Hello there all of you followers of the crew of two (2.5 if I include the Pig).  Firstly, a very Happy New Year just a little late, I know!  I started writing this post almost two months ago and when I revisited it I realized so much of what was then, is no longer valid…so I’ve done a little rewriting.

RED II has gone in for her seasonal check and winterizing. There was a short list of repairs, little defects to be fixed while still under warranty.  One was a faulty brake actuator which also meant we had to replace our vehicle connector….which…ahem!…may have been due to something we did incorrectly.  Busy time at our local car repair because of snow tire instalments meant a delay in bringing our home-on-wheels back for the winter, but she is now here and comfortably installed right where her water-based predecessor RED used to reside.

For a while, travel opened up modestly, people were generally behaving and vaccination rates  increased which allowed for visits from away.  We do enjoy showing off our little corner of paradise and playing tourist in our own backyard which led us to an autumn revisit of a local winery for some sipping and fine dining.

Le Caveau

We’ve enjoyed watching the seasonal change of our feathered friends.  Most of our flock of starlings has changed  plumage colour  from dark browns to winter beige and paler brown freckles. Even Skippy our one-legged fella seems to be managing quite well in spite of his obvious limitations. You may have noticed that I like to name things, like our crow in the lower right – Russell and another frequent flyer, Robert Junior, our Downy woodpecker. Well, enough about silly me.

Skippy

Even though we don’t feed them, directly that is, Duck Pond is constantly filled with at least two or three dozen Blacks and Mallards.  By directly, I mean that when they need to supplement insects and green shoots in and around the water, they wait below the bird feeders for the occasional droppings…but not always patiently with tribal infighting common.  We keep watching for the annual pair and we think it’s either a new pure Mallard couple or Beatrice and Andre are back this year.  Because of their distinct personalities we think it’s the latter.

Duck Pond

We’ve seen an increase in winter storms.  Six nor’easters to date.  Because we seem to live in a more vulnerable area for power outages which can create issues needing to pump water from the well into the house (toilet flushing an obvious concern over several days), our electrician wired a second panel to run the generator.  This past summer F created a shelter for the Generator and now all we need to do is flip a switch and we have heat, refrigeration and of course running water.  The only thing it doesn’t run is the hot water tank but hey, if you’ve kept up with our adventures you know that we’ve functioned quite nicely bathing in the frigid Saint Lawrence waters (AT REST IN PARADISE).

Me and my Beauty

My daughter was involved in the rebranding of the non-profit company she now works for that provides camping experiences for kids with special needs and illnesses. Recently she invited us to the launch and fund raising event in Halifax.  As this was our first large gathering outing since the beginning of the pandemic and it felt a wee bit strange at first.  It was however a spectacular success and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Sargent-at-Arms

Next on our event agenda was Remembrance Day.  Our local legion held a stationary parade with music from a local marching band.  We all still had to respect social distancing rules but a fine crowd of locals gathered for the ceremony.

Decorating for Christmas this year for some reason has been a lot more fun than usual.  It’s the first year since moving in four years ago that we paid any attention to outdoor lights.  Our two hydrangeas now boast 600 lights per bush.  A little over-kill perhaps but it does give a wonderful glow arriving home after dark.

F mentioned last year that he really likes those candle type window lights and thought each window should have them this year.  So I rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and purchased several to display in our thirteen windows upstairs and down.  I opted for battery operated but clearly didn’t  think it through. Each of those babies uses three AAA batteries, but oh how lovely they look when darkness descends on our little home by the sea.

By the Fire

I think every fireplace needs a mantle…just so there can be a display of some sort at Christmas.  It’s a childhood thing for me.  So last year I asked if F could create one and I love it!.  It’s simple and functional and we now have a place to hang stockings should Père Noël decide to pay us a visit.

Noel by the Sea

It’s unlikely we will be travelling this year but my son-in-law secured a chalet nearby to house a few of the family members able to join in for Christmas.  The perfect place for feasting, tree-trimming and cookie decorating.

Tidal Bore Resort

Cookie Decorating

Letters to Santa

I think that’s about it for now.  F is heavily into model building , inching his way to finishing the Pinta and I, working on my latest galley project…sourdough bread making.

La Pinta, 1492

Wishing you all a joyous and healthy  2022.

…peace and love…