tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81888862012-02-09T16:42:54.813-05:00As “Canada’s 12th Wonder” Manitoulin Island holds a number of Canadian and world distinctions that we encourage you to explore when you visit our area. This blog is a collection of personal ramblings, comments and observations gathered first while traveling around the country for The North West Company and now during my retirement years on Manitoulin Island as an Independent Associate with Watkins. Feel free to comment, I thank you for stopping by and hope to hear from you soon!Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.comBlogger2941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-83684110020964539322012-02-09T15:10:00.004-05:002012-02-09T16:42:54.822-05:00

Three of our biggest selling Watkins products are all on sale this month here in Canada, starting with our Original Double Strength Award Winning Vanilla in the 325ml bottle. It's on sale this month at $14.99 (save $2.00) along with a couple other favourites. One is the Purest Granulated (not ground) Black Pepper in the 170g tin for only $11.99 (save $2.00) and another is our Purest Ground

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-89997344560172522402011-12-17T01:39:00.004-05:002011-12-17T13:50:25.279-05:00

I have very few people that I follow on YouTube but one of them is Donald Trump. I really enjoy his books and even used to watch “The Apprentice” and probably still would if it wasn’t so-called celebrities now instead of somewhat normal people. Anyway, he was complaining because China has just put something like a 22% tariff on cars made in the USA and he feels this is wrong. I don’t agree

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-32790647505784782482011-11-16T12:33:00.004-05:002011-11-16T12:38:47.893-05:00

I suppose every generation needs their Woodstock but…Woodstock was an event that was highly organized and the people who attended had received full permission of the owner of the property to congregate, celebrate and generally have a good time.These days it seems it’s OK to just squat wherever you like and be damned with everyone else. City parks are established and maintained for the enjoyment

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-26425011496427485262011-11-10T17:41:00.033-05:002011-11-10T18:27:41.406-05:00

I’ve spent some time recently checking out the new Bebamikawe Memorial Trails in Wikwemikong. The first excursion was on the longer 4.4km “Red” trail and it made for great outing. It’s a bit slippery and steep in places but the view from the top made it worthwhile.The shorter 1.35km “Blue” trail is more my style as it is level and better marked. It meanders down to the lake and back and has

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-35187522398152305142011-10-12T14:08:00.003-04:002011-10-12T14:15:47.116-04:00

Posted by Watkins Independent Associate ID#369469...... and did you know that Watkins is the ONLY direct selling company that offers NPA approved products?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-598005667054342672011-10-05T09:27:00.003-04:002011-10-05T09:31:19.149-04:00

Watkins Independent Associate ID#369469 can't decide......They're both great!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-90184727864824925372011-10-03T20:56:00.000-04:002011-10-03T20:56:36.261-04:00

Watkins Independent Associate ID#369469 says "Ask me about our…" Almond, Anise, Banana, Caramel, Cherry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Maple, Mint, Orange, Peanut Butter, Peppermint, Raspberry, Root Beer, Rum, Strawberry and Vanilla Nut Extracts Now in 8oz/236ml sizes!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-58551248485017780062011-06-09T10:03:00.003-04:002011-06-09T10:08:48.316-04:00

Check out the new look and LINK...

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-44013309896800184962011-04-03T23:40:00.014-04:002011-04-04T09:36:19.907-04:00

(Watkins Independent Associate ID#369469) New this month... Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Hand and Body Lotion. AND... Sugar & Shea Body Scrub. To top it off if you buy the Body Scrub you get the Body Lotion at half price! How many can I order for you?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-46427373443411294142011-02-14T11:05:00.006-05:002011-02-14T11:57:40.239-05:00

I’ve noticed this before but never understood the differences beween Amazon.com and Amazon.ca pricing. I’m in the middle of a course right now and having a paper copy of the Napoleon Hill book “Law of Success” would be a big help. I’ve got the online version and the audio downloads, but I just find that I absorb a lot more from the solid "hold in your hand copy" than by reading pixels on a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-20382584299561313602010-12-27T02:22:00.008-05:002010-12-28T17:06:44.942-05:00

We’ve had a new visitor lately, a Flying Squirrel that of course I’ve named Rocky. (You’re old enough to remember why, right?) He (or she) appears just about every night between 9:45 and 10:00 and only stays long enough to fill his cheek pouches with sunflower seeds just once and then disappears until the following night.I haven’t seen one of these things in years and it’s quite a novelty to

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-11711032592555582702010-12-26T01:39:00.010-05:002010-12-26T09:22:35.479-05:00

“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses… hit it.”I once worked up an entire presentation on proper planning for the Lions Clubs based on this quote from The Blues Brothers. Their methods were a little out of the ordinary but who wants to be bored and stick to the same old routine anyway.You see, this is the time

