Opening the Cottage and a Side Trip to Marks Point Park

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

….in Stoke Newington

Line up for ice-cream
Go for a Family Bike Ride
Head for the Park
Go for a Walk
Enjoy the Sun from a Bench
Have a Hen Party in the Park
Check out the Weekend Fun Fair
Enjoying a Slice of Pizza for Lunch
Sitting by the River
Enjoying a Drink Outside the Pub

A Day Filled with Art

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

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.

It’s Time for Judy’s Photo Challenge

…this week we’re looking for photos with the number 242 in the search box

Thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game Photo Challenge https://judydykstrabrown.com/2026/04/13/the-numbers-game-120-come-play-along/#like-179672

This week 242 pulled up photos of flowers, an evening at the rugby game in Guelph, outside our flat in London, the V & A in Scotland, road trip to the east coast, Kevin’s art, our granddaughter in London, the CNE and old photos of my parents.

Judy’s Numbers Game – #239

…March 24, 2026

Here are memories that the number 239 pulled out of the archives.

Thanks to Judy Dykstra-Brown for hosting the Numbers Game https://judydykstrabrown.com/2026/03/23/the-numbers-game-117-please-play-along/

Weekly Prompts Weekend Challenge – Tunnels

thanks to Sue W and Gerry C for hosting Weekly Prompts https://weeklyprompts.com/2026/03/21/weekly-prompts-weekend-challenge-tunnel/

Tunnel in London, King’s Cross St. Pancras
Entrance to the Greenish Footway Tunnel
Tunnel in Westport, Ireland

Lens Artists Photography Challenge – Unusual Crops

thanks to Ritva for hosting this week’s Lens Artists Challenge https://sillarit.com/2026/02/14/lens-artists-challenge385-unusual-crop/

When I say ‘unusual crops’ I’m not referring to food but to a photography term where you ‘cut away’ parts of the photo to make it more interesting. Here are my submissions.