July 25, 26. On Saturday we had a slow morning, and I baked bread and butter tarts. I am getting a reputation for my butter tarts! That afternoon we were invited over to Ray and Gisele's for a drink. Ray invited Sue and Mike; they are the current owners of the log home on Airport Road that Wilson built. All parties were delighted to meet each other and talk about the house. It was very interesting to listen also to learn about the construction of this very unique building. It was truly an accomplishment that Wilson rightfully feels very proud of. We then invited them back to our place for dessert- Butter Tarts- and more conversation. Mike and Sue brought their laptop to show Wilson and Fran their pictures of the house. I looks like not alot has changed. Wilson is delighted, and something tells me that they will become friends.
Again, it was serendipitous that this meeting came together. Back from "Sloshed in the Sauna" Gisele had invited the girls over for a sauna and swim. I met Sue for the first time, and making small talk I asked her if she lived out here year round. She replied that she lived in a log home on Airport Road, and of course that caught my attention. When I pushed for details, and before she could finish her answer I said "Does it have a huge stone fireplace and cherry floors in the kitchen ?" She was kind of taken aback that a total stranger was familiar with her house!!" Then I told her that my Uncle built the house. It wasn't until the next day that I new that Wilson and Fran were coming to visit. Small World. Serendipitous. Six points of separation.
A great evening was had by all. The next morning Wilson and Fran were off to Massey to see her brother.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Wilson and Fran and the Lumberjacks!
July 23: Wilson and Fran came to visit!! They arrived on Thursday loaded with trout and other goodies. Rick and Anita joined us, and that was great for me to get caught up with them. We had a great supper that Wilson cooked. They preferred to stay in the Cottage, so the camper is still a virgin!
On Friday mid-day, Ray Lavasseur came by. Ray is a " logger" and I had contacted him earlier about taking some trees down here. So we made the arrangements and he started, with his friend, Mr Lawrence Luthanen. Boy, that was something to see, how they took down the trees quickly safely and cleanly. Ray made his fortune as a logger and running logging operations. Lawrence was a miner. Both of them shared many stories with us and they were a treat to get to know. Very interesting men. I expect them back next week to do some more.
On Friday Sean and Ken came out to visit their grandpartents and they joined us for supper. They are Rick's eldest and youngest boys. It was nice to meet them.
On Friday mid-day, Ray Lavasseur came by. Ray is a " logger" and I had contacted him earlier about taking some trees down here. So we made the arrangements and he started, with his friend, Mr Lawrence Luthanen. Boy, that was something to see, how they took down the trees quickly safely and cleanly. Ray made his fortune as a logger and running logging operations. Lawrence was a miner. Both of them shared many stories with us and they were a treat to get to know. Very interesting men. I expect them back next week to do some more.
On Friday Sean and Ken came out to visit their grandpartents and they joined us for supper. They are Rick's eldest and youngest boys. It was nice to meet them.
Toronto Timmins Express July 20 - 22
I have many bulky things in Toronto that would be better here at the Cottage, but getting them here is a challenge. Gisele, who is not afraid of big adventures, offered the use of her truck for us to make a run down and get some stuff. Early Monday morning we departed in the truck equipped with a tail gate extension so that we could load up. We stopped in Sudbury to see Mom, then sought the scenic route to Toronto. We lost count of how many dead ends we met, but on the way we went through Mctier and Coldwater. The latter is a very nice town. Then we took Hwy 27 from Barrie to Toronto. Had Pizza and took our weary bodies to bed.
Tuesday morning we found a great breakfast spot and headed out to do shopping. The biggest stop was Costco where Gisele loaded up with goodies, including shelving units for her cousin. We didn't get started to load to truck till late afternoon, and then we were further delayed with rain. But at the end of the day we had loaded the 8 ft harvest table, chop saw and stand, generator, Doug's big bucksaws, red kitchen table, and a variety of small tools that may be useful here. Oh yes, of course, and Sandpaper. All tied down like the song " A flitin" . A small glitch, the tow ball was not the right size, so we got to Canadian tire very early and they installed the correct size ball for us. So we were off!! We traveled at a moderate speed, and found that the trailer pulled very well. However the trailer is small and cannot be seen behind the vehicle, so we had to spend some time finding a way to attach a flag. We "shopped" along Hwy 27 and bought Salami and other goodies at the 27 Country Market, and some curiosities at the Flea Market " Barn" at Cookstown.
