My First Year Driving My Prius Prime – Edward III; Long May He Reign!

On June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Home Improvement, Roadtripping44 Comments

On May 25th, 2018 I picked up my 3rd version of “Edward the Sparkly Prius“. This one is a plug-in Hybrid, meaning it can be charged via an electrical outlet and also uses gas as fuel.

The shiny new Edward the Third. Long may He reign.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise then, that I love Priuses (Priuii?) and the (non) colour Blizzard White, and Toyota products in general. (Before my current Prius phase, I was a Matrix gal). I already benefited from good gas mileage with my other Edwards (I and II). With Edward II, I was refueling about every 10 days or so at an average cost of $90 per month (Canadian fuel prices were higher then: 2017/2018). Not bad, right?

Well, I hadn’t seen anything yet! My perception of “not bad” changed with Edward III (long may he reign!). Eddie came to me in May 2018 with a full tank of gas. My first fill up was at the end of July (!). Then the one after that wasn’t until November (!!!). Then I filled up again in December, then in February; and the most recent time I had cause to visit the pumps was back on March 30, over 8 weeks ago. I still have just over 1/2 tank of that fill. For a grand total of $155.47 for a year’s worth of fuel purchases. I drove a little over 13.5 thousand kilometres in that time span.

I couldn’t tell anyone what gas costs right now. I’m only aware of gas prices going up/down when I see long line-ups at the pumps. When Edward is down to 1/4 tank, I just go fill him up. The price of gas no longer holds sway over me.

I had to install an outdoor electrical outlet (just a regular one, not the more expensive, faster “charging station”), to feed Edward. That set me back a few hundred bucks, for an electrician. I haven’t seen a discernible difference in my electrical bills, although I was told at the dealership each full charge could cost $1. I program Eddie to only charge when the electricity is cheapest, so I can plug him in at 5 pm and know he won’t start drawing power until after 7 pm on a weekday. It takes 5.5 hours to fully charge Edward using the regular outlet.

My range, using electricity only, varies depending on the temperature. In the winter the lowest it dipped down to was 35 km on a full charge. As of this morning (June 5), I am up to 54 km per charge. Most days in the warm weather I can do all the running around to work and back, and any daily errands on a single overnight charge. In the winter I did find the gas engine had to kick in for the last few kilometres, in order to get me home every day. (I know; cue the world’s smallest, saddest violin…) I use the gas engine mostly only on extended, weekend drives.

Edward, in his royal benevolence, is teaching me to be a ~~better~~ more fuel efficient driver. Through positive reinforcement such as this;

And this:

Edward approves of not blasting the A/C in the summer time.

I am very happy with my new Edward. I do have to remember that he makes about as much noise as an electric golf cart when in EV (electric vehicle) mode (which is all the time, most days), and that pedestrians and cyclists won’t necessarily hear his approach. Or departure.

Last summer, at the KW Bluesfest, I surprised the slightly inebriated woman leaning on the vehicle parked beside me when Edward began to silently pull out of the parking spot. Her disorientation, double-take, and clutching of the vehicle behind her for support was priceless.

I think this type of vehicle (hybrid or all-electric) is the future. Until we can teleport ourselves à la Star Trek, that is. 😉

Would you/do you drive an electric car?

Rock on,

The WB

The Changing Seasons: April 2019 The Search for Spring

On May 6, 2019May 6, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Good Times, Roadtripping, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors43 Comments

Well here I am with my Monday night Game of Thrones lack-of-sleep hangover, trying desperately to get my April post out before much more of May gets away from me…

In retrospect, April in Ontario was pretty meh with respect to the nicer aspects of spring. It remained cold and grey for most of the month. So it was a relief mid-month to head south to Augusta, Georgia for a few days of spring (and a couple of days of summer-like temps) before coming home to yet more chilly rain.

Here are some photos, that capture my month:

Start of Mandala painting Apr 4. Starved for colour and spring isn’t coming across with the goods!