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-80913402222043345672010-06-25T12:56:00.003-04:002010-06-25T13:01:34.137-04:00

Just sitting around the market waiting for customers and trying to stay cool. With all the rain a couple nights ago there is still lots of mud outside it's very muggy.We're going seven days a week now and I'm not too sure what my schedule is going to be. I jumped at early retirement to get away from those hours and I don't really want to go back to them in my old age. Maybe a four day week of

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-2686647194235111072010-06-23T21:45:00.015-04:002010-06-23T23:10:27.927-04:00

My preferred location of blog writing seems to be the end chair of the waiting room of Manitoulin Chrysler. That probably explains my lack of entries over the last few months since I traded in the Liberty, I just don't get over here much anymore. Not that the Jeep gave me any serious problems but it was always an oil change or tires or tie rod end or some other sundry thing.I'm here today

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-85655987810494624122010-04-05T00:52:00.008-04:002010-04-05T12:37:36.308-04:00

It seems the only time I read anymore is while I'm at the garage with one vehicle or the other, although this will change with the replacement of the Jeep. (blog entry and photo to follow soon) There I sit waiting patiently for the mechanic of the day to finish up so I can be on my way again a few dollars poorer.It's not like I have full time work keeping me away from the books either. I "

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-58583186369145424102010-02-28T22:45:00.004-05:002010-02-28T23:11:10.534-05:00

The original estimated cost of the 2010 games as forecast in 2004 was $1.354 billion. Actual costs are now estimated to be $6 billion with $580 million coming directly from taxpayers. Just for the fun of it I checked, and the number of Canadian taxpayers appears to be in the range of 22 million people who are of working age. This means that a whole $26.36 of my tax dollars went to pay for

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-51741527765619416272010-02-07T02:35:00.020-05:002010-02-07T03:32:33.009-05:00

First fishFirst bikeFirst lieFirst deathFirst parFirst strikeoutFirst strikeoutFirst lossFirst soloFirst winFirst flightFirst jobFirst aloneFirst responsibilityFirst killFirst awardFirst regretFirst realizationFirst truthFirst kissFirst baseFirst strikeoutFirst songFirst loveFirst childFirst carFirst homeFirst businessFirst epiphany Each one a chapter for the book, and so very many more to come…

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-42021210128741953102010-02-02T22:14:00.015-05:002010-02-07T03:36:38.959-05:00

I was thinking today that it’s a little bit strange that I’ve worked for several of the oldest companies in the country. I started in August of 1973 with the Hudson’s Bay Company which was chartered on May 2, 1670 making them 340 years old right now. The division of stores that I worked in was sold to a group of individuals and run under a couple different names until they finally rejuvenated

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-40702334823572066842010-01-29T17:40:00.003-05:002010-01-29T17:47:15.799-05:00

How do house wives do it? (Or is the term “house wife” still acceptable or even exist?) I’m slowly (quickly) going nuts around the house in my retirement years. I’ve got the Summit Group business and the Watkins business and the web page business and lots of little (neglected) chores that I get to very slowly but the routine of sweeping, dusting, cleaning and all the other little things are

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-23599045493640165322010-01-21T00:46:00.008-05:002010-02-07T03:41:10.057-05:00

It’s fun being me… is it fun being you? (Denny Crane – Boston Legal)She makes my friend smile… that’s all that’s important. (Alan Shore – Boston Legal)Sometimes you’ve got to do something bad… just to prove you’re alive. (Chris Stevens – Northern Exposure) Time you enjoyed wasting, is not time wasted. (T.S. Eliot) Midway this way of life we're bound upon I woke to find myself in a dark wood

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-2950420670010514872010-01-07T17:31:00.002-05:002010-01-17T11:23:36.055-05:00

We lost a curling pin trading buddy this week. Lorne lived in the Ottawa area and used to travel to all the major bonspiels across the country. We knew him well from the Briers and I don’t know how many lapel pins he had altogether but he traveled with about 10,000 of them and set up his display with the permission and gratitude of the event committees. They knew that spectators would remember

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-36117800686722101542009-12-20T23:58:00.004-05:002009-12-21T00:20:49.999-05:00

…who can blog each day. Oh I could easily write regularly but I think it would just be rambling, most of it negative (I call it reality) and I’m sure you don’t want to hear about it. However… since it’s been so long since I’ve posted you’ll just have to take what you get this time.Have you ever noticed that you’ll find some of the worst car parkers in downtown Manitowaning? I’ve driven in

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-63377470576576799662009-11-14T00:54:00.006-05:002009-11-14T00:58:57.208-05:00

Feel free to add your comments to this, one of the finer things in life.

