A restful day...

Our Location: Site 5, Lake Lurleen State Park, Coker, Alabama

 

 

A quiet, peaceful day with lots of walking and picture taking.

 

Dad, this was your spot years ago.

Looking over the lake.

A cooler day today, only 72F/16C and a bit of a breeze but sunny. We'll take it happily.

Pirates landed on the beach.

 

View of the water near picnic area.

The Grim Reaper and Sidekick.

The butler did it.

I believe lunch will be limb soup.

 

 

I cleaned the BBQ today, we did dishes, made meals, etc but nothing strenuous. Showers in the nice bath house before breakfast. 

 

 The photos and writing are disjointed because Blogger keeps losing my photos and so I decided to just write and fit things in where they fit. 

Dad's spot on our way back from the dumpsters.

We are up in those trees.

Can you see us now?

 

 

The park is well decorated for the spooks. Lots of lights and air machines, and a couple of pavilions are well decorated as well. 

 

Happy Birthday to Linda. She is an amazing lady and I've known her for a very long time. We chatted for about an hour this morning and kind of got caught up a bit. 

 

Also talked with Janet and Dennis for a few minutes. Dennis just had a hip replacement due to a fall and their winter visit to California was in question. However all things have been worked out and they will be leaving on schedule on Oct 30, flying Toronto to LA. However Dennis can't golf until at least the beginning of the new year. It will be a challenge for him as he is used to golfing EVERY day while in the desert.  

 

 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the visit. 

Until next time....

 

Take care, be safe, stay healthy,

 

Deb

We've settled in for a bit...

 

 Our Location: Lake Lurleen State Park, Coker, Alabama

 

The lot at Walmart, Franklin, Tn was quiet, very quiet all night. A few others pulled in, parking in places that weren't designated for parking but oh well. We were up and out the door, on the road before 8 am this morning under cloudy overcast skies. Temps were 63F/ 16C (approx) and a bit of breeze. We managed to turn around and get heading out the right driveway, we turned right on to Malory Lane and another right onto Cool/Cold Springs Blvd, the Interstate was right handy there. As we headed off down the road I noticed all the exits were the same...exit only, which used to mean there was no way back on the interstate from that location. However this one seems to have meant that only the inside lane was an exit lane and no other possibilities. Strange and confusing to me. However maybe some of you already knew that and I'm behind the times but now I know too. 

 

The Alabama Welcome Center.

We crossed into Alabama about 9:30 am and the temps just kept climbing. Our high today reached 83F/25 C. Sunny with cloudy intervals and 15 drops of rain as we left Franklin, Tennessee. Roads were good, Alabama allows only 'resting' with no overnights at any rest areas. I filled the Big Dog from just over a quarter full to the very tip of his lip for $138 and change. I was certain it would take a great deal more. Diesel was $4.83 a gallon at the Speedway just near Tuscaloosa.

 

The sign says it all.

 Friendly folks and always ready with a smile here in Alabama. We stopped a few times and just kind of ambled along until we arrived around 1 pm. We managed to snag a pull thru site (#5), with water and electric. We are staying put for 4 nights and are going to enjoy the warmth, the sun and the rest. I would suggest if you are going to choose this park you do two things, first check college football schedules and choose an away weekend to come, and second make reservations, either on line or by calling. The park is bit far off the beaten path if you end up not staying. Lake Lurleen State Park, Coker, Al, near Tuscaloosa. I'll post some photos when the connection is better. 

These things are huge.

A call home to my Dad netted me some more local news and a few laughs. We won't be chatting with dad now for a few days as we are settled in. Also called my sister for a quick chat and to see how they are doing. It seems all is well on the big rock in Lake Huron but fall is definitely in the air, cold, damp, damp, damp and cold, did I mention that?

 

Our spot for 4 nights.

So now you are up to date again. The connection is slow and I may not be posting pics every night but just know we are truly resting and just soaking in the heat. 

 

Out our door.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

Take care, be safe, stay healthy, 

Deb

We are getting warmer....

