Saturday, May 16, 2015

A FOGGY DRIVE TO GRAND BEND & RON’S BIG YARD SALE EARLY THIS MORNING

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First of all thanks to the folks over in the Shout Box for reminding me of that 'Sitemeter' problem which my blog & many others has been encountering for the past month or two.  You will be happy to know we dumped Sitemeter today & installed a new statistics counter called 'StatCounter'.   This will end the Sitemeter problem folks were having.  And thanks to Kelly for deciding on & installing it for me.  When I get to know my way around StatCounter I’ll let you know what I think of it.  Here’s one interesting stat I did notice though….77.81% of all traffic on the Bayfield Bunch site comes from the United States while 20.90% comes from Canada.  Other percentages are thinly spread out over several other countries including England.
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“HOLY FLYING FROGGY FROLICS BATMAN”
Bit of a foggy pea souper this morning as Kelly & I loaded ourselves into the Libbygator & drove on down to Ron's big long week-end yard sale in Grand Bend.  He had a certain type of electrical cord we needed.  Those small 50 amp cords are worth between $65 & $75 at most RV stores.  Ron sold it to us for $5.  Sure were a lot of people there already & he certainly has a lot of stuff for sale besides just RV stuff.  A lot of NASCAR memorabilia he has collected over the years.  Ron can be found on the west side of highway 21 heading north out of Grand Bend.  He is the owner & operator of FOUR SEASONS PERFORMANCE.
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YES ALL THESE CARS ARE PARKED ALONG THE HIGHWAY FOR RON & JAN’S HUGE YARD SALE EARLY THIS MORNING

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IN THIS LARGE BAY AREA IS WHERE RON NORMALLY WASHES & CLEANS UP THE RV’S BEFORE PUTTING THEM ON HIS LOT

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IF WE HADN’T SOLD THE JEEP A FEW DAYS AGO THIS IS WHERE IT WOULD BE PARKED TODAY…RON HAD SAID TO BRING IT ON DOWN & PUT A ‘FOR SALE’ SIGN ON IT

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THAT’S RON HIS VERY SELF SELLING SOME OF HIS ‘BLACK SABBATH’ ‘METALLICA, & AC/DC ALBUMS:))

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I THINK THESE CARS WERE FOR SALE TOO…HIS RV LOT IS ACROSS THE ROAD

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NO THEY WEREN’T SELLING THE HOUSE……………..
A stop at the Mennonite Bakery on the way home netted us a Pecan Pie & some meat.  These Mennonite folks raise their own cattle.  The Bakery is about 3 miles south of Bayfield on highway 21 & again anyone in the area should make this a priority stop.  You can actually see the Mennonite ladies making the pies.  And those pies are just the best of the best.
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OUR FLOWERING MAGNOLIA SHRUB
Fog lifted late morning allowing a healthy batch of sunlight through the pines & we had what finally turned out to be a mighty fine weather day with temps in the low 60's making for another most enjoyable outside puttering day.  Took the hitch off the Motorhome & gave it a good clean up & grease job this morning.  A few more flower photos around our yard & an afternoon walk around the park’s pond with the Pheebs.  We sure live us in a nice place here…………………………….

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A SAND CHERRY BLOOM JUST OUTSIDE OUR SUNROOM WINDOW

GROANER’S CORNER:(( A couple was relating their vacation experiences to a friend. "It sounds as if you had a great time in Texas," the friend observed. "But didn't you tell me you were planning to visit Colorado?"  "Well," the man said, "we changed our plans because, uh..."  "Oh, tell the truth, Fred!" his wife cut in, "You know, it's just ridiculous. Fred simply will not ask for directions."

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Scientists have shown that the moon is moving away at a tiny, although measurable distance from the earth every year.  If you do the math, you can calculate that 85 million years ago the moon was orbiting the earth at a distance of about 35 feet from the earth's surface.  This would explain the death of the dinosaurs. The tallest ones, anyway.

Friday, May 15, 2015

OUR FIRST LONG WEEK-END OF THE SUMMER IS UPON US & ‘THE ASHWOOD OF BAYFIELD’ IS NOW OPEN

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FIRST SUNSET CRUISE OF THE YEAR

Woke up to a cold rainy morning & that pretty well set the tone for my day.  Kelly did head off to Goderich on a few errands but I never went out of the house.  Crumpled into my recliner, turned on the TV & that was about it for me.  Think I saw more of the inside of my eyelids than whatever showed up on the TV screen.  Oh well once in a very long while I don't mind a day like today.  Just as long as I don't do the same thing again tomorrow!!

