Ahhh...The Cottage Life!

It's been a long two years....

2022-10-11T19:54:00.001-04:00

Time passes by, seasons change, people change. I find it harder each year to deal with life changes. Kind of wish things could stand still for awhile,perhaps let me catch up.

I caught Covid in May 2020, just in time for my birthday. Was hospitalized for awhile and took weeks before I was functioning again. Ended up with long Covid, lung problems and dizziness but I am coping and continuing to work through it all. Just ended working for my son's company as an embroiderist, which I learned over the last few years. Figuring out my next moves.😁

Fall has always been bitter sweet

to me as the cold weather moves in but the landscapes are vibrant with colour and warmth! It is an end to growth, a wisp of a promise for a long sleep before renewal in the spring.

Winter's are getting longer I find. Spring coming later than usual. Almost as if the seasons have shifted a month ahead.

River has been a good companion even though he has his own problems to deal with. At only 4 years he is going blind. Finding it harder to navigate but still enjoying his walks. I adore him!

He prefers the cooler weather but hates rainy days. Snow and cold don't stop him though. They definitely slow me down!

Show me some pics of your areas at this time of year. I would love to see them👍

Fall is my second favorite month

2019-10-07T20:34:00.003-04:00

I do enjoy the cooler temps and love the colour but it also brings the realization that winter is just a few short weeks away. I dont care for winter. I wouldn't want to live where there was no winter as I do love the look and smell of a fresh snow, but I dislike the heating costs, the slippery roads and the early dark skies!

As I walk amongst the colour changes, I have memories of falls of the past . When the kids where kids, not the adults they have become, canine family members from the past and feline ones too! Even earlier memories. Bits of my own childhood come to mind. I remember getting home after school as fast as we could so we could still enjoy the soon to be gone daylight. Coming home to a hot chocolate and pumpkin pie for after dinner desert!

Walking into town on Saturdays and the smell of burning leaves at the ends of the driveways. Finding chestnuts to make knockers out of . Wearing the lumber jackets as the air was cool in the evenings...and the smell of that first frost!

Did you know Sumac can be eaten or jellied/jammed, cooked with chicken.? I didn't!

I haven't tried it yet. Its on the bucket list lol

I stopped at the edge of town today at a spot I know always has nice colour. A small part of the Credit River. The river became known as Missinnihe Eastern Ojibway: "trusting creek") to the Mississaguas First Nation who met annually with white traders there.

The origins of the English name come from the time when French fur traders supplied goods to the native people in advance (on credit) against furs which would be delivered the following spring. It was known as the Rivière au Crédit. The trading post was set up at the mouth of the river, in Port Credit in the early 18th century.

Of course what is a walk, with out my pup River

As the sun sets on another day....until next time, adieu!

uio

Sky Watch Friday, Weekend Reflections

2019-10-04T20:14:00.000-04:00

So many great skies from around the world ! Go check them out :)

Sky Watch Friday

This a beautiful time of year. My walks are getting cooler.

Colour is changing, gorgeous fall skies!
\

Reflections have always been my favorites!Go check out Weekend Reflections :https://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Dominion Park

2019-09-29T14:05:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite walking areas is Dominion Park in Georgetown.

A lovely pond alive with fish and waterfowl.

The ducks come up to you so I know people have been feeding them.

I hope those people are smart enough to know not to feed bread!

Sunny day reflections!

Loaded with all kinds of flowers, trees and shrubs.

Formal gardens and delightful walkways.

A large gazebo to get out of rain or sun.

Even at night it is lovely!

Well lit in all the areas.

Lots of people around in the evenings.

Sky Watch Friday

2019-09-27T19:12:00.001-04:00

A beautiful sunset for Sky watch Friday! Go check out skies from around the world: http://skyley.blogspot.com/

2019-09-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

Weekend Reflections

A lovely inter- town pond in a wonderful park, Dominion Gardens. What could be nicer than a walk around the pond.

Go check out all the other great posts at:

https://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/

2019-09-27T13:50:00.002-04:00

Fairy Lake, Acton, Ontario

I have been walking everyday now since I got my rescue dog River. He is getting better every day on his walks and socializing at the dog park. As an added bonus it is also helping me, along with a low carb lifestyle, to lose weight! Bonus. Last night found us up in the park in Acton Ontario at Fairy Lake . A lively park with a dog park and people park. Lots of room to walk and enjoy being by the lake.

I find being around water relaxes me so much. It definitely has a calming effect. In spots around the lake are these grasses, Miscanthus sinensis I believe. An invasive species actually from Asia.

We found a cool little nook on our walk. Some ancient trees here.

A nice place in the shade to take a break. Leading into the park is this gate and a long path filled with wild flowers.