We were in Sudbury by 5 pm, stopped for supper in Cartier, were we found a great restaurant. But is was quite late and we did not get home till almost 11 pm. Glad we got home safely. I was baffed and stayed up until 2 pm getting unpacked. I was excited because Uncle Wilson and Fran were coming tomorrow!!
Tuesday morning we found a great breakfast spot and headed out to do shopping. The biggest stop was Costco where Gisele loaded up with goodies, including shelving units for her cousin. We didn't get started to load to truck till late afternoon, and then we were further delayed with rain. But at the end of the day we had loaded the 8 ft harvest table, chop saw and stand, generator, Doug's big bucksaws, red kitchen table, and a variety of small tools that may be useful here. Oh yes, of course, and Sandpaper. All tied down like the song " A flitin" . A small glitch, the tow ball was not the right size, so we got to Canadian tire very early and they installed the correct size ball for us. So we were off!! We traveled at a moderate speed, and found that the trailer pulled very well. However the trailer is small and cannot be seen behind the vehicle, so we had to spend some time finding a way to attach a flag. We "shopped" along Hwy 27 and bought Salami and other goodies at the 27 Country Market, and some curiosities at the Flea Market " Barn" at Cookstown.
We were in Sudbury by 5 pm, stopped for supper in Cartier, were we found a great restaurant. But is was quite late and we did not get home till almost 11 pm. Glad we got home safely. I was baffed and stayed up until 2 pm getting unpacked. I was excited because Uncle Wilson and Fran were coming tomorrow!!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sloshed in the Sauna.
Saturday July 18:
I promised myself an " inside" day to get started on Mom's manuscript. But mid morning Gisele came by and invited me for a Girls Sauna Day and supper. - now that's a great idea!! I rushed and baked bread for supper and made butter tarts, and by 1 pm the girls were in the 150 degree sauna and going in and out for swims. It took some getting used to get into the cold water, but I had a great swim or two. ?? It was great. I think the wine and the heat got to me, because I needed a lay down!! Had a nap for a bit, and then got up to help with supper. Felt much better. I really had a nice time. I don't think I was bad. I met Gisele's neighbours and found out that they now live in the log house in Timmins on Airport road that Uncle Wilson built!! Small world. A great recreational day!
I promised myself an " inside" day to get started on Mom's manuscript. But mid morning Gisele came by and invited me for a Girls Sauna Day and supper. - now that's a great idea!! I rushed and baked bread for supper and made butter tarts, and by 1 pm the girls were in the 150 degree sauna and going in and out for swims. It took some getting used to get into the cold water, but I had a great swim or two. ?? It was great. I think the wine and the heat got to me, because I needed a lay down!! Had a nap for a bit, and then got up to help with supper. Felt much better. I really had a nice time. I don't think I was bad. I met Gisele's neighbours and found out that they now live in the log house in Timmins on Airport road that Uncle Wilson built!! Small world. A great recreational day!
Lenny
Friday July 17.
Lenny arrived as scheduled and he accomplished a fair bit. I made a long list and he managed to get through most of it and finished a big job that was not on the list. We cleared the area for the future woodshed, moved some things around and dug a big hole behind the camper and finished the " leech pit" for the grey water . That was very heavy work. The hole was 3 ft deep and about 3 feet wide. Gisele came by to give direction and help gather the stones needed. Lenny is anxious to come back to do more so I will plan to have him back to help with the woodshed when he can work under the supervision of someone more qualified than me.
Lenny arrived as scheduled and he accomplished a fair bit. I made a long list and he managed to get through most of it and finished a big job that was not on the list. We cleared the area for the future woodshed, moved some things around and dug a big hole behind the camper and finished the " leech pit" for the grey water . That was very heavy work. The hole was 3 ft deep and about 3 feet wide. Gisele came by to give direction and help gather the stones needed. Lenny is anxious to come back to do more so I will plan to have him back to help with the woodshed when he can work under the supervision of someone more qualified than me.
