OUR POWER WENT OUT ABOUT 7 P.M. SUNDAY NIGHT AND IT’S STILL OUT!!

THIS IS SUNDAY’S POST::  Our power went out about 7 p.m. Sunday night minutes before I was about to publish this blog.  It is now 12 noon on Monday and our power is still out and predicted to be out until 11 tonight.  Thanks to neighbor and friend Richard for suggesting I run an extension cord from the Motorhome into the house.  I did that and hooked up our computer stuff just now.   I plan to publish today’s post tonight……….
It was about 9:40 this morning while sitting in our friends Gayle and Richards living room when a lamp on a side table flickered and went out.  Yep, we all lost our power again this morning.

‘OH DAD I HOPE MOM KNOWS I’M ON THE CHAIR BEHIND HER’

IT’S OK PHEEBS I KNOW YOU ARE THERE

‘SHEEESH THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE’
Woke up to freezing rain and winds roaring through the tops of our pine trees again.  Not nice!!  At first light I checked our bird station and yesterday’s flock of Cowbirds had been replaced with a whole herd of Red Winged Blackbirds.  At this rate we will have to start buying birdseed by the dump truck load. 

GLAD TO SEE ALL THESE FELLOWS GETTING ALONG SO WELL

FEMALE CARDINAL AND A DARK EYED JUNCO

MALE CARDINAL

BLUEJAY

Richard and Gayle had invited us over for coffee shortly after 9 so we were able to while away a few hours entertaining each other with lots of stuff Seniors chatter away about while whiling away their hours.  Always a good time, always a bunch of laughs.  Pheebs and Beckam had a blast as well.

PHEEBS AND BECKAM ALWAYS HAVE A BLAST TOGETHER

We trudged back home about 1 and the power came back on at 1:20 only to briefly flicker off and on a couple more times just long enough to play havoc with all our electronic stuff.  Temps came up a couple degrees above freezing by mid afternoon and the rain just kept coming and coming. 

BLACK CAPPED CHICKADEE
  
I’ll be glad when I can get outside and clean our dirty sunroom windows.  Winter always seems to leave some kind of film on the glass and I’ve noticed my bird photos suffer from that.  Of course with a lot of patience maybe one of these days it will actually be warm enough outside again to grab some bird pics without having to shoot through glass whether it’s clean or not.

RED WINGED BLACKBIRD

BOTH THE COWBIRD AND THE RED WINGED BLACKBIRD SHARE THE BIRD FEEDER
  
Boy oh boy is it ever miserable outside with all these high winds and semi-freezing rain and I’m sure glad we’re not stuck in our Motorhome somewhere and can’t make it the last few hours home due to the weather.  But wait, one of our fellow RV Bloggers is still out there stuck in this storm in that exact same nasty situation.  Coming all the way from the deep American Southwest Deb and Riley in their 5th wheel are hunkered down right now riding out the high winds and rain only hours from their Hamilton Ontario destination.   On a long and lonesome highway....

GROANER’S CORNER:(( You know you're in Arizona when ... 
*You can say 110 degrees without fainting.
*You eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off.
*You can make instant sun tea.
*You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.
*The temperature drops below 95, you feel a bit chilly. 
*You discover that you can get a sunburn through your car window.
*You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
*Hot water now comes out of both taps. 
*You actually burn your hand opening the car door.
*You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.
*No one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning.
*Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
*You realize that asphalt has a liquid state. 
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- If money is the root of all evil, then why do they ask for it in church.
- One day the zoo-keeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books - the Bible and Darwin's Origin of Species.  Surprised, he asked the ape, "Why are you reading both those books?"  "Well," said the orangutan, "I just wanted to know if I was my brother's keeper or my keeper's brother."
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A yuppie was opening the door of his BMW when a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived at the scene, the yuppie complained bitterly about the damage to his car.  Officer, look what they've done to my Beemer!  You yuppies are so materialistic, its ridiculous retorted the officer. Your so worried about your stupid BMW, you didn’t even notice that your left arm was ripped off too.  Oh, my God! screamed the yuppie, noticing the bloody stump where his arm used to be. My Rolex is gone!!
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HIGH WINDS AND FREEZING RAIN KNOCKED OUR POWER OUT FOR AWHILE TODAY

AMERICAN GOLDFINCH

Howling winds and rain came in the night whipping our tall pine trees around like a stack of noodles in a blender.  Temperatures began dropping mid morning turning rain into sleet.  It was about 11:15 when our lights flickered and the power went out.  No lights, no water, and no electric furnace to keep us warm. 

