Today Paul told me he received very sad news about his friend Braeden, who came to visit last weekend. He told me Braeden had a car accident and passed away. I am very shocked of course, as is Paul. It’s very unreal. Even though I didn’t remember Braeden as a young kid from Paul's school in Edmonton, I really liked him when we met in the cabin. Such a wonderful young man with beautiful hopes and dreams. Paul is devastated of course. He didn’t see Braeden in 10 years, then he comes over for a visit and they spend 3 days together and had such a good time. Braeden was even planning to come back again this weekend for another visit. Life is just not always fair. I can’t stop wondering....why? He was only 20 years old. I feel so sorry for his parents, sister and his girlfriend, his relatives and all his friends. Rest in peace Braeden. I’m glad we got to meet and grateful Paul and you were able to spend a weekend together to catch up. Maybe that was just meant to be. But it sure is not fair.
Tuesday I went home to do all my stuff like charging batteries, laundry, get mail, groceries and filling up water. Saves me a trip to the well. I also cleaned up in the house a bit. Paul is busy with work and didn’t found the routine yet to keep up with stuff. David came over for a bit. He gave me a great solar hanging lamp and fixed the battery operated door bell. Wednesday was a rainy day, so great to do some indoor things. I put the bell next to the door, and the receiver for the sound inside on the hat rack. I can move it anywhere, so that is handy. No wires neither. Love it! It has many sounds, but I put it on the sound of the cuckoo. So cute!
I hung up the light too. I didn’t want to screw it solid yet, as the ceiling still has to be done. But lucky I have lots of steel wire and I made a hanger out of that. The charger is at the kitchen window but in the afternoon I put it at the big window by the table to catch the last sunlight. The light is wonderful. It works great. I got it on automatic, so when it gets dark it comes on. I also have a remote control which will be great during the winter, when there is less sunlight to charge and I can control when I want to use it. It’s very bright and lights up the whole kitchen area. Thanks David! Very happy with the new light and the door bell.
Later in the afternoon I checked the gardens. Everything is growing well, especially with the rain we get regular now. I love it when it rains. It never last long but still enough to water the gardens. Spinach, potatoes, green curly kale, lettuce, corn, parsnip, beans and peas, it all grows great. The carrots take a little longer. I have only seen one or two tiny plants popping up. Maybe I have to seed some extra, just in case.
I made a strawberry garden. I had some left overs that were not good enough to eat anymore, and just put them in this new garden. If it doesn’t grow, I will get some strawberry plants. But it’s fun to just try and see if anything sprouts. No Quinoa yet. I hope after the weekend it will sprout. If not, I will put carrot seeds in it. No garden will go to waste.
I had some cool evenings and mornings, and used the woodstove to get the dampness out and warm it up a little. I don’t need much wood to do that. Not even 2 logs, cut in smaller pieces, will do just fine. It was very cozy! The sound of the rain and then the sound of the fire.....it sure has something.
When it rains, there are no flies neither and the horses love it. They can rest and graze in peace. Also sitting on the deck is nicer. No zooming sounds of those flies. I don’t have to spray my clothes with Off. LOL
When I was walking around the yard, I discovered a couple of dead rodents. 3 mice and 2 voles. The cats are earning their food! Hahaha, they are Wwoofers! Hahaha.
I’m reading a lot now since I’m in the cabin. It’s my TV. Hahaha. I’ve finished the book The King of Torts, by John Grisham. A good read. Lawyers aren’t always working in the best interest of their clients, is what I learned from this. Some are just after the big money over the back of the victims.
I’ve also finished The Notebook, from Nicholas Sparks. A very beautiful novel, about a deep love between two people. The kind of love that only happens ones in a life time. It reminded me of Ron and me. I really miss him a lot. But I feel he’s around. Keeping an eye on me.
Now I’m reading Not Without My Daughter, from Betty Mahmoody. I’ve seen the movie, and read the Dutch version, but I like to read the English version now. It’s a great true story about an American woman and her little girl, being forced to stay in Iran with her husband after a vacation there, and how she finds a way to get back to the USA. Even though I know this story well, it’s really nice to read it in the original language.
I went for a long walk in the back of the cabin on Wednesday afternoon, after the rain stopped and it got really warm again. First Scruffy didn’t seem to be interested to come with me, so I just walked along. But after a few minutes she came running after me. Hahaha. Good dog!
We walked all the way over the hayfield and back again. I got a beautiful view when I got back on the high ridge. It was quite the climb at times, because it’s hilly, but so worth it. It’s so nice to have a park like area right in my backyard. Also no bugs during our walk. I noticed that in the very early morning and later in the evening, when it’s cooler, there are less or no bugs.
On Thursday I did my chores in and around the cabin. I’m getting a daily routine now of doing certain things like dishes, cleaning up, filling or changing the kitchen water bottle, empty my toilet bucket, weeding in the gardens, caring for the animals etc etc. Between I go for walks or sit on the deck doing some bird watching.
It feels a lot like being on vacation. So much time to just enjoy.
