HAPPY TEN YEARS LATER

Enjoying the very first 
Fire & Ice Festival
TAKEN: JANUARY 30th, 2016

 

When I was growing up, enjoying the Muskoka Winter Carnival weekend was something celebrated by young and old within the entire District simultaneously. Then, over the years, lack of participation and increase in overall expense saw all our communities cease celebrating with Skokie except the Town of Gravenhurst. 

Well, more than a decade ago the Town of Bracebridge decided to begin coordinating a one-day festival with a unique approach to a traditional winter carnival that they brilliantly branded Fire & Ice. 

Where the main street is closed at dusk the night before and truck loads of snow is imported in which turning our signature street into massive tubing hill. This plus a skating trail and ice sculptures in the park create the ice part of the festival’s name.

The fire part is created by performing fire artists and firepits throughout downtown and a large fireworks display at dusk.

Once the fireworks are over the tubing hill is then broken down, loaded back into trucks and the busily attended street and parks for the day return to the dreary January weather by the next morning.

As it has been ten years this weekend since we first celebrated, I couldn’t help but Google, which anniversary gift was earmarked for the milestone; it is tin.

My mind immediately races back to my childhood and a shiny vintage tin snow saucer.

And how perfect it would be to fly down Manitoba Street at breakneck speeds on Saturday afternoon on that puppy!

 Oh to be young again...

#yagottalaughaboutit

COUNTING AND COPING

Our struggle with outdoor doggie
washroom conditions are real!
TAKEN: JANUARY 22nd, 2026

Yesterday morning, the control panel on my 60V Greenworks electric snowblower, bit dust. 

Even worse, their service department confirmed the part's backordered, and they cannot offer a timeline for shipment. I automatically knew I would be back to manually shoveling snow.

Now, as I have written here before, at Old Bessie, our gas-powered beauty of age does the heavy lifting - but I am responsible to clear entrances, decks, and dog trails; that our old girl cannot access.

Well, just as my winter clearing lifeline went on hiatus, The Weather Network announced that we were to receive 40+cm of snow (about 16 inches for my American readers) forecasted to fall within 24 hours. 

So, shovel in hand, I was dealing with the accumulation I had missed through the day last night until I was ready to go to bed, to ensure by morning we could open the back patio door, and that the dogs had a path at 6am.

By 6am this morning, Mother Nature added another 8+ inches fallen, which told me that we were only about half-way there before we might receive any reprieve.

Out went my travel buddy hubby with Bessie blowing in the dark, as I took shovels to the decks in my PJ pants. We worked our way of digging out from the accumulated snow and as the sun rose the blizzard continued. 

Then our obvious problem hit. It was on my 9:30am break, where the dogs go to do their business. 

Where the hell do they go?

All I can say is that from the photo I am sharing… their struggle was/is real. 

Hope I can see their eyes peeping over the banks by this time tomorrow!

#yagottalaughaboutit

MY NIGHT WALKER

My beautiful Miya living her best life.
TAKEN: JANUARY 12th, 2026

With 2026 officially under way, I am seriously committed to exercising more, losing weight, and living a healthier lifestyle. You see, for the first time in my life, I am feeling the effects of sitting in front of a computer ten hours a day; and not making myself a priority. 

The first week was pretty brutal but I am extremely determined, so I persevered. 

You have no idea how much crap you have hanging around in your system after the unnecessary holiday bingeing, but I feel that with those first seven days behind me, I am definitely on the right track.

For me, it is about a kilometer walk to the mailbox, so I started going daily, on the last doggie daycare break. The other thing I began doing was head down to the end of our cul-de-sac and back. For that, I take both pups.

Then, I drop off Katie Kate and Miya and I head toward town. She is much more laid back than the wee one and always stays focused on her surroundings. The other one, not so much, and I need to keep her out of harms way.

Anyway, on our way back from town, the orange hew in the distance lets us know we are getting close to home. 

With only 42 days until I depart on my cousins trip to Hautulco Mexico, I know my personal goals won't be met by then. 

Instead, the quest for my waist will hopefully have my goal within my sights before I leave for Bahamas for my birthday weekend.

Wish me (and my emotional support night walker) luck!

FEELING DEFLATED?

Winter have you feeling deflated?
...Not our beautiful Miya!
TAKEN: JANUARY 6th, 2025

When Doggie Daycare took their lunch break this afternoon, the beautiful Miya pulled her old, deflated football (that we call the hut-hut) out of the toy box as her item to retrieve. 