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-6040317696360112602009-11-07T13:13:00.004-05:002009-11-07T13:28:01.302-05:00

So I'm sitting here checking my emails and doing a little surfing and just happened to glance out the window. This is basically what I saw circling up the lake shore...Unfortunately this isn't my photo as I wasn't quick enough to get out the door with my camera so I thank the photographer and you can find the original photo posted HERE under "Creative Commons" license at Flickr. Good thing the

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-24746480591784167702009-11-06T08:25:00.012-05:002009-11-14T01:03:31.781-05:00

And no, I don't mean for speeding (who, me?) or any other moving violation. Could it be that my Jeep is almost identical to some "vehicle of interest" to the local constabulary?Since the day I got it last summer I have been regularly followed by both cruisers and unmarked cars, sometimes for miles. Now tell me... if you are driving the speed limit and a police car comes up behind you how long

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-29754540146371180112009-11-05T22:50:00.007-05:002009-11-05T23:09:26.682-05:00

It's been an expensive couple weeks. First there was putting the winter tires on the van for $72.00 Then the same for one of the SX2. Now I just put four new winter ones on the Jeep to the tune of $901.49 taxes, installation, balancing and the government imposed stewardship fee. At least I saved the $3.00 per tire disposal fee as I took them to our local tire dump instead for free. I could

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-54885599931079458522009-09-25T23:18:00.005-04:002009-09-26T00:13:59.515-04:00

I’ve now been retired for 1 year and 25 days and I still track the company aircraft on a daily basis, still keep in touch with former workmates, still say “we” when talking with pride about the people and stores… and still in my heart know that for a brief time (35 years, 10 days) I was a small part of this country’s history. I was an apprentice, a fur trader, carving buyer, manager, leader and

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-5631266533183037132009-09-14T10:20:00.007-04:002009-09-14T10:39:56.114-04:00

I don’t know about you but ever since grocery stores stopped giving out free bags at the checkout I’m shopping more often. I certainly don’t mind bringing my own bags and I admit that I always felt a little bit guilty about all the plastic I used and discarded before, but I can’t help but wonder if there is a hidden and secondary agenda to this growing practice.Before now I would go to the store

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-26831666131269218732009-09-11T22:14:00.014-04:002009-09-11T23:05:13.664-04:00

The union that is on strike in Sudbury is accusing the company of stealing money from little old ladies.As I understand the news reports... The company had very definite plans to double the xmas bonus to the widows of former workers. The company is now saying that they may not be able to do so because of lack of funds. They are NOT going to cancel or take away the existing bonus that has been

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-91989943529403597992009-09-09T12:31:00.010-04:002009-09-09T13:30:44.919-04:00

I've had a suggestion that my recent Facebook entries be carried over to this blog so here goes, from the start...ME: Political terms are supposed to be 4 years, right? I think anyone who wants to have an election at any other time in between should have to pay all the expenses for it themselves. How do these idiots think anything will ever get done when it all comes to a halt every few months?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-83084048469419337332009-09-09T09:10:00.003-04:002009-09-09T09:34:02.207-04:00

Along with a high percentage of the male population I carry my trusty cell phone on my belt. My own leather holster is suited for function more than quick draw and therefore fits my personality well. Even back in my hunting days I very seldom made a snap shot as my preference was to properly identify my target, make certain of my surroundings (particularly the background) and only then ready

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-65734523302077438002009-09-02T22:49:00.003-04:002009-09-02T22:52:38.426-04:00

I don’t think this photo needs any words to take away from the view off our deck this evening. Ain't life grand at times like this?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-15854254664567107002009-09-02T22:06:00.010-04:002009-09-02T23:01:35.775-04:00

This year seems to have a definite theme to it. In the past 12 months I've become reacquainted with a dozen or so people from my past. Old friends, school chums and even a cousin I haven't seen probably since the late 60's. A few days ago another one surfaced because of a blog entry I made many months ago.Roddy was a young fellow from Oban, Scotland who had been brought over by the Hudson’s

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-12406260629715930082009-08-28T00:35:00.009-04:002009-08-28T08:39:41.597-04:00

So I’m almost caught up on all my projects again and at the point where I can start thinking about this blog and of what could be posted here. After making 28 calls to prospects tonight and then sending them follow up emails I plugged the headphones into the laptop, cranked up my playlist and did a little web surfing.During this vegetating process up popped the mellow sounds of Glenn Miller in

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-40686286671201175452009-08-04T10:35:00.003-04:002009-08-04T10:44:12.329-04:00

I just found a great new web site called the Wise Old Curmdgeon with all kinds of advice, trivia and other goodies on it. Here is an example of what I'm talking about...It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.One human hair can support 3kg (6.6 lb).The average man's penis is three times the length of his thumb.Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.A woman's

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-11434816832536893142009-07-28T23:22:00.002-04:002009-07-28T23:44:32.855-04:00

