Quirke, Ompa and Flack Lakes

Yesterday we went out again to three more lakes north of the city. It was the best day of the fall so far. It was gorgeous and sunny and 23 degrees C with just a hint of wind. Could not have asked for a better day. The forecast for next week is about 10 degrees cooler so I am thinking this may be the last really nice weekend.
The two photos above are of Quirke Lake.
All the trees are in their glory right now. Just about at their peak of color. I could have stopped every few feet to take pictures. It was almost overwhelming. I had taken a lot of pictures last fall and it would have been duplication so I fought the urge. Just took this one photo of a nice reddish orange tree against a brilliant blue sky.
The last four photos are Flack Lake. This is a nice spot. The lake is beautiful and there are trails beside the lake.
A nice picnic area alongside the lake. There's Bruce enjoying the scenery.
Tree framed photo.
You can see a faint reflection of the color from the trees in the lake.

I got thinking that it is hard to distinguish one lake from the other in these photos. And with so many lakes in this area one is just as special as another. I hope you are enjoying the Jewel in the Wilderness and all it has to offer.

Jewel in the Wilderness

Elliot Lake is called "The Jewel in the Wilderness". And that is what it truly is. The scenery here, especially in the fall is breathtaking. There is no end to the photographer's dream photo opportunity. Even the most amateurish of photographers such as myself could not botch a photo with all this pristine beauty to work with.
These photos were taken at Depot Lake which is off the highway heading towards Elliot Lake. It is a beautiful spot as you can see. We went the other evening before the sun set and the photos turned out great! Every couple of feet I would see another photo begging to be taken. I have started trying to be more artistic in my photographs and am starting to "see" what would make a good shot more than I used to.
The leaves have really begun changing and should be at their peak very soon. The weather has been summer like the past couple of weeks but the evenings and mornings are cool causing the rapid change of color to the leaves.
The above photo was taken from the No Frills parking lot looking across the road. I had to crop out the parking lot and cars and cart carousels to showcase just the beauty of the trees.
This is the sign as you enter Depot Lake parking area.
More shots of the lake.

A small island of trees in the middle of the lake.
Bruce went out for a ride on his motorcycle yesterday onto the trails in the bush, north of town. He got lost and was fortunate enough to find a group of campers who lent him some gas for his bike and helped him to find his way out. Last night we looked at a map of the area he was in and we were astounded at how many lakes and rivers there were in that area alone.

I hope to go out again soon before the weather changes too much to take some more lake photographs and I will post them.

Another Birthday!

Today is my Aunt Verna's 89th birthday! She was born September 22nd, 1919 at Trenton, Ontario. That is Verna in the photo above celebrating her 85th birthday. I was in southern Ontario visiting at that time and was able to go to that celebration. Verna is my Mother's sister. All the women in my Mother's family on her Mother's side seem to have received the gift of longevity. My Grandmother lived to be 92 and her daughter, my Aunt Margaret was 87 when she died. My Mom is turning 79 in a week and she is so young physically and in her heart and mind as well. I think one of their secrets is that they all stayed active. My Grandmother kept very busy for most of her life with her Salvation Army activities and balanced that with home life and also traveled a fair bit. My Aunt Verna has traveled a lot in her later years also and kept busy taking cooking classes, going to church and visiting with her many friends and family. Aunt Marg also kept very busy around the home. She lived in her two story home right up to the end and she did most of the work inside and outside. She also had family coming regularly to visit and had many friends and her church to keep her busy. My Mom is always on the go. She has her Lion's Club activites, bowling leagues and she goes to bingo at least once a week and most recently has signed up for line dancing lessons at the local legion. She also recently started going to the Salvation Army again with her brother, my Uncle Doug.
All remarkable, amazing women and excellent role models.

When I was a child every year we would go to my Aunt Verna and Uncle Stan's house at Christmastime to visit with them. We would have a meal there and exchange presents. At that time they were giving me a place setting of silver flatware. They did this every occasion until I had a setting for eight and they also gave me the wooden box to store them in. I use and treasure this gift now so much.
When I was about 19 or 20 and just out of high school Aunt Verna arranged a job for me where she worked at Prudential Insurance in downtown Toronto. I was living in Brampton at the time and traveled by go train to the big city to work. I got to see Aunt Verna quite a bit. She would come to visit with me in the department where I worked and we would sometimes have lunch together in the cafeteria when our schedules allowed.
One summer Aunt Verna and my Mom came out west when we were living in Redcliff and they visited with us for a few days and then went back to Calgary and went to the Calgary Stampede. They had a blast. I really enjoyed their visit. My aunt likes to remember the trip she made to the Holy Land. She was so happy to have gone there and has many wonderful memories of her adventures there.

