The Land August 21/08

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Mary Ann, a friend from my Teacher College days. We don’t see each other often, only once a year; taking turns hosting each other for lunch. This year it was my turn to go to Paisley. Mary Ann lives in Waterloo, but with her husband owns this unique piece of land on the Saugeen River.

“The Land” is 97 acres of bush, scrub and farm with stunning views and vistas of the rolling country side and river. Part of it is farmed by a Mennonite family and it was like stepping back in time watching the “haying” with an antique looking tractor and old square bails. Mary Ann and Ken bought the land in 1993 and have lovingly planted hundreds of trees, cleared paths and an area where they built a barn/cabin. The bottom of the barn is for storage and the top is a living area with a kitchen, 2 small bedrooms and a deck with a spectacular view of the river.

Mary Ann says it is like camping in a barn since there is no running water and no privy. But they have the best outhouse I have ever been in! The walk to it is scenic and it is spotless, odourless and much more appealing than many washrooms I have visited while on the road.

Maintaining “the land” is a labour of love. It is hard work lugging water and supplies when they want to stay there and keeping the paths and yard cleared is a big job. The surrounding flora is persistent in trying to take over. But lunch here is exquisite despite the beer bugs. Mary Ann and I have lots to talk about since we meet so rarely and the time goes quickly. This unique friendship is not demanding, not time consuming, just pure pleasure. Looking forward to next year!

Ottawa August 11 to 18/08

Ottawa. Here we are again. Last time we were here our bikes were stolen! This time we stayed at the same campground and yes, we did quite a bit of biking but they never were more than a couple of feet away from us. We actually went to see the LPGA Canadian Women’s Open at the Ottawa Hunt Club. We had a weekly pass. The Ottawa Municipal Campground is well treed but big rig friendly and is only a 10 or 15 minute drive to the golf club.

Seamus and Caroline who are also avid golfers and fans, stayed with us for most of the week. Grant and Gisele came for one day and night. We are pretty happy with the Cedar Creek and its capacity for company!

The golf was excellent with the top women golfers in the world in attendance. I was really thrilled to see Anika Sorenstam since this is her last year playing before she retires. Of course watching Lori Kane is a treat too. The crowds go wild for her and she has been an amazing ambassador for Candian Women's golf. A young Australian won the tournament but it was a close and exciting finish. The weather co-operated for the most part though there were a couple of storms move through but we didn’t get caught in them.

Biking in Ottawa is sensational. The paths are all paved and go for miles along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal as well as anywhere else. If you have never biked there you should go. Not only are the paths excellent but they lead to all the top destinations including museums, parliament, Sparks Street, Byway Market and much more.

September is fast approaching (okay, it's here) and the feel of fall is already in the air with cool nights and different light diffusion during the day. But it does not come with the anxiety and anticipation of going back to work, a feeling I love! In no time we will be gone (November 1st) and plans are being made already. There is much to do before going away for that length of time. I am happy to have made family “get together plans” for both of our families; one Thanksgiving and one the week after. Everyone is able to come! I am so happy to have this time with family before we leave for our second snowbird season. It's a good life.