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<<< OUR GLOOMY DAY SURE DIDN’T DETER THE PINE SISKIN GANG

Our big May long week-end is upon us.  Commonly referred to as the May 24th week-end it is the kick off to summer in Canada.  Historically I think it is Queen Victoria’s birthday & that is where the holiday originated from.  Highways will be jammed with folks heading to their cottages.  Ice is off the lakes so boaters will be out in full force.  Campgrounds traditionally open as well.  Bayfield on Lake Huron is a ‘go to’ place for many tourists & boaters so it will be busy this week-end as will all the shoreline communities along the Canadian side of the Great Lakes.  DEER PARK LAKEFRONT RESORT where Kelly worked for 10 of our years in this area is fully booked & there is something new this year.  The owner of Deer Park last winter purchased the Bayfield Village Inn across the highway & after extensive & beautiful renovations is having a soft opening this week-end with the grand opening to come shortly.  Kirsten named her new venture THE ASHWOOD.  For anyone in the area drop in & say hello & tell them ‘The Bayfield Bunch sent you:)) For music buffs this will be a hot spot so be sure to check out the stellar line-up of live musicians on the Ashwood website for this summer’s entertainment.  Next week one day I’ll wonder myself on over to the Ashwood & take some interior pictures because it is really interesting to see how the front desk, tables, & bourbon bar have all been made from a few old dead Ash trees cut down on the Deer Park Lakefront Resort property this past Fall & Winter.  And they have beautifully re-modelled every room in the whole place as well.  And by golly they even have a nice pool in there too:))

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THE ASHWOOD OF BAYFIELD

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THE WOOD IN THIS SIGN IS FROM DEER PARK’S ASHWOOD TREES

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THIS IS THE ASHWOOD’S ‘WOODY’ & WILL BE USED TO FERRY PATRONS & GUESTS AROUND

Needing a photo of the Ashwood & it’s new sign Pheebs & I took a drive into Bayfield after supper & stopped down around the harbor for a few pics.  Also cruised up Bayfield’s main street & randomly cracked me off a few photos of Bayfield’s artsy decor & crafty Shoppe's.  I really must take myself & my camera for a walk through Bayfield to show you all how pretty our little rustic fishing village really is.  Well not so much a fishing village anymore but it sure has retained it’s old charm.  And then there are the beautiful old & new homes on the picturesque back streets & cliffs overlooking Lake Huron.  Truly one of the nicest areas in South-western Ontario:))

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BAYFIELD’S NEW LIBRARY ON MAIN STREET

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NOTICE THE LITTLE DOGGY FACE  IN THE MIRROR CHECKING OUT THE SIGHTS

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UNDER THAT AWNING WAS KELLY’S FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP WHEN SHE WORKED AT DEER PARK…’CAFE DA VINCI

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A YOUNG COUPLE WITH A BABY STROLLER OUT FOR AN EVENING WALK ON BAYFIELD’S SOUTH PIER

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DSC_4281 <<< A SELFIE ON THE BEACH  

GROANER’S CORNER:(( After many years, her original wedding ring had become worn and thin, so she asked her husband to buy her a new ring as her anniversary present. But this time she asked him to buy her one with diamonds.  They went down to the jewellery store to pick one out. As they waited for the clerk, she said to her husband, "My eyes aren't as good as they used to be, so I'd really like diamonds I can see."  Having overheard their conversation, a customer standing nearby remarked, "Sir, it would be a lot cheaper if you just bought her glasses."

Thursday, May 14, 2015

SHE’S GETTING TO BE QUITE THE LITTLE SWAMP HOG

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JUST PLOWING THROUGH SOME WATER & MUD AT THE HULLETT MARSH THIS MORNING…PHEEB’S IS GETTING TO BE QUITE A LITTLE SWAMP HOG

Cold clear night & the weather department issued frost warnings.  Never saw any evidence of that this morning but it sure was cool out when Pheebs & I headed off for a short drive & walk in the Hullett Marsh.  Advantage of cooler air is we didn't encounter any bugs despite hiking through some very swampy areas.
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COULD THIS BE A YELLOW WARBLER

