My Muskoka

Fishy stories in my world

2009-11-09T14:48:00.002-05:00

To answer the question from my previous post:
Yogi♪♪♪ thought it a fish

Mary said...: Good mystery...turtle?

Either a turtle or a muskrat.

Oscar (right) hasn't a clue.
and -in truth - I am not sure, either! But it was either a minnow or a tadpole. Both were up and about in the 16 C. temperatures of Sunday.
The tadpoles were dancing, heading towards the light. The dark, short days, and the blackness of the pond, make it difficult to photograph anything. I apologize to my more experienced lurker-photographers! I did many things: fixing the focal length, changing settings. It is just a hard shot to make!

I am learning to take my time. Since recovering from depression (at the death of both Mom and Dad, and months of caregiving, quitting work, etc.- for more...read my book: Living and Dying With Dignity!) I am learning to work with people again, to make decisions, to take my time, and to savour the sights, sounds and smells of Muskoka. My photography is my meditation.

I sat, perched on this rock (neighbour's home on the right, overlooking the lake) and watched the pond's fauna. Neighobur is trying to fill the marsh behind me with leaves, and I hope she will lose the battle. Her property line cuts through the pond, to my despair.

Back to the mystery.

For certain, the snapping turtles are still about, fish deep in the depths, but Patch's death left a hole in the pond, so to speak, which has not been filled. They do cruise the waters. The amphibians, for the most part, are snoring happily.

But the tough tadpoles still cruise around. They pop up for air in the stagnant pond, breaching the pond's surface.

The minnows dance towards the light.
Still, they remain in the dark, making them difficult to photograph.
They are so cute.
Basically, it was either a tadpole or minnow. I am not sure.

The leaves are falling, and floating then sinking into the pond. The tadpoles swim to the shallows, where the Sunday sun warmed them. Today (Monday afternoon), with a brisk wind and clouds, but warm air temperature of 16 C., the pond temperature is about 8˚ C., according to my aquarium thermometer. The lake is 9 ˚ C.
Soon it will settle into its winter temperature of 4˚ C.; that is what my reading tells me.

And well you might wonder, where do the fish come from?

The pond is isolated from the lake, but in heavy spring rains has been known to flood, crossing over the rock.

Minnows, anxious for the shallow shore, and the heat it affords, cross the divide. They have existed in this pond for many years, reproducing in good years and bad, I know not how!

We call the rock "The Whale's Back", where hubby walks his cat. It divides the pond from the lake. I am standing on the dock, which sticks out into the lake, to take their photo. This is where our wedding photos were taken, lo these 7 years ago!
That is my world.
´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((((º>

`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸ ><((((º>

´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.¸ ><((((((º>

Thank you for visiting My Muskoka!

/The Muse of Muskoka (to quote my cyberfriend Cloudia ), but more a-musing that muse-ful!

Your MyWorld Team:
Klaus Sandy Wren Fishing Guy Louise Sylvia

Is it a bird? or a plane?

2009-11-09T07:11:00.021-05:00

The sights and sounds of Muskoka are wonderful. Here are a few for you!

After a glorious fall day, I spotted some fauna still about. Not truly 'Indian Summer' since we haven't had a good frost yet, but a warm day that exceeded all temperature predictions. Many were out and about on the land and in the air.

Raking leaves, on the gravel driveway in my t-shirt, was a lovely treat. With the thermometer on the deck registering 16 C., it was bliss.

The melifluous song of a chain saw prevailed again; planes were about. (I counted 3, captured 2 - no guns, just the camera!)

Oliver and Sady were playing 'chase me', having a blast.

.

The bugs were about; lots of ladybugs today, plus spiders, and grasshoppers. Oliver managed to snag 2 or 3.
And he is still hungry!

The pond, with a skim of ice the other day, has warmed up.

The ducks were happily patrolling the shore line.

The light levels are very tricky, with the sun low in its penumbral solstice.

I must say that I realized it was a working meditation as I have learned to sit, wait and be patient to get the shot.

But to get to my mystery...

what do you think this is?

the theft and the clues

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

While people still ask me what I do with my (retirement) days, there is a certain ritual to the diurnal rhythm of our lives. Between our volunteer work and our daily rituals, life is good. My dream, to retire here in Muskoka, has been fulfilled, having inherited my parent's home.

On Thursday, the bird feeder had filled with rain, I spotted Rocky raccoon drinking from the dish, the bird seed long gone. By Friday, the water had frozen, like the frog pond, with ice foreshadowing what is to come.

Normally, I go outside, in the chill of the morning, and put out or fill up the 'bird' feeders. I use the term loosely, as the 'coons, squirrels, flying squirrels, mice all share the feeders at various times of day or night. The cats take up their posts, after they have been fed, knowing where to wait silently, sphynx-like, hoping to play. The squirrels use the deck railing as a Nascar track; looking for food and escaping the cats.

The lake calls me, since the lake, the land and the air are never the same on any day in a row. I often wander down, camera in hand, looking for beautiful images to carry me through the day.
This morning's feast for the eyes came in the form of the fog, God's hand massaging the land, as it comes to terms with the gradual cooking of the water and the land temperatures. Scientifically, it is called 'temperature inversion' as the water is giving off its moisture, but I prefer to think of it more poetically!

It is so calming.

Next, comes the feeding of the three cats. Sady, allergic to regular cat food, is on an expensive vet food, Oliver eats anything (e.g., frozen muffins) and Mitz, with her social-emotional-psychological issues eats whatever we can get into her.

This involves feeding the first two, kicking them outside, and putting out her favourite (cheaper!) food, which she eats with her paw, flipping it over the frige door, floor and placemats, designed to make clean-up easier. Needless to say, we have to wash the floor daily.

And so, they all line up in the kitchen. This is how, with the evidence outside, I know the cats were not responsible.

