What a Dump!

I don't mean this the way Bette Davis did in Beyond the Forest (1949). We had a tremendous snowfall and after the kindness of neighbours helping us dig out, I did a few walks around the yard with my snow shoes making trails for the dog and cat. It was a record snowfall for Hamilton for this time of year. Lots of happy kids and dogs loving the snow. I'm so glad I didn't have to go anywhere over the past couple of days. Tomorrow I go for my Hep A&B prevention shot. Getting more and more ready for our adventure at the end of Jan/08.

A New Visitor

A pair of these charming little birds arrived this week. I recognized them as wrens, but couldn't get past that. Looking in the books I knew they were not house or winter wrens so I was puzzled. I was fortunate to have worked with an avid birder and sent him some pictures. He has identified them as Carolina wrens. They have a very cute little song and are lovely to see. The yard is very busy with birds and squirrels. A hawk comes by occasionally hoping to nab a snack! Tux, the cat, loves to sit on the deck and watch the action. I do believe he tries to be more interactive at times but I haven't seen a catch to this point. Mind you, he tries not to let me see as I have interferred with chipmunk captures in the past.

Dear Pumpkin, Deer Pumpkin

For the past few years, we have taken our pumpkins to the conservation area after Halloween. The deer love pumpkin. This year we took 4 of ours and 2 from a neighbour. We don't carve the pumpkins so there is more for the deer. After walking back and forth from the car to a deer run, we continued with Kaylee for a walk. On the way back we met a fellow with his dog. He was carrying a small pumpkin. I told him it was a lovely pumpkin (it was a Mexican pumpkin which is verigated yellow, orange and green). "Yes," he said, "Someone dumped a bunch of pumpkins down there!" We told him we had put them there for the deer. He was quite surprized that deer would eat them and he wondered how. Of course, they break them up with their hooves. He asked if he could keep the little pumpkin because it was cute. Today, this is all that is left of our offerings.

And Where is Port Dover?

Thank you, Graham, for correcting my faulty geography. Pt Dover is at the mouth of the Lynn River at Lake Erie. Got confused as the highway down is called the Grand River Trail. By the way, Graham, who are you and how did you find this blog?

Port Dover on a Friday, but not the 13th!

Linda's friend had a birthday today. Carllynne is from the west coast so she heads to water for her birthday. We took her to Port Dover today as that is her traditional destination here. Port Dover is on Lake Erie where the Grand River ends. We went for a walk on the short beach and out the pier. There is quite a tribute here for commercial fishers and those lost at sea. The long line of benches are all dedicated to those who perished. It was very sobering. We had a snow squall and then bright sun! Had lunch (I had perch of course as you must in Pt Dover) another walk on the beach and then headed home. Stopped at Hewitt's Dairy for ice cream. The building, I'm sure, hasn't been altered at all since the 1950's. Stools only at the counter that runs the length of the building. I must say it is lovely having the time to just putter around and discover new and old places. I know I've been to Port Dover to the hotel for perch but likely 20 years ago. I also recall a bowling alley in a general store which is now gone. The pins were not knocked down into a pit but they were held by string. Nice to be by the water but again, it's not Huron!!!

For the past few years, I have tried to find something different to do for Christmas as presents with my family. The kids all get loads of gifts and the adults really want for little. Rather than spending on "stuff" I have purchased chickens and a lama. from an organization that gives them to a needy family in a Third World country. They also provide training for the care of the animal or crop that is donated. This year it is a water buffalo in the family's name. It is difficult to find a Canadian run organization, so I have had to go to the US. I did donate to World Vision the first time. I was constantly hounded after my initial donation for further donations until I called them and told them to knock it off. Since then, I found Heifer International. Heifer International does not send me emails or flyers or do any soliciting and, as far as I can tell, there is no religious motivation behind it. They promote gender equality and human rights. Check out their website at:

http://www.heifer.org/

Huron Sunset

This is the main reason I love Lake Huron. The sunsets are amazing. When we went looking for a lot years ago to build on, we would go to the shore and take out a compass. Nope, not west enough! The one we did pick was dead west. Unfortunately, the cottage partnership ended and I had to sell (couldn't afford a buy out). I miss it almost every day.