After her tenth run, I held it up and realized how this raggedy old ‘thing’ truly symbolizes my general mood perfectly this time of year. That said, I am pleased to report that the majority of my seasonal affective disorder symptoms stayed at bay this fall, and thanks to a quiet holiday break I am hoping the worst is over.

I know I always reference the weather this time of year, but when you don’t leave your house except to move snow, it tends to be a focal point. Moving snow since the beginning of the season led me to notice an overall loss in snow removal muscle mass over last season.

As a result, I decided to put an exercise plan in place so that my day consists of something other than staring at multiple computer screens and recess with my dogs three times a day; where all I do is stand in one spot and throw their item of choice.

I am also in the midst of a cleanse. I have never done one but did quite a bit of research prior to starting, hoping to increase my overall energy. Once completed, I will transfer to a program called The Livy Method. I have done it before with great success, so I thought I would reignite the enthusiasm that had me shed almost 18lbs while recalibrating my eating habits in 2023.

Which brings me to my original question. Does this winter have me feeling deflated?

Actually, it is kind of the opposite. Though I would like to think my stomach is flat (which would never leave any middle-aged woman feeling deflated), it seems my issue appears to be when I look in the mirror.

Because the simple truth is the as I spring into 2026, letter ‘L’ in the word flat... 

Is definitely SILENT!

#yagottalaughaboutit

REMEMBERING 2025

I don’t know about you but for this cat, 2025 flew by incredibly fast.

The Psychology Today website says it is because ‘time speeds up with increasing age because we have fewer new experiences and our perception is less vivid.’ Whatever, I call that therory total bullshit.

As this past year was jampacked with a ton of new experiences that were carefully executed as well as financed thanks to a hectic year at work; with a plethora of overtime worked and rewarding deadlines met.

As we all prepare to raise a glass and get ready to welcome a new year, I would like to wish all the best to you and your loved ones in 2026… And thanks again for reading.

~ Rhondi

PS: As you reminisce with me electronically you can click links to the month of journal offerings (57 in total) and photos that you may have missed, or wish to revisit. 

Remember, never one to shy away from being blunt, so keep your hands and feet in the ride at all times!

Most Unexpected Moment (centre) - The swift and unexpected passing of my mother in law. My husband called me when he was leaving work to tell me he was headed to meet the ambulance at the hospital, and less than eight hours later she was gone. Godspeed Angie, may you forever rest in peace.

(LINK TO REVIST: SHOCKINGLY, UNEXPECTED)

January: After a deep freeze the first of the month, the end of the month had us and the pup (top left) enjoying the Fire and Ice Festival. Nothing too spectacular, except for the fact this was the very first time they wore a collar and walked with a lead, and circulated in public. They both did amazing, getting lots of pets, love, and attention.

(LINK TO REVIST: JANUARY POSTS & PHOTOS)

February: The implementation of the tariffs in the United States, along with the 51st State rhetoric had us make the decision to not to cross the border for the next four years. As a result, we had numerous staycations in Ontario and traveled twice to the Caribbean and Mexico.

(LINK TO REVIST: FEBRUARY POSTS & PHOTOS)

March: The ice storm of the century hit Muskoka at the end of the month, and it was unlike anything we had ever experienced. Scary times for sure. Though the month came in like a lamb, it most certainly went out like a lion. We were hit so hard at the cottage, that we still have approximately 40% of the branches that fell to clean up and burn. 

(LINK TO REVIST: MARCH POST & PHOTO)

April: This month, my travel buddy hubby and I traveled to Aruba to celebrate my milestone birthday. My birthday (top right) had me enjoying a drink with my dad on beautiful Palm Beach. This adventure was one for the record books. We experienced the entire island while we were there.

(LINK TO REVIST: APRIL A-Z POSTS & PHOTOS)

May: After February had us cancel our plans to travel to Colorado and experience Sheryl Crow at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, it was announced that Zac Brown Band was returning to Ontario in May. I immediately joined his Fan Club and secured front row tickets. Coincidentally, the only other artist I had experienced in the front row at the venue was in fact, you guessed it... Sheryl Crow!

(LINK TO REVIST: MAY POSTS & PHOTOS)

June: This month, start to finish, was spent clearing the cottage from the ice storm. From repairing fascia, to rebuilding stairs, we worked hard to contain the mess and burn whenever we could. The photo I am sharing was my hubby (with Katie Kate's) trying to process the tree he hit with his AVT before he went into the water. It was so large, it never got removed from the water until September.

(LINK TO REVIST: JUNE POSTS & PHOTOS)

July: An early morning phone call from my son Goob had my husband rushing him to the fracture clinic in Orillia for surgery. He had an e-scooter accident that resulted in a broken humerus bone right at the shoulder that required the four screws and a metal plate being inserted. Thank God he was wearing a helmet!