July 15, -16 2009. Weather was off and on for Wednesday , but I managed to get the woodchipper going for a couple of hours to do some of the brush, but now I think that bringing it to the dump is the easiest way. That's what Dad used to do, and I guess that was the best way. I was able to get into the garden area to bring that meadow under control with the big weed wacker. I called Job Connect to see about getting some general labour, and a young man named Lenny called me right away. He was very anxious for some work so we agreed that he should come out to give a hand on Friday. I was planning to pick up the materials to build a woodshed so I drew a rough plan to figure out the materials. However Stephen dropped by in the afternoon and shook his head. Not a good plan. I scrapped that idea. The good news is that Stephen may be able to take on the electrical job to run the 30 amp service to the trailer.
Gisele and I were in town running errands all day Thursday. I picked up the valve to put in an additional shut off at the lake.
Gisele and I were in town running errands all day Thursday. I picked up the valve to put in an additional shut off at the lake.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Evil Gasoline Engines
July 14, 2009
My relationship with small gasoline engines has never been an easy one. I think I inherited a bad gene from my father. My memory of Dad with gas engines- snow blowers, ski doos, outboard motors, and earlier cars- always included wrenches and bad language. Clearing the driveway involved cussing at the big machine to get it to start, and then half way through something would need adjustment, and out came the wrenches. When I was very young, about 3 I think , we were out in a boat, and in his effort to pull start the outboard motor, his fist whacked me in the head. Maybe that's were the curse got passed to me! Now unlike Dad, who had knowledge of the internal workings of these evil machines, and could do something about it, I am just simply left abandoned and hopeless, and not knowing what wrench to use, or for what.
Doug, of course, new everything about these contraptions. After all they were "tools" and Dougie loved tools. I guess building a race car for Mosport gave him the edge.
I, however maintain that gasoline engines should be illegal.
Now, the aforementioned wood chipper did not have to go into town for medical treatment, thank goodness, but was brought to a start by Ray, who removed the spark plug and liquored it up with gasoline. But that trick didn't work for me the next day. However Gisele came later today and taught me how to coax and cajole it into starting. I have found that cheering it on like a race horse was quite effective.
This winter I think I will take a course in small engine maintenance and repair, but hope against hope that cordless or solar powered tools will be developed very soon.
I did not get all the tree debris cleared today. Far from it. But I moved the pile out of the way so I could get the garden area mowed. That was a bit of progress. Next I guess I should challenge the gas hand held weed eater. Oh joy.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to include showers, but I will try to get down to the dock shortly after sunrise if it is not raining then.
My relationship with small gasoline engines has never been an easy one. I think I inherited a bad gene from my father. My memory of Dad with gas engines- snow blowers, ski doos, outboard motors, and earlier cars- always included wrenches and bad language. Clearing the driveway involved cussing at the big machine to get it to start, and then half way through something would need adjustment, and out came the wrenches. When I was very young, about 3 I think , we were out in a boat, and in his effort to pull start the outboard motor, his fist whacked me in the head. Maybe that's were the curse got passed to me! Now unlike Dad, who had knowledge of the internal workings of these evil machines, and could do something about it, I am just simply left abandoned and hopeless, and not knowing what wrench to use, or for what.
Doug, of course, new everything about these contraptions. After all they were "tools" and Dougie loved tools. I guess building a race car for Mosport gave him the edge.
I, however maintain that gasoline engines should be illegal.
Now, the aforementioned wood chipper did not have to go into town for medical treatment, thank goodness, but was brought to a start by Ray, who removed the spark plug and liquored it up with gasoline. But that trick didn't work for me the next day. However Gisele came later today and taught me how to coax and cajole it into starting. I have found that cheering it on like a race horse was quite effective.
This winter I think I will take a course in small engine maintenance and repair, but hope against hope that cordless or solar powered tools will be developed very soon.
I did not get all the tree debris cleared today. Far from it. But I moved the pile out of the way so I could get the garden area mowed. That was a bit of progress. Next I guess I should challenge the gas hand held weed eater. Oh joy.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to include showers, but I will try to get down to the dock shortly after sunrise if it is not raining then.
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