Apr 6 Attended the Lineup Reveal concert for August’s KW Bluesfest. Lucky Peterson performed.

Apr 7 Another sign of spring: first frog sighting!

Apr 10 Daffodils spotted in Pennsylvania. Enroute to Augusta.

Apr 12 Our home for the weekend, outside of Augusta. From spring to 30 degrees C!

Apr 13 & 14 at the Masters. I didn’t take this picture as cameras weren’t allowed on tournament days. Someone snapped it on one of the practice days.

Apr 21 Speed River flooding just off the trail I walk. Some areas of Ontario were very hard hit by flooding.

Apr 21 Colt’s Foot blooming in dry areas.

Apr 28 65th birthday party for my BIL at Lionhead Golf Course. It was a surprise party, and it was my job to get him to the course under pretext. I did a great job – he was completely stunned to find out it was his birthday party and that I actually didn’t need his help in planning a corporate golf tournament – but it tore me up inside. I don’t like deceiving people, even for happy reasons, I have discovered.

Apr 28 My BIL (in blue) making the rounds of his party. Note the media screens. There were 4 in total. I gave a slideshow of our trip to Augusta.

Apr 30 Progress made on mandala painting

For some reason, WordPress is cutting off some of my photos. Or is it? On some devices I can see the entire photo, and on some they remain cut off. This is aggravating as I do spend some time cropping my photos to enhance them, and then to have them further cropped…well, colour me pissed. I don’t know what I am doing or not doing to cause this to happen. Argh!

Anywho, that was my April. The Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge hosted by the ever lovely Zimmerbitch. Please check out her blog and the other bloggers who participate!

Rock on,

The WB

Augusta or Bust-a: Mission Accomplished

On April 21, 2019April 21, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Badassery, Good Times, Roadtripping32 Comments

When last I left off, gentle readers, I was planning to take a portion of my dead husband’s ashes down with me to Augusta, to scatter them on the hallowed grounds of the golf course there, during the 2019 Masters event.

Well, I am happy to report that my mission was accomplished with no drama. Kinda anticlimactic, really.

Not only did I NOT get dragged off the course in ignominy, but my own people didn’t realize what I had done. Even though I made a point of making eye contact with them while I was doing it. I was amazed when I was asked – safely back at the hospitality suite – did I do what I set out to do?
Perhaps I need to go into the spy business. I seem to be (too) good at covert operations.

I scattered some of JD at 2 different locations, during the 2 days we spent at the tournament. Saturday was at the Amen Corner; Sunday was near the pond on Hole 16 – another pretty spot. Do I feel guilty about doing so? Not one bit. I am sure I am not the first, nor will I be the last to do so. Plus, the tablespoon of cremains I deposited is nothing compared to the amount of cigar ash deposited on the grounds daily, based on my observations.

As I mentioned in my previous post, no electronics were allowed on the course during the final days of the tournament so I don’t have any pictures to share…yet! I did get sent some pictures taken by someone who was on the course on the practice round days, when photography was allowed. I’ll post those after first debuting them in a slideshow at a special event I will be attending next week.

These (and accompanying verbiage) will probably make up the most of my upcoming Changing Seasons post for April.

Rock on,

The WB

Augusta or Bust-a

On April 9, 2019April 9, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Good Times, Roadtripping41 Comments

Tomorrow I am leaving for Augusta, Georgia, to attend the Masters Tournament being played there on the weekend.

Some of you may be wondering how I ended up in this delightful situation, not being a golfer (or rabid golf fan) and all that.
Well, wonder no more! Get yourself comfortable as the Widow Badass tells all…

My late husband came from a family BIG on golf. I mean seriously addicted to the game. JD started golfing when he was 4 years old, with his dad, who LIVED for golf. Big Daddy D often held down multiple jobs at once to provide for his family but Sunday morning golf with his JD was sacred. Even when everyone else had packed it in for the season, Daddy D and JD would be out there, using coloured balls so they could be seen despite the snow dusting the course.

