Sept 26 2011

When the weather is cold is wet, this is when it really feels like camping. Sloshing to the bathhouse to pee, hunkering under an umbrella to wash the dishes. My friend Saffra was here for 4 days and upon returning to Philadelphia commented that what she missed was being outdoors all the time. True, our place is spacious and comfortable when we have the outside porch and walks as a part of it. Today, however, it's chill and wet and muddy. I did use the rubber boots Saffra left me to go to the bathhouse during the night. Kept my feet dry and warm, I admit I was very sleepily slipping into them and glad nothing else had decided to climb in as well!

Fortunately we also have the 2 rooms and a lovely heater in each. So here I sit, blogging away on the comfy couch with the heat on just enough and a few layers of clothing. This last week given to just trying to rest and relax and empty the freezer and pantry items I've accumulated . I've enjoyed having time to cook , and to have friends to dinner. Last night we were joined by Tom and Dan and Nancy from up on Fairview, our immediate family. I made meatloaf and had time to saute vegetables, make breadcrumbs. I have to plan an hour ahead to bake or roast here, as I need to ready the coals for the grill and then get the grill cleaned and set and of course let whatever cook. I used the coals lined up on either side method last night instead of in a circle. Keeps it a bit hotter if I can stack them up, but made the coals wider in the grill. The ends of the loaf a bit crisp, but I actually liked it so no harm.

Never chronicled about my day of the animal kingdom roadkill. I drove into Spencer one day a week past and I swear there was one of each animal around here that had been hit on the road. Even ones I don't normally see like bobcat and coyote along with the more familiar sights of deer, red fox, possum, raccoon and squirrel. I heard some grouse last week as well although never did see them.

Suki and I are enjoying the path to Honeysuckle Pond. It's become one of our daily treks. As a city dog, she still likes to get me to walk her. Of course, if she needs to, she still goes off on her own. It's either habit or she just likes the company or both. She won't go off with anyone else but Dan and I though. I suppose that's a good thing. Walking that path a few days ago Saffra and I came upon a black snake about 3 foot long. I wasn't sure what it was as it had a white belly and black top. The next day we found the skin, in it's entirety . It's so cool, tail and head and eye holes and all! I keep moving it around as the wind blows it away though and the tail has come off. It's new home is in the bathhouse. Maybe it will strike fear into the mouse population who like to sneak in to nest when we leave, though I doubt it. One thing about mice, they are bold and resourceful, even so small as they are. I have to keep all the garden vegetables in the pantry as they came one night and took one little bite out of every tomato. It reminded me of a box of chocolates someone was testing!

We head back on Monday and I am trying to live each moment and enjoy it. I'll stop and now and go back to my favourite morning activity, sipping coffee on the porch and catching up on the Sunday Times crossword puzzles.