STEPS - DAY TWO

Yesterday Ben and Dave were back to build our second set of steps into the hill.

We used 6x6 cedar posts for the steps. These were seconds we were able to get for $5.00 each.

They used a 10 inch Log Boss screw to hold everything in place.

Moving up the hill one step at a time. Dave made sure each step was level and square.

We went out for supper and it was dark by the time we got home so I'll post a picture of the finished stairs once the sun comes up.

Update: 7 a.m

The sun is just up, Freckles has taken me for a walk and I fed her and the chickens so now it's time to post pictures of the completed steps.

Everything is solid and well anchored. Just need to get the broom and clean them off.

There is a Log Boss screw through each riser as well as the 6x6 just behind the riser. I don't think these steps will be going anywhere.

Of course Freckles just loves running up and down them.


Thanks for stopping by and safe travels.

STEPS

Our path to the chicken coop and Mary's garden was a little treacherous for us old folks. Yesterday Ben and Dave were here installing actual risers so we wouldn't twist an ankle or fall and break a hip on our way to collect eggs in the morning.

Dave and Ben check for level before securing the risers with re-bar.

I had the best job, getting them fill when needed with the bobcat. I'm passed the grunt work stage of most jobs.

Ben tossed the backfill in place while Dave spread and packed it.

The finished job and we are so happy they are coming back today to do the same on the other side of the house down to the beaver pond.

Freckles had to give it her personal inspection. She still prefers the hill to the steps, but then again she has four wheel drive I just have two. I prefer the stairs.

Thanks for stopping by and have a safe day.

FRECKLES

Today we have a guest writer for our blog. I asked Freckles if she would be kind enough to do a blog so Tien and Minna could hear from her how she is being treated here in Bancroft.

Hi Tien and Minna;

I hope you guys are having a good time in Newfoundland and it isn't too cold or wet. I'm glad you left me with Aunt Mary because I'm having a blast here at her house. I can't wait for you guys to go away again so Aunt Mary will ask me back. She really likes me and gives me lots of treats.

I've been really good, not barking too much or trying to jump into bed with Aunt Mary. I do have to wake her up in the morning so I can go outside. (I haven't learned to open doors yet) Uncle Art would like you to teach me that when you get home.

We take long walks and she lets me off the leash because she knows she can trust me and I will always come back when she calls.

When we are in town she lets me run around the park. I really like running back and forth across the bridge. Sometimes I see clouds in the water. Why is that Tien?

My favorite trick is to run around and around the chicken coop and then jump up and scare the chickens. They are so dumb. They just sit there and let me scare them like it is Halloween. I sure hope Aunt Mary isn't disappointed in them this winter. (I don't think they know they are headed for her freezer shortly). I'm sure I will get the full story when we visit at Maple Syrup time.

After all that running around I need a rest. Hope you guys are not missing me too much because honestly, if Uncle Art hadn't asked me to write this, I had forgotten all about you. Sorry, but I'm on holidays too. (Just kidding, can't wait to give up a great big "licky kiss" when you get home.)

Having fun in Bancroft.

Freckles.

FISHING

It's always a gamble to go fishing for your breakfast. I say gamble because you have no idea if you will have success, how many you may catch or what type; so breakfast on those days is a bit of a mystery.

Successful fishing means getting up early. Freckles was certainly excited about fishing. Can you see her leading the gang down to the lake? (click on photo above)

Now that's a morning sight we never get tired of.

All was still and quiet.

Sean cast and cast ............

Mary did the same ................

but the only thing caught was Freckles.

Back home it was "french-toast, sausages and home made blueberry scones" for breakfast. Delicious! 

With Leanne, Davie and Sean here, it was a weekend full of memories. Thanks for coming.

BLUEBERRIES

It's that time of year up here when the wild blueberries are at their best. So the plan today was to head north, enjoy the Maynooth market then find some blueberries.

The first order of business was to get everyone up, dressed and fed. Mary made delicious blueberry/buckwheat pancakes so we were well fortified for the day.

The farmers' market in Maynooth always has excellent locally grown organic vegetables which we enjoy.

Once we had checked out all the booths we headed into town to explore a few of the shops .........

and find something to eat.

Next stop the blueberry patch where the ladies filled their containers and I watched Freckles.

I think Davie is eating more than she is keeping.

Leanne had to get right down on the earth in order to find the tiny blueberries hidden amongst the branches.

Don't those look delicious? Yes, we've been enjoying them already.

As you can see a perfect day to be out picking and not too crowded. Not sure what you pay in Toronto for a quart of blueberries but up here it was about $5.50 (of course we had to pick them)

Enjoying summer in the north country.

Thanks for stopping by.

HONEY

As I get older I realize the food choices I make have a profound impact on the health of my body. I still love my sweets and one of the only negative aspects of living up here is the cheap price of ice-cream novelties at the local grocery store.

Since I haven't lost my sweet tooth yet, Mary often uses honey as a sweetener in her baking.

Local honey is also suppose to help reduce your allergies. The thinking is the local pollen collected by the bees helps to build up your immune system when you eat local honey.

Whenever we pass through the little village of Ashburn we always stop at the roadside stand for some local honey. You can see the bee-hives across the field and it's good to support our local farmers.

We especially like the buckwheat honey he sells. Last time we stopped the farmer was working in his yard and Mary had a chance to chat about his honey production.

As he only had one jar of buckwheat honey on the shelf Mary inquired if he had any more inside.

He offered to go and pour off another jar if she would just wait for a few minutes for him to return.

Once back Mary inquired about the buckwheat honey. To her surprise he said he imports his buckwheat honey from Russia as there isn't any buckwheat grown in this part of Canada. Wow! So much for the benefits of local honey and your immune system.

Regardless of its origin it still tastes good on "french toast" and in Mary's baking so I guess we will continue to stop and buy whenever we are passing through.

Local isn't always local.

Safe travels and thanks for stopping by.

VISITORS

The pace of life up here in Bancroft is much slower than back in the city. We have time to visit and sit on the porch with neighbours. Reminds me of the times spent on my Uncle Gordon's farm porch. The calves were in the field across the laneway and as we sat and chatted we could hear the crickets calling as the day ended. The back porch, a special time with special friends.

Yesterday Paul called to say he was bringing Peanut (their dog) over to meet Freckles. We sat on the porch and let the dogs get acquainted but Freckles wasn't very friendly.

Then our neighbours, Sharon and Ted dropped by along with their guests to show their friends our construction. It was great to spend some time on the deck with them and discuss living on solar power.

I like this picture of Steve; too bad the jam and milk container had to be included.

We enjoyed the company so much we thought we would go over and visit Chris once everyone left.

We were hoping Freckles would take a liking to Calie (Chris's dog) but Freckles preferred her own private space.

Freckles, being obedient on her afternoon walk. She really is a good dog, just doesn't like to share us with others.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.