Friday, May 08, 2015

I CAN NEVER THANK YOU PEOPLE ENOUGH

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HOLY SMOKES DOGGIES IN THE WATER GETTING HER PAWS WET (I’VE GOT A JEEP LIBERTY INTERIOR TO CLEAN TOMORROW)
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AND I THINK SHE IS KIND OF LIKING IT TO0
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Knowing we were in for an unseasonal hot & humid day Pheebs & I were into the Libbygator & off out into the countryside early.  A short walk in the Hullett Marsh & we were back in the Jeep wandering north along dusty roads enjoying the morning scenery.  Lots of farmers on the land prepping their fields for planting.  So nice to see the countryside greening up.  Autumn is known for it's reds & golds while Spring is a time of lush greens as new leaves & buds burst forth in various shades of soft lime like colors.
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THIS FIELD MAY VERY WELL HAVE BEEN PLANTED ALREADY
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A TANKER TRUCK LOADED WITH LIQUID FERTILIZER RE-FILLS A WAITING FERTILIZER SPREADING MACHINE
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JUST GOTTA LOVE ALL THE SPRING GREENS
We wandered our way up around the Wingham Ontario area & managed to find ourselves a couple interesting roads we had never been on before.  Whenever I see a road sign saying 'No Exit' or 'No Winter Maintenance Beyond This Point' I know we have an interesting road ahead of us & we always head on down to see where it takes us.  Sometimes we end up in bush lanes or fields & this morning we ended up at a river bank.  I like when that happens.
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LOVE IT WHEN WE STUMBLE ACROSS OLD NARROW ROADS LIKE THIS LEADING WHO KNOWS WHERE
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SO DID WE CROSS THE RIVER??  NO, BUT WE COULD HAVE:))
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SPOTTED THIS OLD RAILROAD ABUTMENT ACROSS THE RIVER…NEVER KNEW THERE WAS A RAILROAD UP IN THESE PARTS AT ONE TIME
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THIS IS THE ‘LITTLE MAITLAND RIVER’ & IT’S ONLY A FOOT OR TWO DEEP IN MOST PLACES
Little Miss Smarty Pants ever vigilante in the front seat knew we were getting near Wingham so reminded me it was getting close to lunch time & there was a Subway shop along Wingham's main street at the north end.  So not wanting to listen to all the whining we headed ourselves into town for a 6" toasted Tuna Sub with American cheese, lettuce & tomato's, green peppers & onions plus salt & pepper & a smattering of sub sauce.  I'm careful not to give Pheebs any onions but in doing so I have to kinda pull the sub apart & we sometimes end up with quite a mess in the front seat.  It seems most of the mess always ends up on the front of my shirt for some reason.
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SOME FARM FELLAS WERE SURE KICKING UP THE DUST TODAY WHILE OTHERS SURE WERE MAKING A BIG STINK
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AND HERE’S AN OLDER NO SHIRT FARM FELLA OUT WALKING HIS FIELDS…YOU CAN SEE HOW HOT IT WAS TODAY
Hadn't seen Pheebs Ilama, Alpaca, or Elk pals since last summer so we stopped by the country property where all these fellas live.  They didn't rush up to the fence to see Pheebs like they usually do but Pheebs didn't seem to mind & just ran along the fence line smelling whatever she could.
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ALL EYES WERE DEFINITELY ON THE PHEEBS AS SHE HAD THEIR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION
We had driven with windows down in the morning but by noon the humidity with today's record breaking temperature (90'F) prompted me to close up the windows & crack on the A/C.  After all that is one of the reasons why we finally decided to switch to an air conditioned vehicle this year.  And ohhhhhhhhhh how nice that cool air felt.  As I'm typing this tonight we have our central air on in the house & ohhhhhhhhh how nice that again feels.  Say what you will about A/C but I love it.  We're both looking forward to cooler temperatures already on the way.  Now I said cooler not colder!!
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Kelly has had a little kitchen project in mind for awhile now & I have been hesitant to tackle it.  My carpentry skills are not the best & I've lived with myself long enough to know & accept the fact if we want a job to look professionally done I am not the guy to do it.  Kelly wanted the micro-wave moved off the kitchen counter & placed in a cupboard space above the stove.  Looking at the project this afternoon I thought 'what the heck' at least I can take the cupboard doors off & maybe cut the middle shelf out to make way for the micro-wave.  And that's what I did.  Drilled a couple holes, spliced up an electrical cord, set the micro-wave, plugged it in & ‘WALLA’ it worked.  Haven't figured it out how to finish off the job making it look better but for right now at least the micro-wave has been moved & a section of our kitchen counter has been freed up for other things.
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Received an inspiring email from a fellow Blogger today which went a long way in picking up my recent sagging spirits.  I go through these periods of self doubt from time to time questioning myself about many things including my blog writings.  I am not one of those people blessed with a wondrous positive attitude & continuous wonderful back to back days.  I go through my bouts of depression & I ask myself at times ‘why do I keep writing this blog’.  And then as so often happens an email will show up from someone saying how something I have said or done has helped them in some way.  Well it is you folks who have sent those emails & comments over the years who are truly the people who in turn have helped me in ways more than you know.  The inspiration for me comes in knowing I have done something right, something useful & above all something helpful.  I can’t come over to your house & help you put shingles on your roof or fix your plumbing or electrical problems.  Can’t help you change the spark plugs in your car or build you a garden fence but there is maybe something else I can do.  Perhaps I can write something, express some thoughts & feelings, bring a little humor each night to someone else’s gray day, answer some RV or travel questions occasionally. (if I remember) Maybe it’s a photograph I take along the way somewhere.  I try hard to keep those positive thoughts in my mind each day & for the most part each night I am able to sit down & through my blog express in some way my gratitude to all you folks out there who read my posts.  I can never thank you people enough………………………… 
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ALWAYS SO NICE TO SEE SPRING’S MARSH MARIGOLDS
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SKUNK CABBAGES
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AND JUST SOME GOOD OLD EVERYDAY SWAMP MOSS
GROANER’S CORNER:((   Charley, a new retiree greeter at Walmart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, sometimes 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.  One day the boss was in a real quandary about how to deal with it. Finally, he called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang on job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."  "Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."
"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear. It's odd though, your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"  "They said, 'Good morning, General. Tea or coffee this morning, sir?'"

