Lego

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img_3321crop.jpgYesterday we participated in a lego workshop at the Museum of Civilization . Another family of lego devotees joined us. We were expecting to that the children would have the opportunity to work with some lego experts and create some imaginative structures with a range of lego pieces. The reality was a little different and when we walked into the room and saw what was provided for the building session we were not sure the children would want to stay.

img_3323crop.jpgOn display was an impressive Mediterranean villa, a tropical resort and a copy of a converted water tower. Two experts from the Parlugment were on hand to talk to the children about making lego creations. There was, however, no lego for the children, instead huge bins full of red duplo sized blocks were provided. The children did express their initial disappointment but there was no talk of leaving.

img_3325crop.jpgL13 and I left to wander around the Treasures of China exhibit and when we came back we were impressed with what we saw. A11 had constucted the main parliament building, M9 had built the golden gate bridge, J7 a pyramid and B6 was still working on a tour that was to be taller than him. The children did not have a variety of shapes or colours but they did have imagination and ambition.

 

Country friends

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We are heading out to visit country friends today, actually that’s what we did yesterday and, wait, that’s what the girls are doing tomorrow too. All these friends lived in town not that long ago, but they have done what so many of our friends have done: sold up and moved to the country. Some have just moved to a satellite town on the outskirts, where there is way more space and a lot less noise and traffic. Others have bought farms and lease their fields to local farmers while making the most of their abundant space and abundant supply of manure!

That’s right, manure, the reason I mention it is that last time we headed out to this farm I was sitting on the porch chatting with three country girls about vegetable gardens and the conversation took on great intensity as they discussed the various merits of cow, horse and chicken manure. I just stopped and laughed as I realised how passionate they were about the topic.

When we visit one of our “country” friends I like the way you can look out in some, or occasionally all directions and not see another house. I appreciate the lack of traffic noise which means you can often hear the busy traffic of birds and insects instead. I am not complaining about my own house, I hear plenty of birds and insects here too, in spite of the traffic sounds in the background. We have the privilege of living only 20 minutes from down town but 1 minute from the river. Our place backs on to a main road but also onto a large stretch of green space. At times I think I’d like to live in the country, but it’s unlikely to happen so I’ll just get a little dose and be back tonight.

Weekend

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We had a 2:1 parent – child ratio this past weekend. The girls were invited back to the cottage for the weekend, in order to give P and H a surprise visit actually. So at home it has been a little quieter for B6, Andrew and me. B6 was a little disappointed when he heard where they were off to, but we have kept him busy and had a good time doing it.

On Saturday the poor lad was subjected to a morning of shopping, but it was in a variety of locations including Sugar Mountain! It wasn’t my idea, but Andrew’s choice of candy shows that it was strictly for research purposes. They came out with cinnamon balls, aniseed balls, cola balls, sour apple (B’s choice) and Turkish delight (to please me!). After the shopping we decided to make use of our new family membership for Ottawa’s public pools and went to an outdoor one close by. I did laps, B and A went off the diving boards.

On Sunday mornings during the summer several roads are closed off to cars so that bike riders and in-line skaters can use them. We haven’t made use of this privilege before so the three of us set off yesterday morning. Bear in mind that Andrew has been riding to work for a few weeks now, I have been averaging one bike ride a year. We had an initial hitch when Andrew promoted B6 from his cool red bike up to the next in line. It is the perfect size for him, but it is not so cool and it is purple! Convincing him that a bigger bike would make the ride much easier was not helped by the fact that across the road there was a boy riding his big, cool, black bike.

Once we were down the street, through the park and over the bridge, the tears had dried and we were all enjoying riding on the road beside the canal. There were all sorts of people out, those taking it easy, those training for the next triathlon and everyone in between. We made it down to the market and decided to wander around downtown for a while. The ride home was a little tougher; it was up hill in places and into the wind but we all made it and agreed it was manageable and fun.

The weekend is over but we still have only one child here. The girls are having a few more days away. B6 and I got out the bikes again, and rode to the pool for my laps, his jumps off the boards! The ride was nowhere near as long as yesterday so we handled it with ease.

