Hello Friends 😊😊😊 Happy Sunday!
How is everyone doing? Have you noticed new features on Blogger? One that I really like is that the default photo is now "Extra Large" so I don't have to go each time to re-size it. One that I really DON'T like is the automatic double spacing when you press enter. If you don't want a double space, instead of "enter", you can click "shift" and "enter". As I type this, the "left", "center" and "right" align buttons when clicking on the photo don't work anymore. I had to highlight the photo and use the buttons up on the toolbar to center them. I sent feedback, I hope they fix it.
Someone asked me how I got my Blueberry Pancakes so even in size...here's my secret in the photo above! 😊
I decided to walk across the stream the other day. I didn't get a photo of it, but to the left, there is a bit of a rock dam to access the Crown land on the other side.
I'm the not first person to have crossed the stream, there was a trail right on the other side. I decided to check it out.
I walked for about five minutes until the trail opened up to the other side of the stream. This side is quite shallow, very beautiful and serene though!
Wet dogs - I love this photo! 😊 After a long walk and a swim, the dogs needed a rest! They joined the cats for an afternoon of lounging.
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| Charlie |
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| Dana |
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| Jack |
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| Leo |
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| Marlene |
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| Oscar |
The monthly shopping was brutal. I have to get used to new stores and what variety of food they offer - also the pricing. New Brunswick food prices are much higher than Quebec. I decided to join Costco to see if I could save money that way - and I will - but the amount of people there (without masks too) is very surprising. I'll have to travel 90 minutes each way once a month in order to save money. It's worth it, even with the extra gas expense. Living in a rural area is like paradise to me so I don't mind the once-a-month drive!
And just before shopping day, I emptied the fridge as much as I could. I made a pasta dish with basil, olives, Feta, Mozzarella and Parm for me; and a Linguine Puttanesca for Alex. Comfort food. 😋
Thanks for stopping by! See you on Thursday for our art date, the theme is Swipe!
I love how Leo and Marlene are keeping an eye on you even when lounging. Your new home is so beautiful; it must fill you with joy.
ReplyDeleteI switched from Costco to Sam's Club because they offer curbside pickup. I don't have to go inside stores any more. I find people make me anxious now.
You have some lovely areas to walk in. How lucky to be in such a rural area. Since you are a once a month shopper, Costco will be perfect for you. Even with the long drive. Plus they have gas there so you can fill up and it is normally much cheaper than commercial gas stations.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are settling down well and finding new places to go. ou've made some great food. Have a nice day, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI would love to be able to 'lax like a cat or a dog.
ReplyDeleteI drool every time you show pictures of your food too.
Costco is cheaper here as well, but I just can cope with it. It is too big, usually too crowded and the package sizes are huge.
My partner goes from time to time but I mostly avoid it.
Stay well, stay safe and keep revelling in the beauty around you.
What wonderful photos of your favorites and delicious things you cooked!
ReplyDeleteShopping is also very different from me. You will know more and more where what is cheaper and get to know the area.
I wish you all the best, hugs Elke
What beautiful scenery! How exciting to explore your new area and the girls and Jack seem to be enjoying it too. Your dinners all look delicious. What are you working on in the house? Enjoy your week and the closest Costco to me is 2 hours away at least.
ReplyDeleteYour area for walking with a stream is beautiful! Is Jack a hound? Our mixed breed rescue is mostly Coonhound and does not like water either. Your house looks like mine with sheets and such covering the furniture. They are so worth it!
ReplyDeleteExploring looks fun and you've made lot's of delicious meals I see! I don't think I realized before that you have 3 cats too. All happy napping :) We're not good about planning meals and probably go shopping 3-4 times a week because we have 5 different supermarkets withing 15 min of our house that we frequent (and even more then that we could chose from if you can believe it) Blessings on the week ahead
ReplyDeleteChanging locations is always a challenge- so many new things to contend with! But you seem to be doing a great job at adapting and adjusting. Makes for interesting blog reading!
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of the critters! Dana looks so much like a cat we had from kittenhood to the end. Love Tabbies. You have a beautiful area to wander in. How much crown land is there? You are so creative with food. I'd like to see a pic of the kitchen when you are done!!!
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you love living in your rural paradise. That is a long way to drive to a Costco but, like you said, worth it monetarily.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of all your pets and I love the stream that your forded...Idyllic! xo Diana
You are settling in so nicely! Be careful crossing that stream. Your food looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteLove the wet dogs, best photo. Aren't there any grocery stores that have online shopping and deliver food? Here in Croatia, we're also very far from the stores and don't own a car, but we have online shopping so I order once or twice a month and everything comes fresh and packed in cardboard boxes. The easiest way to shop here.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your adorable fur babies and all your meals look fantastic too!
