Christie Beach

These are the last photos from our trip to the schoolhouse a few weeks ago. On this day we went into Meaford for a few hours and visited Christie Beach. It was so small that there was barely enough room on the beach for three families. The kids spent most of the time in the water or playing on the field so it didn't bother us one bit. Our friends Shawn and Johanna had the foresight to bring balls, mitts, a Frisbee and a kite which was awesome. The only thing we forgot was food. Luckily there was Grandma Lambe's up the road to fill us up with cookies, pies and fudge, yum yum.

Inglis Falls

On our weekend away at the school house we visited Inglis Falls a spectacular water fall near Owen Sound. My friend Kathy who grew up in the area took us on a hike down a rocky trail that led us to the base of the falls. It felt like we were in an Indiana Jones movie. The kids thought it was the best adventure ever. I was terrified the entire time. Looking back I wish I had summoned up a little more courage and gone on the rocks out on the river with them. I was the only one that stayed back ready to run and get help if anyone fell in. It was out of my comfort zone. I was worried I was projecting my fears on the kids but they were so brave and excited that I don't think they heard me yelling at them to be careful every few seconds. I definitely need to give the kids and my self more opportunities like these.  I'm not talking Mount Everest, just simple hikes with a dash of adventure.

The School House

We have been renting cottages every summer for many years now.  Every cottage we rent has been unique in it's location and structure.  The school house was no exception.  It was built in 1872 as a one room country school in Grey Bruce County.  The current owners transformed it into a wonderful vacation property complete with bunkie and hot tub.  When we first arrived and walked through the door I was thrilled.  The place had so much character and charm.  There was a huge stone fireplace perfect for roasting marshmallows, a bedroom with a bunk bed built for four and the original school bell that rang when you pulled on a long rope.  The kids were all over it.  The cottage is in between Meaford and Owen Sound so there is plenty to do.  We visited the most impressive farmers market I have ever seen, hiked a precarious trail to a stunning waterfall and hung out at Christie Beach near Meaford.  It was jam packed and we loved every minute of it.  We took a lot of pictures.  Here is the first batch.  I'll call it, in and around the cottage.

The Grove

 We had a great day with the boys at Dufferin Grove Park.  I wrote a post last year singing the praises of this incredible place. The most wonderful part of the park, other then the awesome sand pit and farmers market, are the huge trees that create a canopy around it.  This makes it about ten degrees cooler then the rest of Toronto.  That alone is worth the trip.  We have been experiencing a heat wave here for the last week with temperatures close to forty degrees with the humidity! It really is a small oasis in our big city.

music monday

Loving this song lately:

Porter

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
- Mary Oliver 

I had the very special honour of attending a birth earlier this morning.  My brave and surprised friend Allison had a beautiful baby boy three weeks earlier then expected.  I spent the whole day sitting and watching this tiny human being only hours old.  I think about my boys now and I can't believe they were ever so small and new.   It was an amazing day that will stay with me for a long long time.

Our friend Silas.  One of five boys who are sleeping over tonight.  Pizza, ice cream, a movie and  road hockey equals happy boys and no arguments.  Now if they sleep in tomorrow morning they are officially the best kids ever.