Next: inspection of the deck. I commented last night (I know I jinxed it!) that the 'coons seemed to lose interest in the metal garbage cans that house the squirrel's peanuts (slows them down, and leaves more food for the birds), and the sunflower seeds.

They chucked the rock (15 lb.?) off of the can, removed the lid, and knocked it over.

Sure, my fault. I was cocky. Obviously, someone had a feast, with peanut shells all around the can. They'd conveniently sat in the lid and reached into the peanut bag - still inside the can, and not totally empty!

At least, they left the Nyger seed for someone else! Those bags were untouched.

Closer inspection reveals the evidence. A few peanut shells, and a tuft of hair; with skins cells attached, and liquid on the deck.

There was a fight, indeed.

The cats were in all night, the cooler subzero (C.) temperatures dissuading nocturnal hunting.

I don't know. I prefer to focus on the lovely scenery afforded us our Muskoka vistas.

The night life doesn't thrill me!

Water safety

2009-11-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Truth be told, the water is rather chilly these days. Yet boaters continue to go out without safety gear.

I noticed these guy crossing the lake, sans life jackets.

Now, I would not swear to it, but it appears as if the guy is drinking a beer. But I could be wrong. I don't know what is on his barge, but they are large plastic containers and they appear heavy.

In 2007, on our small lake, a 60-year old man with mental health issues stayed alone in the water for a swim. His aunt (with issues of her own) had left him alone to make dinner. She did not think to report him missing. No one found him for three days. I pity the person that found him.

On May 23, 2008, a 90 year old man went to sort out his dock in the high, cold, spring water. The police report says the empty canoe was found 2 km away, his body 100 m from the canoe. His wife of 65 years in marriage, alone and, no doubt, bereft.

Here is Jess on our October Thanksgiving (2007). It was a brisk swim.

This morning there was ice on the shallow frog pond. The minnows are still out and about in the pond, most of the water creatures are sleeping, dreaming of spring.

If you look closely, you can see the minnow's circular ripples in the water after it broke the surface.

The video (below) demonstrates the danger involved in such a risky event. Shout Out to Powell River Books for the pertinent post, and the YouTube link.

Be careful out there.

When you hear a siren

2009-11-08T06:55:00.000-05:00

It is wise to review the 'right way' and the 'wrong way' when travelling in Muskoka.

Ontario law requires that drivers pull over when they hear the siren, or see the emergency responder. This is a phenomenal video that illustrates the danger in NOT moving over. Nearly 25 minutes long, it covers the law about pulling over, and how to do so safely. It is a must for all drivers to view as a refresher.

Pay attention to the road and the drivers around you. You might not be the most important vehicle on the road!

This video, A23-2 Parting the seas of traffic, shows the difficulty in getting though the traffic.

Chop, chop, chop.... timber!

2009-11-07T07:14:00.008-05:00

This is the game taught to our granddaughter at her swim lessons. The kid or parent, standing up, says... chop - chop - and upon: TIMBER! falls into the lake. We had a grand time frolicking this summer. But many were busy at work this past week.

Our neighbour had some trees taken down. I was doubtful that my videocam was working and did not prevail to capture the events. (Boot to the head, methinks!) If a tree falls in the forest...

The sound of the chain saw covered up the sound of gunfire across the lake. There is that. Hunting season... Although, I heard one series of 8 shots. (I think s/he should turn in his gun! Something about broad side of a barn door?)

The young men doing their work were fascinating. I asked if his mother knew what he did and printed him off a few photos.

I know my brother never told me, or my mom, what he actually did for a living. He is a gold miner at Musselwhite mine*, with EMS qualificiations and experience, but he is also a dynamite specialist. (Who knew?!)

Our forest is reaching maturity, and the tamarack and pines, with shallow roots, fall over easily in the tornado-like winds. Last year was a perfect example. The Precambrian Shield rock was scoured by ancient glaciers, and soil is shallow.

The conifers stop producing needles once the tree leaves do not get any sun. They grow closely together, and one a tree is down, the integrity of the forest is compromised. I hope the tree trunks will be homes for somebody.

You can drive by places, now that the leaves have fallen, where hurricane-force winds have exposed giant roots, and trees have been tilted to provide shelter for wild animals.

The ancient forests in Ontario's past are now gone in all but a few places. This Ancient Forest Exploration Guide contains much information:

"Old-growth white and red pine forests are endangered less than one percent of the province's original old-growth forest remains. Ontario's old-growth white pine forest, in turn, represents more than 95 percent of what remains of this ancient forest type in Canada and 60 percent of what remains in the world. In fact, Temagami's old-growth pine stands alone represent approximately 10 percent of what remains in the world. This makes Ontario the last hope for saving this once common ecosystem, yet less than once third of Ontario's precious few remaining old growth white and red pine stands are legally protected."

Our tree, with delightful markings of the pileated woodpecker, or the flicker, had a falling out last December in high winds. (Photo left) The holes were too deep and the tree trunk weakened by the drilling of red-capped birds. We found termites and ants within the top of it, once the tree was cut up. It is a natural cycle of life.

I was listening to our gardening guru on CBC Ontario Today, Ed Lawrence (a horticultural specialist), who told us that such trees are healthier than we think. In fact, the pileated woodpeckers open the tree up and the bugs are more available to trolling birds and 'coons.

Muskoka Lakes has been in a big battle with large property owners over, at least, the past year, if not longer. I have heard, via blog comments, that many neighbours of large tracts of land fear land development unchecked. Muskoka means trees and distance from neighbours!

There is a tree cutting policy that has failed to be passed, designed to protect the integrity of the forest, as well as ensuring that our forest will last beyond our lifetimes. Jake Good wrote a fine article on this topic:

"Aggressive logging companies and absentee landowners may be one of the main reasons the District of Muskoka is adopting a new tree-cutting bylaw."