ReplyDeleteI've only ever lived with one animal baby at a time (none now because we travel, or did, as you well know Rain!). Your babies are so beautiful and you care for them in such an amazing way. Love the photos taken by the water - does the 'Crown land' you mentioned belong to the British Crown? Sounds interesting can you share more info please.
ReplyDeleteYour meals look very tasty - these are what I always call the tomato days of the year - everything I make seems to have fresh, juicy tomatoes tossed in lately!
We are Costco shoppers too - they do have great prices on cheeses, butter, wine, fruits/berries, nuts, paper goods, vitamins and so much more, and we always get our gas and tires there. Luckily the store is just a 5 min. drive for us - and we have to wear a mask!
Happy days Rain - things seem to be falling into place - so happy for you and Alex.
Mary X
You sure do live in a rural area. Oahu, where I live, is much too developed.
ReplyDeleteSweet Rain, So glad you are doing well...and shhh, nothing is broken. :) Me too honey. Your dogs look so nice by the water. Happy cats, love napping. Blessings to you, xoxo, Stay safe, Susie
ReplyDeleteI feel that big sigh of relief now your monthly shop has been done Rain, such a shame people are not adhering to those face covering rules, we have the same here too, it's a frustrating situation. Your food looks delicious, i'm a big fan of using up everything, I never like to throw good food away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful discovery just a walk away, your girls look like they too have stopped to take in it's beauty, how lucky you are to live in such a pretty location, i'd be taking my pencil and pad everywhere I walked.
Take care & stay very safe, I will try very hard to join in TAD this week but it's another busy week for me but i'll pop in anyway..
Hugs & tummy tickles to the fur babies Tracey xx
It looks like such a lovely place to live and a long ride to stores once a month doesn’t seem that bad.
ReplyDeleteCostco won’t let anyone in a store without wearing a mask here. It is still too crowded for me though. My risk tolerance is very low.
Lovely walk photos!!
ReplyDeleteWe have Costco. You can do pretty well for bulk purchases but selection limited - they have only limited brand selection,
Such beautiful landscapes around your property. I understand why you bought it. Your critters look happy.
ReplyDeleteThe critters, as well as you, seem to have settled in.
ReplyDeleteA monthly shop is quite the deal.
I have enjoyed your new spot!
Hi Rain, your light easy meals look fantastic and I know tasted great. You are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your walks with us. Reminds me so much if N. ID. Our costco here will not allow anyone in with out a mask. They give you one at the door if you don't have one. Same with one of my in town stores. The costco I go to is about 2 hours away depending on traffic. It is worth it to us. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful stream. I'm so happy you are in the country. Sorry I've missed you lately. Such pretty dogs and cats, and how lucky they are to have such a good home. Rain, even your easy meals look elegant and delicious. I could never come up with such good looking dishes.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of the dogs by the river what a beautiful spot !!!
ReplyDeleteRain,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your secret for near purrfect pancake size & shape! I use a ladle to get just the right amount of batter on my pan which has worked well for me over the years but sometimes when I flip one it might loose its shape. As long as it's good then I don't care if it doesn't look purrty. :) Now you have me wanting blueberry pancakes again! Darn you, girl!!
Your walking path is beautiful and so peaceful. To live the way you do would be a complete shock for us. I think I'd like it for a week or two but then I'd be ready to get back to the city. Other than visiting family, we loved spending time with DH's late parents in rural southern WV. Their place was situated on a mountain and although the road near their home received more traffic than it did when DH was a boy, the noise pales compared to our city noise. They had about 10 acres, mostly wooded but they had a nice level front yard set back from the road and of course they kept the land around grandpa's old barn, small apple orchard, grape vineyard, and garden plot cleared. We would build a camp-style fire to roast wieners and marshmallows and stay outdoors long after the fire flies came out. Of course, we could walk their property without care of running into neighbors. It was a peaceful place to escape to on the weekends. Gone are those days now. We knew we had it good but when it's gone like that you really feel all the more. It makes me sad a wee bit but I know it's gotta bother DH a thousand times more because his parents' place didn't stay in the family. It was given to the woman who cared for his dad in his last few years. *sigh*
You mentioned switching to Costco for your monthly grocery shopping. Have you considered getting some of your provisions from Costco's website? That might be a huge help to you. I don't have either a Costco or Sam's Club membership but with Sam's you can order online and I've done that on occasion for hard to find items. Of course, there's Amazon and you can buy bulk items through them but Amazon isn't always the cheapest. Your area may be too rural for services such as Instacart but you might be able to make arrangements with a business nearby to bring you standing or regular phone in orders. This might help to alleviate cost/time expense one incurs from being out all day to do routine shopping. I'm sure you've thought of these things before but if not then I've provided you with some food for thought. No pun intended. :D
Continue to enjoy your new life and home in eastern Canada. Y'all sure have done a lot since May. I'm proud of your accomplishments and so very happy for you both! Take care, dear friend! I'll see ya on Thursday. ;)
Great posts of your wonderful new adventure, Rain! Your furry critters look very very satisfied with your decisions! Have you had any scares with bears? We actually got some good looks at a bear on our game trail cameras...had no idea we would ever see a bear in our woods! Have an awesome week, and thanks for sharing your photos!
