Sunshine & Happiness!

Well, this summer has definitely gotten away from me! I’m usually posting the beginning of the month, but….not this time. How is your summer going? I hope you are able to take some time away and explore our beautiful Canadian backyard. We were able to get away to beautiful Manitoulin again this year. We took the Chi’Cheemaun from Tobermory in the morning. The water was like glass and the sun was bright and warm, it was the perfect day. We got to Providence Campground and set up our tent, no mosquitos to be seen, I will take that any summer.

Our goal was to stay in one area and do little day trips through the time we were there. First day we headed to Little Current and found a great little fish & chip place, The Port. Hand dredged locally caught whitefish with a very light coating, not even quite a batter, it was perfect, hand cut fries and homemade tartar sauce. One of the best fish & chips we’ve had in a long time. You have got to try this little gem of a spot!

Weather was so nice that we walked on the boardwalk and went into some of the little shops on the main drag. Stopped in at Beam Paints in M’ChiGeeng. This little paint shop is family owned and they make all their paints plastic free and all packaging is natural as well. You really need to check them out to see for yourself this little wonder and gem of a business https://beampaint.ca

Back to the beach to have some dinner, a walk, an ice cream from the Island Ice Cream Shop and maybe a nap.

Learning New Things

What a wonderful time to relax and unwind. Not having to worry about mowing the lawn or weeding the garden or even doing laundry. We really just went with the flow and didn’t really plan anything at all.

It was on our Anniversary that we went to a PowWow in Sheguiandah First Nation that was advertised on a community board in the ice cream shop. Let’s go! It was also the hottest day of our trip, up to 32* C and humid, yikes!

Just opening as we got there, so we chose a seat on the bleachers under a sunshade. Met one of the Elders, and he was explaining what was going on, all about their regalia (they are not costumes) and how they are all hand made, how the jingle dresses worn by the women are made (each bell is hand stamped by a big press), and what different songs represent, he also explained Indigenous culture and spirituality.

At the beginning of the opening ceremony, the Elders from the different tribes come in. No pics or videos allowed. I was quite surprised that I felt a bit emotional during it, I felt honoured to be able to experience this tradition; seeing the Elders come in, and feeling their proudness. There was one man he pointed out, said he was one of the highest ranking. I didn’t even need to be told that, his power was emanating.

We watched some of the dance competitions, toured the artists stalls and ate some wonderful homemade food, we chose a vegetarian dish as it was so hot out, I didn’t feel a meat dish would be great on the stomach. It was quite the eventful day, and we headed back to our campground more knowledgeable and feeling better for it. We again stopped off for an ice cream, I had a Green Tea one, so satisfying! We slept like logs that night.

It really was just so nice to get away, turned off social media, phones, and didn’t listen to any news. Sometimes it really helps with the mental wellness, just to be able to sit and listen to the birds, rain, wind through the trees, children in the campground running around and playing together, laughing and having fun. Even if it is for a short time, just unplug!

Beat The Heat!

Back to our neck of the woods, and the heat has been brutal this year! Heat, humidity, and the smoke from the wildfires out west has really gotten to me and my husband. It is difficult to do anything, so we have been laying low, taking time to rest and recharge. As we don’t have A/C, we have been keeping all curtains closed, windows open, fans on. Doing any watering (using rain barrels and watering cans) in the evening, just before the mosquitoes come out, needless to say the weeds got the better of us this year. Definitely eating lots of ice cream and frozen yogurt, and drinking plenty of water and juice. Also keeping the neighbourhood pups watered during this heat, changing the water every 3 hours or so.

We have just started going for our evening walks again, as it has been too smokey in the evening to go outside. Now I need an exercise regimen to burn off all the ice cream I ate the past couple months (insert grimace face here).

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Book early to snag your spot! I look forward to hearing all about your summer happenings! Sandra