northernbliss

A LITTLE TOO CLOSE TO HOME

2012-02-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

Just heard on the news of the death of a snowmobiler on Little Pickerel Lake which is just a hop, skip and a jump from here. I didn't recognize the name but he worked in Elliott Lake. Apparently he was with friends at another camp and left to return to his camp and when the friends did not hear that he had returned home safely, they went out to find him and found he had died on the lake. He had hit a rock along the shore.
There were 2 other snowmobile deaths in the north this weekend. Just goes to show that even if you are experienced in riding your machines, anything can happen. You just have to be careful. And with the shortage of snow this winter, the trails are especially dangerous. Be Careful!!

BACK TO WORK

2012-02-09T18:56:00.000-05:00

You haven't heard from me for a while. I have another cold - I must have picked something up down in Windsor. I am trying to ignore it. We are working on the bulk heads for downstairs. We cut the boards to size and Rejean stained them. My job is to varathane them which I have been doing for the past couple of days. I sand tomorrow then apply the final coat. It seems to be going slowly but at least we are getting it done. Once those are done we start on the back wall where the dishwasher, double sink and gas stove go. I have been looking at table and chair sets for down there. I saw some really nice ones in the states - real wood and for the same price that I saw in Canada. But, I am still looking.
That's about it - just another exciting day in paradise...

SUNDAY IN BANFF

2012-02-06T13:29:00.000-05:00

We stayed at the Chalets Friday, Saturday and Sunday nites and we decided to head to Banff on our day off. We visited the Banff Springs and were amazed at the massiveness of the hotel. I would like to stay there one day just to say I have. We toured downtown Banff and they had the ice climbing display right on main street - it would have been something I would have liked to try - the height was just my size as I am sometimes afraid of heights. And there was an expert there to show you the ropes - literally. We observed the girl in the white bikini getting her picture taken - we actually saw her disrobing and wondered what the h-ll she was doing but it all became clear when the other girls started snapping away. It was not exactly warm that day and when she was done and hurrying to get back to her clothes, she slipped on the ice and went right down on her behind and from the looks of her, I don't think she had too much padding. It must have hurt. Mitch posed by a knight in shining armour - they sure made 'em small back then. It may have fit me!! The last picture is of moi outside of our Chalet. The scenery was stunning and I missed the mountains when I came home. We have some amazing scenery here but out there, that is real scenery.

BREATHTAKING SCENERY

2012-02-05T12:52:00.001-05:00

This was the view on Sunday morning from my chalet deck. Makes you feel wonderful to be alive and able to enjoy such amazing views.
I want to go back and I know it won't be another 20 years before I do so.

-again you have to go to old posts to see all that I have posted today - more tomorrow

THE SHOE GAME

2012-02-05T12:48:00.000-05:00

This was the first time I have seen this game but I haven't been to a lot of weddings recently so maybe I have missed something. The bride and groom sit back to back and they each have one of their own shoes and one of the other's shoe. Someone reads a question and you have to hold up the shoe to who you think most applies to the question - i.e. who takes the longest to get ready to go out or who will have the biggest hangover tomorrow morning. Anne-Laur read the questions and it was hilarious watching the answers. But I think they nailed the answers.

AHHHHHH

2012-02-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

Rejean and his girls.

A GREAT VENUE

2012-02-05T12:34:00.000-05:00

Downtown Canmore Alberta. It was a perfect place for the wedding ceremony and the reception. I highly recommend it. The food was goooood. The desert was Creme Brule (hope I spelled it right).

A GREAT GROUP O'GUYS

2012-02-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

We managed to coral all the guys and got this great picture of them on the bridge. The wind had died down by this time. But they had on more clothes than the girls - victims of fashion.

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES...

2012-02-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

...not really - I think the only single lady in that picture was Marilou - we were a bit cold - the wind just picked up while this picture was being taken and without our protective out layer, we were chilly. Can you tell?

SISTERS

2012-02-05T12:12:00.000-05:00

Jodie and her big sister Stacey - sharing the joy of the moment.

GREAT LOOK JIM

2012-02-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

While the girls were all getting their pictures taken, we had the guys hold all our stuff and Jim lucked out with Tish's hat which eventually found it way back to Windsor with Marilou. But I think he wore it very well - what do you think?

PETA APPROVED OUTERWEAR

2012-02-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

Stacey was all warm and cozy with her faux fur coat and boots. She just blended into the scenery. Perfect.

WINTER WONDERLAND

2012-02-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

We went to a great spot for the pictures - after 3 failed attempts to find the place - there was a parade of cars following each other down and up different streets trying to find the spot. People must have thought we were nuts.

I will post more tomorrow but in the mean time there is lots of posts to see so when you get to the bottom of this page just click older posts and keep going. These were the pictures on my lost camera. Now you know why I was soooooooo upset that I lost the camera. They are priceless.

HAPPY FELLOWS

2012-02-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

I think everyone was happy and having a good time. That's Jim, Dave's stepfather. A very interesting man. The stories he could tell...he used to hang out at the OxBox in London the same time I did - back in the 70s - no wonder I don't remember him...

THE SHOE SHOT

2012-02-04T14:33:00.000-05:00

...starting from the left...Jodie, Dave, Anne-Laur and Stacey. Steve would be proud...

ps - apparently Dave likes loud sox - who knew???

JODIE AND TISH

2012-02-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

Notice the horseshoe attached to Jodie's bouquet - it is an English thing - supposed to bring good luck. They brought it all the way from England.

LOVE THE SHOES STACEY

2012-02-04T14:29:00.000-05:00

Just a pop of color - she looked beautiful.

CHEERS!!!

2012-02-04T14:28:00.001-05:00

Actually Jodie and Dave got married in a bar - albeit a nice bar. Way to go Jodie and Dave!!!

THE FAMILY

2012-02-04T14:26:00.000-05:00

...I took the picture.

THE FACINATOR

2012-02-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

A great view of Marilou's facinator and Jodie of course in the background.

MR AND MRS DAVID BROWN

2012-02-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

Sweet Jodie Brown - but I think she may hypenate it.

IT'S LEGAL

2012-02-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

Notice the mountains in the background - a perfect setting.

PERFECT

2012-02-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

...it was hard not to cry...

HERE COMES THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE

2012-02-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

...and her proud father. She was beautiful.

THE BEAUTIFUL BEST LADIES

2012-02-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

Stacey and Anne-Laur escorted by one of Dave's groomsmen (I forget his name - sorry)

A HAPPY MAN

2012-02-04T14:16:00.000-05:00

The groom of course - my new son-in-law Dave.

READY!!

2012-02-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

Joanne was dressed to the nines - notice her facinator? The mink was on loan from her M-I-L - and she had quite a few comments on it at the bar after - I think everyone wanted it.

PARTY!!!