Last year, in a landowners protest (the right to bear arms, transferred to the right to wield an axe?), landowners shut down the snowmobile trails. This slowed the traffic on trails, and thereby limiting tourist dollars on which business owners depend.

In the past, Muskoka was founded on the massive pines that were ripped from the land in order to build and furnish homes, and fine ships. In research I did on The History of Nepean (see Side 41; now part of Ottawa), authors spoke of 400-year-old pines sacrificed to development and dollars in the late 1870s. Logs were sent down river, and many a Muskokan family depended upon this trade. At the peak of the White Pine harvest they were taking 400,000 trees per year.

Trees take 60 - 100 years to become harvestable. Research and Development (R & ), continues to be of concern. In 1978 in Canada only 0.6% of forestry sales were spent on research and development, compared to 1.5% of sales in the United States.

Further, Douglas Martin (found at: cael.ca) in Canada's Wasted Woodlands wrote:

"The federal government has not provided much leadership, and even cut the Canadian Forestry Service staff and research funds in half during the 1970s. The provincial governments, which control 90% of Canada's forests, have either ignored the issue of reforestation, or failed to come up with sensible plans for the forest industry.

...our country is the largest exporter of manufactured forest products; 90% of our newsprint, 70% of our lumber, and 60% of our chemical pulp are exported; in all, nearly 30% of the manufactured forest products that enter the world market come from Canada. This export of wood products contributes a net gain of $12 billion to the Canadian economy, more than the combined exports of farm products, fish, metal and coal."

Canada's forest companies cut about 8,000 km² a year, and plant or reseed about a quarter of that area. About 2,000 to 3,000 km² of the rest will restock reasonably well on its own.

Sir John A. Macdonald (1815 - 1891) in 1871, in amazing foresight, wrote to the premier of Ontario:

"The sight of the immense masses of timber passing my window every morning constantly suggests to my mind the absolute necessity there is for looking into the future of this great trade. We are recklessly destroying the timber of Canada and there is scarcely a possibility of replacing it." (the SierraClub.ca; PDF)

