catch up with emails and Dave and Joe finish the last few jobs. They won’t be here tomorrow but will tidy and take away skip and tools on Wednesday.
A quince shrub on the corner of the property where I access my garden decided to lean precariously after the rain so that even ducking under it wasn’t enough to stay dry. Secateurs in hand I’ve stood in the rain clipping back some wayward branches and noticed its laden with fruit so am now planning Autumn jellies and jams.

The digging hasn’t restarted next door so I wonder if they are waiting for a response from me but I’ll continue to do as the lawyer suggested, keep my distance and see if they employ a surveyor to point out where the boundary is. I hold out little or no hope but….

Bob, it’s been my experience this past year of COVID that everyone has an opinion on the subject, some reasonable, some not so and the rest plain bonkers. I listen, smile sweetly and move on. 😊
I’m betting you had a fabulous Father’s Day now that so many restrictions have been lifted and look forward to many photos!

Patsy, yes, I heard about the Bidens losing their dog. In the past few weeks I’ve met several people who have had to have a pet put to sleep and are naturally heartbroken. We all treasure our pets as members of the family, even or especially the unruly disobedient furries! My dad could be a difficult curmudgeon at times but the older I got the more I understood why so only fond memories on Father’s Day. I still do that thing of wishing he was sometimes here to see something or just sit quietly enjoying the peace and view.

I trust everyone will awake ready to face the day and another week. 🥰
Jackie

“A somewhat messy growth habit”! That’s it Bob and why yesterday I could walk past and barely notice it but this morning wet and straggly it was literally in my face! The fruit that forms after the flower falls is delicious, especially added to apple pie… not that we indulge in such decadent desserts these days! 😆
Your peanut butter battle is similar to my kit-kat fight although I did manage yesterday to walk on by the different flavour varieties now appearing on store shelves. Bought a protein flapjack bar instead at just 218 calories!

I certainly do agree that censorship of any kind is wrong. Best we have all the facts in front of us and come to our own conclusions…. if only we could believe what we’re told!!
It’s happened before and will no doubt in the future! It’s Catch 22 isn’t it!

What a handsome young man your father was. Sad that your grandfather died at such a young age. My paternal grandmother passed away just 53 so I never met her but those that did say I am very much like her in personality and looks.

My day is drifting from coffees to teas and time to put the kettle on yet again. Lots of hammering in the cottage but hopefully not Dave getting frustrated with the plumbing!
Jackie

I never met my maternal Gran either she died just after Moms birth. She was a bonnie woman on the only photo I've seen pictured on her wedding day. Grandad G died in his 60s and my wonderful dad was only 68.

A very noisy night with loud claps of thunder. Jilly Bean is a very brave little dog. She cuddled up against me the great protector, and every time a rumble, rumbled by her ears pricked up. I wish I had ears that prick! Wouldn't that be neat! Sort of "really" when someone tells you something unbelievable or far fetched and up would go the ears. Maybe not though. very inconvenient if wearing a hat!

I'm afraid I don't take much notice of others points of view unless they are people I know and trust and can discuss things openly one on one with. I have my own theories. There is so much verbal media garbage put out these days that I've become a veritable ostrich. Rarely read any or watch any of it. As the farmer said to his wife in Yorkshire 'theres nowt so queer as folk, there's only thee and me that's alright".

Just a busy wash day today. So a busy day called for a lazy meal and I heated up an organic "Amys Thai Pad Thai". I love it but not enough in the packet which is good seeing I'm still trying to dislodge the stubborn 2 lbs.

Alls quiet skywards right now and I hope you ae all enjoying the same,
Anne.

Hello dear sneakers. We have a very warm and humid day, actually it is to be a whole week of very unpleasant weather. The challenge is not to get cranky in the heat.

We had such a sweet Father’s Day. John was dewy eyed at times. We had long fun phone visits with the kids, lots of laughs and memories. We had a good salmon dinner…iced citrus water helped cool us off. A sugar free dessert before bed with a glass of wine. Low key but fun.

This will be a week of mostly indoor activities. I certainly have enough stuff to keep me busy for the rest of my life. But we will always schedule a few fun adventures and let chores go. John always says, do we own our stuff or does our stuff own us? I say, who owns all this dirt and dust, cobwebs and dog hair? Dirty clothes and nasty dog snotty windows and along the walls in the hall? On and on and on….
The debris in the dungeon is all mine!

Lin: high reunions are so funny. In truth, I don’t remember much about that time. I am a,axed at the people who remember so much from that time in their life. So sorry about your garden. You have been so careful with your veggie garden and the weather has not cooperated at all. Wonderful new teapot photo.

Sandy: we have lived in places that had frequent tornado warnings etc. and we had horses and cattle. I can tell you those were terrifying times. I hope you weather improves. Poor little Ewok. Storms and missing his family, thank goodness you are there to help him through it.

