Stormy skies!

Oh shoot --- I woke up at some point in the night, and then I couldn't get back to sleep. I had not closed the blinds, and there were lights across the way. I was a bit hungry, although I'm not sure why. So I resolved both issues, but by then I was wide awake! I read for a bit, and well, I slept in this morning. Hence, the blog is much later than usual. 

It was hilarious when I finally woke up. I looked at my watch - 9:00 AM. WHAT? I never sleep in that late. Oh, yes - I forgot that my watch won't sync to the correct time because I have a new phone and it hasn't been paired yet. The complications of "new" technology!! I must sync that phone, then transfer the steps from it, and retire it. 

It was another great day of presentations, and then it was over, time to pack up! I purchased a couple of minor things, but I didn't take pictures. NO fabric, and I didn't even stop at any of the three quilt stores in town. I'm cured!!!! I grabbed some images from around Saskatoon on my morning walk. It's not like the suburb I live in, but typical of older cities and towns. 

There are the back allies! Yes --- so much "wasted" land in the back. But that was how you accessed the garages and where the garbage is set out. 

A back alley

Or the garages were tucked behind the house, and again, look at how much "wasted" space there was, but you could park a lot of cars in those driveways! No one wanted the garage out front, like in my area, but it's pretty efficient space-wise. 

Long driveways to the garages

But I love that the streets in the older part of the city look like this. Yes, they are peaceful and serene, and there are so many trees! WAIT -- why are the garbage carts on the street and not in the alley?

Tree-lined streets

In one area, the sidewalks were all decorated with chalk, and how could that not bring a smile to your face?

Thank you - I will!

I spotted several free libraries, but since I didn't have a book with me, I didn't bother looking inside. 

Free library

When it was time to pack up my suitcases, it was pouring rain outside. Rain is welcome, although perhaps a bit too late for some crops. But it poured! Thankfully, by the time I was putting my bags in the car, it wasn't quite as bad. 

It rained on and off for about forty minutes as I left to drive to North Battleford. Pouring one minute, and nothing the next. It was a very bizarre storm. I could see dark clouds behind me, and this was to the right. I stopped on the side of the road to take this in case you think I took it while driving. There were so many interesting sky formations, but I didn't want to keep stopping. 

The stormy skies

I spotted several streaks of lightning and one loud boom of thunder that scared me! The clouds were moving fast, and by the time I arrived, the sun was shining! I know -- the weird world of weather these days!!! 

It was later when I arrived at the hotel, and I hadn't eaten, so I threw my stuff in the room and walked to the restaurant, which was a short distance away. On the way back, I spotted an ice cream place. Just a small trailer in the middle of nowhere. I stopped and had ice cream. YUM!!! By the way -- while it is warmish here, it is not hot, and it was cool as I sat there eating my ice cream, 

Yummy ice cream

As I sat there, I contemplated why this ice cream shop was where it was. I glanced over and saw a building where you could wash your car, truck, RV, or your pet. This is also where you fill those large bottles of water. It was a busy spot, and it's all part of the same business. They also rent U-Haul trucks. I guess it just made good use of the corner of the parking lot! No one else was having ice cream when I was there, but I bet on a warmer night, that the place is probably packed! 

The ice cream shop and the car wash! 

Back at the hotel, I read a bit before going to bed. I brought a book with me, and it's been slow, but now it's picking up. I won't get to that until later tonight. 

I'm listening to a book on the drive called The Art Thief. Oh my goodness — this couple was bold in their thievery, stealing over 200 art pieces from European museums. Incredible. Oh dear - I read this article and sadly, many of the art pieces he stole were destroyed!!!!! 

I'm off to spend the day with Mom, as Dad will be going to the museum. I told him to do so as I'll be here for a couple of days. I brought some handwork that I hope to complete, so I'll be stuck in the house for a couple of days and hopefully get it done. I'll share it with you tomorrow. 

I have to tell you about the rental car I have. Your car probably has safety features that beep or flash when it gets too close to something. And yes, in this car, I have sensors that flash on the mirrors. BUT, there are vibrating sensors in the seat!!!! OH MY GOD - the first time it happened, I was like - what the heck was that? It has sensors on the left, right, and center. I'm not sure I want that on my car!!! A beep is good; however, if you have hearing issues, these are perfect. It's a Chevy Equinox!!!

Well, time to get moving. Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!!