Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You!!!!

We went up to Sundridge today to get a pic for the Christmas card I will send to all of our guests from 2012. This is the pic I chose. You can see the ice starting to form on the lake. The water looks really blue. Last week when I was here, it was gray. Interesting.

Please reserve your time for 2013 as soon as possible. Remember, we offer you a compact gem. The front room has the kitchen/dining area. The backroom has the bedroom/bathroom. Very suitable for a couple or a small family. Included in the rent of $125 a night is a gas barbeque, canoe, row boat, two adult bikes and two children's bikes, tv with vhs tape player, radio, shallow water for 450 feet, great fishing, boating, swimming, close to town and all it has to offer.

The Ontario Northland Railway has been canceled so there is only one or possibly two freight trains a day.

Remember - Book early!!!! Hope to see you again or for the first time in 2013!!!!

Just When You Think You Are Finished!!!!

Just when we thought we were all done with renovations, the roof leaked. We went up one day in the fall to spend a few days and there were the water marks on our new ceiling!!!! Not impressed. This was a job we had expected to do next year not this but.......It is done and looks great. Like cedar shakes.

4 or 5 Weeks Until the Cottage Closes!!!

The leaves are changing and falling from the trees. Gorgeous time to come north!!! The time is limited that is left to rent this gem for 2012. Good time to make a reservation for 2013!!! The cottage will open again in May of 2013 for visitors. There are still 4 or 5 weeks left this year. The Canada geese are gathering on the lake and doing manouvers. Two out front, then a big batch and then one at the back squwacking. They are so entertaining to watch.

Mid August 2012

 Child Labour!!!



We have been giving the outside a new look. Old look made new. Good to get some help even if it did paint like it was putting frosting on a cake.



Thought we were going to have bird wars but everyone got along. The baby ducks are just about the same size as the adults at this time of year. Please don't feed the little dears. They are coming up on the deck now and we have never fed them. Full of hope and inquisitive!!!

Just love to sit on the deck and look out over the lake. I wonder if it will ever become old hat but I doubt it as it always seems to be changing in some way. Love this gem!!!

The Train Runs Through Town.....

Here are our famous or is it infamous grandbabes waving at the train as it passes behind the cottage. This little passenger train goes north and then south every afternoon. That is until it is cancelled by Ontario Northland as it usually goes by minus occupants. There are also freight trains that use this line. The railway line runs right through town. At one time the local bank was right beside the track and the movement of the building constantly caused problems with opening safety deposit boxes!!!!! Can you imagine!!!!?????

Can you believe it is August already?

On Monday we headed up the highway for 30 minutes and checked into our cottage as it wasn't rented!!!! We stayed until Thursday morning. It really is a lovely location and a great place to spend some time!!! One night I sat on the deck and watched the clouds gathering and changing over the lake waiting for rain. We did get a little but not what the whole area needs. The total fire ban continues in the north!!!!

On Wednesday afternoons there is a Farmer's Market in Kidd's ( the hardware store and building centre ) parking lot. Great produce and great prices!!! There is a lot to do in the area if you need and like things to do. You could walk to the market or ride a bike. It is very close. The location of the cottage is a great one right at the south end of town.

A trip to the dump these days always results in a bear watching. Last time I was there, there were two cubs. This time just this big fella. The town garbage is collected on Wednesdays and the bear population seems to know it!!!!!

This week at The Barber's Cottage

We have just returned from 5 days at the cottage. We had a great time. On Monday, friends brought our red canoe up and we were able to take it out. I found it much easier to handle on my own!!!!

As well as the canoe, the row boat got it's oars this week. Here Ray is heading out into the lake for it's maiden voyage. Both of these mighty craft are at the cottage and are there for
your use and enjoyment. There is a safety kit in the closet which you must take out with you and two PFDs for adults. Please play safe.

We also took up our bikes. Mine is gorgeous. It is a very unique model. White wall tires, big and fat. Extra large seat. No gears. Peddle backwards to stop. She's a beauty. Ray's bike on the other hand is a work in progress. Both suffered from being on the back of our RV years ago when we hung out at the ocean. Ride at your own risk. Have fun and be safe!!! We rode into town and it was a great ride. The area is so flat. So condusive to bike riding.




I think I mentioned before that we put a water line out into the lake which is fine for the shower, toilet, sinks but for drinking water you have two choices. You can bring your own drinking water OR go into town and find the local watering hole. This constantly flowing tap is located on the west or left side of main street near the municipal office and the library. We drank it this week and we are fine!!! This whole area is inundated with artisian wells.