QUIET HOUSE TODAY

House is quiet without the little ones running around.

Raised garden beds have been very productive this summer. Plan to build two more in the fall for beans and squash next year.

Pond has all but disappeared since the beavers left.

We are now able to collect 1,000 gallons of rainwater for use in our raised garden beds.

Another month and it will be time to tilt the solar panels down into their winter position.

But today we plan to relax in our Muskoka chairs.

Tomorrow we have a couple coming to do a short documentary on our life off grid. I will let you know where to see it once it has been completed and posted.

Until then safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

MINERAL CAPITAL CONCERTS

Throughout the summer the Millennium Park in Bancroft hosts the weekly Mineral Capital Concert series. It's free and highlights local talent which is often quite good.

Several local service clubs provide food, drinks and ice-cream for those needing nourishment.

Dustin Bird performed last night to a very appreciative crowd. He is 22 and recently released his first country album. Nice to see local talent succeeding in a very competitive market.

If you are in town on Wednesday night come and enjoy the live music.

Hope to see you soon. Summer is slipping away too quickly.

FABRIC DYING

The weather has been perfect for working outside this week. The bugs have disappeared and the temperatures are pleasant.

Leanne and Sherri spent the day dying fabric. They created their own dyes and patterns and were pleased with the final results. 

Owen and Kate saw what their mom and aunt were doing and had to do the same. They created their own dyes from used magic markers. Kept them busy for hours

Today everyone leaves for home and our place will be quiet once again. It has been wonderful having everyone here for a few days. Our summer seems to be slipping away much too quickly. We still hope to take Owen camping in Algonquin Park before school starts.

LUNCH ON THE DECK

With the gang all here it was nice to spread out and have the deck to relax on. It looks a little junkie but with a swing, barbecue, table and chairs it was maxed out.

Jamie and Leanne left the corn in their husks and cooked them directly over the hot coals. This is the season for corn on the cob and it was delicious cooked this way and eaten with lots of butter.

Kate helping Oma get the beans ready. She and Owen helped Oma pick them in her garden.

Kate was delighted to help Oma snap the beans and put them in the pot. She is a real helper in the kitchen. Little miss independent.

Sherri brought ribs and Jamie made sure they were done to perfection on the BBQ

After lunch it was down to the lake to relax and cool off.

The kids enjoyed the water while the adults enjoyed the sun and the chairs.

Kate searching for stones after Oma and taken off Kate's bathing suit and put on a dry top because she was shivering; ..... that didn't last long.

Mommy squeezing out the water and keeping Kate as dry as possible. Of course she was in and out of the water all afternoon.

Owen was content to play with his boat and enjoy time in the water.

The best part of the day was getting a ride on the surf while Grandpa ran up the shore pulling the boat and Owen behind. Fun for Owen; exhausting for grandpa.

Not sure what we will do today

Se travels and thanks for stopping by.

BANCROFT GEMBOREE

This is the Civic Holiday weekend here in Ontario which happens to be the weekend the Bancroft Gemboree is held. Owen is very interested in gems and has been saving his money to go to the show. The first site that caught his interest was the "Gold Panning" tent. Here Oma, Kate, and Owen get instructions on how to pan for gold.

Even Kate gave it  try.

Owen using a magnifying glass to see if there was any gold in his pan.

Kate still hoping to find more gold.

The town was busy,  too busy or me, so I took Kate and headed for home. She was hungry and ready for lunch and so was I.

Looks like rain is on its way.

Today Jamie and Leanne arrive and we will have even more fun back here in the bush..

OWEN'S BOAT

Yesterday was construction day, a day spent building Owen's boat. He designed it and grandpa cut the wood. Even Kate helped by keeping our pencils sharp.

Oma and Sherri attached the rigging and the sail; it was a family effort.

The official launch took place after supper .......... would it float or sink?

Success!!! Now it's play time.

They spent hours in the water, pulling, pushing, and filling the boat with rocks.

Soon they were taking the boat far from shore so it was time to put o their life-jackets.

Oma and Sherri kept a close eye on the water. They were the lifeguards who decided it was time for life-jackets.

Owen trying to climb in but the boat was just too small. Guess he needs to design a bigger boat.

If you can't climb in maybe you can sink it. Boys like to play rough!

Giving grandpa the ready sign so grandpa could run as fast as his old legs would carry him up the shoreline tugging the boat and Owen behind him. No need for a gym membership when the grandkids are around.

It was a wonderful way to end our day.

Today we are off to the gem show.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.

HARVEST TIME

It's harvest time back here in the bush Our raised garden beds are producing an abundance of food which we are delighted with. Beans, tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, potatoes are now part of our daily diet all picked just outside our back door.

Today the grandkids arrive so we will be sending them out to do the harvesting. Now if they were only old enough to do the cooking and cleaning life would be wonderful.

Safe travels everyone and thanks for stopping by.