I've just been too busy to stop and think up anything to post here. Anyway, I'm pushing to get caught up this week on all my odd jobs and hope to get back to normal next week so I can go sit and relax for a few hours. Meet you on the bench? We can just relax for a while, watch the world go by and grow old content and happy. Wow... wouldn't that be great?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-76452289504844771942009-07-08T10:38:00.014-04:002009-07-08T11:49:26.558-04:00

It seems to me that this type of online diary is completely contrary to my nature. I like my privacy and expect it to be respected as I will respect others.Having said that, why do I make these entries sharing my thoughts? If I believed that “therapy” sessions did anyone any good then maybe this is my personal form of it. Of course if you ask me… “therapy” and all such other nonsense does

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-77910471718650938402009-07-07T23:45:00.004-04:002009-07-08T00:02:43.900-04:00

… well, maybe for me as an anti-social character it is. I’ve been set up at the Manitoulin Flee Market for several weeks now and have made a few observations. These seem to indicate that a very large number of visitors are not there to buy, but just to visit and get caught up on events. Apparently the weekly market rounds make up a very important part of their social life and it almost makes

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-37245716702803363642009-06-27T22:43:00.006-04:002009-06-28T07:48:47.241-04:00

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

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-19486166756266675762009-06-25T23:56:00.013-04:002009-06-28T00:09:32.340-04:00

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

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-25701082723916838732009-06-24T09:02:00.006-04:002009-06-24T09:12:34.045-04:00

... 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

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-52942088635238728412009-06-22T08:14:00.003-04:002009-06-22T08:30:18.036-04:00

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

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-18791073755655369722009-06-16T07:28:00.005-04:002009-06-16T20:31:56.362-04:00

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

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-79834596599897212582009-06-11T15:20:00.004-04:002009-06-11T15:31:37.751-04:00

Another great Manitoulin product and project. Check out their BLOG or FACEBOOK page today.Thanks for shopping Manitoulin!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-46098483860508576412009-06-04T20:21:00.006-04:002009-06-04T21:15:42.563-04:00

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-58230905786269668162009-06-03T12:41:00.004-04:002009-06-05T21:19:51.750-04:00

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-32722968177593710262009-05-29T12:33:00.005-04:002009-05-29T12:41:24.779-04:00

I've been busy trying to do 14 things at the same time again but I had to take a few minutes out the other day to snap a few photos of the Trillium's down Beach Road. There must be millions of them all over Manitoulin at this time of the year. Too bad all the summer visitors miss this fantastic view of our island.

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-1350348563100400232009-05-18T18:08:00.002-04:002009-05-18T18:09:35.954-04:00

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-85244112560248829292009-05-18T10:53:00.002-04:002009-05-18T11:01:45.534-04:00

The Fort Sheg Flee Market is now open for the season. Come and see me and all the other booths every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 4:00pm right through the summer and into October. There is still space for vendors and others at very reasonable rates. Why not think about holding your next yard sale here and inside where you won't have to worry about it raining all over you!See you soon!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-21250492884620111752009-05-14T16:00:00.008-04:002009-05-14T16:16:13.080-04:00

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-26966121235404231512009-05-13T12:46:00.005-04:002009-05-13T13:40:28.066-04:00

Another new web site for the books this week. The Innavik Hydro Project is being undertaken by Pituvik Landholding Corporation in the village of Inukjuak in Nunavik. This town is one of my favorite locations in the entire country and is a great place to visit. If you're looking for a different kind of adventure for your vacation this year then this would be it. There is a great little hotel

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-5577106761922382472009-05-11T09:33:00.006-04:002009-05-11T10:03:32.526-04:00

Mid-WinterLate AprilEarly May

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-12518048676297937932009-05-10T17:20:00.002-04:002009-05-10T17:39:11.943-04:00

Still no sign of the Hummingbirds or Cardinals around the house yet, although they've been seen in other parts of the island. I heard a Whip-Poor-Will in Manitowaning the other day and something today that might have been a Mockingbird but I didn't spot him. The male Goldfinches are all bright yellow again and the Rose Breasted Grosbeak showed up yesterday so the Baltimore Oriole can't be too

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-76796946125004296592009-05-06T16:28:00.007-04:002009-05-06T16:50:43.183-04:00

I've been puzzling the last couple days over how to tell you about one of my favorite Watkins products and then hot off the internet comes just what I was looking for, and worded much better than I could have done. Here is the text from a Summit Group bulletin about Rezist Plus. If you would like more information on this product or a list of ingredients just let me know.Sickness is in the air!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-33236312568475968802009-05-03T00:19:00.010-04:002009-05-04T09:23:09.409-04:00

Today it gives me great pleasure to welcome a new member to the family of web sites that I maintain. It is for the EaglzNest Bed & Breakfast located right here in Wikwemikong, the very heart of Rainbow Country. Check it out and please consider staying there on your next visit to our area. Lorraine, Mocha and Buttons would be happy to see you! Thanks!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-41595368996607474152009-04-29T09:02:00.007-04:002011-02-17T14:56:23.983-05:00

The "Free E-Associate Web Site" set-up promotion offered by Watkins expires April 30, 2009. Any new Independent Associates signing up by then will have the normal $64.95 fee waived, regular monthly fees will still apply but what you save with the no set-up fee will even cover your initial cost of becoming an Independent Associate.Why not buy your groceries from yourself at a a great discount?

