My Balcony....

How many of you are fans of Boston Legal as I am? My favorite part is always the scene at the end of the show where Alan and Denny enjoy a single malt and cigar while discussing the events of the episode. This appeals to me because of the sense of camaraderie and friendship that you can feel through the television screen.

I don’t take friendship lightly and while I have my own fair share of acquaintances that fall into this category I find there are only a handful that fit on a very special shortlist. It goes without saying that on the top of this list is Gloria, my wife of 31 years and 3 days now. We had some very special chemistry going from the day we first met, or at least I did, I think she needed a little more convincing! I’m sure she thought I was just another Bay clerk passing through but many months later when I was promoted to Store Manager sure enough, she followed me down the coast and has been putting up with my many idiosyncrasies ever since. THANK YOU!!!

Of the remainder of the handful there was one I thought I had lost years ago for various reasons, but it turns out that the problem was all in my head and just my imagination. I’m happy to report that the rare friendship we had has been renewed and that an exploratory (and very welcome) email a few months ago has resulted in my now playing host for the next week to a family from Ottawa. They met up with me at the Manitoulin Flea Market today and I was able to install them in a cabin at Wee Point where they will be until next Saturday. I’ll give them the deluxe tour of the island Monday or Tuesday and perhaps we’ll hit the dinner cruise on Thursday.

Anyway, here’s to the past and the future. It’s nice to reconnect again and I hope to continue this thread later on. Right now it’s time for bed… another early morning coming up at the Manitoulin Flea Market tomorrow. See you there!

What a Feast!

Gloria and I had our annual Anniversary Dinner Celebration yesterday and this year chose the Garden’s Gate Family Restaurant as our place to be. Normally we take the Chi-Cheemaun Dinner Cruise for the event, but the timing wasn’t right this year and we certainly picked a great substitute.

We started with an appetizer of the Country Mushroom and Nut Pate and this is one of the most fantastic things I have ever eaten! It's a creation of owner Rose herself and the menu description is “A combination of mushrooms, onion, garlic, almonds, hazelnuts, cream cheese, thyme are blended together and served with French Stick.” WOW! WOW! WOW! It was all I could do to NOT lick the bowl clean! There has to be one ingredient not listed though as there was a very definite and pleasant bite to the palate and I’m thinking there had to be a touch of jalapeno or some other hot pepper added in also. Not overpowering at all but just a very nice finish to it.

Following a wonderful potato soup as main courses Gloria opted for the Manitoulin Whitefish while I had the Manitoulin beef, both of us with superb mashed potatoes with yams, fresh carrots and string beans.

Sorry, I can’t comment on the desserts other than to say there was a great selection because neither of us had room to try them. I don’t believe I actually passed up a chocolate cheesecake! We’re already planning a return visit but will skip the main course next time and go straight from the appetizer to dessert and coffee.

The Garden’s Gate has been listed in many publications and touted on CBC as being one of THE places to eat in Ontario and I now know why. As many of the ingredients as possible are from Manitoulin itself including a great variety of herbs from their own gardens. Other items such as fresh blueberries may come from as far away as Sudbury but you know if something is available here on the island then that is where it is obtained.

So… all you out there that have recommended this establishment in the past all I can say is… you’re right, and why did it take me so long to try it out. We’ll be going back up that path to their door again, and it won’t wait until our 32nd either!

I know, it's just a Pigeon...

... but it's the biggest darned Pigeon I've ever seen, much larger than any you see in the cities. I mean, this guy is the size of a large chicken and just huge compared to the Mourning Doves that hang around the house. It's also the first time one has ever shown up at our feeder and you'll notice that he has an orange band on one leg and a yellow band on the other. Wonder where he blew if off course from?

Centre of The Universe...

It's great to see the unselfishness and charitable side of the people of Toronto. I've never been impressed by the city or much of its population but the fact that 24,000 have said "I don't want my job any more" and have willingly walked away is just fantastic. These wonderful people with great salaries and all kinds of benefits have decided it's not enough and have walked away from their positions even though their employers would like them to stay and are very willing and eager to keep on handing them a regular paycheque. This sound like a voluntary resignation to me.

So... hats off to these citizens and any others out there who are nice enough to vacate their positions to make room for someone else. I can guarantee that there are hundreds of people in Canada that would love to fill your abandoned spot, and thousands of individuals around the world that would jump at the chance to move here. Thank you for considering others, and as I’m crawling over rotting, plague infested garbage on the street corners it would be great to have your address so I could stop by and thank you in person.

Systems Check...

Attitude... adjusting.
Business... going strong.
Family... well, and tolerant of me.
Future... coming, ready or not.
Health... let's skip that.
Home... content.
Life... interesting and busy.
Reality... understood.
Retirement... recommended.
Tolerance... no improvement.
Wonder... more wow each day.
World... start all over again as this one is not working.

Some or all of the above are subject to change without notice and the listing may be adjusted as required. As you probably know I have LOTS of opinions about just about anything you'd care to suggest... but don't ask unless you are prepared for the answer. Talk at 'ya later people! :-)

Hawbear & Friends!

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High Falls...

Down Beach Road...