Heading out..........driving along

Yesterday was my mom-in-law's Birthday, so we went 'home' to enjoy time with Family that are visiting from Calgary and Quebec.  Black Rose and I took the 'back way' ...and we saw this Cordwood building that is no longer in use.

  We then visited the home of the gentleman who made her rose that she received for her Birthday. He makes all kinds of things from completely recylced Metals....aren't these the cutest? 

I will post more pictues over the next bit (keep an eye on the side bar). 

Until next time............toodles. 

No Internet

We are enjoying time away from the Computers today. 

We are 'on the road again' so stay tuned for more adventures.

Early Morning Rain

I was awakened around 5 this morning by the sounds of dancing rain and thunder clapping in the distance.  I stepped out onto the deck to appreciate the sounds of the light rain on the tin covered roof.  The water coming off of the eave trough.   The dog, who is afraid of thunder, at my heels.  I stood for awhile just appreciating the warmth and sounds of the rain. 

Black Rose and I were saying yesterday, as we were coming back from our visit to the Kingston Peninsula with 'Huck', that it was going to rain.  The leaves had begun to turn upside down.  Have you ever noticed that?  The leaves turn over as if to drink as they flutter in the wind.    Even though it was gorgeous and sunny they had begun their 'show' for us as we traveled back towards St. Martins. 

I also love to watch a lightening storm.  I remember a time, years ago sitting here in the 'cottage' watching the lightening dance over the ocean.  We sat on the floor in front of the patio doors,  a very young Black Rose and I.  In recent years,  I had the pleasure of a nice 'storm watch' with My Seaside Friend, Gwen.  As the lightening danced across the skies, us safely tucked under the eave of her porch, we sat discussing our children and other common interests. 

I remember when we were young and going outside to play in the rain!  Wow, kids now don't even go outside let alone to play in the rain.  Imagine if they knew we used to use rain water to wash our hair!  Those were the days.........ahhh.....summer rain, thunderstorms and memories what a wonderful combination.

MEEP MEEP

We are off to visit John 'Huck'.  Getting there by Ferry.

Looking in the mirror, there are more coming. 

Looking ahead -The 'old mill' Kingston Peninsula.

  We came across this old School and Church with the "General Merchant" across the street.

Please see the side bar for further photos both insid and out-and-about.  

Happy Birthday!!!!

I am 9 today!  Don't I look young to you?  Yesterday, I was acting a little 'strange' according to my people. But hey, I am getting older and Black Rose had all of those people in for her Birthday. I am exhausted from telling them that I was going to be having a Birthday too.  I hope they come to my party...I am having a party aren't I mom? 

**Shhh don't tell him, but he is getting a ball launcher.  He will LOVE it!  He loves to play fetch.**

One of Black Rose's BD Gifts - It's perfect :)

We had 28 Guests for the Surprise Party.   The look on her face was too precious when she saw the cake (see below).  She is a Tim Burton fan and it was perfect!  Thank you everyone for coming, thank you to each of you who have sent her BD wishes on-line as well.  

This gift is created by a local artist using only recycled material. And in honor of 'Black Rose' is painted entirely black.  It even has 'thorns'!! When they requested that he make a black rose, he asked if they wanted green leaves, and of course the answer was 'no, completely black please'.   

Black Rose - it's your Birthday!!!

July 1995 (1 year):

Dearest you mean so much to us.  We waited years to be parents not knowing if we ever would be.  The Doctors said we may never become parents and after years of trying - you arrived on a humid, hot July evening.  You are such a happy-go-lucky baby. You are a real gem. You're a joy to have for company and you learn very quickly.  As we reach your 1st Birthday, so much has changed and we've learned so much together.

Written May 2001

Dearest, you have grown so much! You are still a happy child who is very polite and uses her manners (sometimes a bit testy).  You are a real joy to have around.  Today Grandpa was teaching you to skip.  Do you remember?  He had to 'scrunch' to fit in the rope.  Love you Kitten xoxo Mama.

 

At 16 you have become a beautiful young lady of whom we are extremely proud. You truly live up to the meaning of your name 'Lovable Child'.  May you achieve in life that which you set your heart on accomplishing.  We know you will continue to do well as you travel on this journey called life.

Love Mama and Dad

Old Home Week - St. Martins

We attended the Variety Show last night and today took in the last day of Old Home Week.  Wahoo...here we are 'rooting' for our ducks in the duck race.  What a riot! 

One view from the Tourism 'Lighthouse'.

This is so cool don't you think?

BUT.........I really enjoyed this one from the 'show'.   This little fellow was parked beside me. 

