Bringing Home the Tree

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Mama Cormier

…..a tradition that happens sporadically

Is it a tradition if you don’t do it every year?

This year we decided as a family to cut down our Christmas trees. We’ve done it in the past and always get a lot of joy out of it. Two years ago there was a ton of snow on the ground and this year there was next to nothing. Nonetheless we had a lot of fun and I discovered a new landmark that I didn’t know existed.

The tree farm we used this year was a smaller place, owned by an older couple. There were no sleigh rides or wagons, hot cocoa or tree balers. It didn’t matter though because we were able to walk through the grounds at our own pace and not worry about hoards of people all eyeing the same tree. The dogs were also allowed to run freely. We just had to make sure that they didn’t wander off because there are coyotes in the area.

I don’t think the place even had a name. We just looked for the signs directing us to ‘Cut Your Own Christmas Tree’. From Toronto we drove westbound along the QEW and Hyw. 403 until we reached Hwy. 6 going north. From there we drove till we hit concession road #6 and went east. Luckily we had our daughter, Gaelan on the phone and she directed us onto the property.

In the next post I’ll describe the surprising landmark that we discovered while out ‘hunting’ for the perfect Christmas tree.

Silent Sunday – December 9, 2018

Image

The One of a Kind Show 2018

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Mama Cormier

…on the last day I ventured on my own to the show

I like to attend the One of a Kind Show every year but last year I missed it and I was desperate to go this year. I didn’t really want to go on my own but my family and friends were all busy or not interested or went on a day that I couldn’t do.

On Sunday I decided to go on my own and I quite enjoyed the experience. I was able to go at my own pace and take my time at booths that I found particularly interesting. I was able to speak to a number of the vendors and I actually got some Christmas shopping done. Here are a few photos of some of the amazing crafts made by very talented artists.

Silent Sunday – October 28, 2018

Image

October Photo a Day – Pumpkins

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Mama Cormier

….thanks to City Sonnets for hosting the October Photo a Day Challenge

This challenge couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. On Thursday my husband and I drove to the cottage and passed a couple of farmer’s stands that were loaded with pumpkins and yesterday my granddaughter and I decorated one that I bought for her.

Wordless Wednesday – September 12, 2018

Image

Labour Day – The End of Summer?

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Mama Cormier

….I think not

For many Labour Day signals the end of summer; children return to school, cottages are frequented less often, new TV seasons begin, fall classes are opening up and the days are becoming shorter. The weather, however, is anything but fall like. In fact, we’ve been experiencing very hot and humid conditions. I feel sorry for the teachers and students who returned to school this week without the benefit of air conditioning (most schools here don’t have it).

Traditionally the Labour Day is the final day of the CNE and the last day of the Air Show. I attended the CNE on opening day and I watched the Air Show from the park at the end of my street, along with dozens of people from the community. It wasn’t the best day to watch it but I had been at the cottage for most of the 4 day show.

Here are some photos from the last official weekend of summer (maybe not official, summer doesn’t end till Sept 21) from the cottage and the Air Show.

WPC – The ‘Unlikely’ Return

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Mama Cormier

….after yesterday’s windstorm it was very unlikely that today life would return as a normal spring day so quickly

The forecast was for more wind but not as severe as yesterday but with all the damage that the storm did I thought it would take a few days for things to return to normal. Even though today is a Saturday, people are already having repairs done to their roofs, the streets have been cleared of debris and tree branches and entire trees and couples and families are out walking and enjoying the sun. You can see from the photos that the water is still pretty choppy but it’s not keeping people from sitting at the shore to take in some rays or for some brave souls (or foolhardy) to get into their boats today.

I know that the damage that you see here may not seem like much, especially if you compare it to the damage that a hurricane or tornado can do but two people did die during this storm from falling trees and 100 000 people were without power.

Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge – April 20, 2018

Posted on April 22, 2018 by Mama Cormier

Which Way Photo Challenge

Yesterday on our walk along the Waterfront Trail in Hamilton, my camera was working overtime. It was such a lovely day.

The Roster Spring Run-Off

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Mama Cormier

….following in her father’s footsteps

When my husband was in his twenties to thirties he was considered an elite runner. He specialized in long distances, anywhere from 10k to marathons. As he got older he decided that in order to continue to improve it would mean making more sacrifices that would negatively affect our family. He made the decision to quit running because the sacrifice wasn’t worth it.

We never pushed our children into running but our son seemed to have a natural gift and in his early teens he pursued running until he started to suffer pain and he had to make a decision between a music career and being a runner. He chose his cello over his running shoes.

Our oldest daughter took an interest in running in her 30s. Over the years she has participated in numerous races, anywhere from 5k to half a marathon. Every year she steadily gets better. Her wife also started running with her.

Today we attended a race that holds special memories for my husband. The Spring Run-off is held every year in High Park and some 35 years ago or more Kevin ran in this race as a member of the Brooks Racing Team. The race then was known as the Brook’s Spring Run-off.

Today Andrea and Josie joined some 2600 runners to take part in this challenging 8k race. The challenge is in the hills that this race covers. Andrea was aiming to complete the race in 40 minutes and did it in 39 minutes and change. Out of 900 women participating today she placed 8th in her age category. She was delighted with her accomplishment.

As you can see the race attracts all ages. My daughter is the young lady on left in the above photo with the blue sunglasses. Here a few more of her throughout the race (one of Josie #1927)