Although we have not gone down that far again, it has still remained pretty cold lately and we have had snow although not as much as usual. One day we had freezing rain which was horrible. These are photos of the car after driving 75km in it.

Ice rain

Yesterday we had snow and heavy winds which caused havoc on the roads and made for a very slow journey home. Whilst sitting watching TV last night it was snowing outside but we also has thunder and lightening. How weird is that?

Because of the ice and snow I have been using the Tuscan to drive in as it is better in these conditions than our new Veloster. It is a shame as since we got it we have only done 1300km. I’m sure it will make up for it during the summer.

We were looking at the possibility of getting a second car as I was now travelling to Kingston every day and so we put this one on the list. I had already narrowed the search down to a Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit. Chris did not like the Toyota or Honda, so we ruled them out. The Mazda did not appear as nice as the Ford, so we had really come to the conclusion that the Fiesta was the best, but now we added the Veloster.

We went to the local dealership and they had one which we took for a test drive. It was really nice and it made up our decision to buy this car. They told us they were expecting an orange one in soon, so we got them to call us when it arrived so that we could see this colour in person. They did so and I really liked the colour, but Chris wasn’t so sure, so e decided to go with the Triathlon Grey which we both liked. Unfortunately the model they had was not the spec we wanted so we would have to order one.

The saga of this process is too long and boring for you readers so I won’t go into detail, but it was not a happy period. However, eventually after much stress our Veloster, in grey finally arrived mid December.

So far we love it. It is full of gadgets and you can activate pretty much everything through voice commands. It has a keyless entry and a push button start which is really cool. Here are some pics Chris took.

As we lost our favourite chipmunk to an evil cat the other week we have been cultivating a relationship with another one. He is not yet eating out of our hands like Chip did but he is getting very tolerate of us so lets hope he will become our Chip2.

Just recently he has decided to dig his tunnel at the rear of our house. He has been excavating for a few days and here is the result – a tunnel with a very large dirt pile next to it which he likes to sit on and survey his land.

We have also been seeing the birds changing. The blackbirds and grackles are leaving and we spotted a few junkos (snowbirds) the other day, a sure sign winter is approaching.

You may remember at the beginning of the year that we had a sapsucker constantly banging on our metal tower when looking for a mate. Well he must have succeeded as we have seen several young sapsuckers in the garden. This is one I managed to get a photo of the other day.

The coming weekend is a long weekend for Thanksgiving and the weather looks as though it will be in the mid 20′s which will be great. So looking forward to that.

On Monday we didn’t do much other than catching up on things, doing washing and just hanging out. It was Victoria Day here so not much open anyway. On Tuesday we set off in the morning for a trip to the USA. We crossed the border at Thousand Islands and although Chris and I have our visa waivers the girls had to get theirs. It wasn’t very busy there and so we were through in about 20 mins and into the USA.

We stopped off at Syracuse and visited the Carousel Centre where we all spent a few hours shopping. Stacey found Abercrombie & Finch and was very happy. We left the centre late afternoon and traveled to Buffalo where we had booked hotel rooms for two nights. The girls had wanted to go to Canada’s Wonderland last week, but due to the bad weather at the beginning of the week couldn’t, so we suggested Darian Lakes instead. We planned to go the following day, however upon arrival at the hotel discovered it was only open at the weekends. We decided to go out for dinner and decide what to do after.

We went to a great restaurant a short walk from the hotel, had a fabulous meal which was very cheap considering the huge plates of food we got! We then all went back to our room at the hotel to discuss what to do the next day. We had always thought that the American side of Niagara Falls was inferior to Canada and so had never been, but decided as we were so close it would be silly not to.

So the next morning we met for breakfast and then travelled to Niagara Falls for the day. We purchased a Discovery Pass at the information centre for $33 each and off we went.

First we went on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. We had done this before, but it really is the best way to experience the falls so it had to be done. Also it was included in the ticket price. This is me and the girls in our best outfits!

After the Maid of the Mist we went to the Cave of the Winds walk. We weren’t sure what to expect from this but it was brilliant. Once again you are given rain coats (yellow this time) and you have to wear the footwear provided. They give you a plastic bag to put your own shoes in to keep them dry. You then walk along a walkway underneath the falls. This is also a nesting colony for gulls and so there are thousands of gulls in the cliffside. We saw lots of chicks in their nests which were really cute.

The walkway takes you right under the falls and you do get very very wet, but it is awesome. This is Stacey & Amy getting wet.

We then wandered around the area as there is some beautiful parkland and of course stunning scenery. You can stand on the edge in between the American Falls and the Bridal Falls and literally be part of the waterfall. We felt that this side of the falls was in fact much better than the Canadian side as you get to be a real part of the whole thing.

