COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Good morning friends.

 

Arriving by bus

It appears I have a computer problem that will require replacement parts. We are presently having a wonderful visit with my sister and brother-in-law and it is their computer I am using.
Once we get everything repaired I will be back on line. Be patient, it will probably be at least a week. Repairs don't happen quickly up here in Bancroft.

BANCROFT CONSTRUCTION

This spring we've been watching some new construction in town.

This building is being constructed by students from Fleming College in Haliburton. It is a sustainable design and construction class taught by our builder Pat and so I assume they are using as many products as possible that fall under the category of  "sustainable".

The roof was built on the ground as this is a much safer building practice especially when teaching students some building skills.

Today Pat called to let me know the roof was being hoisted into place. It went very smoothly and in just a few hours they had both roof sections secured to the walls.

This building once complete will house a rental facility for canoes and kayaks on the York River. 

Hope to see you up here this summer enjoying a paddle on the river.

BBQ SEASON

We finally got our BBQ fired up for the first time this year. The middle of June seems a little late but I wasn't about to stand out there with a million black-flies and mosquitoes also looking for a meal. 

We use a charcoal barbecue  which eliminates a tank and the possibility of us running out of fuel before our meal is cooked. It's a long walk back into town to get a tank filled before the food gets cold.

Burgers, steaks, chicken and sausages all taste better done over a bed of hot coals. The BBQ heats up quickly and with a ceramic lid we can even make pizza. It's great. Once done we close the lid shut the vents and the coals go out saving them to be used next time.

The view from the deck on a warm summer night. With a little breeze the mosquitoes disappear and the setting sun makes the day perfect.

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by.

SWITCHYARD BBQ

As you can see there was a good turnout of all ages for the Switchyard BBQ last night.  This is their annual fund raiser with all the money going to run programs for kids. 

The name Switchyard comes from the location of the building where the programs are held. It is located behind the old train station in Bancroft where the switching yards for the trains used to be located.

Besides the BBQ they had a silent auction table. Here you dropped your raffle tickets for the items you were interested in. At the end of the evening a ticket from each bag was drawn and the lucky holder went home with a very nice prize.

They also had a live auction with the proceeds going to the Switchyard and the kids in town.

It was a fun night, lots of burgers, salads and pies to enjoy and prizes to win.

Today we are heading north to Maynooth for their Saturday Farmers' Market. The sun is shining, the mosquitoes are out and the lake water is warming up; summer has arrived.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

It's starting to feel like summer up here. The days are warmer and longer, the mosquitoes are back and the special events have started in town.

Tonight we are off to enjoy the BBQ at the Switchyard fund raiser. It is always well attended and the funds raised help run youth programs in town.

Back home Mary has her garden planted and we are expecting a bumper crop this year. One problem she has encountered is new plants are being nipped off at the base during the night. She is now using plastic cups to act as a protective cone around new plants in hopes that the nipper will leave them alone.

Off to town soon to get the ingredients for a chocolate pie; it's our contribution to tonight's fund raiser.

Enjoy your day and safe travels everyone.

SO CUTE

This is the time of year we start to see the new babies in the wild. These goslings which look just a few weeks old spent time munching green vegetation just outside our windows.

They were constantly moving just a nipple here and there then on to the next blade of green.

Mom and dad stayed close by providing a lookout for danger and instructing the little ones through their body and head movements.

This little guy was just too tired to climb over the pipe so he cuddled up and took a nap while the others ate.

This month we will see the turtles come up on land and lay their eggs. It is a dangerous time for them because they are easy prey while on land and many are killed crossing roads up here. Please drive a little slower so you can see them before it's too late.

Thanks for stopping by and safe travels everyone.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

We finished May with yet another birthday celebration. John (Casey's dad) turned 60 and so we gathered in Sean and Casey's backyard to celebrate.

We had a great time sitting around the pool getting to know more of John's family. His sisters were there and it turns out one is into quilting. Naturally there was a great deal of discussion between Mary and her.

Sean makes fabulous back ribs and everyone went back for seconds.

The birthday boy about to slice the cake. 

 Thanks Sean and Casey for hosting the party. As you can see by the happy faces and empty plates we had a wonderful time.

Check out Sherri's Blog for pictures of Mary's visit this past week.