(LINK TO REVIST: JULY POSTS & PHOTOS)

August: This month saw our entire community work together to find the beloved neighbourhood girl, Josephine. This pup, a rescue that was a street dog in Isreal, knew how to hide and not be found. We first began looking around dinner time on August 19th, and all the posters, and social media support had her home four days later. A real good new story for sure.

(LINK TO REVIST: AUGUST POSTS & PHOTOS)

September: This month had one explosive weekend that produced a ton of fun. We stayed in Downtown Toronto to experience the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as taking in Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes at Budweiser Stage. An expensive weekend, but money very well spent.

(LINK TO REVIST: SEPTEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

October: A busy month with us hosting Thanksgiving dinner, we decided to head to our fourth concert of the season and experienced Amanda Marshall for the second time in two years, this time, up close and personal. Unable to perform for twenty years because of her former manager, you would never know it. This lady can most certainly sing, and offers an overall vibe that compares to Janis Joplin.

(LINK TO REVIST: OCTOBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

November: This month offered me some closure of sorts. As you've read here many times, my former colleague was brutally murdered by her husband in January of 2023. Her murder, which was featured in an NBC Dateline episode (The Running Man) answered some questions that I thought would always remain hidden. Rest in Peace Ash, I miss you...

(LINK TO REVIST: NOVEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

December: This month ends my year with a selfie by the Christmas tree, and other than a couple of blonde whisps at the very bottom, my hair is officially white. When I got it cut just before the holiday break, my hairdresser told me she was proud of me that I stuck it out. A journey I started on May 5th, 2023.

(LINK TO REVIST: DECEMBER POSTS & PHOTOS)

TRIMMING TRADITIONS

Finally finished trimming the tree.
TAKEN: DECEMBER 13th, 2025

The Wednesday evening after we returned from Cancun, our highspeed internet went out. Just as we always do, my travel buddy hubby called his sister who lives in assisted living two streets away.

After confirming she was out too, I reminded her that she could create a mobile hotspot with her phone and she could run her Smart TV using that. It was at the point that she told us it wasn't an option, as she didn’t own one. The very next day my husband bought her a 43” streaming television for her bedroom.

Since our children finished post-secondary school, each year our pups buy gifts for those that wouldn’t necessarily buy that item for themselves. This year it was a new television, one year it was a laptop for a mother of one of the twins that was a shut-in from chemotherapy – the list is long.

That said, this will be the very first year that there will be no wrapped gifts under our tree, nor monitary gifts haning in the tree. 

This year, 100% of our spending will be donated by Miya and Katie Kate to those in need. Gift cards for the grocery store, cellphone bill payments for the year, even the payment of streaming subscriptions.

I used to put cash in stockings in the tree but this year I have decided against that. As the money will be long gone by new years and bills will still keep coming in.

I guess that is why I cut off the base of my Christmas tree in the photo I am sharing. 

For me the tree is all about the Christmas lights and how they make me feel. It has never been about what is under it.... And for the very first time, there will be nothing.

Not going to lie, taking that offical step feels great!

SNOWY STAIR TREK

The girls were kind enough
open a path on the stairs.
TAKEN: DECEMBER 6th, 2025

When I posted November 2nd that we had closed the cottage down, what I neglected to mention was that short of converting the pups into Sherpas, there was no way to get all the items in our fridge up the hill in one haul. So, rather than making a second trip, we decided we would return the following weekend.

Short story long, we never made it back out. Time got the best if us and we left for Toronto on the afternoon of the 20th and flew out at 6am the morning of the 21st into Cancun. 

Back in Toronto on the 29th, we drove home to Muskoka the morning of the 30th in freezing rain that turned into snow by nightfall; and the snow has not let up since.

As the next week unfurled, every day we discussed the urgency of the fact that we had to get back out there. Our main concern was that the fridge was still plugged in and sucking energy from the electrical panel.

Finally, this morning arrived and after a cup of coffee and a breakfast bagel, we loaded up the pups and headed on our fifteen minute drive. I still find it amazing how our pups react when we turn off the highway. 

Back windows go down, and out the window their heads go. They know exactly what is waiting for them when we get there.

Even covered in a blanket of snow, it is one of my very favorite places on earth. Yet, as we plan for retirement, our plan is will be sold. 

Just not sure if that it is what we really want to do. I guess time will ultimately tell what we decide... But we both know that clearing and climbing those stairs all winter in Muskoka is definately NOT an option. 