We also went to the Niagara Aquarium, which to be honest was pretty poor and not really worth the effort, but again it was included in the ticket price. All in all we had a brilliant day in Niagara Falls, NY and I would recommend anyone in the area to visit and not miss out on what the American side has to offer.

We ate again at the same restaurant that night and after a terrible night at the hotel (Do not stay at the Comfort Inn University it is terrible) we then went across the border at Rainbow Bridge and back into Canada.

We then spent the day in Niagara Falls again, but this time in Ontario. When we got there it was very misty and the falls were almost invisible so we decided to go to the Butterfly Conservatory first to let the mist clear. There are thousands of free flying butterflies here and we always love to visit. It was the girls first time here and they loved it too. This is Stacey with one of the butterflies.

When we came out of the Butterflies we drove down to the falls and parked in the car park then wandered over to the falls. Took lots of photo of the Canadian Falls as well as the American/Bridal Falls from Canada. Then we walked down to Clifton Hill.

The girls wanted to go to Ripley’s believe it or Not, so we all went. It was very interesting with lots of interesting facts. Our ticket also included the wax museum and the movie theatre, so we did those too. The wax museum was hilarious. Every wax figure had a name tag on, and believe me they were needed. I have never seen so many bad models in my life. Having been to Taussauds in London many times, this place is just a laugh and needs to be viewed that way. The 4D movie experience was pretty good though.

This is Chris auditioning for Star Trek. Yes that really is Spock and Captain Kirk – honestly!

After wandering round town we went to Bird Kingdom and spend an hour admiring the many birds here. It had changed from the last time we went and there was another room with some parrots and lizards etc. Worth a visit if you like birds.

After this we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner. The girls loved their lasagna but Chris and I were very disappointed in our meals which cost twice as much as the restaurant in Buffalo but nowhere as good.

When we left the restaurant it had been raining so we walked back to the car (approx. 2km). During the walk it started to rain again and by the time we got to it we were all totally soaked. After this it was a drive back to home via Toronto which turned out to be a doddle, traffic-wise. We sailed through and got home in about 3.5 hours.

Friday we went into Belleville so the girls could spend the last of their money and then went home where they cooked us lasagna which was vey nice.

Saturday was the last day and as their flight was not until midnight, we were able to spend the day together before setting off at about 6pm for the airport. Once again traffic was great and we arrived at the airport at 8:20. The girls checked in their luggage to get rid of it then we all sat in the restaurant and had drinks before they had to leave. This was the worst bit – the goodbyes. Lots of hugs and tears and we finally had to say goodbye at around 10pm. The drive home was very sad and quiet.

Sunday the house seemed deserted and we already missed them being around. We hope that they can come back soon, although work commitments for them means it will not be until next year unless we win the lottery before then.

Phoned my aunt and uncle on Monday morning and told them all about the visit. They were very happy for us all but also jealous that they were not here. Once again we are all awaiting that lottery win!

Final photo of Chris & the girls.

On Sunday our daughter Stacey and her girlfriend Amy were due to arrive from the UK for a long-awaited two week trip. On Sunday morning we started the day with a phone call to my aunt and uncle in Spain who seem as excited as us regarding our visitors although I think they wish it was them coming here. Soon I hope!

Anyway, we set off for Toronto having looked on the web at traffic conditions to see everything was moving great and with it being a Sunday we hoped it would stay that way. Well, traffic was great up until we got right into Toronto on the 401 when it stopped. Apparently there is construction along the route and lanes were closed and everything was getting snarled up. At one point we were only a few km’s from the airport but at a total standstill and wondering if we would ever get there.

Stacey & Amy’s plane was due in at 5:10 and we eventually got to the airport just before this. We knew it would probably take them an hour to get through customs so had plenty of time in the end, especially as the plane actually landed at 5:22. As it was they didn’t come through arrivals till 7:10. We were beginning to wonder if they were even on the plane!  Lots of hugs and kisses and we were finally all reunited and ready for the long drive home. Although traffic was congested on the way home we didn’t encounter too many delays and got home late evening. After a little more chatting we all went to bed exhausted.

Monday rain was forecast all day and as the girls were still a little tired we decided to pop into Belleville, especially as Amy had never been before so Stacey wanted to show her the lay of the land. We also went grocery shopping for things the girls wanted. The rest of the day was spend just chatting and general stuff.

On Tuesday more rain was forecast which put paid to our plan of going to Toronto Zoo. So instead we went to Kingston for a little shopping and a drive round the city and a scenic route drive home.