Fire, insects, and disease: natural causes, claim fair share of the forest. But humankind needs to get it together. Tree hugger (claims Sady) is an honourable term!
~~~~~~~~

Musselwhite Mine is a fly-in fly-out, 4,000 tonne per day underground gold producer.

Musselwhite Mine is a leader in First Nations relationships through an innovative agreement with the local communities.

Landowners to keep trails open for now

October 7, 2009 - by Karen Longwell

District councillors voted to move ahead with the forest health program Monday night but it appears, for now, landowners won’t close area snowmobile

More snow trail closures contemplated

September 30, 2009 - by Karen Longwell

Muskoka snowmobilers could face trail closures again this winter if the Muskoka Landowners Association and the District Municipality of Muskoka fail.

NOTES FROM THE MUSKOKA WATERSHED COUNCIL — Trees are an integral part of Muskoka

March 19, 2009 - by Rebecca Willison

Trees have been at the forefront of many people’s minds the past several months, and for good reason. Trees are the oldest and

Muskoka Landowners Association demands new Tree Cutting By-Law ...

26 Jan 2009 ... The Muskoka Landowners Association, who represent a large group of landowners, is asking the District of Muskoka for their cooperation

Muskokan.com - Tree-cutting bylaw is bigger than Muskoka

28 Jan 2009 ...Good, Jake, As one county adopts a tree-cutting bylaw, the logging company's ... of the Great Lakes forest area, which Muskoka is a part of, home

Tree-cutting controversy grabs Muskoka - Parry Sound

18 Feb 2009 ... Muskoka Lakes mayor Susan Pryke said the persuasive strategies of landowners have ... The most recent version of the tree-cutting bylaw

Skies throw us some treats

2009-11-06T06:26:00.000-05:00

An amazing day (Thursday!) for skywatchers. We had it all: rain, snow, sleet and hail.

But the amazing thing to see (and try to photograph) was the clouds, then sun, the gold-tinged hail in the distance, with the beautiful blue in between.

Finally, in the water I spotted the Loch Muskoka monsters! The skies colours reflected in the gloomy lake.

Hail, hail, the gang's all here! Shadows lengthen in setting sun.

G8 in Huntsville - The Summit

2009-11-05T18:19:00.003-05:00

For more G8 info, read my posts about the impact to 'locals', or visit the official web sites:
G8 Integrated Security Unit(gc)
Huntsville - town resident's website.

A friend with a cottage in Muskoka asked me about the G8. Oh, it is true! There will be two controlled sections.

An inner one, in the heart of town (RCMP), with an outer ring, controlled by OPP.

I have written previously about the many security measure that will be taken. Exercises continue at least monthly, as OPP amd RCMP work through the scenarios.

You will only be able to get in through checkpoints only if you have a reason for being there.
Many folks intend on leaving town. Some business owners will be boarding up for the duration.

Travelling across town will be slow and laborious. Folks with family in, for example, retirement homes or Long-Term care, will be hooped. Those without official business in town will not be permitted inside the inner perimeter.

There will be an estimated 5,000-member international media. Cottagers will not be permitted in boats. Some of the G8 official participants: politicians and their subordinates, are staying in nearby cottages, and will require boats.
The only way to protect them is to limit land, sea and air traffic. You can expect planes, jets, and helicopters, too. It will not be a quiet few weeks!

Accredited agencies - serving clients (Hospice, PSWs) will have to be officially accredited (max 10 per agency) and you can expect line-ups at check points. There will be delays. And fuming locals, seasonal visitors, and tourists. Thankfully it will be in June, but this is a time when cottagers do repairs and prepare for summer guests.

Click on the image below for the government's G8 site.

Watch the movie, The Summit, to get a good idea of what it could be like. Filmed in 2007 up here in Muskoka, you will see familiar scenery, as well as Deerhurst Inn.

Driving in Winter in Muskoka

2009-11-04T16:46:00.006-05:00

Winter driving can be dangerous on Muskoka roads. A snow squall resulted in two deaths this past week, as one citizen crossed the road to assist another driver.The highway was shut down for many hours.
Update: Today (Thursday), snow falls in big clumps.

Long, winding highways, with narrow roads that over look lakes, put people at risk. We lost 3 young men in 2007, when drunk driving sent them into the lake where they drowned. Over the rail, they were helpless to get out of the water from the submerged car.

If you go into the water: remove your seatbelt, use electronics they''ll last a minute) to lower windows, grab children and get out. This means when you get into a vehicle know where the door handles and the window mechanisms are located. It could mean your life.

Transport Canada offers some guidelines. Click on the brochure image to download the PDF file, or check out the HTML web page.
Here are the top ten tips.

Prevent problems before they occur: Top 10 tips

Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall.
Install four matching winter tires.
Pack an emergency kit.
Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions.
Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
SLOW DOWN and WEAR your seatbelt.

Many myths prevail around pumping brakes (not with ABS systems), but your best bet is snow tires, getting an emergency kit and checking your lights, brakes and battery.

Here is a photo from Nov. 11th, 2008!
Today: rain showers and wet flurries dominate driving conditions. be prepared.

Lost in the Backwoods

2009-11-04T05:44:00.006-05:00

No, I haven't been lost myself! I stay out of the woods during hunting season, especially. But I have been reading about the past. Pioneer days, in fact. So often the forefathers made the headlines. They were the history makers. Or the war heroes who left their families behind.

The mothers were back in the woods feeding the family, chopping the firewood.

And Catherine Parr Traill and her sister wrote about it.

Catharine wrote this novel about Rice Lake. A wonderful spot. We had a grand time visiting nearby Port Hope! I now have a sense of the society of the time as it changed from backwoods, to towns and villages, then to heavily populated cities.

Their writing lives bore much fruit - evolving from letters home in England to 'How to survive in the woods', to novels which are stories of the times. These two sisters began writing children's books in England. As they emigrated both to Canada, and into adulthood they evolved into mature, well read, much published women. In their fight for survival in this rough land they show the fabric from which our foremothers were made. (Photos from Wikipedia)

Susanna Moodie (left, b. 1803 - d. 1804; Roughing it in the Bush - on digital libary) and Catherine Parr Traill (1802 - 1899) were Sisters in the Wilderness*. Yet they lived far apart, poorly connected by trails. This is a familiar theme in Bala, Muskoka, in which the original Gibson Indians developed their land grants into the strong, well-crafted society that the Wahta Nation has become.

Published writers, the sisters moved from their genteel life in England, and their horror stricken families (women in their society did not write in those days!) to the impoverished, fragile life in the woods of Upper Canada in 1832, near what is now Peterborough, Ontario, where their brother, Samuel, was a surveyor.

