It's about time.

Many of you can relate to Working long hours at your career. Raising your families. Buying a home and paying all the bills related to being homeowners and parents. We're now retired and don't need all that work and expense. Now "It's about time" and what we do to follow our dreams.

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Friday, October 31, 2014

Chilly, Rainy Hallowe’en.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Something wasn’t quite right last night when we went to bed. Kathy had no trouble sleeping and I had no trouble falling asleep but staying asleep was another thing. Yes we still had the window ajar bringing in plenty of fresh air. After I woke up at 1:00 in the morning all I seemed to do was to slip in and out of a dream looking at the clock every half hour until I finally got out of bed at 8:00. I again had the curtains and blinds open in all the other rooms, breakfast ready to be made and half my morning reading on the computer finished before Kathy woke up. 

Watching the Weather Channel as we ate breakfast there was even more emphasis that we’d be seeing rain all day. At least what we were getting was better than Ontarians in the Sudbury area where they received nearly a half a foot of S@#w. Returning to the computers we buried ourselves into more reading and researching for the remainder of the morning as we listened to the wind driven rain hitting against the office window. 

For lunch we shared a toasted pork sandwich that was topped off by a bowl of the Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that we made the other day. It helped to take the chill out of our bodies that we felt even though neither of us had gone outside at that point in the day. 
Wild Turkeys Picture from our balcony.
After cleaning off the table we headed out the door on a couple of errands. The first stop we made was to Cartridge World to pick up new ink cartridges for Kathy’s printer. Why we go there is they recycle used cartridges thus keeping them out of the landfill and it costs less to refill cartridges so it is less expensive than a new cartridge. 
Wild Turkeys Pictured from our diningroom window.
Our next stop was Walmart where we started walking for exercise and spotted a few bargains that will help us save money for next year. We then picked up some groceries that we were out of such as milk, butter, yogurt and vegetables. I’ve had a craving for a pizza the last few days so we also picked up a Supreme from their deli case that we simply had to take home and cook.
 
Granddaughter Kylla and boyfriend Noah.
We unloaded the truck near the service entrance where Kathy used one of the grocery carts downstairs to bring it up to the apartment. Parking the truck I nearly got blown off my feet from the high winds. Kathy added more shredded cheese to the pizza making it filling enough that we only ate half of it so guess what we’ll be eating tomorrow. While we were eating the wild turkey brood came walking through the parking lot looking for food and not caring about the weather.   
Sanford wearing his Lion's Main.
Around 5:00 we went over to our daughter Karen’s to see Tyler who was supposed to be going out with some friends for Halloween. When we arrived his dad Greg was on his way to pick up a pizza for their supper. Kylla had done a fantastic job on her brother’s make up making the effect very believable. Even Sanford had a costume but he was far from happy whenever any attempt was made to put it on. Just prior to our arrival Tyler’s friends had called to cancel going out because of the wind and rain so he was feeling a bit down. His mom made his day saying he could scare kids by giving out the candy at their house instead. 
Grandson Tyler.
We were back home before the 6 o’clock News. We even watched a movie that we had missed at the theater. The temperature will be dropping for the next couple of days but at least the rain will stop. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

What happened when the lion ate the comedian?


He felt funny!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Completing Chores and Cutting Back.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

The one thing we have both known for some time is that sleeping with the windows open at night is one of the best ways of getting a good night’s sleep. We have been doing that whenever the weather is not raining or the temperatures not too hot or cold. The only problem we have with it is that we sleep so soundly that we are sleeping much later than we prefer to in the morning. Nan Talley might not agree with our way of thinking after what she and John experienced while out Boon Docking lately. 

Even though I was up nearly an hour before Kathy woke up it was nearly 9:00 before we had our breakfast. The Weather Channel gave a disappointing forecast for all the young Trick or Treaters that were hoping for clear skies for tomorrow night in southern Ontario. They even disappointed us when they showed that there could be a mixture of rain and that cold wet stuff we don’t like to talk about.  We might have to close our bedroom windows on the weekend because it could turn the water in our CPAP machines to ice. 

After finishing our morning reading I changed into my exercise clothes and got in a good workout. I extended my cardio but didn’t push the all-out run I did the other day that exhausted me to the point that I couldn’t do my weight routine. I also got in a good weight routine today as  I was able to add an extra set which meant I basically doubled my weight routine. 

