Life Lately: Iona Beach

I had meant to post this days ago. But somehow summer gets in the way, or at least, trying to enjoy the last days of it. I'm not looking forward to summer leaving- I feel like I haven't even begun to enjoy it! On the few days that M and I were able to get out together, we made sure to make the most of every moment. Last weekend, we took a small trip to Iona Beach. It felt like a small getaway or escape. This summer has honestly been a test of patience for us. M is a teacher and because of the strike, we have no idea when he'll be going back to work. Also because of that, we've been forced to stay home...no vacations in the budget for us. It becomes taxing emotionally, especially in a city that doesn't take time to slow down. Fortunately, there are many little escapes nearby and Iona Beach is one of those. We spent the evening wandering the shores, collecting driftwood, and staring out into the vast, endless ocean. Somehow, whenever we go to the beach, I'm transported back to the prairies, where I can see for miles and my heart becomes content (even if just for a moment). I long for peaceful days of wandering and I love that I receive that when going to the ocean. Here's to more peaceful days for September! (If this strike ever ends).

Snapshots of Life

I try not to stay absent for too long from this blog, but sometimes I don't get as much creative work done as I would like to, so I don't end up having that much to post about. Other things end up taking priority and my Olympic fever doesn't help much... Here are a few snippets I've captured of life around here:

1. Growing lettuce from kitchen scraps. I've always wanted to try this to see if it actually works. I was skeptical at first, but then I noticed these tiny little leaves of new life popping up the other day. These are juxtaposed next to the failed wildflower experiment I was attempting...

2. Remembering the day M and I got engaged and thinking back on our whirlwind of a romance. Such lovely memories.

3. Crocheting up a storm. My love for crochet has been revived and I've been a madwoman making wooly cozy things!

4. Wearing my pride as I watch the Olympics on the telly. Yes, you got that right- mittens on my hands indoors. By myself. Ahem, as I said, Olympic fever... Alexandre Bilodeau steals the gold and steals my heart yet again.

5. Also enjoying the atmosphere of Sochi. Those opening ceremonies were beautiful! I can't help say that though as anything including ballet wins my heart. I put these out again a few days ago. This is my Russian support for my slightly Russian heritage! 

6. Delicious baking of triple berry muffins. Thank you mom for the ever so tasty recipe. Even the small things remind me of home sometimes. 

For The Beauty of the Earth

Hiking. Round 2. This time a bit longer, a bit higher, and a bit more incline. It was hard and I wheezed my way through (there were a few points when I thought I might stop breathing...) but we made it to the top and it was all worth it. These pictures will not do the view justice. But just imagine you are in a fantasy land of Narnia or something where the water is the richest colour you've ever seen and the snow is just frosting the tips of trees. Fabulous. 

 Oops. I suppose my reflections are over-exposed. But look at that emerald water!!

The lone canoe. Where did this come from? I kind of wanted to test it out, but alas, the water would have been frigid. 

 Do you not want to just slurp that water up in your mouth? Either that or dive in! Oh it was magical.

Lake O' the Woods

I forgot to post my pictures the other day of my time in Kenora. For one afternoon, we decided to spend our time in Kenora, Ontario shopping and exploring. What a lovely little place! It had that sea-town kind of feel with the muggy air and scent of water filling the space around you. It was cloudy, but the sky decided to clear up for this picture- no we did not stay here, I just liked the sign!

Ok. Does anyone watch the show Eat St. on Food Network? If you don't, you definitely should. It is one of my favourite food network shows. Basically, it highlights different food trucks around North America, showing what kind of goods they have, making your mouth drool a little and basically once you are done watching, you want to travel across the country just to find that one little truck that made your couch a puddle of saliva...ok maybe not quite that drastic, but it does make me want to try out food trucks. I've never seen this one on the show, and don't think it's ever been on, but it looks like one that would be, so once I saw it, I KNEW it had to be tried! Especially when I saw the line-up of people.

Was it all that it was made out to be by the "World Famous since 1957" sign? Yes. Yes. Yes. And more! Although my smile doesn't seem to indicate my excitement over this event, I was fully satisfied by the starchy goodness awaiting me. Sprinkled with a healthy amount of vinegar and salt, these fries were some good pickin's. If you ever find yourself in Kenora, stop by. My only complaint, if I have to have one, was that I think we got the end of the last batch so they were a tad soft, but still....what a delight.

Alright. I'm done. I hope I made your mouths water a little so I don't feel so embarrassed about my food obsession as of late...

The Jaw of the Moose

Yesterday, two girl friends and I decided to take a day trip to Moose Jaw! Ok it's not the most exotic place in the world, but it does have it's perks. First of all, the tunnels- I find them fascinating and Amanda had never seen them before, so we thought it was only necessary. Except for an unfortunately socially awkward tour guide for the one part of the tour, it was really interesting and fun! We also took the chance to get an old fashioned flapper picture taken at Past Times Antique Style Photography. Well, after all of this fun, we needed a place to grab a drink and happend upon Coffee Encounters where we enjoyed various drinks such as a coconut latte seen below! Yummy! Here are some pictures of our fun day (minus the fact that it started snowing...)

Our Home and Native Land

Never have I been more proud of this country that I live in! Or united with the people that are part of it! Go Canada!