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!
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