ReplyDeleteI just wrote you a long and fun comment and Blogger chose to disappear it ... :( In short, I love your pool for the dogs and your long beautiful walk. I also noted that your Oscar and Leo look just like my Chachi and Fonzi ... are your's brothers? Your food looks wonderful, as usual, and it made my piece of toast with a slice of cheese on it seem suddenly very uninteresting. I also asked if you could tell me where I could find the tutorial on 3-D art. I would love to learn how to do it ... your's was awesome and as much as I stared at it, I couldn't figure out the method. So yes, I will see you Thursday. Have a wonderful rest of your week :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
What a great area you have for exploring, Rain, and the canines must have been happy too with a cool off. I wondered how the weather has been for you in NB as we have been under a heat wave in NH with 95F today, which may be around 35C (?) Your grocery shopping expeditions are farther, but you always have a way of making it work out and those leftovers meals looked sooo good to me. We have been doing the same here the past couple weeks of using as much as possible before going to the store, but the ones we use are so much closer and we have several. We thought about a Costco membership, but the bulk buying wouldn't work for us, now...maybe we will revisit that thought at a future time.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Costco in the US has a mandatory mask policy and all the stores. They may not be doing that yet there. I've noticed a few other glitches to with new blogger. It used to be when you uploaded a bunch of photos they would stay in that mean area for several minutes so you could add a few here and there. Now you have to have them all at once it's kind of a pain but it's free so what can you do?
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures of the area there, Rain. And the dogs appear to enjoy it too. :) The picture of the stream with what looks like conifers in the background is stunning.
ReplyDeletelol, seems you are tiring your fury friends out on your walks :) You found yourselves a very nice place to live in. :)
ReplyDeletethose "kids" of yours look so relaxed and happy. Of course your food photos make me really hungry.
ReplyDeleteYou have some gorgeous cats and dogs! And I enjoy that landscape pictures. Beautiful! Enjoy the delicious food. Looks great! See you tomorrow for TAD. I just finished my Swipe piece. It was fun!
ReplyDeleteI bet your pets love the new sights and smells. I like your pancake pans.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely area, so pleased you took some photographs and shared them here.
ReplyDeleteYour food looks delicious, it's making me feel hungry! LOL!
All the best Jan
Hi Tpals :) Usually Jack has an eye on me too, but I guess he was too pooped lol...there isn't a Sam's Club here, I looked it up, we just have Costco. I agree with you, people do make me anxious too. How things have changed huh?
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha :) I totally forgot to fill up my car when I went to Costco...I forgot about that and it'll be a good savings. I love this area and I really don't mind the drive to get savings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie :) I'm finally getting back to my kitchen!
ReplyDeleteHi Elephant's Child :) Yeah, I found Costco a little too busy...but the savings...I keep weighing my options! I envy how the pets can be wide awake one moment, then fast asleep the next, that never happens to me lol! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's true Elke, we've only really started to discover this province, it may take a while yet!
ReplyDeleteHi Sam :) Ouch...okay 2 hours away would be too far for me to drive to a Costco!! What are we working on? Oh my gosh, the list...currently it's putting up curtains and washing windows! The next one is the shower (it's leaking somewhere), we have to figure that out!
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara :) Yes! Jack is a hound. We got him from a shelter but we have done our research, we figure he's part Basset, part Beagle and part Pointer...makes for a hound in my books. I told Alex about your coonhounds, funny how they don't like water! We love coonhounds, can't really find them around here! And yes, the amount of laundry (pet sheets) is unbelievable lol! :) But yes, they really are worth it!!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen :) When I lived in the city, I went shopping probably 4 times a week because I could walk to the grocery store if I needed something. Here though, it takes more planning, but also, I HATE going shopping now, ideally I'd shop once a year if I could! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Leigh :) We're trying to adapt to all of the changes...and all of the repairs that need doing! I'm happy to hear you find it interesting! :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosalea :) The kitchen will only really get fully done in about 5 years...we had plans to get it done next year, but then we had to get the well drilled so it's really on hold until we pay off that loan! The crown land...I'd say hundreds if not thousands of acres over there, it leads to a protected wildlife area and a bog...it's really a great area to live, so quiet and rural!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana :) You're so right, the drive is worth the savings, I did the math and if it wasn't you can bet I wouldn't be doing it! LOL...I really do love this area!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine :) The rocks in the stream are very slippery, thanks for the warning! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ana :) Honestly I would LOVE to only buy online, but the closest places are an hour's drive away and they don't deliver food. I really hate going shopping! We can order some things for delivery but fresh food and meats and stuff like that, we have to go out for.