Construct a two car garage with year round living space above at the top of the driveway?

Definately, maybe!

AMAZING HUES OF BLUE

Our rooftop view from the
Plaza Forum By The Sea
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 28th, 2028

On our second last vacation day in Cancun, we hopped on city transit and headed to the heart of the hotel zone. I know some people might be worried about travelling in Mexico but if you use common sense, you will easily stay out of harm’s way.

For a whopping 18 Pecos, which is about $1.50 Canadian, we boarded an air condition bus and made our best guess where to get off in the heart of the action. Tourist trap/photo op destination - CoCoBongo!

In pursuit of that destination, we came across signage for Playa Gaviota Azul. Trouble was when we arrived at the street level, they wanted to charge us admission to allow us to enter. As cheap as this may read, paying to walk a public beach has always been a hard no for my travel buddy hubby and me.

So, we headed back out to Kukulcan Blvd and kept going. First up was CoCoBongo, and then into the area mall Plaza Forum by The Sea. Though I have never been a shopper for travel t-shirts or trinkets, every once and a will you hit the jackpot.

That day it was entering into a restaurant with a balcony that produced the pic I snapped above. Just look at those amazing hues of blue. One of hundreds of examples of how beautiful the beaches in Cancun proper are - absolutely stunning.

Though we both agree we would never stay at the same resort we are stayed at, we do agree that we would return to Cancun; even for a quick 4-day weekend getaway. 

Clean, friendly, economical, and beautiful beaches. Next up?

A cousin’s vacation (with one of my aunts) at the end of February to Huatulco. Can't wait to soak up the sun and snorkel along the Mexican Pacific coast in Oaxaca; as my cousin and her husband have chartered a 62 foot yacht for one of our excursions!

As I type, I can't help but wonder if our spouses will have a fighting chance that week, to get a word in edgewise!!

#Yagottalaughaboutit

A view of blue from our balcony... 
Having a drink with my DAD!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 24th, 2025

Even Beatlejuice was blue!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 28th 2025

TOURING ISLA MUJERES

Lxchel protecting Punta Sur...
As we overlook the Carribean Sea.
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

After our bucket list trip to Palm Beach in Aruba last April, my travel buddy hubby and I knew our annual fall adventure would need to be a tad less impressive in stature; and all of Mexico has always been good to us!

Knowing we'd flown into Cancun airport about a half dozen times yet had never stayed in the hotel zone in the city, it seemed like a logical starting point. So, in early August we started to look at what a week there might look like.

We are big fans of the RIU Palace, all-inclusive line of resorts. Coincidentally, the one place I have been watching for about ten years went on sale. (I will post a photo of its unique architectural design at the bottom of this offering.)

Part of our decision-making process in the selection of our hotel was its proximity to the Ultramar Ferry dock to Isla Mujeres, which was literally less than a kilometer walk away.

We purchased our round-trip fares to cross the second day we arrived at the resort, that way, we could pick the best weather day for a neat adventure. (Price to go there and back was $98.68 Canadian for the day).

Once we had selected the 25th to cross, our next task was to rent a golf cart to travel the island for the day. (Rental was $117.88 Canadian, as we wanted to explore the entire island, so rented up until 6pm).

We left the public dock at 9am returning at approximately 3pm, so the only thing we needed to buy was lunch. Authentic Mexican cuisine at the Mango Cafe was a 12 out of ten and cost us $42.33 Canadian with a 20% gratuity. 

Our only other expense that day was $6.00 USD for entry into the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden located on the cliffs of the Caribbean Sea, and 30 Pecos to use the Bannos (public washroom). Believe it or not, they gave me a ticket for both, and I actually got a receipt when I used the Bannos in the center of the island!

All and all and excellent day, as amazing memories were made.

Our hotel with a hole in it from the ferry!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

Stunning views of the Carribean Sea.
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

Our YouTube v-log lunch
recommendation was excellent
12 out of 10!
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 25th, 2025

PEACE OUT SUMMER

Peace out summer of 2025
TAKEN: NOVEMBER 2nd, 2025

Though it snowed the day before yesterday, we managed to get the cottage closed this afternoon enjoying sunshine, rather than snow. You wouldn’t know by my layers of attire – but I over dressed for a what turned out to be a lovely fall day.

Closing day is always bittersweet for me and this year was no exception. The ongoing reflection of just how devastating and exhausting a toll the ice storm carnage took on us is still fresh. 

Even though my backdrop shows some impressive progress in repairing and cleaning up, we still have a significant amount of work (about 30%) that will greet us in the spring of 2026.