Large baseball and soccer fields are at the park and a good walk way around all.

The pup sure enjoys it here!

Firefighters Firefit Competitions National and Worlds

2019-09-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

My sons company and my new job, Fireground Apparel, had the privilege of being at the Oshawa National and World Fire Fit competitions recently. Great location, fun to set up!

Fireground.ca

We were printing tees right onsite with our fantastic ElastX product. Better than silk screen, better than DTG, super stretchy and no cracking. The customers were able to choose from a large selection of transfers for front and back. (End of sales pitch lol)

The competitions were absolutely incredible with world record times being broken! A thrill to watch.

Staring point

End of the race.

Many great vendors and information booths there!

Check out the children's version of eh challenge!

https:///oshawafirefit/videos/2397498500366084/

River- Rescue Dog

2019-09-22T12:22:00.002-04:00

River

I have been away from my blog for a very long time. I just was too busy with life and little down time. I am thinking of starting again, slowly, and will be posting weekly. I look forward to seeing all the new bloggers and touching base with some from before.

Dog rescues are so important and we have tried to rescue when we can. Our newest addition is River. We got him in June and he is settling in nicely. He is a challenge. I think his previous life wasn't very nice. He is from West Virginia, brought to Canada for adoption. He is a mix and we are not entirely sure what is in there LOL. He is definitely a hound. There is not an evening that goes by that he doesn't get his howl on. He is super pleased if we howl with him and gets a big 'ol smile on his face when we do.

We quickly grew to love him, and he is growing very attached to us as well. Anyone else have a rescue? Post pictures in the comments of your beautiful rescues :)

Tour of Italy ~ Resumed: Through Switzerland First

2014-10-18T12:41:00.000-04:00

After our train ride through the mountains there were still many tunnels to go through to get to the other side of Switzerland.

This one was not too long but some of them were several minutes traveling under the mountain.

When we got off the train there was this really coll old bridge we had just gone over and a very pretty little stream running down the mountain.

Heading down the mountain. Village below. There were hair pin curves all the way down and you needed to pretty much ride the brakes as the road was so steep.

A gorgeous valley at the bottom of the road in between the mountains.

One of those turns I was mentioning!

We stopped for coffee in the village. It was quaint and beautiful and had a river running right through it. Probably the tributary started up were we were. Look at the colour. It was full of sediment picked up from it's trip down the mountain. It was flowing fast and looked cold!

You can see the rapids right ion town There were really nice walkway bridges every 50 ft or so in the town.

Leaving the town and driving through the mountains and valley to get to......

Yes! Another train through the mountains. This was so worth it. Cut off many miles of travel and
was really fun!

So many orchards are starting to sprout up and beautiful farms in the valleys.

This is the front window view of the first place we stayed in Switzerland close to the border.A little apartment my friend had found to rent for the night.

This is the view on the other side.The Swiss Mountains were mind blowing. I could sit and stare at them for hours!

Look closely. I was surprised to see the cows are walking over the bridge to get to the other side of the farm. Almost missed the pick as I was watching.

Some cranes seem to be enjoying the view of the fantastic mountains with me.

Look at that waterfalls! Can you imagine the sound?

I love this picture. It looks really Swiss to me, Majestic mountains and Swiss Chalets.

Next post we get to Italy. Venice to be precise! Stay tuned for more!

Weekend Reflections

2014-10-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Reflections....

There is nothing I like better than the Autumn reflections when the leaves are in colour! Hiking is a favorite past time in October.

Although, green reflections are nice too!

Linking to Weekend Reflections. Go see what others came up with!

Credit River~ Fall Foliage~ SkyWatch Friday~ Scenic Weekend

2014-10-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

I have been sad as I missed getting up to the cottage for all the gorgeous fall colours but there is some beautiful colour happening all around my town as well. I stopped in at a local very old small cemetery that has a fantastic view of a valley and the Town of Glen Williams.
This cross was at the very edge of the property where the fence had been broken down for many years and a well worn path led up to it.

The Credit River winds through this town making it even more beautiful.

Intense colour and a beautifully quiet view point.

In the cemetery I found an old but bountiful cross and grave marker.

This beautiful Angel was watching over the yard. She look so pensive!

Happy Autumn to all who are out there~!
Linking to Skywatch Friday.

Part one. Tour of Italy

2014-10-14T19:32:00.002-04:00

Went on a tour of Italy this summer by car from the Netherlands. My good friend did all the driving this time. A little touchy for me to drive in Italy but we paced ourselves so it was a lot of resting and site seeing in between drives.
First through the mountains in Switzerland...

For part of the journey we took the car on the train right through the mountain.You drive on, stay in the vehicle and it takes you through. Cuts off about 2 hours driving and tons of gas.

