July 24th - Fri - to Pemberton B.C.
I made Buck & Snow (horse & donkey) very happy this morning by putting them out in a pasture so no one has to feed them while Marg is in Pemberton. We got a few other things organized and left about 10. Too many miles down the road to return, I figured that we had forgotten to take chicken out of the freezer to take with us. Marg confirmed this when we stopped to stretch our legs at Hat Creek so I rode with Marg so we could shop in Lillooet for more chicken. We also stopped at a produce stand and had Terry & Dad wondering if we would ever join them at the lunch spot.
We continued on the Duffy Lake road to Pemberton which includes some very steep hills - one is 18 %. There was construction and crack sealing crews on the road so we were stopped a few times. One timely stop allowed our brakes to cool before the last, steepest hills.
We arrived at brother Bob’s at 4 and set up between the house & the barn. Marg parked in the driveway so Dad would not have so far to walk. Brother Doug & his wife Judy arrived shortly after us. They live in Port McNeill on Vancouver Island and had a long trip. Their son Dennis and his wife Nina arrived about an hour later.
It was very hot so we set up lawn chairs and a couple of large folding tables in the deepest shade we could find. Bob raises & markets Pemberton Valley Natural Beef and provided steaks for dinner. We were joined by friends Allan & Shelley and by Bob’s son Trevor who lives nearby to make an even dozen for dinner.
July 25th - Sat - Pemberton
Judy made waffles & blueberry sauce for breakfast - yum! Then a trip to the cemetery to visit Mom’s grave. Doug, Judy, Dennis & Nina rode their bicycles while Marg, Dad, Terry & I followed in Doug’s car since we had not unhooked from our 5th wheel. We carried on afterwards to visit Dad’s friend Elmer who was not home. We chatted with his wife Ruth for a while, drove further up the valley and returned in time for lunch.
While Dad was having his after lunch rest, Terry unhooked our truck and he, Marg & I drove to town. We wanted to fuel up without having the 5th wheel in tow and also wanted something to do. We browsed through some stores, bought a few items and checked out some boots to replace a pair that Dad loves but are pretty ratty. Some huge raindrops came down just before we headed back and the clouds up the valley were very dark. When we got back, everyone had moved lawn chairs under cover and were standing under trees or eves to keep dry while the rain moved by. Lightening had hit the mountains and there were 4 fires burning that we could see. Helicopters immediately started checking them out and then dumped water on 2 to contain them.
We had a nice surprise when we returned from town. Aunt Jessie and Ed had arrived. No mud to mess up their parking this time so they were set up right behind us and made it 12 for dinner outside again.
July 26th - Sun - Pemberton
Dennis & Nina left early this morning on their way to Banff and then as far across Canada as their vacation time allows.
Judy wanted to go to the Doggie Fest in town so she & Doug rode their bikes the 10 or so miles and the rest of us followed later in 2 cars since there were 7 of us. There was a silent auction, a kids’ tent, a BBQ area and an agility course. There were a few dogs being put through their paces on the course. Some of our group had lunch and we asked when the agility competition would begin. Turns out it was just a demonstration and a chance for dog owners to work with the trainers.
We did have another reason for going to town and that was to have Dad try on and hopefully buy the boots that Marg & I checked out yesterday. The boots were too hard to pull on but I found a pair of slip on shoes that are sturdy enough for Dad to wear on the farm and he wore them out of the store. Bob ended up buying the boots that Dad looked at and a great straw type hat that offers more protection to ears & neck than a ball cap. Doug & Judy got into the swing of things with a leather cap for Doug and a purse for Judy.
We have a couple of big tables still set up outside so we had lunch in the shade. Doug & Judy were way overheated when they got back.
Bob & Doug took Marg’s motor home into the relatively cooler root house - which is now a shop - to work on the wheel well. Marg & I offered encouragement, held lights and fetched things. They got it patched up in time for Bob to shower and start barbequing chicken for dinner. It was lovely sitting outside until mosquitoes suddenly and fiercely appeared and sent us inside.
The largest mountain fire was had way less smoke this morning but as the nighttime moisture disappeared and the weather heated up, it flared up again so we saw more helicopters with water buckets.
July 27th - Mon - to Surrey B.C.
Doug & Judy left at 7 to catch the 10:10 ferry from Horseshoe Bay. Aunt Jessie & Ed were next to leave about 9 and we followed shortly afterwards. There is a lot of construction on Hwy 99 from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics but the longest stop was about 10 minutes.
We planned to stay at the Pacific Border RV park with our friends Terry & Judy Huber but we couldn’t get them on the phone yesterday or this morning. I called the RV park and they said that Terry & Judy were away. We had decided to keep going south when Judy called and said they were just getting back so we got a spot and joined them. The RV park is right behind the duty free store and you wonder if you are on the right road when every lane includes “US Border” on the sign.
I have a very empty fridge but did have a couple of packages of baby back ribs (what else!?) in the freezer. Terry & Judy contributed all the rest and we had a nice dinner with them.
July 28th - Tues - to Spokane
Our long (for us!) drive today started with a 20 minute wait to get through customs and very few questions at customs. We hit a couple of slow stretches near Seattle, stopped for fuel and for lunch, stopped at a rest area to wake Terry up and arrived at Northern Quest casino about 3:30. Terry wanted to take the 5th wheel to Blue Crick RV tomorrow to get the brakes checked so thought we would stay overnight at the casino as it is on the same side of town as Blue Crick. Well, our “allowance” didn’t last too long at the casino so I persuaded him to take advantage of sister-in-law Kathy’s offer to park in their driveway. Kathy & Skip are not home right now but they generously included the use of the house which we really appreciated this evening with the weather remaining hot.
