LIVING OFF GRID

This blog is about our travels in our solar powered "Airstream" and living off grid, in our passive solar home, near Bancroft, Ontario, Canada.

If you have any questions send us a comment; we love to hear from our readers.
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Thursday 27 July 2017

WATER TANKS and GARDENS

Picked up some water tanks while visiting my sisters last week.

Wanted to make sure they didn't fly off during the drive home so bought some heavy duty straps. They were rock solid for the trip.

They will be added to our system and give us plenty of capacity if we ever get a drought. So far this summer we've had rain every week.

Our tomatoes are flowering and hopefully we will get an excellent crop. Love being able to go out the door and pick tomatoes, kale, spinach, lettuce.

The small plants were started two weeks ago after the groundhog ate all our cabbage plants. I added barbed wire to hopefully keep the critter out.

We have more greens than we can eat. Must cut the kale and put it in the fridge. I enjoy it in my morning smoothie.

Thanks for stopping by and keeping an eye on us.

Monday 24 July 2017

DAY CAMP

Do you remember going to day camp? When we were kids day camp was at the school run by the local Parks and Rec. Back then schools didn't have gyms so they used a classroom or spent the day outside. Best part of the summer was the penny carnival at Gage Park.

Today was Owen's first day at camp. He was excited and a little nervous, sort of like the first day of school.

Camp is held at the local rec center full of all kinds of neat equipment including a swimming pool and climbing wall. Camps have sure changed since we were kids.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

Saturday 22 July 2017

OH SO BUSY, HE NEVER STOPS

Today we decided it was time to build a tree-fort. We got the tools, cut the trees, then realized we needed to go to town for more supplies. This is a "guy" project so trips to town are expected.

After lunch we got three beams in place and then grandpa needed a rest.

Owen, never one to sleep, convinced Oma to build a fire so he could burn his boat and toast marshmallows.

Toasting the marshmallows well back from the fire.

Time for a little dance around the fire.

With Owen here we never stop.

Now we are waiting for the homemade pizzas to cook.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

Friday 21 July 2017

OWEN'S BOAT

Owen spent weeks building his own pirate ship. He had to bring it to the lake for a test float.

This morning we launched it and it did very well, much better than I anticipated.

Owen had so much fun moving it in and out of the deep water and letting the waves push it to shore.

Checking to see how much water was in the bottom.

I think at this point he was trying to speed up the sinking process.

Every boy needs time on the water with grandpa.

Time for lunch then back to the water.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.


Thursday 20 July 2017

PLAY-DOH

Owen loves to create things from paper, cardboard, play-doh and tissue paper. Here he works with Oma to build a fishing boat complete with a net full of fish.

Can you see the fish caught in the blue net?

Next was a flower made from tissue paper complete with a pipe-cleaner ladybug. So creative!

Once Kate was in bed, mommy joined everyone at the craft table. Sherri has set up all the supplies so Owen can easily access what he needs and put everything away when finished. It is a great way to spend a few quiet hours at the end of the day.

Later this morning we will be heading home where Owen will launch his pirate ship in the lake. Hope it floats.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday 18 July 2017

ALBION HILLS

When it's too hot to enjoy the backyard it's time to head to Albion Hills.

Oma applied the sunscreen before Owen headed for the water.

Water from the bucket is a big deal when you are 5.

Just about to be hit by another blast.

The pool was cool and Owen loved getting totally wet.

Time for a rest and a snack and some exploring around the pond.

What a great way to escape the heat and enjoy our grandson.

Stay cool and thanks for stopping by.

Sunday 16 July 2017

MUFFINS and BRAINS

This weekend we are visiting Leanne and Jamie in Toronto. Leanne is part of the Brain Project designed to bring awareness to brain injuries and raise money for research. There are 100 brains on display throughout the city.

Each model is beautifully displayed in a cabinet along with an explanation from the designer. You can check out the project and vote for Leanne by clicking on: Brain Project or Leanne's Site

This morning the ladies are busy baking muffins; delicious fresh out of the oven.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.



Thursday 13 July 2017

I CAN'T BELIEVE I CAUGHT THIS

Yesterday Durl and Linda took us down their lake in search of  ........

blueberries. These are a very tiny fruit that grows close to the ground in rocky slopes here in Ontario.

By the time we were done we had over eight pounds of berries. We brought home 4 and will enjoy them in our smoothies, homemade granola and desserts this month. I know they won't last long they are so delicious.

After supper it was time to see if the fish were biting. The day was overcast with some rain so we knew it wasn't the best of conditions.

Mary got the first hit but came up empty.

Next was my turn and I too thought I had lost it as there wasn't much fight after the initial strike. Fortunately Durl had the net ready and helped me land this 19 inch lake trout. I was delighted.

We will enjoy a few meals of fillet fish and sweet potato fries later this week.

Thanks Linda and Durl for a wonderful day together.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.


Saturday 8 July 2017

WHEELS WATER and WINGS


It has been a rainy buggy spring with not much to report but this weekend we are enjoying the annual Wheels, Water and Wings weekend in Bancroft. Last night the main street was closed and full of classic cars we all enjoy. The rain held off and we joined the crowd wandering through the displays.

Larry gave us a full tour of his 86 Volkswagen Camper, a remarkable display of ingenuity and craftsmanship. Everything you need to camp in comfort in one very small  maneuverable package.

Do you remember fins? This was a big selling feature back in 1960.

How about the A&W drive-in, I think there are still a few around.

From 7 to 10 Cruisin performed on stage. Lots of fun listening to the hits from the 60 and 70s, even got some old folks up dancing.

While we enjoyed the concert the kids enjoyed the midway.

This morning we are off to the Farmers Market in Maynooth and this evening back in town to take in the Hot-Rod show and another concert.

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by.