It Was A Very Good Year

2013 was a year like any other with amazing highs and heartbreaking lows, and while I tend to face the road ahead without a backward glance, this past year deserves a little recap.

We began the year in Florida's panhandle. Compared to today's high of -25 Celsuis, I can't believe I actually complained of the cool temperatures!

A Day on the Lake

Today ran the gamut from sunshine to flurries, ending on a high note with a glorious sunset. First thing this morning, however, John and Keegan went for a walk on the lake. He stays on his leash until they reach the ice, and loves the freedom of just racing around wherever he likes. Although, to be honest he doesn't venture very far from John. They're best buds!

Skiing & Sun Dogs

We were fortunate to miss the freezing rain and power outages that hit the southern portion of the province this past weekend. My cousin posted this photo of his street after the storm on Facebook. Scary.

Photo taken by Don Sanderson Dec. 22, 2013

Leahy's Comet!

It's been a busy week. John spent it skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Black Forest Conservation Park (above). I did some writing and hit the mall--twice. Keegan, well, Keegan's Keegan. He thinks all this rushing around is insane, and took it easy whenever possible. He likes the floor...

Radishes and Gooseberry in Mattawa

Saturday morning Keegan had a spa appointment, so we dropped him off in Corbeil and continued along Highway 17 east to Mattawa. 

I Like My Mornings CRISP

The mercury dropped overnight and wham, just like that, ice appeared on Trout Lake.

Winter Wonderland

We awoke this morning to a blanket of freshly fallen snow, and then mid-morning it got blustery.

Artists, Writers & Paddlers, Oh My!

Most of you know I have a not-so-secret second identity as a mystery and romantic suspense writer. What you may not know, however, is I'm also a graduate of an art college. So when I looked out the window this morning I just didn't see the sun on the pine trees, I saw a Group of Seven painting by none other than Tom Thomson. 

Curried Leftover Casserole

While John went skating at the Pete Palangio Arena today, I checked out the Northgate Mall. With lots of shoppers and plenty of bargains, it was a great place to be. If anyone needs to get into the holiday spirit, this massive tree just inside the main entrance certainly helps!

Degrees of Cute & Holiday Decor

Another dreary day here in North Bay, but we didn't let that stop us. John decided to cross country ski and snowshoe at the Black Forest Trails. As you can see from this pic there is definitely enough snow for both activities.

Trails & Chicken Soup

I admit I felt bad staying so close to home yesterday, but with a sore throat and chills I really was under the weather. Still, I'm rarely ill and HATE having to adjust my schedule for anyone or anything. Good thing John made homemade chicken soup today. It always works miracles.

Kimtreelane & Ebenezer

This morning I headed to the Elks Lodge and the Witty Artisans 2013 Christmas Craft Show. There, I met my brother-in-law's sister-in-law (are you still following me?!). Anyway, she runs Kimtreelane Soap Company, and you can visit her on Facebook.

Laurentian Ski Hill Trails

Yesterday afternoon we jumped in the van and drove to the Laurentian Ski Hill. The tower structure matches the amazing view.

Cinnamon, Frost & One Week In

Morning fog greeted us for an hour or so this morning. Then the clouds parted, and specks of blue sky became visible. I happened to glance over the rim of my coffee mug and thank goodness I did. What a sight! A blanket of frost dusted the trees on the island across the lake, and with the brilliance of the sun's rays it was glorious.

Ice Rink, Ski Hill and a Cutie Patootie

The view from the living room is lovely, and each day brings another moment to stop and just soak in its wonder. This morning was no exception. With blue skies, sunshine and mist rising in fanciful swirls and twists above the lake, today began with a WOW!

Laurier Woods & Gifts of the Heart

This afternoon Keegan suggested we hiked the 1.9 km orange trail at the Laurier Woods Conservation Area. He explained it's only a 12 minute drive from home, and still within North Bay city limits, so off we went.

Shades of Grey

We enjoyed our outing to Goulet Park on Lake Nipissing this past August and while every colour of the rainbow was visible this summer, today's hues were mainly shades of grey.

Grey Cup, Walks, and Naps

We're settling in quite well, and best of all Keegan seems to be enjoying our visit. After we oohed and aahed yesterday's incredible sunset, he insisted we watch the Grey Cup Game. He cheered when his favorite team, the Roughriders, won. Well, okay. Maybe he doesn't have a favorite football team and if the truth be known he slept through most of the game, but he certainly enjoyed John's lap.

Snowstorms and Road Closures

John and I are always up for a new adventure, but this past weekend we learned to be careful what we wish for.

Rainy Days & Guinness

The good news is we missed the storms that destroyed parts of the US midwest today. Still, it was rainy, foggy, and neither of us wanted to venture far. But this afternoon we took a short drive around town.

Sherriff Lake X2

This past week we've hiked the trails around Sherriff Lake not once, but twice. Both days were gorgeous with crystal blue skies, but cool temperatures and sometimes gusty winds. While the fall foliage is gone, the views from the rocks is still spectacular.

Boom Camp Trails

In all of the 11+ years we've lived in the north, I'd never visited the Boom Camp Interpretive Park in Blind River, so when John suggest we go there for a hike I jumped at the chance.

Prescott & Fort Wellington

On our return from Boston we drove along the St. Lawrence River and stopped in Prescott, Ontario site of Fort Wellington. Built during the War of 1812 to defend the town and shipping lines from American and French attack, this historic site is maintained by Parks Canada.