July 29th - Wed - Spokane
First to a brake shop and made an appointment to get the truck brakes worked on this afternoon. Picked up our mail and then ordered contacts from Costco. Good thing I have a couple of pairs left as they take a week to get here so we will have them sent to our mail box and then forwarded to us somewhere. Then we crossed another thing off our list by getting front tires for the truck.
We stopped at another shop to discuss our 5th wheel brakes and haven’t decided how to proceed yet. After lunch we went to Whites where Terry used to work to pick up the chairs that we ordered. Back to Skip & Kathy’s to put the chairs together. They look nice and are so much lighter to move around which we have to do each time we move.
I stayed to catch up the blog and do some laundry while Terry took the truck in for the brakes. It took longer than we expected so I had dinner ready when he got back. Now relaxing and enjoying the view from S&K’s windows.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 20th to 23rd - 100 Mile House
July 20th- Mon - 100 Mile House
We went back to the final clean up of debris where we “logged” behind the house when we first got here. We figured a couple of loads would do it but 5 loads later we said it was OK. Then we picked up 2 more loads in another area near the house before going in for lunch.
Marg talked to brother Doug last night and he figures that he & brother Bob could fix the motor home wheel well when we visit at the end of the week so we spent nearly 2 hours cleaning up all the dust and sealing the hole inside with duct tape. Marg took the opportunity to do some reorganizing and decluttering as well.
Then we all cleaned up and went to play golf. Dad rode along in a cart and nearly had to take off his shoes to add up our ugly scores! We had great schnitzel dinners at a local restaurant and were home shortly before 7. When Marg & I did chores, she got a chance to pet and play with a kitten that I have been trying to tame. Marg has an old neutered male cat that is very old so she would like another that is quiet enough to pet and come up to the house - but not in the house. We named the kitten TaG.
July 21st - Tues - 100 Mile House
Marg & I ran the sheep through pens to count, give worming medication and separate the rams. Terry took the 5th wheel into town to dump the black water tank and to run it and the truck through the car wash. We ordered 2 chairs which are waiting for us in Spokane so we took out our existing chairs to leave them here for Aunt Jessie to pick up.
Friends Al & Cecile stopped by to check out the new bathroom and storage shed. They had a look at the new, unused wood splitter and Marg decided it was a good time to hook it to the tractor and try it out. Didn’t take long to get it hooked up and split a small stack of rounds. It moves a lot slower than her old splitter but will be just right for Marg & Dad to handle.
It was too hot to work outside so I started some sewing projects while Terry & Dad beat the heat with a cool drink on the porch. Aunt Jessie gave Marg a sweatshirt that was way too long so I remodeled it and took 8 inches of the sleeves and 6 inches off the length. Should have bought a new sweatshirt! Had the right color thread in the machine so shortened a tee shirt for me.
After dinner Terry, Marg & I went to Nicole & Francis’ so I could help Nicole on her computer. She has a dial up internet connection which of course is slow but she thought maybe there were other problems like a lack of disk space. We gave her a lesson on downloading pictures from her camera and backing up files. Didn’t get back until shortly before 11.
July 22nd - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got out early for some more “logging” to try to beat the heat - it didn’t work! Very hot. We cleared a trail that Marg uses for cross country skiing as well as being a route for the ATVs across the farm. We cut down several trees that the ice storm caused to bend across the fences. We used the tractor to support the trees as they were being cut so they didn’t take down the fence and then piled the branches & wood.
Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group this afternoon. Marg had one of her best games - and I didn’t! We are going to Pemberton to visit my brother Bob on Friday so we went grocery shopping when we finished our round of golf. We are one of the earliest groups to tee off so there is a long time to wait for prizes & drawings if we have dinner right after golf.
When we got home, I worked with Marg on her computer - spreadsheets and Picasa.
July 23rd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
After getting laundry sorted and the first of 4 loads going, Marg & I installed a couple of pieces of molding to complete the basement ceiling repair. Dad ended up with the lovely job of washing out 3 paint brushes that have been stored in plastic wrap to use another day. Terry helped me cut out & sew a quilt cover for an OLD wool quilt of Marg’s that was made by my grandmother. Then we discovered that a lot of the stitching was broken and the wool was bunching up in places. So I had to redo a lot of the hand stitching. Terry remembered that our wool quilt had a big wad of wool in one corner so it was taken apart and repaired next. Marg even carded some of the wool to restore some loft. Then a lot more hand stitching with Marg’s help.
After lunch we cut & washed a lot of lettuce from the garden as the warm weather is wilting it. Marg & Terry cut down a 2 more dead trees to end the logging projects. Put a bunch of stuff away in the 5th wheel and then Marg & I went to town. We dropped Sage (Marg’s dog) off to stay with friend. Sage is a great traveler and well behaved but my brother Bob has a young dog, my nephew has a dog and my brother Doug will probably bring a dog so it is best to leave Sage with the sitter. We did more grocery shopping and a couple of other errands. Arrived home in time to get dinner under way. While it was cooking, I gave Terry & Dad haircuts and Marg made Rice Krispy squares. After dinner, I sewed snaps on the quilt cover and Marg watered the garden. Phew!!
I will not have internet access for the next few days so will not be replying to emails or posting my blog.
We went back to the final clean up of debris where we “logged” behind the house when we first got here. We figured a couple of loads would do it but 5 loads later we said it was OK. Then we picked up 2 more loads in another area near the house before going in for lunch.
Marg talked to brother Doug last night and he figures that he & brother Bob could fix the motor home wheel well when we visit at the end of the week so we spent nearly 2 hours cleaning up all the dust and sealing the hole inside with duct tape. Marg took the opportunity to do some reorganizing and decluttering as well.
Then we all cleaned up and went to play golf. Dad rode along in a cart and nearly had to take off his shoes to add up our ugly scores! We had great schnitzel dinners at a local restaurant and were home shortly before 7. When Marg & I did chores, she got a chance to pet and play with a kitten that I have been trying to tame. Marg has an old neutered male cat that is very old so she would like another that is quiet enough to pet and come up to the house - but not in the house. We named the kitten TaG.