So golf was a big part of JD’s life and he became very good at it. So good, that at one point Daddy D’s golfing buddies asked him not to bring JD because they were tired of getting their asses severely beat by the young lad – every time. So Daddy D told his golfing buddies to take a hike. As one does…

Anywho, life happened to JD as it does to us all and instead of pursuing life as a golf prodigy, he went into accounting, got married, got divorced, blah blah blah.

Then we (former elementary and high school-mates) got reunited and JD introduced me to the enjoyable yet exasperating game of golf.

Long story short, JD came to an turning point in his career and I suggested he finally realize his golf dream and become a teaching pro. So he did – he was into his apprenticeship when he got lung cancer and passed away. I put away my golf gear – such as it was; I was more of a caddy for JD than an actual player myself. The game held too many memories and associated emotions for me, both good and bad. The onslaught of those while playing the game are still too much to bear.

Back to today: JD’s sister (B) and her husband (M) are also fans of the game and have been putting their names into a draw for spectator tickets to the Masters for about a decade now. Last summer their names were finally drawn and they purchased a package including 4 tickets for Saturday and Sunday. If JD were alive, he would have been the one going but since he is not, I was invited to take his place. So B, M, me and M Jr. are heading down to Augusta. B, M and me will be going by car; M Jr. is taking a plane, to minimize his days off work.

I have never been to a major tournament like this. It’s pretty damn rules-y, that much I can tell you. There is a dress code (no jeans, no short-shorts, basically dress as if you were playing); there will be no electronics allowed (cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, watches that can accept phone calls); there is absolutely no running allowed; no food or drink allowed; no noise at all when the volunteers hold up the Quiet sign; etc. etc. Happy Gilmore, it won’t be!

I’ve decided to pack a bit of JD, to bring along with me. So I opened up his urn (on my dresser still, along with the cremains of my dog Lucy and my mom – quite the collection!), and scooped a tablespoon of his ashes into a little plastic container. I plan to sprinkle him somewhere on the grounds. Not sure where yet. When I see it, I’ll know it. I didn’t read anywhere in the rules about “no sprinkling of human remains on the grounds of Augusta National” so I’m going for it. After all, it’s basically bone meal fertilizer, right? Wish me luck.

Rock on,

The WB

Exploring Vancouver Island – Part 2: Tofino

On February 10, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Good Times, Roadtripping, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors19 Comments

On my last full day on Vancouver Island, the three of us (Mizz J, K and I) got up early and hit the road to Tofino!

We stopped along the way at a picturesque mountain lake.

Tofino straddles the tip of a peninsula on the west coast of the Island. One side is quiet inlet.

And the other side is a paradise for surfers.

The surf at Chesterman Beach. Yes, there were many surfers in the water (2 in this photo) on Groundhog Day, February 2.

Admiring the view and soaking up the sun.

One of the many pretty shells to be found on the beach.

Both sides of Tofino are beautiful and cool.

We drove downtown and parked near this place as we just had to see what it was all about.

A large gallery featuring the works of native artist Roy Henry Vickers. Loved his stuff. Someday I will be back and buy a print or twelve… 🙂

We also visited a series of stores, surf-related shops, and restaurants inside and just outside of the downtown. And there were flowers blooming outside! On Groundhog Day!!!

I loved the signage of this coffee shop:

I had a London Fog here and it was so. damn. good.

The wildlife at the Wildfire Grill were very assertive. The restaurant had signs up, warning people of crow thievery. They just came for us. With their buddies. (OK, so we encouraged them. Because of the novelty. We’re just the kind of people that like birds landing on our picnic table and staring at us.) Like a scene from The Birds. 🙂

We also did a short walk on the Tonquin Trail, that led to another beach.

As the day drew to a close we visited another beach – Long Beach.

