Past week happenings

Our three nestlings have developed into fledglings in a matter of a couple of weeks.  They are still being fed and guarded in their nest by their parents, but I have the feeling that in a few days the nest will be empty and all three chicks will be hopping around in our garden.  With the dreadful weather that we experienced during their nesting time I had been worried that they might not survive the heavy downpours, strong wind gusts and cold nights, but all seems to be ok. 

The adult birds don’t seem to mind when we work outside around the garage.  Their nest is located in the birdhouse high up on the east side of the garage wall, however when I climb up on a stepstool to take a picture of their offspring, they protest loudly and stay close by to observe my every move.  Mostly I leave them alone, but to show these pictures of their development I had to invade their privacy.

Last Friday was Grandparents Day at the Catholic School in Waterdown, Ont. where our two granddaughters learn.  Last year we went to this event and this year we had also committed to come.  As most of our readers know, last Friday was the worst weather one could imagine.  We had heavy rain already on Thursday and our area was under flood watch. Nevertheless, at 5:30 a.m. we left in the dark with the rain coming in a steady downpour that never eased up.  Actually, it got worse since the traffic on the highway 401 (the 401Hwy is the major trucking corridor between Chicago, Detroit - Toronto and Montreal) was reduced to one lane for many kilometers because of construction and the many transport trucks that have to press on because they have deadlines.  We made the 280-km/175 miles long drive just in time for the start of the school’s grandparent’s attendance at 9:20 a.m. 

The kids, who normally wear a uniform, were dressed in casual attire with a green theme and various activities had been planned.  We, the grandparents, were shown around the school and attended the different activities.  Because we have two grandkids to attend to our time was split between the senior kindergarten class for Annaliese, and the 2^nd grade class for Heidi.  Our daughter-in-law’s mom had also come from Hamilton for the event, so we took turns in attendance in the classrooms.  

After the school’s visit we did a few shopping errands and then went to my sister’s house for a visit. She and her husband live in Mississauga, which is in the greenbelt of Toronto. The rain never stopped, but we all went for a walk with our dogs in their neighborhood so the dogs could get some exercise before our return trip.  Needless to say, we were a bit stressed coming home around 8 p.m. having driven in the rain the whole time and close to 600 km/375 miles in one day.

Last Wednesday we, and just about every neighbor were out to cut the grass before the ground would be too soggy with the proclaimed soaker we got.  That of course takes the better half of the day including the trimming and cleanup. And then I cooked up a storm in preparation of my trip to Germany so that my hubby and the dogs won’t go hungry in my absence. I just mention this in case anybody thinks we are lazing around ;-)

While I spent my time in the kitchen, Benno found something to occupy his time and came up with an idea to improve his workstation at the lathe. He made a really nifty shelf that is attached to the back with the multipurpose of protecting the wall from flying metal pieces and to house his various cutting oils and tools at a practical level.  When it was finished he painted it in the same green shade as the bottom part of the lathe and lined the shelf with a colorful liner.  Then he modified an Ikea LED table lamp and installed it above the shelf with the on/off switch at the side of the machine. It looks like the additions came with the lathe, if I may say so. 

While we were in the Toronto area on Friday Benno bought a piece of brass at the Metal Store.  Yesterday, he showed me his newest creation made from that rough piece of metal.  It is a scriber, which looks a lot like a pen. It is a pointed instrument used for making marks on wood or metal to guide a saw etc. Of course you could buy one of these instruments, but this one is unique and he had fun making it. For the pointed end he used part of a heavy-duty needle, which we still had, from our canvas repair kit from our boat.

I wonder what other fabulous creations will emerge from that lathe…