2012-02-04T14:12:00.000-05:00

We were dancing the night away at the Chalets. Stacey was the disc jockey and Marilou and Joanne were right into it - as was I but someone has to take the picture. I think the alcohol helped. This was the Friday nite after the dinner. We left the kids alone and had our own festivities.

BUDDIES

2012-02-04T14:08:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Rejean with Dave's Mom Tish on the right and his Aunt Heather on the left. They were Rejean's smoking buddies. Usually when he goes out for a smoke he has to go alone but he certainly had some good company during the wedding weekend. The girls are from England and they use a different word for smokes - I won't print the whole word in case some people find it offensive but it is a 3 letter word that starts with F and ends with G. So when they wanted to go out for a smoke they used this word. It was funny.

YES WE DO!!

2012-02-02T13:07:00.001-05:00

This is the first picture off the "Lost but now Found" camera. Joanne's birthday was January 31st and mine is tomorrow, February 3rd. While we were in Calgary, Joanne had this cake made so we could celebrate our birthdays together - Susan was left off but she was sitting right beside me. My Aunt Sonia had us 3 girls sit on our kitchen table with hot lights pointed at us for hours until she got some good photos. I still remember it to this day. I think I was maybe 10 years old at the time this was taken.
But what a great surprise. Probably the last time I was bigger than Joanne...
Great Memories

NICE VIEW

2012-02-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

The view from Jodie and Dave's condo - not bad.

Still waiting for my camera to arrive at the Post - Joanne sent it so it should be here soon - then I will post the wedding pictures.

SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-28T08:29:00.000-05:00

There are honest people in the world and one of them found my camera at the Calgary airport and turned it into the Lost and Found!!! Do you believe that? All my beautiful pictures saved. Joanne called the airport yesterday, was on hold for 20 minutes and the woman had it right there. Joanne or Mitch will pick it up today, put my name on it, transfer the pictures to her computer and then send it to me in the most safe and secure method possible.
It has restored my faith in humanity.
To the person responsible, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Karma!!!
See Ya Bye

DAVE'S CLAN

2012-01-26T18:15:00.000-05:00

Pictured from the left are Jim, Tish, Heather and Dave. Heather and Wayne surprised Dave at the airport - he was just expecting his Mom Tish and Jim. Dave was very happy. Here they are just getting ready to walk back to their hotel from the condo. They really didn't have the proper clothing to deal with the -25 temp. Jodie and Dave supplied the appropriate garb.
Poor Stacey and Andrew - they arrived on the Wednesday nite to -25 degree weather having left Texas at +25 degree weather. Burrrrr It is extremely dry in Calgary - my lips and nose can attest to that. It is nice to be back to normal.
More tomorrow...
See Ya Bye

ALL'S WELL...BUT DIDN'T END WELL

2012-01-26T12:08:00.000-05:00

I will not dwell on the negative aspect of my trip - you will notice that there are no pictures of the beautiful bride and handsome groom on their wedding day that I was hoping to start my blog out with - that is because...I lost my camera!!!!! With all the beautiful pictures of the wedding and festivities before and after. I believe it was left in the Calgary airport gate when the flight was called. I hadn't packed the camera in a suitcase because it was discovered upstairs on the kitchen table and all the suitcases were already packed and locked and being loaded into the truck so I just carried it. At the gate I put it down with my purse and piled both Rejean's and my coat and sweater on top of it. In the process of picking everything up, it was forgotten...I have notified the Calgary airport, Air Canada and even the Toronto airport. All I can do now is hope that the person who found it will be honest enough to pass it on to someone at the airport and it will make it's way to the lost and found.

BUT, what a week it was. Joanne and Mitch met us at the Calgary airport with the above sign. Ha Ha. It really has been 20 years since we have been there and Mitch's family doesn't believe Joanne has a family. And Jodie has been out there for years. But we have been busy. I don't think it will be another 20 years before we go back.

The next picture is of Stacey, Jodie and Mari-lou taken at Jodie and Dave's condo. We had the whole family together and it was a lot of fun.
We headed out to Canmore on the Friday afternoon where we all had reservations at the Banff Boundary Lodge - I highly recommend it for some amazing accommodations. Every direction was an amazing view of the mountains and it was very comfortable. 2 bedrooms, King and queen size beds, full kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, fireplace and tv. It was very easy to get to everything and cabs were very easy to get (and highly recommended especially during a wedding weekend!!)
There is tons more fun to report but I will leave some for tomorrow.
See Ya Bye

ps - the photographer at the wedding was Bake Photography and she has posted on her facebook some pictures of the wedding. If you go on facebook you can "friend" her, if that is the term, and see some of the pictures.
Meanwhile, I will be keeping my fingers crossed that my camera is turned in

WE MISSED YOU ROGER

2012-01-15T10:45:00.001-05:00

Another successful gathering last nite - a fish fry held to get rid of fish that Kenny had in his freezer - we had some as well so there was plenty to go around. There was bass, perch, walleye and pike. And besides our usual cheese ritze cracker breading Rejean went on line and got a beer batter recipe that was a hit. It was good but I prefer the cheese ritz cracker recipe. Ron and Mary were in charge of the french fries and I made home made bread and the cole slaw and, of course, devilled eggs that went fast. Linda made her rice krispie squares and some cupcakes and Joy brought some cupcakes as well. Darlene made the appetizer. We had quite the crowd. Ron and Mary, Linda and John, Darlene and Ron, Kenny and Kenny jr, Bob, Diane, Robin and Randy and Joy and Arnold. We had a fire going outside to keep warm as it was very cold. Some arrived on their snow machines and took a ride on our lake - I wouldn't have wanted to be them when they left after dark. Bob, Randy and John were the ones on the machines.
Kenny said that Roger had called and was sorry he couldn't have been here for the fish fry but I am sure there will be many more opportunities to attend another gathering.
Everyone was gone by 8:30 which is just as well as I am trying to get over my cold so I spent the rest of the night watching taped episodes of Storage Wars - my new favourite program - Yuuuup.
See Ya Bye

ps - I want to welcome my new follower - Alan. Stick around because I will have some good fish stories to tell that you will enjoy. The ice is safe to head out to do some ice fishing - finally.

DREAMING OF WARMER DAYS...

2012-01-13T21:00:00.000-05:00

It was a little nippy here today - we finally have some winter weather - snow and cold. It got me thinking about a nice warm day and kayaking down the river with Jenn and Steve in July of 2009. Steve and Rejean were in the canoe and Jenn and I were in the kayaks. That is the tip of my kayak you see. As I remember it was a very enjoyable day.
Tomorrow we are having a fish fry - Kenny had some fish that he wanted to get rid of and we are hosting the partay. We'll have the burn barrel going out front to keep us warm. Should be fun. I'll take some pictures...