Much of Canada was settled by the green pioneers who were anxious for government land, which wrenched by treaty from Native Peoples, and granted to soldiers and pioneers. I do not want to give too much of a history lesson, since the book presents a fabulous herstory, and the former is not my favourite genre! This historical fiction is an illuminating novel, obviously 'Lost in the Backwoods', in the time of colonization by folks unused to pioneer life.

The key for many writers is finding something about which to write. Imagine moving from high society in England, with all its pomp and circumstance, to living in a cabin, in poverty and the depression of 1836, relying on perseverance and survival tricks learned from Native Peoples. THIS story is another unwritten one.

While this novel writes of 'savages' in the wilderness, these ladies surely understood that their life depended upon skills and knowledge gleaned from Six Nations wisdom shared with the settlers. The novel is filled with information from such sources. Despite the belittling terminology, the novel is filled with the obvious wisdom and admiration of the People's knowledge and skills. I am amazed by the misunderstood society aboriginal people had developed in a civilization that respected natural and human-made laws, society, nature, and women.

This is not a far-fetched plot, either, lost in the woods. In rereading stories I wrote down from my grandmother's mother, she told us that her mother would get lost in the forest when she was a child. I was told about the local Natives who would bring my great-grandmother back to their cabin in the woods, and happy parents, I am sure!

This novel is also filled with Christian references, biblical quotes one can imagine Ms. Traill's family using in their close family. It includes language now out of current lexicon: 'chide'!

"And would not suffer her to be chidden."

Catharine's writing appears to reflect much of her personal life:

"Let not the youthful and more learned reader smile at the ignorance of the Canadian girl; she knew nothing of maps, and globes, and hemispheres, -her only book of study had been the Holy Scriptures, her only teacher a poor Highland soldier." (p. 70)

This novel also includes many explanations of backwoods life in which tools and equipment were fashioned, as she had been taught by her Native friends. To add to this, she includes the odd [Footnote] in which the common and Latin names of the flora that surrounded causes me to giggle. Her descriptions of the wildlife surpass any I have read, as she developed a necessary love and respect for the land and its creatures. A balance of the cycle of life she learned from pioneer living, the absolute fabric of our First Nations spirituality, is a respectful thread quilting together the fabric of life of the 'Indians' and the settlers. The run-on sentences are a bit disconcerting, but, much like the portrayal of the period of the time, you begin to formulate an internal image of these women who bravely learned new skills, and left their old lives, china, servants and conveniences, for a new adventure.

Her writing style, in this reprinted book from Dodo Press, is fascinating. Think of Pride and Prejudice sewn into the forest, with the addition of grouse, partridge, sparrow and hawk.

"And often she paused to watch the angry movements of the red squirrel, as, with feathery tail erect, and sharp scolding note, he crossed their woodland path, and swiftly darting up the rugged bark of some neighbouring pine or hemlock, bade the intruders on his quiet haunts defiance; yet so bold in his indignation, he scarcely condescended to ascend beyond their reach. The long-continued, hollow tapping of the large red-headed woodpecker, or the singular subterranean sound caused by the drumming of the partridge striking his wings upon his breast to woo his gentle mate, and the soft whispering note of the little tree-creeper, as it flitted from one hemlock to another, collecting its food between the fissures of the bark, were among the few sounds that broke the noontide stillness of the woods; but to such sights and sound the lively Catharine and he cousin were not indifferent." (p. 8)

An entertaining read for me, as I attempt to envision Muskoka as it was before the settlers, townies and tourists!

References

Lost in the Backwoods by Dodo Press. Originall called Cab

Sisters in the Wilderness

At the beginning of Sisters in the Wilderness, Charlotte Gray discusses the way Catharine and Susanna have been portrayed — in both fiction and non-fiction.

Canadian Crusoes: A Tale of the Rice Lake Plains, the original title of Lost in the Backwoods, describs her new life in letters and journals, and collected these into The Backwoods of Canada (1836), which continues to be read as an important source of information about early Canada. She describes everyday life in the community, the relationship between Canadians, Americans, and natives, the climate, and local flora and fauna. She also collected information concerning the skills necessary for a new settler, published in The Female Emigrant's Guide (1854), later retitled The Canadian Settler's Guide. (--Wikipedia)

Sisters in the Wilderness DVD - CBC Shop Online

Canadian Experience - Sisters in the Wilderness DVD. Charlotee Gray's book, brought to life!

A fabulous DVD, I showed a portion to my uOttawa student teachers while teaching Social Studies, as well as my Junior students. All enjoyed it!

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is a romance novel by Jane Austen. First published on 28 January 1813, it was her second published novel.

Click the icon for more
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy

H1N1 - Muskoka

2009-11-03T18:49:00.001-05:00

Absentee rates climbing in area schools

Almost every school in the Trillium Lakelands District School Board recorded at least 10 per cent of students absent on Monday, with some area schools seeing as many as 25 per cent of their populations away.~~~~~~~
News release from Muskoka Health Unit

Contact your health care provider to make an appointment to be immunized. The first of a series of public clinics for the H1N1 flu vaccine will commence on Nov. 3

Click here for the flu clinic schedule.

2009-11-03T18:06:00.020-05:00

Blog buddy, Griz, nodded his head, and his shutter, to the Hunter's Moon of last night. I was busy herding cats. They sit, fascinated with the nocturnal flying squirrels (left). I leave the spotlight on, hoping it deters both predator and prey. (AS IF!)

I would love to get them in before nightfall. I really do not want to be hearing a 'meow' at 2 a.m. when my felines tire of the sport!

In the meantime, with the season brings Lake Effect Snow, see last year's Numb in November post. Be careful out there. Be prepared. Tonight promises to be cold, with subzero temperatures. We had major snow on Nov. 18th last year! Today, the highway was closed after a death and snow squalls.

My early morning reflected the sunrise, with the black clouds headed southeast. No doubt, these are the clouds that lay down the weather for Honey harbour.

Snowsqualls lead to fatal crash north of Barrie

A chain reaction crash on Highway 400 stemming from a snow squall is a stark reminder that winter driving conditions are almost here, says an OPP officer.

Alas, the dark pond is quiet, yet the odd ripple lets me know the minnows still stir. Frogs are frozen in the mud, dreaming of summer's feast.

Dew drips off of the preparatory buds, we know spring will come!
Plan ahead, be prepared.

But we know that clouds, like these harbingers of November precipitation, will dominate our future!

Guess who isn't dinner!

