Shibumi In The Panama

Our friends Mike & Karen are having an adventure on a very large sailboat right now. They're part of the crew of five people taking it from Ecuador, up and through the Panama Canal to some islands off the N/E corner of South America.

We spent the morning watching the locks at Miraflores for their boat ( I hoped they'd wave at the camera!). Gryper and the Missus have been following their trip to, but weren't able to watch this parts, so here are a couple of pix from the on-line cameras.

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Just before they entered the lock, the camera got moved, so we didn't get a good one of them coming in. They're the sailboat nearest the camera.

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Now they're travelling up towards the exit end of the lock. The water level is quite low.

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Here the water has come up and the locks are opening.

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Now they're travelling out of the lock headed east from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.

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They have to be locked through again at Miraflores but there's no camera. Here they are (far right) just headed towards the next set.

Sharing

Gryper's actions a couple of weeks ago inspired this post. His actions made me think about how we share important things with those we care about.

Like in this picture, children sharing a special day. A birthday. Their friend feels really important and loved, and the guests learn very early the joy of sharing special times.

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Families sharing good times together, playing and having fun, makes everyone feel good, happy and loved. It's important to remember to share these silly games, even when we're adults.

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We raise a glass and share a "wee dram" to relax and enjoy each other's company after a busy day.

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We share work. In doing so we lighten each other's load in life. This make the job more fun and less tiresome.

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And finally we share a meal. I was so inspired watching Gryper share his meal with Muggins. He was so good, he didn't growl or start a fight, which surprised us all.

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Visits from the grandkids

Two weeks ago, Gryper & the Missus brought up Lex and Granddaughter I and Grandson III. It was great visit. The leaves were still in full colour and the sun was shining, so since we couldn't swim (Granddaughter I was furious), we went for a walk. This is a picture of the kids at the supper table. Granddaughter I giggled a lot, and they were both quite content to be at the table until everyone was finished.

This Saturday, Devon and Andrew brought up Grandson I and Grandson II till Sunday. During their visit, we played crokinole, laughed and ate a lot. The morning before they came up, I attempted to make Scottish tablet (which is like fudge only wayyyy better). It was an absolute success. We were all high on sugar. They brought Grandson II's new dirt bike and their Dad's dirt bike. They had a great time riding, but couldn't get too far on the trails because they were blocked, which made Granny very happy! Not knowing that in advance, I insisted that they take a little baggie with matches and some fire starter with them (you never know what might happen), which they thought was uproariously funny, but they were very co-operative. (I just bet I'll get trashed on facebook for it!)

Both weekends were so much fun, it was great having the whole bunch come up.

Autumn Scenes

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Here is another, more recent picture of the Village of Haliburton. This one was taken the week before Thanksgiving. A couple of days later, it rained. Between that and the strong wind, most of the leaves fell.

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Another view, but not a panorama.

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Thanksgiving weekend, is usually the date for taking the dock out. The lake is at its winter level, in the spring the rocky shoreline is all underwater.

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I was walking the dog yesterday and found these two leaves. I found this basswood leaf on the road and couldn't believe the size of it. Then I came across the oak leaf.

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Fall Colours

For some reason the pix won't go to a larger size if you click on them! Anyone know why??

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I was in town the Monday and the colours of the leaves were stunning. With rain predicted for several days this week, I was concerned that the best display would be over by the weekend, so I snapped some pictures. This is the first panorama that I've stitched together and am pleased with it. After looking at it, I realized there's still lots of green, so I'll check up there again next Monday.

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After I left the park, I was going past the elementary school and the kids ere just going back in from recess. I thought it was a beautiful playground for them to play in.

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