My Happy Place

yesterday I went north to open my cottage

With the help of my dear friend, Liz, I drove to the cottage to open it up for the season. I always dread the first visit because it is often a lot of work. This year, however, the cottage was very clean. There was very little evidence of mice. They hadn’t run over the dishes or gotten into the cupboards.

We raked the leaves off the deck and the pathways, set up the BBQ, filled the water barrel, made the beds and put away the clean linens, blankets and pillows that I had brought home last fall to clean. When most of the work had been done we made dinner and took a walk on the beach.

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This morning we woke up early and Liz actually went swimming. June is very early to be diving into Georgian Bay but Liz did it and actually swam for about 10 minutes. She went for a second swim later in the day. We went for another walk along the beach but this time we walked to both ends and took lots of photos.

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Our first meal at the cottage
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Heading down to the beach for a swim
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She did actually go under and swim
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I on the other hand, paced up and down the beach to make sure she was okay
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This is as much as I could handle…it was very cold
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It was difficult to leave because the cottage truly is my happy place and the day was perfect. I can now go back up knowing that everything is in place and most of the hard work is don

At 5:30 we caught the ferry to go home. I wanted to be home for Father’s Day so that our daughter, daughter-in-law and I could take Kevin out to celebrate this special day. As the ferry headed for the other side I noticed that it took a turn and was headed west instead of south. We soon discovered that we were in pursuit of a disabled boat with three passengers. When we reached them they climbed on board but before that one of them fell into the water. Thankfully he was all right. Then the crew tried to tie the disable boat to the ferry. After some trying moments they succeeded and we headed back to the island to drop off the exhausted boaters. Eventually we were headed back to the mainland and arrived about 40 minutes later than expected. Being a Saturday night the rest of the trip home was quick and uneventful.

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What One Does on a Rainy Saturday

for us it included painting, walking and cooking

Last Saturday the forecast was very wet for most of the day. In between downpours I did manage to get out for a walk and snap a few photos.

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When I returned from my walk I set up my art table to get ready for some more painting. Only 7 more sleeps before my solo show.

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Kevin on the hand got into complete ‘chef’ mode and made empanadas from scratch.

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Happy Easter From Our Family to Your’s

this Easter weekend has involved painting, drawing, getting together with family and eating…lots of eating

Every family celebrates this time of year differently but it almost always includes food. In our house it also includes drawing and painting and getting outside to walk and take photos.

Food with Family

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Walking and Taking Photos

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Making Art….to be continued

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Birds

thanks to Sue W and GC for hosting Weekly Prompts https://weeklyprompts.com/2023/03/08/wednesday-challenge-the-birds/

Some birds hang out all winter long, especially the waterfowl. On my walk recently the ducks were close to shore and didn’t seem to mind me being there.

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Walking on a Snowy Day

I started out in the morning when the snow was still light

I knew that as the snow accumulated throughout the day I was less likely to get out for my walk so I bundled up and headed out mid-morning. On the way as the snow started to accumulate on the plants and trees I stopped to take a few shots of the freshly fallen ice crystals.

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Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Resolutions

thanks to Sue W. and GC for hosting Weekly Prompts https://weeklyprompts.com/2023/01/04/weekly-prompts-wednesday-challenge-resolutions/

Every year I find myself making the same resolutions….lose weight, continue to walk daily, eat healthy. This year I’m going to add two more resolutions. Make art at least weekly and visit my family in New Brunswick and in London once or twice. Of course making resolutions doesn’t work if you don’t have a plan to meet your goals.

For Christmas I received a new Fitbit so sticking to my plan of walking at least 10 000 steps a day makes that goal easier to track. My course of action is to try and get out before noon for a walk with my camera, walk instead of driving to shop at the top of the street and when I do need to use the car park as far from the entrance as possible.

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I already eat pretty healthy. I just need to stop snacking in the evenings. To do this I’m going to make art in my studio or read a book in a room away from the kitchen. In the past I resolved to make art every day but I found that goal was unattainable. Instead I’m looking to work at my art table at least once a week. I’ve also signed up to do another solo show in May so I’m motivated to make more art.

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A Healthy Meal
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White asparagus salad
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My first solo art show in 2022
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Visiting our son in London last April
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Visiting our daughter in New Brunswick last October

I always find it helpful to post a photo of me so I have a before photo. Not the most attractive photo but it was taken a few days ago. It clearly reminds me of how I need to make better food choices and stop eating in the evening.

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A Walk Through the Conservatory

…thanks to Becky B for hosting Walking Squareshttps://beckybofwinchester.com/2022/11/30/walking-squares-30/

This is the last day for the Walking Squares Challenge. I needed a pick me up because it was lashing down rain for a good part of the day. I took a quick trip over to the Centennial Park Conservatory hoping to see the Christmas displays. Unfortunately they won’t be ready till December 9th. I did, however, enjoy a stroll through the main greenhouses.