WALK ON THE LAKE

Yesterday was a perfect day for being outside. We hadn't been down to the lake in months so that was our destination.

Lots of snowmobile tracks crisscrossing the lake.

We took a break at one of the islands to enjoy the sun. Wish we had packed a lunch it was that warm and comfortable.

Today we will bake bread. Mary is anxious to try her walnut/honey loaf so I guess we will be having salad and bread for lunch.

Enjoy the day and thanks for stopping by.

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN ?

Today is a holiday in Ontario but not all of Canada; it's called "family Day" It has been a perfect weekend for a holiday with daytime temperatures above freezing and lots of folks up at their cottages.

I've used up my internet quota for this month and the Xplornet puts you on slow mode. This is really noticeable when you try to download a movie or document; so no pictures today.

Mary spent last week in Toronto seeing doctors and getting an MRI done. All went well and she will return March 1st to see the radiologist.

Her cousin Trudy arrives from BC March 1st and will be here for most of the month. Trudy is so very easy to have visit as she makes few requests and is happy to go with the flow. She does want to try ice-fishing and making maple syrup while here so we will put those two on the agenda.

Connie (Mary's sister) is planning a family gathering while Trudy is here and it will be fun to see everyone in a few weeks.

We are hoping that Owen will come and visit for a few days during March Break. That's when the schools close for a week and the kids get a break from their studies.  Of course Owen is in junior kindergarten where the only subject is play followed by lunch then recess; one of my favourite years in school.

Although Owen is only four he told his mom last week that he knows everything and is almost grown up. He also reminded her that spring is almost here and his birthday is in spring. Oh to have a four year old's view on life. It's a great age.

Enjoy your day and I'll post again next week when I'm back to full speed with our internet connection.

CLASSIC SNOWMOBILE SHOW

This morning we headed north to Barry's Bay to enjoy the classic snowmobile show. This has been a perfect winter for those riding these unique machines and oh how they have changed since we rode them back in the 60's.

Jack had one of these and we loved to take it out on the trails and open it up. No regulations back then, no helmet needed, no trail fee imposed, just jump on and ride forever.

Even Massey Ferguson the farm implement manufacturer was building snowmobiles back in the 70's. Woody Schouldice would lend us two whenever we took the kids from St Paul's church on a winter retreat. Those machines made it possible for us to get back into the camp in the middle of winter.

Never saw one of these but looks like fun; a ski with a motor. Note the gas tank is actually the orange frame.

Now this looks classic, and very basic, but it worked and got people around. It's a 1962 Snow-traveler by Polaris. No front suspension, motor in the rear and an exposed pulley system that could easily grab a scarf.  These machines have come a long way in 55 years.

Two more from the early 60's. Primitive by today's standards.

It was fun to see the old machines and they brought back memories of days spent riding them up in Deep River.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Safe travels everyone.

FOUR LOAVES

This morning we are baking bread. This is one of four loaves waiting to go into the oven.

Carol suggested using parchment paper to make lifting them from the proofing basket into the cast-iron pot. It makes the job so much easier.

First two out and cooling, other two in being baked. The house smells like a bakery.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

SUNSHINE

Finally have some sunshine this morning. It has been a dull dreary winter for most of January and any sunshine we get is welcomed. We are feeding about 70 gold finches a day and they arrive early to begin their filling. All day long they are in and out enjoying the sunflower seeds that fall from our feeders.

They don't get much time to sit and eat as they are constantly being dive-bombed by others in the flock.

Another job for the morning to-do list. This tarp covered my firewood until the wind made it a huge sail. After breakfast I'll retrieve it and reattach it so it is secure. Always another job.

Enjoy your day and be safe.

FRUSTRATIONS

The past few days I've had trouble uploading pictures to my blog page. Yesterday Don suggested I shrink the file size of each photo and this morning I was successful in uploading today's pictures. Fingers crossed that the system continues to function as I need it to.

Carol and Don have been visiting for a few days and yesterday we drove out to see the Elk herd. They are a majestic animal and a treat to see in the wild.

The bulls rose to their feet as soon as we stepped out of the car. The rest of the herd gathered behind with the youngest in the middle.

Can you see the two with radio collars on?

Don walked up the road for a shot from a different angle.  It's amazing the quality of photos he gets just using his i-phone.

Back in town there were lots of snowmobiles in the park. They can gas-up and head out on the trails right from the park in town. On the weekends you will see 50 machines parked at local restaurants enjoying some of the local cuisine.

We still have plenty of snow up here and the trails are well groomed and in great shape.

Hope to see you soon.

Don and Carol

Don and Carol are visiting for a few days. This morning we will head out in hopes of finding the Elk in the area. Don has been sending me pictures he has taken while enjoying the time together. Here are two taken with his i-phone. Jamie thinks I should be using one to take my pictures. I prefer a camera but new technology is making the i-phone such a versatile tool. Maybe I will have to reconsider the whole camera-phone scenario.

Before breakfast and still in our housecoats. We do enjoy these lazy mornings.

We give our chickens treats twice a day. Looks like they are enjoying them except for the one keeping watch on the photographer.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for keeping an eye on us.