MY ADVICE TO FELLOW CANADIAN RV'ERS.....'GET YOURSELVES BACK ACROSS THE BORDER AND HOME REAL QUICK'

EVEN WHILE SNOOZING PHEEBS HAS AN OCCASIONAL PEEK TO MAKE SURE I HAVEN'T SLIPPED OUT THE DOOR ON HER

An overcast dull and drabbly damp cold day.  Pheebs and I drove over to the Hullett Marsh where I could hear Tundra Swans somewhere in the distance.  They make a weebling sound much like Sand Hill Cranes.  Finally spotted them far off and clicked a photo.  

TUNDRA SWANS AT THE HULLETT MARSH

AND OF COURSE CANADA GEESE ARE EVERYWHERE

THE FURRY FACE GUYS WERE OUT TODAY

NO NOT THE FURRY FACERS BUT A TOTALLY DIFFERENT HERD

OH JUDY LOOK AT ALL THESE 'END' SHOTS YOU ARE MISSING

Home before 10 I hitched up our utility trailer and took two loads of heavy wet leaves and pine needles to the Park's recycling area.  Good thing I had four wheel drive again or I would have had myself mired in the mud and muck down there.  Despite the crappy day Pheebs and I did get out for an afternoon walk and managed a few more photos.

I STILL HAVE A COUPLE MORE HEAVY LOADS TO HAUL DOWN HERE

SPRING FLOWERS??  NOPE, PLASTIC ONES IN OUR SUNROOM

Twelve years ago today we arrived home from the Southwest and one year ago tomorrow we also arrived home from the Southwest.  With all the major uncertainties going on right now if we had been in the States this year we would most certainly have made a fast beeline for the border by now.  Bizarre things are happening and I'm thankful we are right here at home in case the already bizarre turns into the super bizarre.  Personally, I would not be traveling anywhere for any reason until all this hopefully clears up.  My simple advice to fellow Canadian RV'ers away from home right now would be to 'get yourself back across the border and home real quick'!!

SO NICE TO SEE CHIPMUNKS SCAMPERING AROUND OUR YARD AGAIN

GROANER'S CORNER:((  “I didn't use to care much for most puns but over time some of them have groan on me.”
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 Hubby - You always carry my photo in your handbag to the office. Why? 
Wife - When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears.   
Hubby - You see, how miraculous and powerful I am for you? 
Wife - Yes, I see your picture and say to myself, "What other problem can there be greater than this one?"
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SPRING CLEAN-UP TIME AND I'M A HAPPY CAMPER:))

SPRING CLEAN-UP HAS BEGUN

Summer shoes......something most of us up here in the northern latitudes take for granted in late Spring, Summer, and early Autumn.  Notice I didn't say Winter.  Oh Gee I wonder why that is??  Well maybe it's got a whole lot to do with not being able to wear summer shoes in winter.  Well, I sure have been appreciating my summer shoes these past couple days now that our snow has mostly dissipated.  After wearing heavy clunky winter boots for most of the past 4+ months what a nice feeling to have my light weight ohhhhh so comfortable Merrell Vibram Moab Hikers on again.  Bought them at a Pro Bass Shop in Gainesville Florida a couple years ago.  I was feeling like Peter Pan darting around the yard today.

STILL LOTS OF ICE ALONG THE BAYFIELD SHORELINE

I'M IN THE JEEP IN MY LINED WINTER PANTS WITH THE HEATER GOING AND ALONG COMES THIS GUY WALKING ALONG THE SOUTH PIER IN HIS SUMMER SHORTS

LOOKING CLOSELY AT THE NEW BAILEY BRIDGE (GRAY) I COULD SEE IT WAS TWO THIRDS OF THE WAY ACROSS THE RIVER AND WILL SOON BE AT THE NEW NORTH SHORE CEMENT ABUTMENT (ORANGE AREA)

UPON EXITING THE JEEP (IN DISTANCE TOP RIGHT) MY MERRELLS WALKED ME RIGHT UP TO THIS POINT AND BACK AGAIN IN SHORT ORDER.....HOW NICE TO BE OUT WALKING AGAIN:)))))

PHEEBS AND I  HAD TO DO SOME HARD LOOKING TO FIND US A PATCH OF SNOW TO MAKE FACES AT THIS MORNING

I DECIDED NOT TO TRY AND CRUNCH THROUGH THIS FROZEN SNOW BANK SO TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK IN THE DIRECTION FROM WHENCE I HAD COME

Back from our morning Jeep ride I didn't waste any time getting at the yard work.  In the back yard it was rake, pitchfork, and wheelbarrow for several hours filling up our utility trailer.  My bones were aching, my T-shirt was wet with sweat, and I was as happy as an escaped clam at a clambake.  Often when doing things I enjoy I have a natural tendency to overdo it and today was no exception.  Wouldn't be surprised if when I awake in the morning I'll have to be put in traction for a couple days.  Oh well, just sooooo nice to be outside doing something constructive.  Been waiting a long time to do that and my sore muscles tonight tell me I'm definitely doing something helpful for both my mind and body.  No wind today and the 40F temp made working outside pleasantly doable.  I'll be back at Thursday:)))))

SPRING CLEAN-UP ALWAYS MAKES ME A HAPPY CAMPER

LOTS AND LOTS OF PINE NEEDLES TO RAKE UP

Pheebs and I finally got out for a walk around the Park's pine tree trail this afternoon encountering only one small swatch of snow at the trailhead.  Sure is nice being able to walk normal without trudging through snow with big heavy snow boots on.  Had been having a few problems with my right leg and hip lately but today's walk went off without a hitch so I'm thinking all my leg needs is more walking.  And I certainly intend to do that.  