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha :) After moving here, I just couldn't find it in me to cook much, but I'm getting my "mojo" back! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary :) The crown land...I'm sure that has to do with the British Crown because Canada used to be part of the Commonwealth until the 1980's. The land is owned by the government and is NOT for sale ever. So I guess it was owned by the British Crown until Canada became a separate and independent country...I'm assuming! :) Oh tomatoes...mine have NOT grown, but I did score a great price on Romas at a local tomato farm! I'll talk about that next week!! :) I have yet to sample Costco's wine!
ReplyDeleteHi Gigi :) I can imagine how crowded Oahu must be. When I lived in Montreal (Qc) I felt suffocated with how many people and buildings were there...this truly is rural and I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Susie!!! :) Okay shhhhhh...fingers crossed, knock on wood and all that lol! ;) Glad to hear from you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey :) I really don't understand why people don't wear the masks...I feel like it's a pride thing, or maybe people are embarrassed? No idea, but I certainly wear one every time I'm in public. The girls LOVE that stream! I'm so happy I found a place where they can cool off! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Arleen :) It's a truly lovely place. I don't mind the drive to come back home to this paradise! :) I wish the Costco here would enforce the masks, but so far they don't.
ReplyDeleteThanks TB :) I did notice that about Costco, the variety isn't all that great, but they do have good prices for certain items and that makes it worthwhile. We'll see though, my tolerance for crowds is very low.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo :) It's a beautiful area! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn :) Monthly shopping is all I can handle now lol...I'm glad you're enjoying my journey! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole :) Yes, I think it's worth the drive to save so much money, but I don't understand why the Costco here doesn't enforce the mask rule. Nobody is immune anymore!
ReplyDeleteHi Henny :) Nice to see your comment! Thanks for the compliment about my food! I feel like I finally have my kitchen mojo back! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sis :) It's a beautiful spot, I'm so glad we found it! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy :) I tried using the ladle in a big pan for the pancakes, but they didn't flip well, Alex came up with the idea of using the little "twin" pans! That worked well! :) I really enjoyed reading about your DH's parent's place, it's a real shame it's not in the family anymore though. We try to order as much as possible online, I really only get perishables when I go out. The Costco website here (at least here in New Brunswick) doesn't have much variety...plus I need to look at things before buying them...only things like veggies, fruit, cheese, meats and dairy. I can't bring myself to ordering those things, even for pickup, just in case we get the wrong thing or they are close to being expired etc...Thanks for your thoughtful comment friend! :) xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Dino :) Ironically as I type this, I just did a post about bears! We saw our first ones a few nights ago! I got a photo of the cub, they were crossing the road. Pretty cool sighting, we kept our distance. I wouldn't want to see one in my backyard though!!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea :) That's neat that my cats look like yours! And I can't get enough of their names, Chachi and Fonzi lol...one of my favourite shows growing up was Happy Days! Ours are not related at all! Sorry again that I was so late posting the 3D art link!!
ReplyDeleteHi Dorothy :) Yes! We are definitely hitting the high 30's (C) during the days. We're still in a drought yet we have loads of humidity too. I resisted Costco for many years...but once I got a look at what they had, it felt worth it to me, especially since I only shop once a month. They're pretty good though, you can buy a membership and if you're not happy with it, you can get a full refund. I don't think it'd be worth it if I were to be weekly shopping though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy :) Oh my gosh, yes, I've noticed that photo glitch too, and it's such an annoyance! I used to like uploading a bunch of photos then being able to choose them after! I hope they fix that one! Yes, we pay for what we get with Blogger lol! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Becki :) I love it here, it truly is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Monica :) Oh yes, the furries are getting workouts that's for sure! But they love it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy :) The pets all just flop in the afternoon. Having six pets isn't really all that crazy as it seems lol! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kokopelli :) I'm glad you enjoyed the photos! This is really a wonderful area to live! :) I'm so glad we moved here!
ReplyDeleteHi Stefanie :) Oh yes, the pets LOVE exploring! They are constantly watching for deer now that they've seen them! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan :) So glad I got your appetite going! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shift enter tip, Rain. I thought something was wrong with me! LOL I wish I could relax like your critters! They seem to love their new home. It makes me happy to see you and Alex enjoying it. You were so let down by having to wait an extra year. It all worked out for the good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise :) You're one of the people who remembers the journey we've been through. Yes, I remember that post where I had to announce we were renting yet another year, it was heartbreaking. But now, my heart is full! :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm noticing Blogger changes stuff daily...the double spacing thing seems to have disappeared...