A DIFFERENT KIND OF TOASTER

2012-01-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

That is Rejean's Christmas present from me. He has always raved about the toast he used to have when he was a kid - just toasted on one side. It is always hard to buy something for him as he has everything and needs nothing. I just happened to remember this. I drove to Bruce Mines to the little antique shop there - he had one but it didn't work and he didn't know when he could get one that did. He gave it to me so I could give it to Rejean with a promise of one in the future that worked. When we were in Windsor I mentioned this to Anne, Rejean's sister and she just happened to have one that she wasn't using but she was in the middle of renovations and didn't know where it was. But she found it before Jenn and Steve came up and they delivered it. Now I have 2 toasters on the counter and I admit the toast from that vintage toaster tastes pretty darn good.
See Ya Bye

FEEDING THE JAYS

2012-01-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

This year it seems that the Blue Jays have taken over this bird feeder. Usually I had smaller birds feeding here and the Jays just fed on the ground. But I guess they learned that the good stuff is in the feeder. I have about 10 of them coming around. All Day Long...

I pour some seeds on the ground around the feeder for the squirrel but the other day I put it over by the tree - the poor squirrel didn't know what to do. He was running back and forth from the tree to the feeder altho he didn't have to. He was chasing the Blue Jays away from his piles at both locations. Then the Jays chased the squirrel away!! It is my entertainment - doesn't take much.
See Ya Bye

I'M HAPPY

2012-01-07T19:51:00.002-05:00

We brought up the bar stools that we got from Stacey and Andrew and cleaned them up and placed them by the bar - I think they are perfect. And the other end table was put in place by the side of the chair. I enjoy sitting down there now. In the afternoon, the sun shines thru the windows and the view is amazing. I have always said that the best view in the house is on the ground floor.
I took one of the rugs from upstairs and placed it by the couch and it matches perfectly. That will be one of the last things I buy - the grey one is there just for now.
Donated and second hand furniture turned out to be exactly what I wanted. Thank you Jenn and Steve and Stacey and Andrew.
See Ya Bye

TECHNOLOGY - YOU GOTTA LOVE IT

2012-01-06T14:18:00.002-05:00

Here I am on a Friday afternoon, finished cleaning out my drawers and done my workout and sitting at the computer and I have access to just about anything I want. What do I choose? I sit and listen to Bruce Springsteen's Brilliant Disguise on UTube more than a couple of times. There is something about that song that I enjoy . The lyrics can be interpreted anyway you want to but just the way he sings it - I like it. And the fact that I CAN do that just boggles the mind. I am in the proverbial "middle of nowhere" and I have a computer that can connect me to anything I want. Life sure is easy.
See Ya Bye

SPECIAL DELIVERY

2012-01-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

Jenn and Steve arrived safely and we unloaded the trailer and put everything into the garage - then loaded my couch on Jenn's new wagon and Steve and Rejean delivered it to my door - just like Leon's. I love my new couch - it looks great downstairs and, as a bonus, we also got the 2 end tables they had to go with the couch. We arranged it just temporarily and it gives you an idea of how it is going to look down there. It is facing the wrong way because in the end, it will face the wall behind it but for now it is perfect. And the chair I worked my ass off to get from Stacey and Andrew, and the lamps plus the new couch and end tables all go perfectly - it is just what I envisioned it to look like. Now we just have to get it finished...
See Ya Bye

SNOW

2012-01-02T18:26:00.000-05:00

Finally we are getting some accumulation - it snowed all day yesterday and Rejean even blew snow for the first time today and he said it was so easy. He actually had to turn the heat down in the tractor because it got too hot. With the music on and the heat going he thought he was in heaven.
I went for a short walk on the lake this morning just around the shore - there were tracks everywhere - mostly the foxes I think. And squirrels.
Jenn and Steve should be arriving around 7 this evening - it was a bad day to travel as they took the Canadian way and the weather was very poor. They are hauling a trailer containing our donated couch and the 3 bar stools we purchased from Stacey and Andrew as well as some of their own stuff like flooring for their bunkie.
We will be getting out the snow machine for the first time when they are here and zipping around the lake - I think they will enjoy that. We are also planning a sauna at Joanne and Mitch's place with some snow angels in the works (I don't think Jenn is too keen on that but we will see). I will have my camera ready just in case...
See Ya Bye

NEW YEAR'S EVE ON AXE

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

What a great way to bring in the New Year with friends on Axe Lake. As usual, Davey brought tons of ribs (the first picture of only one of the roasters full of ribs and sausages) there was a lot of food - my eggs were devoured quickly and Linda's Rice Krispie Squares were d e l i c i o u s!! It was a nice mild evening and we spent the majority of the time outside by the big bon fire. My glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets went over well. There was enough for everybody thank goodness. No one was lost. We didn't have a New Year's baby because the chosen one was passed out on the bed - these young guys can't hold their liquor!!!
The third picture down is the grate on which the ribs and sausages were cooked on. It works very very well.
I didn't think I would make it to midnight but I did. Les had us count down at 11pm because he wanted to go to bed so we had a special New Year's celebration for him at 11pm. A bunch of guys visited Bob at his house because he was sick. This was his second time in a row that he has been sick on New Year's. Hope he is feeling better - it just wasn't the same without him.
We headed home at about 12:20 - we both maintained during the nite so we both could have driven home. I certainly am glad I did because I feel pretty good today. Rejean thinks he is coming down with something - unavoidable after coming in contact with germs from Windsor and Gorrie. He'll take it easy today as I will too.
How was your New Year's Eve?????

GOT WHAT I WANTED :o)

2012-01-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

I have 5, 7, 10, 12 and 25 pound weights that I use for my workouts (I don't use the 25 pound ones - yet) and they have just been placed on the floor around my weight machine for years. I have mentioned a few times that I needed a method to store them so they wouldn't look so messy. Well, Canadian Tire had this on sale for $39.99 so that is what Santa brought me via the Cdn Tire store in Windsor. Thanks Santa!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

2011-12-31T13:11:00.001-05:00

Yes I have recycled an old picture I found in my archives but the sentiment is still the same.
I will be bringing in the New Year over on Axe Lake - it is a pot luck party but the main course is ribs from Windsor that Davey brings up every so often - they are cooked over an open fire and they are delicious. I will be bringing my deviled eggs of course - Linda is making her world famous rice krispie squares (they are perfectly gooey) and I am sure there will be a ton of other goodies. There is always soooooo much food left over, we could continue celebrating for a good couple of days. The forecast is for cloudy with clear breaks and -2 with a wind chill of -7 and light flurries overnite. Right now it is sunny and -1 - beats one year where it was -25!!!! There will be a big bonfire which is where I will be standing all evening with my beverage of choice in my new sippy cup. I bought some glow-in-the-dark necklaces and pendants just so we can find people who have wandered off the property and into the bush. Hopefully they won't have fallen face down ;o)
My 2012 is looking good so far. There is Jodie and Dave's wedding in Canmore in January. We will be finishing the main floor. Another Florida trip is being planned of course. And trips to Windsor with visits to people I missed over the holidays...