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-44598473365997327462009-04-28T23:16:00.005-04:002009-04-29T07:38:43.979-04:00

Spring by the calendar with a hint of summer in the air, sometimes. No buds on the poplars yet but the signs of the seasons are out there in the form of the frogs peeping, doves and other birds ‘frolicking’, the ducks are checking out nesting sites, our loons and geese are back on the beach and I even saw one of our giant wood spiders yesterday. I moved a board and there was, a full adult 2+

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-8417538776789829492009-04-23T23:30:00.002-04:002009-04-29T09:21:02.946-04:00

I wasn't going to add any details to this but since you've asked...Speed Limit: 80kphMy Speed: 85kph+/-Location: Going UP the big hill just south of Sheguiandah.PS: This is NOT the bus in which I have personally witnessed the driver with an unlit cigarette in his mouth on more than one occasion. I asked one of the students about this one day... his comment? "Oh yeah, as soon as the last kid

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-42182872597117172812009-04-19T08:26:00.007-04:002009-04-19T08:46:12.208-04:00

Awoke this morning to a strange sound outside. It was sort of a combined hiss, roar, rumble, whisper and sigh... Hey! The ice is gone! It had been candled for a while and more and more cracks had appeared daily which moved back and forth depending on the breeze. Today there is a brisk wind blowing in off the water and all the ice that had been in front of our house is gone except for a few

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-41110273449359364442009-04-16T12:52:00.005-04:002009-04-16T15:14:15.141-04:00

... sorry, I meant my new business vehicle of course!

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-20245677323554759942009-04-10T19:50:00.010-04:002009-05-18T18:00:47.492-04:00

My Facebook Circle of Friends...

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-11537896889086890832009-04-07T22:07:00.003-04:002009-04-09T08:16:40.498-04:00

... to drive the speed limit, or a little better. My feeling of helping others in enhanced when someone has to pass me. Just think, that rush of excitement that hits their system as they press down on their gas peddle might be the only thrill they get all day. Why, they might have even been on the cusp of a heart attack and that little jolt of adrenelin could have made the difference. Hey, I

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-24326309733777459142009-04-07T21:50:00.009-04:002009-04-10T19:56:23.972-04:00

At least a part of me does. I'm talking about the involvement in Lions Clubs at District level. I just spent three days at the District A5 Convention in Sudbury and as the saying goes, a good time was had by all.it was a great experience for me personally as I got to talk and promote Watkins to several hundred people. It was also made plain to me by several that I hadn't been forgotten during

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-54284707114205972102009-04-02T12:26:00.009-04:002009-04-09T08:20:11.517-04:00

A little while ago I posted a note that the Pileated Woodpecker is back for the summer. Well, looking at all the chips I'd say he's been a busy fellow but I'm wondering... which way will the tree eventually fall? I guess luck dictates that it will be towards the house instead of away and it will be close!Oh, I found some great information about this type of woodpecker here. It's worthwhile

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-87464730191650003292009-03-30T14:49:00.007-04:002009-04-02T23:16:35.543-04:00

I passed a major hurdle in my life this morning. As I was searching for my Melvin Jones Fellowship pin to make sure I had it to wear to the Lions Convention this weekend I ran across my old Northern name tag. What to do, what to do… This little piece of plastic with my name on it represented a huge chunk of my personal history. The slogan “Customer Service Is Our First Priority” was (believe

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-1850482774191304932009-03-30T00:11:00.014-04:002009-03-30T01:14:27.424-04:00

It’s only the past few years then there has been much offered in the way of cash to winners of the major bonspiels, and unless you’re talking about the really big ones then it’s probably not enough to cover team expenses for attending the event.Curling teams have to pay all transportation costs, hotels, meals, entry fees, uniforms and everything else from their own pockets. They most likely will

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-2897676996851231022009-03-22T23:33:00.004-04:002009-03-30T01:15:01.907-04:00

There just seems to be something wrong with a skip who will gladly accept the glory but not the responsibility for making the deciding shots. Tonight’s game is an example but there have been others who have taken the same out.Business is business, if I’m in charge then I’m in charge and if the team falls short and we fail or lose money (or the game) then it’s my fault. If the team comes up

