A little work around the house...

We had already decided to plant a new tree on the property to mark our transition to Wheatley...so we visietd Wheatley Woods, a local nursery that specializes in tree species native to the area. As luck would have it, a local initiative had been undertaken to replant native species in and around Wheatley...so we got not only the oak tree we were looking for, but also a lovely red maple as well for a great price!


Our new Red Maple


Shumard Oak seedling

Point Pelee National Park

Later in the week, we decided to visit Point Pelee National Park, located south of Leamington at the very southern-most point of the Canadian mainland. The park is essentially a large and shifting sandbar, surrounded on three sides by Lake Erie, and still populated by a sparse remnant of the original Carolinian forest. One day is not enough to do truly do the park justice, between the sights, the wildlife, and historical appreciation, but at least it was a good scouting mission for future trips....and it's only about fifteen minutes away!


Boardwalk through the Marshes


Overview of the marsh from observation tower


The ever-shifting sandbar at the tip of the Park


Lake Erie on both sides!

Pelee Island

With our week of holidays, we decided to stay local and explore our new surroundings. The first destination of choice was nearby Pelee Island, a short ninety-minute ferry ride from the shores of Lake Erie. On Monday morning, we headed out for an early departure from Kingsville....

Graced with excellent weather, we spent two days exploring the small but interesting island. Having already visited the eastern-most point in North America (Cape Spear, NFLD) and the western shores of Vancouver Island (Tofino, BC), we could now add Pelee Island as the southern-most point in Canada as well....leaving only the unknown North to complete the Canadian compass...

Wildlife, wineries, and well-deserved relaxation highlighted our memorable stay in the middle of Lake Erie.

Arriving at Pelee Island via MV Jiimaan

Pelee Island Lighthouse


Pelee Island Winery


Our campsite for the night

Cats are People Too

The house-warming party last weekend was a blast - seemingly a good time had by all....fish fry, badminton, campfire, air hockey, and some local touring. Since Jane and Sarah already posted all the relevant pictures on their respective Facebook pages...and most of them are pretty compromising anyway...I thought I would entertain everyone with random cat photos.

Some pics...

I'm sure everyone can appreciate the length of time it takes to post pics on dial up...but since we finally found the camera and started snapping again....enjoy!

The new and improved living room

Man-Haven! (aka the garage)

First batch of wine - it ferments better sideways...

Maybe the only picture ever with ALL of the grass cut

The Grass is Greener...until you have to cut it...

So we got a lot of rain last week...then a lot of sun this week....I am on my fourth night of mowing the lawn, and I still have not finished. Granted, the lawnmower has been acting up a little, which has been slowing progress. However, I cannot help but notice that the first patches I cut already need to be cut again...and I haven't even finished the rest of the lawn yet....

But we're not complaining. The tranquility, country breezes, open skies, sunrises and sunsets have made rural living well worth the mowing. We have been enjoying a non-stop barrage of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish from local venues. The kitchen vineyard and dining room brewery are about to pay dividends....this weekend I bottle my first batch of home-made beer...and the home-made wine will be ready next week.

Will post a few pics, sacrificing a portion of my life to dial up speed, for the enjoyment of others.....that is, as soon as we manage to find the camera in the all those unpacked boxes that still litter the house....

We're Back....

Hello all....finally settled in at the new house, and back online....albeit by way of dial-up connection, but still. Beggars can't be choosers.

Much has taken place since the last post, since the closing date at the new house. There were several blurry weeks, of weeks in Barrie and weekends in Wheatley, and the closing date at the old house. A birthday, the August long weekend in Waterloo/Mississauga, and rounding out the string at the old office all come readily to mind....as do a few high-speed runs down the 400/407/401 with cars laden with cats, house plants, and all the explosive and dangerous stuff that moving companies are not allowed to carry.

Finally, we are here. For good. No more "commute", or realtors, lawyers or government relocation consultants. I start at the new office tomorrow, and am looking forward to my first day with the fourteen minute country commute....maybe twenty if I stop at a fruit stand and a vineyard.

No pictures to share this time....not quite sure where the camera is in the mess of partially unpacked boxes...besides, there will be fewer visual posts in future, given the speed of our dial-up connection. Sorry folks, you may be forced to endure my inane banter instead...