I wish you a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year..

Youth is when you are allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve - middle age is when you are forced to...CHEERS!!

HOW SWEET IT IS...

2011-12-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe but it is the 30th of December and Rejean hasn't blown any snow yet but we did get some yesterday and last nite so out came the tractor (and a few other things) and he got to try the tractor out. The cab has heat and a stereo system so he is very comfortable. He won't be doing this every time he does the snow but we couldn't resist the first time. With the old tractor, he had to dress up in his snow suit, balaclava, goggles, scarf etc - he looked like the abominable snowman when he was finished. He deserves to be comfortable - and by the look on his face, he is.
Enjoy!!
See Ya Bye

THAT WAS FAST

2011-12-29T19:02:00.000-05:00

Back home safe and sound from another whirlwind Christmas vacation down in Windsor and Gorrie. There is never enough time to visit everyone we wanted to but we did get all the visiting in with the family. Christmas Eve is always spent at Lise and Dan's - their house is made for the gathering and does accomodate the masses. We had our Christmas dinner at Marilou's with Stacey and Andrew, Sadie and Rejean's mom. It was delicious. We did the Turkey in a Box - no stress, no mess. Boxing day finished with a visit to Anne and Jame's place where we had Pizza - my favourite. They are in the middle of remodelling their whole main floor and I can say it is beautiful. I even picked up an idea for a wall of stone. There has to be somewhere I can use it.
On the 27th we headed to Gorrie to visit with my sister Susan and her family. She has 2 dogs - Disney and Poop. That is Susan laying on the floor trying to retrieve Disney's ball from under the fridge. Disney smelled the ball under the fridge and would not budge until Susan (or whoever else felt like laying down to look under the fridge for it) retrieved it. Poop (yes that is her real name) is Disney's daughter - Susan kept her when Disney had her puppies a few years ago. AND the beagle is Kloe. For those who know me, I want a beagle named Betty (but that day will never come). Kloe is Troy (Susan's son) and Lindsay's dog who is always over at Susan's to play with Disney and Poop. So this visit I got to get my fill of playing with a beagle and pretending that she was mine. All 3 dogs are fun to be with but, like children, you play with them then return them to their rightful owners.
We got home today and it was a good ride home - a little chilly but no snow to speak of. On Tuesday nite here it was -27 with a wind chill of -41!!! Just a little nippy. I got to see Boots this evening - first time in a long time. Ron fed him while we were away and he said that Boots had his girl friend with him. I think I christened her Ginger. So I gave him some extra so maybe he left some for Ginger.
Now we have to get ready for New Year's Eve on Axe. I am looking forward to that - it is always a good time.
See Ya Bye

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2011-12-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Just wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. This is the time of year that should be spent with the ones you love but sometimes it is not always the way things turn out. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we miss the opportunities we planned or hoped would happen. Those people are in our hearts and thoughts constantly. I hope you spend the holidays with the ones you love. I'll be spending Christmas with people I love and thinking about the ones that I can't be with.
Enjoy!!!

I LOVE DEXTER MORGAN

2011-12-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

DEXTER ALERT!!! PLEASE DON'T READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FINALE OF SEASON 6!!!

Ok. I have lately been afraid to watch this show - not really afraid but anxious - I know I will be on my feet, squirming on the couch, hiding and averting my eyes and yelling things at the tv screen, but I love this show. Every episode leaves me wondering how he is going to get out of this one - and he always does. But last nite's show really did it for me. It was the finale of season 6 with the DDK finally meeting his maker. I knew when he had Dexter's keys that he would make his way to Dexter's home and I knew that it would involve Harrison in some way. You knew that Harrison was going to be taken when Dexter took a phone call and went just outside of the door, taking his eyes off of Harrison. And, I had an incling that DDK was with Dexter at the church - but I never saw Debra seeing Dexter kill him!! What is he going to do now??? You always knew that somehow Debra would find out about Dexter - she has been close a few times but now I think it will change the whole show. They have also introduced a "I am in love with my brother" story line that I really don't like. But we will have to wait and see how it plays out.
If you haven't seen Dexter, please give it a chance - I guarantee you will enjoy this show as much as I do. I think you will have to watch a couple of episodes to get the real gist of the show but once you do, there is no going back.
See Ya Bye

DONE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

2011-12-15T18:22:00.000-05:00

We finished the pine and mouldings today - a full 2 days ahead of what we had projected. And it looks great, if I do say so myself. Rejean put one full moulding on top (altho it has a rosette in the middle - we didn't have a piece of pine that long so we had to break it up. The window mouldings come down from the one long one - kind of keeps the set of windows in a group and the small door also has the same design altho there is one 3 sets coming from it. I do have a bit of input into the design but the majority is Rejean's amazing mind at work. He liked the ledges under the windows and he designed the mouldings himself - he has a jointer and a planer and we had all the pine from a few years ago when he and a couple of friends cut some trees down and had the logs milled on site. Lots of oak and lots of pine left. My job is to finish the boards and moldings and fill in the nail holes with the putty. And to hold boards in place while he measures, cuts, measures, nails, measures, hold to see how it looks. And it does look fine.
Now we can concentrate on the holidays coming up...
See Ya Bye

A SECOND CHANCE???

2011-12-13T17:52:00.000-05:00

It has been mild around here for the past few days and our lake is in the process of thawing - which means that it could refreeze smooth enough to skate on - if we don't get snow on it. It has been a very mild December with no snow to speak of.
I put a picture of the big rock in the front yard. We lost a tree next to it and it is quite amazing how much it opened up that area. You can actually see the rock.
I spent the day varathaning all the mouldings that Rejean finished yesterday while I was out shopping with Linda in the Sault. He took off hunting and I stayed home to work. 4 1/2 hours later about 95% of it is complete - the other 5% need more coats of varathane on them. Tomorrow we put them up and then we should be done by the end of the week - right on schedule. I also am in the process of doing my Honey Crystal Almonds - I need some more canning jars to fill up so I'll have get them tomorrow in town. I am a procrastinator and I am right on track to not be done before Christmas...
See Ya Bye

WITH GREAT APPRECIATION TO SCOTIABANK

2011-12-13T17:20:00.000-05:00

The Wharncliffe Citizen's Committee received a cheque for $1000 today from Scotiabank!!!! It is in recognition of my volunteer activities and support of the worthy causes in my community. It is the second time I have applied for the funding and the second time my application has been approved.
I worked at Scotiabank for 30 years and to know that they will still support me in my efforts in my community is very encouraging. In today's economy, it is difficult to find the resources to support a cause other than your own. Time is precious. I feel that the Wharncliffe Community Hall and Fire Team are worthy of my efforts. As I've said before, it is the hardest work I have ever done but the most satisfying.

