Happy Paraphernalia Day

After yesterday I felt very homesick, very sad at being here in Canada and disappointed with some of the people. I didn't sleep well and ended up awake from 3am and downstairs between the hours of 4am and 5am, playing scrabble online with Grandma.

Smallest added his latest frog (Charlie to his garden).

Today (July 1st) is Canada Day. A day off for all, so after a very late breakfast, we packed up a picnic and went to a part of the lake we haven't been to before. We ended up at Frenchmans Bay which was a lovely little seasidey type town with shops either side of the road leading down to a harbour, a beach and a lighthouse. It was very quaint, if not a little busy. Once we were parked, we walked down the Main Street and spied an Ice Cream shop. We definitely had to stop here because it was called Grandads (though they spelt it Granddad!) Ice Cream Shop. We sat outside on the verandah eating Salted Caramel Truffle and Black Raspberry Thunder, watching the world dressed in Canada Day Garb (I started to take photos of the many people dressed in Canada Day hats, tee shirts, etc but there were so many I got fed up) pass us by. The owner gave us a book she had written about 'Granddad' and we read that and then walked off towards the harbour.

Fishermen, Loons on sticks, a strange pair sitting in someone's front garden and Granddads Ice Cream Parlour

The temperature should have only got to about 21* but it got to at least 23.5* and was just lovely. We walked the length of the beach one way, stopping for a swing, a skim of stones, tree climbing, paddling, picking up beach glass for my new collection, and kicking the football. When we finally sat down and made a start on our picnic I finally felt at peace and was happy that we were here in Canada. It reminded me what a lovely place it is and it also made me realise that I am ready for our holiday. I think we all are.

A dredgers cutter, paraphanelia, splash pad with a giant bucket and spade, wind turbine, boat masts and shade covers (which were over the playground equipment - ingenious).

Swinging lakeside

I told Huffle our next house needs to be by the water as that is where I am most happy. Imagine me walking along the beach everyday, collecting stones, glass and driftwood (though Huffle says I would never get anything done so we are not in a hurry to move yet).

Wind turbine, skimming and football

Tree roots, tree climbing, us, fishing

Walking along the beach we got to the jetty and meandered towards the Little lighthouse. There were two in fact, one on each side of the jetty where the boats come from the harbour into the lake. There were many people fishing though it didn't seem too many fish were caught.

Weather vanes, flags, boats and clouds

Weather vane, harbour, bridge and bench

Fishing, rock walking, lighthouses and mushroom

Walking around the harbour again and round the houses we finally got back to the car. As it was still earlyish, we drove to another beach, one we knew well this time. One we go to often for bike rides, walks and picnics. Unfortunately the beach was full of dried lakeweed and it smelled horrible. The boys skimmed and I sat and watched the lake.

Skimming, sitting, paddling and the lake view

We had a little walk and then drove home via the Garden Centre where they advertised Lemon Trees earlier in the year. As usual we were disappointed with the lack of knowledge from the staff and we found no Lemon Trees. Apparently I have to rethink my Mothers Day present.

Would this make you buy a car?

Mushrooms -maybe I can make some in pottery? Rudbeckia and a new gargoyle for the front door?

At home Huffle and I sat by the pool while it was being refilled and the boys played on their tablets. A good day was had by all. Thank goodness.

We had our dinner and watched The Women's World Cup. What a disappointing game. Not only was a it a dull game but to lose to an own goal! Oh dear. The bunting came down immediately. BUMS!!!!!!!!

 

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