And so ended our last day together (for a while). It was a glorious one, filled with sun, surf, art and togetherness.

I know I’ll be back soon for another visit.

Rock on,

The WB

Exploring Vancouver Island – Part 1: Bowser/Qualicum/Parksville Area

On February 7, 2019 By Widow BadassIn Good Times, Roadtripping, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors28 Comments

Vancouver Island is such a beautiful, magical place. I’m going to let the pictures do the talking, mostly.

It is filled with lovely souls – such as Donna, from Retirement Reflections who generously filled me in on the Island’s wonders.

Always a treat to meet bloggers you follow in real life!

Donna and her charming husband Richard also took the time to show me a lovely walking trail between Qualicum Beach and Bowser area.

A very accessible trail designed to accommodate as many community members as possible.

One of 1,000s. A gorgeous tree on this trail.

And Donna lent me some great books to read up on Vancouver Island fun attractions, facts and figures!

I learned a lot about the history and attractions of the Island from these!

On Mizz J’s day off work, we hit the road to do some exploring.

First up: Little Qualicum Cheeseworks at Morningstar Farm. A “dairy/berry” farm, and a delight for agri-tourists, like us!

Helpful signs everywhere explaining how the farm works for us non-farmers.

Robot pushing the feed closer to the hungry cows.

Miss Thing from the maternity pen also says hi.

Potted flowers blooming outside farm store entrance. Complete with painted mandala stone. This is February 1, people! In Canada!!!

Lovely treats brought home from the farm store.

Next up was a visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Thanks to Donna, for telling me about this place!

It was tough to get a good shot of the many birds housed there (including eagles, hawks, and ravens) through the wire mesh of their enclosures. So here’s a resident turkey, for your viewing pleasure. 🙂

There was also a garden area, showcasing native (and some non-native) plants to be found on the Island. Seen here: oregon grape, heather, and kinnick-kinnick.

After a delightful visit, it was on to the next: Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville.

We were delighted to come across many bunnies on our way to the beach. They let us get quite close.

As with most places on the Island, we were in awe of the beautiful, giant trees.

After such an attraction-packed day, it was time to head back to Mizz J’s for a well-deserved soak in the hot tub.

Next stop: Tofino! Stay tuned.

Rock on,

The WB

Closed Due to Illness

On July 8, 2018 By Widow BadassIn Roadtripping, See the Beauty, The Great Outdoors24 Comments

Ye Olde Blogge is temporarily closed due to the sudden onset of Beach Day, brought on by the unbelievably good weekend weather.

sun shelter and beach chair — This is the only known cure.

Rock on,

The WB

R is for Road Trippin’ #AtoZChallenge

On April 20, 2018 By Widow BadassIn A2Z Challenge Post, Goals & Dreams, Good Times, Retirement, Roadtripping23 Comments

In the summer, I like to hit the road. Whether for a few hours, a day, or a weekend – the long, temperate days and good driving conditions make it a joy to range further afield.

I have plans for taking much longer road trips, once I am retired. I wrote about that here (during last year’s A-Z Challenge), and also here.

I am still thinking about this almost daily and flip-flopping between a trailer to pull behind me or a small RV (when I am not calculating how many nights’ stay in motel rooms would come close to the cost of either of these options – even second-hand). 😉

I am fortunate that my home is zoned commercial/residential, which means I can park a trailer or RV year-round on my property, even though I am in town – I checked with the by-law officer a few years ago.

My fantasy rig has me road tripping in full-on glamping style:

And the exterior looks something like this, on my fantasy trailer.

