Wednesday, September 25, 2013

LONG TIME COMING

Rob, my Dad and me!
There's an old saying about "little girls marrying men like their fathers". Looking at the above picture you wouldn't think that my father and husband would have anything in common, but they do.

One, they both love me! Seriously though, they are both hard working, good men, who don't like to travel. That last point is important, because it's the main reason that it has taken almost ten years of Rob being in my life for them to meet.

My mother had come to visit us a few times, so she knew and loved Rob, but Dad had never made the trip. I've gone down home every year, but because I get double the vacation Rob does, and financially it made more sense, I always went alone.

This past weekend my dad finally got to meet the man in my life, who became my husband almost one year ago. We all gathered in Gananoque, Ontario, where my Uncle Bobby lives. Dad had made the drive from Nova Scotia with his great niece, Megan. It was a small family reunion, and it was lovely. I'm glad Rob finally met Dad. It was great to meet Megan and reconnect with my Uncle again.

We'll do the Nova Scotia trip together someday, but right now I'm happy with the fact that he met my older brother, Jeff and his family AND my dad, all in the same year!

My second Cousin, Megan and me. 
Uncle Bobby and Aunt Debbie.
The brothers.
I don't know what I said to make Dad smile like that, but I'm glad it was captured.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

CELEBRATING IN ALGONQUIN

We found a better use for our cabin's porch ashtray, we filled it with peanuts for the many Chipmunks!
For the past few years, Rob and I have been spending his birthday weekend in Algonquin Park, a place we try to visit a few times a year. It's a wonderful place for nature lovers like ourselves.

This year we decided to spend a little more and stay someplace a little more special, as we never did get around to going on an official "honeymoon" after we were married. We decided to make it a celebration combo weekend, as the place we decided to stay isn't open in November, when we celebrate our marriage.

Killarney Lodge is located within Algonquin Park, includes 3 delicious meals a day and your own canoe and private cabin. We had dinner here last year for Rob's birthday, so we knew the food was going to be delicious, and it was, all weekend.

Both of us were still recovering from colds, but we made the best of it, and had a very enjoyable weekend away, making the most of the park and the lodge.

The view from our porch.
Our cozy cabin! No TV's or radios, and cell phones only in your cabin please. Love that!
The gardens on the grounds were lovely.
About to enjoy a delicious dinner.
This card, a bottle of Champagne and a box of chocolate truffles were waiting in our cabin after dinner.
Me and my new friend, both enjoying a snack.
Our first Moose in the park!
Why did the Wild Turkey cross the road?
Being able to see and hear Loons from our Cabin was awesome!
We enjoyed our time in the park and at the lodge greatly, so much so, that we've decided to make staying here a new yearly tradition for Rob's birthday weekend, and to celebrate our marriage.

To read more about our trip and our first moose encounter in the park, please visit Rob's Blog about our trip, enjoy!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

THE OWL FOUNDATION - TAKE 3

We were told "Big Red" raised 6 orphaned Great Horned Owlets this year.
This marked our 3rd year of visiting "The Owl Foundation". Not open to the public, they have two weekends in the Fall when sponsors are invited to come to the property for a tour. It may be the same place, but it's always a different tour, learning new things about what's going on at the foundation.

The Owl Foundation is home to resident owls who have injuries that make it impossible for them to be released back to the wild, but kept wild at the foundation, they make perfect "foster parents" to young orphaned owls of the same species, who eventually are released. This is just part of the amazing work done here. Check out their website to learn more about the organization that studies, rehabilitates and releases owls.

It's become a bit of a tradition for Rob and I to sponsor a young releasable Owl for friends, as a birthday gift, or last year, to celebrate the marriage of Murray & Debbie. This year we were once again joined by our friends, Jim and Lynda. Lynda is celebrating a "milestone" birthday next month and was thrilled with her sponsorship gift package.

Our tour started in the house again this year, and as the last couple times, I'm thrilled when I get to see and speak to Kay McKeever, the lady who started it all more then 30 years ago. She's been working with owls since before I was born, and I can't even put into words how much I admire this woman. She is almost 89 years old, but her quick wit was quite apparent during our visit.

Kay McKeever, so much wisdom lies behind these eyes.
"Big Bird", a resident Great Grey, who lives in the house with Kay, and who she calls, "the love of her life".
Again this year we learned many interesting stories about the resident owls who are allowed to choose their own mates and raise chicks to be released. We were happy to hear that "Sassy Q" and "Yeti", 2 resident Snowy Owls, had a successful clutch again this year! Last year was the first time for the newly bonded pair, and they had 3 chicks, this year they had 5!

The enclosures the owls are in are large and well designed, often covered with protective netting from mosquitoes. The northern owls are very susceptible to west nile virus. This measure of protection is great for the owls, not so good for taking pictures, but Rob does the best he can.

One of the 5 young Snowy Owls hatched this year.
Not used to the presence of humans, the young snowies were a little skittish so we didn't linger long in front of their enclosure.  

Two young Great Greys hatched in residence that will be released when ready.
Great Grey close-up.
It was another educational and inspiring visit, and I invite you all to learn more about this amazing organization.

To read about our first visit in 2011, click here.
To read about our second visit in 2012, click here.