a Blessing of Bluebirds

With their cheery call and their beautiful blue wings and red chests, the easten bluebird is one of my very favourite birds.

We look forward to their return every spring.

I'm happy to report they are back ... at least two pairs down here at the garden at Bondi Village and another pair up in the back fields.

Our mix of open lawn and fields along with forest lands provides an ideal habitat for them.  Lucky for us!

Coming soon to a Beach Near You!

It is a little quiet up here at this time of year.  The lake is still warming up -- and while the brave have made waves, the rest of us are waiting for the traditional May 2-4 dip to kick off the summer.

Speaking of which, we still have vacancies for that weekend. Isn't it time you got out of town???

While it's all dreamy and quiet here today, so much so that even the deer decided to have a nap, it won't be long before Summer is upon us.

A week at the cottage is still the most affordable Family vacation going. One tank of gas will get you here and home again, and once you are here, there is little need to go anywhere else.  The kids -- big AND little -- will all head to the lake.  Add water slides, trampolines, canoes, kayaks, waterskiing and tubing, blend in some big comfy Muskoka chairs in the shade -- or in the sun --  spice to taste with just as many or as few activities as you like, and stir gently with all family members.  Summer is cooking!

We still have vacancies -- shouldn't one of them have your name on it?

Mist is something not to be Missed

Spring showers bring May flowers.      And misty mornings.   Misty mornings bring soft colours, muted reflections.  They are designed for wandering alongthe shore before the day gets going, checking out the water's edge.  Our loons came back this week. There are ducks all along the beach. The air is full of swooping swallows.  (it is a lot for a dog to keep organized!)

They are for slowing down, and taking a closer look at the beautiful gifts on offer.  This intricate spider's web is created overnight. Captures the dew and the early mist. Sparks into diamonds when the sun burns through, and is gone by evening.

Woodland violets are just starting to bloom. You'll find them, if you stop for a moment and let your soul catch up. They are next to the strawberry blossoms.  Just a little bit along from the trilliums that are about the blanket the woods with white.

In the garden, the daffodils are putting on a show. Mist and a sprinkle of rain bring out the colours that can bleach away in hot sunlight.  It's worth getting wet toes to spend the time wandering lonely as a cloud alongside the early spring flowers.  These are next door to the asparagus -- which is now pushing up out of the ground so fast you can actually see it growing.

"What dreadful weather," someone said to me, sitting inside peering out the window.  "Where?" I had to ask. It is fantastic outside on a misty day, a day with just a hint of drizzle.  The air is damp on your face, and soft on your skin. The light is easy on the eyes.  And what is out there is just beautiful!  Get outdoors, no matter what the weather. You'll soon find it always looks worse through a window. And a little mist is really just an invitation to a whole new world.

April's Fool!

I'm really pleased I was able to get this
picture!

Yesterday was a hot, sunny, crocus in bloom, let's get going with the raking sort of day.

The sun sparkling off the water put me in mind of summer.  Of settling comfortably into that Muskoka chair with a book and a drink to enjoy the view and relax.  Time to consider booking a cottage for the summer, that is for sure.


That was then.

Silly goose... we should have all been ready for Mother Nature's April Fools trick!




We woke up this morning to find the world was white.

Yes, indeed, it snowed. We had enough to cover the ground, and coat the leaves that are just hesitating to leaf out on the lilacs.

The geese drifting on the bay didn't seem to mind, but let me tell you, the robins on the lawn were miffed.

Very funny, Mother Nature. We're still laughing...