July 21st - Tues - 100 Mile House
Marg & I ran the sheep through pens to count, give worming medication and separate the rams. Terry took the 5th wheel into town to dump the black water tank and to run it and the truck through the car wash. We ordered 2 chairs which are waiting for us in Spokane so we took out our existing chairs to leave them here for Aunt Jessie to pick up.
Friends Al & Cecile stopped by to check out the new bathroom and storage shed. They had a look at the new, unused wood splitter and Marg decided it was a good time to hook it to the tractor and try it out. Didn’t take long to get it hooked up and split a small stack of rounds. It moves a lot slower than her old splitter but will be just right for Marg & Dad to handle.
It was too hot to work outside so I started some sewing projects while Terry & Dad beat the heat with a cool drink on the porch. Aunt Jessie gave Marg a sweatshirt that was way too long so I remodeled it and took 8 inches of the sleeves and 6 inches off the length. Should have bought a new sweatshirt! Had the right color thread in the machine so shortened a tee shirt for me.
After dinner Terry, Marg & I went to Nicole & Francis’ so I could help Nicole on her computer. She has a dial up internet connection which of course is slow but she thought maybe there were other problems like a lack of disk space. We gave her a lesson on downloading pictures from her camera and backing up files. Didn’t get back until shortly before 11.
July 22nd - Wed - 100 Mile House
We got out early for some more “logging” to try to beat the heat - it didn’t work! Very hot. We cleared a trail that Marg uses for cross country skiing as well as being a route for the ATVs across the farm. We cut down several trees that the ice storm caused to bend across the fences. We used the tractor to support the trees as they were being cut so they didn’t take down the fence and then piled the branches & wood.
Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group this afternoon. Marg had one of her best games - and I didn’t! We are going to Pemberton to visit my brother Bob on Friday so we went grocery shopping when we finished our round of golf. We are one of the earliest groups to tee off so there is a long time to wait for prizes & drawings if we have dinner right after golf.
When we got home, I worked with Marg on her computer - spreadsheets and Picasa.
July 23rd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
After getting laundry sorted and the first of 4 loads going, Marg & I installed a couple of pieces of molding to complete the basement ceiling repair. Dad ended up with the lovely job of washing out 3 paint brushes that have been stored in plastic wrap to use another day. Terry helped me cut out & sew a quilt cover for an OLD wool quilt of Marg’s that was made by my grandmother. Then we discovered that a lot of the stitching was broken and the wool was bunching up in places. So I had to redo a lot of the hand stitching. Terry remembered that our wool quilt had a big wad of wool in one corner so it was taken apart and repaired next. Marg even carded some of the wool to restore some loft. Then a lot more hand stitching with Marg’s help.
After lunch we cut & washed a lot of lettuce from the garden as the warm weather is wilting it. Marg & Terry cut down a 2 more dead trees to end the logging projects. Put a bunch of stuff away in the 5th wheel and then Marg & I went to town. We dropped Sage (Marg’s dog) off to stay with friend. Sage is a great traveler and well behaved but my brother Bob has a young dog, my nephew has a dog and my brother Doug will probably bring a dog so it is best to leave Sage with the sitter. We did more grocery shopping and a couple of other errands. Arrived home in time to get dinner under way. While it was cooking, I gave Terry & Dad haircuts and Marg made Rice Krispy squares. After dinner, I sewed snaps on the quilt cover and Marg watered the garden. Phew!!
I will not have internet access for the next few days so will not be replying to emails or posting my blog.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 17th to 19th - 100 Mile House
July 17th - Fri - 100 Mile House
I cannot believe that the “finishing touches” on the bathroom can take as long as the major stuff! I was putting some items back in cabinets when Francis & Nicole stopped by for a brief visit. We worked on the door & last few pieces of siding on the storage shed before lunch. After lunch we had to exchange a towel bar (who knew the missing medicine cabinet would get in the way of a towel bar!), get screws for the storage shed hinges, buy a door latch and find ceiling tiles for yet another project - fixing the ceiling where Marg had a new wood heater installed a couple of years ago. Also picked up a set of towels to add some wow to the new bathroom.
We installed the door in the shed (fine job if I do say so myself!) and put finishing strips on 2 corners before it was quitting time. Just as we were sitting down for dinner, Marg drove into the yard. We had to show off our handy work after dinner - Marg was suitably impressed!
July 18th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Marg & I did laundry and cleaning before Marg left to have lunch with a friend. Terry put the latch on the storage shed door and finished the corner trim. I joined him in time to put stuff away and sweep the shed. We started putting up the new ceiling tiles and discovered it was not as easy a job as Terry expected. He thought he could cut off the interlocking edges and glue the new tiles. The glue was not as quick setting as we expected and the tiles were impossible to cut neatly. Luckily Marg came back in time to “calmly & quietly” help us complete most of the tiles. We ended up with sticks & boards supporting glued tiles until they dried.
We had to hurry to do chores, change clothes and get to Al & Cecile’s for BBQ dinner. There were 18 people there for a very nice dinner. It was a nice enough evening to sit out before & during dinner but it cooled down quickly and the wimpier guests moved inside for dessert & coffee.
July 19th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Marg & I spent the morning completing the ceiling, doing more laundry & cleaning and planning dinner with guests to take advantage of a salmon that Marg brought back from her trip to Bella Coola. Terry filled our buddy burners and made one for Marg. It took him a while since he had to clean the propane stove after he spilled wax on it. Marg’s motor home has been very dusty inside for several trips so she & Terry pulled out drawers and discovered a hole through the wheel well that Marg figured was caused by a blown tire. Doesn’t look like we can fix it so will probably take it to the repair guy tomorrow.