 Our Location: Walmart, Franklin, Tennessee

First, hello there, I didn't forget about you but we've been busy. I'm going to put a number of posts together here, but no photos. 

Tuesday, Oct 11. 

Riley and I left our summer spot about 2 pm. We said our goodbyes and closed up everything until spring. The weather was sunny and coolish. Our first stop was just off the Island at Birch Island to fill up with diesel at about $1.70 per litre. Our second stop was in Espanola to grab some lunch to go. (It's approx 1 1/2 hours from our spot to Espanola). From there we motored on heading north for another 40 minutes before finally turning the Big Dog southward and we have been heading in the proper direction since then. We ended our first day (after a late start) around 4:30 - 5:00 pm just about 40 minutes south of Sudbury, Ontario at a truck pull off. We spent a quiet night, but the rain started before the night ended. 

Wednesday, Oct 12

We were up and on the road before 9, heading southward in the rain, wind and cold. The day didn't get any better until much, much later. The rain stopped around Barrie, Ontario and while things weren't sunny, they weren't dripping either. The 401 and Weston Rd was my first ever accident. The merge space was big, no one was there, I started over and looked ahead, looked back and I seen the little black car coming sideways across the lane and couldn't stop the Igloo from coming into the lane behind the Dogsled. It was a kiss but still not fun. The Igloo has a few scratches and we need a new cubbie panel and lock but everything still functions and works just fine. The nice lady cop arrived and we sorted things out. I swear those folks think every opening is their own personal invitation to get into it as fast as they can and say, "I was here first". In all my years of driving I've never had an accident. About an hour later, we were once again on our way heading through Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington and all the other little towns in the GTA before finally hitting the 403 and scooting on out to Brantford. We found the conservation park, got a nice little pull thru spot ( we were so lucky to leave early, the park closes on Oct 15 for the year, as does pretty much every park in southern Ontario). We headed off to Walmart to get a few last minute things we needed and then off to daughter Bradey's home. We visited with Bradey, David and grandson Auston, but new baby Lincoln was asleep already. The night was cold and the morning was wet with more rain. A few minor things around the Igloo and a bank visit before we headed off to visit with Bradey and boys again for the day. We had an enjoyable day with all of them and left shortly after dinner. It was nice to see them even though it wasn't a long visit. We just couldn't connect with daughter Courtney in Toronto but we will in the spring. Friday morning found me heading to Strickland's Chevy dealer in Brantford for a new air filter and a new bulb in the running light. Complicated thing to put in those pesky bulbs, took a couple of hours but by 11 I was on my way. Did I mention that the wind really, really picked up and the skies opened up, pouring down so much rain that it was unbelievable. It passed in 20 minutes, all while I was sitting at the dealership reading my book. Back to the Igloo at the Conservation area by 11:30, Riley and I hooked up and headed out even though it was a still a bit windy but nothing overly bad like it had been. A drink of fuel in Brantford had us paying $2.19 a litre but the onRoute at Dutton had us drinking at $2.29. I like to keep us on the upper side of half when we travel.  The border crossing was interesting, it was fast for what it was, very few cars at all in the lines but I was waved over to the truck lane. No idea why but it was interesting, never been in the truck lanes at Detroit before. Two nice lady border agents checked out the Igloo and seemed to be all smiles as to the fact that we could get away from the weather, wished us well and sent us on our merry way. We didn't have to pay a toll. How weird. We managed to make our way to Walmart, Wapakoneta, Ohio arriving about 5 pm. Sunny skies, warmer temps of about 55F/12C but still a wee bit cool as the sun went down, I was glad to have my sweater. Parked by the lawn and garden/automotive side, very quiet, excellent place to park.