 

COWBIRDS

Luckily for us we have a gas fired free standing stove in our sunroom so we spent part of our time sitting by that nice warm heat source reading.  A few days ago I had prepped our rain barrel for summer so luckily we had a good supply of rain water in it.  And of course it being daytime we had lots of light and didn’t have to revert to candles.  We also knew if push came to shove we had our Motorhome for back-up.  All’s we had to do was fire up the rig’s generator and we would have power, lights, and heat.  No water though because I had winterized the coach awhile back.  And simply by adding water to the toilet bowl we could have bathroom facilities as well.  We have used our various RV’s over the years under similar storm related circumstances so it’s always a handy option to have especially if one has to revert to a handy option.

STARTED OUR DAY OUT WITH RAIN THEN FREEZING RAIN

 

GETTING WATER FROM OUR RAINBARREL AND FEEDING  BIRDS IN THE FREEZING RAIN

Luckily my laptop computer was fully charged so I was able to begin tonight’s post but the real benefit and sanity saver was my music library.  I don’t handle silence very well so I soon had a bunch of good old tunes rolling out of my laptop.  Choosing my soft sounds of the early 60’s I blissfully strolled down memory lane totally losing myself in my yesteryear life.  ‘Willow Weep For Me’ by Chad and Jeremy, ‘Poor Side of Town’ by Johnny Rivers, ‘Spooky’ by the Classics IV, to just name a very few.  I don’t think back to those years a lot anymore, well not until I hear the music from those years that is and at times it is hard for me to know the person I once was all those decades ago.  Mostly all good memories up to about 1965 whereupon the roller coaster ride took off and memories darkened.  Isn’t it amazing how quickly music from the past can instantly re-ignite and trigger so many memories from so long ago. 

LOOKS LIKE THAT SNOW IS A LITTLE COLD ON THE TOOTSIES

‘HEY WHAT’S THAT BUNNY HOPPER DOING OVER THERE

I DON’T KNOW THIS LITTLE FELLOWS NAME

DARK EYED JUNCO GETTING A LEG UP ON THE WEATHER

Nearly 5 hours later right on the stroke of 4 o’clock our power came back on.  Electricity is one of those many things ‘we all’ take for granted and it isn’t until we temporarily lose it that we realize how importantly vital it is and how much we miss it.  Sure felt nice when our furnace kicked in and warmed everything up again.

IT WAS LIKE ALFRED HITCHCOCKS ‘THE BIRD’ WHEN THIS FLOCK OF COWBIRDS CAME SWARMING IN

GLAD I WAS HERE TO HELP THESE COLD AND WET LITTLE FELLERS OUT WITH SOME LUNCH

Our early Spring storm backed off about mid afternoon so I slipped out and replenished our birdfeeders.  What soon followed was an absolute bird frenzy in our front yard.  The usual guys were still here of course but I was surprised at the influx of newcomers and especially the swarm of Cowbirds. 

‘HEY RALPH WHERE DID ALL THESE BROWN HEADED BUZZARDS COME FROM’

‘I DON’T KNOW ALICE BUT NOW THERE’S A BLUE HEADED ONE OVER THERE’

‘COULD YOU ASK HIM TO LEAVE PLEASE

I DID ALICE BUT NOW HE’S MOONING US’ (THE BLUE HEADED BIRD IS A GRACKLE)

‘I THINK HE HEARD YOU’ CAUSE THERE HE GOES’

‘YA I TOLD HIM REAL GOOD ALRIGHT!!’

In my Friday post I included a link for Steven Dempsey’s Antelope Canyon photos but I had the wrong link which takes you to Steven’s subscription page which of course is fine too but here is the correct link for his Antelope Canyon Photos.  By the way, in 2016, one of Steven’s images was chosen by IKEA for their art collection.  Check his website to see which photo that was.

As I publish this tonight I can see and hear winds snapping trees around and there is still some freezing rain in the air.  This storm is in two parts and we are on the tail end of the first storm with the second freezing rain storm due to roll in Sunday morning and have another go at us. 

GOLDFINCH

GROANER’S CORNER:((The best Norm quotes from "Cheers"!

'What's shaking Norm?'
'All four cheeks & a couple of chins.'

'What's new Normie?'
'Terrorists, Sam. They've taken over my stomach & they're demanding beer.'

'What'd you like Normie?'
'A reason to live. Give me another beer.'

'What'll you have Normie?'
'Well, I'm in a gambling mood Sammy. I'll take a glass of whatever comes out of that tap.'
'Looks like beer, Norm.'
'Call me Mister Lucky.'

'Hey Norm, how's the world been treating you?'
'Like a baby treats a diaper.'

'What's the story Mr. Peterson?'
'The Bobbsey twins go to the brewery. Let's cut to the happy ending.'

'Hey Mr. Peterson, there's a cold one waiting for you.'
'I know; if she calls, I'm not here.'

'Beer, Norm?'
'Have I gotten that predictable? Good.'

'What's going on Mr. Peterson?'
'A flashing sign in my gut that says, 'Insert beer here.''

'Whatcha up to Norm?'
'My ideal weight if I were eleven feet tall.'

