Thousand Islands, sans Dressing

Took the "scenic route" recently on a drive back from Ottawa, very slight detour off the 401 to instead follow the parallel Thousand Islands Parkway along the St. Lawrence River for about a half hour between Brockville and Gananoque. Of course, the middle of the river is also the border between Canada and the USA in this part of the world.

In hindsight......good choice. One of these days we must allay our haste in the mad scramble to the east coast, and stop and spend a day or two amidst these craggy nooks. Lots of nice quaint little towns like Rockport, Ivy Lea and of course Gananoque itself. Still remember going with my sister to see Great Big Sea play there over a decade ago in an outdoor venue, in a heavy fog right on the banks of the river. Apparently some really good boat tours as well among the islands.

Singer Castle on Dark Island, just across U.S. side

Canadian freighter bound down for the Great Lakes

Coolest cottage I have ever seen

Thousand Islands International Bridge to New York State

Down on the The Farm

Recently spent some of the few final fleeting days of fall at The Farm, enjoying my uncle's company and the usual nostalgia and general atmosphere of the Cole family homestead. Alliteration notwithstanding, it was a much-needed break from reality and a long overdue sojourn to ancestral lands.

Spectacular autumnal weather led to some long and cathartic hours back in the woods and roaming the property. It's a shame I don't get there more, but it's a long ways away. Even had a splendid "boil up" at the back corner of the property, basically started a fire in a bucket, made some tea, then grilled some homemade patties. Roughing it, to be sure, but darned tasty.

Never the same without my grandmother there, but still good for the soul.

The "hill field" halfway back the lane

The woods at the back of the farm

BBQ in a bucket - safety first!

Tea for Two

The long shadows of late afternoon

Perception

It's all about the perception and perspective, how you see the world, how the world sees you. Self as seen by Self. Self as seen by Others. And so on.

Here is how one young woman and future world leader, coincidentally my youngest niece, sees her Uncle Mike.   :)

A Day to Remember

Lest We Forget.