25 comments:

  1. Lack of Internet has slowed my blog reading and posting too...
    Looks like you and pheebes had a lovely day in the countryside!!.. Thanks for sharing all the photos!!.. You know of course Tucker would have gotten more than his paws wet in that lake!!

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  2. I know what you mean by being inspired by having helped someone along the RV path in life. So glad to see Pheebs get her paws in the water.

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  3. Nice job on the microwave! Why not install a shelf right above it & put something pretty up there?

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  4. As Emma and I walked along the paved trail along Crater Lake this morning, some of the snow had melted and made the path wet. Emma had quite the dilemma of how to get through it. She hates getting her feet wet. She gave me the stink eye, and tip toed through. It wasn't even a puddle for Pete's sake!

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  5. Your blogs are always interesting, even when you don't have a lot to say, and your pictures are always beautiful. Keep up the great work!

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  6. As soon as I saw that first picture of Pheebs I said to myself, Pheebs doesn't get wet! Then, I read your caption. Good for Pheebs (not the Jeep) for enjoying the water on that hot day. Had to laugh as I read your description of the sub eating process the two of you go through:)

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  7. Al - I don't often comment but I always read because I know that you will have the most incredible pictures of what I would consider ordinary things. You make me see the world differently which I appreciate so much.

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  8. We have been using the furnace since we got home, but the leaves are popping out and singing birds awake us each morning. I figured you had been too busy doing yard work for a long post the last few days. We always enjoy reading your stories and love the great pics.

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  9. Your photos are sublime. You make the ordinary look extraordinary. It must be lovely to have the eye to capture such beauty. I wouldn't worry about the skills you say you lack. You take fine photos and create fine gardens. You are awesome to your dog and entertain me with your musings. Thanks for your blog. That black dog is a beast eh. Kind regards

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  10. We too love those roads to nowhere, one of our favorite places! Good for Pheebs, trying something new :-) The pic of the black horse at the old barn is amazing, I love it! Llamas crack me up, so intense. Nice to have timely validation, and that you share its impact.

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  11. Yesterday weather was exactly what we have been waiting for, and perfect day it was.
    At least you enjoying you new Jeep with air!

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  12. Al, I totally get it when you say you are "off", no energy, no drive..But the fact remains that you always produce a wonderfully candid blog...and we cannot thank YOU enough!!