Marg & I made a trip after lunch for a few groceries for us & the cats. Put dessert together when we got back, watered the garden and prepped for dinner. Terry went gopher hunting when we were gone and decreased the population by 8. He was huffing & puffing when we got back as he had just returned the sheep to the correct pasture after a gate was mistakenly left open.
Toni & son Michael and Francis & Nicole joined us for dinner. Then Terry entertained them with jokes that we have saved on the computer. As Toni was leaving, I noticed a couple of sheep on the wrong side of a fence so Marg & I went to investigate. Lambs were crossing under a fence by going through a watering trough so we nailed up a board to prevent them from continuing to do so.
I cannot believe that the “finishing touches” on the bathroom can take as long as the major stuff! I was putting some items back in cabinets when Francis & Nicole stopped by for a brief visit. We worked on the door & last few pieces of siding on the storage shed before lunch. After lunch we had to exchange a towel bar (who knew the missing medicine cabinet would get in the way of a towel bar!), get screws for the storage shed hinges, buy a door latch and find ceiling tiles for yet another project - fixing the ceiling where Marg had a new wood heater installed a couple of years ago. Also picked up a set of towels to add some wow to the new bathroom.
We installed the door in the shed (fine job if I do say so myself!) and put finishing strips on 2 corners before it was quitting time. Just as we were sitting down for dinner, Marg drove into the yard. We had to show off our handy work after dinner - Marg was suitably impressed!
July 18th - Sat - 100 Mile House
Marg & I did laundry and cleaning before Marg left to have lunch with a friend. Terry put the latch on the storage shed door and finished the corner trim. I joined him in time to put stuff away and sweep the shed. We started putting up the new ceiling tiles and discovered it was not as easy a job as Terry expected. He thought he could cut off the interlocking edges and glue the new tiles. The glue was not as quick setting as we expected and the tiles were impossible to cut neatly. Luckily Marg came back in time to “calmly & quietly” help us complete most of the tiles. We ended up with sticks & boards supporting glued tiles until they dried.
We had to hurry to do chores, change clothes and get to Al & Cecile’s for BBQ dinner. There were 18 people there for a very nice dinner. It was a nice enough evening to sit out before & during dinner but it cooled down quickly and the wimpier guests moved inside for dessert & coffee.
July 19th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Marg & I spent the morning completing the ceiling, doing more laundry & cleaning and planning dinner with guests to take advantage of a salmon that Marg brought back from her trip to Bella Coola. Terry filled our buddy burners and made one for Marg. It took him a while since he had to clean the propane stove after he spilled wax on it. Marg’s motor home has been very dusty inside for several trips so she & Terry pulled out drawers and discovered a hole through the wheel well that Marg figured was caused by a blown tire. Doesn’t look like we can fix it so will probably take it to the repair guy tomorrow.
Marg & I made a trip after lunch for a few groceries for us & the cats. Put dessert together when we got back, watered the garden and prepped for dinner. Terry went gopher hunting when we were gone and decreased the population by 8. He was huffing & puffing when we got back as he had just returned the sheep to the correct pasture after a gate was mistakenly left open.
Toni & son Michael and Francis & Nicole joined us for dinner. Then Terry entertained them with jokes that we have saved on the computer. As Toni was leaving, I noticed a couple of sheep on the wrong side of a fence so Marg & I went to investigate. Lambs were crossing under a fence by going through a watering trough so we nailed up a board to prevent them from continuing to do so.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
July 13th to 16th - 100 Mile House
July 13th - Mon - 100 Mile House
We got an early start this morning and were wondering what to do before being sure the stores would be open. The sheep settled that question for us by getting into the shearing end of the barn last night and making a huge mess of the fleeces piled there. It took two huge loads on a wagon behind the ATV to haul it all to the burn pile. Then we got to go to town - again! - for paint, nails, etc.
Terry started on the shower plumbing while I did some painting on cupboard doors. He had a problem with the hot water connection - it appears as if the shutoff valve leaks a bit - but got it all done with no leaks.
We framed the front end of the storage shed for a door. It took us longer to decide how large the door should be (we are making it) and where it should be placed than doing the framing.
After dinner I primed the sheetrock that we used for the new walls by the shower so they will be ready tomorrow.
July 14th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Got the walls glued on the shower and the side rails attached but couldn’t go further as we hit a “leave for 24 hours” step. Dad worked on trying to mix the lumps out of an old but unopened can of white paint that we hope to use on sheds & barns.
Then - SURPRISE! - another trip to town. This time to take Dad to have stitches taken out of his ear (from his biopsy last week) and for his regular blood test. Had lunch at KFC, got a few groceries and hit the hardware store again. Glued the corner panel into the shower and then Terry headed out to work on the storage shed while I painted the walls in the bathroom. Since we changed the wall color, Terry had to remove the toilet tank so we could paint behind it again.
I got tired of painting so helped Terry for a while until it was time to do chores and make dinner.
Terry got a second wind after dinner and decided to mow the “lawn” areas in the garden, beside the greenhouse and around the fire pit. Of course I couldn’t sit and watch so I did some weeding and took over the mowing when Terry needed a break. Then it was still light so we took a tour of the fence line on the ATV’s.
July 15th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We finished the shower installation with top rails and doors and then caulked everywhere which requires another 24 hour curing time. I put a second coat of paint on the walls and finished painting the cabinets. Terry & Dad built the door for the storage shed.
Terry & Dad loaded all the old fixtures, boxes from the new fixtures and all other accumulated garbage in Marg’s truck and made a trip to the dump.
I went golfing with the weekly ladies’ group - didn’t do very well. There was a short downpour just before our group teed off but then it cleared and was hot & muggy. Went home afterwards and made dinner for all of us rather than having dinner at the golf course.
