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.

A Winter Walk

more snow

Since Sunday the snow has come down every day. There’s a good 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) on the ground and it just keeps coming. Andrea and I were going to go for a drive but thought better of it when we checked the forecast.

Olive loves the snow. The worst part for her and probably for her humans is getting dressed to go out.

Once outside you can see from the snow on the railings how much more snow had fallen.

Back to the Drawing Table

it’s been close to a year since I’ve pulled out my art supplies

I’m at my daughter’s cottage for several days and since she’s working up here we both thought it would be a good time for me to start putting some marks onto paper again. I gathered up a few supplies and my mixed media art journal and started with baby steps towards continuing my art journey.

It’s the perfect setting. Quiet and restful with wonderful views of the forest and the falling snow. Here’s my first piece after playing with collage and mark making.