First Night on the Road of Winter Trip

My first day on the road included another visit to the dealership where I purchased the trailer to finally complete the fix on my refrigerator that was always way too cold.  The last time I was there they realized it needed a part they didn't have in stock.  The part arrived a couple of days after that visit there, but it wasn't convenient for me to go and have it installed, and they weren't prepared to send someone with the part to my site in Milton to install it, so the appointment was scheduled for my first travel day.  The appointment was at 9:00 a.m.(opening time) and it wasn't expected to take very long to install.  Their performance was as promised and I was ready to leave there by 9:45.  While waiting I was able to finalize my purchase of out of country medical insurance and the receptionist was nice enough to print off my policy card,which I had received by email.  The service work was gratis, so all in all it was a great visit there, though it remains to be seen if the fridge will finally be operating as expected.  Fingers crossed.  Thank you Ruston RV. 

I realized I was running a bit ahead of schedule as I was approaching London, so decided to pull off at the rest stop and see if I could find a friend to have lunch with.  The first person I called didn't answer, but the second one did!  I had a nice lunch with my friend Marilyn.  We went to Swiss Chalet, one of my favorite Canadian franchise places, I could almost drink their dipping sauce.  I had my usual 1/4 chicken, white meat with salad and whole wheat roll.  Marilyn agreed to share the fresh fried donuts with dipping sauce for dessert, what a treat.  

There were 5 or 6 in the order.  I forgot to take a picture before we dove in.

Sorry New Orleans friends, but these are much better than beignets. 

Seeing as all the regular campgrounds in "the north" are closed for the season, I am having to be creative on my first few nights heading south.  

For the first night I stayed at a place I found on Boondocker's Welcome near Ridgetown, Ontario.  It was a grain/corn growing farm.  The last name of the folks is McLarty.  They were very welcoming, including providing power, inviting me in for dinner and out to watch them curl that evening.  

Their barn had an interesting decorative piece near the eaves. 

I was informed it was a "barn quilt," something that is quite popular in that area, and others.  I don't recall ever seeing one before.  The design tells a story about who the farm/barn belongs to.  In this case there is a Scottish theme with thistles and tartan motif.  

During the meal (beef stew), I mentioned that I had a good girlfriend with the same last name.  It turns out the gentleman was her former brother-in-law.  My friends husband had passed away from cancer, just prior to my meeting her at the golf course I joined at the time, about 23 years ago.  Talk about a small world!  

During dinner I was invited to not just watch the curling, but to play, as a spare for someone who had cancelled last minute.  It had been about 6 years since I had last curled, but seeing as I had appropriate clothes to wear with me I decided to say yes to playing.  I suppose curling is as they say, "like riding a bike, you don't really forget how to do it."  I was a little unsteady on my feet at first, particularly getting into the hack, as the slider on the shoes I was borrowing was faster than the one I had played with, back in the day.  It only took me a few ends to get back into the swing of things and actually make a few of the shots I was asked for.  I played second.  We played 8 ends and then had the obligatory social period.  

It was quite a fun night and capped off a great first day on the road.