I also worked with the horses once the flies were gone. I did some agility with them and later I worked with just Freya on haltering. She has this tendency to lift up her head when I halter her. It’s not really avoiding the halter, but more a proud stand. But I’m short so I want her to learn to keep her head down for me when I halter her. It went really well and when I did another session yesterday, she already offered to put her nose in the halter with a lowered head. Very nice! Just have to love clicker training.
Polly is really well adjusted to living at the acreage. I think she just loves it. She is outside most of the day and beside being friends with Hunter, she became more relaxed with Dizzy too. Taz and her keep a distance, but it’s respectful towards each other and no fighting at all. What a little extra space does with cats that don’t get along is amazing. They don’t feel trapped and so they are just ok with each other now. I’m very happy this transition went so smooth.
In the afternoon all animals sleep or rest, and most of the time so do I. Especially when I get up really early, like 4 am and being busy most of the morning. After lunch I’m beat and really need a nap.
The babies of the Eastern Phoebe are growing! There are 3 of them. I also discovered that the Eastern Phoebe that is trying to build a nest for a few years now in the hitch of the 5th wheel, finally succeeded! For many years this little bird was trying to build a nest, but every time it would fall from the narrow edge. But not this time. A very persistent little bird. Hahaha. There are 3 eggs in this nest. I really hope they will make it.
When I was having a wine on the deck, I noticed Dizzy was after something. She discovered a mouse and i got my camera (right next to me) and could make a picture of her going after the mouse. Not perfect, but still. I’m glad she is going after mice instead of birds. She didn’t get the mouse though. But good practice.
Friday was a nice calm day. It was cloudy and sometimes raining. I got up at 5.30 am and I lit up the stove to warm it up a bit in the cabin. After my chores I read. Later I sat on the deck with a coffee, and I noticed a Red Robin was having a good bath in my bird bath. While it was raining. Hahaha. So funny. I suppose it thought, the rain won’t clean my belly! It was nice to see. He had such a great time in that little bowl, splashing around.
Around noon I was reading inside the cabin, and just lifted up my head to see if the horses came to the yard yet for their drink. They graze all over the place, but a few times a day they come to the water bowl. Instead I saw 2 deer walking by. A male and female. So cool! Grazing, but looking around, and the male even started to scratch himself. It was so beautiful to watch. I just love to see them passing through. I never see them going into my gardens. They just graze the long grass, and seem to have a path that they always use. Coming from the flower garden area, crossing my yard, and back in the woods. Always the same route. After I went for a walk and it smelled So nice outside. The rain makes the woods smell just how they smell in Holland. Because it was so dry here during Spring, the woods didn’t smell at all. Everything was just really dry. So I really enjoyed my walk.
Last night I had my wash and was having a nice cup of Rooibos Vanilla tea. I looked outside, it was late in dusk, and I saw the fire flies again. So awesome! I watched them for a long time. Natures little miracles.
Here is a link to a video where you can here and see the Hermit Trush singing/calling. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhIHQ0zues&feature=youtu.be
Tuesday I went home to do all my stuff like charging batteries, laundry, get mail, groceries and filling up water. Saves me a trip to the well. I also cleaned up in the house a bit. Paul is busy with work and didn’t found the routine yet to keep up with stuff. David came over for a bit. He gave me a great solar hanging lamp and fixed the battery operated door bell. Wednesday was a rainy day, so great to do some indoor things. I put the bell next to the door, and the receiver for the sound inside on the hat rack. I can move it anywhere, so that is handy. No wires neither. Love it! It has many sounds, but I put it on the sound of the cuckoo. So cute!
I hung up the light too. I didn’t want to screw it solid yet, as the ceiling still has to be done. But lucky I have lots of steel wire and I made a hanger out of that. The charger is at the kitchen window but in the afternoon I put it at the big window by the table to catch the last sunlight. The light is wonderful. It works great. I got it on automatic, so when it gets dark it comes on. I also have a remote control which will be great during the winter, when there is less sunlight to charge and I can control when I want to use it. It’s very bright and lights up the whole kitchen area. Thanks David! Very happy with the new light and the door bell.
Later in the afternoon I checked the gardens. Everything is growing well, especially with the rain we get regular now. I love it when it rains. It never last long but still enough to water the gardens. Spinach, potatoes, green curly kale, lettuce, corn, parsnip, beans and peas, it all grows great. The carrots take a little longer. I have only seen one or two tiny plants popping up. Maybe I have to seed some extra, just in case.
I made a strawberry garden. I had some left overs that were not good enough to eat anymore, and just put them in this new garden. If it doesn’t grow, I will get some strawberry plants. But it’s fun to just try and see if anything sprouts. No Quinoa yet. I hope after the weekend it will sprout. If not, I will put carrot seeds in it. No garden will go to waste.
I had some cool evenings and mornings, and used the woodstove to get the dampness out and warm it up a little. I don’t need much wood to do that. Not even 2 logs, cut in smaller pieces, will do just fine. It was very cozy! The sound of the rain and then the sound of the fire.....it sure has something.
