Celebrating

Sarah and Jett have been dating for one year.  They wanted to celebrate and we offered to be their transportation since one is too young to drive and the other is just learning how to.

The driver said that the taxi was leaving at 7:30 a.m. and we managed to make it into the vehicle close to that time.  We headed for the 401 and drove west.  As always, the highway was busy.  We parked in Whitby and got on the GO Train for the next part of the trip.

We arrived in Union Station (downtown Toronto) and made our way to Sarah’s first choice of the anniversary celebrations.  Ripley’s Aquarium did not disappoint.  It was busy but very interesting.  At one point we were all on a revolving sidewalk that took us through tunnels of fish over our heads.  

The colours of the fish were pretty nice.  

Sarah decided to crawl through another tunnel just because she could.

Next on the agenda, Jett wanted to go up the CN Tower.  Ron and I decided to sit that one out.  He had already done it before and for me to walk on a glass floor that high in the air was something I was willing to miss.

They enjoyed their experience.

After a little lunch, we all did the tour of the Scotia Bank Center.

Our tour guide explained the history of the Leafs and Raptors and the background of the building.  There were lots of renovations going on.  The moment that Sarah had been waiting for almost brought her tears.  She sat in the spot where Mitch Marner use to sit.  

There wasn’t a shirt hanging there anymore.  Thankfully there were still some of our faves still there.

We went back to the Go train and headed east.  We found our way to our car and pointed it towards home.  We stopped in Belleville for supper and then arrived in Tamworth just as it was getting dark.

It was a full day of celebration.  Jett informed us that next year he would be driving.  I think that means that we won’t be invited. 

Just A Summer Day

The weather was perfect. The lake was calling and the only problem that we had was that we needed to wake Sarah up.  We went about our morning routine hoping for her to appear and then a magical thing happened.  The neighborhood cat, which happens to be called Penny, appeared on our deck.  She meowed loudly, looking for some attention.  That was just what we needed…we let Sarah know that Penny was at the deck door.  That’s all it took and she was up.  Penny stayed around long enough to be treated to some cream and then she went on her way to the next neighbour.

Mission accomplished, the girl was up.  Lunch was packed, the kayak and paddle board loaded and everyone hopped in the truck.

We found a spot on the beach and went for a swim and a paddle and enjoyed some chair time.

Lunch was breakfast…bacon, eggs and homemade english muffins.  We walked to the little store for some treats and then went for another paddle.

After a relaxing few hours, we packed up and came home.

Jett and Ron went to play golf while Sarah planned the next day’s events.  

I just worked hard to try and stay awake until 9:00.  Final visitor of the day..Penny.

And with that…Good Night!

Happy Canada Day!

Sarah asked me, “Why do you get so excited about these things?”  The thing right then was the parade.  I looked around and said something like, “I like to celebrate and it’s fun seeing so many people in the community.”  I do enjoy seeing what is happening and taking part in the things that interest me.  

We started the day off at the fire hall for their pancake breakfast.  We got a few steps walking there and it was already starting to get warm.  

After breakfast, we sat on the back deck and watched the soap box races.  Race might be a little bit of an exaggeration for this competition.  The goal seemed to be more of trying to reach the finish line without wrecking the course or running into your opponent.  Some were a little faster than others or perhaps I should say, some were not as slow.  Anyway, the point was to have fun and it seemed like the kids and adults did.  There were no major accidents and only a few off course “vehicles.”

Next up was the parade.  It was short and sweet.  It started and finished with a police vehicle.  In between were fire trucks, bikes, classic cars and a few other floats. Some candy was thrown, flags were flown and people smiled.  

Off to the ball field…games, music, vendors and food.  The sun was hot but still people looked happy.  Our new neighbour was there enjoying the Tamworth vibe.  He had just moved here from Toronto and he was liking Canada Day Tamworth style.

Our day was pretty full but still more to come.  Pam and Kevin came with a bag full of goodies.  We sat on the back deck around our fire.

We could hear the music playing at the ball field and then our conversation was interrupted by the first bang of the fireworks show.  We moved our party to the front of the house and enjoyed the show while the mosquitoes enjoyed us.

Each bang, sizzle or crackle kept our eyes focused on the skies.  A drone in the mix of the exploding lights caught our attention.  The pictures must be very interesting but it also made us wonder how close was too close.  

The grand finale came with a burst of colour and loud noises and then the cheers and applause were heard.

It was a really nice day.  I am proud to be Canadian and I’m proud to be living in a little community that knows how to celebrate.  Our only complaint for the day was that the pancake breakfast did not use real maple syrup.  Think about it!  The Canadian flag 🇨🇦 has a maple leaf in the center.  A maple leaf comes from a maple tree.  A maple tree produces sap which is boiled down to make maple syrup….so on Canada Day pancakes should be served with maple syrup.  Just saying!

Goals!

The strawberry season has been cut short in the area due to the extreme heat.  My goal was to get one more batch of jam made so Ron and I headed to the berry patch first thing this morning.  We were in the line waiting for it to open.  When the gate opened, we parked and grabbed our two baskets and jumped on the wagon.

From our view, the berries looked good.  When we actually got picking, it made me a little sad.  There were so many berries but most of them rotten because of the heat.  We worked our way down the rows and managed to fill our two baskets.  

