Truly Canadian

I have now lived in Canada longer than I have lived in the US. Although I still think in  imperial not metric, so lbs over kilos and Fahrenheit over Celsius, I have adapted to other things Canadian.  One of the traditions I have totally embraced is cottaging in the summer (and early fall).  As kids we would travel north, sometimes by plane, sometimes by long road trip to Killarney, Ontario.  Between our family and our friends the Zamiskas - we were eight kids.  We originally stayed in their cottage when it had bunk beds and an outhouse. They now have a lovely B&B called the Blue Heron.  Fond memories of boat rides under the Northern lights, learning to water ski in Georgian Bay, amazing feasts on the back porch and nights of singing with Andy Lowe at the Carousel bar of Killarney Mountain Lodge.

The August long weekend is an annual event at friends' cottage on Stony Lake. This amazing sunset was photographed this weekend by Tracey Appleton. Usually around 10-14 of us - boat rides, swimming, and incredible feasts every night.  At any time there can be novels being read, naps on the Muskoka chairs, yoga on the grass, or a game of Scrabble at the outside picnic tables.  At night - star gazing as we lay on the docks, listening to great music and on the odd year a bit of after sundown skinny dipping.

I was adopted into this incredible group of friends via introduction by my cousin Anne.  And while we do get together often during the year in the city, it's these weekends that bring around the most laughter and the best stories (and sometimes yes "what happens at the cottage stays at the cottage").  I've had to miss this weekend in the past few years because I've had conflicting family vacations.  I'm really glad I was able to make it this year -  thanks for inviting me into the fold and creating incredible memories which I look forward to continuing well past 50!