Volunteering is good for the soul...

NICE ICE

2011-12-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

It has been pretty cold and we really haven't had a lot of snow - and our lake has frozen over 3 times. Right now the whole lake is frozen and smooth as, well, ice!! John and Linda were over yesterday and John tried to walk on it (he is our indicator that it is safe to go out on the ice - he is the first to try the ice). It cracked as soon as he set foot on it - he held on to our dock. But that was yesterday and it was really cold last nite so today I tried it. I got out to about 4 feet from shore hanging on to the dock and I chickened out to go any further. Rejean was inside and I don't think he would have heard me YELL. I wish it was safe because you would be able to skate all over the lake on the smooth ice. That would be fun!!! Once it snows, it is never the same. It goes mush or bumpy - now would be the perfect time to really freeze deep. I'll cross my fingers it lasts...
See Ya Bye

AND SO IT BEGINS...

2011-12-07T18:11:00.000-05:00

We are starting work on the main floor - finally. We got all the pine up this week and our goal is to have all the windows and doors framed by the end of next week. And by the way this week went, it is a real possibility we will get it done. I have my dining table all picked out and we know what we want for the "entertainment" area. I already have my beautiful leather chair from Stacey and Andrew and we are hopefully getting a couch from Jenn and Steve that will go perfect with the chair. And I will either use my rocker or get a Club chair. We have the floor and we know what the ceiling will look like. The bar area is next. We have the bar chairs, the laminate for the bar top, a gas stove, dish washer, double sink and the rest is easy to get. Looks like this room could be done (except the actual bar) by spring!!!! The bar will be next winter's project - then - my sauna!!! And the list goes on and on and on...

WHO NEEDS NEW??

2011-12-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday is dump day around here and it is my job to take our garbage to the dump. I have mentioned before that we have a structure at the dump where people leave their things they no longer want but are too good to just dispose of. I always poke around in there - you never know what you will find - there is even a joke that you know you are a red neck when you go home from the dump with more than you took. Guilty!!! Well today I picked this baby up for the hall. It is a Black and Decker Food Processor. I told Dave who mans the dump that if it didn't work, I would keep my receipt and return it ;o) But it works like a charm - just like new. I also picked up 2 big stacks of magazines to read - I have cancelled all my magazine subscriptions because I just don't have the time to read them so why waste my money (besides, I am cheap). So today, I am a redneck.
AND it is snowing today. We have been having trouble with the road conditions lately - the new company hired to take care of the highway is only doing the bare bones - we have had 2 snowfalls and 2 accidents!!! Our MP is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. the ride to the dump was a bit harrowing but the snow plow passed me going north so at least they are out. But it is beginning to look a lot like winter...and Christmas...
See Ya Bye

O WHAT A NIGHT...

2011-12-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Midnight Madness hits Thessalon and what a night it was. I have never seen so many people in downtown Thessalon - almost every store was open and crowded. The picture above is of the Lovely Ladies of ForestLand - my favourite store in Thessalon. I never leave there without something - they have everything and last night was no exception. I love their outfits. The only thing missing was someone holding a helium filled balloon at the end of the line to indicate where it was because they were lined up with their purchasers. Every store was like that. The firemen had a big bonfire going and the Peppermill had hotdogs and fries and roasted chestnuts. There were carolers. We ate at the Sinton - they had their Friday nite fish fry but they had tons of other stuff as well. Even Beggs Funeral Home hosted an art show - it is brand new and I have never been inside so it was a perfect opportunity to check it out - you never know when you will need something like that. There was a hockey tournament going on at the arena and the curling club had their wing nite. Tina's on Main had a surf and turf going on.
It was fun to be downtown last nite...

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND THE REVEREND AL GREEN

2011-12-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

Just a snowy afternoon and I got to thinking about one of the best renditions of Let's Stay Together I have ever heard and seen - it is on UTube from the 2009 Grammy awards I think. If you need an afternoon pick me up, check it out. Keith Urban and Boyz II Men are backups.
Betcha you can't stay in your seat...

GOT SKYPE?

2011-12-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

We do!! We were watching Canada AM and they did a segment on great techy gifts for under $50 and one of the items was the MicroSoft LifeCam HD3000 for $34.99 so, when we were in the Sault the other day, we picked one up at Future Shop. Jodie had been after Rejean to get one and Joanne and Mitch have one (as you can see above)and I know Stacey and Andrew have the technology, so after it was installed last nite, we called Jodie and Dave and had a great visit (I now know you should have a cocktail in hand during one of these chats - Dave had a Guinness and Jodie had a beer - we were beveregeless but I made sure we had a beer going for the next chat with Joanne and Mitch). I also know that we need another chair in the computer room if we are going to both talk - I was squatting down and after 1/2 hour, it gets a bit tough. AND you have to be wearing the correct clothes, have combed your hair, cleaned your house in the area in front of the screen that can be seen on Skype etc. etc. Probably after a few more usages, I will let those rules slide a bit - except the clothing ones.
It was money well spent - we had a lot of fun for just a little bit of money...I recommend it.
See Ya Bye

OUR NEW FIRE TRUCK

2011-11-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Meet the new addition to the Wharncliffe Fire Team. Standing with pride is our fire captain Brian. The guys were at the hall today loading up all the equipment from the old van into the new vehicle. We just have to get the proper town name put on the doors and we are all set to protect the community.

CARNAGE ON OUR HIGHWAY

2011-11-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

Phyllis called me this morning and asked me to pick her up because she couldn't get out of her roadway because of this accident. It was an empty log hauler who blew a tire on a curve and ended up in her driveway. Good thing he was empty because the driver would have been killed. He walked away. He plowed into their driveway - fuel was spilled so it looks like it could be a winter project for the clean-up.
See Ya Bye

A WELL FED BOOTS

2011-11-26T18:45:00.000-05:00

I think it has a lot to do with his beautiful winter coat but Boots is looking very good lately. I haven't seen his girl friend - I am hoping for little ones in the spring. Boots looks stocky with his little short legs and his big bushy tail. He got 2 gut piles from us plus others in the area. Someone gutted a deer over at the gravel pit by Axe Lake and just left it in the pit - locals spotted some wolves feeding there - Rejean and I saw one crossing the highway the other day - again with the winter coats, the animals are spectacular. But Boots still comes around when he isn't out hunting.
We found some black oil sunflower seeds at a decent price so we bought 3 50 pound bags (what we usually go thru in a winter) so the birds are slowly coming around. The squirrel had no problems finding the seeds on the ground. Gotta get the peanuts out...
See Ya Bye

SANTA AND HIS LITTLE HELPERS

2011-11-26T13:04:00.001-05:00

We gathered the troops together after the Breakfast With Santa and got this picture.
From the left back row...Ron, who did a marvelous job with the potatoes - Vickie, who mastered the sausages and held babies and hugged a lot of people - Phyllis, who makes the magic happen and keeps us in line - Mrs Clause (aka Debbie who provided the Ranger for Santa's arrival) - Mary who kept the pancakes flowing - Santa and yes the beard is real and me on Santa's lap where I told him I had been a very good girl this year.
We had a good turnout for the breakfast - a lot of little kids and even more big kids - you are never too old for Breakfast with Santa.

