Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

Posted on October 12, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…the prep started last Wednesday

I don’t normally work on Wednesdays anymore but we were shorthanded so I went to the Inn to help out.

Wednesday is the day we make the sourdough bread and some specialty breads. The day before we prepped for five different breads so I was surprised that we were making buns and Japanese milk bread on top of the regular sourdough.

Even though some folks thought we made too much bread (over 90 loaves) we sold out in two hours. For our Thanksgiving dinner I purchased a package of the Big Buttery Buns.

Yesterday we had our Thanksgiving dinner at our house. It was a special day since our daughter Gaelan and her family joined us for the first time in five years. Earlier this year they sold their house in New Brunswick and moved back to Ontario. Andrea and Josie joined us as well so we were Seven in total for dinner.

Tomorrow and on Wednesday, Winnie and her dad are celebrating their 11th and 50th birthdays so we also had birthday cake and handed out gifts. Sadly I didn’t take photos.

After the meal everyone pitched in to help with the clean-up. We put the turkey bones in a pot and made broth. Today I ladled the broth into 4 1/2 large mason jars and finished cleaning the kitchen. Kevin went out into the garden and started cleaning out the vegetable garden. He picked more bean and tomatoes.

Today is the official holiday. I have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy this beautiful sunny day.

I’m Back After a Five Week Hiatus From Blogging

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…it’s been a busy summer

July was busy with lots of company and getting ready for our art show, August found me spending more time at my cottage and my friend’s cottage. We also met friends at our art show and hosting a BBQ for family and friends. Last week we took the show down. I also celebrated my birthday at the end of August and I went to the CNE and an AFC Toronto game with my daughter, daughter-in-law and Winnie, my granddaughter.

Lassonde Art Trail in the Port Lands

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…in Toronto

When my friend Liz heard that our six year old granddaughter was coming for a visit she highly recommended that we check out this park in the east end of Toronto. Anyone with children should definitely check it out for the play areas and the art trail is a great area for walking and cycling for all ages.

There are areas where you can picnic but there are no vendors currently where you can purchase food. So be sure to bring snacks and drinks with you.

Silent Sunday – July 26, 2026

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…Happy Birthday Josie and Dan

Judy’s Game of Numbers

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…Thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game

This week’s number is 747. Just type it into your search box and see what photos pop up.

Opening the Cottage and a Side Trip to Marks Point Park

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…May 31, 2026

Last week, our daughter, Andrea offered to drive with me to the cottage to open it up for the season. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.

We left Sunday morning and arrived at the ferry dock about an hour early. It was a beautiful day. The new ferry wasn’t up and running yet but it was the last day for the Sandy Graham. Starting today a barge is taking its place until the new boat passes inspection.

When we arrived at the cottage we went to see our neighbours and shared some tea before the work began. We heard stories about how bad the mouse infestation was for some of our other neighbours. Fingers crossed, we opened the cottage to find only one dead mouse and minimal evidence that mice had even been there. We wiped down all the counters, swept the floors, put the deck furniture back outside, unpacked all the cushions, set up the BBQ and racked the leaves off the pathways and the deck.

Not wanting to return on the barge the next day we decided to take the old ferry back to the mainland that evening and have dinner at Andrea’s cottage which was only 10 minutes away. Seeing we weren’t rushed for time we decided to explore a road that we don’t normally take. We took it as far as it went and ended up at a very small park called Marks Point. We parked the car and walked towards the water.

There wasn’t much to see so after 10 minutes we got back into the car and drove to Andrea’s cottage. The lot next to her place had recently sold and the new owners had cleared out quite a few trees. Hopefully that is all that they’re planning to take out. It certainly changes Andrea’s and Josie’s view but there is more sun on their deck.

What Londoners Do on a Sunny Saturday

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Mama Cormier

….in Stoke Newington

A Day Filled with Art

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…May 5, 2026

Today Kevin and I decided to revisit an art gallery not to far from our flat, The Estorick Collection. Kevin went on line and checked the hours. We walked to the bus stop to catch bus 73. We got off at Essex Station and after a short walk we arrived at the gallery.

When we got to the gates a very official and beautifully dressed woman informed us the that the gallery was closed to the public because it was hosting a private function. We were very disappointed and I informed her that we had come a long way to see the Alessandro Mendini exhibition. When she asked us where we had come from I promptly told her “Canada”. She asked us a few more questions about where in Canada and we told her that we live in Toronto. Turns out that she’s been there and so had her sons.

I guess she took pity on us and she invited us to join the crowd and help ourselves to food and drink so we looked like we belonged there. It turned out that she was the organizer of the event. For the next 15 minutes we kept hearing her mention the couple from Canada and she even brought over her sons to introduce us to them.

We joined a group for a tour of the gallery. We learned about the history of the place and how the original owners were looking for Italian art from the early 20th century in the futuristic genre.

After this part of the tour, Kevin and I made our way to the Alessandro Mendini exhibition. He is one of Kevin’s favourite designers from Italy. It is a very playful and colourful exhibit. He is very well known for this chair.

Here are several more pieces fr the exhibit.

When we got back to Highbury Islington we did the school pick up for Sevin and took her home. At the flat Sevin and I made more art.

Another Look at Judy’s Numbers Game – #243

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game https://judydykstrabrown.com/2026/04/20/the-numbers-game-121-come-play-along/

I’m always surprised what pops up when I type the number in the search box. This week the surprise was an old photo of my sister’s wedding. My youngest sister and I were the matrons of honour and our parents were standing behind us.