Have a great birthday Aunt Verna!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today would have been my Father's 79th Birthday. Dad passed away last November. I have been thinking about him all day, wishing he were here to celebrate his birthday with his wife and kids. Instead I imagine him having a huge celebration with birthday cake and ice cream, balloons, all his favorite foods and all of his heavenly family gathered around.
Above is a photo taken many years ago of my family. As the years have flown by the family has gotten smaller but the loving thoughts and memories have grown to huge proportions. I would love to do a fitting tribute to my Father, but somehow I feel inadequate to do his memory justice. Best left for another time when I can map out a history of his life complete with photos.

Dad... you are so very missed, today and everyday. Happy Birthday!

Samuel Michael Kushner.... September 21, 1929.

Duh.... No Camera, Again!

Yesterday, Bruce and I went on an impromptu trip to Sault Ste Marie. The day was gorgeous, bright and sunny with a nice breeze. We were interested in finding out about train trips through the Agawa Canyon, which is pictured above. We could have easily found information on the internet but decided to have a look ourselves since we were in the area. We found the station where you purchase tickets with a bit of difficulty. We stopped at the tourism center to ask for directions. It turned out to be right outside the Sault Ste Marie shopping mall. We went in and I gathered up pamphlets while Bruce inquired about times and prices. This will have to be a pre planned trip for another day since the train leaves at 8:00 am and it is necessary to make reservations. Rather than trying to explain about the trip I will paste an article I found below..................................................................................

Welcome aboard one of the most popular train excursions in North America. This one day wilderness excursion will take you 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, over towering trestles, alongside pristine northern lakes and rivers, and through the awesome granite rock formations and mixed forests of the Canadian Shield.

Through the large picture windows of your comfortable coach, you will experience the same vistas and panoramas that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada's most notable landscape art.

Only the hardiest made this rugged land their home and the marks of the Ojibway, fur traders, lumber jacks and prospectors are barely discernible in this unspoiled wilderness. During your excursion our friendly tour attendants will tell you more about this fascinating country and its history.

Just when you thought you'd seen it all, we'll coast 500 feet down to the floor of the Agawa Canyon, where you will have almost two hours to experience the pristine beauty up close. The whole family can enjoy scenic walks on gravelled trails, four waterfalls or an invigorating climb up over 300 stairs to the breathtaking Lookout platform, perched 250 feet above the tracks.

If you are looking for something more relaxing, you can stop in our Souvenir Car, enjoy a peaceful lunch in our groomed picnic areas or pull up a bench and watch the Agawa River flow by. Our park rangers will also be on hand to answer questions or possibly point out some local wildlife.

There will be plenty to photograph during your excursion so be sure to pack your camera and lots of film.

For your stay in Canyon Park we recommend that you wear recreational clothing and footwear.

FALL COLOUR SEASON
Algoma Country is ablaze with colour during the fall! Though peak colour varies with each season, the last two weeks of September and the first week of October can offer the most spectacular colour and should be considered when planning your fall tour. Due to popularity of the fall season, early bookings are recommended................................................................................




After we finished up at the train station we decided to go into the mall for a look around. I went into one store which had displays of autumn home accessories. They had a lot of different fall silk flowers for sale. It made me want to purchase a bunch of them and an unusual vase to do an arrangement in. An idea for another time. At the back of the mall is St Mary's River and there is a boardwalk around the waterfront which I have posted a photo of above. We decided to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine. It was beautiful. The sun was sparkling on the river. There were people sitting along the boardwalk, some reading a book, some just enjoying the scenery and the nice day, others were jogging or walking, like us. We came upon a farmers market with vendors selling their fall bounty. It was late afternoon at this point and we decided we better be heading home.
We stopped in at St Joseph Island which was on the way home just off highway 17. We discovered St Joseph Island not too long ago. It is a great place, with plenty of things to see and do and many areas to explore. It doesn't take long to get around to the four townships on the island. We stopped in to grab a bite to eat at a place called Mom's Restaurant at Kent's corners which is close to where you enter St Joseph Island. They advertise home cooked meals. We both had penne with meatballs served with home made bread. It was good. After supper we drove around a bit on the island and found Gilbertson's Pancake House which is located at Richard's Landing. We had heard and seen advertisements for this restaurant and would like to check it out one day soon. Here is a blurb about St Joseph Island which I found .................................................................................................

