Oct 04, 2020
October brings changes
For the first time ever, our RV got winterized on the last day of September. We purchased it new in 2001. It was a traumatic for it and for us as we are officially ( truly this time ) staying here for the winter. So our first winter in a long while here in Canada. As the RV is on storage insurance we had the local RV dealership come and do it on site. It only cost us an extra $30.00 which was a deal. October 1st we obtained a special one day permit and insurance to drive the RV. We were taking the coach to Enterprise RV. They specialize in hydraulics and we have a problem. The RV was great when we got back from Mexico except for a strange sound, the same sound as the last two years when putting the jacks down and the slides out. Colin mentioned it to our mobile RV tech back in June, who said it needed fluid and then overfilled it. Next time Colin went to use the slides they did not work. So the tech tried this and that and would order a new part and so on. It still was not working. We got in touch with our Mazatlan RV tech Eric who gave us some suggestions. Colin finally decided that before putting too much more money into repairs that he would take it to Enterprise RV, the specialists. Sort of let’s just get it done right for less money.
It was sad to leave her behind. No idea how long it will be before we pick it up. At least it is ready for winter.
I think it was last Wednesday, the 30th of September, that I noticed late in the afternoon how quiet it was. Suddenly I realized that I had not heard nor seen any geese all day. Where did they go? Just two days ago at dusk, it was hard to see but four flew in. Then yesterday another 14 flew in late morning. They hung around and seemed to spend the day eating. Where these different geese that the ones we enjoyed all summer? Perhaps these were from further north slowly heading south.
Maybe this is where our geese went! I don’t recall them leaving so early nor all at once.
It has been getting cooler at night but during the day we are getting into the low 70’s. The best part is that it has been sunny and for the most part will remain so for the next week. Perfect for Colin to get his photography complete. He has been very fortunate. However last week we did have a few smoky days and now just a bit of a haze.
Fortunately he was able to work around the smoke as it was not as bad as a few weeks ago. This week may be the end of his photography for the year. A very short season for us.
For some unknown reason our lake came up again and our beach was disappearing so Colin got the neighbour help bring up the canoe. You know it’s cooler out if Colin is wearing jacket. He was taking a break from the computer and doing some chores in the yard.
We have been rearranging the shed. Usually it is full from top to bottom as that is where we store our patio furniture for the winter. Not quite sure what we will do this year as we will need to use the shed for a number of things. Our very small ( 5 cu ft ) upright freezer will be full with many of our veggies and the tuna pot pies that we bring in from Vancouver twice per year. We are holding off on ordering those as Colin had been asked to do aerial photography for the City of Vancouver. Very late in the year to do this, so it will depend on weather. If he gets to do that job then he can pick up the tuna pies on the way back. Heck I might even go with him and we can stay overnight in a hotel near the Abbotsford airport and perhaps have time to visit a few friends in the area. It would be lovely to do a drive through the mountains at this time of year and quite frankly I need a break.
Our garden keeps producing. I had no idea green beans could give so much. I think we picked the last three cucumbers for this season. However the tomatoes just keep growing but we are now having to pick them green in order to get them before the rats do. They only used to eat the red ones but I guess they are hungry. Fortunately the tomatoes ripen very well on the window sill in the sun. We found two hidden zucchini under the large leaves and it looks like we have another two coming. My second crop of Swiss chard is as tall as my original crop. I am keeping an eye out for frost and will be sure to freeze some for the winter. Our second and third crop of carrots are doing very well as is our second crop of beets.
Just picked these yesterday and there are more to come. Plus I have at least 15 on my window sill already.
Last week I made a crockpot full of borscht with our beets of course, as well as a zucchini loaf. We have more tomatoes than we can eat and I think even the neighbours are tired of them.
No idea what this bird is. It has black on the top of its head and some black on its back. It was way far out on the lake and this was the best photo we could get. We have not seen it again.
I was able to figure it out with the help of my two bird books. It is a Western Grebe. Perhaps it will stay here for the winter.
We continue to eat well. I made baked zucchini fries with a mayo/wasabi dip, the zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots were from our garden. Easy meal to prepare with a piece of quiche from Costco.
As long as I can get some sunsets I am going to be alright.
Sometimes it’s best to stay away from the daily news and to just take a break.
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Do you feel more settle now that you have definitely decided not to go south? I haven’t seen any geese since you first asked me about them and I do wonder why they left early this year since the weather has been so nice.
Yes more settled but still really missing not going, my stomach aches at times. Most of our friends are in Edmonton, Vancouver or Mexico so it will be a lonely winter. No geese here today.
That is a Western Grebe, we see a lot of them in Oregon. Hope it is not too long of a winter up there for you! Love you canoe!
So happy to hear from you. You have ben having quite the adventure the pst few weeks. Thanks re the grebe confirmation. They say that we will be having a very below normal winter. All we can do is grin and bear it. Colin loves that canoe, it is a cedar canoe called a Huron.
Nice that your garden will help you make it through the winter.
Glad things are getting organized for the end of the season.
Like your cartoons.
Be Safe and Enjoy your day trip.
It’s about time.
Lovely to hear from you Rick. I am happy that some are getting a chuckle from the cartoons.
This is a great post – thanks for sharing with all of us.
Thank you Sandy. Sorry that you are having trouble posting. I will send you an email mi amiga.
The weather here is still it’s ugly self except for a couple of days here and there. Last week 9 geese dropped down in the field. Likely the ones that come ever spring but now with all this year’s offspring. Later in the day the were full, veed up and were gone. My garden is still growing but nothing like yours! I’m still finding huge Mexican squash hidden in my daylilies..too many to eat. Most of our friends are wintering at home too.
I understand why you are flying to Mazatlan and I wish you a safe journey. Once you get there you will be safe based on your own preventative actions.I do envy you but there is no way I will get on a plane right now. I remember when you planted those Mexican squash! So happy they grew for you.
Not happy about the flying but it’s our only option.
No need telling you what to do re flying. You know. Please let us all know once you land and get home. Colin doesn’t think that Gordon Campbell will be doing his Sunday music performances.So sad. Although from what I am reading on Facebook many restaurants are starting to reopen.
Oooohhhh, I don’t think I would ever get tired of garden tomatoes!!
Wish that you were close enough that we could share our bounty with you.
Great post Contessa. Glad you are staying home and staying safe!!
Thank you Nancy. I guess we all must do the responsible thing despite how much we with to head south. Hopefully this will all be over when the both of you are ready to travel again.