Yesterday was the first day of summer and the week was busy as a bumblebee (the honey bees have suffered mass die-offs lately and are almost non-existent in the garden). A new edible berry this year is the blue haskap --- tart in taste, imagine somewhere between a raspberry and a blueberry. Rabbits are plentiful; this one stood on its hind legs to grab low-lying apple leaves. And remember last week we removed a snapping turtle from the pond? This week a painted turtle arrived in its place! A lot cuter, but still alien and destined for catch-and-release. 4-year old Atley from next door supervised the release part into the Bay.
We took a drive down to Essex County, my boyhood stomping grounds. Pat noticed that the plant growth was about three weeks advanced from our home in Grey County, and Essex has the most greenhouse vegetable production in all of North America. I've wanted to ferry over to Pelee Island since I was a kid, but we were shut out again and that spot remains more unknown to me than Indonesia or Uganda! But the area is also known for awesome monarch migrations and the first commercial oil discoveries in North America (sorry, Pennsylvania --- look it up). It's also a major battleground from the War of 1812 in which the British defeated the Americans at Amherstburg. All good tourist stuff!
We wound up in my hometown of Windsor and I blabbed non-stop growing-up stories to Pat as we drove around. The town looked great decorated for a multi-culture festival, tall ships, outdoor concerts,and a beautiful green riverfront. One place that was new to me was a neighbourhood Ukranian restaurant that has been there for 70+ years but wouldn't be allowed among the houses today. Anna cooked and served my ancestors' favourites like perogies, cabbage rolls, and borscht. Keep that sour cream coming, Anna!
The grand finale to the Longest Day was the wedding party for Greg and Rebeckah, married on Tuesday. He's the son of my cousins Shirley and Rob. (They're now the Newest Newlyweds in the family, taking the title from Pat and I!). This crowd was ready to party! The DJ, venue, and food were very hip. The Happy Couple looked truly happy. Congrats and all the best, you guys!
We took a drive down to Essex County, my boyhood stomping grounds. Pat noticed that the plant growth was about three weeks advanced from our home in Grey County, and Essex has the most greenhouse vegetable production in all of North America. I've wanted to ferry over to Pelee Island since I was a kid, but we were shut out again and that spot remains more unknown to me than Indonesia or Uganda! But the area is also known for awesome monarch migrations and the first commercial oil discoveries in North America (sorry, Pennsylvania --- look it up). It's also a major battleground from the War of 1812 in which the British defeated the Americans at Amherstburg. All good tourist stuff!
We wound up in my hometown of Windsor and I blabbed non-stop growing-up stories to Pat as we drove around. The town looked great decorated for a multi-culture festival, tall ships, outdoor concerts,and a beautiful green riverfront. One place that was new to me was a neighbourhood Ukranian restaurant that has been there for 70+ years but wouldn't be allowed among the houses today. Anna cooked and served my ancestors' favourites like perogies, cabbage rolls, and borscht. Keep that sour cream coming, Anna!
Turtles on top of the escarpment???? Must be the handiwork of the same aliens who brought the great pyramids in Egypt. Or....your neighbor is messing with the fools on top of the hill. Wait, isn't that a Beatles song?
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