2009-11-03T08:21:00.004-05:00

Yes, on a trip to Bracebridge, I spotted a group of turkeys. I was there three times this week. Once for a workshop on Elder Abuse and Power of Attorney.

As I rounded a turn in the road, as promised, this is what I spotted! I stopped the car, and turned around to park and to take a photo. They were uncomfortable and slowly moved away.

Then I went into town. I visited my friend in The Pines (a long-term care facility) and made a donation. What a shame that we pay ball players millions of dollars (Yes, we've been following the ALC!), and a large facility like this has to collect pennies.

Next on my trip was a walk past some interesting buildings in Bracebridge.

I love old buildings. Now, I know that my readers live in cities much older than this. The history of Muskoka towns dates back to the late 1800s. Of course, Aboriginal Peoples have lived here for thousands of years. I cannot imagine a time before this.

That said, 'progress' brings the colonization of a country. The buildings reflect our history.

This is 'The Armoury', actually a medical laboratory now!

Then, walking along the road towards the train station, I spotted The Albion Hotel. Closed up, no longer used, and looking pretty old and ruined. I wonder what will happen with this old building...It has a strong skeleton, but there are some issues. It reminds me of the old, refurbished buildings in Port Hope.

Acronym soup

2009-11-02T11:05:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought I had them all figured out. Another acronym, not to mention ones from the medical field. With a background in education I had them all figured out. Learning language is a transferable skill! Then, when I did the research for my book, having provided palliative care for my parents, I learned the acronyms that related to seniors and aging, and from that aspect of medical care.

On Friday, Oct., 2nd, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) found that ponds in Wahta Mohawk Territory have mosquitoes with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

Rare virus found in Wahta

October 7, 2009 - by Matt Driscoll

A rare and potentially lethal virus has been found in mosquitoes in the Wahta area.

I am grateful we are approaching November frosts. And speaking of gratitude - I was listening to one of my favourite radio hosts, Rita Celli, on CBC. She was bemoaning November and posed the question:

"How do you get through November?"

Usually a so positive person, she featured a clip from another journalist, bemoaning her impending colonoscopy. Now, really, that is too much information for me. If I wanted to hear about such I would read a blog somewhere, like my friend, 24 years old, with stomach cancer.

But I did phone in. This is what I said...

I get through November by thinking of the 5,000 dead of H1N1. I refuse to listen to those born with a silver spoon in their mouth. I refuse to think of insignificant issues like some cooler weather, and dark days. I look in gratitude for our health care system, its protocols to ensure fairness. I think of mad line-ups at refugee camps and government corruption and realize that I am living in a wonderful country, on a wonderful continent.

I look around me at the burnt umber of the oak leaves, one of the last to keep their foliage. I see the pumpkin orange of the Chinese Lanterns in the garden. I look around me and seek solace in nature and beauty. I seek comfort in having me health. Yesterday, I took a bag of drugs, (yes, a bag) to our Meals on Wheels client. He was unshaven, incoherent and untidy. He makes my health issues look small and insignificant. I look around and hear, really listen to the deep chimes blowing in the winds of November gales. I listen to the chickadees chirp at the bird feeder. I try not to listen to the guns of the hunters in the distance, and hope they are well back in the forest.

I have learned, after 52 years on this earth, to appreciate my world and its changes. For who knows what lies ahead. Well, in Canada snow is rather inevitable, but I will appreciate that, too. Last year's mums still smile in the garden!

May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift.

--Bob Dylan

The leaves have fallen

2009-11-01T09:07:00.000-05:00

The leaves have nearly fallen. The winds blow with November gusts. It is cold and brisk. Most cottagers have put away their boats, drained their plumbing, emptied the refrigerator, turned off the power and locked up for the season. Yesterday's winds blasted my raft and broke it. I ventured out in the canoe today to give it a rescue. I think it is 20 years old and needs to be put to bed!

We've had much fun on it over the years. Josephine & did some bouncing and dancing on it in April, but the end board has torn off of it and the boards are rotting.

The animals continue to seek food, building up those layers of fat when snow blankets the earth. Their winter coats render them puff balls of ‘cute’, but then can get into many nooks and crannies in your cottage. The birds flit about, seeking nuts and berries. The squirrels feed madly under bird feeders, for those who remain in Muskoka, enjoy feeding our furry friends.

The red squirrel sits in a position of control: with it’s mad barks, or its other call, a 'seet' it is attempting to keep the larger squirrels away. November rain and wind do not deter them from their endless task. Raccoons dig in the ground searching for grubs that will soon freeze. Raccoons, with their opposable thumbs, are merciless and can open up many locks.

The leaves blanket the ground; only a few trees still have their foliage. The ground, in that endless recycling of soil and matter, rejuvenates even as all decays. A new layer of soil will prepare the land for new beginnings.

Eventually, snow will wrap the land in its winter coat, and visitors will return to play outdoors in cottage country. The changing of the seasons brings new fun to those who brave its winter pleasures!

Hallowe'en turkeys

2009-10-31T09:46:00.003-04:00

Yes, no turkey dinner for us! I can only capture them on film. The best kind of Camera Critters!
My clever peeps knew they were turkeys. I cannot fool you!

I have written of our turkeys before, and Tales From Twisty Lane has some great vulture shots for Hallowe'en. I had to link to those!

I spotted a hunter, with his orange vest, going across the lake into the wilds to hunt. Just before dark I heard a couple of shots. I used to like to walk over there. I do not anymore!

In the meantime, Hallowe'en is good to go in Muskoka. Now, we never have kids any more, we are too remote. And I put enough time in at home, with 3 kids, and as a school teacher: Hallowe'en, even in a school with a 70% Muslim population we 'did' this pagan feast to some extent. But I did put my time in.
We are content with drive-by shootings!

! It's a whole different kettle of witches here.

In small towns, and remote locations, people have a grand time. I remember living in rural Ontario, south of Ottawa, we'd drive into the suburbs to let the kids find more loot. Oh my!

Then there are the good old days, when I made costumes!

Queens and lions.

I loved this clown outfit: you could layer warm clothes underneath, too! One size fit all.

And, as they grew, their costumes were more fun and make-up more elaborate.

And when we moved to the country, we grew our own pumpkins!

Guess who came when I called the cat?

2009-10-30T19:15:00.001-04:00

Yes, Rocky AND Sady.

I love those little toes, except when they get into trouble. Every night...

Well, to brighten a dreary Muskoka day, hubby brought home flowers. Little did he remember that these were the ones I put into my wedding bouquet seven years ago! What a generous man! And thoughtful!!!

