Kingston Pen

We took a five-day weekend getaway to eastern Ontario, starting with a tour of the legendary Kingston Penitentiary, a Maximum Security federal prison closed since 2013 but formerly home to Canada's most dangerous criminals. My sister actually worked there briefly, nursing in the prison hospital.

Tours were led by Queen's University students who had studied the history of the institution, but at points throughout the tour we were met by retired guards, telling great stories without revealing any specific details which would violate the Privacy Act. But you got the idea.

Cool place. Too bad they don't do night tours.

Main Entrance

Conjugal visits!

The North Gate

The Hub

The newer (larger) cells - no shared cells in Maximum Security

Cell Block G - tales from a retired guard

Same cell block, after the 1971 riot

Segregation Cells

Built in 1833

Workshop

The Yard

Art in the Park

Jane's first foray into Art in the Park in Windsor was a huge success. Her biggest show of the summer happened to also be the first show of the summer, which was likely for the best. Months of preparation and hard work went into creating enough inventory to - hopefully - not run out in the middle of the frenzy.

The show also unfortunately fell right on the heels of a 70-hour week involving a court case and stressful days on the witness stand.

There were some dicey moments, with many trips to the van to replenish the booth. Several styles of work did sell out completely, and mercifully we sold a ton (possibly quite literally) and had far less to drag back home than we brought.

The grounds at Willistead Park were fabulous, and the weather was amazing. The recent van purchase made the whole thing possible, at least without making many many trips in the Juke. The new tent upgrade was also worth the investment.

Craft brews from Walkerville and the fattoush salad from Eastern Flavour were particular standouts, along with some of the live music. We also had some nice neighbours, including an experienced couple from Stoney Point who shared many useful tips with us newbies. Several folks also stopped by the booth to say hello.

It was so busy, Jane only had time to visit ONE booth - right beside ours - and she still managed to buy a new purse!

Including Friday night setup, the show lasted three long and hot days - but in the end, we were dog tired and extremely happy with the results!

Booth 219 - The Open Door!

All set up and ready for the crowds

Stately Willistead Manor

Lined up to get in!

Bring on the shoppers!

Behind the scenes - pay no attention to The Man Behind The Curtain!

Sold pieces awaiting pickup so patrons don't have to carry them around!

Yummy Walkerville Irish Red

Trailer Rainbows Beer and a Van

We made our first trip to the Cox Trailer in a few years - sadly, we spent the weekend working, with me studying for court testimony and Jane painting - but the change in scenery was relaxing all the same. The Coxes also popped by with food for an impromptu barbeque. We hope to get there a few more times this summer and fall. What a great spot.

A few wicked thunderstorms this week also brought some amazing rainbows over our flat plains and big skies.

And, we bought a van! Mainly to ferry Jane's artwork and booth around to art shows, but also to be used for camping, and a second vehicle for more flexibility. It's got style!

Kitchen and hall to washroom and far bedroom

Living room and bedroom

Jane hard at work!

Nice visit to the trailer!

Home to sunshowers and rainbows

Pot o' Atomic Gold!

Canada 150 decision - Labatt 150 or Canadian Stubby?

We bought The Van!

Memorial Cup and May 2-4

The May Long Weekend arrived just in time, precisely when it meant to, bringing with it mainly beautiful weather and several eagerly anticipated activities.

On Friday night, we ventured to Windsor for dinner at The Manchester pub, followed by an evening of laughter at the casino courtesy of comedian Trevor Noah. We also walked the downtown area, where many streets were closed off hosting Memorial Cup festivities.

Saturday started with a cat food run to Costco and a sign delivery, followed by great seats for a Memorial Cup round-robin game at the WFCU Centre. We not only watched the OHL Champion Erie Otters defeat the WHL Champion Seattle Thunderbirds 4-2, but likely also ended up on national TV a few times given our seat location. The host Windsor Spitfires had already defeated the QMJHL Champion Saint John Sea Dogs in the tournament opener, setting up an interesting week of great hockey.

We spent much of the rest of the long weekend on the patio at Rennie's Village Smokehouse, enjoying arguably the ultimate trifecta - smoked meat, craft beer, and live music.

Back at home, we squeezed in a bonfire, some BBQ and a bunch of yardwork and art prep, accompanied by much Chris Cornell to lament the recent passing of my favourite singer.

Game Day!

Amen, Eh?

Warm-ups

Windsor Spitfires roll out the red carpet

The action from section 120, row C

Face-off!

Bomber the Mascot

Erie takes the lead!

Frenzied action in the corner

The Otters celebrate their victory

Brief sunshowers end in a rainbow.....

....and a gorgeous sunset

Time for the first bonfire of the season!

The patio at Rennies