THIS IS THE ONLY PATCH OF SNOW LEFT ON THE PINE TREE TRAIL

GROANER'S CORNER:(( A vacationer called a seaside hotel to ask its location. "It's only a stone's throw from the beach," he was told.  "But how will I recognize it?" asked the man.  Came the reply: "It's the one with all the broken windows."
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“A cannibal once took my sister to see a Russell Crowe movie?”  “Gladiator?” “No, I really miss her.”
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One morning the phone rang at 3:00 a.m. in Jeff's house. He picked up the phone and a woman asked, "Is this 555-1111?"  "No, this is 555-1112." Jeff replied.  "Oh, I'm so sorry for disturbing you." The woman said.  "That's alright," Jeff said. "I had to get up to answer the phone anyway."
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MOST OF OUR SNOW IS GONE SO MY SPRING CLEAN-UP WILL START SHORTLY:))

BLUE JAY

An all night and partial morning rain has really knocked the stuffing's out of our snow pack.  Only snow left in our front yard is where I had piled it up shoveling my paths.  I would say 98% of the areas cold white stuff is gone and there's warmer weather on the way.  In fact for the next 14 days our lowest daytime temp is predicted to be 32F for one day with the rest of the days being in the high 30's with a couple days over 40F.  Thursday is predicted to be 48F  Our temps today hung around 35F under overcast skies then dropped to 32F when afternoon skies cleared.  Maybe a sunny start Wednesday.

THIS IS ALL WE HAVE LEFT OF THE SNOW IN OUR DRIVEWAY 

A RAINY DRIVE TO GODERICH AND NO SNOW IN THE FIELDS

GODERICH HARBOR STILL ICED UP AS WELL AS LAKE HURON FOR ABOUT A MILE OFFSHORE

THIS IS THE NARROW APPROACH FROM LAKE HURON INTO THE HARBOR 

LIGHTS ARE ON BUT I DON'T THINK ANYBODY'S HOME

THE BUBBLING AIR LINE IS WORKING AGAIN

It has been so nice to hear different bird songs in the trees lately.  A couple days ago I saw a Red Wing Blackbird and this morning I heard a Robin nearby.  I've also noticed how quiet our bird feeder is now that temperatures have come up above freezing.  Even the frantic Squirrel activity has slowed down.  Chipmunks are out and I've enjoyed watching 3 bunnies in our front yard.  I've also noted over the Winter our bird feeders are busiest when it's cold and blustery.  Wouldn't be surprised if I'm into some lawn raking and Spring clean-up in a few days.

SPOTTED SOME COLORFUL RAILWAY CARS NEAR THE SALT MINE WAITING TO BE LOADED

Noticed Don over in the 'Shoutbox' awhile back had a question about the big freighters frequently loading rock salt at the Goderich Salt Mine.  He asks, "Are these ocean going ships and I wonder where all the salt is going"?  The salt is shipped to many communities around the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway.  This rock salt is mainly used on roads to melt ice.  These freighters hauling salt usually work the Great Lakes but are large enough for ocean going travels as well.  Here's a You Tube showing the Underground Salt Mine.

CANADA GOOSE

 

WALKING ON ICY HARBOR WATERS

GROANER'S CORNER:(( Ponderings::
- One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
- Never trust a stockbroker who's married to a travel agent. 
- Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't. 
- On the other hand, you have different fingers. 
- Married people don't live longer than single people. It just seems longer. 
- I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
- If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
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A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the driver, he was astounded to see that the woman behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn, and yelled, PULLOVER!" "NO," the woman yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!" ==================

ASSUME THE WORST.....IT MAY LEAD TO PLEASANT RELIEF

PHOTOS FROM OUR FRONT YARD 

With the Jeep possibly needing a few parts for the rear hatch mechanism we decided to take it to a Jeep dealer in Goderich.  Figured we might be able to get things done quicker there and sure enough Lake Huron Chrysler/Jeep had us bring it in for 10:30.  With errands to do in Goderich Kelly decided she might as well take the Jeep so off she went.  In a complete reversal it was Pheebs and I staying home for a change holding the Fort.  Turns out all the Jeep needed was to have the hatch opening latch mechanism sprayed with a solvent.  The sticking part in the mechanism freed itself up and the Jeep was ready to go.  As I've sometimes said....'Assume the worst and when the worst doesn't happen what a nice pleasant relief it is'.

GROANER'S CORNER:(( With his wife sick in bed, a man did the weekly supermarket shopping. By the time he reached the checkout, his cart was overflowing. Behind him in the line was a little old lady with just a loaf of bread.  He turned to her and said: "Is that all you have dear?"  Her face lit up, "Yes, it is."  "Well," he said, "if I were you I'd have a seat because I'm gonna be a while."
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