Dianne comes to visit! October 3 to October 5th

FALL IS HERE

The strata had our hedge properly trimmed today. Looks so much better. Next up is replacing the deer fence with something sturdier.

Kristi surprised us by coming down from Nanaimo to spend the night. She needed to drop her dogs off with us, as Jason and her are heading to Vancouver for an appointment next week. Around 2, Dianne arrived and we all had a hotdog over the fire in the backyard. 

There was a drone flying overhead ... just before Kristi and Ray flipped it "the bird" and then realized that it was our neighbours photo team. lol

Ladies which hat do you want?

Picture by Dianne

Dinner tonight is beef brisket that's been going on the Traeger since 5:45 am this morning. :)

Picture by Dianne

This is only a small piece of the whole brisket. I cut it into 3 pieces as there is no way we could eat the whole thing without a party!

Picture by Dianne

Picture by Dianne

We all watched a little TV and then everyone went to their own rooms around 8:30 pm.

Sunday morning, after coffee and watching the news, I made a German Pancake, with Kristi's help.  We used apples our neighbours picked for us from their tree. Yum. I took over a couple of pieces for them this morning. They loved it and donated 3 more bags of apples that were on our doorstep later in the day. :)

Dogs getting their morning treats.

The pancakes rise beautifully.

Picture by Dianne

Adding the sauteed apples. (Picture by Dianne)

After dishes were done, thanks to Kristi, Dianne and Ray, Kristi headed home and the rest of us with 3 dogs went for a drive to Skutz Falls to see if there was any salmon coming up the fish ladder. Nope, too early I think. No tell tale sign of bear scat either. We popped in and out of the car at various points on the river. A great outing.

Cowichan River:

Marie Canyon:

Stoltz Pool:

Skutz Falls Fish Ladder:

Back at home it was time to for lunch, beef dip with the leftover brisket. Although cloudy, we sat outside on the deck for a good part of the afternoon. Dianne says this is her favourite place here.

 Ray and Dianne had a hot tub while I prepped our dinner, Braised Pork Belly in a noodle bowl. The dogs chilled in the yard.

Picture by Dianne

Picture by Dianne

Again, all of us were tired by 8:00 pm and went to our rooms to watch a little TV from bed. :) Another great day with my bestie, Dianne.

Yup .... barely awake. lol

Today, Monday, Dianne and I went for a pedicure I booked for us in Duncan with lunch on a patio somewhere, she will drive back home to Victoria and so will end our visit. A great time had by all. :)

Lunch at Original Joe's

Grandbaby Stella

Found my tongue!

I'm this big!