Gazebo Time!

One of the big differences between Northern California and Northern Ontario is the bug population.  Mosquitoes, black flies, horse flies, deer flies, May flies, spiders, moths, gnats...  You name it, it thrives by the hot and humid lake shore.

It wouldn't be so bad if we could peacefully co exist, but some of these creatures take one look at us and the dinner bell rings.  The mosquitoes buzz, bite and cause itching like heck.  

Enter this peaceful place down by the shore.  It is bug free and beautiful in a summer sprinkle of rain. We have been enjoying it so much.  Thank you to my wonderful husband for making it magically appear.  The best surprise ever! 

Porto Fino: 20th Wedding Anniversary

Italian Moonlight: Porto Fino

One night in Porto Fino we had the most amazing moonlit sky.  The full moon rose like an orange ball of fire over the Mediterranean Sea.  The moonlight was so brilliant and the moon itself was so large and luminous in the night sky.  This picture can't even begin to show you how beautiful and amazing it was.

Stormy Days

The long trip from San Francisco was smooth.  Our car to the airport gave us a hassle about the number of bags we were bringing (about 14 plus our dog in her carrier).  I thought this might foreshadow the experience checking bags at the airport or collecting our bags after the flight, but all was well.

We zipped through customs and jumped into our gargantuan Yukon.  For anyone considering purchasing a Yukon with a family of 5, a dog and 14 bags, don't do it.  This SUV has the worst cargo room of any large vehicle we have rented.

Luckily my husband is a packing whiz and has had lots of practice dealing with my over zealous collection of duffel bags.  He had that car loaded in no time.  No one could breathe or put their legs in a normal position, but we all arrived safely at the cottage.

We arrived at the cottage to weather so hot, humid and in humane, that it is only how I can imagine the weather in Hell must be like.  On a side note, I'm going to be extra good so as not to end up there!

The intense heat was mixed with some intense and beautiful stormy weather.  

Everyone settled in quickly.  We are know the opening drill.  The best surprise was the new gazebo nestled in the trees down by the shoreline.  It immediately became the favorite place for everyone to hang out day and night!  Pictures to come later!