Saturday, Oct 15

After a quiet night, which I didn't sleep much we woke up and made tentative plans for the day. Cold this morning, around 43F/6.1C but at least there was no frost. We headed out around 9 am after stopping for fuel at the Murphy's, diesel was $5.49 per US gallon. Pointing the Big Dog's nose southward we just let him run and run he did. We stopped a few times but not until we reached Kentucky, we stopped at two different rest areas that we would certainly consider to be prime spots to overnight in the future. The first is just north of the I-71 cut off, lots of space there, very clean and welcoming. The second was along 1-71 around Bowling Green, KY, also nice and welcoming, good for overnight, very big lots. We crossed into central time right around that same area, it went from 1:30 to 12:30 and we were still letting the big boy go. We debated about Franklin, Ky, White House, Tn or Franklin, Tn for the night. Each Walmart offers overnight parking. We were happy to be through Nashville today and so we pushed on arriving here around 4:30 pm. We've never stayed here before and I wouldn't recommend it for these reasons: it's an exit only, we will need to find a way to get back to the interstate in the morning:, the lot is big but chopped up and not very well suited for anything our size or bigger. Smaller vans, even maybe small motorhomes but we had to angle the truck to get the back end of the trailer in out of the lane.  It's a very busy store. Very warm as the day progressed, our high temp reached 78F/25.5C. No wind and sunny skies. We are happy campers. Tomorrow we plan on arriving at a destination of our choosing to rest up for a number of days.

Some notes for those coming behind us via I-75, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. First the I-75 in Michigan is greatly improved, or at least southbound it is but there is still an ugly stretch near Monroe, not as bad as before but still plenty ugly. Our first sighting of fuel in Michigan (diesel of course) was $5.99. Ohio roads are fair with some rough areas, lots of scored pavement with the top smooth layers gone and just the grooves remaining. Not as good as in years past. Cincinnati is still under lots of construction of course but it's getting better too. Fuel in Ohio (diesel only) ranged from $5.98 to about 5.39. You need to really watch. Kentucky, was well, Kentucky, roads were decent overall with some long rough areas and fuel was running a little less than Ohio with around $5.60 to $5.35. Tennessee roads have quite a few rough patches but Nashville was a breeze with little construction. Fuel was in the low $5's, less than $5.50 but we did sight off in the distance a $4.98 (credit), $4.68 cash (or something like that, with a big difference). Overall there is lots of construction in all states but it being Saturday, we didn't have any troubles. Of course the lanes are narrow, uneven and always squeezing by the big cement barriers with only a hair to spare. The leaves are barely turning yet, a few hints of colour here and there but nothing to speak of once you get past mid Ohio. 

As always when we travel I've been calling my dad to let him know we've arrived safely and where we are. Always nice to chat with him. Today was the gender reveal for nephew Jesse and wife Claudia, a baby girl is expected in March. Congratulations to all. Condolences to the Bowerman family in the passing of Andy on the evening of Tuesday Oct 11. 

So now I think you are up to date and I'll be blogging on a more regular basis now. No photos today as I can't get the computer to recognize the sim card from the camera. I'll work on that another day. 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

Until next time... take care, be safe, stay healthy,

Deb

Lots of photos today....

 

 

Our Location: Summer Spot

 Manitoulin Island, Ontario

 

Busy working toward getting everything ready to go, packing things, cleaning up other things, mechanical things, insurance things, drug things, etc, etc. Busy, busy, busy.  

 

Fungus on a stump.

Even the poison ivy is turning colours.

Yes it's frosty on some mornings.

Brother in law Dennis fell on Sunday, Oct 2 and broke his hip. He got a new on Monday, Oct 3. He's in a rush to get home, he's not a good patient. 

 

I love the contrast in the fog.

  My late hubby Richard would have celebrated his 73 birthday on the 4th. Marion and Harold would have celebrated their 73 wedding anniversary on the same day. 

 

A magnificent sunrise.

The same piece of water as above.

And yet again.

The reflection is amazing.

 Fall is definitely in the air, a few very frosty mornings and a few not so very frosty but overall the days are nice with a cold one here and there in the mix but we have no complaints. All darkness on my morning walk to coffee as opposed to the summer when it's daylight so early. I'm hearing less Sandhill Cranes and less Canadian Geese as well. The loons are calling often in the foggy mornings, and the crows and ravens are very vocal. 

 

I pass this tree every morning on my way to coffee.

