Whew, can't believe I've left it for a week to catch up. Well we did leave Oakville around 9:30 Monday night and once again too the ERT Toll Road Express Way 407 which is the only way to avoid heavy traffic. As we neared Toronto, we wanted to take the off ramp to 400 N. We went off and then found out that the northbound off ramp was closed due to construction (we had seen the sign but traffic was flowing thru there regardless so we thought we were OK). What we didn't realized is that that off ramp, after you are committed, goes off into two separate directions, north and south!!
So there we were, now heading into Toronto with several thousand of our closest friends! I don't think traffic ever stops in that city. Thank heavens for the Microsoft Streets & Trips program. I had it up on the computer to monitor our progress so was able to look at the "bigger picture" and we got off on 401 East, through the north part of Toronto, and onto the Don Valley Parkway which turned into the 404 North and we were then shortly in Newmarket. For once, Dale's north and south and my right and left worked!! We arrived in Newmarket about 11:00 p.m.. and pulled into Dale's cousin's driveway; Irene and Allan were still up so had a very very short visit before we were finally able to crawl into bed.
Tuesday dawned a nice sunny, warm but NOT humid day. Very pleasant to be out and about. Dale went off to get the tires on the car rotated at Costco while I had the pleasure of catching up on the ironing, grabbing a quick nap and then visiting with Irene. That evening the four of us went out for fish and chips at the Crow's Nest Pub & Restaurant, and yes, halibut and delicious!
We had taken separate vehicles as Dale and I were heading to the medical clinic after dinner to have his foot looked at. The toothpick he managed to step on and then break off about 3/4 " into his foot, was starting to cause infection(this happened about 3 weeks ago). The Doctor on duty froze his foot and fished around with forceps but was unable to locate it, so then sent us off to emergency.
Emergency has the imediate expectation of at least 6 hours in a waiting room. We were in for a fairly pleasant surprise. The Newmarket Emergency has a "Fast Track" system and our time there including examination & x-rays was less than two hours. The doctor on duty could not locate the splinter and figured it has dissolved somewhat so now to soak it in hot water and epsom salts and a prescription for antibiotics to curb the infection, particularly as Dale is diabetic and infections can be a concern.
Wednesday, after a lazy morning, we headed off to Aurora to have lunch with Cousin Susan and on the way, stopped to try and fill the prescription. At Wa- Mart, the first place we went, we were told that the manufacture has cut back on the product and it was not available!!! So we knew we had an afternoon of running from pharmacy to pharmacy to try and get this filled. But in the meantime, we went over to Susan's and then went with her to a lovely little restaurant and a marvelous lunch.
Susan had committments later in the afternoon, so we went back to her place to pick up our car and continue the search to get the prescription filled. Shopper's in Aurora (which Susan drove by on the way to her place so we knew where it was), could not fill it in pill form, but could in liquid form for the cost of $82.00. Dale thought that was a bit high so we went to Newmarket to Costco and they were able to fill it..for $48.00!! Rather a significant difference wouldn't you say.
Back to Irene's for dinner. Her daughter Anne, Anne's son Adam and Adam's son Connor (age 3) were there as well and were staying for dinner so we once again had a good family dinner around a loaded table. Dale is in heaven with all the fresh corn and fresh peaches and other fresh fruit.
Thursday was another lazy morning (this is getting to be a habit). Dale & Allan sat outside and visited for a couple of hours and I got a few things done around the bus. In the afternoon we went and had a nice visit with Glenn & Irene Langford for a few hours, then to CAA to pick up more maps (more detailed maps) of eastern Ontario before heading back to the farm for dinner. It was clean out fridge night, just as good as the original and was followed by several games of Dominoes!!
Friday morning was spent getting things ready to travel and a few cups of tea with Irene before we hooked up and headed north to Orillia. We decided to go up the 400 up the western side of Lake Simcoe for a change of scenery. Even at that early Friday hour for travel (12:30), the traffic was, in many places, bumper to bumper and the evacuation from Toronto hadn't yet started! The good part being the drive only took about 1 hour!
We had booked a reservation at the Hammock Harbour RV Park...no 50 amps, only 30 but we can run the generator for short periods. Our main concern was a dump station and water which this place can provide. It is a lovely spot, with "fingers" coming into the resort from Lake Simcoe; quite unusual. Unfortunately, for some reason, I am not currently able to download pictures so not able to show you...next update!
As we were here early we were able to get to the grocery/liquor store and stock up before going down Hwy 12 South to Bayshore Village to meet Dick and Shirley Corner. Another old chum of Dale's from the long distant past (when they were aged 10 and younger!!!) Dale had given me the address as 28 Thicketwood so we drove up and went to the front door. "Dick" opened the door and I asked him if he would like to buy some flowers (which we had brought for Shirley). He said no, looked rather bewildered and then, when we asked it he was Dick Corner, he said no, Dick lived 2 hours down the street! Even then he didn't want to buy the flowers!!
So, down 2 houses to the right place and a great visit (and many chuckles after they found out about the wrong address and the flowers!). They live on a peninsula "finger" of land jutting out to Lake Simcoe. Wonderful spot! It was another trip down memory lane for the two of them and Dick had some pictures from that era that Dale thoroughly enjoyed. Shirley and I are wondering tho' who "Mary" from their past is and just what was up but no one was telling!!
This morning (Saturday), I was actually up fairly early and made Oatmeal/raisn/coconut/walnut cookes (with splenda!!) as Dick & Shirley were coming for coffee and to have a look at our home away from home. Needed to have something tasty to serve with coffee. They were here for about 2 hours and once again, more trips down memory lane and this time, we took more pictures.
After lunch, Dale and I headed in to find the farmer's market (which it turned out closed at 12:30) but most of the vendor's were just in the process of dismantling their booths so we were still able to make a few purchases: peaches of course, blueberries, pepperoni, potatoes, tomatoes etc.
Then into the old part of town to be tourists. They town is celebrating 50 years of hosting the Mariposa Music Festival and they have huge guitars all over the downtown. They appear to be paper mache but survive the rain/wind so have some kind of coating over them. Various artists have done them under sponsorship of local clubs. I have several pictures which I will put on the blog when it cooperates with me...later.
We spent the rest of the afternoon going into all the stores, big and little and walked/shopped for 3 hours!! A shopping record for both of us when we finally stopped for at a charming little tea house for a much needed cuppa. From there, we did a little more shopping for things we really, really needed (!!) eg: a remote operated helicopter which Dale is now playing with and then back to the bus before we got even more carried away.
Just resting, while Dale is soaking his foot and decided whether to stay in and have dinner or go down the road (5 km) to the local casino. Probably be a lot cheaper to stay home...
As mentioned, as soon as this blog works right, I'll add the pictures from the last few days...till then, keep well and be in touch soon....
No comments:
Post a Comment