Weekend at the "New House" in Pakenham

I have been away from home the last 2 weekends and am now trying to catch up on my blog. So, 2 weekends ago, I traveled to Pakenham to visit with Mark and Emma and see the completed home they have finally moved into. It's a long drive, partly on the 407 and then, much more pleasantly, along Hwy 7 through Canadian Shield country and then the Ottawa Valley.

Up a steep gravel driveway, lined with large rocks

 

to their house in the woods.

Saturday was lovely and we were able to sit outside on the second story terrace when we weren't working on rearranging furniture, determining what could be sold (as it really didn't work in the new place, or there was no room for it) and organizing stuff. The main move had been completed and the house is very livable but there is a multitude of things to do when you make a move like this.

Jasper needing some ear rubs. The two dogs and the blind cat have all settled in really well and seem to approve.

  

It was decided that this couch needed to be sold and Polo decided he needed to have a "goodbye nap" on it.

I think the decision would have been different if he had been consulted.

Sunday wasn't such a nice day, back to winter coats, but we took the dogs for a walk, did some more organizing and did a major restock at Costco.

Mark made pizza and I videoed the process, start to finish, as I want to give it a try (just need to get some pizza flour and yeast next time I shop). He also has an outside propane pizza oven but an inside ordinary oven will have to do for mine.

Monday was the long drive back, stopping a few times to stretch my legs.

On the Friday, as I drove up, I had noticed that this lake (Silver Lake) had still been frozen over. The warm day Saturday resulted in open water by Monday.

When I got home I had a quick walk around to see the effect of Saturday's warmth on my garden. Hellebore in flower. 

As is the Heather.

Hyacinths starting to pop.

Lots of flower buds on the Lilacs

and buds on the Wisteria. I haven't had flowers on this yet and it doesn't look like I will this year.

I'm also waiting for the Ornamental Cherry Tree to flower. I transplanted it from Long Point 5 years ago and it is finally looking established but still no blossoms.

A Budding Photographer

 Chris, Jason and Cigi came for a visit on Good Friday. We had lunch and Cigi and I did some gardening, she is old enough now to actually be a useful helper. We planted some Pussy Willow cuttings that we hope will grow roots to plant at her house next spring and some carrots and chard. Next we had to go to the beach, I mean whats the point of coming to Dover if you don't go to the beach.

It was warm but very windy.

 

A couple of Mallards bobbing in the waves.

Just after I took this shot, out at the end of the pier, we both got hit by a huge wave. She was not impressed, there were tears, but then we laughed about it and we dried in no time.

Back to the base of the pier and along beside the condos on the wharf.

She wanted to see every photo I took

and then she wanted to take some herself.

The following are Cigi's photos.

She doesn't take any time to set up a shot, literally "point and shoot"! She wanted to get the flag,

 

the plants,

the fence,

the life ring and

the river. I was a little nervous that she might drop the camera but she was careful. She got a kids camera for Christmas but Jason said that it didn't take good pictures and she never looks at them after taking them. This may or may not turn into a hobby, no telling at 5 years old.

Sitting on the Edge followed by a walk down to the water. Then she helped me make roasted vegetables for supper and Daniele visited and helped us eat them.

Just a few photos from a walk Rick and I took the same weekend.

It was a trail we had tried during Covid but had left due to dirt bikes on it.

It has been developed further and there are different areas designated

for horseback riding and motorized vehicles.

Not much green in the woods yet.

We got a little confused a couple of times as there are no maps at the trail intersections

but used the GPS to figure out where we were and the compass to get a general idea of which way we should go. 

We walked for about an hour and a half and did the loop inside the green outline. Lots more here to explore.

So here's my "Peeping Tom" story. I was lying in the bath and a large bird peered in at me from the fence outside the window. I got out, dried off and grabbed my camera.

Two wild Turkeys.

 

Never seen them on my property before.

Final shot

I'm finding it difficult to eat enough salad to keep up with the lettuce I planted a month ago.

 

The usual spring birds

Well sailing season hasn't started yet, its really to early to do much in the garden and not much hope of visitors while my basement is still ripped up from the water damage earlier. Therefor going for walks is about it for entertainment.

Silver Lake is the easiest place to go for a stroll and see a few birds. Buffleheads.

 

Red Winged Blackbird. George's favorite fore
caster of spring.

I think these are Blue Winged Teal

Not much green in the park yet.

Even colder on a walk at Long Point.

Sandhill Cranes (photo by Rick)

Lots

of them to see

from the Causeway.

Along with Swans.

Port Rowan water treatment pond had tons of duck life. Common Merganser.

Possibly a Ring Necked Duck though they don't exactly match the pictures in the bird book.

There may have been some Canvas Backs

and some Redheads.

Nice walks aside from the difficulties with duck identification.