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.