St. Joseph Island is a Canadian island in Lake Huron, near the mouth of the St. Marys River which connects Lake Huron with Lake Superior.
St. Joseph Island has a year-round population of around 2000, and is connected to the mainland by the Highway 548 bridge spanning the North Channel of Lake Huron. There is another segment of Highway 548 that circles the island. The largest towns on the island are Hilton Beach and Richards Landing. Tourism is the primary source of income, while logging, maple syrup, and agriculture are of lesser importance. The island has c.10,000 tourists each year.................................................................

We arrived home just before nine.
There are so many side roads off the main roads that will keep us busy for years to come. There is a lot to see and do if you just look for it. I just love the north! It is a great place to live and travel.

Darn, I Forgot My Camera... Again!

Today Bruce and I headed out supposedly to shop at Espanola... which is an hour east of Elliot Lake. The photo above shows the Domtar plant and the Spanish river as you enter the town of Espanola. As we neared Espanola we took a back road and ended up going through a maze of rural roads. Lots to see... lots of lovely acreage homes and great scenery with rocky cliffs and trees and rivers and lakes. The leaves are just starting to turn and will be really beautiful in a couple of weeks. Here is a little history on Espanola.....

Espanola, a town of 6000 people, is the gateway to LaCloche country and the natural wonders within. Well situated on the south shore of the Spanish River, Espanola gained it's name from Spanish speaking descendants of a Spanish- speaking woman who was brought to the area in the mid eighteenth century by Ojibwe traders. Today the town offers the most complete range of shopping, service and recreational opportunities.

Above... a man in a kayak on the Spanish River in Espanola.
After our shopping, we decided to travel on to Manitoulin Island which is 45 km from Espanola on highway 6. When you reach the Island there is a swing bridge which accesses the Island.
As you exit the bridge you enter the town of Little Current.

Little Current, Ontario

Little Current is located on the northeastern shore of Manitoulin, where the island makes its closest approach to the Ontario mainland. It was first settled in the 1860's and soon grew into a major Great Lakes port. During the 1880's and 1890's, the town's docks were lined with passenger steamers and sumertime visitors from the lower lakes. Besides tourism, lumbering was the mainstay of the economy and remained so until after World War One.

Below ia a painting of the Anchor Inn Hotel where we had our supper. The Anchor Inn is in downtown Little Current. It was a quaint place to eat and our supper was delicious. We both had new york strip steak in a peppercorn sauce. I had a caesar salad with mine and Bruce had the tomato vegetable soup.
It was nice today on the Island, very quiet...it is usually quite populated throughout the summer. It had clouded over but wasn't gloomy, and it was mild but with a nice breeze. As we headed home it began to rain a bit.

Another enjoyable day!

Yogi and Boo Boo Go on a Picnic

Yogi... ooops I mean Bruce and I went on a picnic last Wednesday. This is where we landed. We went north of town and stopped at a campground by the river. Isn't it a beautiful spot? The day was perfect. Lots of sunshine and blue sky and very little wind. We parked the car and set up the chairs by the water. I had my ipod playing from the car and there was not another soul around to complain about the noise, with the exception maybe of a bear or squirrel. That is one of the nicest things about the north is that you can find so many unpopulated places to spend time.
We had our books to read and I had my camera to take pictures. After a while of reading and enjoying the solitude, it was time to eat so we set up the barbecue.
We had cheeseburgers and canned beans and grapes and nectarines.
After we ate we packed everything up and took off for a drive on the back roads to Ironbridge.

It was a great day and I hope we have a few more before the snow flies!

My Version of Shepherds Pie

This morning I made my version of Shepherds Pie for supper tonight. I don't follow a recipe and just make it whichever way I feel like each time. One of the good things about Shepherds Pie is that you can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven an hour or so before supper.
I used ground turkey today but previous times I have used leftover roasted chicken, or cooked chicken breast, cut up, or leftover roasted turkey, or ground beef. I browned the ground turkey in a frying pan and added diced onion and a clove of garlic diced, and salt and pepper to taste. You can add whatever spices you prefer. After it was browned I drained the meat and put it into a roasting pan and added a can of cream of mushroom soup and a bit of water, you can make it as dry or as wet a mixture as you like. I then mixed this all together.
I used a mixture of frozen peas and carrots which I precooked and added a can of corn, drained and spread it evenly over top of the meat mixture. You can use whichever combination of vegetables you have on hand.
I boiled 8 peeled potatoes and then mashed them, adding margarine, milk and cheese whiz to them. Today I added the cheese whiz but sometimes I put in a can of cream of mushroom soup, you could also add cream cheese or shredded cheese, or just plain mashed potatoes. I spread this over the top of the vegetable layer.
I then dotted the top with margarine and sprinkled paprika all over. Other times I have sprinkled shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
About an hour before supper I will put the casserole in the oven and heat it with the lid off for an hour at 350 degrees.
Add a tossed salad and you are done ... Supper is served!

