A Day of Fun, Laughter, and an Outdoor Tea Party!

A Day of Fun, Laughter, and an Outdoor Tea Party!

We can always count on fun and laughter whenever we spend time with our friends, CJ and Art! 
An invitation to join them for brunch at Gilbertson's Maple Products, on St. Joseph's Island, was guaranteed to meet with an enthusiastic 'yes' - especially when it was going to be followed by a trip around the Deer Trail afterwards. 

Piling into the back of their truck, we set off to enjoy clear blue skies, with the warmth of the sun coaxing us to endure the cold of this -13 degree Celsius day. 

Conversation is never lacking, and the humour punctuated our attempts to set the world aright! 

Crossing over the bridge onto the island, we were struck, once again, by the pure beauty and majesty of the Northern Ontario winter scenery. The northwest end of Lake Huron, still mostly frozen, showed some open water and the contrast between the darkness of the water with the bright, whiteness of the surrounding ice and snow was striking. 







On our first visit to Gilberston's, nearly 4 years ago, I ordered two pancakes, thinking that they would be the normal size of a North American pancake. WRONG! When my order was brought to the table, I couldn't believe it!  Two fluffy, thick pancakes, the size of the large dinner plate awaited my attention. On subsequent visits, my choices have been more sensible. 

This time, we ordered one pancake, with a piece of peameal bacon, and a side order of maple baked beans. It was more than enough! The fresh maple syrup oozed through the pancake and every mouthful was exquisite! 

Gilbertson's lives up to its boast of being Ontario's largest producer of maple syrup. It is open during the maple syrup season (when the temperatures are below zero at night, and above zero during the day). After a visit to the gift shop - where all sorts of maple products, and other Canadiana, are to be found, we went through into the boiling area. Alas, nothing was happening as it had been too cold for the sap to run. However, we did stop to chat with one of the operators, and to appreciate an artistic impression of an old sugar camp. 



It's amazing to think that this time last year, we were actually helping to tap the trees and collect the sap for maple syruping while pet/house sitting in Vermont for our friends, Dick & Eileen. We have many 'sweet' memories of Ron, June, Rick, & Angel (with their two children), who helped us fulfil a long-time dream. They were all so welcoming and incredibly generous! How time flies by!(For an account of our time, tapping the trees, check out the blog here!

Of course, we couldn't leave Gilbertson's without leaving our mark!

On the way to the Deer Trail, we stopped off at a small hamlet called, Little Rapids. Apart from the Heritage Park Museum - a small collection of buildings from pioneer times - we were attracted to the General Store, which has been in existence since 1890. 

The proprietor, Merv, invited us to take pictures of the inside of the store, with it's quaint offerings reminiscent of scenes from 'Anne of Green Gables'. He was kind enough to allow us to get behind the counter so that we could see the old cheese cutter and the old cash register drawer. (I can't help wondering if he would have been so trusting if he had been aware of my past history as a thief!  - Check this out, in case you didn't know about it. 

Old Cheese Cutter

Weighing Scales - still used today

Cash Register Drawer - from days gone by

An old wireless radio

The old  Post/Mail station

We loved the display of wellington boots on the top shelf, above the grocery supplies. It really brought home the reason why it was called a 'General' Store.

Merv took a photo of our motley crew, and suggested a visit to the Forestland Clothing and Gift Store in the nearby town of Thessalon. 












So, we double back to Thessalon so we could drop in and enjoy the array of interesting wares that were on display. 

Would love this for our bathroom!

CJ issues a warning!

Mark, showing his mischievous side!

Beware... Art is a very good shot!

I really must get my hearing aids fixed!

Kim, who is Merv's wife, was very welcoming, and I had a great conversation with her, discovering that Thessalon was frequently visited by tourists on their way out to Western Canada. It certainly is a beautiful town, nestled on the north shore of Lake Huron. The store is found on the main street in the town, and is well worth a visit. 

Resuming our journey back home, we made our way to the Deer Trail and followed its contours until it joined the Little White River. 

Deer Trail Touring Map

Once again, we were in awe of the patterns formed in the ice that clung to the banks of the fast-flowing river. Although it was a cold day, we left the warmth of the truck to take pictures and drink in the beauty of the moment. 

The fast flowing river gushed over the pebbles and under the remaining ice. Wonderful sound!

CJ and Art - always prepared - announced that it was time for a nice mug of herbal tea, and promptly brought out their propane kettle, setting it down on the roadside. While waiting for it to boil, mugs were brought out and placed on the tailboard. 

Mark and I went to look at some tracks in the snow on the other side of the road and we're sure that, by the size of them, they belonged to a moose. We rarely see these creatures, but the evidence of their presence is very clear. 

The final leg of our journey home, took us along the familiar road to Elliot Lake where our generous hosts invited us in for a delicious, healthy meal. 

It was a fine ending to another fine day. 

Winterelude - Revisited!

Winterelude - Revisited! 