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A SWAMP GRACKLE
Exiting the Jeep at a gravel parking area near a trail head I immediately heard a couple Killdeer making a big fuss & knew right away we must have pulled in very close to their nest.  I watched as one of the Killdeer tried to draw us away from the area with the old 'broken wing' trick.  I knew about that trick so I took the opportunity to grab a few photos of the Killdeer striking not only a defensive posture but an aggressive posture as well.   We didn't linger & quickly moved off leaving the Mother Killdeer to return to her nest in the nearby gravel somewhere. 
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THE KILLDEER BEGINS DOING IT’S ‘BROKEN WING’ ROUTINE TRYING TO DIVERT MY ATTENTION AWAY FROM IT’S NEST

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WHEN I DIDN’T FOLLOW HER SHE COMES TROTTING BACK TO ASK ME WHY

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KEEPING A WARY EYE ON ME

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KEEP IN MIND I AM USING A 300mm TELEPHOTO LENS HERE SO I AM PHYSICALLY NOT AS CLOSE TO THE KILLDEER AS IT LOOKS

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I TOOK A FEW STEPS FORWARD & MAMA KILLDEER SPRANG INTO AGGRESSIVE ATTACK MODE & I QUICKLY TURNED & WALK AWAY

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TOTAL ENCOUNTER LASTED ABOUT 30 SECONDS

Pheebe seems to be getting a little braver around water & didn't hesitate splashing across some shallow channels.  Almost up to her belly in one muddy section so I had to walk her along the top of a grassy berm in an attempt to dry her fur out & flake the mud off.  Reaching the car I still had to dry off her legs & paws with an old towel.  That done, we were ready to go & Libby’s interior remained unscathed.
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WALKED THE PHEEBS THROUGH THE GRASS ALONG THIS BERM BESIDE ONE OF HULLETT’S PONDS

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TINY VIOLETS ALONG THE TRAIL

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Pheebs & I were home again about 10:30 & I continued on with some of the yard work projects I had started the day before.  So nice to have this cooler sunny weather which is totally perfect for working around outside.  No sweaty stuff.

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I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS LITTLE SHORE BIRD IS

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For any RV’ers in our area this week-end keep in mind Ron from Four Seasons Performance is having his annual big RV miscellaneous parts garage sale.  Summer Clear-out - tow bars, brake buddy, hitches, receivers, hydro cords, tons of stuff – CHEAP…..Blue Ox, Demco, etc.  Be there or be square:)) And by the way, you won’t meet a friendlier or helpful guy than Ron his very self.
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We had received an email Wednesday morning about our Jeep Wrangler from a fella in Sarnia Ontario.  Sounded very interested so Wednesday night he & his wife plus their Son drove up to have a look at it.  The Son already owns 2 Jeeps but it was his Dad who was wanting a Jeep for himself.  They saw right away our Jeep was in good shape so Father & Son took it for a drive & that sealed the deal.  We reached an agreement on the price & that was that.  They will be back Monday to pick it up.  Sad to see Jeepers go of course but happy to finally have the Jeep sale behind us.  Now, on to our next big decision……..
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GROANER'S CORNER:(( An effusive client brought a litter of golden-retriever puppies to my veterinary clinic for inoculations and worming. She loved them so much, she couldn't keep from remarking about their cute habits.  As the look-alike pups squirmed over and under one another in their box, I realized it would be difficult to tell the treated ones from the rest. I turned on the water faucet, wet my fingers, and moistened each dog's head when I had finished.  After the fourth puppy, I noticed my hitherto talkative client had grown silent. As I sprinkled the last pup's head, the woman leaned forward and whispered, "I never realized they had to be baptized."

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A veterinarian was feeling ill and went to see his doctor. The doctor asked him all the usual questions, about symptoms, how long had they been occurring, etc., when the veterinarian interrupted him, saying, "Hey look, I'm a vet - I don't need to ask my patients these kind of questions. I can tell what's wrong just by looking. Why can't you?"  The doctor nodded, looked him up and down, wrote out a prescription, and handed it to him and said, "There you are. Of course, if that doesn't work, we'll have to have you put down."

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

WE SOLD LITTLE JEEPERS TONIGHT

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We both spent the day with our noses to the grindstone.  I had our metal storage shed to clean up plus some more power washing, weed whacking, more clean up with the leaf blower, flower beds needed extra attention, etc etc.  Kelly was busy inside cleaning as well.  We were both highly motivated today & the weather cooperated with sunny skies & cool temps.  Interest has greatly increased in our Jeep Wrangler since we lowered the price so we're hopeful it will sell shortly.  From all of today's cleaning & yard work activities I'm tired tonight so I will just leave you with some photos from around our front yard today.  UPDATE::  We sold little Jeepers tonight.
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GROANER'S CORNER:((Vincent Van Gogh had a very large family. Here's a listing of some of his lesser known relatives.