Weekend with Friends in Southampton, Ont

Had a wonderful weekend in Southampton. Colleagues and friends from years ago got together at Betty's cottage on Lake Huron. It has been twenty years that we've been associated but many of us wandered off to either other schools or other things. Nonetheless, something about our original situation (a very difficult place to teach with very challenging kids and a crazy staff to boot) has made it easy to reconnect. Marg, the original office manager and official keeper of "the diary" gets us off in laughter over things that happened a long time ago. We often don't see each other for months, years but that quickly disappears as the humour starts to flow. Hey, how can you go wrong playing Rummoli (I don't know how to spell that!).
Southampton, Ontario is a lovely town with a great beach and walking it, listening to the waves, seeing the birds, enjoying a sunny mild November day Saturday was terrific. Thank you to my Hawkette friends for the fabulous weekend. Betty - you especially for keeping the place open in the fall!

LCBO - I Said No No No

Went to my interview for Christmas hours at the LCBO this morning. I had to read pages of stuff about what to wear, what to expect etc. It pays $10/hr, no guarantee of # of hours, must be on call, able to lift boxes, work in the warehouse, do cash, stock shelves, janitorial duties and more. So, I figured at $10 minus union dues and with my current rate of taxes that it wasn't worth it.

I then went to Fortino's and talked to the Produce Manager who was also looking for help. He was ready to hire me on the spot. It starts at $8.50/hr, maybe 28 hours per week, union requires 1 or 2 night shifts but the rest of the time the shift would start at 6 am! I don't think so. I'm a bit disappointed but it just isn't worth it. Maybe in 2008 it might make some sense but not this year. Oh well - I'll just have to spend more time with Linda and the dog!

So Sad

This poor little bunny was found in the pumpkin patch a few weekends ago. It was handed in with the hope that the family would return for it. It obviously was a well loved bunny and I can't imagine the child not being upset at its loss. However, no one has come back. I have it under the counter just in case.

I had a blue plush dog with floppy ears as a kid. I plucked off almost all its fluff but wouldn't part with it. It even accompanied me to England when I was 8 to see my grandfather, uncle and cousins. I have seen lots of kids come to the farm totting their favourite companion. Cute really. I wish someone would come and get sad bunny.

Kaylee Liked It Too

As you might notice, my shorts are wet. Got hit by a wave while playing! Kaylee thought this was a great scent treat - loads of dead water birds. A dead and rotting heron, merganzers, cormorants, seagulls and a black duck. This beach is also covered with zebra mussels. Although Lake Erie is not a long drive from our Ancaster home, it is a far cry from Lake Huron. Next time I'll take the time to head to Grand Bend!

Eerie at Lake Erie!

I had the day off today and am grateful. It was to go up to 26C today so I decide it was too nice a day to hang around doing house and garden chores. We packed a lunch and headed to Lake Erie for a walk on the beach. It was very nice listening to the waves and walking in the sunshine by the water. What a great Indian summer we've had over the past few days. It wasn't easy getting to the beach, however. Rock Point Conservation area is closed for "controlled limited waterfowl hunting" and Low Sands had it's gates shut. I guess the season is supposed to be over but I like walking on the beach anytime. Looking forward to going to Southampton the first weekend in Nov and having a long walk on that terrific beach.

First Glitch

Got a call today that the van we wanted was not available! Shoot. However, we did business with another company and got another one but it is manual and not automatic. We've both driven standards here and abroad on the "wrong" side of the road, so we'll adapt. While working through our agent with another agent, it was suggested we book the ferry from Wellington to Picton now as there are limited spaces for campers and they are popular at that time of year. So, we have requested bookings going from the north island to the south and back so we won't have to worry. We have also decided to spend most of our time on the south island. Hope we made the right decision.

Not your Holiday Inn

Linda and I have spent some time thinking about how to get around New Zealand. We thought about buses, but wanted more freedom. A car and hostels were an option, but many of the comments I've read on the web say the best way is by campervan. Our agent helped us out and we got a very good deal on a camper. We booked it today!
Here's a peak at our home from Feb 6 - Mar 15, 2008!
http://www.britz.co.nz/new-zealand-rv-hire

Fall Fun

20,000 pumpkins! The children loved running around and picking the one they wanted to take home. It actually was a fun day out so I can see why Lindley's do this. It was a zoo on Monday because it was the first good weather day. We failed the maze - kept going in circles - but again it was fun.