This made it so that we had enough for one more batch of jam and lots to eat.

I made a dessert thanks to Kylie sharing her recipe with me.  Sooo good!

In the evening, we took a little motorcycle ride into Napanee to pick up a few groceries in case we have a camp fire tomorrow evening.  We have a great place to watch the Canada Day fireworks and a s’more is an excellent treat while you wait for the first explosion.

Hopefully, we will be sitting around the fire tomorrow night, if the mosquitoes leave us alone and the weather cooperates!

I had another goal besides making jam.  I wanted to have 2,000,000 steps for the year so far by the end of June .  I had to work hard to achieve and I did it!

It’s good to have goals…next goal, new running shoes!

Biking Friends and Birthday Celebrations

Yesterday the day started with a coffee on the porch with cloudy skies.  Later in the morning, the skies opened up and we got a downpour and then the sun came out.  It wasn’t long and the roads were dry and the temperature was up.  We headed into Napanee on the motorcycle.  Our old friends had just purchased a  spyder motorcycle and we decided to go for a ride. Ron led the way.

There are so many nice motorcycle roads around here but nothing beats the road to Westport.  We had a break at the beach.  Ron even went for a swim.  The breeze off of the lake was so nice.

After feeling refreshed, we continued towards home.  We stopped at a butcher and picked up steaks for supper.  We had a simple dinner and enjoyed some visiting. 

One of the nice things about moving back to Ontario is reconnecting with old friends and feeling like we haven’t been gone.

It was a beautiful way to spend the day.

Today, we are off to church but even before I get out of bed I need to say Happy Birthday to Denise!  

Happy birthday girl.  I hope you get spoiled!!

A Day To Smile

Today was another day on the road.  Ron and I left early for Ottawa and Sarah had a sister date in Kingston.  Abby and Sarah had lunch at the mall and then shopped.  She sent me this beautiful picture and it kept me smiling all day.

Our trip to Ottawa was to an endocrinologist.  A few years ago I didn’t know what that word meant, let alone be able to spell it.  It was through a long, frustrating trail of doctors that I found the endocrinologist in Calgary that saved my life.  Prior to this wonderful lady, I had been to a doctor that didn’t want to talk about the choking feeling that I had in my neck.  I went to a specialist who told me “that you can’t blame all your problems on your thyroid” and a second opinion doctor, who told me “to go and have a nice life.”  Dr. Adjala, from the LMC clinic in Calgary took my concerns seriously.  She did ultrasounds and then biopsies and told me that I had thyroid cancer.  My body knew that something was wrong but I had to find the right doctor to diagnose it.  I was referred to a surgeon and shortly after my thyroid and some lymph nodes were removed.  

I had regular check ups in Calgary to make sure that the cancer didn’t return and that I was on the right meds to regulate my body now that the thyroid was no longer there to do its job.  When we were moving to Ontario, I was concerned.  I still needed to have regular check ups and knew that I wouldn’t have a doctor right away.  My wonderful Calgary doc referred me to an LMC clinic in Ottawa.  I met this doctor last year and she worked throughout this past year to make sure that I was on the right medication.  Today, I had an in person appointment.  She was happy with the bloodwork and felt that finally we had the right dosage.  She said that she wouldn’t need to see me again and could release me to my family doctor.  Seven years post cancer and I’m good to go!  The smile that I had from seeing Sarah and Abby together grew a little bigger.

Time to Pause

After a few days of extreme heat and an exhausting day yesterday, I slumped in the chair with my coffee.  I didn’t even make it out to the porch this morning.  We have another appointment filled day and Ron wanted to get the grass cut before the rain comes.  I picked up my iPad and went to our emails.  I like to read the devotional that comes there every morning.  I wanted to grasp a new truth that God would give me to face the day.  Life has been busy and hard and we know that we aren’t alone.  Looking around we see families with problems, couples hurting from cancer diagnosis, grieving people…and so, what would today’s message for me be?

“Is your soul feeling empty or running low on joy today? Take some time to pause. Sit and stare at the radiant beauties of the Lord, and allow Him — all of who He is — to freshen and fill your soul.” From Proverbs 31 Ministries

Well, I think He nailed it.  I am feeling like I am running on empty.  So this morning I took a pause.  I am thankful for the coffee that Ron prepared for me and I am enjoying every sip as I put my thoughts down this morning.  We have to get ready to go soon but what better way to enjoy “the radiant beauties of the Lord” but to post a few good memories.

These two are what keep me going most days…yes, they like their meals made and laundry done 🫣 but it’s much more than that!  When one little turtle needs saving on a hot road, they jump into action.

Whether I need a sounding board, a good laugh or a new plan to be heard, this is where I call.  Spending time with these two is like a restart.  

My country cousins have become such great friends.  Adventures, music, games and lots of laughter!

I am so thankful to be living in the “Land of Lakes” region.  There is nothing more soothing than the calm waters.

And then there is Bon Echo…my happy place.  Yes, I have a few Happy Places but this one is packed full of good memories, great scenery and a wonderful beach.

I could go on and on but the time is slipping away.  I need to grab my second cup of coffee and get ready to go.  I haven’t had time to fully mention the many places that we have lived, the wonderful friends we have made, the great church family and the list continues…I guess that is all for another day when I need to sit and pause and know that life has a lot of good things.