The grandfather who moved to Yugoslavia ........ U.Gogh

The brother who accidentally bleached all his clothes white - Hue Gogh

The sister who wore a mini skirt and liked to dance in bars...Go Gogh

The real obnoxious brother ......................Please Gogh

The brother who ate prunes ......................Gotta Gogh

The uncle who worked at a convenience store .....Stop N Gogh

His dizzy aunt ..................................Verti Gogh

The cousin who moved to Illinois ................Chica Gogh

His magician uncle...............................Wherediddy Gogh

The cousin who lived in Mexico ..................Amee Gogh

Another cousin who lived in Mexico ..............Grin Gogh

Nephew that drove a stage coach..................Wells Far Gogh

Uncle who was constipated....................... Cant Gogh

Aunt who was a good dancer..................... TanGogh

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

A FELLOW BLOGGER’S ‘LAST POST’

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From my comfy recliner I have a clear view of our surrounding pine trees to the southeast & it's always nice to see sunlight tickling the tops of our pines first thing in the morning.  Our Monday night storm didn't amount to anything more than dark skies, a bit of wind in the tree tops & a smattering of light rain for about 5 minutes.  Judging from our computer weather map I'd say the storm veered inland to the east just missing us.  However it did leave us all shivering in colder mid 40 temperatures today & same for tomorrow:((
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ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF SPRING
Thanks to Blogland’s lady of birds JUDY for correcting my guess about Goldfinches in my Monday night post.  The photo I included are actually Pine Siskins & I think it is the first time I have ever seen them in our yard.  They certainly have taken control of our Niger seed feeder & there are a lot of them.  I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said there are probably 40 or 50 of them out there.  It's an absolute mob scene around the feeder as they try to knock each other off to get onto a feeding perch.  And I've noticed they don't seem to come in one's or two's but do seem to come in flocks. 

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IT’S BEEN A MOB SCENE OF PINE SISKINS AROUND OUR FEEDER

My project today on what eventually turned out to be a cold cloudy morning was to paint the inside of the kitchen cupboard where our micro-wave is now sitting.  Paint I bought a couple days ago was too thin so I was not a happy Camper with paint dripping here & running there & not covering worth a snoot.  Despite my impatience with this sort of thing I did manage to persevere & complete the project.  Painting is one of those things I figure a person has to be in the right kind of mood to do.  And of course my project was not without another memory failure.  Wasn't until I had completed the job that I suddenly remembered we already had some paint sitting in a closet above our water heater.  I had previously checked an outside shed where I normally keep paint before buying a new can but had found nothing.  Checked the paint above the water heater & sure enough there were two cans of white primer with one can never opened.  It's no wonder I get upset with myself!!

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LIBBY AT THE HULLETT MARSH LAST WEEK

There are countless numbers of interesting blogs out here on the web & one could easily spend their days just reading & reading.   Sometimes I skim down my sidebar looking at blog titles & when one jumps out at me I'll stop & have a look.  Such was the case this morning when I saw Barney from Old Fat Man's Adventures title which read, An Important Announcement.  In his short post Barney had a link to another Blogger's post which in turn was titled, My Last Post.  I clicked on that & it turned out to be Wandrin Lloyd's Blog.  The name Wandrin Lloyd rang a bell & I finally remembered he was the fellow Mark from Box Canyon Blog had talked about awhile back.  Wandrin Lloyd spent some time hiking the majestic mountains around Ouray Colorado with Mark & Bobbie recently I think.  Although I have not met Wandrin Lloyd & have not followed his blog I am truly saddened to read what has happened & what is happening to him.  I wanted to leave a comment on his post today but I just didn’t know what to say………………………

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UNDERWATER LILY PADS

GROANER'S CORNER:(( My husband, a forester, often has to consult property owners to determine boundary lines. Walking up a dirt road to question one such individual, he encountered signs that read: "No Trespassing," "Beware of Dog," and "Keep Out...This Means You!" Finally arriving at the door, he talked with the congenial, cooperative landowner. When my husband was ready to leave, the man said to him, "Come and see me again sometime. I don't get many visitors up this way."

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Little Harold was practicing the violin in the living room while his father was trying to read in the den. The family dog was lying in the den, and as the screeching sounds of little Harold's violin reached his ears, he began to howl loudly.  The father listened to the dog and the violin as long as he could. Then he jumped up, slammed his paper to the floor and yelled above the noise, "For Pete's sake, can't you play something the dog doesn't know?!"