Then, on a drive home from a course I took, I spotted these sitting in the field. Can you tell or guess what they are?!

migration & Watery Wednesday

2009-10-27T18:34:00.001-04:00

But something new, when blogging in Spring I noticed how grateful I was for a heads-up that the critters were migrating and on their way north. Now, seeing that they head south, I have to say farewell for now.

It is comforting to know that they are going to be tracked and will return at some point.

It is a watery world around here. The water levels are rising. The critters in their feeding frenzy. The rain came down on the weekend.

I thought this photo one of foreshadowing!!!

Cell phone ban & travelling in Muskoka

2009-10-27T06:35:00.032-04:00

I must admit that I never really turn my cell phone on! There are a few people I know who never give the number out, except in extreme cases. Our new law bans the use of any handheld portable devices like a DVD or phone. The fine is up to $500, but will not be enforced, at the Minister's demand, until Feb. 1, 2010 (?!).

Research shows people are 4 times more likely to be in a crash, than those who concentrate on the road and their driving (Canada Safe). Of course, those who are not giving their full attention to their driving put us all at risk.

I am very happy with the new laws that make it illegal in Ontario to use such technology in a car, while driving. Now, I am sure I'll get some negative comments on this, as I did with the recent revision to the Ontario Drinking & Driving Laws.

Muskoka roads are fast: most are highways have a posted speed limit of 80 km/hour. But few follow this. There are those who drive 20 km below the limit (also dangerous, and these people should be reported), but this is a different story as frustrated drivers try to pass in unsafe conditions. Driving safley in Muskoka includes watching out for moose and deer, as well as small animals.

This man, above right, was sitting in heavy traffic in a small town, trying to make a left-hand turn while talking on his cell phone. Obviously, a contractor (his licence plate read: I FIXUM) and I know that people in this line of work spend a lot of time on the road. This is a problem in Muskoka, where many rely on contractors, who are incredibly busy. StatCan (StatCan, 2006) tells us that 80 % of these people not only drive to work, but we have a fair number of people who are in trades, and sales & service (80 %; StatCan, 2006), and many of these people drive about servicing customers, and doing work at customer's homes. Traffic can be dense on our two-lane highways, especially in the early morning and around 4 p.m., and this is when wildlife is active. The Sounds of Silence, the myth of rural Ontario.

Our roads are fairly flat, but they wind through the granite rock of Muskoka's Precambrian Shield, and provide unsafe driving conditions in, for example, the frozen rain and sleet of November weather. Then, when the snow hits, people get even crazier!

Who bans cell phone use?
According to Canada Safe, banned locales include: Newfoundland, Quebec, Nova Scotia and, now, Ontario.

Other countries in which a ban is in force for the entire nation:

Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil,Botswana, Chile, China, Czech Reblic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovak Republik, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK. I include these, because, as with the US, the ban is limited to particular provinces and states, but it is not a nation-wide ban.

Drinking & Driving laws in Ontario

While some may think this post better belongs in My Reflections & Musings blog, I believe that the party attitude of cottage country needs an alignment. I have blogged a few times here about the tragic accidents that continue to occur, many due to drinking and driving and speed

Emily attacked by mafia raccoons

2009-10-26T06:22:00.000-04:00

It is true. My beloved Emily. Brian and I bought her for my parents in 2001. We were shopping in a marvellous downtown Ottawa Kitchen store, of all things. She sat perfectly happy by mom's fish pond. The pond is no longer there, since the pond pump leaked, I couldn't remove the oil from the pond, the fish were getting sick, and I felt that the electricity we used to run the pump didn't make sense when we lived beside a lake, and had a perfectly natural frog pond, as well.

Mom loved her flower pots. Local nurseries sell a ton of hanging baskets. Mom always had thousands of impatience. I am not patient enough for them, and they do not seem to thrive for me!

The thing about Muskoka waterfront, for me, is finding pieces of art that look beautiful. We have bought several pieces form local artisans.

Emily was the anomaly.

I made a huge mistake and put Emily down by the lake, away from the security of the garden.

She sat and enjoyed the violets in the spring. The daffodils were her sunshine on the rainy days.

Here she is down at the water.

When I arrived home from volunteering at CranFest, here is Emily, flat on her face.

I found that the raccoons had broken both of her legs.

I feel so badly. I have tried to glue them on, but there is much damage.

Where is the Sady when I need her? Sleeping on 'her' bear! (It is supposed to be mine!- It was a gift!)

Meantime, the squirrels dance across the deck railing. Two grey ones today.

The leaves are a carpet on the ground.

All is 'normal' for fall in Muskoka!

rainy days

2009-10-25T07:35:00.096-04:00

How beautiful the season, still.

In a drive to Bracebridge- we took the back roads home. We let people pass us, those in too much of a hurry for this or that to appreciate the creatures that walk the forest, and spirits that fill this region; I always think of moccasined people moving around the territory hunting and gathering. (Vivid imagination, I know, but we are intruders on this land!)

There are still folks out doing photography! It is not too late. I love drive-by shootings.

The golds and yellows of the spectrum are brilliant, especially in the more remote forests.

People are putting up fabulous Hallowe'en and harvest decorations. I figure with 25 years teaching, added to 30 years as a mom, I paid my dues and have done enough of the former celebration for a life time!

We have no children on our street and do not get any on the day.

But I do admire those who decorate. The bright orange pumpkins are a great celebration of the harvest.

It punctuates an otherwise drab season of rain, snow, sleet and hail!

A great lunch at the Pub at the Inn: The Fox and the Hound in Bracebridge, with the fire going. This is the view off of their terrace, without the leaves to block the view.

I felt spoiled. Our excellent server snapped the photo for us.

But I know that I am doing three days of volunteer work next M/T/W and have earned the treat.

The view outside was glorious to and from our errands in town.

The meal was great: a veggie wrap for him and a spinach salad for her. Hot freshly brewed coffee.

And a nice drive home in the rain!
So glad to be in the car, not out in the rain!

This little doodad is my friend. Do you know what it is?

I was thanking my lucky stars for it yesterday as we plummetted down to 2 degrees C. along the drive. It looks fierce out there.

The clouds are so interesting and, like the lake water, change daily and even hourly.

The winds whip up the waves and the whitecaps look powerful. A reminder of the power of the universe.

A carpet of leaves under this tree. How special that Mother Nature blesses us this way. Give me an orange or yellow carpet any day! And the sounds of the leaves as you walk through them. THAT is childhood to me.

