Early one morning..

just as the sun was rising...nope, sorry, no maidens singing just us two setting off for Thunder Bay!  We needed to drop off the garbage at the bear proof dumpster before heading off and it just happens to be right near the beach.  I simply couldn't resist taking this these photos of the lake.  It looked so peaceful and serene.  I feel SO lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

Lion Beach, Manitouwadge

So we set off for our two day shopping trip some 5 hours away! The views just got better and better

 

And better!

 

We found a lovely little B&B, called Kaylees, the rooms were spotless and the food was very good and at $65 per night for both of us all included, excellent value.  We shopped, and shopped some more.  We had our first chinese meal since we arrived!  We had our favorite ribs and wings at Swiss Chalet and generally had a jolly good time!  I have a hilarious story about our adventures in the latter diner which I will share...one day!  

My only regret?  Well, they always say you regret what you don't do, not what you do.  I planned to have a go at some night photography.  I packed spare batteries, camera, tripod and my trusty 'how to' books by Scott Kelby.  But...the first night it drizzled and I really didn't want to get my camera wet and the second night I was just SO shopped out I ate dinner, shopped some more and went back to the B&B where I fell asleep!  Never mind, another day - or night - as the case may be!  However, upon my return home I decided to catch up with my blogger pals.  Can you believe it?!  The lovely Cathy, who by the way, has got this night photography lark down to perfection, is only going to give away two of her wonderful photo's for free in a draw.  All you have to do is visit Cathy's Blog and leave a comment!  So. What are you waiting for?  Get on over there and check out her lovely blog!  Not only is Cathy a fab photographer she is also a great artist and has written a book.  One talented lady.

A Beautiful Fall

Today I was awake real early. I had the fidgets. Do you ever wake up and it's like someone turns a switch on in your brain? Then all these little ideas and thoughts start to whizz around making it totally impossible to get back to sleep? Yup! Nothing for it than to get up and make a pot of tea. I peeked outside, just after 6 a.m. Still Dark. What looks like a smattering of snow outside. So the neighbors weren't pulling my leg then! I put the little lights on in the kitchen window, I like my lights they give the kitchen a nice warm glow. Yes people I have fairy lights in my kitchen window! I bought them in Walmart, they are little bunches of grapes that light up. Lovely Man would have them down in an instant given half a chance! I glanced at the thermometer - zero degrees. So here I am blogging, browsing through my photo gallery, all wrapped up in my pj's, woolly socks and a fake fur throw!

Last night I did my second sketch of Kelly. In-fact I did two on account of not quite being able to get her arm right the first time! So I'm feeling all artsy-fartsy and I can sense another 'creative day' coming on! Anyway I'm sat here, now witnessing the most beautiful sunrise, browsing through my piccies and I find these two of Chippie taken a couple of days ago when I very quietly followed him to his home! Turns out he lives in a burrow just outside my back fence! I guess the days of seeing him preening in the sunshine will be a little less soon. Although I am assured that even tho it gets real cold we do get some bright sunny days up here! I like these pictures. Makes me feel warm just looking at them. The locals cannot believe we don't have our heating on yet, they think we're mad or something. I do picture myself as Renee Zellweger in "New in Town" very soon! Do you think Lovely Man will turn into Harry Connick Jnr? Ooh just the thought......

So yes umm....Chippie second picture....here it is.....I'm off to make tapioca pudding!