We are living in some strange times, times that I only read about in history books.  Being a living witness to actions that I had believed and been told we had already learned about and not to repeat.  Maybe, as Mark Twain has said, we need to travel.  Maybe it speaks to our virtual lives that have consumed us where we can see the "world" from the comfort of our living room.  As we know, comfort is lovely but nothing grows in comfort.  Our minds become more narrowed, we begin to develop fears and worries about the unknown and even of others.  We loose perspective and begin to think we are the only people that truly know.  Maybe travel, even within our own communities, going to parts of your city or town that you haven't been, a neighbouring community or even a new coffee shop, can begin to chip away at that fear.  To realize we are all one people, the human race.  Maybe we need to spend more time actually connecting to family and friends instead of virtually by liking a post or sharing a photo.  Maybe we need to be more open to discussion even when it doesn't fit in our beliefs.  Maybe we just need to take more road trips.  

Although this is a somber beginning, it fit the last road trip we took.  We ventured down the highway because we wanted to be with family to celebrate a life that had ended earlier in the summer.  We also wanted to connect with family who live to far away and we wanted to explore the countryside of Ontario.  We had a loose timeline to follow and we wanted to expand our taste buds and visit some new breweries. All these reasons seemed beyond good enough to venture off on our 4000km road trip.

So packed into the van, we made sure to hit stops that family were.  I was fortunate enough to meet some of Randy's family. We were fortunate enough to spend time at his brother's and sister in laws home and home away from home, the trailer.  We both spoke about how seeing where someone lives and calls home helps build perspective on who they are, and makes you able to connect with them more easily.  Of course, it also makes you want to go back and visit which we intend to do.  We also stopped in to meet with someone who I have only met virtually.  Virtual life is a funny thing, it allows you to create and maintain contact with people who you perhaps you may never have had the opportunity to if the internet didn't exist.  But nothing beats meeting people in the real 3D version of life.   

It is no surprise at all that that this summer season has been off to a rather slow start.  I can remember worse but had hoped for better.  We have recently settled into a lovely heat warning streak.  I say lovely because in a few short months, this too shall be a memory. One thing that I have learned over the years is that balance is key.  Balance in every area of life.  I have a drive when I enjoy something to let it overcome my life. Whether it be physical activity, work, or time with friends.  I can let them all consume me.  Maybe I am not fit enough, maybe I haven't done all I can do for work, maybe I should be doing more with friends, will they still want to spend time with me if I don't... all and more of these thoughts have raced through my head and I am sure they will continue to because I am human.  What I have learned and continue to try and do is meet those thoughts with a non-judgmental attitude and to meet it with reality.  I play the tape through, I listen to what I need, or at least I try.  I hope one day that the thoughts will be so quiet that I don't need to work so hard at balance but until then, I will live life to enjoy when I can, to take in the moments and enjoy the visuals.  

In the depths of this heat, I can only hope to look back at these moments months from now saying take me back.  

Happy Sunday. 
​Cheers

Last week, we took an impromptu drive out to my parents where three very cute and sweet puppies call home.  My mom was out so it was up to us to wrangle them. Puppies this active are kind of like herding cats, except it's herding puppies.  Camera in hand, I was able to snap some sweet pics of the pups.  Sundays are perfect dog's days of summer. 

Enjoy and happy summer Sunday evening.

Cheers

Well, Lake Nosbonsing it is that time.  That time when we pack up the van and head home.  That time that I start to think as the hours slowly tick down, this time tomorrow we won't be here. The water, the sun, the walks, the runs, the family time, just the time well spent.  We will miss all of it.  Summer could not have kicked off in a better way.  We are so looking forward to August when we will get to be here again. We value this, time slowed down, time spent with those who are family and well time.

So, thank you.  
Until next time. 