Kathy had gone to do some reading in the living room and when she heard me closing up my equipment she knew it was time to start making lunch. She made a nice hot pork sandwich for each of us that was more than adequate from a roast she made in the slow cooker yesterday. 

After lunch Kathy returned to her computer so she could continue doing some research on the change of plans on our return in April. I went outside to work on the truck only to turn around once I got in the parking lot because the wind was so cold. Once I found my coveralls in the closet I went back outside where I changed the auxiliary fuel tank filter and was surprised to find it full of water. I also reset the remote starting fob which seems to constantly get out of sync before collecting all the light fixtures that I plan on working on while were away this winter and storing them in the truck. 

Even though we had the windows in the apartment open when I got back inside it almost felt like the heat was on because I was out of the wind. Kathy was still busy researching and starting to get confused so while she worked on her laptop I worked on mine. We found a different place to stay after we leave the Florida Keys that will put us only minutes from our next planned adventure. One problem solved! 

For supper we worked together to create wonderful pork/vegetable/noodle dish that again was very satisfying. After doing the dishes and sitting down to watch the 6 o’clock News Kathy served us a Black Cherry Frozen Yogurt Cone for dessert. The good thing about Frozen Yogurt is that is only twenty percent of the calories of regular ice cream with only five percent of the fat. 

With tomorrow being Halloween we have some errands to run before the kids are out in the evening but we also have other plans. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You stockpile pork and beans.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Changing With Time.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Kathy got her wish last night by having such a good night’s sleep that it rubbed off on me. We struggled to open our eyes shortly after 8:00 this morning but within minutes of walking around the apartment we were feeling full of energy.
Back this summer I posted about accidentally finding a brood of wild turkeys which for this area is a phenomena. We have seen then on several occasions since that time period during different times of the day and basically seeing them maturing into young adults. While we were having breakfast this morning the brood once again made their appearance.
Since the grass in the field behind our building is constantly being mowed so the local pet owners have a place for their pets to play and take care of nature calls. These wild turkeys often are seen feeding in this field but today was different. Suddenly they all raised their heads and spread their wings while running towards the end of the field. Not expecting anything like that I didn’t have the camera to record this brood taking flight. Unfortunately there was one of the young turkeys that ran all the way to the end of field while the rest of the brood had flown away. We did see him still in the corner as we were later leaving the building but not when we returned. Hopefully his family returned and he is safe.
By 10:00 Kathy and I were on our way to a couple of stops and an appointments. The first stop was at Kathy’s family doctor where she was able to get her yearly Flu Shot. It only took a few minutes as the nurses are all trained in this procedure. The next stop was our hair cut appointment. We arrived early as Jen was finishing her last customer so we were heading to our next stop before our appointment time. We made a quick stop at the trailer where I retrieved my cold weather cap. With the temperatures dropping the way they are my ball caps will be too light for that weather. Our last stop was at Windsor Gas and Diesel where I spoke with Jim about getting the truck in for a quick service in a couple of weeks.
Back at the apartment we had soup and a sandwich for lunch after which we did the dishes. Kathy was in a cooking mood so she started cleaning out the fridge and had me willingly chopping meats and vegetables as she started putting together Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Pecan/Date muffins. Working together makes everything go so much quicker.
Since this is Wednesday we were on our way to Amherstburg for our weekly visit with our son Kevin and daughter-in-law Melissa. We had our usual wonderful visit with them but we also got to tell them about the conversation we were having with Melissa’s parents at the Halloween Party. They are getting up in age and developing health issues. They were asking about living in an apartment because they still have their home with all the chores and problems that come with it. After they listened to us they started saying they have to sell their home. Melissa was shocked but glad to hear it as she has been telling them that for a long time.
Even Boots came to visit tonight.
With only 58 days before we leave time seems to be flying on one hand and dragging on the other. There is still plenty that we have to do but we can’t wait to be on the road. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

The World's Great Proverbs

The nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Adjustments and Changes.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Yesterday Kathy had mentioned to me that the power must have gone off because the clocks on the microwave and oven were flashing. Later in the evening when I had just written the blog I noticed that the electronic clock in the office was not set to the proper time. It automatically resets when the power goes out but it was manufactured before the extra four weeks of Daylight Savings Time was added on so I simply adjusted it. After watching the municipal election results on the news we went to bed without even giving it a second thought. 