It feels as if we lost another season this year like we did last, as nothing other than working the property doing ice storm cleanup was accomplished. 

With my travel buddy hubby being hospitalized and off work for over three months in the summer 2025, and the damage from winter storm has us two season behind in maintaining and/or upgrading standard items. 

Our mantra has always been one season inside, one season outside. It is at times of reflection like this that I am grateful for all the seasons that were possible.

 

Anyway, as an aside, I used to think the best investment I ever made for myself here at the cottage was buying myself a full-size washing machine. Though that baby IS sexy, this year I am thankful for getting myself a battery powered chainsaw. 

That said, I will reiterate my sentiments here, as I did last winter when I was given my rechargeable battery powered snow shovel.

Who needs more diamonds and pearls, when a really great battery will suffice?!

#yagottalaughaboutit

ANOTHER FIRST

What a difference a couple
of hours make.
TAKEN: OCTOBER 31st, 2025

Today is Halloween, it makes no matter to us, we don’t get kids at the door; nor do we attend any local parties.

Anyway, just after lunch, I was on the phone with a coworker, when I spun around in my swivel office chair and declared, “holy cow, it’s snowing outside!”

Once again, it appears that we left the cottage water on later than we should have.

For the record, I wanted to winterize the weekend we rescued Stella, but my travel buddy hubby had other ideas. We knew we had the leaves to process at the house in town last weekend but neither of us factored in the Toronto Blue Jays and their run at a World Series title.

Our plan two weeks ago was that I would head to the cottage at noon today so I could get it warmed up. We would enjoy one last weekend with all our services before we shut the water off.

But midweek we decided the TV in town trumped the one 10 kms away, and the winterization exercise had to wait until Sunday morning.

So, this post is to recognize yet another first for us at Orillia Lake in 2025.

Getting into the lake with a torch to disconnect the water intake while it is snowing outside!

#yagottalaughaboutit

STELLA ESCAPED

Our girl embracing an
autumn adventure.
TAKEN: OCTOBER 17th, 2025

After our epic day of burning on Saturday September 27th, we spent the next few weekends in town.

With a Baker’s Dozen dining with us for Thanksgiving, I had to steam clean our carpets the weekend before. A week after our turkey coma subsided, we were back to the cottage to begin shutting it down.

Because my travel buddy hubby cannot bring his work truck home throughout the week, we swap at lunchtime which has him picking up the car at home. In this instance, it had him taking the pups and me to the cottage to get the place warm and where I would finish my workday.

As I headed down the stairs, my immediate reaction was that someone had stolen Stella. As I sauntered toward the dock, I discovered that she had simply escaped. Will the fall colour in bloom, I thought she looked so pretty perched in our alcove, keeping our turtles company.

Not wanting to try and rescue her with the unconditional help of two pups, and a premonition that I would end up in the lake, I decided to wait until the next morning to hunt for the hip waders.

The next morning the closing ritual began. Up and out came the pedal boat and dock ladder, in came the ramp with Stella safely perched for the winter. With it too windy to burn, we managed to work at getting the cottage close ramped up.

With everything out and up the hill and the only task left is to shut off the water, we are officially prepared for the end of another cottage season.

...Which has been our 26^th.

Stella is all settled for the winter.
TAKEN: OCTOBER 18th, 2025

EMBRACING SMALL WINS

What a beautiful view!
TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 27th, 2025

Just like the movie Groundhog Day, we landed at the cottage Friday night to wake and experience yet another full day dealing with ice storm carnage. The photo I am sharing above is after burning brush nonstop for over seven hours.

The exciting thing I am sharing in the photo is that if you look at the railing fence at the right of our property line the pile of consumed brush that began being piled there, burned, and replenished multiple times is finally gone.

The even better news that the pre-piled was finally gone, was that I hauled brush off the ATV trail and behind the cottage for much of the day; with a very big bonus of additional and unexpected charcoal being produced.

I know it must be getting tired reading about these dumb milestones, but do you know what is even more tired?

Two sexagenarians working alone without help (except Hughie with the one tree) to clear the land of massive amounts of debris.

I know we could have easily hired someone to do it but what I find somewhat troublesome is that neither of our boys have visited this year, let alone offered to help. I am shaking my head at the thought of it.

When my travel buddy hubby and I talk about what we have accomplished financially in the almost forty years we have been together, I think he has the best plan for how to approach the distribution of it.

I mentioned giving it all to the OSPCA, but he has a better idea.

Apparently, according to him…. WE ARE GOING TO SPENT IT ALL!

