Charlotte and her children

While we were at High Falls, I was able to get a family photo of us. With Bruce and Kristin living near Toronto, myself in Calgary and my mom in Thunder Bay, having family photos taken do not come around often. I was so glad that we had a beautiful sunny day to celebrate my mom's birthday. I was the taxi driver that day taking us to Middle Falls, High Falls and the Cheese Farm. We also had great timing as within a half hour after arriving back at the house, the skies opened - we had a downpour of rain and even had some hail. Luckily, the rain stopped as we left for our dinner - Bistro One. This is my mom's favourite restaurant for a special night out. I am not one for seafood/fish, but my mom says the Scallops cooked in champagne and maple is a must appetizer at Bistro One!! (think it is one of their signature appetizers) We all enjoyed our meals - and we were all too stuffed to have a bite of dessert. We ended the evening with a game of Scrabble. Bruce gave my mom a gift certificate for a day of pampering at one of our local spas and I framed some photos of my recent trip through the Rockies. Hope you enjoyed your birthday mom - we were happy to make it a special one for you.

High Falls

My mom was saying that she hasn't hiked this trail in many years. She enjoyed the views along the hike as well as seeing the waterfalls. As I said before, you can see High Falls from both sides of the border - in the distance you can see behind my mom the wooden platform - that is Minneasota.

Along the river

After making the small hike to Middle Falls, I drove my mom and Bruce to the Ontario Info building to go on the hiking trail to High Falls. Similar to Niagara Falls, High Falls can be viewed from both the Canadian and American side - the invisible border. You can wave to your friends across the river - how cool is that! Here are some views of the Pidgeon River near High Falls.

In May, my sister inlaw Kristin went to both High Falls and Middle Falls with her mom and her photos are great so it gave me an idea that maybe we can do it the hikes on my mom's birthday. My mom enjoys being active and hiking, so doing these hikes with her children I thought would be a cool present to give her too. Thank you Kristin for reminding us of a couple of hidden away places in Thunder Bay's own back door. On the drive back to Thunder Bay, we stopped at the Thunder Bay Cheese Farm where they make fresh Gouda cheese. I took some samples for my coworkers in Calgary - they loved the different tastes.

For this recent trip back to Thunder Bay, a place I was born and raised in, I thought it would be neat to play "a tourist". To prep for that, I did some googling of the Thunder Bay area. I found this website that could turn out to be a great trip especially if you enjoy both hiking and waterfalls - here is the web address: http://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/superiortour.shtml It shows all the waterfalls that you can go to on both sides of the border around Lake Superior.

Middle Falls

Middle Falls (near the Ontario/Minneasota border)

My brother Bruce and my mom taking a rest while enjoying the view of Middle Falls.

When I was a teenager, I remember my dad had taken my sister Kathryn and I to go camping for the night at Middle Falls in the tent. I am not a camper so I was happy to be sleeping in my own bed the following night. It also didn't help there was a thunderstorm that night we were tenting and those are not my favourite things especially being my only protection was a nylon tent! Camping is no longer allowed at Middle Falls and the road is now overgrown but the view was beautiful after the short hike from the parking lot.

Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens can be found on the Hill heading towards Port Arthur in Thunder Bay. It is also a great place to stop to get a city view of both the Port Arthur area (north side) and Fort William area (south side) of the city during all seasons. Of course in the summer you can enjoy stopping to smell the flowers found in Sunken Gardens. Below is an example of one of the flowers that I found.

A hidden treasure - the lookout near Boulvard Lake. My friend Inez showed me this little turnoff of Black Bay Road that lead to a view of Lake Superior. The body of water closest to the bridge is called Boulvard Lake with Lake Superior in the back. Thanks Inez it was great seeing another viewpoint of the city.

Reno update

Well, the renos continue for me. I have shared with some people already about what occurred tonight. As you know I have been having a few contractors provide me with estimates for the basement and at the time with the deck. It seems the 4th one was the charm!! Last Monday, a pamphlet was at my door of a company specializing in basement renos and garages. Both peak my interest of course. The contractor, Robert, came the same day I called to come measure the basement of what would be for what type of flooring etc and what I want done for the basement. I am fortunate having a good open design in the basement making renos easier. So I am adding a bedroom (about the same size as the master suite upstairs as the new bedroom would be directly below it); full bathroom (with a tub); making an utility room; storage space under the stairs and an open concept rec room. Tonight, Robert came by with the exact amount for the basement reno and it is within my budget. I must say - I am so excited about having it complete. The framing begins August 15th and we are looking at around Sept 30th to have the whole project complete. The garage will have to be put off until next year at least, but it is nice to know what costs I am looking at for that reno project. I will keep you informed about my basement reno progress. It's the scrapbooker in me - take photos of the progress of the project.

Happy Day Mom!!!

Mom with her children - Laura and Bruce

Mom with her children (height order- 5ft 8in; 5ft 9in; 6 ft 4in)

Bruce with his mom

Kelty and Moose - The Westies

Here is Moose enjoying a dip lake to cool off her paws

Hey Kelty (red collar) - do you think dad will give us a test-taste of that ham he BBQ?? Well Moose, if we are good and don't bark maybe we will get lucky. Well they did get their taste of the ham eventually. It was just so cute how they hovered near Gary's feet in the kitchen has he cut the ham.

Hey Moose - has the party gone inside?

Don't I just look pretty with my Canada Day hankerchief? Yes you do Kelty!

The Visiting Ducks

It is supper time!!!

The Duck Dance - Team Syncronizing Swimming!!!

Mom Duckie with her little one

Jan's Cottage Flowers

Do you see the two bubble bees in the flowers getting the nectar?

Jan is quite the gardener - here are a few photos that I took from her wild flower garden off to the side of the cottage.

Bathing Beauties

Bev, Charlotte and Jan cooling off in the lake after they warmed up in the sauna

Bev and Charlotte

You Guys......

Here is the expressions my mom gave when she opened her group gift - a digital camera!!! (I get my photography taking honestly - my mom loves taking photos just as much as I do!) Mom already asked Gary for future lessons on how to use the camera. It might be a slow in the beginning - boy she will love having one - I know I do. You would have to be there - the first object she pulled from her gift box was the memory stick - she asked what are we telling her and what is it for? Laughter soon followed - it was so cute and said in such a genunine way.

Hey Bev, I think Charlotte likes her gift - we did well, don't you? You gals definitely did! My mom and I had talked about this on Saturday when I left for Calgary, we have both been blessed with people in our lives that are the truest friends - the friends that are more, they are your family. Jan and Bev are two of these people for my mom and they are special to me as well. Jan has known me since I was like 5 years old when she lived down the street from where my mom lives now. Jan (and Gary too) - thank you for including me into your family and being there for me as well as for my family during our continuing rollercoaster ride. It has meant so much to me. Bev (and Rick) it has been great getting to know you over the years when I joined the "symphony Sat night Pops group" - I have enjoyed our friendship too. Jan and Bev, I would like to thank you for playing host to a wonderful BBQ for my mom.

Happy 65th & Retirement Charlotte

Happy 65th Birthday and Retirement Charlotte (and mom)!! The cake was very yummy - great choice Bev!

While we sang Happy Birthday (along with the singing birthday candle), Bruce carries the cake to our mom. Lorraine, Bob and Bev makes sure doesn't trip either! (haha) - he did great no worries!

Two great hosts for the special guest of honor!! Being that both Bruce and I don't live in Thunder Bay anymore, 2 of my mom's closest and dearest friends planned the inimate BBQ at Jan & Gary's cottage. They are presenting my mom with cards and a group gift.

Charlotte - She is the Cat's Meow!!!