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-24423840692057762862009-03-12T23:51:00.026-04:002009-11-22T14:02:03.236-05:00

I've been negligent in posting lately but it's curling season don't you know!At one time Gloria and I were real fanatics and I suppose we still are in a lot of ways. We started going to the Brier at Sault Ste. Marie in 1990 and did 10 in a row, ending our run in Edmonton in 1999 and boy do we miss it. The Brier is the most fantastic 10 days of curling, camaraderie, excitement and partying that

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-71698409892003661322009-03-12T18:32:00.004-04:002009-03-30T01:16:37.001-04:00

My buddy is back, spotted him on the tree behind the house today. I think he’s going to be a little hungry before long as there aren’t too many bugs out there yet.

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-42372275830805569192009-02-21T19:33:00.024-05:002009-02-21T20:34:37.966-05:00

One of the blogs I follow is “The House and Other Arctic Musings” by Clare up in Arctic Bay. He recently posted an entry entitled “They’re not all worth a thousand words” and I agree with him completely.What he was saying is that there are some sights that just cannot be captured in a photograph. You know what I mean… every so often you spot something that just makes you stop in your tracks and

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-38679495372621089092009-02-17T00:55:00.044-05:002009-02-17T08:02:18.718-05:00

The long stories will have to wait. Here are the final five of the six…#2) Galliano: Ahh, the Harvey Wallbanger period. Not that we liked those things you know… just because we once ordered an entire case of this liqueur and the accompanying ingredients flown in doesn’t mean a darned thing!#3) Draft Beer Ball: This brings back memories of Salluit (or Sugluk as it was known then). For a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-24948932377275447732009-02-13T00:30:00.019-05:002009-02-13T01:20:54.259-05:00

Recently my buddies over at Just Below 63 have passed on a challenge that they received and are asking us to summarize our lives in 6 drinks. I’ve had to think long and hard on this one as living in what most of you would call the north for 35 years had its toll in the drink department. It seems that most of the country considers everything 30 minutes up from Toronto as “north” whereas I don’t

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-36541416344696720502009-02-10T02:19:00.004-05:002009-02-13T01:18:17.618-05:00

I don’t really know why this time, just too much rolling around my head I guess… freezing rain forecast, will I make the hill on the ice in the morning, summer visitors, go visit my father, work on family tree, get ready to do the taxes, make a fast trip to Espanola, figure out how to use webcam, work on Facebook addiction, do a backup, run spyware checker, optimize registry, defrag, finish the

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-31862764560822963262009-02-04T10:26:00.005-05:002009-02-04T18:38:19.586-05:00

They’re all the same. I don’t blame Mr. Ignatieff however, I blame our pro-dictator anti-citizen, anti-region political system. What’s the point in electing a local representative from your riding when that person is not allowed to help you? Why do we bother sending someone to Ottawa when they are not permitted to help the people who elected them because (good or bad) they have to follow the

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-68252551395380090792009-02-03T09:40:00.007-05:002009-12-15T07:59:21.664-05:00

We had a new visitor at the house yesterday. He stands about two feet tall and a good four feet or more wide when he’s in the air. I knew there were Great Grey Owls on the island but this is the first time I’ve ever seen one. When I first spotted him he was gliding past, completely silent and following a smaller bird into the thicker woods. I’m not sure if he caught him or not but about a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-13484049072985918822009-02-01T19:45:00.007-05:002009-02-01T19:57:41.405-05:00

So I'm sitting at the Sudbury Slots, my self imposed limit reached for another trip. Not much luck here the past couple visits but I'm still well ahead all together. I always mark down any loss to education and yes, I realize that there is no way to win long term but it kills some time, and can be entertaining in the short term.I enjoy it here, although it's much nicer when the horses are

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-265249777444484252009-01-29T19:20:00.006-05:002009-01-29T19:33:49.523-05:00

I just discovered that YouTube has music videos on it. Shows you how far behind I am. I don’t normally watch music videos but I’ve found some great stuff… Hey! They have TV shows as well! I sense a night of Iron Chef Japanese or Dead Like Me coming up soon! How about a weekend marathon of the classic Space 1999?I don’t understand competitive sports. How can anyone possibly take pleasure

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-63478876687467220822009-01-24T01:05:00.028-05:002009-01-24T09:37:04.878-05:00

Posted Speed Limit = 80My speed at the time = 90+/-Estimated speed of the school bus that passed me = 100+/-?(Between Espanola and Birch Island, know the road? Not a lot of places to pass in that area and no, it wasn’t at the passing lane. He was empty and maybe just late for his pickup but…) Posted Speed Limit = 70My speed at the time = 78+/-Speed of paddy wagon that passed me = 90+?(No