#yagottalaughaboutit 

THANKS, BUDDY!

Wee Katie Kate supervising the
disconnection in progress.
TAKEN: JULY 1ST, 2025

The weekend before my mother-in-law unexpectedly passed, my travel buddy hubby and his best cottage mate finally coordinated the dissection of the last fallen tree (from the ice storm) stuck in our shoreline.

They had tried several times to connect but as it would have it, day-to-day life got in the way; until finally the morning arrived. 

A couple of efforts in July (one seen above) to remove the bulk of the tree from stump had my husband realizing that no matter what he tried, this sucker was NOT going to float away. It would have to be dismembered and removed to shore piece by piece.

With Stella (our floating picnic table) anchored to aid with keeping the tools dry, and wee Katie Kate once again was in supervision mode, the project began.

They landed in the water that Saturday morning just past 10am, I served them lunch around noon, and the last of the tools were slugged out of the water about 2pm. Words can’t describe how blessed we are to have such great neighbours in he and his wife. They are truly amazing.

So, check their effort out... Below are just a few photos of the last of the water trees from hell that have literally consumed our time since opening the cottage in May of this year.

Assessing to start...
With dogs in the mix.
TAKEN: AUGUST 23rd, 2025

Turn out my Dad's antique saw
worked best because of Katie Kate's help.
TAKEN: AUGUST 23rd, 2025

Hauling to shore on the home stretch!
TAKEN: AUGUST 23rd, 2025

Mission accomplished... At a cost of 
a couple of burgers and a beer!!
TAKEN: AUGUST 23rd, 2025

BRITTANY BROUGHT IT!

Brittany IS da bomb!
All photo rights reserved audiophix.com

As I mentioned in my last post, we had such a blast at TIFF and then attending the Alabama Shakes concert at Budweiser Stage, I thought Brittany Howard (the lead singer for Alabama Shakes) deserved her own props.

I don't know about you, but I find that my travel buddy hubby and I have the most fun when minimal planning is involved. How I missed that she was headed to Toronto is beyond me but once I found out, I was all over it like white on rice.

We had been to the venue two Saturdays before to take Goob to see Leon Bridges, so it wasn't like we were in need to travel south again. But you know me, I know better than most the difference between want and need; and we WANTED to see her live.

Boy, she was young when we first hopped on her bandwagon. Her soulful sound and skillful guitar playing had her immediately rise to the top. Though she hit the circuit in 2012, she landed at the forefront when was one of and ensemble that performed The Weight in the 2013 Grammy Award tribute to the late Levon Helm.

Once in the mainstream, she led them as the musical guest on SNL. Here is a link from that performance over ten years ago Alabama Shakes - Always Alright (Live on SNL). 

Heralded as 'one of the best unexpected SNL performances ever,' all I can say is that she has gotten better and stronger over the last decade. 

As I reflect back and look at my photos and listen to all the videos I took last Saturday night, everything is washed out. We were sitting center stage at the railing in front of the floor pit, and nothing was salvageable to post. It didn't have that effect visually as we enjoyed the concert but in hindsight, I have a theory.

I have to think that the lighting and her positioning was purposeful. My best guess is that she wants her fans to focus on the sound, vibe, and musical perfection. Not how fast something can be uploaded onto social media.

If that's the case I just became an even bigger fan... Though, I can't imagine that possible!

Oh, not one to throw baby out with bathwater. Here's a pic I snapped just inside the admission gate.

Doesn't he look impressed?!

#yagottalaughaoutit

He has always made me laugh!
TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 6th, 2025

 

TIFF-RIFFIC!

What an amazing vibe to experience. 
I LOVE THIS CITY!
TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 6th, 2025

From a very young age, movies and music were something my mother and I always enjoyed together. I have close to five hundred DVD movies at the cottage, and I am blessed to cherish and continually enjoy my mother’s extensive vinyl record collection: of 78, 33, and 45 rpm records.

Well, on September 6th, both those items are why my travel buddy hubby, and I arranged an early check-in to our favourite hotel in downtown Toronto, to embrace them together on the same day!

First up, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which is always a special event for Hollywood North.  That said, this year was a worldwide media frenzy with the premiere of the much-anticipated John Candy documentary titled I Like Me. 

(Click here for link to watch the official trailer). A great guy taken from us at 43 years of age, 1950 - 1994.

Now, I’ll admit, it all came together at the last minute.

You see, I took my son GOOB to Budweiser Stage in late August to see Leon Bridges and when I was checking when he was hitting the stage I discovered Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes were performing on Saturday September 6th.

