Snapshot of summer

So. I have been formulating some ideas in my head about this next blog post. So much for me keeping up with this blog. So, if anyone is actually still checking for posts, you will be glad to see this one, I am sure. These are just a few things that we have been able to do this summer:

Go to the cottage. We call it the cottage, but it is really a ski chalet located in Collingwood. It's the second year we have gone there and I really enjoyed it this year. I think it's because the kids are a bit older and I didn't need to entertain them.

This hammock was a highlight for the kids. Unfortunately it broke when Anjali and I were in it. Maybe I shouldn't be admitting that.... ;)

In the village at blue there are these water fountains which are so refreshing for the kids.

And exciting. You never know when it is going to pop out at you!

We spent quite a bit of time at the beach. This little beach was perfect for the kids. It was shallow for a long, long way out, which made it the perfect play spot. And us parents could relax a bit, knowing it wasn't too deep.

There is a gondola which will take you down the mountain (for free). It is a wonderful panorama of the village at Blue.

This is the new "roller coaster" at Blue. It is called the Ridge Runner. It does cost a bit, but the neat part is that you can control how fast you go down the hill. Unfortunately, I got stuck behind some people who went very slowly down the ride, so that was too bad, but I still enjoyed the experience. There I am at the top of the track.

Robin and Anjali went down too.

On our way there, and back, we saw the "Batmobile". Cool, huh?

Another thing we did, was camping. Here is the play barn in the Bronte Creek day area.

Marshmallows.... mmm.

Cheese - ies!

Now, on to other things. Last night Robin decided to rip everything out of our master closet. We bought some new shelving which will help get things more organized. It's amazing how the smallest things turn into big jobs, since now we are going to paint it before we put everything back in. Here is the "before". "After" pic to come some time in the future.

We have been doing many other projects around the house too. Mainly, the deck. Right now the joists are complete and all we need is the decking to go on. We are still trying to decide if we are going to use composite decking or pressure-treated.

Also, we have been working hard on the vegetable gardens. Robin built some raised beds, and we have been having some success with the garden.

Here is one monster zucchini we got. Unfortunately, the zucchini plants have now all died.

Enjoying some corn from the farmer's market where I've been working on Saturdays. I work for Berry Fresh Farms (the owners are from our church). I love all the fresh food that I get to take home every week, and have been flash freezing many of the berries that I take home. Unfortunately I have never made jam, but I just found a couple of easy recipes online yesterday, and I may just try them if I can get some canning supplies together!

We can't keep up with eating all the cherry tomatoes from our garden either. However, one of our favourite recipes is chickpea salad. I may just post the recipe if anyone is interested.

And here is a blackberry pie which Anjali and I made yesterday. I tried a new kind of dough mix, and it was terrible! I will never stray from Tenderflake lard ever again! But it was so tasty. Time for another piece, I think!

And that is all for now. Hope you enjoyed the post!