Today Linda and I went to a travel agent and we booked our next adventure. We leave for New Zealand on Jan 29/08! We stop for a few days in Fiji en route and then to Auckland. We'll be gone for a little over 7 weeks. Excited??? You bet! Now I must start some serious research on where we want to go once we are there. Suggestions???

This is Thanksgiving?

Isn't this silly! Oct 8, 2007 and record breaking temp. After going to Lindleys Farm and doing the corn maze and picking pumpkins with my family, we came back to the house for a swim. We were hot and it was wonderful. I don't imagine we'll do this every year but this fall has been so strange and so warm. I turned the heater off today so I guess that's the end. The cover goes on on Friday. Linda thinks I'll still swim before that seeing as I used to think Lake Huron was warm enough. Maybe!

Great Gals

A van arrived at the market on Tues from an old age home. A few older women were accompanied by two younger ones and they came to get mums to decorate their place for fall. They carefully selected 8. One older woman requested an apple - she decided on a Courtland. I didn't charge her for one apple! She said it was the first apple she'd had in 3 years. I asked why and she didn't really know. They serve apple sauce but no apples. But, she is one of the few who actually still has her own teeth! I hope she enjoyed the Courtland! I think I'll floss today.

Retailing and Trying to Make a Living with a Farm

Private business and farming is such a crap shoot. What people will buy and what they want is amazing. Urbanites really have no idea about fresh food and seasons. I guess being able to import stuff from Mexico, Argentina, southern US, etc has really messed up people's understanding of fresh. People are surprized that pickling cukes and dill aren't available (duh) and why isn't there fresh corn? I find it hard not to laugh at times. However, there is the amazing spontaneous purchase of Halloween decorations and fall decorations that really adds up. Bales of straw, corn stalks, gourds galore, mini pumpkins, huge pumpkins, pampas grass all are making their way to dining rooms and front yards near by.

School tours have also started. There will be literally hundreds of preschoolers, JK, SK and early grades going through here for the next few weeks. The fall activities started last weekend as well: hayrides, cornmaze, zipline, rubber duck races, haunted house, pumpkin toss and stuff. It is very interesting watching parents and children. Some are spoiled to no end and sometimes I wonder why they had children. There was one woman in with a preschool tour last week and the side benefit is that adults will buy other stuff and kids will want cookies. The woman was effusive with me about decorating the house for the fall and was absolutely horrid to her two kids. I wanted to ask her how making a cute house was going to make for happy children with whom she was so nasty. Maybe near the end of my term here I'll make the leap. Nothing to loose then! Hey, it's only $10 an hour anyway. And yes, I'm definately in favour of making the minimum wage $10 - I don't know how people make ends meet and it's hard work!

The Pool

This summer, mostly while we were away, we had a pool put in the backyard. We love it. It's late Sept and there has been quite a heat wave so we are still enjoying it. We'll close after Thanksgiving.

It looks better now as we've laid sod and fixed up flagstone, etc. But, they were able to install without disrupting the existing gardens. The back wall of the garage was taken off to get the necessary equipment in and then put back up! The pool is 16x32 and is kept at 84F! It is a saline pool and it is so much easier (and less expensive) to maintain than the chlorine pool we had in Dundas. The water is much nicer, too. The heat is from a heat exchanger which is also a lot more efficient than the gas heater we had in the past. Can't get Kaylee to go swimming yet, but we're working on it. There are stairs so she could get in and out. She fell in the last pool when she was a pup and couldn't get out - only ladders. Maybe next summer.

No, it's not a circulation desk

Anita at the Waterloo board office tried to comfort me that the till couldn't be more demanding than the circ desk in the library. Oh how so wrong consultant one! No bar codes! Memory is the key and I'm over 50 remember! What's taxable and what's not is very strange. Salsa isn't, tortilla chips are. Why? Isn't learning fun?

