One Last Kick At Summer!

Last weekend we went to our friend's cottage. We have gone there for about 16 years and it is usually in July but this year we just couldn't get our schedules together till now.

I learned that you can enjoy a cottage just as much in early fall as you can in the heat of July. We slept well during the crisp night and enjoyed the fireplace all the more, not to mention our coffee!
We went canoeing and kayaking, and really appreciated the bright warm sun....once we took off our canoeing gloves! I caught a few early and anxious maple leaves tinged with red...always exciting!
Dave went for a long bike ride and a run, followed by a swim...but as you can glean from the photo, he was a little reluctant!

Fall and friends, you can't beat that!

Cottage Visit!

On the weekend we spent time with really good friends at their cottage. It was unusual because we have always gone in the summer but for some reason we couldn't get any dates that we were all free. I'm glad that happened since it gave us a new perspective. One need only look at the pictures to get a feel for the fall cottage experience. The fall colours will peak by next weekend, our Thanksgiving here.

There were eight of us there and we all did somewhat different activities. My husband went running and biking with the others who do these sports competitively and I went walking with my my Nordic poles while my girlfriends walked. My husband actually went swimming twice...mind you it was a very short swim with the water temperature at 64 F!!

I also went canoeing which I love and then tried kayaking for the second time in my life. Man, is it different! It's more difficult for me because it involves upper arm strength. It seems like you are holding the paddle in mid-air and you have to keep synchronized with the other paddler. Your legs are stretched out in front of you and your back seems to be on an angle which I could really feel in my lower back. (I have nothing left of my lowest disk)

The meals were fabulous and the close friendships were nurtured once again. It was neat to be so laid back and comfortable just being yourself, "in all your grubby glory"! No worries what you look like or what you're wearing!

That's my kind of weekend - it doesn't get any better.

Potato Festival!

We live in a town of about 7,000, surrounded by the best sandy soil in the heart of Potato Country! This weekend is our annual Potato Festival.

Last night was the kick-off Potato Festival Parade which I love because we see so many people we know come out of the woodwork since the last year. You can just walk down the middle of the main street, watch the many and varied events and talk to people.

Everyone gathers at our house and we put out all the chairs we have, offer coffee, drinks, and dogs and burgs. All my husband's former and present receptionists and massage therapists come to this annual reunion. They all have keys so there's a steady flow into the office washroom. It is neat that so many great people are connected through his little small town practice. We actually get to be seen together which really doesn't happen much so I like that.

The parade goes for at least an hour and many clubs, businesses and groups enter their floats. It is a laugh to see and recognise characters around town dressed up and having such fun. Having taught here for 26 years, I also see many former students which is always a thrill for me.

After the last float, (inevitably the huge potato diggers) goes by, everybody just literally spills out into the street after the parade and start partying. Many, (not us!) are drinking beer in coffee cups and eating these great French Fries with the skins on (well, it IS Potato Fest so even we shared some last night!) and generally just schmooze. Lots of music, cafes and food happening!

We talked to many local teachers, students and many patients of my husband's.

Today are the pancake breakfast at a church, the main street store sales, street painting, many garage and craft sales, singers outside the coffeehouse as well as the fairgrounds with the rides and games. On Sunday, you will hear the beautiful music of several outdoor church services which I love.

It is absolutely perfect weather this weekend.

I think our town puts on a wonderful display for this event from beginning to end, after which the farmers take their potato diggers back to their farms and get back to the business of harvesting this year's successful crop!

Friendships Re-visited!

When I wrote this, I had just returned from a two-week trip out west visiting several friends who have transplanted themselves there in the past few years and loving it. It was so neat to get a slice of their life and we realize now how much we miss them. True friends are not fair weather friends. They are there for always and amazingly, you can easily pick up right where you left off any time you see them.(It rained almost all the time we were there but that didn't make the visit any less enjoyable! It is truly the people who make it so great!)

Old Friends

Glowing embers
of golden friendships
rekindle quickly and caringly,
flare fondly, fanning the flames
and fostering growth once more
as we re-unite for awhile,
picking up where we left off,
rarely missing a beat
until our "together time" draws to a close --
It is always hard to say good-bye.
The fire subsides and smoulders
but the coals keep us cosy
and warm in our hearts
until the next time we meet.

copyright 2005

Mother of Invention