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.