(February 4th, 2017)

Sometimes, it's remarkable how things work out!

We're really enjoying our repeat house/pet sit here, in Manotick, loving the wonderful pets who have 'hired' us to look after them, and full of gratitude to the owners, Diane and Stephen for their trust in us and their awesome friendship. 

Yesterday, we decided to nip into Ottawa to take in some of the fun of this year's Winterlude festival. On our way into town, we suddenly realized that, as fate would have it, we were doing exactly the same thing - two years ago to the day! 

At that time, we just visited the ice sculptures near the Rideau Canal. Here's the a reminder of that day (if you feel like taking a gander at it!). Winterlude, 2015

This time around, we crossed the Ottawa River into the Gatineau region and made our way to the Jacques Cartier Park. I had been attracted to the snow-maze that had been advertised, and was dying to try it out for myself. Mark - ever so patient and understanding, as normal - agreed that it could be a lot of fun. 

Upon our arrival, we noticed, very quickly, that the Snowflake Kingdom was designed for children - but that didn't put us off. After all, we are kids at heart! (A little bit of internet research would have told us that - but, then, we may have missed the fun!)

We were delighted to see how well attended the event was, with families in a festive mood, smiling, laughing, and just enjoying the activities as well as each other. It was soon evident that this joyful spirit was spilling over and being shared with everyone - as the various greetings and mini-conversations we had was very warming to the heart. 

This year, the annual event of Winterlude is one of the first of many to mark the 150th year of the Confederation of Canada (1867-2017) - and winter is one of the things, as Canadians, that we do best! (I say that in spite of some of our Snowbird friends who escape to the warmth of the south!)

There were some awesome snow sculptures to be seen, representing some of the well-known traditions of Canadians - including the making of maple syrup. (Our wonderful friends in Vermont - please take note!!!  😉)

When Mark saw the first set of slides, he just couldn't resist! 'Take a picture of me!' could be heard as he scuttled speedily to towards the entrance. This was so reminiscent of our time in Kingston, two years ago, to the exact date, tomorrow! (Is there a pattern emerging, here?)

There were other, larger slides, but the line-up was rather long...

 ...as it was for the tubing!

When we finally located the maze, it was only about 4 feet high, very small, and with several exits, so we went through it, just for fun. After all, a bucket list is a bucket list! 

Unfortunately, we'd just missed our chance at the zipline that had been set up; but that didn't stop us from enjoying the delight of those who had just made it in time. 

Mark was thrilled to come across this permanent sculpture of one of his heroes from the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team: Maurice 'the Rocket' Richard. 

All this fun was with the backdrop of the Parliament Buildings (seen behind the bridge) - one of the finest pieces of architecture in the country. 

Although the sun seemed to be shy of showing its face, we had a great time, and would recommend the whole Winterlude festival to anyone who happens to be in the Ottawa area, or who may be visiting. 

Winterlude 2017 will run from February 3 to 20. Consult the calendar of events.

===========

(Here's a tip if you ever get lost in a large maze - such as the one in Hampton Court, near London, U.K.  - if you ever get lost in a maze, just extend your hand to the wall on one side, keep your hand in one place and follow wherever that wall takes you. Eventually, you'll reach the exit - or maybe the entrance).

The Power of Unconditional Love

The Power of Unconditional Love!

When I was teaching in Elementary School, I used to tell this story to illustrate the power of unconditional love. I thought I’d share it now, as I haven't written a blog post since before Christmas!

At a gathering of the Elements, it was noticed that there was a single flower in a field and that all of its petals were closed up.

They began to discuss how they could get the flower to open its petals.

Rain said, ‘What this flower needs is plenty to drink, so let me try.”

The rain started to fall – gently, at first, and then it pelted down, believing that the quicker the plant could get the water, the quicker it would open up. However, the flower just tried to dodge the raindrops, and almost bent over  under the weight of the deluge; but the petals remained closed.

Wind said, ‘Since you have failed, let me try!’

The gentle breeze quickly whipped up and blew the flower to and fro so that it didn’t know which way to lean; but the petals remained closed.

The Sun said, ‘I think we’re approaching this the wrong way. Let me try.’

The sun shone gently upon the field and the flower began to feel its warmth. It started to open up – just a little, and then it felt more warmth. So, it opened up its petals even more… and still felt the warmth; and it felt good! So the flower opened up fully under the warmth of the sun and everyone could see its beauty.

Although it may take time, and we may never see the results, I have found that there is nothing more powerful than unconditional love, gently shared with another, that will help someone blossom into the beautiful person that they are. 

Elliot Lake KNOWS how to Celebrate - especially at Christmas!

Elliot Lake KNOWS how to Celebrate 

- especially at Christmas!

When we first moved up to Elliot Lake, just three-and-a-half years ago, we knew we'd love the surrounding scenery, and we'd already met a few of the townsfolk and had been impressed by the welcome and sense of belonging that exuded from them. However, we were really surprised in other ways. 