Top 10 Favorite Things About Autumn

1. The beautiful fall foliage. This is a photo taken last year from a lookout tower in Elliot Lake.

2. I like the cool nip in the air. It is not as humid in the fall and sleeping is easier. A nice brisk walk amongst the falling leaves, crunching underfoot. Love it!

3. I like the autumn vegetables. Squash, rutabaga, carrots, cabbage, corn on the cob to name but a few. I love the fruit pies made from berries and peaches and the pumpkin pies! Yummy!
Comfort food at it's finest.

4. Preserves made from the vegetables from home gardens and fruits recently picked. It is a beautiful sight to see a fully stocked pantry of preserves. In our case we have a freezer full of blueberries and blackberries that Bruce painstakingly picked for us to enjoy. Thanks, Bruce.

5. I like the short warmer afternoons that linger into October and November. I treasure them because they become fewer and more far between and that makes them more special. I like to sit out on the patio with a cup of coffee and just enjoy the sun and the mild breeze blowing.

6. I look forward to the new fall television season. All my favorite shows are back and new ones have been added to the lineup. New movies are being shown... all the ones recently on dvd or pay per view are now available on movie channels.

7. The lazy days of summer are waning, but there is a renewed sense of purpose to life. Plans are made for new projects and ideas are flowing. It is a time of inspiration to improve on a way of doing things that perhaps wasn't working. To brainstorm over the coming months and to put into action the following spring.

8. The autumn decorations are heavenly. I love those colors... rusts, pumpkin, mustard yellow and so on. I love pumpkins and wreaths, sunflowers and cornucopia and mini squashes as decoration. And all that Halloween swag! Oh my... ghosts and goblins. I can't wait.

9. Thoughts of Christmas are just beginning to bud. Mostly thanks to the retail stores who are putting out the decorations and advertising far too early.

10. Thanksgiving is an autumn holiday I look forward to. The feast of turkey and all the trimmings and looking back on the past months and realizing how fortunate we are in this country to have all that we do and be able to enjoy such autumn splendor and the changing of the seasons..... Wow!

I am grateful that I am living in Canada.

May The Fours Be With You

Okay... I am once again borrowing an idea from Catharine. I am calling it "the fours".

4 jobs that I have had.....
Fitness Instructor at King's Fitness Center in Fort McMurray. I taught strength training. I set my clients up on programs and trained them accordingly and I did other gym related work. It was a really great social job and I met a lot of people.

I worked in hotels as a front desk clerk in Fort McMurray. Fun, met a lot of people and it was a job that I could really concentrate on perfecting the craft of good customer service.

I worked at an optical store as an optician's assistant. I sold glasses, basically.

I worked at Walmart pharmacy in Fort McMurray. I started working in OTC as a clerk and ended up doing mostly pharmacy technician work. Really interesting fast paced job.

4... okay 5 places I have lived.....
Downsview Ontario
Brampton Ontario
Fort McMurray Alberta
Redcliff Alberta
Elliot Lake Ontario

4.. okay 5 favorite movies......
Gone With the Wind
Sleepless in Seattle
Out of Africa
Fried Green Tomatoes
Legends of the Fall
And there are so many more!

4 tv shows.....
American Dreams... no longer on the air
I Love Lucy
Three and a Half Men
Everybody Loves Raymond

4 places I have visited
Florida
Cabo San Lucas
Kelowna BC
the Rockies... many times

4 places I would like to go visit
New York City
The United Kingdom
Australia
Africa

4 favorite things to do
Genealogy... you knew I would say that, didn't you?
visit in person with my friends and family
Go for drives to places near and far
Cooking

4 childhood memories
playing with my friends
christmas with family
getting a new bunch of books from the school book club
lots of walking all over town

4 favorite foods
pasta
pizza
hamburgers
soup

4 favorite smells
lilacs
summer air
leaves
smells coming from a coffee shop or bakery

It is hard to limit yourself to just four favorite things. Think about it... what can you come up with?