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…

Heading Home...

There is nothing quite like being around people who love and appreciate you. It revitalizes the heart and the soul.

After being away from my friends and family for almost a year I was thrilled to spend some quality time with so many of them plus the addition of a few new friends along the way.  My next few posts will be based on my holiday adventures and my return to my roots.

Join me on this mini version of my trip home so you can appreciate the beauty and talent that comes from the place I will always call home.

1^st Stop Toronto; not really home for me, but it is where my “Darlin’ Daughter” now resides.

It was weird to arrive in Toronto at night. I had gotten used to the long hours of daylight in the North and completely forgot that it would be dark at a mere 9:30pm. I was so exhausted by the time I got there and very anxious to see me daughter, I forgot to take a picture that night. The one below is of the CN Tower the next night, it didn’t turn out too  bad considering I didn’t have a tripod with me.

My daughter Sonia, is a wildly talented and extremely energetic young lady.  She is currently an Apprentice Stage Manager on The Railway Children. Although this is her 1^st professional play to work on, she has been stage managing on many smaller plays over the past few years.

Being the charismatic, extremely funny, and all around great person that she is…of course she attracts like minded people.  This post is dedicated to Sonia, her cool friends (Steph, Zack, Justin, Rob, and all the others I have met over the years), and the cast and crew of The Railway Children, a wonderful production! 

The Railway Children is unfortunately coming to a close this week, but here are a few photos of the Tent where “Vicky” the train would roll into and the site location at the roundhouse railway museum across from the  CN Tower in Toronto.