July 16th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
We worked on piddly little finishing things on the bathroom this morning and then went shopping for towel bars, etc after lunch. Also mandatory stops at the grocery store and the liquor store.
More painting, putting on cabinet doors, hanging the medicine cabinet and hanging a remodeled storage cupboard took us the rest of the afternoon.
Another warm day that we did not get to enjoy much as we spent most of the day inside.
We got an early start this morning and were wondering what to do before being sure the stores would be open. The sheep settled that question for us by getting into the shearing end of the barn last night and making a huge mess of the fleeces piled there. It took two huge loads on a wagon behind the ATV to haul it all to the burn pile. Then we got to go to town - again! - for paint, nails, etc.
Terry started on the shower plumbing while I did some painting on cupboard doors. He had a problem with the hot water connection - it appears as if the shutoff valve leaks a bit - but got it all done with no leaks.
We framed the front end of the storage shed for a door. It took us longer to decide how large the door should be (we are making it) and where it should be placed than doing the framing.
After dinner I primed the sheetrock that we used for the new walls by the shower so they will be ready tomorrow.
July 14th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Got the walls glued on the shower and the side rails attached but couldn’t go further as we hit a “leave for 24 hours” step. Dad worked on trying to mix the lumps out of an old but unopened can of white paint that we hope to use on sheds & barns.
Then - SURPRISE! - another trip to town. This time to take Dad to have stitches taken out of his ear (from his biopsy last week) and for his regular blood test. Had lunch at KFC, got a few groceries and hit the hardware store again. Glued the corner panel into the shower and then Terry headed out to work on the storage shed while I painted the walls in the bathroom. Since we changed the wall color, Terry had to remove the toilet tank so we could paint behind it again.
I got tired of painting so helped Terry for a while until it was time to do chores and make dinner.
Terry got a second wind after dinner and decided to mow the “lawn” areas in the garden, beside the greenhouse and around the fire pit. Of course I couldn’t sit and watch so I did some weeding and took over the mowing when Terry needed a break. Then it was still light so we took a tour of the fence line on the ATV’s.
July 15th - Wed - 100 Mile House
We finished the shower installation with top rails and doors and then caulked everywhere which requires another 24 hour curing time. I put a second coat of paint on the walls and finished painting the cabinets. Terry & Dad built the door for the storage shed.
Terry & Dad loaded all the old fixtures, boxes from the new fixtures and all other accumulated garbage in Marg’s truck and made a trip to the dump.
I went golfing with the weekly ladies’ group - didn’t do very well. There was a short downpour just before our group teed off but then it cleared and was hot & muggy. Went home afterwards and made dinner for all of us rather than having dinner at the golf course.
July 16th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
We worked on piddly little finishing things on the bathroom this morning and then went shopping for towel bars, etc after lunch. Also mandatory stops at the grocery store and the liquor store.
More painting, putting on cabinet doors, hanging the medicine cabinet and hanging a remodeled storage cupboard took us the rest of the afternoon.
Another warm day that we did not get to enjoy much as we spent most of the day inside.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 9th to 12th - 100 Mile House
July 9th - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Yet another appointment in town for Dad - this time to get his new hearing aid fitted & calibrated. While he & Marg were gone, Terry & I gave Ed & Aunt Jessie ideas for organizing their 5th wheel and then gave them a lesson on their GPS. It is a Magellan rather than a Garmin like ours but we were able to figure most things out. They left about 11:30 and we immediately started tearing apart the downstairs bathroom that is going to be remodeled. After lunch and more demolition, Terry & I went to town for paint and a couple of other items.
Nice BBQ steak dinner and relaxation.
July 10th - Fri - 100 Mile House
Marg left this morning for a week’s vacation. She took her motor home and is meeting 2 sets of friends for camping and fishing. We washed the bathroom walls & ceiling with TSP to prepare for a primer coat and took out the toilet. We finished all the primer just in time to clean the brushes before lunch. It needs 8 hours to dry so after lunch we headed out to work on the storage shed. We put on the ridge cap and then put a ridge cap on the little roof over the back door - don’t know why the roofers didn’t put one on.
Next we started on the siding on the shed. We have 8 x ½ inch boards from the scrap pile at the mill. We make lap siding out of it by cutting little wedges to support the boards as they are overlapped by an inch. Works great. We cut the wedges and did half of one side before we were interrupted by happy hour.
We painted the ceiling and walls in the bathroom after dinner - it was close to 9 by the time we finished.
July 11th - Sat - 100 Mile House
This morning we put down sticky back floor tiles in the bathroom to prepare for putting in the new toilet. Dad sleeps downstairs and does not need to be going up the stairs at night to use the bathroom. Marg measured incorrectly so we didn’t have enough floor tiles and had to made a trip to town for non-matching extras that we could use under the shower.
In the afternoon we finished the siding on both sides of the shed in very hot weather. Luckily, the shed is mostly shaded in the afternoon. After dinner we installed the toilet so put in another long day.
July 12th - Sun - 100 Mile House
We discovered that even though the old & new shower enclosures are the same size, the old one did not fit right against the walls so the drain is not in the right place for the new shower. We have to build out the walls by 7/8 to 1 ¼ inches. So another trip to town for sheetrock and more plumbing parts to move the taps with the wall. Unfortunately, 100 Mile House is a small town and the hardware store and lumber store are closed on Sunday. We also hoped to buy more paint as we have changed our color scheme. We painted the ceiling a light color and the walls a light tan. There is no window in the bathroom so, with the lack of light, the ceiling takes on the color of the walls. The cabinets are rough cedar which we were going to paint the dark color with light doors. Two or three coats of “superior stain cover” undercoat still allows color to bleed through on the wood so now we are going to paint the doors dark as well (the bleeding color is the same as the paint) and change the walls to the light color.
