Happy Thanksgiving

Artwork by my talented son Andre

As I sit alone in my humble little apartment, thousands of kilometres away from the people I love the most, it can be a little hard to remember why I should be thankful. These are the things I am most thankful for in my life.

I am fortunate to have the best kids anyone could ever ask for; kind considerate and amazingly talent. They make me so proud every day.

I have a lovely sister and worlds best brother in law. I get to be a "super aunt" to a cute little guy and an aunt to two great nieces.

Despite have two (yes two) failed marriages I am blessed enough to still have a good relationship with both.

And finally I have a group of friends who may be far, far away but I know are still right here for me anytime I need them.

So for all my loved ones, old and new, I will be thinking of you this Thanksgiving and missing you very much. You and your families are in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for being so amazing.

I'll leave you with this piece of art that Andre made for me...it sums it all up beautifully.

Pretty Little Things

You remember me mentioning how I like ratty old things which explains the photos of broken down fences, boat skeletons, and old worn out buildings.

I also like pretty little things...up close and personal. Here are a few of my favorite flower photos; I hope you like them too.

The Long Road

The road to Yellowknife is long and straight. It seems to look like this most of the way...

Frequently blocked by large herds of Buffalo, on the trip I made recently there were hardly any.

None the less, it is always a treat to see any wildlife along the way.  The bald eagle that flew past my window was a bit to quick for me to capture but this bear was too busy picking at a carcass to run away.

That is of course with the exception of these little buggers...it's hard to believe that at the end of September there are still tons of black flies. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the scenery in and around Yellowknife; for some reason I was expecting a very flat and barren landscape with very few trees. In actuality it is fabulously rocky, surrounded by water and cute coves, and dotted with pine trees fighting there way out of rock crevices.

 As always the sky is amazing, whether it is beautiful sunsets or Northern lights, I am always happy to look to the heavens.  The night photo isn't great since my tripod broke and there was a lot of light polution from the city but at least it was a hint of what's to come.

Still Recovering

Sorry for the long hiatus from blogging; I think I'm still recovering from my whirlwind vacation.  I must have known that it would be a while before I would be able to get back home and decided to pack as much in as possible.  I didn't come close to posting about all the great things and wonderful people I was able to see but certainly the best part was being around the people I love.

I have just a couple more highlights from my trip home to share with you.

First of all, if you know me, you know I LOVE anything creative, so of course a trip to the Art Gallery was a must. I loved this photo of the Gallery framed within the huge spider statue outside.

Back in the day, I home schooled my kids...for five years. When we weren't travelling I tried to make sure they experienced all the great museums in Ottawa and surrounding areas. One special memory is when Andre choice a visit to the Museum of Aviation for a sketching expedition (any wonder he's an artist?) to sketch the planes. This summer we recreated that day but never did get any sketching in.  We had way too much fun reading and enjoying the exhibits. As you can see, some of us never grow up!

Being up North does have some challenges...fresh vegetables for one; sorry I don't call picked ages ago and trucked for ever...fresh.  This is Fresh...

...Picked that day and sold at the Farmer's Market. I'm not sure I have ever eaten as many vegetables in such a short time!

Of course being remote means...No Tim Horton's....agh! Really, the Edmonton airport was a highlight with both Tim Horton's and Starbucks. Thank God I had a long layover so I could have both!

Ottawa is also known for "Beaver Tails"; not the variety served up here as seen in the cookbook I got earlier. Wow, this brings back memories even if I'm not skating on the Canal and no apple cider is included.

My handsome chauffeur and tour companion

Thank you to all my friends and family who made my visit memorable. I love you all and can't wait to see you again.

Playing Tourist

I must have lived in close to 3 decades, give or take a  few years, and in all that time I never went to see the Changing of the Guards at Parliament Hill. It was kind of of cool, but definitely long on a hot summers day. I actually really enjoyed it, but next...water...and a hat!

Back in the Beginning

Although I lived in other places growing up I really don't remember much before Merrickville.  It was fun visiting my old home town.  I lived here from five until seventeen when I headed off to the big city to broaden my horizons.  If Merrickville had been the cool little village it is now, back when I was there I would never have left.  Who knew it would become a thriving little destination spot with lots of resident artists, cool little shops, and of course the canal and blockhouse.

Here are a few pictures from the place I called home for most of my childhood.  Enjoy!

Merrickville is one of many small communities that came into existence at the time the Rideau Canal was built.  The block house and locks in the area are only a few of the many structures built by the stone mason's who worked on the canal. There are several beautiful stone homes, the Jake's block (an apartment complex and shops) and two beautifully restored hotels. 

My father worked in various positions on the canal over the years, so these locations hold special memories for me.

The photo above is of the Jake's Block and the corner section was the hang out spot for the local teens (no malls here).  Below, my sister is reminiscing her mischievous youth, when she spent many an evening in this same spot. Hmmm, I recall  grocery orders and bonfires!  I myself did not hang out here as I was "the good child" (aka nerd, who stayed home to sketch).

How is it that all the cool stuff came here after I left?  This weekend it was Canal Fest, but there is also an awesome Artist's tour that takes place every year. I wasn't kidding that I would never have left if I'd known it would turn out like this!

It was so nice to visit, I just  had to return...this time with my handsome son and my buddy Christine.

R&R at the Lake

There is nothing like a bit of R&R to start the vacation off right.

After leaving Toronto, Andre, Sonia and I headed up to visit friends at a cottage. This beautiful spot is on Big Rideau Lake in Ontario.  We used to own this property…

Fortunately our good friends still own the cottage next door so we get to enjoy a visit every now and then. 

 There is nothing like a boat ride on a warm afternoon. On such a large lake there is lots to see; including the Narrows Locks, part of the Rideau Canal system which runs from Ottawa to Kingston.  This section joins the Big Rideau to the Upper (or Little Rideau) Lakes.

I came “home” with a list of things I really wanted to see or do, mainly because they are just so darn much fun, but also because those are the things I miss the most living in the North. Of course seeing friends and family are at the top of that list…

…but I also came with a number of little things I wanted to do. This area of the country has a lot of history for me; my children grew up on this lake and as a result many of the memories I hold dear involve cottage living, so besides a boat ride, I also wanted to swim in the lake…

…skinny dip at night (definitely no pictures of that one!), Eat FRESH Vegetables, and celebrate my birthday with friends and family…

 …a campfire, complete with roasting marshmallows and wieners.

I had never heard of “Spider Dogs” but Sonia was kind enough to provide lessons…Of course the “First Born” had to create “Spider Dogs on steroids”.

Such a peaceful time and extra special with Sonia getting to sneak away with us for a couple days.

On the way in to Ottawa, we just had to pop in to Balderson’s for ice cream.  This is what Darlin’ Daughters look like when they don’t feel well…