If you look closely, you can see the spirit and the soul of the forest. You cannot bottle it. But you can feel it is you walk slowly. First Nations would honour the creatures they took. Their ecological footprints were very, very small.

They renewed themselves. They did not drain the waters or the forests of the treasures that lie within. If you stop and listen you will hear them. That crunch of moccasin on leaves. The twittering birds as they flee. I love the forest.

I bought a framed print of this piece on the right. It is by Johannus Boots. It sums up the feeling I have about this world. Mine is a large print. It is in a frame 2 x 3 '. I bought it over time and have brought it with me to three houses! Isn't it amazing?

I just found the artist on line at Curve Lake Indian Reserve. Whetung Ojibwa Art and Crafts Gallery, Curve Lake Reserve, Ontario

Who knew? I really have to visit this gallery. I love the feeling in this print.

two-fisted drinkers

2009-10-24T08:03:00.001-04:00

As the sun set on a cloudy day, the leaves were falling along with the rain.

I hustled out to bring the bird feeders in before the raccoons attacked them.

I didn't make it!

Today, as I write this, more rain. I laughed aloud as I spotted Mr. Red Squirrel sitting in my homemade (plastic pop bottle) 'bird feeder' inhaling sunflower seed, under his plastic umbrella. No photo. I was laughing too hard.

The leaves continue to fall.

Many of us eagerly anticipate real winter.

Things ramp up when the ice freezes over, ice fishing and such.

It is a great winter town, really, as many with better backs than ours curl, and then there is the Bala Trek (Xmas thingie), as well as three churches with Christmas Concerts.

Most of us do a lot of volunteer work, and help out one another. The children play hockey and skate. The Legion is an ongoing concern, and many take the winter to refresh and renew as they fly south for a time.

I love the pattern of the leaves on the deck, with its 3 replacement boards of a blond persuasion.

In the meantime, this is who I spotted across the lake. I wonder which season is open?

Skywatch Friday - somber skies 4: 15

2009-10-22T22:12:00.001-04:00

I love watching the changes in the seasons, as many of you have agreed. As Vagabonde said, "Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose".

Change keeps us on our toes.

On Wednesday, I went outdoors in the early evening to watch the sky.

As always, grabbing the camera. You know that still, small voice? I didn't listen and neglected the tripod. What else can you do in the half-dark?
Well, interesting shots, to say the least. A bit wobbly, but you can appreciate the colours.

What really makes me P.O.'d, in this day and age, are cottagers leaving on lights. As I was trying to capture my shots, I realized that the folks across the way has left their spotlights on all week.

What about Climate Change do they not understand?

I recall phoning the police last winter when the light was left on in their boat house. I'd seen snowmobiles there, and there hadn't been there for months and this is a boat-access only property. An officer arrived, and he said it could have been a robbery. That they would send a snowmobile over when they could. Of course, I now realize that it was carelessness. It is the last time I will try to look after someone else's property! I felt so silly. The poor officcer. (Crazy retired lady, he must have thought!)

I was outdoors today and swept the deck, twice! Thursday afternoon it began raining, the wind blowing. The clouds were heavy all day and the rain began to fall with big splats. You know, the kind of big, fat drops the size of the Green Giant's tears!

Poor little tree skeletons! They have changed their wardrobe since last week. Not so hard to watch the skies. It cannot always be blue!

It is snowing up north, Thunder Bay way. We are grateful for only rain right now! The raccoon on the deck looks a bit soppy. More next post!

Visit more Skywatch posts, Season 4: episode 15!

End of the season

2009-10-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

Another seasonal milestone is done.
The Cranberries are picked. They've been harvested and made into wine, sauce, bread and muffins. I'm not yet tired of cranberries, and peanut butter & cranberry sauce on my toast is a great way to embrace the harvest in the morning.

The artisans packed up their unsold wares from CranFest, and all things were shutting down in town last w/e. (Until snowmobile season beings!)

This, the last kick of the can. Things will be quiet as seasonal tourists go back to their city ways.

Tour buses load up. Tourists will put away cameras and take that ride back to the city.

Cottages are closed; power turned off, plumbing drained, boats dry docked.

I walked home from CrabFest, oops, Freudian slip, CranFest, after a lovely afternoon in the warm fall sun last Sunday.

The Inn rocked on Saturday night. Poor staff were worked off their feet till 4 a.m., I heard. I thought I would stop into the Bala Bay Inn (see my YouTube vid) on the way home

Weary business owners will have some quiet times.

No more patio dinners in town, like this place in NOTL, or dining in paradise, at Bala Falls restaurant.

Or trips to Shaw or Stratford.

As things shut down in town, the people went home in their cars, or their motorbikes.

There I was, as they packed up the glasses, having one last draft.

The tourists were trying to get into the line of traffic headed south, back to the city, jobs, and obligations.

I sat for some quiet reflection as weary bar staff shut her down.

It is a difficult job: serving, keeping customers happy; fed and watered. I try to be a good customer and smile, say thank you and try not to be too arrogant. There is a sense of entitlement some bring with their tourist dollars.

I cannot help but be grateful for those who serve me a meal I did not have to make, or bring me a drink I did not pour. It is a privilege to sit and wait, as those wait on me! Not all can afford the luxury of eating out. I know I am blessed to live in the region.

One that my parents earned, and which I take advantage of as we live in their lovely home.

Many have inherited properties as we have. From a working class family, who saved to buy land in 1960, we are happy to support the local economy.
But, for now, the

Bala Bay Inn - Ghosts will be left in quiet. Everything locked, shut and put away. The locks on the refrigerator will be set for the winter. The power turned off.

The snow and the ice will be as strong and as hard as the locks on this frige. Wish I could put such locks on my metal bird seed containers (AKA garbage cans)! But we love our 'coons!

No more spilling the beans with Karla.

The markets are done for the season.

Farewell to our seasonal visitors for now.

I know that our three-season economy depends upon you. Thanks for visiting My Muskoka!

Watery Wednesday #58

2009-10-20T18:00:00.001-04:00

This from last Saturday. Autumn has let go, with all her beautiful finery. The water remains, it's glass-like surface scarred by dead and drying leaves.

The loon does some fancy wing work, hoping to please Mother Nature.

The rock sits and mopes like Eeyore, grumpy, moping, helpless to flee impending weather, like the loon. A tiny leaf floats by, soon it will sink to the bottom of the lake, ashes to ashes and dust to dust.

The trees are giving up their fancy dress for the winter.

Grasses blow in the breeze, while the water reflects their nude branches.

Click on the badge meme for more watery shots.