We park up there behind the yellow of the birches.

I love the colour.

 So our time here is getting shorter and shorter, bittersweet times. Happy to be going but sad to be leaving. Spring seems close but yet to so far away at the same time. 

 

Starting to look bare, just a few more things to put away.

These 3 photos were taken from the same spot.

 

That's water way off in the distance.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

Until next time...

 

Take care, be safe, stay healthy, 

 

Deb

 

 

 

 

Soon wrapping up at our summer location....

 Our Location: Summer Spot, Manitoulin Island, Ontario

We've had a good fall so far and while a few cold, damp and sometimes rainy days have wrapped us in their icy fingers for the most part, we've had good weather. Leaves are changing colours, dropping and are just more vocal in the fall winds now. The waters in Georgian Bay are slowly turning to a deeper shade of blue/grey which means the icy slate grey of winter won't be far behind. Various birds are flocking up and making their voices heard while calling to others of their kind, the hummers seem to have left and of course the Canadian geese are circling as they build their flocks for their southward journey. The early morning darkness makes my walk to coffee time a little longer as I stumble along in the blanket of near darkness or black and white contrast depending on cloud cover.

Early morning sunrise. 

A rainbow off in the distance. 

We are getting close to our departure day, which we've moved a little due to a forgotten dentist appointment. We have decided to leave the Island on or about the 13th or 14th. Spend a few days in southern Ontario before heading for warmer climes by the 16th or 17th. Of course we all know how those things go, but that is the approximate plan for now. 

 

The photo above is of the fireplace I mentioned in my last post. Clifford used this to cook most of his meals, keeps a pail of water hot and always has the 'kettle' hot. It has been repaired too many times to figure out, snakes currently live in there and come out when the stones get too hot or to laze around in the warmth of the sun on the stones. My grandfather helped to repair this thing many times as has my father over many years. It has served our family well over the years with many fires  of a marsh mellow and wienie event type of thing. 

 

I was leaving the fireplace picture and heading home (which is across the road that you see, we swing open those gates to pull the Igloo in and out) when this photo kind of said 'take me'. The sky is so dark over there but it is so sunny in the foreground. We had a few days just like this. In fact the above rainbow photo was taken the same day. 

 

Daughter Bradey and Hubby David celebrated a wedding Anniversary just recently and  Nicole (niece) and Hayden (great nephew)  celebrate birthdays in a few days. Family and friends in Newfoundland/New Brunswick are all safe and sound after Fiona blasted the east coast. 

 

 

Until next time, thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed the visit. 

 

Take care, be safe, stay healthy, 

 

Deb

It's been a while.....

 

Our Location:

Summer Location near South Baymouth, Ontario

Well, hello there. I thought I'd do a quick catch up as it's been a few months since my last post. I had good intentions of posting more often but we know how those go, don't we? 

Ice from freezing rain at the little stone cottage.

Lots of ice.

 

Spring is coming along the road to our summer location.

The Igloo way down there, waiting for spring to come.

We are back in the Igloo in our summer location near my dad's house and have been here since early May when the weather started turning nicer. There is nothing quite like being back home again after spending the winter months in a little stone cottage. 

 

Deer in the field near the little stone cottage. Early April.

We truly didn't do a whole lot over the summer that would be of great interest to anyone and so I wasn't too excited about blogging and I was busy.  We worked three or four mornings a week and I also worked two afternoons a week, just to keep us busy and for a little spending money for winter travels. The weather was coolish here for the summer, a few hotter days but nothing like the dog days of summer that I remember as a kid growing up here. Of course there is almost always a breeze here on the big rock in the middle of Lake Huron so that does help a bit. 

 

Baby Lincoln, May 12, 2022.

 

Big brother Austin, turned 3, Sept 12, 2022.