In Case You Thought I Was Kidding

Yes, I really do go to work - why else would I wear this silly apron? Today (Saturday) saw a lot more people. I had to train a high school student for the afternoon shift. Me, after just a few days on the job training! I put out the wagons and produce in the morning after I've watered the plants. Believe it or not, it takes about an hour. I baked more cookies (yes, Marg, I do cookies) a few times today as they really do move. Actually, I'm enjoying the learning.

Tomatoes

Well, today I learned the fine art of putting field tomatoes into 3 l baskets. The father of the farmer was my instructor. He's very picky about how it's done and there is a knack that he has for it. Then again, he's been packing tomatoes for over 40 years. It's like doing a jigsaw puzzle unfortunately as I'm not good at that at all. Well, I managed and he only redid a few! Lots more activity today and more time with customers. I'm getting the hang of the cash register and debit and credit cards. No bar codes so I do have to know prices but I have a cheat sheet. Opening in the morning has lots of chores so I'm busy all the time.

The Waves

More Pancake Bay

I suppose it is silly to feel this way, but as nice as it was to come home from work and go for a swim I really miss the lake. So, it prompted me to look some more at the pictures from Pancake . I hope you enjoy them.

And What Was I Thinking?????

It seemed like a good idea at the time! I noticed on the sign outside Lindley's Farm Market that they were looking for fall help. I applied and they actually hired me. So, for the past two days I have been helping set up for the fall trade and we open tomorrow.

I have never done retail. I have never operated a cash register. For goodness sake they even have me baking cookies!

Need a pumpkin anyone? Oh well, it's just for 6 weeks.

www.lindleysfarm.com

Lions and tigers and bears - no moose!

The black bear is likely 3-4 years old. Still lots of growing to do.

After all my travels in Northern Ontario, NS and NB I have yet to set sights on a moose.

If you need to travel by car in any of these areas and want to be safe, call me!

Sorry Joyce

After dinner we went for a tour of the lake. It got a bit chilly.

Some people just have a sense for fashion - what can I say!

What A Great Place!

The lodge is on Lake Wabagonushi and there were many loons (often an adult with a young one) and immature bald eagles who had yet to develop the white head feathers.

The people were terrific and the food great.

Errington's Wilderness Camp

Linda, Joyce (our pal from Ft Frances, Ont) and I decided to extend the canyon trip. We transferred from the tour train to the passenger train at the canyon and travelled to Mile 204 where we were met by Al Errington and his pontoon boat. The train is like a bus - it stops where ever people want it to and drop off and pick up. The train is the only way in or out in many places. The people were mostly going or coming from fishing camps. The area is the Chapleau Reserve and there has been no hunting in the area since 1925. There was a family that got off just a few miles before us. I think, from what I observed, that the older man was likely a track manager years ago. With him were two daughters and a son in law. The son in law as frantically making video footage. They got off at a little house on the side of the tracks where the older man must have once lived while working. The women expressed that it looked a lot different 25 years ago! I guess the family were taking him back for a last visit. Actually, it was very touching. When we took the return train back to the Sault, the men were out fishing and the women waved to the train.

Some Colour

It was hard to get good pictures from inside the train but it really was beautiful.

Ontario doesn't get the respect it deserves. I think this is an absolutely beautiful province. I've been to a lot of it especially with the union work. Maybe it's because it is so big and takes so much time to get around. My advice, pick an area and go explore.

The Canyon

I took this shot after climbing 320 steps to an observation post. I huffed and puffed but it was worth the view.

The Train Ride

The tour train leaves at 8 am and arrives at the canyon around 11:30 am. The 1940's passenger cars apparently are being up dated soon (Ont govt is making an investment) which will be great for the already large tourist market. The canyon is at Mile 112. Passenger trains have a speed limit of 35 mph (freight is 25 mph) so it is a leisurely trip and lots of time to look, reflect and just soak it all in. We took the train on Sept 12. If I were to do it again, and I likely will, I think I'd wait to the 3rd week of Sept. The colours just got better and better with each passing day.

Agawa Canyon Trip

Some time ago, just after the amalgamation of school boards, I was assigned to work on the new contract for high school teachers in Algoma. Travelling there in the fall was wonderful - the colour on the trees viewed from the plane were fabulous. I told myself that as soon as I retired I was taking the Agawa Canyon train to see the colours. We left Ancaster on Sept. 10 and drove through Michigan to the Sault. Linda and I took a drive out to Pancake Bay for old times sake for me. Barry, my brother, worked there for a couple of summers as a teen. My parents and I took trips up to visit him. I love the beach. It is long, sandy and the Lake Superior waves are tremendous.