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-42890264506573119602009-01-21T16:32:00.004-05:002009-01-24T01:34:45.454-05:00

What a great day for a drive yesterday. Bright sun but far enough up in the sky that is wasn’t glaring in your eyes, lots of tracks and wildlife out there… just an all around good day. By the way, did I tell you we have a new visitor around the house? He’s got a regular trail that he follows through the woods and right up onto our deck. Fine with me as long as he gets any mice that are out in

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-9191443938946765902009-01-21T11:41:00.012-05:002009-01-21T15:10:20.002-05:00

You have a new leader… it happens every 4 or 8 years doesn’t it? Enough of the hype! Can we get to work now? I’m sure President Obama will do a great job but a lot of people have said the same thing about a lot of others also. I was once fortunate enough to hear General Norman Stormin’ Schwarzkopf speak at a convention in Montreal and one of his comments has always stuck with me. What he

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-39706473146315535052009-01-15T19:37:00.008-05:002009-01-16T00:27:02.387-05:00

So I’m starting to think that this retirement thing is over-rated and a conspiracy. There just seems to be no end of things to do or places to be and people to talk to… and you all know how much I enjoy socializing!What I’m feeling is that when I was working full time there was always a cut-off point for the day when I could theoretically walk away from the job and declare the few remaining

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-29942946086690664472009-01-15T10:11:00.005-05:002009-01-18T14:20:51.985-05:00

Did I ever tell you about how to keep your extremities warm when you’re out shoveling the driveway at -30 degrees? Pepper… yup, sprinkle pepper in the fingers of your gloves and a good amount down towards the toes of your boots. Sound funny to you? Try it… it works and you’ll be nice and warm and toasty until the job is done.Of course I highly recommend the Watkins brand of pepper because in

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-60912180142466630782008-12-29T00:03:00.008-05:002009-01-07T07:59:43.319-05:00

Just ran across this Telegraph newspaper article about men vs. women and "beer goggles"."Researchers found that women who drink even moderately develop a reduced ability to rate attractiveness in male faces, even when they are sober.Those who drank were less able to detect male facial symmetry, a marker of attractiveness and good genes which is thought to play an important role in the choice of a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-83765832344267088892008-12-28T09:17:00.003-05:002008-12-28T09:32:41.652-05:00

In a rut… and I didn’t even realize it. I guess all the snow over the past couple weeks got me down a bit, that plus the seasonal BS and a few other things. However things are looking up tonight all thanks to a little rain. Yesterday morning I was shoveling snow over a five foot bank beside the driveway and now I can actually see grass in a couple places. It started raining last night, has

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-78057179469863247222008-12-10T17:23:00.005-05:002008-12-28T09:31:15.686-05:00

Well over a month ago I lost my watch. I know it’s around the house here somewhere but… who cares? I haven’t needed it and I don’t miss it so I’m not going to bother replacing it. Sure I still have a few things that have to be done at certain times but my trusty Palm Pilot reminds me whenever I’m supposed to be somewhere or doing something important. I think it’s great that those events are

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-35688045008432685752008-12-10T13:45:00.008-05:002008-12-10T16:12:12.991-05:00

Back when the world was young the tradition was that the Christmas feast was controlled by my father and the evening before the big event my brother and I took turns helping him to make the dressing for the turkey. The old hand crank grinder was cleaned and clamped onto the work bench in the basement and out came the ingredients and several baking sheets to catch the mixture as is squeezed out

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-41090810961481991722008-12-01T20:58:00.005-05:002008-12-10T16:13:33.197-05:00

OK, I can’t stay quiet any longer. Would all the cry baby, spoiled brat idiots who sit in any form of opposition in Ottawa please grow up and shut up! I can’t believe that we actually elect these stupid, useless little babies who don’t give a shit about the country but only about having the biggest toys.“If I can’t be boss then I don’t want to play.” Grow a freakin’ brain people! Yes, it’s a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-28261094512445010422008-11-23T16:45:00.005-05:002008-11-23T17:20:28.899-05:00

Where in our lives does fear start to set in?I'm sitting on the deck today, puffing a pipe and having a glass of a great BC Shiraz and watching grandson Nicholas romping around the yard. Fearlessly he is jumping off the lower deck, frontward and backwards, galloping across the yard and launching himself as far out into the air as he can off the edge of the hill towards the driveway. To myself I

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-7569367784571325002008-11-20T20:45:00.010-05:002008-12-10T16:17:07.309-05:00

Yes folks, it's time to stock up on Watkins Cooking Spray. Why? Because in addition to it being the best darned cooking spray you'll ever try, it's also fantastic at making your winter months a little less frustrating. How?Use #1: Spray it on your TV Satellite Dish to prevent the snow from building up and blocking your signal. Don't you just hate having to run outside to bang the snow off your