So dark inside. no lights unless you are at the front of the train. I took a photo with my flash and this is what it looks like in the mountain.There is a track on the other side and yes we were passed by a train going the other way. The ride is about 35 minutes.

Happy Thanksgiving in Canada!

2014-10-13T11:44:00.000-04:00

Busy day today. Family coming to Turkey dinner! Yes it is Thanksgiving in Canada. Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends.

And anyone else who want to celebrate!

An Autumn Walk in Rattlesnake Point

2014-10-12T19:29:00.000-04:00

It was a wonderful fall day and I went for a hike with my Granddaughters and my Son in the afternoon. We went up to Rattlesnake Point and although it was very busy with other walkers I still enjoyed the time with them.

It was about 13C just perfect for walking and as you see sunshine abounded! Lots of predator birds in the area. There was a whole family of Turkey Buzzards flying around.

We walked about 4 klm today but not in a hurry. A nice slow take your time and some pictures kind of hike.

Love an Autumn blue sky!

SkyWatch Friday -The Bruce Trail

2014-10-10T17:39:00.003-04:00

A walk on The Bruce Trail a couple of weeks back, just in behind the Scotsdale farm. There is a great 5klm walk I do there. Peaceful and always beautiful! The trails run for 800 kilometers of main trails and an additional 200km of side trails along the Niagara Escarpment between Niagara Falls and Tobermory.

Same day, about two hours later! Storms brewing. The Chipmunk is keeping an eye on it. It started to pour not long after this.

David Suzuki Blue Dot Tour

2014-10-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

I went to see the David Suzuki's Blue Dot Tour in Kitchener Ontario a couple of nights ago.The Blue Dot Tour is a movement to recognize every Canadian's right to live in a healthy environment. The right to clean water, fresh air, healthy food and a say in decisions that affect us. As spoken by David Suzuki him self:
"What's more important than the right to breathe fresh air, drink clean water and eat healthy food?"

The Blue Dot Tour, a cross country celebration featuring David Suzuki and a star-studded line up of Canadian performers, artists and leaders. The guests this night were:
Special guests:

Danny Michel
Jeremy Fisher
Edward Burtynsky
Joe MacInnis
Shane Koyczan
Whitehorse

When seven out of 10 provinces representing more than 50 per cent of the Canadian population have recognized our right to a healthy environment we turn toward the ultimate goal: amending the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

If you haven't already, go to the Blue Dot Tour site. Read a bout the plan and sign up to support the action!!
http://bluedot.ca/

Danny Michel is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer from Kitchener–Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Shane Koyczan is a Spoken Word Poet, Writer and Performer. He performed a poem written just for the Blue Dot Tour,a powerful poem called "Shoulders". See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An4a-_NjilY&list=UUKwpJb8i4HujUYCcHO29pAQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An4a-_NjilY&list=UUKwpJb8i4HujUYCcHO29pAQ

A great Canadian duo White Horse played a couple of songs as well. Wonderful on the guitar and voices were amazing.

Time to take a stand Canada! Time to ensure we have a say in our land and the decisions being made for it. Time to make our politicians listen and time to demand our right to a healthy environment!

Belfountain - A Winter Walk

2013-03-24T11:56:00.005-04:00

The records indicate that the Hamlet of Belfountain (Village) was first settled in 1825. As time passed, the Hamlet added a blacksmith, wagon shop, school, post office, church and a public water pump.The cold, spring-fed waters of the West Credit River provide ideal habitat and ample angling opportunities for brook and brown trout and other fish. Freshwater springs flow from the steep valley walls that enclose this tranquil oasis. Heavily treed woodlands of cedar, oak, maple and birch are alive with wildlife – songbirds, rabbits, flying squirrels, ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer.

Falls created by Charles Mack

Close to the picturesque village of Belfountain, this 8 ha site once belonged to Charles Mack, inventor of the cushion-back rubber stamp.   Mack and his wife Addie purchased the property in 1908, where he developed his version of a miniature Niagara Falls (above) and Yellowstone Cave (below).

The "Cave" below. There is a wonderful hearth in here. I can only imagine the fires it has held.

It started out as a dull cold day with flurries. By the time we got to Belfountain the weather had changed to a gorgeous sunny, mild day.

Suspension bridge over the Credit River

Mr. Mack had a suspension bridge built downstream from the dam (above) and created a fountain topped with a bell honouring the town(below). He also added stonewalls, footpaths, scenic lookouts and a guesthouse. The couple lived in a small house deep in the park.

I never tire of this wonderful spot. There wasn't another soul around. Just my granddaughter, her friend and I.

Magical!

SkyWatch Friday

2012-11-22T21:17:00.001-05:00

Just a couple of weeks ago the skies were blue and the colour was fantastic!

