Cottage Return

It is unusual for us to be in town in the summer. Tony does return for a day, usually Thursdays to attend Rotary and manage other interests. He also picks up groceries which I am thankful for. There was a Rotary event this weekend, the Annual Pig Roast, this year without the pig, due to the fire bans across our area. Since we were in town we were able to attend much to everybody’s surprise.

The Thomlinsons were our hosts, we thank John and Marylou for sharing their home. We enjoyed the BBQ, hamburgers and sausages, lots of contributions from other Rotarians in the form of Bruschetta, salads and dessert. The setting for this event could not have been more perfect, the south shore of Lake Nipissing. Their home was also the “set” for CARTER, his “cottage up north”. It was fun to hear about their film experience.

Anxious to return to the cottage we made the rounds, the grocery stores and LCBO, for the necessities, both being equal! Being on an island away from it all, there are no local corner stores to run to. By the

time you pick up your groceries off the shelf and get them in your cupboards or fridge at the cottage you handle them 12 x 14 times between cars, repacking and into boats. We have to be organized as fridge freezer space is limited and every meal is planned.

I could hardly wait to return. Our crossing was calm, warm and quick. I was glad to be back with everyone. My popularity with my family rose for bringing in wings from the “Moose”, there is no “take-out” here. On arrival hugs were huge, tight, warm and strong, nice. We exchanged stories over cocktails and dinner regarding everyone’s experiences while we were away from each other, before tucking in for sleep. Jes, with Nia and Ruby headed back to their cottage, Katie headed out to the cabin with Wyatt, and Foster climbed up on the top bunk.

Dads are in town, back at work and looking forward to their return on the weekends. A normal routine but sometimes an extra day is added or there are welcomed holidays. There have been a few of those this year, everybody benefits.

During the week, Tony now retired is surrounded by women and children (his grandchildren) mostly. We all gather together often to exchange meals, play cards, or to just chat. In residence in our Bay most of the time is my sister Carrie and my cousin Jenny and her husband Paul, who are also retired. Carries husband Robert commutes weekends from Ottawa, our nephew Pete arrives from North Bay and Barbara and Steve return any chance they get as do Jenny’s family. Susan and David and their family are in and out from Toronto, also making the most of their time while they are here. We do have fun, I look forward to the day their grandchildren will be on this beach and filling their/our cottages with squeaks and squeals.

Just before I fell asleep, the loons called. I knew they would. My spirits were high already but now all was right in my soul. For me, this special place heals you from whatever ails you, physically or mentally. Not everyone sees it, not everyone feels it, I know I am not alone though in knowing the magic of it all. We all embrace the river differently, no right way or wrong, as long as we embrace it while we are here.

When I have a moment I am going to take a walk about. The path is beckoning. Good night all, thanks Laurie.