The Cottage Chronicles (part 5)

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I believe this will be my last cottage chronicle for now. You have heard the highlights and, I imagine, grasped the idea that we had a wonderful time. Each year when we have visited our good friends at the cottage the violins have come with us. The first year after a great amount of pleading and cajoling the four girls put on a “dock concert”. It was held on the dock next door as it is quite spacious. The next door neighbours on both sides attended and it was a very enjoyable event.

Last year we had to do the same type of pleading but the concert came off once more quite beautifully, with probably a few more guests. This year it was a “given” that there would be a concert and after a few grumbles about practice, N and I were told not to interfere; it was all under control! Arrangements were made, once again, to use the dock next door, a few more neighbours were invited and, at 8:30 the girls were ready and B6 was handing out programs. Yes, programs, which the girls had made themselves. All the musicians were listed along with the music being performed. There were solo pieces as well as trios( we had 3 violins between 4 girls) and a story was told with musical backing. A new performer joined the girls this year, P and H’s 3 year old cousin with her toy violin and she didn’t miss a beat.

Thus ends the cottage chronicles, but before I post this one I must say that the highlight of going to our friends’ cottage is not the lake, the activities, the food or the restful setting. It is the friends themselves, a wonderful family who willingly share so much with us. We love spending time with them and thank them for opening their home and cottage to us on numerous occasions, and making us feel part of the family.

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The Cottage Chronicles (part 4)

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As I mentioned a few days ago the club holds many programs and special events for the members. We were able to enjoy several of them while we were there. One night we all boated over for craft night, an event designed for the children. The craft was felt making and although it took quite a while each child ended up with a piece of felt with a coloured design embedded in it. Everyone started with a piece of white wool fleece and laid smaller, coloured pieces of wool fleece over the top making a design. When that was done each design was laid on a bamboo blind and sprinkled with water. Then the muscles had to kick in as the blind with all the individual designs inside was rolled up and pressure was applied by rolling the rolled blind back and forth over and over again. The end result were artistic pieces of felt, some with pictures, some with random colourful designs.

Another day N and I set off in the boat for the Ladies Luncheon, also held at the club house. The theme for this year’s lunch was “Wear what you dare” , find something in your cottage closet! I had grabbed a dress from home, but N had other plans for me: she found, in the closet, something which had belonged to Aunt Doie. We were not quite sure what it was; our guess was a gym suit, so I put my hair in two little pony tails. Once we arrived at the luncheon, Aunt Doie’s friend informed us that it was a “romper” and she could remember Aunt Doie wearing it. (As you can imagine I was the only one at the luncheon in a romper!)

N wore a beautiful Lace covered dress (70s is my guess) picked up at Value Village. I know it wasn’t from cottage closet, but it’s true role was to set off the vintage parasol which was indeed from the cottage and was no doubt used by one of N’s ancestors. It was beautiful, the fabric did contain some little holes but the lace was in perfect condition. N and parasol were in demand for photos once we arrived. The luncheon, by the way, was delicious.

After the exertion of the swim regatta and the requisite drying out afterwards, the girls managed to practise a skit for the annual Skit night at the club. Being the centenary, several families created songs or skits which looked back over the years or forward to the future. The “Lake Band” a group of teen musicians played and screened a video they had made of themselves playing two years earlier. Our four girls prepared a scene from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” for which they have perfected the English accents. It was a very entertaining night. After it was all over one of the “lakers” came up to me and informed me that as my family had all competed in the regatta and then performed at the skit night we really should be given “laker” status! Now all I need is the cottage!?!

Made the dress

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img_3197crop1.jpgTwo months ago I wrote about my desire to make this dress. It has taken a year of procrastination and a day of sewing. I was spurred on by the fact that we had a marriage celebration and blessing to attend yesterday. It was not a wedding, the wedding was held in Hawaii a few weeks ago. It was a gathering of friends and family to celebrate with the newly weds and ask God’s blessing on their marriage. A very happy time was had by all and the bride and matron of honour did wear their dresses as I hoped they would.

I just happen to have a purse given to me by my sister-in-law which matches perfectly. So for once I wasn’t carrying the brown leather backpack.