All the leaves are down now and we have been getting a lot of foggy mornings.

The forecast is snow for the weekend! Have a happy SkyWatch Friday!

Happy Halloween!

2012-10-31T11:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween

My Favourite Halloween Treat!

But... No adult treats until the kids are all home and safe! Don't Drink and Drive.

Watch out for the Kiddies!

Let's keep all the animals safe tonight. Keep them indoors!

(There will be lots of traffic on the roads)

Everyone enjoy a safe and Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween for Seniors

2012-10-29T08:03:00.005-04:00

Rules for Halloween for Seniors !

You know you are too old to Trick or Treat when:

10. You keep knocking on your own front door.

9. You remove your false teeth to change your appearance.

8. You ask for soft high fibre candy only.

7. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag,

you lose your balance and fall over.

6. People say...'Great Boris Karloff Mask,'
And you're not wearing a mask.
.

5. When the door opens you yell, 'Trick or...'

And you can't remember the rest.

4. By the end of the night,

you have a bag full of restraining orders.

3. You have to carefully choose a costume that

doesn't dislodge your hairpiece.

2. You're the only Power Ranger in the

neighborhood with a walker.

And the number one reason Seniors should not

Trick Or Treating...
*
*
*
1. You keep having to go home to pee.

No matter, have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN anyway...

Welcoming Autumn

2012-09-19T16:27:00.001-04:00

The days are noticeably shorter. The nights are cooler.On the first day of fall—the autumnal equinox—day and night are each about 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days after the autumnal equinox). The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west.

The barns have been filling up with hay, straw and the last of the corn to be harvested.

We start into our Autumn months on the weekend. Sneaks in on September 22, 10:49 A.M. EDT in North America. I am really sad to see the end of summer this year as I did not get to really enjoy it all.. Sigh! Too much work and no play. Here's hoping for a glorious, long and warm fall!!!

Praying Mantis-Ready to lay eggs.

2012-09-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

Found this little beauty on the garage. A female Praying Mantis with her belly swollen with eggs and in labour. You can see the thorax pulsing. Lots of little Praying Mantis for next year.

This is the back view. She seemed to be getting the sun. It has been cooler and it was wonderful in the sun.

These are great to help keep the mosquitoes and other bugs down. I encourage them to habitat.

Wind Power

2012-09-16T10:42:00.001-04:00

Every once in awhile I just go touring in the car, no where in particular. Just off to see new things. I am seeing many more of these popping up in the farmland area. On barns especially. Good for them!! A nice green way to supplement electricity. I like Wind turbines. I know there is a lot of controversy about them but since I have been on site for Safety compliance at both Wind turbine sites and Coal fire plants, I will tell you I will take wind turbines hands down!

I prefer these over...

These! Coal fired plants!

The Ontario government hopes to phase out all coal-fired plants by 2014, replacing that capacity with wind power and other clean energy sources.

"Ontario is on the edge of creating one of the greenest and cleanest electricity profiles anywhere in the world. Delivering on our government's key commitment to eliminate coal, along with the Green Energy Act, will cement Ontario as a leader in renewable energy and conservation. "

– George Smitherman
Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

The Nanticoke coal-fired electricity generating station on Lake Erie is Canada's single largest source of air pollution. This gigantic coal-fired power plant -- the largest in North America -- produces a toxic brew of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, lead, cancerous heavy metals and arsenic. (Nanticoke is owned by Ontario Power Generation -- formerly Ontario Hydro -- which, in turn, is 100% owned by the Government of Ontario.)

Cleaner sources of electricity:

Wind power -- zero air emissions
Solar photo voltaic -- zero air emissions
Hydro -- zero air emissions (can have other impacts)
Landfill gas/bio-gas (e.g. from municipal composting facility) -- varies depending on technology and source
Natural gas --The smog-causing sulphur dioxide emissions of a modern high-efficiency natural gas power plant are 99% less than those from existing coal-fired plants. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (also a source of smog) are 90% less and emissions of greenhouse gases are 60% less. Gas-fired plants emit no mercury, lead or heavy metals, all of which are emitted by coal-fired power plants.

Todays theme- Water

2012-09-15T11:17:00.000-04:00

Dark clouds rolling in to cover the sun and a a blue sky reflected in the water.

Can you see the Black Bird in the water?

Still lots of boats on the water at Belwood Lake. This is a man made lake and in the fall they open the dam and reduce the lake back to the river only. Belwood Lake was created in 1942 with the construction of the Shand Dam, the first dam in Canada built solely for water control and flood purposes. It is amazing how different this water body looks in the late fall and winter but Belwood, being a reservoir lake, does more of a transformation than any others I have seen. In the winter you can walk out on the very shores that are normally well under water.

Here is hoping you all have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend!!