See you next year....

ANOTHER CATERING ADVENTURE

2011-11-24T15:50:00.000-05:00

The Ladies of Wharncliffe catered a luncheon at the credit union in town today. We met yesterday to bake the deserts, cut the veggies and pickles and prepared the filling for the sandwiches. This morning we made the sandwiches, packed up the cars and headed to the credit union. They expected about 40 guests and they were ready when we set up.
This Saturday is the annual Breakfast with Santa - a full breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus who arrive by "pimped up" ranger which we will decorate tomorrow in Denzel's garage. It is a 7am start on Saturday so I better get my rest...

NOW YOU SEE IT...

2011-11-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

It has been cold overnite so our lake is freezing over. Just a very thin layer but freezing none the less and with the light snow we had, you can really see it. The other smaller lakes in the area are frozen just around the edges, not like ours.

BUBBLES

2011-11-20T18:13:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity this afternoon to meet Bubbles, a 10 month old English Bull dog belonging to Carson. She was very shy at first but after a few minutes (and a dog treat that I gave her) she warmed up to me. What a sweetheart. She is about 40 pounds of dog, sturdy legs, short almost none existent tail, and a beautiful smile. There was a bit of slobber - I washed my jacket when I got home - but what a small price to pay to make friends with Bubbles.
See Ya Bye

SNOW PICTURES

2011-11-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

I think I posted the same picture twice - but yes folks, it is that time of year where I am just amazed at all the beautiful scenery around here and this picture was taken at about 4:30 this afternoon after all the snow we had yesterday. There is not a breeze and the lake was like glass. I couldn't resist.
We all went out this morning across the lake - we only found one set of tracks but across on the mine side there were tons. The trail cam indicated that they were all out after dark and before dawn - times when it is illegal to hunt. How do they know???
A big spiral sliced glazed ham for dinner tonite that the guys brought up and tomorrow nite we will be deep frying a turkey. Lots of leftovers...yum yum...
See ya Bye

THE "S" WORD

2011-11-16T15:22:00.000-05:00

We got off easy this year - November 16th and this is the first real snow we have received. I must admit it is pretty and not that cold but then again, winter has not arrived yet up north. When I walked to the road to get the mail, the roads look slick and we have a new company taking care of the plowing and rumor has it that the number of plows has been cut drastically. Last year the road crews were out with even just a dusting of snow - this year will be different. I will just have to be careful on the roads - I just hope everyone else is.
The birds will be going hungry this year - we usually feed them the black oil sunflower seeds that used to be $20 for a 50 pound bag and I go thru about 3-4 bags per winter. This year it is $48 per bag because they are now using the black oil in a bio fuel!!! So much for the birds...if anyone out there knows where I can get it for the original price, please let me know. I enjoy feeding the birds.
I have the fire going up stairs and downstairs, the guys have just come in from hunting - we have 2 deer this year so far. Roger got one - a big doe - the first day and Ed got his doe (smaller than Roger's) on Sunday. I can taste those pepperonis now. I have been out in the blind for 2 days and have only seen a blue bird but I will be going out with the guys tomorrow pushing the mountain. I still don't know what will happen if I see one - time will tell.
See Ya Bye

11-11-11

2011-11-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

Talk about a great day for weddings. There were 5 going on at the Don - the big pink palace down the beach and the Bon Aire had 2 going on. These were the participants in the one I saw. It was a beautiful nite for the events, and the sunset was beautiful - altho there weren't any clouds which does make them prettier. The bride and groom and attendants were in their bare feet of course. And the groomsmen had shorts on and casual shirts. The bride's dress was a halter which showed off her beautiful tan and their little girl was precious in her yellow sundress. Cute family.

CREATURE SIGHTING IN FLORIDA

2011-11-15T18:49:00.000-05:00

They were everywhere this year - I have never seen so many of them. They provided some entertainments for us while we were basking in the sun. A big grey bird came walking into the area and caught and swallowed one!! Just a little tidbit for him.
This guy posed for me on some weird looking plant that kinda resembled something - that's all I am saying...

WHAT A DEAL...

2011-11-15T18:41:00.000-05:00

We started our vacation by staying at the Marriott near the Detroit Airport on Friday nite. You stay one nite and get 8 days free parking. This was a different hotel than the one I had previously stayed at - the rooms were bigger her. Our flight left at 8:30am and we got there in plenty of time. You park in the lot across the street, a shuttle picks you up at your car and delivers you to your terminal. When you return from your vacation, the shuttle takes you back to your vehicle and you are on your way home. Easy Peasy.
I will book this for next year for sure.

SISTERS ON THE BEACH

2011-11-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

It is so easy to get people to take your picture on the beach in Florida - everyone is so friendly. We had fabulous weather - the best so far. Friday was the only off day and it was cooler but still sunny - we rented a car and went shopping!!
There is something about spending time with your sisters - there is a connection there you have with no one else. We could never have done this when we were younger - we didn't appreciate each other the way we do now. I cherish them and enjoy every moment with them - life is way too short to let little things get in the way of life.
See Ya Bye

YUMMY

2011-11-13T20:53:00.000-05:00

You have to read the pictures from the bottom up to get the presentation of the salad that Susan and Joanne ordered from Sea Hag Restaurant - a new place that we visited last week in Florida. I had the Cuban sandwich - I could only eat half so we split the other half for lunch the next day. Tuesday nite when we went there was MoTown nite so the music was great. We went back on Friday nite, our last nite in Florida and had drinks and appetizers. Very Very Good!!!

HAPPY HOUR

2011-11-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

We hit the Happy Hour at Sea Critters in Florida - they were delicious.

SPA DAY

2011-11-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Linda and I got all Spa'd up. It was my birthday present to Linda and I am going to Florida so I needed my toes and fingers done. We went to the Serenity Spa in Bruce Mines. Arlene Labelle is the owner/operator and sole esthetician. She opened special for Linda and I. I think because she heard the sobs in my voice when she first told me she couldn't fit us in. So she met us at 11:30 am on Hallowe'en morning and finished us in 5 hours. Pedis and Manis for both of us. It was nice to be pampered for a change. I choose a dark chocolate brown for my digits and Linda liked my color so much she choose the same color for her nails. She had a nice deep cranberry for her toes. Arleen was a joy to be around - she survived the 5 hours with Linda and I which is saying a lot.
The next time we go - which should be around Christmas - I am going to bring some margharitas to sip on as we pass the time. Olay!!!