After chatting with my guy, we grabbed two killer concert tickets for the next weekend and instantly tried to book our favourite hotel. Which had a higher-than-normal price tag attached.

Why? TIFF was opening and the downtown was going to be jammed to celebrate all the stars walking the red carpet.

So, two takeaways from this post. I have always wanted to take part in the festival, and on a small level this year we did.

Secondly, Brittany was amazing and deserves her own post. 

…Stay tuned for Part 2

SHOCKINGLY, UNEXPECTED

BIG Grandma hugs at Christmas Brunch
TAKEN: DECEMBER 25th, 2022

We are saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of my husbands mother, my mother in law, at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital on Wednesday August 27th, 2025. She was in her 77th year.

Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. She may no longer be here, but we know she will always be watching over us with love.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

I am pleased to share some photos of her life.... She will be missed by so many.

Godspeed Angie. May you forever rest in peace.

TROLLING THE SHORES

Miya Maria (left) and Katie Kate (right).
Soaking up the super fun Stella vibes.
TAKEN: AUGUST 9th, 2025

With us having to unexpectedly cancel my travel buddy hubby’s birthday weekend in Montreal, I decided to use my Triangle reward points to buy new super speedy trolling motor for our floating picnic table. 

Trouble was, with all the ice storm clean up, we never had the time to get it unpacked and attached when he was off in July.

Well, once we got my sister back home, we decided there was no time like the present to get the party started; and down to the dock we went to strap our girl into her shiny new double battery powered upgrade.

Honestly, I had no apprehension about it being Katie Kate’s first trek, which was probably my first mistake. To offer insight, I posted a series of neat photos on my socials with the following caption:

‘We got the pups out on Stella (our floating picnic table) this afternoon. A first for the wee Katie Kate.

It was spicy and dicey getting off the dock, and both girls only jumped off 4 times in the half hour we trolled. Which is probably why we were out only for half an hour!

Don't get me wrong, our dogs are very well behaved and very well socialized. They go everywhere with us. 

So, I shouldn't have been surprised that as soon as someone on shore acknowledged the pups off the chart "cuteness factor," off of Stella they went. Quickly swimming the fifteen feet to say hello to the people and kids waving. 

You know, I have shared here this season that I feel it may be time to tune up the fat lady and sell the lakeside shelter where we've spent the last 25+ summers.

Then we ultimately realize it will never be replaced... and how fortunate we truly are.

PEELING AWAY THE LAYERS

My sister soaking up the sun!
TAKEN: AUGUST 4th, 2025

Summer was chugging along nicely and it was time for my sister to travel to us and spend ten days at L'Hotel Orillia Lake. We chose the same time for her stay as last year, and the weather didn’t disappoint.

Just like last year, I had an extended long weekend but had to work through the week. She didn’t seem to mind. She read four books and tethered to my hotspot to enjoy her electronic breaks; all and all we had a very good visit.

I am always reflective when I think of her. When our kids were small, we spent a lot of time together. But as my business and ultimately my career took off, distance grew between us. Though she was only an hour away, she could have lived in Europe. If I am being truthful, I will always have regrets for those lost years.

I don’t know about you, but for decades I haven’t been especially close with any of my siblings. I took the individual journey to nurse both my parents to their death before I turned forty, and none of them were anywhere to be found. 

Then there is the relationship I have with my sis. She made the choice to become estranged in November 2013. I was devastated.

Once we reconciled, in November 2023, it took me a full a year to fully understand what happened during that time. You see, she reminds me of an onion. I had to peel away the layers of that decade very carefully.

And, just like when I would peel layers off a real onion, sometimes I would weep. Her struggles were very real.

All I can say is thankfully all of those tears belong to the past. 

Today, we generally celebrate with tears of laughter, which are usually produced via us endlessly picking on my husband!

#yagottalaughaboutit

15 DEGREES BABY

Miya & Me shooting the breeze!
TAKEN: JULY 29th, 2025

I woke up Monday morning and headed up the hill at 5:30am to work from home. 

I guess I haven’t mentioned here that about a month ago my boss offered for me to work remotely 100% of the time and I jumped on it. Just another reason to hang with him until retirement.

Anyway, though I technically ‘live’ at the cottage in the summer, if I have a big proposal going out the door, the high-speed internet at my home office is a must have.

I am OK working from the cottage but because I tether a mobile network from my phone taking and changing data in real time is a challenge. Out of respect for my boss and our process, when a big one is headed out the door, I head home.

Yesterday, after loose ends were tied-up, I headed back to the cottage. Believe it or not, next to the water (thanks to a light breeze and boats zooming by) it was 15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in town; or 9.44 degrees Celsius for the Canadians in the crowd.

