Paranormal Investigation of Mackenzie Hall

We took the opportunity to join a late-night paranormal investigation recently, hosted by Spectral Solutions of Windsor. The subject of the investigation was Mackenzie Hall in the Olde Sandwich Towne area of Windsor, formerly the county seat, courthouse and jail for many a tumultuous decades in the 1800's and early 1900's.

Cool old building, nocturnal setting, adjacent (current) prison, cemetery and church. A number of controversial trials and public executions took place in this very building, leading the intrepid investigation team to wonder just who might still be lurking in the lurch and haunting the halls.

Nothing overtly supernatural to report, but a very interesting and surreal experience all the same! Although....careful observers will note that Jane and I took identical pictures of the building exterior with different cameras, and MINE is all blue skies and warm fuzzies, while HERS casts a decidedly ominous pallor!

Yes, that's why she is holding the EMF meter, not me. I was too busy dumping salt down her back.

Midnight Marauder

I might have gone with "Backdoor Burglar", but that sounded a tad controversial. Suffice it to say that now that the kittens are living on the back deck (in wonderfully crafted kitten totes of Jane's personal devising), we occasionally suffer other nocturnal visitors as well.

On an unrelated note, has anyone seen my wallet?

Thanksgiving in Tillsonburg

My stomach still aches, when I hear that word....

Good visit for Cox-Giving on the way back from a few free meals in Orillia and Midland. Always nice to remember what REAL fall colours look like!

The Dirtiest Drunk in the History of Liquor

No, that is not the title of the latest Trailer Park Boys movie.....but rather a rollicking tune from kick-ass Cape Breton band The Stanfields. We were lucky enough to catch them opening for Wide Mouth Mason a few months back, and jumped at the chance to see them headline at Norma Jeans in London.

The boys did not disappoint, even with the looming spectre of the drive home from London in the wee hours. But that, friends, is the subject of another tune I am currently developing, entitled "The Bestest DD in the History of Drivers".

You just have to appreciate great music in a great venue, road-beaten instruments covered in duct tape, and selective use of the Port Hawksbury dinner jacket.

When in London, drink Labatts!

Busy Times

After two too many funerals in recent weeks, more visitors than we have ever had in one summer, and a whack of prep for upcoming trial.....not much to offer but a few simple pics.

Oh, and the little things - sitting on the front porch with a cold drink, surveying and inhaling 1.5 acres of freshly cut grass.

Putting the Winds of Wheatley to fine use

High as a Kite

Roasting marshmallows and cherry tomatoes

Nuggles Nuggington, III...of the Wheatley Nuggingtons

She could have been yawning or snarling, the story was never clear

Who's a special kitty? Who is???

Ranney Falls Locks

On the back side of Ferris Provincial Park lies the Trent River, and locks 11 and 12 of the Trent-Severn marine railway.

Lower lock closing to flood

Doors to the upper lock

Water levels balanced

Free the boats!

Next lock

Drain the water

Off they go

Campbellford Camping

Unfortunately had to head east for a funeral, figured to make the best of it with a mini-vacation along the way. Spent a few nights camping at Ferris Provincial Park near Campbellford, on the idyllic Trent River.

Also visited nearby Church Key Brewing, set up in old church. Besides some delicious libations, the formerly hallowed ground also contained the most impressive collection of beer bottles I have seen. Put mine to shame, it did.

Evening warmth....

...and morning java

R&R...& Reading!

Juke's first camping trip!

Church Key Brewing Co.

Ranney Falls Gorge suspension bridge

Ranney Falls on the Trent River