Before we could get the shower base in place, we also had to cut down the drain pipe. We found a sheet of sheetrock in the shop and figured out that we could cut all the pieces that we needed so we put up one wall and cut the other which we will put up after the plumbing is done.
Back to the storage shed in the afternoon. We framed a window and installed siding on the back wall. Right after we nailed the last piece, Dad made a suggestion that would made the shed look better so we pulled off 5 rows of siding and redid them. Another hot day so I watered the garden.
Yet another appointment in town for Dad - this time to get his new hearing aid fitted & calibrated. While he & Marg were gone, Terry & I gave Ed & Aunt Jessie ideas for organizing their 5th wheel and then gave them a lesson on their GPS. It is a Magellan rather than a Garmin like ours but we were able to figure most things out. They left about 11:30 and we immediately started tearing apart the downstairs bathroom that is going to be remodeled. After lunch and more demolition, Terry & I went to town for paint and a couple of other items.
Nice BBQ steak dinner and relaxation.
July 10th - Fri - 100 Mile House
Marg left this morning for a week’s vacation. She took her motor home and is meeting 2 sets of friends for camping and fishing. We washed the bathroom walls & ceiling with TSP to prepare for a primer coat and took out the toilet. We finished all the primer just in time to clean the brushes before lunch. It needs 8 hours to dry so after lunch we headed out to work on the storage shed. We put on the ridge cap and then put a ridge cap on the little roof over the back door - don’t know why the roofers didn’t put one on.
Next we started on the siding on the shed. We have 8 x ½ inch boards from the scrap pile at the mill. We make lap siding out of it by cutting little wedges to support the boards as they are overlapped by an inch. Works great. We cut the wedges and did half of one side before we were interrupted by happy hour.
We painted the ceiling and walls in the bathroom after dinner - it was close to 9 by the time we finished.
July 11th - Sat - 100 Mile House
This morning we put down sticky back floor tiles in the bathroom to prepare for putting in the new toilet. Dad sleeps downstairs and does not need to be going up the stairs at night to use the bathroom. Marg measured incorrectly so we didn’t have enough floor tiles and had to made a trip to town for non-matching extras that we could use under the shower.
In the afternoon we finished the siding on both sides of the shed in very hot weather. Luckily, the shed is mostly shaded in the afternoon. After dinner we installed the toilet so put in another long day.
July 12th - Sun - 100 Mile House
We discovered that even though the old & new shower enclosures are the same size, the old one did not fit right against the walls so the drain is not in the right place for the new shower. We have to build out the walls by 7/8 to 1 ¼ inches. So another trip to town for sheetrock and more plumbing parts to move the taps with the wall. Unfortunately, 100 Mile House is a small town and the hardware store and lumber store are closed on Sunday. We also hoped to buy more paint as we have changed our color scheme. We painted the ceiling a light color and the walls a light tan. There is no window in the bathroom so, with the lack of light, the ceiling takes on the color of the walls. The cabinets are rough cedar which we were going to paint the dark color with light doors. Two or three coats of “superior stain cover” undercoat still allows color to bleed through on the wood so now we are going to paint the doors dark as well (the bleeding color is the same as the paint) and change the walls to the light color.
Before we could get the shower base in place, we also had to cut down the drain pipe. We found a sheet of sheetrock in the shop and figured out that we could cut all the pieces that we needed so we put up one wall and cut the other which we will put up after the plumbing is done.
Back to the storage shed in the afternoon. We framed a window and installed siding on the back wall. Right after we nailed the last piece, Dad made a suggestion that would made the shed look better so we pulled off 5 rows of siding and redid them. Another hot day so I watered the garden.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
July 6th to 8th - 100 Mile House
July 6th - Mon - 100 Mile House
Terry, Marg & I left just after 8 for a shopping trip to Kamloops. We are planning on remodeling the downstairs bathroom so bought a shower stall, toilet, sink & flooring. Cousin Pat met us so we could take advantage of her contractor’s discount on some of the items. Of course, not all items were available in one store so we ran around town in pouring rain to get everything we needed. After lunch and grocery shopping we spent an hour and a half at the casino where Terry covered some of my losses and Marg didn’t lose much.
We drove home via Little Fort - sort of accidentally and on the wrong (non highway) side of the Thompson River. We took the McLeure ferry across the river before reaching Barriere to avoid a section of gravel road. The ferry is tethered to a cable and uses the river current to cross. We and another truck made a full load - a fun experience.
We stopped for dinner at the Iron Horse restaurant in Lone Butte and got home about 9:30. Dashed out in the rain to do chores.
July 7th - Tues - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
My birthday was a good excuse for a barbeque “party” so we had to do some housecleaning and setup. Of course, since we planned an outside BBQ, it had to rain yesterday & today. So we set up tables to have it inside. Marg had to take Dad to the doctor to have his ears cleaned and picked up a few last minute groceries.
Friends & relatives in attendance were: Francis & Nicole; Al & Cecile; Val & Steve & 2 houseguests; Sharon; Jane; Janet & Bill; Toni & Micheal; Rick & Pat & grandson Landon & son Chris & granddaughter Christina & grandson Cameron; Aunt Jessie & Ed.
We had a little “entertainment” when Ed tried to park his 5th wheel in the muddy front yard. His 2 wheel drive truck started spinning so he unhooked and Terry hooked up our truck which is 4 wheel drive. First Marg had to use the tractor to pull Ed out of the way. But Terry couldn’t get enough traction either so Marg ended up hooking up to the rear of the 5th wheel and pulling it & Terry backwards to a point where he could get going down a small incline, make a turn and drive out to a grassy field where he turned around and pulled the 5th wheel to a level spot on grass by the corrals. Guests not involved in the parking effort lined the upper porch railing to view the entertainment.
We all had a wonderful time eating & visiting.
