Canada, Eh?

We had a wonderful time in Canada. We decided to rent a house to accommodate ten. Everything went well and we all had a fabulous time. The Carsellos, the Hermans, the Putnams, Steve Wheatcroft (Wheatie), and Joe Griffin made up our large but fabulous crew. The week started cool and rainy but we were fortunate to find a half a day of sunshine! Mom, Kristina and I went to the Blue Mountain scenic caves and suspension bridge. We had a great time walking through the wooded nature trails, over the large suspension bridge, and through the rugged caverns.

Mom and Kristina on the beautiful wooded trails

Mom and I enjoying the sunny walk

The suspension bridge

A scene from the middle of the bridge, how beautiful

Mom posing under a rocky overpass

The girls continuing the climb...up,up,up

The next day while the men were on the golf course, the ladies walked around the beautiful town of Collingwood. We enjoyed the shops and all the other people walking around. Lunch was at a small cafe, good, but expensive. We stopped for some ice cream toward the end and then went home to relax. Later that evening the whole gang went into the Blue Mountain resort for dinner. We had a great time at the Firehouse Pizza and then went for a photo op. On the way Michael Putnam decided to teach us all how to catch frogs. The boys were very interested. We finally made it to our photo spot, an over-sized Adirondack chair.

Mom in front of the Collingwood town hall

Michael, teaching the boys how to catch frogs

Jim and I in the giant Adirondack chair

Jim poses with the Blue Mountain resort in the background

The golf course was just as beautiful this year as it had been the year before. The Georgian Bay could be seen off in the distance, along with beautiful flowers and a gorgeous golf course. We enjoyed sitting in the sun on the patio at the Georgian Bay Club, enjoying all the sights.

The Georgian Bay in the distance

Friday night brought more festivities. There was a large party being hosted by Wayne Gretzky and attended by some of the celebrites that played in the tournament. The group got all gussied up and headed for the party spot for some good food, good drink, and time to rub elbows with the celebs. At the party, Charles Barkley was a hit. He was friendly with all and even took some golfing advice from Dad. He swore he would use it the next day! Way to go Dad.

Joel, Michael & Kristina Putnam with Mom and Dad

Wheatie, Jim and Joe

Fun On The Fourth

The Carsellos and Hermans enjoyed a few days on the Chesapeake Bay for the Fourth of July. Our very good friends the Brickers, invited us for a weekend full of good food, good friends, and good fun. We began our days with cool temperatures and windy conditions, not so good for boating. Flags were flying and so were the paper napkins! The sun shone however and other diversions were easy to find. Walks on the beach, searches for beach glass, napping, bocci, and badmitton were all tops on the list.

A windy bay scene

Waves crashing on the beach

Dad, napping in the sun

All the young guys enjoying badmitton

On the Fourth, we had a mid-afternoon treat of Maryland Blue Crabs. The crabs were cooked and chilled and loaded with tons of wonderful Old Bay seasoning. Preparation and clean up from the event took almost as much time as eating the crabs themselves. Wooden mallets and sharp knives were the main tools, along with ones fingers! What a mess, and how time consuming, but oh so scrumptious. I must say they do go better with a nice cold beer...I unfortunately missed out this year!

Kim is getting her mallet ready!

The whole crew, cracking away

As nighfall came, so did our cookout. We had a wonderful cookout with all our friends. The evening was beautiful, but still breezy. Fireworks were going to be interesting! Before the booming light display came God's display. The sunset was just beautiful and the progression bringing a new sight each moment. What a wonderful way to enjoy our Independence Day!

The late afternoon sun, shinning through the trees

Pinks and oranges lit the sky as evening fell

The blue and purple of the sky and water was breathtaking