Urban Hiking

Expanding our horizons in the neighborhood, we decided to walk to the Chatham-Kent Library, on the corner of Queen & Cross (I love all the English names!). We figured it to be about a mile each way, and we were pretty close because it only took 20 minutes to get there. We base our distances on the walks we used to take in the Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany, Oklahoma. We walked the posted 1.5 mile trail weekly for the 3 years we lived there. As you can tell, we are pretty low key about our fitness routine; our philosophy is that any movement is better than no movement. One must cross the Thames River on the way to the library, a murky river just as it's namesake in England. On the way home we discovered a small park behind the bridge. Across the river, behind Martin, is Tecumseh Park and the Chatham Armoury, as well as a play area for children. Claire & Emily would like that.

Apple Picking with Peetra

Peetra, one of Martin's five fabulous sisters, had a great idea on Sunday afternoon. "Let's go apple picking." She didn't have to twist our arms. We all gathered our tote bags and headed over to St. Clair Road and the Chatham Orchards. Only 40 cents a pound, MacIntosh, Elstar (from Holland) and Jonagold. So good, sweet, and juicy! It's one thing to give thanks at the dinner table, but when you get to see how our food grows, in nature, it seems miraculous.

At Home

I thought some of our friends and family might like to see us at home. We are not always off gallivanting, after all. Not a few of our outings have been searches for appliances or furnishings for our little cottage, so I'll tell you about a few things. The lovely velvet wing back that Martin is enjoying we spotted at the local Goodwill! A deal at $49. Our lovely linen slip-cover sofa is IKEA, purchased in Toronto and assembled at home by Martin. We are big IKEA fans, and have purchased other items that I'll share another time. The coffee table, vintage 1940? was a $5.00 yard sale find and is in mint condition--even the embossed leather top. The smiling lady in the other photo is taking her husbands favorite dessert out of the oven, rice pudding. He was smiling too. I've always liked white cupboards and especially little glass doors. The perfect place for my teapots. That's another reason to smile. I like the little shelf too, and the wallpaper. The former owner, Mrs. Kelley, aged 93, kept this little kitchen spic & span. Another reason to smile. And she lined all the shelves with paper lace. What a gal!

History Lesson

The bi-centennial of the War of 1812 is coming up next year which raises the question, what exactly was that all about. So we went to our local library and checked out a DVD documentary about that period in history. I learned it was a war between the U.S. and Canada and England over boundaries. One of the good things that came out of it was that the three countries decided never to go to war against each other again. And we have been allies ever since. I took the picture of Martin in a beautiful grove of trees along the Thames River where we stopped to look at a monument for Tecumseh, an Indian that figured prominently on the Canadian side. We decided to drive further that day and happened upon a battle reenactment of the battle where Tecumseh was killed. I couldn't resist getting my pic with one of the soldiers. There were dozens of men, women, and children in period costumes doing what they did back two hundred years ago: spinning wool, cooking over open fires in big iron pots, etc. I bought some prairie style bonnets for my granddaughters who are very into Little House on the Prairie.

Check

Something that's been on my "Bucket List" for a long time has been horseback riding. So Martin made arrangements for this to happen on my birthday this week. So now I can check that off the list, one slightly bruised bum later. It was quite jarring on my 63-yr.old back as well. Who knew. I probably put it off a few decades too long! Later that day we took time to explore Heritage Gardens & Petting Zoo on McNaughton, just east of Prince Albert Line. WOW! Acres and acres to delight any gardener as well as colorful ducks, geese, pheasants, and the cutest twin goats. I fed the goats some dry corn and look at them smile. We went out for a pannekoeken lunch, dessert at the Dutch Market, and then one of Martin's specialties, Shrimp Scampi for dinner at home. Thanks to all my sisters-in-law in Canada and my Tuesday sisters in Oklahoma for the good wishes. I love you all!

Photo Ops

Wind-swept beach; nary a footprint in the sand, and just the wind and waves for music! How do you like this senior surfer? Apparently September is a good beach month for some people.

Not Your Typical Beach Day

It was an overcast, cool, and slightly windy day today. Just the sort of weather that draws me outdoors. I have no idea why. Sweaters, jackets, and hot tea just inspire me to be present in nature. So we filled the thermos, assembled sandwiches, tossed a couple of Ontario peaches and some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies into the tote and pointed the car towards Lake Erie and Rondeau Provincial Park. Thirty minutes later we were enjoying lunch with a view. There weren't any crowds, but there were a few others out enjoying the day as well. We brought along our library books to cozy up with, too. Perfect!