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  13. Love the groaner Al!!! How can it possibly be 90 degrees in Bayfield and SNOWING in Montana???

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  14. Al, I always read your blog while I'm eating my breakfast! I don't know what I would do without you!
    Cheryl Ann

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  15. I can identify with the sentiment in this post… really strikes a chord.
    It is snowing here in Lovely Ouray, again. Weird that so far north it can be 90 degrees and that you need AC, while we have a fire roaring in the hearth and a blanket.
    Box Canyon Mark

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  16. Time to keep a towel handy for Pheebs' wet feet. I'm looking at snow, sitting in front of the heater with a hat and fingerless gloves on, and thinking of turning the furnace on to warm the 5er to at least 60F.

    Al, thank you for keeping it real. Life isn't all ups.

    BTW, nice job in the kitchen.

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  17. I always enjoy your fantastic photos!

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  18. Railway History of Wingham Ontario
    And they also have a nice railroad station there as well
    Background
    The Kincardine Subdivision is located in an area where economic activity consists of agriculture, cattle farming, and
    light industry.
    Stations situated on the line are Atwood (M. 5.94), Ethel (M. 13.03), Brussels (M. 18.60), Bluevale (M. 25.49), and
    Wingham (M. 29.66). The major user of the line is Premdor Inc. (hereinafter Premdor), a manufacturer of cedar
    doors and wooden shutters. Premdor uses rail to bring in lumber from British Columbia and the Western United
    States.
    History of the Line
    The Kincardine Subdivision was built by the Wellington, Grey, and Bruce Railway Company, and was opened for
    operations on December 29, 1874. On August 12, 1882, the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway Company became
    part of the Great Western Railway Company system amalgamating with the Grand Trunk Railway Company of
    Canada. On January 31, 1923, they became part of CN.
    Location of the Line
    The Kincardine Subdivision begins at mile 27.9 off the CN Newton Subdivision at the station of Listowel situated at
    mile 0.00. From Listowel, it extends in a general northwest direction to Wingham at mileage 30.34.
    Description of Service
    Prior to 1987, local freight service was provided on an as-required basis. Since January 1, 1987, rail service on the
    subdivision has been limited to once a week way freight service operating from Stratford to Wingham.
    I think you should've put a snorkel on the jeep and gone through anyways it's probably only about 5 feet deep
    after all Jeeps can do anything
    And as for the microwave never underestimate your talents
    Enjoy your day It's only 84*in Central Florida

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  19. I rarely write in everyone's blog but I think you have an interesting blog. Thanks for the blog and pictures, I find myself reading your blog every day without fail.

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  20. Come on, your blogs are always interesting and enjoyable. Don't let it get you down. Sometimes the blogs I write for Mother Earth News magazine don't get many views and I wonder why I do it. I usually resolve because I love to do it and then the next one will be a home run. Your blogs are great so don't let lack of response effect you.
    Your Jeep Liberty is exactly like ours. Great vehicle and we get muddy paws in ours which is fine with us. We let it dry and once or twice a year take the shop vac out and suck it all up. Only difference is we have 12 paws depositing mud... We value it as much as we do our exhibit of window nose art.
    Keep up the good work, your blog is exceptional and unique....

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  21. I love your blog! You inspire me to continue with mine even though i hardly have any readers. I have started writing a new blog about my travels with my three dogs. First trip was to Washington DC. I sometimes get discouraged and think I will discontinue it. I gues it's the fact that no one leave a comment so I don't know if they like it or not. If you will continue so will I!

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  22. I appreciate the fact that you acknowledge the part of not knowing how to do plumbing, electrical, spark plug, so many people tend to offer "advice" about how to do those things but have no knowledge or knowhow to do it. One sure thin that everybody knows how to do is deposit money in someones account but very few offer that kind of help. As long winded as some of your blogs are, I still read them and pick the parts I like. Keep blogging, it seems to do well with cobwebs on the brain.
    Mickey

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  23. It seems like farm equipment looks more and more like gear out of a star wars movie:)

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  24. LOVE marsh marigolds! One of the early signs of spring and reminds me of my late mother as she always loved them!

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  25. I was gone for 3 days and couldn't read your blog. That's something I look forward to every night. I love the picture of the horse. Your pictures are great.

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