When it rains, there are no flies neither and the horses love it. They can rest and graze in peace. Also sitting on the deck is nicer. No zooming sounds of those flies. I don’t have to spray my clothes with Off. LOL
When I was walking around the yard, I discovered a couple of dead rodents. 3 mice and 2 voles. The cats are earning their food! Hahaha, they are Wwoofers! Hahaha.
I’m reading a lot now since I’m in the cabin. It’s my TV. Hahaha. I’ve finished the book The King of Torts, by John Grisham. A good read. Lawyers aren’t always working in the best interest of their clients, is what I learned from this. Some are just after the big money over the back of the victims.
I’ve also finished The Notebook, from Nicholas Sparks. A very beautiful novel, about a deep love between two people. The kind of love that only happens ones in a life time. It reminded me of Ron and me. I really miss him a lot. But I feel he’s around. Keeping an eye on me.
Now I’m reading Not Without My Daughter, from Betty Mahmoody. I’ve seen the movie, and read the Dutch version, but I like to read the English version now. It’s a great true story about an American woman and her little girl, being forced to stay in Iran with her husband after a vacation there, and how she finds a way to get back to the USA. Even though I know this story well, it’s really nice to read it in the original language.
I went for a long walk in the back of the cabin on Wednesday afternoon, after the rain stopped and it got really warm again. First Scruffy didn’t seem to be interested to come with me, so I just walked along. But after a few minutes she came running after me. Hahaha. Good dog!
We walked all the way over the hayfield and back again. I got a beautiful view when I got back on the high ridge. It was quite the climb at times, because it’s hilly, but so worth it. It’s so nice to have a park like area right in my backyard. Also no bugs during our walk. I noticed that in the very early morning and later in the evening, when it’s cooler, there are less or no bugs.
On Thursday I did my chores in and around the cabin. I’m getting a daily routine now of doing certain things like dishes, cleaning up, filling or changing the kitchen water bottle, empty my toilet bucket, weeding in the gardens, caring for the animals etc etc. Between I go for walks or sit on the deck doing some bird watching.
It feels a lot like being on vacation. So much time to just enjoy.
I also worked with the horses once the flies were gone. I did some agility with them and later I worked with just Freya on haltering. She has this tendency to lift up her head when I halter her. It’s not really avoiding the halter, but more a proud stand. But I’m short so I want her to learn to keep her head down for me when I halter her. It went really well and when I did another session yesterday, she already offered to put her nose in the halter with a lowered head. Very nice! Just have to love clicker training.
Polly is really well adjusted to living at the acreage. I think she just loves it. She is outside most of the day and beside being friends with Hunter, she became more relaxed with Dizzy too. Taz and her keep a distance, but it’s respectful towards each other and no fighting at all. What a little extra space does with cats that don’t get along is amazing. They don’t feel trapped and so they are just ok with each other now. I’m very happy this transition went so smooth.
In the afternoon all animals sleep or rest, and most of the time so do I. Especially when I get up really early, like 4 am and being busy most of the morning. After lunch I’m beat and really need a nap.
The babies of the Eastern Phoebe are growing! There are 3 of them. I also discovered that the Eastern Phoebe that is trying to build a nest for a few years now in the hitch of the 5th wheel, finally succeeded! For many years this little bird was trying to build a nest, but every time it would fall from the narrow edge. But not this time. A very persistent little bird. Hahaha. There are 3 eggs in this nest. I really hope they will make it.
When I was having a wine on the deck, I noticed Dizzy was after something. She discovered a mouse and i got my camera (right next to me) and could make a picture of her going after the mouse. Not perfect, but still. I’m glad she is going after mice instead of birds. She didn’t get the mouse though. But good practice.
Friday was a nice calm day. It was cloudy and sometimes raining. I got up at 5.30 am and I lit up the stove to warm it up a bit in the cabin. After my chores I read. Later I sat on the deck with a coffee, and I noticed a Red Robin was having a good bath in my bird bath. While it was raining. Hahaha. So funny. I suppose it thought, the rain won’t clean my belly! It was nice to see. He had such a great time in that little bowl, splashing around.
Around noon I was reading inside the cabin, and just lifted up my head to see if the horses came to the yard yet for their drink. They graze all over the place, but a few times a day they come to the water bowl. Instead I saw 2 deer walking by. A male and female. So cool! Grazing, but looking around, and the male even started to scratch himself. It was so beautiful to watch. I just love to see them passing through. I never see them going into my gardens. They just graze the long grass, and seem to have a path that they always use. Coming from the flower garden area, crossing my yard, and back in the woods. Always the same route. After I went for a walk and it smelled So nice outside. The rain makes the woods smell just how they smell in Holland. Because it was so dry here during Spring, the woods didn’t smell at all. Everything was just really dry. So I really enjoyed my walk.
Last night I had my wash and was having a nice cup of Rooibos Vanilla tea. I looked outside, it was late in dusk, and I saw the fire flies again. So awesome! I watched them for a long time. Natures little miracles.
Here is a link to a video where you can here and see the Hermit Trush singing/calling. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhIHQ0zues&feature=youtu.be