SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN ONTARIO Issue 16

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN ONTARIO - Newsy Part Issue 16

Diary published weekly since 2001
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Hi Everyone: At least in Ontario it appears as though “Spring Has Finally Sprung” with warm bright sunshiny days and early flowers poking their heads above ground. It is such a pretty time of year watching everything ‘wake up’. Our summer home, Braemar Valley RV Park is located about 7 miles (14 km) from Woodstock in the beautiful spacious Valley of the former Oxford County Ski Club. When we are driving to access different errands in London and Woodstock, it is so peaceful to see the farmers working their fields at such a glorious time of year. The lush green grasslands resemble giant quality indoor/outdoor carpet. The trees are also coming to life with an overload of buds. Apparently western Canada is still undergoing undesirable end-of-season snowstorms with frigid temps. Parts in the east have had a few rain days – nice ones too; so we are extremely thankful for small mercies. The entire weekend is supposed to be like this. I am even wrote a portion of this Diary outside on the picnic table.

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OUR WEEK IN REVIEW

We crossed the border last SUNDAY at Detroit/Windsor. There were detours and construction everywhere. Part of I-75 was even closed right after the bridge entry to Canada – detours directed drivers towards the northwest. In a word it was a mess, plus the roads from northern Ohio to the Michigan border were also less than perfect, but after the winter this area went through, I guess it is understandable.

On a positive note, our actual crossing was the most basic we have ever experienced. John had a file ready with invoice copies of our costly winter maintenance ready to share (emergencies are allowed duty-free). He did not even want to see our Passports. He asked us “How many were in the coach”? “How much did we buy?” (After we have been away for the winter we round our spending off to $8-$900. between the two of us – unless we buy big-ticket items such as a computer etc). His next comment threw us off guard – all he said was “ OK, have a good day – you can go now!” We said Thanks and took off for the London Flying J before he changed his mind.

We spent the night at the FLYING J because we had an appointment MONDAY with our dealer at FOREST CITY RV, north London (519) 268-3951. They are a Winnebago dealer plus they are so talented. We did not trust that our Propane tank was properly secured. Frieghtliner indicated the bolts ERS used were not heavy enough and Forest City agreed. They added proper heavy-duty bolts and took our step apart so they can find the parts to fit. Yes, it is partly a Kwickie Step but to make it look fancy, Winnebago modified it. No big deal because the one we are using now works great – when they find all the parts we will return. I also could not believe it but – an added plus to their talent – labour rate is only $72.00 p/hour.

We took advantage of the appointment time to drive to nearby Stratford to PICK UP OVER A MONTHS MAIL and on our return; the LUXOR was ready to roll. We then checked into our summer home. BRAEMAR VALLEY RV PARK in Woodstock (1-519-462-2977) is a small very friendly 50+-retirement community with 77-spaces – 17 expansive sites are open to visiting and seasonal RVers. 2007 overnight rate was only $15.00. Seasonal is also well below the general average. Braemar Valley is the only park in Ontario that has Reverse Osmosis drinking water. The majority of residences are a variety of park models and manufactured homes. Very pretty setting in a serene valley surrounded by picturesque hills, trees and extensive hiking trails. Their Club House is the original quaint and comfy 2-story Ski Chalet with a weight room and lounge, fireplace as well as an attractive large room for functions. The laundry works on the honour system and the fenced-in swimming pool offers sense of security – great place for park gatherings.

It has been a BUSY WEEK running errands, and getting set up. John has been slowly eliminating tasks in his job-jar, such as reinforcing the shed (This park endured a rare flood early April because the city drains placed in the ground were still frozen when the snow melted – Winter residents were evacuated by boat). He also spent considerable time raking the grass – great exercise. It just felt so good to be outside on a perfect day.

I am working on the final stages (hopefully) of putting together our TAX SPREADSHEET to take to our Finance Consultant Team next Thursday. I still have about two more days work before I will have all the info in the right spot. FYI, We Cdns can wait till the end of April to file. I do not know how to do taxes so we put it all our income and expenses on a spreadsheet and the team goes from there. At least now I know why we never have any excess cash flow – we spend it all. Putting it on paper we can see where it went.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Hooray!!! On Tuesday we bring home our new to us 4-LEGGED KIDS. It is a long drive to our breeder, but they are ready and so are we. It will feel so good to have ‘kids’ in this house again. We know it will be a big transition – since we have never acquired two at one time. Good thing we are not moving much this summer – so they can get used to our home environment before they must become accustomed to ‘life on the move’.

It is time to go for now. As our friend Dennis says, “We started with nothing and we still have most of it left”. Enjoy the wonders of spring – even the rare snowstorm. It will be over soon. Camping season is just around the corner. Those still on the move please drive safe. P&J