The weather for Wednesday was again rain for Belleville and Toronto, so we decided to go east to Ottawa for the day. Stacey had loved Ottawa last time she was here and was eager to show Amy all the sights. We took the scenic route via highway 7 and encountered showers, but by the time we got to the city it was warm and dry. We all ventured over to the canal, then Parliament Hill where lots of photos were taken. This is Stacey (right) and Amy outside the Parliament buildings.

We then went across to Byward Market and at this point we decided to split up and meet later. We wandered around the mall for a couple of hours and then the market and had dinner at The Exchange which was very nice. After some more walking we decided to get a Tim’s at the food court and came across the girls. They had eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe. All of us had done what we needed to do and so decided to head home once beverages had been consumed. As we left Ottawa it started to rain, so our timing was perfect.

On Thursday we drove the girls to Toronto as we had booked them into a hotel for a few nights so they could explore the city. In order not to waste the day we all went to Toronto Zoo as the weather promised to be a bit better. As it turned out the weather was magnificent. Bright sunshine, temps in the 20′s, in fact almost too hot. I know it sounds silly but I had really forgotten what it felt like to be out in the heat.

The drive into the city after the zoo was pretty uneventful, but the DVP leaving the city was like a car park, so we decided when we returned home we would take a different route. We dropped the girls off at the hotel after checking them in at around 4:30 and after a detour though the city, hit the 401. Guess what – standstill again. After we got past the main toronto area it thinned out and we picked up speed, but then near Ajax it stopped again. In the end we didn’t get home untill 8pm, just in time for the last episode of The Big Bang Theory.

Yesterday (Friday) we didn’t do too much. I went shopping to stock up the cupboards and Chris tried to fix Stacey’s laptop for her. Alas it seemed it was a futile attempt and he decided it would be easier to give her one of our old laptops. So he spent the rest of the day transferring stuff from one to another etc.

Today Saturday, I have been spring cleaning and Chris is on his tractor mowing the lawn. Once again the weather is stunning, lets hope it stays like that for next week.

This is what it looked like originally with the broken steps of different heights.

This mid way it looked like this.

Now it looks like this.

Just need to get some flower pots to finish it off and it is done.

Last week we travelled down to Syracuse to stay overnight as a bit of a break. We travelled down on Wednesday, got our visa waivers done and then drove to the Carousel Centre for some shopping, but didn’t really see anything we wanted. We checked into our hotel which was a Homewood Suites and in the evening went to the nearby Denny’s for supper.

Next day we travelled to Waterloo Premium Outlets. Fortunately the weather was lovely as this is an outdoor mall. This time Chris managed to get some shirts and I got a dress from Calvin Klein which was half price. After a few hours there we travelled back home and encountered two traffic jams between Kingston and home. If we had know of the roadworks there we would have gone a different route!

The garden has been a hive of activity. We now have the flickers, towhees, robins, grosbeaks, sapsuckers all paying regular visits. The sapsucker is a bit unwelcome as he keeps hammering on the metal tower next to our bedroom window at 6am which is very annoying. Apparently they do this to attract a mate as if they get their hammering as loud as possible the females love it – but we don’t!

The killdeer have also had their babies and they are running round the front garden. We have seen three babies, although they usually have four, so we will have to keep an eye out on them.

I cannot believe that this weekend is when our daughter Stacey and her girlfriend Amy arrive. Time really flies. Although the weather has been great this week and it is getting warmer (22 C today) they forecast rain and cooler temps over the weekend and beginning of next week. Lets hope it is okay as there is a lot we want to do.

That is all that has been on TV, the news etc here the Royal Wedding or the election. Yes we have another election here in Canada on Monday. I think this is the third since we have been here and it has always ended in a minority conservative government. This time though it looks like the NDP are creeping up and will give Harper a run for his money.

A lot of people are saying the election is a waste of time and money and that they cannot be bothered to vote. I agree it is probably a waste but it is happening so everyone who is able to vote should. Because we are relative newcomers we are yet to get citizenship and so cannot vote yet. I find this very frustrating as I live here and pay my taxes but have no say on how my money is spent. This is why I feel that those who do have a voting option should use it. If you don’t vote you have no right to moan about the government after.  There, I have had my say, end of subject.

We have both recently had reminder cards to renew our driving licences which expire in July. They are valid 5 years and we will have been here 5 years on July 7th, so have to get new ones. On the website it says renewals are $75, but mine says it will cost me $90 and Chris’s says $62.50, so no idea what that all means. No doubt we will find out when we renew.

Also up for renewal is our PR cards which again expire in July. There is a waiting list so we sent the applications off in February with all the relevant paperwork. Yesterday I got a letter saying I hadn’t included a copy of the reverse of my driving licence as requested and had sent a copy of a passport that was expired. This is very strange as my passport is brand new – I haven’t even used it yet and the driving licence was copied front and back on the same sheet of paper so if they have the front, they also have the back. I phoned to check all this but was told that I need to recopy all these and send again. Very frustrating, but not worth arguing about.