I slept well only waking around 6:30 in the morning according to our bedroom clock and since I couldn’t fall back to sleep I just got up. I started opening the drapes and blinds in the other rooms only to see darkness so it really made me feel that it wasn’t quite 7:00 in the morning yet. Suddenly I was looking at the wall clock in the livingroom that showed it was passed 7:45 but it was still dark outside. Checking the rest of the clocks they all said the same time except the one in our bedroom because it was another of those automatic clocks. 

Kathy finally got up just before 9:00 feeling much more refreshed than she had in the last few days. When she looked outside while having breakfast she thought that it was still the middle of the night. Just then the wind increased and the rain started coming down on an angle making the use of an umbrella totally useless. The forecasted high temperature for today was not reached and the temperatures for the rest of the week are slowly getting colder. 

Since I had already finished my E-mail and blog reading before Kathy woke up I started sorting the laundry while Kathy went to her computer. When I went down to the laundry room I was able to get the machines I needed when I needed them with no problems. Kathy in the meantime was making final arrangements on the phone for a slight change in our travel plans for this coming winter. Of course when you change one thing you have to change another plan and another. She’s got it under control even though it was giving her a headache. 

For lunch we ate the last of the Greek Macaroni Salad that she had made to bring to the Halloween party. For supper Kathy made a great Caesars salad that she served with some of the leftover chicken that I grilled for last night’s supper. Our fridge is starting to look bare. 

The rain finally stopped as we were watching the 6 o’clock News but the wind is still blowing. Hopefully Kathy will continue to have restful sleeps for the coming days because tomorrow we have places to go and things to do. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

Office Jokes, Quotes, and Anecdotes

Will work because I have to.

Ephemera

Monday, October 27, 2014

Pleasant Day of Accomplishments.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Kathy had another bad night where she was having trouble breathing while laying in bed. Between 3:00 to 4:00 she took another Sinus and Cold tablet but ended up falling asleep in the recliner in the living room. After I checked on her shortly after 4:15 I went back to bed until I couldn’t sleep anymore at 6:00 this morning. Remember how I’ve said in the past if one of us doesn’t sleep properly neither will the other. I spent my early hours reading on the computer until Kathy woke up shortly after 8:00 and we had our usual coffee and cereal for breakfast. 

As Kathy read the morning blogs on the computer I checked a couple of files and made some phone calls. The first was to VitalAire to order our supplies for our CPAPs before we leave. The next was to Kathie to see when Ross was coming home. I was surprised when she told me he came home yesterday and that she had called but got no answer. The time she said she called we were home. After getting off the phone we checked our answering service to find no messages so she probably called the wrong number 

Once I change into my workout clothes I started my exercise on the recumbent bike. Since my surgery last year I have had to slowly get back to exercising unable to workout for hours the way I used to. I finally reached my limit working out shortly after 11:30 so to cool down I walked downstairs to pick up our mail. While I was gone Kathy started getting things ready for lunch. She had made us a wonderful toasted sandwich that was more than adequate for someone trying to lose weight. 

There were a few things that I needed to be bring out to the truck but by the time I returned Kathy had packed up all the trash and recycle that needed to be brought out to the appropriate bins. Back in the apartment again we both busied ourselves working on the computers getting things set for when we leave in less than 60 days. 

For supper I fired up the Weber Q to warm up while Kathy prepared a medium sized chicken and some Zucchinis for me to grill. Putting it directly on the grill and turning down the heat it was left to grill on low and slow for nearly an hour. Kathy also made a nice tomato salad to go with our meal. I added the Zucchinis on the grill about twenty minutes before the chicken was finished and they all cooked to perfection. We also have plenty of chicken left over for other meals and I know Kathy won’t let it go to waste. 

Since we live in the province of Ontario we were busy after supper watching the Municipal Election Results. Kathy and I do take our right to vote very seriously and this time was something very different for us. The last time we voted municipally we lived in Windsor and we went to a polling station and made our selections on the typical paper ballot. Since we sold our home in 2011 we are now living in the town of Tecumseh. They no longer uses paper ballots as a ploy to get younger voters involved voting is all done online now which they say also saves them election expenses. The only problem with that is there are lots of people we know that don’t want anything to do with computers so they won’t be voting. 

Tomorrow is another day with all kinds of things to do. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

The World's Great Proverbs

Long foretold, long last; short notice, soon past.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Party Animals?