Anne: you are lucky that little Jilly is brave and isn’t pacing and whining. Add drooling! That’s poor scared Katie. I have a thunder jacket and it sort of helps but not all the Time. My grandparents died early as well. Except my paternal grandmother. She lived until will into her nineties. Smoking ruined a lot of my families’s health. Horrible stuff tobacco!

Jackie: you have been so patient and living in the middle of a construction zone takes true courage!
Now it is coming to an end. What a process. You need to write a book with photos. It would be a book for those who are contemplating that kind of remodel effort.

Bob: I learned in my psychology classes years ago that one can really never change another’s view. They must be ready for a change of opinion and the info needs to be delivered in a dynamic fashion. At least 50% of any amount of info is disregarded, the person or culture will be as important as the message. Remember that mantra from the 60s and 70s….the method or media is the message? So moving on…..glad you had a wonderful Father’s Day. Who would have guessed those lovely grown up human beings were once our babies?
Patsy☘️

Oh dear, I’ve come in from the garden to discover water creeping across the ceiling under the new loo floor! Luckily Dave showed me where to switch the water off should there be a problem and I’ve spread a couple of towels on the floor. Hopefully not a big job to repair. My tv is out of my bedroom and I’m feeling nearly normal with ladies tennis on in the background.

My iPad does that sometimes Sandy; other times refuses to type selected letters so I become frustrated with it. Enjoy your day at home.

Cold chicken salad tonight with a couple of boiled new potatoes.
Jackie

GOOD AFTERNOON SNEAKERS!

Yesterday’s humid 90’s was today’s chilly 50’s morning. Blink was a surprise… employees are mask free and all treadmills re-opened (had been every other one). Heck – the NYS Fair is going to be no limit and they have some big event planned for the 4th of July. Also heard a rumor Elton might be coming to town – who knows.

Jean decided to join the retiree’s for breakfast (they meet weekly but Jean only goes 1-2 times a month). I joined them briefly for a visit and met Jean at the mall for a walk.

Then I was off to the Record Store to check out used vinyl and movies. For lunch, I cooked burgers on the grill – but it was too cold to eat outdoors. My daughter texted a pic from Father’s Day and here is a glimpse of the used dvd’s I picked up for about $2.50.






Jackie – You tell me the fruit after the flower falls is delicious added to apple pie – but not to partake of such a decadent dessert. Oh the temptation! Congrats on protein bar over the Kit-Kat LOL. I must say I was back in top control yesterday and today avoiding all pitfalls. Like you, I better off substituting vs. trying to minimize portions.

Again - ditto on the censorship issue. Gone are the days of checking 1-2 media sources and thinking you have a balanced picture.

Yes – the grandfather I never met died young (vs. my mother’s dad that outlived 2 wives and all his kids and passed at 94). I do know several stories about him being a kind man etc., but from what I hear wedded-bliss wasn’t in abundance. LOL.

Sandy – Sounds like your Monday weather was worse than ours. There were some warnings on bordering counties, but anything we got didn’t last long (except the heat and humidity). Hope your blood contribution went well. As previously mentioned Jean does it on a regular basis – she has several Red Cross t-shirts and I recall one time she received a windbreaker. My blood related issues prevent me from donating, but there was a time I did it often. I think it is a great gesture on your part.

Anne – Your stories of Gran, Granddad G and your dad tells me we might have the same genes.
With regards to claps of thunder etc. – Jean has difficulty with it. I on the other hand like a good storm (as long as I am inside) it actually puts me to sleep and I only sleep 4-5 hrs a night.

You know I am going to steal - 'there’s nowt so queer as folk, there's only thee and me that's alright". I think the fact that there's nothing as strange as people is why some prefer pets.

I haven’t had “Amy’s” in a long time but I do recall they made a nice lazy meal heated up.

Lin – Looks like we have all been having weather issues. You sound like Jean…I can hear her at different times going in and out of the house and normally find her with plants cleaning up or applying deer and rabbit repellent.

Ahh… high school reunions. My school was to have one this year but put rescheduled until 2022. I don’t plan to attend. I have a few people I have stayed in touch with, but for some reason I am not curious about people I haven’t seen in decades. I did attend another school (small Catholic) before the one having a reunion, but it is a parking lot for a hospital now. I wish there was a way for them to have an all class year reunion as I would attend. I loved that school and all my siblings (and my dad) went there.

Yes, it sad G’pa died before meeting future generations. In that area, I always regret that my mom died at 57 and before I was married and had a daughter. My dad died before I met Jean. Such is the circle of life. Nice Spode teapot!

Patsy – Spot on. There are some people that like a dialogue, but normally only want to hear what supports their biases. I’ll give a link or express an opinion to a family member or friend; but I never try to convince them of anything. People need to digest information and form their own opinion.

As for growing up – all those old adages we heard in our youth only become amplified. I wish the clock would slow down, but that “ain’t gonna happen.” And here I am so much smarter than I was as a kid – LOL.

I have to dash – Jean is getting her hair cut today and the young lady will be here in 30 minutes.

Have a wonderful evening! Bob