519 REASONS

I posted a pic on Facebook of Sheldon hoisting our food up to distract the wildlife from the two humans sleeping in the tent. One of my friends asked if I was on 519 (as in camping site) and another said "519 reasons to NOT like camping?" 

So, with all due respect Rob, I know camping is not your bag, but I love camping and let me state my case! I'm not about to give you 519 reasons, but I can name a few! 

1) Camping mornings

Peaceful, calm, beautiful!

2) Camping Food!

What could be better than cooking over an open fire? Like these two slabs of fish??

3) A Good Camping Dog

This was a shocker. Lulu is a bit of lemon in the dog category. But she is the Best camping dog I've ever had! Great in the canoe, quiet, no trouble in the tent, doesn't wander from the campsite and looks pretty good when seated in a throne of Canadian Shield rock!

4) Playing Pass the Pigs

This here is a "Double Snouter" and worth 20 points. The only time we play "Pass the Pigs" is when we go camping. It's easy and small to pack in. You just roll the pigs and how they land will determine your points. But don't get too greedy...roll to many times you can lose all your points depending on how they land!

5) Canoeing

I love the schloop, schloop sound of the oars dipping into the water and spotting the loons on the lake!

6) The History

Generations upon generations have been coming here and making memories, including "Jax Dad". The first time we ever took the kids interior camping (Adrian 3 and Randi was 6), was to this very lake about 3 campsites away. 

I'm just getting started! I love everything being so manual and everything being so simple. I love afternoon naps in the tent. If the site is remote I love the clothing optional option! I love swimming! 

If Camping is not your thing, I get it (sorta). But it speaks to my earthy nature and I hope to keep on camping till I'm 92ish. 

Turn up the volume and enjoy the sound camping!

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

I would guess that most of you reading this have been living in your own skin for some time now.

You probably have a set perception of who you think you are by now. As an introvert, I've spent my life internally assessing my actions/reactions. 

See?

Even as a baby you can see the questioning in my eyes. 

Why am I here? Who are you? Who am I? Anybody got a cookie??

Recently I got a new dress so I thought I would try something new - a selfie like the kind I see on the internet!

This I found out - this is NOT me. 

So, who do you think YOU are?

When we were in Banff I was gawking out at the  morning view. The clouds were sweeping by  majestic mountain tops.

"Look at that!" I said to my son-in-law Dan. "Aren't those mountains incredible? I mean they are awe-inspiring."

"Mountains!" scoffed Dan. "Just look at me! That's just a big rock!" 

So I looked at him with his bed-head hair wearing a t-shirt and track pants and you know what, he was right. Humans are amazing creations that can think, create masterpieces, love, and overcome obstacles of all kinds! Let's see a big rock do that!

One morning as I was walking the dog, I came around the corner to see the most beautiful sunset. I mean it took my breath away. I whispered to God - Nice Work! and he whispered back "You are more beautiful to me than that sunrise." 

So, who do you think you are? Well my friend you are so much more. 

GATHER ROUND THE TABLE

We humans. Such a curious lot: a conundrum of emotions, abilities, frailties and strengths. But there is one thing we have in common with all the other species we share this earth with and that's celebrating a good meal. 

"Come on kids!" roars the Lioness. "Dad and your Uncles are bringing home Gazelle for supper - gather round!"

My son and his wife were in town for a whirlwind visit from BC so I hit up the grocery store, prepped, and called la famiglia together to gather round the table.

Just-picked beans, corn on the cob, salads and pot roast were on the menu with fresh berries, tarts and flourless chocolate cake for dessert. 

Even the youngest Who in Whoville knows this is a celebration to be enjoyed!

But a celebration around food doesn't have to be a whole crowd; sometimes it's just two! After we saw the kids off at the airport, Sheldon and I spent the day in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Only two of us but still a celebration centered around a good meal. 

We made quick work of this cheese board at Zee's restaurant! 

So whether it's two or twenty, a gourmet affair, mac and cheese with weiners or gazelle, connect with your loved ones as you gather round the table.