So far my pros and cons list for each type looks something like this:

Small trailer Pros

Roomier
Can leave at campsite while using vehicle to explore surrounding area
Better for extended stays somewhere

Small trailer Cons

Have to learn to tow
Entering/leaving my driveway will be difficult (incline, and on busy street)
Need bigger vehicle than I currently own, in order to tow even the tiniest trailer

Camping Van Pros

Can fit in regular parking space
Easier to drive and manoeuvre
Better for trips in which only planning to stay 1-2 nights max in each place
Can rent one to try out before I buy

Camping Van Cons

Now I have to own and maintain 2 motor vehicles
Have to pack up the campsite every time I need to go to town or do some local exploring
Less space to move around in

I’m currently leaning towards the camping van, as I envision my first few years of road trips will be more driving around than staying in one place. Perhaps I could pack a bike or an electric scooter, for local exploring.

No matter what I decide upon, once I am retired I can chase summer year-round….Canadian road-tripping in the summer, and heading south of the border in the winter.

What about you? Is road-tripping your thing too? Any thoughts or advice to share? What would you choose – a trailer or an RV?

Rock on,

The WB

Can you guess my theme for this year’s A-Z Challenge? All of my A-Z posts this month will be tied into my theme, which is represented by the title of a song that was popular when I was a child. Can you figure it out as the days (and posts) go by? Leave your guesses (one per day only, please) in the comments. At the end of the challenge, I will reveal the theme. Have fun!

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The Trip after THE TRIP: To the Hyde Collection

On March 11, 2018March 11, 2018 By Widow BadassIn Artistic Endeavours, Good Times, Roadtripping, See the Beauty9 Comments

Just before leaving for Barbados, I learned that a museum in upstate New York was hosting an exhibition of Alphonse Mucha’s works, until March 18. So I knew I had to work in a trip shortly after returning home. I asked my intrepid beach travel buddy, Mizz CJ, if she was interested in accompanying me, and got an affirmative once I mentioned the art museum was in the Hyde family home. I didn’t even have to mention the world class collection of art – I had her at “historic home”, apparently.

So, off I hop onto the interwebs, to find us accommodations:

Package offered at the Queensbury Hotel, in Glen Falls. Also: historic AF. Win-win.

After a scant week of work, I was off again for another 2 days – this time driving to Glens Falls, NY.

The weather gods were with us on this trip – no snow, sunny, clear dry streets and highways, and above freezing. We got to the hotel in time for happy hour.

House red in Fenimore’s Pub at the Queensbury – delicious. The hanger steak with parmesan frites I ordered from the pub wasn’t too shabby either!

Our room was newly renovated and overlooked the park. We really enjoyed our stay at the Queensbury and would come back.

Night view from our room. Pardon the reflection.

After a scrumptious breakfast the next morning (the pork sausage with sage – to die for), we made it to the Hyde Collection, nearby.

Entrance via the Education Wing and Exhibition space, attached to the former Hyde home.

I loved seeing the full sized Mucha posters, as they would have hung on the exterior walls in Paris, advertising Sarah Bernhardt’s latest plays. There were also some creatively framed pieces, and actual paintings and sketches, showing the range of Mucha’s talent.

The house itself was lovely and the art collection of the previous owners was displayed with their furnishings. And what a collection: Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso, Degas, Renoir, Botticelli, El Greco, Seurat, Whistler, Homer…and they are still adding to it, with modern and contemporary artists.

The house is on an estate, along with 2 other homes that belonged to Mrs. Hyde’s sisters’ families. The plan is to eventually open all 3 homes up to the public and restore the gardens.

Behind the house still exists the original source of the family’s wealth – the pulp and paper mill.

Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures inside, but I did pick up a book on Mucha before we left to head home through the Adirondacks.

Lovely museum. I would definitely go back to it, and Glens Falls and surrounding area.

Now I am home to stay for a while, and settling back into domesticity. I used the self-clean feature on my oven for the first time ever today.

That white stuff is the ash left over after the oven cleaned itself.

I’ve never had a self-cleaning oven before. I am used to cleaning my oven the old-fashioned way – by moving to a new house and leaving the dirty one behind. 😉

I like this new way.

Rock on,

The WB