On my way out, I stopped and bought an Aqua Lily Pad. I have always wanted one but couldn’t justify spending the money. But, with my sister arriving Thursday for ten days I though it was as good a time as any.

You see, she struggled with our dock ladder last summer, so I am hoping my investment helps her easily get on and off the dock simply by walking on it and stepping up. If she hates it, I know my pups are going to love it!

If I am being honest, I am pretty sure my husband thinks I bought it for the dogs. I know I have talked about buying one for them for years but his tell was obvious… He took one look at it, rolled his eyes and said, “you need to have your head examined!”

So, it's either he thinks I bought it for the dogs, or he really isn’t keen on my sister coming for ten days!!

... May be best to admit I bought it for the dogs, to ensure he doesn't feel the need to discuss my other theory.

#yagottalaughaboutit

SUMMER WOES

The worse part about using a chainsaw
in a heat wave?
Steel toe boots & long denim pants!
TAKEN: JULY 13th, 2025

I would love to be able to write something as poetic today as, ’summer woes, I don't got none’; but that would be a lie.

Now that the mosquitos and blackflies battles have ended, enter the humidex and UV rays working against us. 

Yesterday we did an extensive repair to our dock ramp. Just the two of us. With the help of a come along, a floating picnic table and a ton of rope. It was 32C outside with a humidex making it feel like 38C.

Today, in hotter conditions, we finished cleaning the stairs of fallen trees with the dueling chain saws so that they can be repaired next week when my travel buddy hubby is off. 

At this point, I think we have processed 80% of the trees on the ground but only burnt 5% of the waste. I honestly think we will be into next year, with all the broken trees are still standing and need to come down.

As I hear my husband begin to remove stair treads so new stringers can be constructed, I am sitting upstairs in my office, typing and hiding. Something I have never done in summers previous. 

I just feel that this year, with work being a 50-hour week and the magnitude of exterior work required, it's made me realize it may be time to sell.

Afterall, the plan was to use the equity to send the kids to post secondary school. We manage to weather that and got the cottage paid for AND we managed to burn our mortgage on our house on the 29th of June.... So, not all bad but still not all good.

As I hear my husband come in downstairs I am sure he’s looking for some assistance. Therefore, I will knowingly alter my sentiments today to… ‘Summer woes, I guess I got a few!’

#yagottalaughaboutit

MY CANADIAN GIRLS

Happy Canada Day!
TAKEN: JULY 1st, 2025

I would be remiss if I didn’t put up my annual dog shot of the pups at the cottage on Canada Day. 

The last few years Miya has been my model; this year I thought Katie Kate could wear our Canadian (dollar store) crown.

With cookie pals behind my ears to bribe her, this was as close as she was going to allow me to put this silly thing on her head. Still a cute shot but this is what a hard NO from a cheeky yellow lab looks like.

All and all we really enjoyed the day. Next year I think I may have to try and snap a photo when she’s a sleep.

... Though I am sure my result will be precisely the same!

#yagottalaughaboutit

A PAW-FECT TEAM

Katie Kate is the epitome of a great team player!
TAKEN: JUNE 28th, 2025 

What a week. 

I was so grateful when end of day Friday of the Canada Day weekend officially arrived. When we started our chores on Saturday morning, the magnitude of what had to get done really hit home. 

Finding a good balance of owning and keeping a home and a cottage maintained twenty kilometers from the other, has always been a challenge the last two plus decades. Throw in an ice storm of a lifetime and the reality that there will never be rest is a harsh reality.

We’ve always invested in the right tools to do the exterior maintenance efficiently but there is just so much we literally choose our battles wisely. Saturday was 'whipper snipping, leaf blowing, and clearing the upper drive and ATV trail', as I took the hacksaw to any saplings’ I wanted gone. 

With my travel buddy hubby in the hospital last summer, all our ongoing maintenance was overlooked; and the ache in my lower back Sunday morning was the reminder it was missed.

When I finished on the ATV trails and septic bed area, Miya and I headed to the top to see how our other crew was making out. As you can see, they were just finishing up and the team leader was rushing up the drive to give me her report.

Specifically, that her coworker WAS wearing his hearing protection, but NOT his safety glasses. After careful consideration, it was decided not to formally write him up. And that a verbal warning (this time) would suffice.

The corrective action was successful implemented once he began leaf blowing! 

#yagottalaughaboutit

Important Notable: Not a single treat was not used to entice a favourable recommendation from our paw-fect team leader!