Some reference notes for the future for me but things to share as well. Daughter Bradey and husband David welcomed a second son Lincoln on May 12th, 2022. A little brother for Austin, who just turned 3 on Sept 12, 2022. Niece Brittany and husband Kevin welcome a daughter as well (name and date escapes me at this time). A little sister for Hayden. Family losses include my grandfather's half brother Glen, (April 24, 2022 at age 89) and my dad's brother Bev,( June 29, 2022). HRH Miss Kitty has left us as well, Sept 14, 2022 at the age of 14 years. My sister ex husband Ed, (father of her three children, Amber, Alan and Brittany) passed away Sept 6 at the age of 68. Multiple test of a health nature over the past number of months have had excellent results, and my cataract surgery is now 11 days behind me, all is going well. Many birthdays and anniversaries as well have been celebrated and enjoyed. Today in fact is nephew Jesse and bride Claudia's first wedding anniversary. Various family members were sick with Covid-19 over the last number of months, all recovered very well and all agreed that a couple of very rough days from sore throats to exhaustion were the worst symptoms. 

 

HRH Miss Kitty (Jennie)

HRH Miss Kitty has been with us for about 12 years. She was a rescue when we first moved into our last stix 'n brix house in Hamilton's east end. She was approximately 2 years old when we brought her home. She was not the friendliest nor most affectionate cat but she was always aware of where Riley was and when she was coming home. She has been fantastic company Riley over the years, demanding a little but not needy. She was a great traveller and was always excited to be near the window when we opened it, giving great long sniffs to the new outside air and it's wonderful new scents. She never wanted to be out of the carrier but wanted the top unzipped and made her displeasure known when it wasn't unzipped quickly enough. She has been slowly getting sicker and sicker. On Sept 14 we decided it was time, she didn't put up any kind of fuss, seeming knowing that peace was coming. She passed peacefully with us there at her side and is buried here on the farm not far from out spot. RIP Miss Kitty.  

 

Morning fog.

Morning sun.

 Our good friend, Clifford Buckley has decided he can no longer come here to do his 'thing' which includes getting back to nature with no power or indoor plumbing while staying in very small rustic cabins, usually for the month of September every year for over 60 years. Cooking accomplished most days on an old outdoor fireplace, bathing in the cooling waters of Georgian Bay and fishing from his old canoe. He truly has enjoyed his time here on our little rock, driving all the way from Fayetteville, NY each year, mostly by himself.  Our various family members(grandfather, mother, father, brother), have for all of those years been caretakers of the property for the other 11 months of year. He has graciously allowed us to use it for our own enjoyment which includes camping, swimming, picnics and quiet times. So on Thursday Sept 15, Jason (my nephew) and Leah (his beautiful wife)  became the new owners of said lake front property which you have seen many times in my photos and will see more today. I believe at one point the sale was referred to as 'keeping it in the family'. Clifford left for the last time on Friday, Sept 16, a very sad but exciting time. 

 

It is just so calm here this morning.

A great view for sitting and thinking, sipping coffee.

We built ourselves a little bunkie late this summer, we've named The Cabin and are currently waiting for the steel for the roof that will be installed before we leave. The steel for the walls will be purchased and installed in the spring when we return. Sorry, no photos at this time. 

 

Rougher waters today.

The sun ready to peek out from behind that cloud. 

 

Plans are afoot for our winter travels this year, we are excited of course and looking forward to seeing everyone again, travelling to the amazing desert in the southwest USA and soaking up all that it has to offer. All plans are subject to the jello effect but we are hoping to leave the Island on or about Oct 10 or 11. We have decided to bypass our usual 7-10 days at Buttercup Ridge in Roseneath this fall and will see Janet and Dennis in California during the winter. So with that in mind, we think we will be crossing on or about the 14 or 15th of October. We shall see how that works out.  

 

Jason & Leah with Clifford.

Brother Rick, Clifford and my Dad (Doug)

So now I think I am up to date with the happenings of our little part of the world.  The photos of the water, sun rise and fog are of course taken at the lake front property, hard place to give up but a wonderful place to own. Bittersweet in it's own way.

The birches turn first.

The dewy evidence of cobwebs is a fall thing.

Thanks for visiting, I hope you have enjoyed your time here. Until next time...

 

Take care, stay healthy, be safe.

 

Deb.