Happy Halloween - Salem Style!

While we spent just a few hours in Salem, MA, the sights and sounds of this community continue to linger. Take for instance Derby Street. Within a few hundred feet there's enough to impress tourist and resident alike, as well as satisfy their hunger. Above is the Witch's Brew Cafe. Below is a salmon colored building,  home to a restaurant/pub called In a Pig's Eye.

Halloween in Salem

I owe my daughter big time because while we visited her in Boston, she offered to not only drive us to Salem on a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon, but tag along as well. Her husband opted to watch a football game with his father, and Sarah told us he's like most people who live in the area. He avoids Salem, especially on any weekend in October, like vampires avoid garlic. It's crowded.

Farm Fresh Kale Salad

While we were at the farm our friends served a delicious salad using their own garden fresh kale.

Vermont's Living Machine

Most highway rest stops are hardly worthy of a blog post, but this one in Vermont on Interstate 89 is impressive because of the "Living Machine" used to clean wastewater via plants and organisms. The plants are mostly semi-tropical and because they would not survive Vermont's winter they're housed in a greenhouse. The building to the right of the greenhouse is a combo rest stop, tourism info site, and memorial to Vermont's Vietnam veterans.

Salem Architecture

Most people associate witches with Salem, MA, but it's also home to some incredible buildings. Sarah, John and I walked around on Sunday. Here's a sampling of what we saw.

Halibut Point & A Lobster Roll

John and I are in Massachusetts and today Sarah and Tim took us on a lovely drive through Danvers, Beverly, Gloucester and Rockport.

Warsaw Caves & Kettles

Our farm hosts are back from their trip to England, and today we walked the trails at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving means more this year. Whether this appreciation is age related or simply circumstance, John and I are grateful for all that life affords us. We've had plenty of new and exciting opportunities, and we couldn't be more thrilled and excited to find out what's next. 

Belmont Lake

After we toured the Peterborough Farmer's Market yesterday we headed east, past Havelock, to Belmont Lake. Seeing all the possibilities of a kayaker's heaven, AND such a perfect day weather wise, John was determined to do some exploring.

Harvest: A Time for Thanks

This morning we visited the Peterborough Farmer's Market.

Friends in the Gardens

Friday was one of those perfect autumn days writers wax poetic about, so be forewarned this could get messy! But seriously, it was incredible. Temperatures reached the low twenties. White puffy clouds traipsed across the sapphire sky. A gentle breeze kept the bees at bay, and when our good friends Fred and Maxine dropped by for a visit that made the day even more special.

Holy Crowe!

Sometimes life throws a curve ball at you and you're in a fog and not really paying attention. That's been the case this past week. It's been Crowe, Crowe, Crowe, and we almost missed it!

Kayaking Indian River

John's a happy camper. Not only is the sun shining, but he's back on the water, specifically Indian River.

Millbrook 'n Marg

We've visited this region of the province many, many times, but we'd never been to Millbrook.

The town began in 1816 when an Irish immigrant built the first mill on the site where Needler's Mill still stands today.

To the far right of the mill is the community center. John and I parked outside, and heard loud music coming from inside. We had to check out the ruckus, and were surprised to find a group of seniors with figure and/or hockey skates strapped on their feet, all boogeying to the music!

The downtown section is quite appealing with lots of little shops and stores.

I've never seen such elaborate four-storey buildings in a small Ontario town before. 

Check out those top window decorations. They're like something one would find in Europe. Another interesting fact about Millbrook is there are more than 45 designated historic buildings in the town. That's more per capita than any other Ontario town.

While this mural below glorifies the railway, the rail lines actually caused the decline of the town in the 1880s. That's when the Canadian west opened up to new settlement and Millbrook's population dropped by half.

Our main purpose for visiting Millbrook, however, was to visit a wonderful woman we've know for 45 years. Marg now resides at Centennial Place.

We shared a few laughs and many precious memories while we ate a delicious lunch in a private dining area reserved for residents and their guests. We're so glad to have spent a few hours with this amazing woman. 

* * *

Burleigh Falls

Today began as glum and dreary as Sunday, but we were determined to make the most of it with another road trip.

First stop was Mount Julian on the north shore of Stoney Lake. The marina was a perfect place to munch our sandwiches, and yes, before he'd even taken one bite John spotted the kayaks.

The view of the lake didn't help the situation any. He ate his lunch in total silence. I imagine he was busy mentally circumnavigating the lake in his kayak...or at least figuring out where to launch from next time he was in the neighborhood.

Directly on the lake and to the left of the marina is the original site of the Inn of Mount Julian. (It's the larger building on your right.) Established in 1874, visitors can still rent the cottages beside it, or enjoy an entirely new section now called the Viamede Resort. It's across the road. 

I didn't take a photo of the resort, but this chapel build in 1877 really added to its charm.

Next stop - Burleigh Falls. With the overcast skies and autumn leaves, it was a gorgeous sight. We parked the vehicle near the bridge (below), and then walked down a side road to get a closer view.

Each step provided us with another photo opportunity. I took a lot, but think these few do it justice. 

I took lots of pictures of John. This one's a little blurry, but then, as I said above, so was he! ;-)

However, as soon as we got back to the farm he took the dogs for a walk. He also took this picture of the swirling sky. My only complaint about all the natural beauty is that the temperatures have dropped. 

And I'm really not ready for that just yet!

* * *