bittersweet post

Well, It's been about 3 years of blogging for me at this Roadways address...and now the time has come to make a change.

The first reason is because I reached my capacity for uploading images! Can you imagine? Me? Not possible. :)

The second is because we are really feeling like we are moving into a new phase with the boys as they are entering their pre-teen/teen years. Also, as we are not living 'on the road' anymore...we are now living and learning in the country on a farm.

Life changes, time moves on...so, now you can find the trail of our life posted at www.freetolearnmywayeveryday.wordpress.com
(*NB: I have a typo issue with the address at the moment...you could also try: www.freetolearmywayeverday.wordpress.com)

Hope the switch isn't hard to make and that you won't be shy about making comments on our journey when you check in.

Thanks to those of you who have followed publicly or not...we have made so many connections through this blog...it's quite something really.

Be well.

Peace,
Laurie

Gratitude for the Trees

Had an invigorating and adventurous walk with Maddy and Josh at the end of July. (Forgot to post pics until now) We headed out to Crawford Lake as it's one of our favourite Halton Region Conservation Areas, plus, Maddy hadn't been there before, so we wanted to share it with her.

On this day we walked about 4 km., starting with a walk around the lake and then into the forest along the Bruce Trail. We saw the Nassagaweya Canyon - Indian words for the 'meeting of two rivers'...being the Sixteen Mile and Bronte Creeks. We imagined that in the fall, it would be an even more spectacular view with all the gorgeous trees.

Just before seeing the Canyon though, we were on the 'Moccasin Trail'... filled with trees and filtered sunlight... it was so calming. We stopped at a sign that explained how First Nations peoples do not see Thanksgiving as an annual event, but rather a way of life. They revere the trees and a traditional Iroquoian Thanksgiving address goes like this:

The Trees

We give thanks to the trees.
You give us shelter and fruits of many kinds.
Your beauty is ever-changing.


I love that idea...that Thanksgiving is not just a 'one off' event every year... but that gratitude for the trees, for nature is a constant...everyday.

As we walked, we saw butterflies, bright blue berries, wild raspberries, wild flowers and moss. We walked on paths and felt like real hikers on the rocky terrain...having to focus more on our steps along those parts...a challenge...but lots of fun!

We bought berries and peaches on the way home. The best peaches we'd ever had!

Looking forward to our next hike!

NB: I had other pics to post, but I have just reached my limit here on blogger. I will have to purchase more space if I want to add more. :( Hmmm, what to do?

Garden Update: Early August

Is this the tiniest watermelon you've ever seen? Sooo cute! As cute as watermelons can be I guess. We have a few starting, but this is the first one! I'll take pics of it as it grows and highlight them here. We have never grown watermelons before. Can't wait to taste it! I think at this rate, the watermelon is going to keep us in suspense for a while-hopefully it will be ready for harvest before the frost!

Old Friends, Dogs and New Babes

We have been very fortunate this week as we have been visiting with friends and spending time with little babies!

We had delicious cupcakes from a specialty shop in Milton and a fun-filled visit and photo-shoot with Sheryl and Emma. What a cutie. (pics not published here) We look forward to doing it again soon! I forgot how much fun it is to take pics of babies and to spend time with them in general. They are so fascinated by everything around them! Emma loved the fans at our place and was rather intrigued with the boys and Madison. Lots of smiles!

We also had a big day Wednesday seeing Grandma and Grandpa Caines, Daniel, Laura, Paige, Devin, Britt, Lidia, Cher and Ronan- plus all the dogs... Phew!

It was so nice to be in familiar Newmarket with people we care about! Exciting to meet 2 month old Ronan and see Cher and get caught up. She loves being a mama and it shows!

So, while we have loved spending lots of time with new friends this summer, I am reminded to make the connections happen with old friends too....get in the car and drive... make the effort!

The Mill Race Folk Festival

Thanx to Karen McKay, we became aware of The Mill Race Folk Festival in Cambridge and went on over to check it out. I was excited to hear live music, especially bag pipes and Irish tunes...however, when we arrived we discovered there were multiple locations to choose from and we were drawn to the stone outdoor amphitheater along the Grand River where some traditional Ukrainian and Welsh music was played. What a lovely setting and a lovely sound.

The boys had some independent time running around checking things out and found a mama and 10 of her baby ducklings! So sweet. Josh wanted to take pics of them and pointed out where the best light would be to take their picture.

We had already been to Adventure Guide, Dumfries Conservation Area and out for dinner, so by time we got to this venue, Matt was really tired. Therefore, we didn't last too long there.

But, long enough to see that we are close to yet another wonderful place with inviting activities, water, gardens and architecture. Especially though, a reminder that there are so many amazingly talented local musicians playing a wide variety of music...and that we should take more time to see them live. You feel more of a sense of community watching and listening to live music with other people. Being outside is a total bonus! I wonder what Karen will find for us next? :)