The very first Canada Day fireworks display left us feeling stunned at the sheer size and quality of the event. We thought it would be over within 5 minutes, but were treated by tremendous light displays that continued for nearly 30 minutes! It was every bit as good as any display we'd seen in the GTA. It felt like half the population had turned out to Westview Park to share in the occasion. We didn't know a single soul at that gathering, but had the feeling that we'd make a few friends from among them. Little did we know just how many people would embrace us and take us into their hearts. 

In the time we have been here, we have learned that this city knows how to celebrate - and Christmas is no exception. 

We'd spent a busy day in the Soo, and didn't arrive back until 5:30, leaving us just one hour to have dinner and get ready to go out again to watch the Santa Claus Parade, here in town. Grabbing our friend, Michelle - who lives in our building - we parked near to Kathy's Brew HaHa! and went inside to enjoy a warm drink before the parade was due to start. Kathy had decided to extent her hours so that everyone could enjoy some warmth on this chilly evening. 

So many people gathered at Kathy's Brew HaHa

We were greeted by a gentleman who was giving out free hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies to the kids, and the place was full people doing the same as us - fueling up ready for the big event. We met a few people we knew and sat with them to enjoy our brew. 

At the appointed time, we ventured outside and found a spot from where we would be able to get a good view of the floats as they passed by. Again, we thought there would be about half a dozen floats and a few organizations that would be represented. Boy, were we wrong about that!

While waiting, we saw a couple of friends in the crowd and got chatting with them, and also spotted several others with whom we had become acquainted. 

Vicki, Brandon, and their beautiful family

We were also delighted to see so many beautiful dogs, so we had our doggy fix, too!

The crowd excitedly awaits the arrival of the parade.

Sure enough, a fire truck sounded it's horn, announcing the arrival of the parade.  (Our friend, William Elliot - a well-loved individual in town - knows how to grab one's attention!!). 

A fire truck announces the beginning of the parade

Antique fire truck - driven by William Elliot - the 'man about town'

What followed left us with our mouths wide open! Float after float passed by, interspersed by various groups on foot proudly displaying their banners. The floats were so festively decorated and the coloured lights were dazzling. The women, men, and children of Elliot Lake were all having fun - and it showed. 

Lots of dogs were walking in the parade

We thought the Animal Shelter's 'Dalmatian Car' was cool

Illuminated Peace Dove

The Grinch makes his appearance

Great Igloo float

Proud to have our Pride group represented!

Charlie Brown and Snoopy - wouldn't be the same without them!

Canada Post - serving us proudly!

One of many dogs enjoying the parade

'Howie' - suitably dressed and driven by Greg

A walking mailbox

Jolly Nutcracker

(Unfortunately, our cell phone does not take night pictures very well, so some of these pics are a little blurry. Nevertheless, you'll be able to get the feel of celebration from them. Our short video clips are much clearer, so we've included a few of them, here). 

This snowman was made completely out of rubber tires.

Villa Francaise des Jeunes is a French-language Middle school and High school

Finally, the Big Man, Himself, made his appearance and wished us all the Merriest of Christmases!

Santa Arrives!

After the parade ended, we popped back in to Kathy's Brew HaHa! as we noticed that our friend, Ann Russ Foy, had joined Kathy behind the counter. Rushing up to hug her, we noticed that there were a few women dressed the same and realized that Ann's singing group, The Jewels of Harmony, were about to perform! Talk about lucking in! We were treated to 20 minutes of cheery Christmas songs, starting with 'It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas' and finishing with 'Silent Night' (an all time favourite of ours). They also did an encore of 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' at the request of a young man who bravely ventured forward from his table. 

'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'

'Silver Bells' - with audience participation

'Carol of the Bells'

On the way home, we couldn't resist taking a few pics of various houses about town which have done themselves proud with their decorative light displays.

This whole experience encapsulates the extraordinary spirit of the people of Elliot Lake. After facing the challenges of the closing of the mines over several years, and the tragic collapse of the mall, back in 2012, this city is quietly busy rebuilding itself, which speaks of the indomitable courage of the townsfolk. There is a determination to celebrate themselves at every opportunity which is a fitting way to honour the memory of those who lost their lives on that fateful day in June, 2012, and of the heroic miners whose names are enshrined in the Miners' Memorial, on Horne Lake. 

A memorial in Elliot Lake to the two women who lost their lives in the roof collapse at the Algo Centre Mall

(Courtesy of http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/elliot-lake-fatal-mall-collapse-comes-down-to-human-failure-report-says-1.2799021)

Mining Monument and Memorial honours the community's mining legacy.

(Courtesy of http://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/elliot-lake-celebrates-60-with-a-year-of-amazing-events)

Elliot Lake stands as a beacon of hope - just like Christmas, itself. It's people can be proud of what they are accomplishing - and we feel honoured to be living among them. 

THANK YOU, ELLIOT LAKERS!