On Wednesday a big storm passed over both the eastern US and Canada including us. We were under a tornado warning as well as large hail and heavy rain warnings. The day started out lovely with blue skies and sun, but later in the afternoon it got darker and windier – then this cloud arrived.

We then had a thunder storm with rain, lightening etc. We lost electric momentarily, but thankfully not for long. We lost internet and TV and the rain hammered down and the winds were horrendous. We lost a few tree branches on some of our trees but overall came out unscathed. This morning we went into town and noticed that just along one road half a dozen houses had quite bad roof damage, many trees had been either knocked down or damaged. Our neighbours house had some of the siding blown off, so we got off very lightly it seems. In the US they suffered very badly with over 100 tornadoes and around 200 people being killed, very sad.

On a happier note: Only three weeks now till our daughter Stacey arrives with her girlfriend. We are very excited and have a lot planned whilst they are here, so we are going to be very busy.

So I looked online at Shaw’s website to see if new versions were available and how much they cost. It turns out they did have new models which were much smaller and black and had additional features, but they were $199 each and we ideally needed two. Far too much money just on a whim of changing so I looked at Bell.

It seemed that we could get a better deal from Bell as new customers so I phoned Shaw to ask if they could do any better pricing on the unit. At first he offered me a discount so that we paid $150, but I said that was still too much as at the end of the day we didn’t have to change them. He then said he could offer me one for $99. I said could he offer me two at that price, he said no only one would be $99, the other $150, so again I declined and said I would not bother. He then told me to wait whilst he checked something out.

He came back to me a few minutes later saying that he could do both units at $99 after all. I said if he could do both units for a total of $99 he had a deal. The line went silent – I feared I had gone too far – but then he said okay! So I got two new satellite units for a total of $99 plus tax.

We later sold the old units on Kijiji and got back our money.

Yesterday I did the same with our cell phone. We were on a contract for our iPhone and although our phone usage was low, we used quite a bit of data. We were paying $65 plus tax per month, but last month went well over the 1GB limit and doubled our bill, so I wanted to know what we could do about it. I looked on the website and found the next level up was $85 per month with 2GB of data, so I called to make sure this was the best deal.

The guy I spoke to asked how we used the phone and what services we required etc. I explained our situation and he suggested a plan that would cost less, but give us more data usage but less caller use, which was fine by me. After going through the options we are now on a plan which offers 6GB of data, voicemail, 150 mins calls, unlimited evening & w/e calls, caller display, texting etc for $55 per month. So we have a lot more for a lot less money. Brilliant.

It definitely pays to check these things out every so often. It really does.

Well this winter finally took its toll on the steps and they were starting to fall apart and become unsteady, so Chris decided now was the time to rip them up and start again. So the other day we went from this:

To this:

We now have a lovely rockery area which we will plant out later!!

The next stage was building a main step from pavers and we are then going to build a deck and steps leading from this to the door.

Since the weather took a turn for the worse we, or rather Chris has had to stop, but we are planning on getting the wood for the deck & steps this week, so we can make a start on the rest of it.

Other news:

Yesterday we saw the pair of flickers for the first time this year. They were hammering away in the back garden. We also spotted the thrasher the other day, but not since.

We definitely have two black squirrels, one very black the other more ginger. They both turn up most days, usually separately. We are hoping they are nesting near by and will bring babies over. Our reds are starting to molt and their coats are getting very tatty. Chipmunks are everywhere!

Weather is still very changeable lately. One day we have 21C, the next it is 4C. We have had rain, snow, thunder and lightening, sunshine, you name it we have had it. The other night we had a huge thunderstorm which woke us up several times during the night. One particularly loud bang which rocked the house had us thinking we had been struck, but we could not see any damage. The next day we found out large areas surrounding us were without electric, but we were okay, so somewhere close definitely got hit.

Whilst I was on the phone to my aunt in Spain yesterday morning we went from bright sunshine, to cloudy skies then snow, all within an hour. She was a bit shocked we were still in danger of snow as it is April. In Spain they are in the mid 20′sC with bright sunshine, but have had quite a bit of rain. When we went to bed last night there was a light covering of snow on the ground, but it had vanished this morning.

Hopefully the weather will get better for May, especially when for when our daughter and girlfriend arrive. We have so much planned to do that it will be a shame if the weather spoils it.

Oh well, it is Canada!

Yesterday we spotted the killdeer for the first time this year. Bet they are wondering what they have come back to now!