Cheers

Lake like, something that from our neck of the woods we do not appreciate nearly enough.  As I write this, I can feel the soft wind through the screen door, hear the chug of a boat puttering by, the lapping of the waves and sounds of the varies birds, animals, bugs.  
Our lake life experience takes place a little further down the highway then our home.  It is Randy's home on Lake Nosbonsing.  I am used to big lakes, like ocean size lakes as we live on the shores of Lake Superior.  Coming up here a few years ago made be realize how the other half live.  Lakes are smaller but the water is warmer and the lifestyle is the same.  Chill out, unplug and enjoy that view.    
Yesterday, we got a chance to connect with two of Randy's three brothers, better half and our newest niece.  Family that we don't get to see nearly enough.  I love to be able to see our niece experience lake life and be part of her memories of summer.  Seeing the world through new eyes makes you slow down even more.  Nights that you wish could go on forever and company that you hoped you wouldn't have to part with.  

Cheers 

Day one started with a great, well deserved sleep in.  We left the comforts of the bed to take in a service at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption in North Bay.  The mass was presided  by Rev. Monsignor Dave Tramontini who led the service with a relevant and authentic homily.  You could tell that this man has spent time "in the trenches" with families and has also spent time working on improving himself.  After mass, we were invited to head downstairs for tea, coffee, punch, ice tea, cake, ice cream, strawberries, watermelon and fellowship. We ended up speaking with Msg. Dave and he lead us through the cathedral on an informal tour, sharing stories and facts about the cathedral.  

​This was the parish in which Randy attended when he was young and the parish in which he most associates with.  For me it was a real treat to be able to have Randy in a place that  for him is so full with memories. We have talked about being able to attend mass there in the past but timing was never quite right.  Today, we made time and I am so glad we did.  He gives me a chance to see Randy full of stories and facts about somewhere he knows so well.  I always try to remember that we live where I grew up, where I know every nook and cranny of my city.  I certainly appreciate the time we spend in his home town in the same way I connect with him when we are "home".

​Msg. Dave was really pretty funny, even playing a practical joke on me in the confessional.  We are looking forward to attending more services future and already feel welcomed.  

One of the reasons we are here at this time of year was for Randy to pick up his new to him motorcycle.  As this is bike is a different feel to his past bike and the only way to get it home is to ride, he needed to test out the saddle and get a few rides in before we head back.  Today, he did just that with his Dad who will be joining him on the journey home.  The first trip was reported to be uneventful and the bike feels like a luxury vehicle, or so I am told.  I am looking forward to getting a chance to join on some cruises but will wait until Randy finds his comfort zone before I strap myself on.  

We finished the day by getting in a run, workout and a great family meal.  Another day in the books trying to find balance and live a full life.  I think today we managed to get pretty close.  The luxury of having time away from work is you can really make time as you need to juggle all the demands of life.   We are so fortunate to have family that welcome us to stay in their beautiful home, all of us, two and four legged.  It makes connecting over long distance a bit easier and we sure enjoy the time we have together.  

The lake life certainly does help, both for relaxation and connection.
Here is to more lake life and hot weather tomorrow! 
Cheers

The second leg of the our road trip was almost completely weather clear, until the last hour. When we left Wawa it was dense with fog and continued almost until Sault Saint Marie. From there on in it was clear sailing until Sudbury. Sudbury was a blanket of dark, shelf clouds along with seeing another system coming from the opposite direction. We knew it was only a matter of time, and then it would let go. Let go it did. A drive that typically would have taken us 1 hour took us almost two. We just knew to keep moving forward, either on a side road or highway (thank you Google maps).

Along our day today, we stopped at Outspoken Brewery where we had a great snack, brew, time with the pups on the patio and met some good people. We love having different but great beer and Outspoken certainly meets that bill. Also, we appreciate that they have the options of canned beer as the growler we have from our last trip through are still at home. I think the growler we have might become part of our collection now.    The weather in Sault Saint Marie was cold but the hospitality was warm so it made for a good break in the day.
The dogs have been amazing travellers and look forward to the open door of the van. It usually means washroom break, a treat and maybe a seat on the patio, pending a dog friendly establishment.
 
Once we made it to North Bay, we were welcomed by family, beer, food and the comforts of home. Really what more could you want. For me, life is pretty darn good.

Happy Canada Day!
Cheers