Back to the Trail

Wow we do spend a lot of time up there don't we?  But as you can see from previous posts and photos, it is BEAUTIFUL!  The staff of the Trail are really nice too....hello ladies and gentlemen. 

Wow, that's a long way down!

I wanted to share a few photos from our last adventure.  Here we are at the newest section of the trail that just opened. 

Excuse me, I am trying to take a photo of the view.
Yes, you're kinda nice to look at too but.........

Wait, didn't I see you someplace before? 

Finally, those people moved over a bit so I could take this photo to share with you. 

Can you believe it?  They hopped in my car and asked me to drive them back to my place!! Ha, Ha - it's a good thing we had brought them with us in the first place,  don't you think?   It was a good day for us and our visitors.  I hope they come back soon. 

Where I am- right here, right now, today.

I am young enough to appreciate the youth, but old enough to think that 58 is too young to die.  I like where I am in my life. I am young enough to appreciate life and those around me and yet old enough 'to know better'.  May I not be viewed as 'immature' but as 'playful' and be respected for who I am.  I think if you lose that 'playfulness' you do get old.  I think too many people get caught up in age and how others act within their age group.  Heavens, how many times have you heard "act your age".  Maybe I just don't want to today.   That's the Rebel coming out in me. 
The youth think 25 is old (I am sure I must have too) and the aged think that's a child.  Yet as we age, somehow the age difference seems to lesson and the views become more alike. I remember when my date came to pick me up.  My brother wanted to know what that 'old guy is doing here'.  You should have heard him go on and on (the 'old guy' was 29), funny how when he himself got to be 29 it wasn't "old" any more.  I like this place that I am at....I maybe old and fat, but I've got personality! 

A Gentle man and a Gentleman

Back on March 5th  I wrote 'Time in a Bottle" which was about my Grade 5 teacher.  After reading that piece his daugther wrote "I love to hear the stories of how my Dad touched one of his students lives. It really means so much to know that he was as great a teacher to his students as he is a father to me. Thanks so much for sharing this Shelley! When he retired he said that he learned more from his students than his students ever learned from him. :)"
Friday - reading through Facebook posts and Black Rose's texts, I have learned that Brian is not well.  One of his Grandsons and Black Rose are friends.  His wife writes "Going through the saddest time of my life. Please keep us in your prayers". My heart absolutely breaks for this family.  Each of them are so thoughtful. The love and respect of their family members, as well as for others, is obvious.

Today (Saturday) one of his young Grandsons has written "Grandfather , a Father a husband ... My grandfather was the best man I have ever had the pleasure to know . At least he's in heaven now . He will always be loved and missed but never ever will he most certanly never ever be forgotten R.I.P Brian Kenny ♥ ♥ ♥"   

Brian Kenny died July 10th, 2010 at the age of 58.

Some of Black Rose's current Beach Glass Collection

These are just 'things'

I am not one to take photos of one's loss but wanted to share with you.  As you may have suspected from my last Blog,  I was home when this happened but my family/pets were staying at the campground.  Coming into the Park last night my headlights catching that first glimpse. I can still smell the smoke/fumes in the air.  The yellow 'caution' tape surrounding the yard.  Flowers on the outdoor dining table, the others hanging as if they too can feel the loss.  The picnic table sits as if to welcome you.  It is at this time that you realize how closely you 'live' with and next to one another in such a 'community'.

Sadly this lady had recently sold her home and this is 'home' for the summer months.  My heart breaks for her as she recovers from smoke inhalation and such.  Thankfully, no one was badly injured and possessions are just 'things'.  God is good.
   

Friendship

Friendship is a sheltering tree. - Samuel Coleridge

Thank you 'Bud' for checking on my family tonight.  There was a fire in the campground where my family has a seasonal site.  My family and our unit is safe, however, another was badly damaged.  Such a fright when a trailer within a campground catches fire - so much can happen with all of those propane tanks.  The fear is always in the back of your mind, although if you dwelled on it, it would drive you crazy.

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. - Mark Twain

July 4 - Fundy Trail Parkway

Today we headed again to the Fundy Trail Parkway for a quick hike and to appreciate the views. 

July 3rd - More Covered Bridges

July 2 (2) Fundy Trail Parkway - One word BEAUTIFUL

It was so nice to once again return to the Trail for short hikes.   We had company with us that had only been to the Trail when it was first opened - so they were so much fun to take with us! Thanks for visiting us here in St. Martins, please come again.   As always it was nice to see the grounds being taken care of so well.  We didn't get to speak with you then, so 'hey Bud'.  "Jack" sorry you weren't working in the 'Box' but we will be back again.

July 2nd - 2010 Dulse Rock

Happy Canada Day - July 1st

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