THE NEW ONE

2011-11-01T11:58:00.000-04:00

A new face appeared this morning with Boots - please read post below.

SOMEONE'S GOT A GIRLFRIEND

2011-11-01T11:56:00.000-04:00

Boots brought along a new friend this morning. I couldn't tell if it was a female but I am going to assume it was. She was smaller than Boots and paler in color. She lay there until Boots was done, then came over and licked the bowl then ran off to be with Boots. She was timid when she saw me but never ran completely away. Boots had his ears down for a bit and kept his eyes on her. You can really tell how big Boots is when you compare him to the new fox. I guess it is all those leftovers from the Hall and the chicken hotdogs he loves so much.
I don't mind the extra mouth to feed - I have seen 4 foxes around our place at the same time but that was just for a small period of time.

OK readers, what should I call the new fox? You came thru with Boot's name so what do you think?

MY BLOG LIST

2011-10-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

I follow other blogs as well as writing my own. On the right hand side of my blog you will see "My Blog List" and 2 headings underneath it. the first one is My Life By Buster - it is written by Buster, a dog who lives in Manhatten and visits a dog park. It is very entertaining. I recommend it highly especially today when he posts pictures of himself and his friends all dressed up in costumes.
The other one is Stacey's blog. Jouney to an Ultramarathon...and beyond. Right now Stacey and Andrew are on a year long trip thru the states in their Airstream. They are posting pictures of their journey - very interesting pictures. I am following their every move.
Pay them a visit - you will not be disappointed.

BOOT'S WAY OF SAYING THANKS

2011-10-30T19:44:00.000-04:00

Boots usually makes a "deposit" near his feeding dish but this time, it was left on the veranda. I guess it is his way of marking his territory or just saying Thanks - I can think of better ways...

WHO'S THAT A'KNOCKING AT MY FRONT DOOR?

2011-10-30T19:38:00.001-04:00

...it's Diane!! We went to the fish fry at the Legion on Friday nite and everyone was invited back to our place to continue the festivities. Diane was the last to arrive - dressed as a (friendly I hope) lion. A little early for trick or treat but we invited her in anyway. We make our own fun up here.

ANOTHER BUSY BEAVER

2011-10-30T19:30:00.000-04:00

Came across this beaver dam last Sunday while out hunting with Ron and Mary. It was quite the sight. When you stop and look at the structure, you can see all the work and how many trips that beaver has had to make in order to build his pools. Hense the phrase Busy as a Beaver...

POWER IS BACK ON

2011-10-27T20:25:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday morning we woke up to no power. It wasn't windy out so there must have been an accident. Up here you get used to being without power more than a few times in a year. I called Hydro One just in case no one had called it in. I actually got a live person - you usually get a recording saying it has already been reported and the anticipated time of restoring power. She indicated there had been an accident and, according to her records, we should have power - I set the record straight and she said she would check into it. When Rejean called, they said they would try and have it restored by that evening.
We had to run into town for our flu shots and in travelling down highway 129 south, came across the accident at the bottom of the hill by the 554 cutoff. A big semi had taken the corner too fast and flipped into the ditch spewing his load of 2 x 4s into the ditch. He had also taken out the hydro pole and a fibre-optic cable was running across the road. They had to call a truck from Manitoulin Island to help in the repairs. Long story short, we didn't get our power restored until 8:30 that evening.
It's funny how you forget you don't have power - we were still flipping on the light switches all day long. I took advantage of the outage and packed for Florida.
Thank goodness for modern conveniences...

FINALLY, A DIAGNOSIS

2011-10-27T20:14:00.000-04:00

I had my doctor's appointment this morning about my toe. I have had a pain in my left big toe for over a year and being me, I put off having it looked at. I always figure it will just go away. But it didn't. And it has been interfering with my exercise routine. I couldn't do my half marathon this year because I couldn't get in the training because of the pain. And I had to buy an exercise bike for my cardio because I couldn't do my treadmill. My doctor sent me for x-rays and I got the results today. I have osteoarthritis of the base of my big toe!!! I asked the usual questions such as what can I do about it and if it will get worse or if I will get it in other joints. I said I don't take any pain medication for it as it is really not that hard to live with but she wants me to "manage" the pain by taking extra strength Tylenol 500 mg every 6 hours. Ugh. She says it will take care of the inflammation and in doing so, prevent it from getting any worse. I can see her reasoning. But I don't like the idea of taking any medication (except my miracle drugs estrogen and progesterone) but I do want to be able to function as a human being in the future so I am taking her advice. I took my first Tylenol extra strength tablet at 4pm today. I can still feel the pain in my toe but it is not as bad. The miracle of modern medicine.
See Ya Bye

CREATURE SIGHTING

2011-10-22T18:04:00.000-04:00

From my front room on the second floor I could see ripples in the water close to shore. I snuck downstairs and out the door and crept towards the edge of the hill for a good view. There were 3 otters in the water. They were hissing at the decoy in the water we use to mark the water pump. Then all three crawled out of the water onto the swimming rock. I stayed very still because they were looking over towards me so I knew that they knew I was there. It was a mother and her 2 babies, altho they were a good size. They shook themselves off and were licking each other and rolling around on the warm rock. It was amazing to watch these good size creatures doing what they do in nature. And me without my camera!!! When will I learn!!! I watched them for about 5 minutes and they soon wandered away on shore somewhere. I came back inside as it was a bit cool and I wasn't really dressed for being outside. But what a treat.
They have been around our lake for a number of years - every once in a while you catch a glimpse of them but never that close.
See Ya Bye

FINALLY DONE

2011-10-20T19:38:00.000-04:00

We finished the wood yesterday - we had 5 3/4 rows -28 feet long and 4 feet high - we figure about 20 cord. (if someone wants to do the math and let me know if that is correct). There's a lot of work in this picture. The only thing we didn't do was take the trees down - we had some left over steel roofing that we placed on top and put rocks and cement blocks on it to keep them in place. We went over this morning after the big wind/rain storm we had and had to replace a few rocks. We lost a tree in the front by the big rock where Susan parks her 4 wheeler. A hemlock - not real big but enough to keep us busy for a few hours cleaning it up. We also lost our power this morning from about 7am until 11:30am - you can almost count on losing power when it is that windy out. The rain has brought up the lake levels just when it really doesn't matter.
I have started getting my clothes ready for Florida - that is coming up quick. I will need some sun and blender drinks right about then...

GIRLS RULE!!