'How's it going Mr. Peterson?'
'Poor.'
'I'm sorry to hear that.'
'No, I mean POUR!'

'How's life treating you Norm?'
'Like it caught me sleeping with its wife.'

'Women. Can't live with 'em....pass the beer-nuts.'

'What's going down, Normie?'
'My butt cheeks on that bar stool.'

'Pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?'
'Alright, but stop me at one....make that one-thirty.'

'How's it going Mr. Peterson?'
'It's a dog eat dog world, Woody & I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear.'

'What's the story Norm?'
'Boy meets beer. Boy drinks beer. Boy meets another beer.'

'What's going on Mr. Peterson?'
'The question is what's going IN, Mr. Peterson?
'A beer please, Woody.'

'Can I pour you a beer Mr. Peterson?'
'A little early isn't it, Woody?'
'For a beer?'
'No. For a stupid question'

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NO ACHES AND PAINS TODAY BECAUSE I REMEMBERED TO DO SOMETHING FRIDAY I HAD FORGOT TO DO THURSDAY

‘DON’T WORRY ABOUT THOSE TURKEY VULTURES OUT THERE DAD I’VE GOT YOUR BACK’

It was just after publishing Thursday night’s post that I remembered something.  I had forgot to take my Arthrotec arthritis pill Thursday morning and for sure that explains the aches and pains I was having and especially in my legs.  For me those Arthrotec pills I have been taking close to 20 years now are nothing short of magic and if I miss one it’s not long before I begin painfully stiffening up.   Took my forgotten pill Thursday night and another one Friday morning and sure enough I was outside for a couple hours today working away with no recurring aches or pains.

TURKEY VULTURES IN THE RAIN

BAYFIELD’S INNER HARBOR WILL SOON BE FILLED WITH SUMMER SAILBOATS

With nasty freezing rain weather predicted over these next 3 days Pheebe and I took ourselves out for a short toot around the countryside southeast of Bayfield this morning.  Cloudy skies and a cold east wind were not conducive to what I would call a nice morning so not too many photos.

THIS BUSHWACKING MACHINE IS HOW THEY KEEP SHRUBS AND TREE LIMBS TRIMMED BACK ALONGSIDE RURAL ROADS

It is always so remiss of me forgetting to answer reader's questions whether they be in the Shout box, blog comments, and sometimes emails.  It seems if I don't respond to something the very second I read it chances are it totally slips my mind.  Thursday while at the Goderich harbor a question flashed through my mind from Joe a few days before about what kind of fish might fishermen be fishing for in the harbor area.  Not being a fisherman myself I had to go to Google for that answer where it says Steelhead and Chinook Salmon.  In the Maitland River on the north side of the harbor area Resident Trout, Muskie, Carp, plus Small and Largemouth Bass are found.  I remembered another question asking if Pheebs and I do any fishing and the answer to that is no.  My Dad loved fishing but none of that rubbed off on me and I've never had an interest in fishing.  Another question asks if I have been watching the new animated series of ‘Corner Gas’ and my answer to that one is also no.  I did come across the animated version a short while ago and tried it out but it didn't stick with me.  One of the best things about Corner Gas that made it my all time favorite situation comedy of all time was the live cast itself .  I know I have not remembered all the questions but checking through last weeks comments and shouts I think I have got most of them.  I actually enjoy questions because it gives me something to write about but there's no point in me telling you I will do better in the future because I've said that several times before and didn't.  Okay, I'm saying it again........................

PATCHES OF SNOW ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY HARD TO FIND

Want to see the kinds of quality pictures true photo pros take??  Check out our friend and fellow RV Blogger Steven Dempsey’s latest post.  ARIZONA'S ANTELOPE CANYON  And Steven offers tips and tells you how he did these photos as well.

I’M THE BOSS BIRD BECAUSE I’M THE BIGGEST

YA RIGHT!!

Don’t know if you are able to read anything yet Stew over there in London’s University Hospital but if you are then know we are thinking of you out here.  All the best to you and keep fighting.

APRIL STORM CLOUDS MOVING OUR WAY

GROANER’S CORNER:(( A guy is sitting at home alone when he hears a knock on the front door. When he opens the door, he encounters two sheriff's deputies, one of whom asks if he is married and, if so, whether the deputy can see a picture of the wife.  The guy says "sure" and shows him a picture of his wife.  The deputy looks carefully at the picture and then gravely says, "I'm sorry sir, but it looks like your wife's been hit by a truck."  The guy says, "I know she isn’t the best looking, but she has a great personality, is an excellent cook, and lets me play golf whenever I want!"

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Atheist: What's this fly doing in my soup?
Waiter: Praying.
Atheist: Very funny. I can't eat this. Take it back.
Waiter: You see? The fly's prayers were answered.

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Science flies people to the moon.  Religion flies people into buildings. 

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