July 8th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Marg had to take Dad to another doctor appointment for a biopsy on his ear this morning while Pat & I made breakfast for the rest of the gang (us & her family who stayed the night). Pat, Rick & Landon left for home just after 10. Then Marg took Chris, Christina, Cameron and Ed fishing on a nearby creek while Terry, Dad, Jessie & I took it easy.
We built a fire in the picnic area behind the house and roasted hot dogs for a late lunch.
We gave Jessie some instructions for starting dinner and Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group. Normally we have dinner at the golf course restaurant but today we finished our round just before a little rain storm and came right home for dinner.
Terry, Marg & I left just after 8 for a shopping trip to Kamloops. We are planning on remodeling the downstairs bathroom so bought a shower stall, toilet, sink & flooring. Cousin Pat met us so we could take advantage of her contractor’s discount on some of the items. Of course, not all items were available in one store so we ran around town in pouring rain to get everything we needed. After lunch and grocery shopping we spent an hour and a half at the casino where Terry covered some of my losses and Marg didn’t lose much.
We drove home via Little Fort - sort of accidentally and on the wrong (non highway) side of the Thompson River. We took the McLeure ferry across the river before reaching Barriere to avoid a section of gravel road. The ferry is tethered to a cable and uses the river current to cross. We and another truck made a full load - a fun experience.
We stopped for dinner at the Iron Horse restaurant in Lone Butte and got home about 9:30. Dashed out in the rain to do chores.
July 7th - Tues - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
My birthday was a good excuse for a barbeque “party” so we had to do some housecleaning and setup. Of course, since we planned an outside BBQ, it had to rain yesterday & today. So we set up tables to have it inside. Marg had to take Dad to the doctor to have his ears cleaned and picked up a few last minute groceries.
Friends & relatives in attendance were: Francis & Nicole; Al & Cecile; Val & Steve & 2 houseguests; Sharon; Jane; Janet & Bill; Toni & Micheal; Rick & Pat & grandson Landon & son Chris & granddaughter Christina & grandson Cameron; Aunt Jessie & Ed.
We had a little “entertainment” when Ed tried to park his 5th wheel in the muddy front yard. His 2 wheel drive truck started spinning so he unhooked and Terry hooked up our truck which is 4 wheel drive. First Marg had to use the tractor to pull Ed out of the way. But Terry couldn’t get enough traction either so Marg ended up hooking up to the rear of the 5th wheel and pulling it & Terry backwards to a point where he could get going down a small incline, make a turn and drive out to a grassy field where he turned around and pulled the 5th wheel to a level spot on grass by the corrals. Guests not involved in the parking effort lined the upper porch railing to view the entertainment.
We all had a wonderful time eating & visiting.
July 8th - Wed - 100 Mile House
Marg had to take Dad to another doctor appointment for a biopsy on his ear this morning while Pat & I made breakfast for the rest of the gang (us & her family who stayed the night). Pat, Rick & Landon left for home just after 10. Then Marg took Chris, Christina, Cameron and Ed fishing on a nearby creek while Terry, Dad, Jessie & I took it easy.
We built a fire in the picnic area behind the house and roasted hot dogs for a late lunch.
We gave Jessie some instructions for starting dinner and Marg & I went golfing with the weekly ladies group. Normally we have dinner at the golf course restaurant but today we finished our round just before a little rain storm and came right home for dinner.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
July 3rd to 5th - 100 Mile House
July 3rd - Fri - 100 Mile House
I “excused Marg from work” today and told her to go on an outing with a friend who called this morning. That meant I had to help Terry continue building the storage shed today. Carpenters we are not! After lunch Terry & I took an ATV ride looking for the coyote - no luck.
Marg returned in time to fold the laundry and help make dinner. We barbequed and ate outside to enjoy some lovely weather.
July 4th - Sat - 100 Mile House
We got the metal roof on the storage shed this morning. After lunch Marg & I went to town to pick up the chain saw and run a few other errands. We were almost home when Marg remembered that we had to buy the ridge cap for the roof so we went back. Terry was changing a set of Dutch doors on the barn to open on the opposite side in preparation for building a hay storage shed by the barn. Because of the construction, he couldn’t just turn the doors over. He had to move the hinges to the other side and then they didn’t fit as well.
We selected and moved the boards for the storage shed walls but didn’t have time to start working on them.
July 5th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Terry did some adjusting on the barn doors this morning while Marg & I puttered around in the house & garden. Then we all went logging behind the house - nearly done there. After lunch we decided it was too hot to pick up the remaining branches. Marg took the gun on the ATV on another search for the coyote. Dad, Terry & I were relaxing on the porch when we heard a gun shot. A couple minutes later we heard another shot and figured she must have got the coyote since it would have been long gone if she totally missed the first time. Well, she did kill a coyote that had gotten caught in the snare. She missed the first time and Sage (her dog) jumped off the ATV as she hates loud noises. Unfortunately, Sage was tied up and nearly hung herself so Marg had to deal with her before she could shoot at the coyote again.
We all cleaned up and played golf at the local Marmot Ridge golf course - short 9 hole course. Then we went out for a nice dinner. When we returned, Marg & I went to get the coyote and bury him.
Very warm today and still warm tonight.
I “excused Marg from work” today and told her to go on an outing with a friend who called this morning. That meant I had to help Terry continue building the storage shed today. Carpenters we are not! After lunch Terry & I took an ATV ride looking for the coyote - no luck.
Marg returned in time to fold the laundry and help make dinner. We barbequed and ate outside to enjoy some lovely weather.
July 4th - Sat - 100 Mile House
We got the metal roof on the storage shed this morning. After lunch Marg & I went to town to pick up the chain saw and run a few other errands. We were almost home when Marg remembered that we had to buy the ridge cap for the roof so we went back. Terry was changing a set of Dutch doors on the barn to open on the opposite side in preparation for building a hay storage shed by the barn. Because of the construction, he couldn’t just turn the doors over. He had to move the hinges to the other side and then they didn’t fit as well.