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-7025298325543024502008-11-10T20:21:00.006-05:002008-12-10T16:16:11.282-05:00

They shall not grow old,as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;At the going down of the sun, and in the morningWe will remember them.(Poppy photo shown under a Creative Commons license)

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-81306679403435670222008-11-09T23:09:00.021-05:002008-12-10T16:19:21.770-05:00

Gloria and I recently spent a couple days in Toronto, she for workshops and I as a tourist. I walked many a mile around the city during our stay and found myself one afternoon at the main entrance to the Royal Ontario Museum. Thinking "when will I have this chance again" I went in.There are over 6 millions items in the museum collection and while I'm sure I didn't see all of them I'm certain a

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-76429959905742469682008-11-02T06:32:00.006-05:002008-12-10T16:18:58.538-05:00

Everyone needs a road trip now and then and yesterday was the perfect day for one. I got underway a little bit later than planned but still arrived in the general vicinity of where I wanted to be just about when I had calculated.There was no wildlife on the road with the exception of a confused rabbit that travelled with me for a couple hundred feet. He running straight up the center double

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-84292698907637604402008-10-27T10:48:00.009-04:002008-10-27T18:38:32.357-04:00

I just took a 'Burnout Test' located at one of my newly found favorite web sites called Mind Tools. Their introduction and explanation of burnout is... "Burnout occurs when passionate, committed people become deeply disillusioned with a job or career from which they have previously derived much of their identity and meaning. It comes as the things that inspire passion and enthusiasm are stripped

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-90053565386742182252008-10-27T00:14:00.012-04:002008-12-10T16:20:27.957-05:00

A recent conversation with someone and a TV showing of one of my favorite movies tonight reminds me that I haven’t posted my top ten list of favorite movies lately. Here they are in no particular order and please, feel free to comment or make suggestions. I’m sure your list is different, let’s hear it.CasablancaDeep ImpactMy First MisterDas BootScent of a WomanBeautiful MindSearching for Bobby

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-79864867880660978942008-10-24T20:29:00.008-04:002008-12-10T16:21:05.389-05:00

So is it just me slowing down in my old age or are people driving faster?Sure, in my young and foolish days nothing ever stayed in front of me and nothing passed me either. Nothing... ever. Not a transport and not even a Greyhound bus. I remember being overjoyed once because I'd kept a fancied up Camero behind me on the autoroute all the way from the Champlain Bridge to the Sherbrooke cut-off.

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-81790925800611801472008-10-18T23:49:00.006-04:002008-12-10T16:22:50.241-05:00

It seems to me that I still haven't quite given up and let go. A part of me is still back in the stores working away. I say this because my Palm Pilot (my magic memory machine) still pops up each and every Saturday with a weekly reminder of what reports are due this week. I can tell you that today I should have sent in the Variance Report for Week 38 and that the Payroll Reports should also have

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-40580107258353131742008-10-17T22:45:00.011-04:002008-10-18T06:19:00.901-04:00

I’ve been touring around the island for the last couple weeks just checking out the colors and seeing new places. I enjoy hitting new roads that I haven’t been on before and I know you think that Manitoulin isn’t that big but you’d be surprised how many little lanes and side roads there are. Still quite a few out there for me to explore but now that I have the time we’ll make it to every one

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-44227596954876110652008-10-05T11:28:00.010-04:002008-10-05T11:45:46.072-04:00

Another of my favorite places to visit on Manitoulin is Gordon’s Park. I had the opportunity a few days ago to get a guided tour from Rita and Terry and we had a great time heading up through a couple of the trails, getting all the way up to the old cabin and the Dark Sky Sanctuary. The fall colors are out in full force and I snapped lots of photos of our outing, some of which you see here.

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-48241805169587226352008-10-02T01:03:00.009-04:002008-12-10T16:23:31.613-05:00

It’s just occurred to me that what I’m looking today is the rest of my life…I am now retired… I have no further obligations in a working and contributing sort of way and feeling. I don’t HAVE to get up tomorrow, I don’t HAVE to be in the store by 8:00 to make sure we’re ready to open at 10:00 staff or not. I don’t HAVE to be ready for the truck/plane/ship/barge to be here at 10:15, I don’t

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8188886.post-12560503543409173732008-09-30T18:32:00.008-04:002008-10-06T08:26:50.855-04:00

I stopped by the Little Current docks for a few minutes today and this ship was tied up. She is the United States Geological Survey ship Sturgeon, out of Cheboygan, Michigan and at 101' long it was an impressive site to see. I'm not too sure what it's in town for but the USGS has lately been investigating the decline in fresh fish in the great lakes so something to do with this is a safe

Our Manitoulin!http://www.blogger.com/profile/07774948141463078385noreply@blogger.com0