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

Even though we made it home early enough to watch the 11 o’clock news and to have the blog posted before going to bed we both slept like rocks last night and had a hard time waking up this morning. Since Kathy is on medication that restricts her consumption of alcohol to only sipping or tasting she had less than two teaspoons of different wines at the party last night diluted by drinking water afterwards. Since my early adult life and seeing the results of what alcoholism has on many families my consumption last night was one lite beer diluted by water afterwards. 
What we are presuming is that by eating lite all day yesterday and then snacking on the many pot luck dishes brought to the party last evening would have been like most people after eating Turkey. The body recognizes that the stomach is satisfied and wants to relax. Since we ate later than we normally would on most days we didn’t have time to burn off any of those calories before going to bed.
After having coffee for breakfast this morning we headed to the computers. After finishing our reading Kathy went to read a book she’s been reading in the living room. I was doing a few adjustments that I needed on one of my programs I created.
Before long we were soon getting ready to have another lite but early lunch. The reason we did that was we heading for the new Belle River Arena to watch our grandson Tyler’s hockey team play. Today’s game was scheduled to start at 12:30 so that really shortened our morning.
Today Tyler’s team was playing the only team in their division to be evenly matched with them having had two tied games and a one point win against them before. This team has been criticized many times about excessive brutality and it seems from what I’ve seen they know how not to get caught by making certain the Referees are looking at the other end of the rink when they strike from behind . Tyler had a number of shots on their net today but they were all blocked. The final score was 3 – 2 for the other team. After the game we simply came home to have a quiet afternoon. You can tell we’re real party animals. Yeah right!
Tomorrow we’ll be busy once again getting things ready for when we leave in less than 61 days to head south for the winter. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You've ever spray-painted your girlfriend's name on an overpass.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Busy Social Saturday.

Our Location today is Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada.

It seems that Kathy and I have an unwritten pact that if one of us doesn’t sleep right then neither does the other. Most of the time it is my restlessness or inability to sleep that keeps Kathy awake but not last night. Kathy was having difficulty to breathe through her nose which is not good for someone that uses a nose-pad mask connected to a CPAP machine to sleep. I woke when she got out of bed around 4:00 and went back to sleep when she returned. Unfortunately her stuffy nose didn’t allow for her to sleep in a laying down position. I watched as she got up at 6:00 to go sit in the living room recliner where she finally feel asleep. I remained awake and was making the bed by 6:15 this morning.
Kathy as a Chef and me as a Crusader.
Note Sanford making sure that we behave.
Due to her lack of sleep Kathy didn’t hear me slowly opening the curtains and getting things ready for breakfast on the counter. I had already finished my morning reading on the computer and started making the morning coffee at 8:45 when she finally woke up.
Once breakfast was finished we headed back to the computers for more reading. I made a point of getting my exercise in this morning since I overdid my cardio the other day. Just as I was about to hit the shower our friend Kathie called asking if we’d be able to bring Ross home from the hospital but that he was still waiting for his doctor to come in to release him. She said she’d call back when he was ready because she knew we were busy.
Kathy immediately started making a lite lunch so if I had to leave I wouldn’t be hungry. After eating I got my shower completed in short order. Kathy had already finished cooking the noodles and chopping the vegetables for the salad we are bringing to the party tonight by the time I returned. I helped her mix it all together and put it in smaller serving bowls. Next thing we did was wash all the dishes before I went outside to clean the back seat of the truck for passengers. I had just gotten back inside when the phone rang with Kathie telling us the doctor won’t be seeing Ross until tomorrow.
After having a lite snack in place of supper we headed to Kevin and Melissa’s in Amherstburg around 5:30. For the last four years they have held a family style Halloween Party in their garage totally decorating it for the occasion. Most times the kids are outside playing on the trampoline, swings and in the playhouse while the adults sit inside talking. With everyone bringing something to eat and drink it turns out to be a very festive night that is enjoyed by all. The assortment of costumes is always fun to see with lots of very original ideas. The only problem is there is so much to eat you are told to leave your diets at home for the evening and you waddle your way home.  
Will the real Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Wolf please stand up?
With all the food it attracted some pests. 
Hopefully Kathy will sleep better tonight and be ready for a busy day tomorrow. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

The Foggy Pictures are
due to a fog machine 
being used indoors.

Krackers

Mother: How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from the mince pies?

Dennis: Never again, I just ate the last one.