We selected and moved the boards for the storage shed walls but didn’t have time to start working on them.
July 5th - Sun - 100 Mile House
Terry did some adjusting on the barn doors this morning while Marg & I puttered around in the house & garden. Then we all went logging behind the house - nearly done there. After lunch we decided it was too hot to pick up the remaining branches. Marg took the gun on the ATV on another search for the coyote. Dad, Terry & I were relaxing on the porch when we heard a gun shot. A couple minutes later we heard another shot and figured she must have got the coyote since it would have been long gone if she totally missed the first time. Well, she did kill a coyote that had gotten caught in the snare. She missed the first time and Sage (her dog) jumped off the ATV as she hates loud noises. Unfortunately, Sage was tied up and nearly hung herself so Marg had to deal with her before she could shoot at the coyote again.
We all cleaned up and played golf at the local Marmot Ridge golf course - short 9 hole course. Then we went out for a nice dinner. When we returned, Marg & I went to get the coyote and bury him.
Very warm today and still warm tonight.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
June 30th to July 2nd - 100 Mile House
June 30th - Tues - 100 Mile House
Back to the logging behind the house. There were some trees that needed major persuading to miss the fence and the power line. Marg lifted Terry up on the tractor loader to place a rope as high as possible which he then used to pull the tree in the opposite direction from where it was leaning. Then it was my turn to get a lift in the loader to trim dead limbs from several large trees. We hauled away the largest debris and then Marg & Terry went back to the storage shed while Dad & I cleaned up small junk behind the shop where the storage shed is being built.
When we went in for lunch, we realized that we had not seen Sage (Marg’s Border Collie) for some time. Marg assumed the worst and took the ATV to look for her in the sheep pasture. After driving all over, Marg finally found Sage in the chicken house. She slipped in when Dad went in there and she will not bark to let you know she is there.
After lunch, Marg, Terry & I went shopping and took the small chain saw in for some adjustments.
July 1st - Wed - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!!
We did a few small jobs this morning - laundry, cleaned up several years worth of sunflower seed shells under the bird feeders, secured the metal roof on the barn by putting Terry on a ladder on the loader of the tractor and straightened the step on the tractor that Marg caught on a stump.
Then we went to take in some Canada Day events at Heritage House at 108 Mile. The Lions Club was selling hamburgers so we took advantage of that for lunch. There was a little stage with entertainment (music, Tai Quan Do, square dancing and belly dancing) which we enjoyed while we ate and afterwards. There were vendor booths to be explored and Marg saw many acquaintances.
Next we dropped off a couple of wheelbarrows that Dad had repaired and stopped to visit Marg’s guardian dog that she had to give away because it played too rough with the lambs. She is now doing a great job of keeping deer from eating the plants in a nursery.
Marg & I finished laundry and worked in the garden when we returned. Took a quick ATV loop to check the snare (empty) & made dinner.
July 2nd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Sad entry today - our Dolly is no longer with us. We will miss her a lot but we are ready to enjoy the freedom of not having a pet.
Marg & I stuffed our pockets with tissue and carried on with gardening, working on the storage shed and getting haircuts. Terry went after a coyote but didn’t get close enough for a shot. Our niece Katrina, her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita stopped by for a short visit on their way home from visiting relatives. They were planning on staying overnight but decided to get a couple more hours of driving in while Robbie was (hopefully) sleeping.
Back to the logging behind the house. There were some trees that needed major persuading to miss the fence and the power line. Marg lifted Terry up on the tractor loader to place a rope as high as possible which he then used to pull the tree in the opposite direction from where it was leaning. Then it was my turn to get a lift in the loader to trim dead limbs from several large trees. We hauled away the largest debris and then Marg & Terry went back to the storage shed while Dad & I cleaned up small junk behind the shop where the storage shed is being built.
When we went in for lunch, we realized that we had not seen Sage (Marg’s Border Collie) for some time. Marg assumed the worst and took the ATV to look for her in the sheep pasture. After driving all over, Marg finally found Sage in the chicken house. She slipped in when Dad went in there and she will not bark to let you know she is there.
After lunch, Marg, Terry & I went shopping and took the small chain saw in for some adjustments.
July 1st - Wed - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA!!
We did a few small jobs this morning - laundry, cleaned up several years worth of sunflower seed shells under the bird feeders, secured the metal roof on the barn by putting Terry on a ladder on the loader of the tractor and straightened the step on the tractor that Marg caught on a stump.
Then we went to take in some Canada Day events at Heritage House at 108 Mile. The Lions Club was selling hamburgers so we took advantage of that for lunch. There was a little stage with entertainment (music, Tai Quan Do, square dancing and belly dancing) which we enjoyed while we ate and afterwards. There were vendor booths to be explored and Marg saw many acquaintances.
Next we dropped off a couple of wheelbarrows that Dad had repaired and stopped to visit Marg’s guardian dog that she had to give away because it played too rough with the lambs. She is now doing a great job of keeping deer from eating the plants in a nursery.
Marg & I finished laundry and worked in the garden when we returned. Took a quick ATV loop to check the snare (empty) & made dinner.
July 2nd - Thurs - 100 Mile House
Sad entry today - our Dolly is no longer with us. We will miss her a lot but we are ready to enjoy the freedom of not having a pet.
Marg & I stuffed our pockets with tissue and carried on with gardening, working on the storage shed and getting haircuts. Terry went after a coyote but didn’t get close enough for a shot. Our niece Katrina, her daughter Robbie and her aunt Brita stopped by for a short visit on their way home from visiting relatives. They were planning on staying overnight but decided to get a couple more hours of driving in while Robbie was (hopefully) sleeping.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)