Market Day

I woke up naturally and got my usual morning routine in. Today was going to be an early departure to beat the crowds but with rain imminent, not sure it was required, best to prepare for success though. With the early start we decided to get a McBreakfast to expedite things. Because there wasn’t a breakfast photo, enjoy this rabbit I spied in my yard instead.

The market opened at eight but with the chance of rain, COVID, etc. We figured it would be fine to shoot for half eight and let some people sleep in a bit more. We were right of course. There were far less vendors than when we went last year and far less people as well. Things were well organized to handle crowds but it wasn’t the busy day for the market either. We went for the fresh vegetables but stayed for the other stuff. I got some pizza perogies and some nice wooden stuff. Mostly for gifts, for Mother, who was there with me to pick it out. The parents bought a bunch of pottery and some other things to go with their heaping sack of veg. The two girls went off on their own and I’m not sure what they got. I know they spent quite a while in the antique booth. They can’t get enough antiques. We all met up at the truck shortly after to drop stuff off and then went back in to explore the other two buildings. I don’t think the girls found the livestock building. Not sure what there was to see on a Tuesday in there anyways.

After a short drive through of the village itself we moved on to the antique market. This one is much smaller than Woodstock but generally has some interesting stuff. I picked up a cigar box for some reason, something for Booj and eventually circled back to get a tiger painting. I didn’t take any pictures of the buys. Maybe later.

Mother found the fancy glass design the girls were hunting and bought the bowls as a birthday gift for the Irish Gal but let her have them now. They didn’t find too much else, some jewellry and other glass stuff. Big T found something he was looking for, actually I found it for him but he was very excited. He tried to buy another stupid car too but was able to restrain himself. There are only three long aisles here but you have to walk one twice to escape, that let to ninety minutes of exploring for me and the parents. The other two only took an extra forty five to finish today. We waited in the truck and enjoyed some fresh air and visiting.

We ripped home for lunch before enacting the afternoon’s plans. I made sandwiches for everyone and they warmed up some of the chinese leftovers to supplement. Chips were again added too. First move after eating was to bring the girls over to the antique store again so they could try and rewalk some of what they rushed through the day before. I figured they’d be a couple of hours. Both their phones were charged up for this round.

The rest of us went on a different side adventure again. This time we went up to the LCBO to get Mother a couple more drinks. She’d consumed all they brought for her already. The two of them ran off on their own while I grabbed a couple of bottles of whiskey and a six pack of beers I enjoy. I even spotted an attractive girl, they do exist in my town. We stopped at Winners on the way home for Mother to buy some sheets for the bed I use when visiting them. They’re talking about buying a new bed for down there too. I just suggested a new mattress that is higher than the foot board. They have a whole scheme to switch several beds around in the house. I waited in the truck. I put the windows down, and was nearly asleep when they came back. There was an electricity in the air, like a storm was coming but never did. Strange weather day all around.

When I got home I started prepping for the dinner tonight. I was cooking and making a uniquely Tugboat dish. I got potatoes cut up and on the boil and started cooking a heap of bacon. While I was doing that Big T asked if he could help with the boat and I showed him what I was doing with removing the foam and why. He said he’s work away at that. Mother went to try and have a nap after a weak sleep the night before. I was on the third pan of bacon when we got word from the girls that they would be ready just after four for pickup. Mother returned from her unsuccessful nap to take over the prep and Big T came back in drenched in sweat, that was gratifying for me. I’m glad it wasn’t just me that found that sweaty work. I got the girls after some traffic delays and we were back ahead of five. They spent some time reviewing their recent buys and overall what they got and why. I went about rolling out thawed pizza dough and assembling the filling of the Deuce Log. I made six of them but four in the first two batches (pictured). The sized and shapes varied widely based on my rolling. I used a liquor bottle again, despite heavy pressure all day to buy an antique rolling pin. I am holding out to buy one new, which I need to do now. They were skeptical when I told them this was in the plan but settled when we watched the video. Mother still calls it a doosh log but they worked out.

They weren’t as juicy as the first time and the dough was more floury one these but the taste was good and everyone lapped them up quickly. It filled them all up, as planned. I wanted a heavier meal to conk them out early so they’d get a solid sleep before their long journey home tomorrow. I’m considerate of my guests like that. It has worked several times at Dudes Weekends, heavy meal on Saturday so everyone gets a thick sleep and doesn’t have to drive home hungover. Party smarter, not harder. I made up two extra ones and put two balls of dough back in the freezer for next time. This way I’d have lunch or dinner for one of the upcoming days.

After supper the plan started to work. Big T fell asleep right after. We were just sitting around chatting while the two girls went up to rest, pack and shower. They didn’t want to have to do that stuff in the morning, rather preferring to sleep in.

Not long after they went for a walk and I stayed back to clean up. When they got back I put on the All-Star game for the Big T and put on a film in the basement for the females, The Little Things with Denzel. I went back up to watch the game with the T. I got another sermon about how I need to exercise and what I need to do. It’s the same thing everytime, as soon as it’s just him and I he goes on this same tirade. I don’t care for it and I don’t find it helpful. In fact, it makes me feel worse about myself and sets me back. I’m not good at sticking to it or finding the motivation or discipline to exercise regularly. I’d like to be that person but I’m not. I’ve tried many things and have had checkered success. This sermon I get from him never helps me. Eventually it was over and we were able to just watch baseball, have a beer and some chips. We only made it to the sixth inning before it was time for bed. The girls had dispersed previously, Mother to get ready for bed and the other two to finish the homework. They were into the beers a bit so hopefully a good mark comes back. It was around ten after ten when I turned off all the A/V devices and sent them to bed. Another full day of vacation in the books.