 

She shall have music where ever she goes

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Tomorrow our eldest child turns thirteen. She is a delight to be with and a dear friend to each one of us. Recently B6 asked L12 and I, “How come you two are such buds?” I am sure there are many reasons, but I am just overwhelmingly glad that we are. We talk, we laugh, we dream, we scheme, we shop( during which time we don’t always agree, but we do both have good taste!) we read, then discuss and revisit our favourite parts, sometimes we cry, we pray, we create, we enjoy each others’ company.

A couple of weekends ago L12 went camping with friends for the weekend. I missed having her around but the thing which struck me most was that there wasn’t her singing floating through the house. When she returned her little sniffle had turned into a full blown head cold and there was no singing for several more days. It just wasn’t the same. Her friends have been known to look at her in amazement and say,” Don’t you ever stop singing?” I hope she doesn’t.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise. Ps 84:4

Happy Birthday, dear Miss L.

The Cottage Chronicles (part 2)

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As you probably gathered swimming is a major focus while at the cottage. Even though our hosts had their swimming lessons they were happy to swim for hours with us too. Early in the week the Bi-Lake Swim Meet was on and competitors from a neighbouring lake turned up to swim against “our” kids. B6 was too young to compete but all the girls were involved.

During the week we swam for fun, the children made up all kinds of challenges and competitions and were in and out of the water all day. N and I challenged ourselves to swim across the bay each day. We were not sure of the distance but we wanted a swim similar to the laps we do at the pool. Over the weekend, while the dads were still there, Andrew spotted for us and after that a couple of the children agreed to paddle along beside us while we swam. After a few days we increased our distance a bit and found that we were still handling it fairly easily. It was so nice to swim without having to turn around every 25 metres. If we timed it well and swam mid afternoon the top 15cm of the water was warm and it was just when we pushed our arms down and round that we felt the cold water underneath.

On Saturday the club held its own swimming regatta. This was the one everyone had been looking forward to. Although the day dawned cloudy and grey the races began and our girls and boy competed in plenty. The first and second place swimmers in each race qualified for the Tri-Lake Meet to come the following week. I’m not sure how many ribbons our crew won between them but we were very impressed with each of them. Half way through the schedule the rain started coming down but the races continued.

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I had done both of mine by then, the front crawl and back stroke for over 35s, so I just stood in the rain and cheered for the girls. The final event was the long distance swim, which all four girls did before the lightning struck and the event was finally called off. Our very wet crew piled into the boat and headed for the cottage where we lit the fire and dried out.

 

The Cottage Chronicles (part 1)

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I woke up this morning to the sound of cars on the busy road behind our house, not the voice of a little three year old wanting to go downstairs and definitely not the sound of boats or water splashing against the dock. We arrived home last night after ten fabulous days; the weather was beautiful (only one rainy day), the company was excellent as was the food, the setting restful and the activities loads of fun.

So, at the risk of boring you with details, I will spend a few days posting some photos and stories. I’m sure it will help with my lake withdrawal too.

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This is the view from the dock and yes, it did look like this 90% of the time we were there. Below is the view looking back from the water to the cottage.img_3133crop.jpg The cottage is over 100 years old and my friend N has been coming here for summer holidays ever since she was a child. She is definitely what is known as a “laker” as are her children P and H. Her husband is a “married in” and we, her friends are “non lakers”. Believe me there is a definite hierachy at the lake!

What makes this lake rather special as far as I can tell and as the “lakers” confirm is the full program provided for club members. The club, which is celebrating its centenary this year, is not attended by all those with cottages on the lake, but many have been members for years as their parents and grandparents were. Swimming lessons, regattas, bi-lake and tri-lake swim meets all occur in the lanes between the docks down below the club. Tot’s craft and story time, movie night, craft night, games night, teen and pre-teen night also happen in the club. For the adults there are bands who visit, a ladies luncheon, dances and social events. One of the highlights of the club for the kids is the canteen which operates during any of the scheduled events.

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Most of our days started with one or other of the girls hurrying their mother along in order to be at swimming lessons on time. It wasn’t so much that they wanted to be there, when they had friends visiting, it was more that they didn’t want to be given 30 extra laps by their swim coach. After lessons were over they returned home and settled into one of the many activities available to us all. Games of chess, swimming, canoeing and paddleboating, Narnia recitations, blueberry picking and braiding of each others’ hair are just some of the things that went on.

More tomorrow.