WE have BABIES

Earlier this spring we had mergansers, mallards and Canadian geese checking out our pond. They hung around for a few days then left, obviously looking for better accommodations. Picky birds we have up here.

But yesterday I was surprised to see mom and dad and the kids waddling down the path heading straight for the pond. I have no idea where the nest was, no idea they were still here, but the babies can't fly yet so their nest was close and they could probably see us without revealing their presence.

If you double click on the photo you should see at least three goslings busy eating greens under the watchful eye of the parents.

Next lesson was their first swim in the pond. No problem and all seemed to be following in order, mom in the lead, dad bringing up the rear.

It was just a magical moment that I happened to catch on film.

BLACK FLIES

Did I mention we are in the middle of black fly season? Bug spray or bug shirt are necessary when one ventures out in the bush this week. The flies will swarm you unless you are in a breezy spot.

This is an evening grosbeak. We have several pairs enjoying our feeders. I hope they like black flies because they would have a feast. Many folks around here are installing bat houses. Do they like black flies?

If you are coming up bring your bug shirt and forget the shorts.

Safe travels everyone.

MOOSE CROSSING

We spotted this cow moose standing in the middle of highway 28 north of Apsley. She moved off into the brush as we approached but that doesn't always happen.

This time of year they are trying to escape the flies and also find salt deposits along the side of the highway.

If you are heading north please be on the watch for these animals. A sudden encounter with one of them can send you to the hospital for sure.

SO MANY BIRTHDAYS

This month has been a busy month for birthdays. Today is Connie's birthday and we had a chance to stop by and wish her happy birthday yesterday. 

Yesterday was also a day to celebrate Annie's birthday with a surprise party arranged by her son and daughter-in-law. We were honoured to be invited and enjoyed good food and company.

So here is the birthday girls blowing out her candles. Annie was a nurse in Peterborough years ago and the ladies sitting around her were from her days working the shifts in Peterborough Civic Hospital (now closed) She was so happy to see them.

Annie asked her granddaughter to help blow out the candles. Not sure why she gave Annie that special look.

Marvin and Annie enjoy the speeches before dinner.

It was a lovely celebration for a lovely lady and we were glad to be a part of it. 

HEATING WATER

 This bog entry was to be posted Friday but I had computer problems and couldn't connect to the internet. Today my computer guy called, fixed my computer and now I'm back in business.


We are utilizing solar energy to provide some of our hot water. We installed two small electric water heaters back in March and I was curious as to how much of a difference they made to the water temperature.

Glenn came yesterday and installed two temperature gauges so we can easily see the difference.

This is the temperature water coming out of our pressure tank. It was registering just over 10*C. It was then sent to the electric hot water tank.

The water coming out of our 15 gallon electric water heater was 31*C a difference of 21*. This we are happy with. Instead of using propane to bring the temperature from 10* to 31* we can use the solar energy stored in our batteries.

When we do this during a sunny afternoon the energy used comes directly from our panels and doesn't even drain our batteries.

Now I'll keep on eye on our propane consumption over the next 8 weeks and see what difference we experience.

If you are considering solar power do your research and see if it is a wise investment for your situation.  Ever application is different and your choice needs to address your needs.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Birthday Annie.

Happy Birthday Connie.

It's a busy birthday month.

FAUCETS WORK

Once I had all the needed parts from the hardware store there was no more procrastination.  Time to start measuring, cutting, fitting and building.

My first plan was to cut holes in the sink cabinet
to accommodate the drain lines but after some thought I managed to install the drain lines without damage to the cabinet. Yea! In this picture everything is just friction fit, no glue until I see how the water lines will go.

Here you can see the water lines running under the cabinet. I still need to clip them to the wall but they do deliver hot water to the correct side of the faucet.

There's the proof, we have water in the back bathroom.

I even ran a line for an outside faucet complete with a valve and bleeder so I can drain the line in the fall before everything freezes.

Pex water lines are so easy to work with and perfect for the DIY crowd. Unlike the old copper pipes I grew up on the Pex joints don't need solder, rarely leak, and are so simple to connect.  Don't fear new technology, it is usually easier to use than first imagined.

Next job will be two porcelain shelves in the shower. 

There's always a next job.

Thanks for stopping by.

SINK INSTALLATION

The day was perfect, sun shining, the air was still and off in the distance I could hear a pilated woodpecker busy making a home in one of our precious maple trees. 

Although the day was perfect I chose to work inside yesterday as we have company. Not the cherished company of family and friends but the uninvited flying company in the form of black flies. 

Our bathroom sink has been waiting patiently for me to get in the mood, grab some tools and get the job done. I work at a slow pace punctuated by trips to the hardware store, sometimes several trips to the hardware store. Yesterday the work began.

The parts were set out to be sure I had everything. Then I read the instructions. Most DIY projects come with instructions I usually ignore until something doesn't fit, but yesterday I read the instructions first.

Everything was hand tightened and positioned correctly.

Some parts needed to be cut but in the end the parts went together very easily and without frustration.

Today I plan to install the faucets but first I need to go to the hardware store. I'm using pex water lines which means special fittings to connect pieces together and prevent any leaks. I love pex as it is so easy to use, no need to solder joints and the chance of leaks is almost zero.

Little by little we are completing the jobs and shrinking the "To-Do List".

Check out Sherri's blog to see our grandson talking about driving the car .................. he's two.