WASAGA BEACH

We enjoyed our short road trip and a chance to see family and friends we hadn't seen in quite a while. Another bonus was going back to see places we hung out at when we were kids.

Our first stop was to see our friends Wayne and Barb. We don't get to see them often but we always have a good time whenever we do. Wayne is on the waiting list for new lungs so please lift him in prayer whenever you think of him. It is amazing how many lives can be saved if we would just inform our loved ones of our wishes to have our organs donated when we die. 

This is Wasaga Beach the longest sandy beach on fresh water in the world. It has always been a haven for kids and when we rented a cottage here back in the 50s they allowed cars to drive along the beach. That has all changed and everything is very controlled.

If there are kids around there needs to be lots of places to spend their money. Wasaga has the usual arcades, clothing shops, diving shops and sports equipment shops.  It's "party central" for the kids from Toronto throughout the summer. 

It's sunny and cool here this morning. We are off to Maynooth later for the "Farmers' Market" while Mary is going to another "Quilting Class" today. This evening we hope to see "Chimney Swifts" fly down a local chimney as they come home to roost. I'll let you know tomorrow what we see.

Thanks for stopping by. Safe travels

CANADA POST

OK, no more complaints about Canada Post. My sister mailed our modem Thursday and it was here in Bancroft by noon Friday. WOW! Great service. Now that we are connected to the internet I need to get back to my daily posting. 

Thanks for keeping an eye on us. Safe travels everyone.

I FORGOT

Sorry for the delay in posting. We are home and had a great time visiting family and friends last week. Unfortunately I left my modem at my sister's and must rely on the computers at the town library to get my e-mails. I should be back on line from home by Tuesday. Be patient and I will write again asap.

VISITING FAMILY and FRIENDS

We are having a great time visiting with my sisters this week. Mary is taking quilting classes while I get caught up on all the news. Should be home by Thursday.

More pictures once we are home. See you Wednesday Pat.

BEER CAN CHICKEN

Beer Can Chicken is a popular way to do a whole chicken on the BBQ. It keeps the bird very moist and guaranties you will not burn it in the process.

We first filled this ceramic bowl with beer, placed the chicken over the bowl and then onto the grill. For those who prefer a basic approach to cooking simply open a can of beer, drink half and place the chicken over what's left. 

As the chicken cooks the beer evaporates and keeps the bird moist.

Every ten minutes we sprayed the bird with a dressing Mary had prepared. We cooked the bird at 375*F and found it very easy to control the temperature of the "Big Green Egg" 

Voila! After an hour and a half it was done to perfection and delicious. We were delighted with the taste and succulent meat this method of cooking produced.

Did you notice the chocolate desserts in the header collage?  We did those on the BGE as well and they were even better than the chicken. Of course I'm partial to desserts; especially chocolate desserts.

We are off on a short road trip. Mary is taking a quilting class and we are also dropping in to visit with my sisters so we may not be posting much for a week or so.

Thanks for keeping an eye on us. Safe travels and enjoy the long weekend.

If you are heading north, bring your bug shirt. The blackflies are out in full force and are just waiting to greet you. 

MOSS and MUFFINS

Whenever Leanne visits, one highlight for her is a walk to the back of the property. This always yields new discoveries and a host of possibilities.

Last week a variety of samples were collected and examined back at the house.

After carefully selecting what was needed and returning what wasn't  ........................

several beautiful terrariums were constructed and now grace the window-ledge of our bedrooms.

Inside, the girls helped their mom select fabric for a quilt ....

Owen explored ...................

and Sherri made these delicious sugar coated muffins. We need to get this recipe; they are melt in your mouth delicious. If you could taste one, you would want them all; they are that good.

Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow I write about our first "Beer Can Chicken" another culinary highlight on the BGE.  (Big Green Egg)

Safe travels everyone

FRONT ROW SEATS

It was great to hear from so many friends yesterday. You made my day. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. 

As many of you know our house faces south with huge floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the forest. It's like living in a park with a front row seat to an ever changing kaleidoscope of colour and events throughout the year.

Our latest source of entertainment is the new variety of birds at our feeders and of course the male turkey in the area who is busy pursuing any female he can find. The "Big Tom" was back yesterday giving us a fine show as he strutted and displayed right outside our windows.  (click on picture for a larger view)

Now isn't he a handsome guy? My sister, after seeing his picture, said she just can't imagine eating such a beautiful creature. 

I agree, although this is hunting season, I'm not sure I could actually see this guy on my plate later in the afternoon. I just enjoy him too much to see any harm come his way.  I hope he gets to father a hundred little turkeys and we get the privilege of seeing some later this summer. I'll keep you posted.

With more rain in today's forecast we will be working inside. Our tree cutters are up in Algonquin Park on a canoe trip which means it will be the end of the month before we get more trees down. The black flies are out so it's just as well the boys aren't here trying to work in the bush.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the day. Always good to hear from you. Doug and Lori, we look forward to getting together after you get back from Nashville.

Safe travels everyone.