Where the Fun Never Ends...

Elaine was up for an overnight stay and we made sure to show her a good time at the backward homestead.

She arrived with Paul around 5 on Saturday and we sat down to a piping hot pan of homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes and, um, caesar salad. Okay, okay, the caesar salad didn't exactly go but I didn't hear any complaints. Except from Cameron...but that's typical.

After supper, we cleaned up and played Mouse Trap. Then Nolan won a rousing game of Go Fish. He's getting so good at his numbers.

This morning we were up bright and early and on the road to Omemee for the kids' weekly meetup at the curling rink. There are enough kids now to provide non-stop action on two sheets. Future Olympians there, I'm sure. Once home, we had some lunch whilst playing another game of Mouse Trap and then out we went to breathe in some of that fresh country air.

Paths had been cleared through the bulrushes and swamp grass so today, the boys laced up their skates and glided (I use the word loosely) through the icy trails.

Nolan's helmet needs a little work

Next, we hiked back to the winter fort for a look around and finally we followed a little trail to the south where we found some hawthorns and downed fences. Great for climbing. Well, the fences are, anyway.




As I drove Elaine home, she mentioned that it was a very different weekend.

"Good different or bad different?" I asked her.

"Definitely good," she replied. She'll sleep well tonight.

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."



(Thanks Dad)

A Sign

Nolie and I like to play a little game. On daycare days, as we travel to and fro, we pass the Berry Patch. While driving by, I quietly read the sign to Nolan, "Shhh, the berries are sleeping." Nolan whispers back, "So shut up." This is the third winter we've played this game. We're both very easily amused. Some would say I moreso than he. They probably would be right.

Waiting for June

A Slippery Slope

Tonight when I got home from work, I wandered into the house and asked the kids if they wanted to go for a walk and check out the rink. We had lots of rain here earlier this week. It's since moved out and been replaced by a bit of snow and increasingly colder temperatures. The kids grabbed their saucers and we headed east. While I took my time walking down each slippery slope, the kids flew down the hills grinning, as usual, from ear to ear. They do make me laugh. Back at the frozen bog, the rink has definitely expanded. It's rough around the edges but is wider than it had been a week ago. Ri and I both heard cracking in spots as we started to walk across it. Another couple nights of frigid temperatures should fix that.


Last winter, the portion to the south was cut and made for great skating. This past year was too wet to do anything with it and the bulrushes have again taken over. But the rain that enveloped the rushes has turned to ice and we may be able to clear a path for skating. That'd be kind of fun, I think.

Reach for the Sky

Sleds and Skates

We've had very unJanuary-like weather for a good week or more and we're in for rain over the next couple of days. The end of January usually means a week or two of deep-freeze but so far, nothing. I'm actually looking forward to the rain, hoping that it will clear out the snow so we can start fresh. But more than that, the rain should greatly improve the rink out back.


The kids were out skating yesterday. We've cleared off a proper rink on one portion and shoveled paths on the north part. This we refer to as Radiator Springs. Riley's a good skater and loves getting out there. Cameron's been a pain in the butt for the last few years as he's refused to lace up. This year I vowed that both boys would at least give it the ole college try. Bribery has helped. After a few Saturdays out there, they both 'skate' around Radiator Springs with grins plastered across their faces. I don't see hockey in their futures but, good Lord, it seems almost unCanadian for them not to learn to skate. Especially when Mother Nature gives them a rink each winter.

Skating is always followed by a few trips down the hill

and across the ice

and the occasional wipeout - great fun

Tomorrow, Ri's class is hosting a bake sale to raise money for the people of Haiti. Secret Ingredient Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are cooling on the table. The fly swatter keeps thieves away.

Mother Nature's Gifts

Mornings like this are good for the soul. The sky is clear and blue. The trees glisten with hoar frost. And fresh cold air greets us as we make our way to meet the bus. Now, as I look out the window, br'er rabbit, with his thick winter coat, hops by. And on the front porch, our friend Po makes his first appearance of the winter. Po, so named by the kids, is a cardinal. For the past several winters, we've had a lovely pair of cardinals visit our feeder. This year, though, only the female (that would be Mrs. Po) has been spotted. I smile at his return.


Earlier, after waving good bye to the kids, I wandered out back. As I trudged through the snow, I chatted with a chickadee. He flew away. At the salt lick there is no sign of deer but what appear to be coyote tracks abound. Here and there, rabbits make their presence known as well.


Today, brother Enos and I head out to Guelph. He's hurt his foot and can't drive that far so I volunteered my services. It's a grand day for a roadtrip.