Best Seafood Finds in NS

I have had considerable trouble with pictures from NS. I had them printed but do not seem to be able to access them on the computer. I didn't like the camera much - bought it new for the trips. I took it back to Henry's and they were very accommodating. I like my new one much better and have pictures of the last adventure.

Anyway, to my mind my best lobster was at the Lobster Pound at Hall's Harbour. The best clams (actually whole and not strips) at a little place called Mom's Diner at Caning and by best scallops were not at Digby but from there prepared at Acton's in Wolfville.

I've discovered I really am not that enamoured with the ocean. I think Lake Huron has spoiled me. The scenery was often quite beautiful or rugged. The biting insects drove me crazy. Glad we went and having a home base on the mainland and Cape Breton was a good idea for us. Fort Loisburg was probably the highlight. We had a wonderful guide (Iris) who had loads of wonderful stories to tell. The reconstruction is very impressive and we got a real feel for life in the booming port. Stop for breakfast at Judy's Lil Diner and tell her you'll take cookies to her husband at the forge. She sent us with a treat for him.

Oh, and it is true - NS are exceptioanlly friendly.

Halifax Explosion

After being in the Fundy area for a few days and with it being overcast and rainy, we decided we'd go to Halifax for a day. We got there and I was running out of gas so we started looking for a station. Going through an intersection suddenly WHAM! We were broadsided on the rear passenger side - no one was hurt just ratttled. The impact spun the car through the intersection and we were fortunate that there was not a pedestrian or another car there. My car was undriveable as the rear wheel was all bent as was other stuff under the car. The young woman who hit us was talking on her cell phone while driving. Fortunately, a very nice fellow from New Brunswick stopped and helped. He was our witness that we had the green light. In Nova Scotia the police only come out to an accident if there is a personal injury; otherwise you go to a station to report the accident. Linda found that out by calling the police while I was calling insurance. Tim, the nice guy from NB, took us and Kaylee to the station, waited, took us to a rental place and then wouldn't let us take him out for lunch! I've sent him a gift certificate as he really did help us. The insurance adjuster told me there was "some question about the light" but it was good I had a witness!!! So, I got a Ford Fusion (either that or a Dodge Charger!) and put 42000km on it over the next few weeks. Linda couldn't handle the seat as it hurt her back but we got an Obusform and that did the trick. Of course, fixing the Volvo took longer than expected so we got the car four days after we were supposed to leave. It gave us more time to explore the south shore so that was fine. Glad to have the tank back and that everything went smoothly and no one was hurt.

Been and Back

It's August 12 and we got home at 1 am on Saturday after 17 hours in the car. The trip to Nova Scotia was fun, filling, and often beautiful. It took us a over two days to get there. The CAA had the trip through the States as the most direct so we took it. Never again. It was very slow - 2 lane highways, lots of construction and one depressing little town after another. The cottage at Porter's Point was a very nice place- post and beam construction. The garden was very pretty but now being neglected. It was the owner's mother who was the gardener and she has moved back to Ontario. The tide is extreme in the Minas Basin so for most of the day all we saw was mud. It confused Kaylee who wanted to play in the water but it was nowhere to be seen! I did finally find a beach that we could go to and play. The water in front of the cottage had a lot of sea grass, so once the tide started to go out (an inch per minute) it quickly became unapproachable. We did a fair bit of exploring in this area and really liked Wolfville, Halls Harbour but not Halifax and it had nothing to do with the city itself. I'll explain next time.

Introducing Kaylee

This is Kaylee the Toller. She is 81/2 years old and still playful and eager to please. She loves to get in the car so a trip for a couple of days to Nova Scotia will be fine with her. Just as long as she gets to go, too!

Nova Scotia

We leave for Nova Scotia on July 12th. We are heading to the Bay of Fundy for two weeks and then on to Cape Breton for another week. The cottages we booked online are both on the water so it should be good fun. Our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who was born in NS, is coming too.