2011-10-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

My friend Debbie and her wonder dog BoBo came over to the hall today in her 4 wheeler. It is hunting season and she hadn't got any birds so she brought her gun along. Good thing she did because she spotted this baby on the way over and she got it!!! It was a nice big one, too. She was very happy with herself - as she should be.
I haven't been out yet this season so maybe after all the wood is done and the weather holds, I should be able to get out and try my luck.
It is quiet during the week in the bush so maybe I'll get lucky...
See Ya Bye

SCALLOP POTATOS

2011-10-18T20:03:00.000-04:00

The scallop potatoes turned out so good at the dinner, I decided to make some today at the hall with the leftover stuff. I did it all by myself and they were good. Vickie and I each took some home for dinner - I also took a hamburger pie home - I think they are my favourite of all the pies we make. Just ground beef, shredded carrots and onions and Vickie's gravy. Vickie makes all the fillings for the pies and Phyllis makes the dough - I just fill the shells and put the "lids" on the pies then keep an eye on them baking in the ovens. I also put the ridges on the edges of the pies - I used to think it was such hard work to do that stuff but now - not so much - easy peasy.

PIES!!

2011-10-18T19:58:00.000-04:00

Back at it again today - 9am til 5:30pm. We got 61 big pies and lots of baby pies done and Carl even came over to buy some. I've got 2 of the hunters' pies in my freezer - hamburger and roast beef. We cleaned up the hall as well. No more meals this year - just the Breakfast With Santa in late November. That is a full breakfast for $5.00 -we loose money on that one but it is for the community and the kids.
I don't have to go back to work at the Hall til Monday so now I can help Rejean finish the wood. Yea!!

SOME OF THE CROWD

2011-10-17T19:03:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken after the 2 sittings and we finally got a chance to sit down and eat. It was good. I, too, have to wear a hair net and hat and white apron. I remember back when I got my first job at The Red Barn I had to wear an apron, too. A little white apron on my black skirt and white blouse. I don't remember if I had to wear a hat - maybe somebody out there can remember what we wore. This would be back in the late 60's. I know, I am dating myself but what can I say...

HALL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

2011-10-17T18:58:00.000-04:00

We had our last dinner at the Hall on Sunday nite - it wasn't a sell-out but we made money. We had lots of help this dinner so it makes it easier - Gail, Sharon, Vicki, Phyllis, Leslie, Debbie and myself did a great job. We got all the dishes washed and put away and just the roasters left to soak over nite.
We headed back there on Monday and made 65 big meat pies and 15 individual (I call them baby pies). And we are going back again on Tuesday to make more. Then I am free the rest of the week.
But getting back to the Birthday cakes. We knew of 3 birthdays that evening so Phyllis baked and decorated these little cakes. And we all sang Happy Birthday to the recipients. Just like the big chain restaurants.

ps - look in the background and you can see my deviled eggs I made for the dinner - are you sick of me talking about my deviled eggs yet?

HMMMMM

2011-10-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

This chap was playing with the trail cam and pushed it upside down so all our other pictures were up side down and he took a bite of it and punctured a lens. A lucky one to have not been shot - yet.

BOOTS???

2011-10-15T19:02:00.000-04:00

This little guy showed up on the trail cam as well. Could be Boots.

EENY MEENY MINY MOE

2011-10-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

Rejean had his trail camera out again and got this scene - kinda neat. Let's see ... I didn't get a doe tag...

NICE VIEW

2011-10-15T08:36:00.000-04:00

This is a view from Joanne and Mitch's dock taken a couple of weeks ago when it wasn't raining which it has been for the past few days and is expected for the next 5 days....but who's complaining? Perfect weather for working at the Hall getting ready for the last supper of the season - the Ham and Roast Beef dinner. We will be having ham, roast beef, scallopped potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, brown beans, gravy, devilled eggs (only 7 dozen this time) cole slaw, carrot salad, cesare salad, about 50 million kinds of jello salads and, of course, hoe made fruit pies. Jerry is coming this morning to peel 75 pounds of potatoes (I hope he is not reading this before he comes or he may chicken out). But we only epect about 150 people so there is not a lot of pressure. Besides, Phyllis, Vickie and myself are skilled professionals. Robin's mom, Gail, came and helped us yesterday - she re-organized (I shouldn't say RE-organized because they were in no means organized before) our cupboards - what a help. It is always nice to have extra help.
When it finally does stop raining, Rejea and I will finish our wood - and it will be a good job done.
See Ya Bye

STILL DOING WOOD

2011-10-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

Ron brought his tractor over to help us with the big logs. We rolled the big ones into his bucket then he placed them on the splitter - it really helped us. We could never have lifted some of the big ones. We got that done in the morning then relaxed in the afternoon - it is still beautiful weather here. Tomorrow the guys go hunting. I will be doing stuff around the house.

LAST LEAVES

2011-10-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

I took this picture a couple of days ago - the leaves have all pretty much come down except for the oaks and a few maples and birch. It was a good year for the colors.

TYPICAL

2011-10-08T19:35:00.000-04:00

Now tell me, how many women do you see? None. We were all sitting outside while the guys congregated in the garage. Notice the cooking area and the cook with the flashy apron on. John G.
But I must say that John did not want any help from us ladies. He had a guy passing the fish around, a guy taking the cooked food to the house to keep warm, a guy refilling the cooking pots. It was nice to be waited on for a change. I did clear a few plates tho.
It was fun.
Thanks John and Lisa.

KENNY'S GROWTH

2011-10-08T19:31:00.000-04:00

Kenny asked me to take a picture of him and post it on my blog so I did. I think he wants his wife to see his beard. A nice beard I must say.

FISH FRY ON AXE

2011-10-08T19:29:00.000-04:00

The other evening we were invited over to Axe Lake for a fish fry at John G's. I, of course, made my deviled eggs (you can still see some on the table - they went fast but at least they made it to the table). When I got there they were just starting to pass some fish as appetizers. Then they passed some more, then some more. I asked John if we were having a meal or was this the meal. He said he still had 30 pounds more to cook!!! We ate fish for hours. Pike, rainbow trout, walley, bass - all done up just right. Then they set the table. People up here can cook!! Even the single guys!! It was delicious. And home made pies for desert. We are spoiled.

WHO, LINDA???

2011-10-08T19:23:00.000-04:00

Linda's friends, Darlene and Cathy, saw this little sign and just had to get it for Linda. Now, Linda's handle on the CB is Snowbitch and her email address is Snowbich (because Snowbitch was already taken). She has somehow, in her years up at the Lake, acquired this moniker but I can't see it. She's ok by me.
See Ya Bye

PRETTY GIRL

2011-10-07T09:39:00.000-04:00

Ute asked me to stop in at the Humane Society to take a look at this little girl. What a beauty. She was very gentle and very appreciative of my pats thru the bars.
I was crying...