Happy Thanksgiving Canada

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Mama Cormier

….and Happy Birthday Onkel Günter, Winnie and Brendan

It’s been a busy weekend. Not only did we celebrate Thanksgiving here in Canada but we had four birthdays in the family on the same weekend. In fact in October we celebrate birthdays for my husband, my father, my granddaughter, my son-in-law and his brother, my father’s brother and my cousin. I’m sure I’ve missed someone.

This weekend our granddaughter turned four. Andrea, our oldest daughter volunteered to host Thanksgiving and the birthday party at her house. I was most grateful for that, especially after spending five hours in emergency with my husband on Friday. Before you become too concerned let me just say that he’s much better and gets better each day. Thankfully I had made my contribution to the dinner the day before.

The other thing that I did before going to Andrea’s for dinner was volunteer at the Inn to help with the outdoor oven for a workshop that was being put on by George Brown College. At the workshop the students were instructed in baking pizza in the wood fired oven. Everyone got to make two pizzas, one to eat and one to take home. I couldn’t stay for the whole event because I had to be at the dinner. After I left they also baked pita bread and a cranberry loaf. Dale manned the oven and took the pizzas out when they were ready.

Dinner at Andrea’s and Josie’s was spectacular but the highlight, especially for Winnie, was celebrating Winnie’s 4th birthday. Seeing all the presents was too much for her so we decided to let her open her gifts before dinner.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend, with way too much food and drink. I gained about six pounds but I’m determined to take it off as quickly as possible.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Candid

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Ann-Christine for hosting this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

Candid shots are the ones where your subject is unaware that they’re being photographed. There are photographers who specialize in street photography where they almost exclusively take candid shots.

Pure Joy at 93

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Mama Cormier

….celebrating my Dad’s birthday

On Monday my father turned 93. He’s quite amazing. He lives with us but in his own apartment where he does all his own cleaning, laundry and cooks all his meals. He recently acquired a motorized scooter that he uses to get around and do his shopping.

Twice a week he goes to the senior’s centre where he plays cards and he enjoys walking to the lake where he feeds the birds and sits and takes in his surroundings. He speaks to everyone and loves to engage in conversation.

This year our daughter-in-law picked the restaurant because that’s what she wanted for her birthday which was in July. It happened to be a seafood restaurant and my father loves his shrimp so we decided to celebrate both birthdays on the same day. It turned out to be a perfect evening. The food was amazing, the scenery over the marina was serene and the service was delightful. Both the birthday boy and girl were treated to a special dessert on the house.

I love this last photo of my father and me. Just as my daughter was about to take the shot I noticed that my Dad had spilled some food on his sweater and I grabbed his serviette and held it over the spill. In that split second we both burst out laughing over the irony of the situation.

A Photo a Week Challenge – Stacked

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Nancy Merrill for hosting A Photo a Week Challenge

Which Way Photo Challenge – Week of Sept. 20, 2019

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Mama Cormier

….thanks to Alive and Trekking for hosting the Which Way Photo Challenge

Friendly Friday Photo Challenge – Electric

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Snow for hosting this week’s Friendly Friday Photo Challenge

Electric Guitar

Electric Lights

Distorted City Lights

Electric Scooter

Electrical Box

Battery Operated Electric Lanterns

Electric Car

Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge – Week 37

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Mama Cormier

….thanks to Xingfu Mama for hosting the Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge

As the summer draws to a close the seats up at the cottage are mostly empty now during the week. The last photo is of my granddaughter enjoying a book in a comfy chair at school while she waits for her Mom.

Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge – Week 34

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Mama Cormier

…thanks to Xingfu Mama for hosting Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge

From the rides on the kid’s midway at the CNE to the old and unusual seats at the Ancaster Mill.

Thursday Doors – Ancaster Mill

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Mama Cormier

….thanks to Norm for hosting Thursday Doors

This week I celebrated another birthday. They seem to come faster every year. My husband had to make a trip to Hamilton for a quick medical procedure so I went with him. When he was done he surprised me by driving to Ancaster to treat me to a wonderful lunch at the Ancaster Mill. It was a very easy and short trip from the hospital and the scenery along the way was beautiful.

The Ancaster Mill is situated beside a creek, with a large dining room built out overlooking the falls. It is the third oldest building in Ontario and has quite the history. Check it out here.

The mill is situated on a hill to take advantage of the waterfall so walking from the parking lot to the restaurant can be an issue for people with mobility problems. There is, however, a driveway by the doors to the main entrance where passengers can be dropped off.

Before our lunch we walked around the grounds for a few minutes before heading up the stairs past the mill.

After a very delicious lunch we continued up another set of stairs to check out the new wedding chapel and pergola that was still under construction.

I can’t recommend the mill any more highly for a special occasion or splurge. It’s well worth the drive from anywhere in the Golden Horseshoe area or GTA.