Keeping Cool

So far, we have managed to keep cool this very hot summmer by checking out the numerous splash pads, wading pools and anything else to get wet. We especially like the splash pad at the zoo, where we spent a good chunk of the afternoon today.

The area is all set up like the water cycle, and kids can go from the rain, to a stream, to a marsh to a lake and finally to the ocean, with lots of animals spraying water along the way.


Speakin of cool, after walking around the zoo, we checked out the drum cafe show (I don't know what it has to do with the zoo, but it was certainly cool). Everyone in the audience gets drums, and they have a little show, where you can drum along.

The kids really got into it and mom and dad had a good time too.

Year of the Breakdowns

We have lived in the house for 15 years now, and I think that is the age when everything breaks down. Since January, our lawnmower has broken down (we had to buy a new one), our dishwasher broke down (we had to buy a new one), our clothes washer broke down (we had to buy a new one), the day we got our new clothes washer, our dryer broke down (new one due next Wednesday.) Due to constant headaches, we also bought a new computer and printer. My MP3 player broke down too, but it was under warranty.

We had a service man in to look at our stove (the top display of the clock is gone so we never know if there is 7:09 left or 1:u4 left.) He said it could not be fixed. Now, if the clock does go completely, I would be pretty reluctant to buy a new stove, but Sharon has pointed out that we would never know what temperature the oven was at. I will have to somehow come up with a plan with a meat thermometer and a digital watch to defer the purchase.

Hopefully, the fridge lasts.

Highland Games

There is always something to do in the summer. Today we went to the Highland Games. I think the kids really enjoyed it. We watched the heavy events (caber toss, hammer toss, sheff toss), the sheep shearing, the Highland Dancers and the bagpipes. We saw the Scottish livestock exhibit:

My daughter got a lesson on fencing, and looked like a pro:

There were lots of crafts and other things to do:

And my son looked good in his celtic garland.

Great Green Adventure

We took the kids to see Safari Jeff and Shannon's Great Green Adventure at the mall. It was a good show. The kids got to pet a Giant turtle, a 25 foot long boa constrictor and an aligator. We learned about reptiles and had some fun.

Awenda

We went camping last week at Awenda Provincial Park (near Penetanguishene). We had a fair bit of rain, but managed to stay dry (or at least not too wet) thanks to our tarps, screen house and tent. We had a deer walk right by our campsite, but I think the kids were more excited by the butterflies that landed on their shoes.

We went on several day hikes and saw a great big snapping turtle on the trail. I learned about forest progression and Huron longhouses.

We went to the beach in the afternoons. The kids enjoyed playing in the water, and they made some new friends. I even got to do some snorkeling and saw a shipwreck.

We had a campfire most nights, and it was great to roast marshmallows and have smores, even if it resulted in the kids staying up way too late.

Click here to see the rest of the photos from our trip.

Bullfrog Powered

We decided to go green. We have converted from our local utility provider to Bullfrog power. We did it basically because we felt that environmentally it was the right thing to do. We are no longer powered by coal or nuclear energy. Here is some information from the Bullfrog website:

When you buy your electricity from Bullfrog Power, you are ensuring that your electricity dollars are supporting 100% clean, renewable power production instead of nuclear and coal. All of Bullfrog Power's electricity comes from generation facilities, like Sky Generation's wind facility, that have met the Canadian federal government's Environmental Choice Program EcoLogoM standard for renewable power. Our current electricity mix comprises 20% wind power and 80% low-impact hydroelectric power.

Wind power is among the cleanest sources of energy available, producing no emissions that contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gases. EcoLogo-certified low-impact water power must meet a range of environmental criteria including the protection of indigenous species and local habitat, and measures to minimize fish mortality and to preserve fish migration patterns.

All of this means that when you sign up for Bullfrog Power, you're supporting the production of environmentally low-impact electricity that does not produce any smog or greenhouse gas inducing emissions and that helps preserve local habitats. By choosing renewables, you're doing your part for the environment!

GONE BRAZIL

VIVA LA FRANCE

With Brazil's defeat, it looks like any chances at coming from behind to win the company soccer pool are nil. I may have to cheer for France, seeing as they are the team to knock out Brazil. It looks like I will come in about 28th place (out of 35 people). But it was fun to follow the match.

Here's the original post.

A warm Haliburton weekend

We had some nice weather at the Lake last weekend. We went out in the canoe and went swimming a few times. Lorne caught a really big fish (biggest in the Lake), which really made Alex's weekend. The kids really enjoy playing at the cottage, especially walking the dogs.

Happy Birthday Canada

We celebrated Canada's 139th birthday by taking in the local festivities. It was crowded. The kids enjoyed the pony rides and the puppet making. I enjoyed the 1867 artillery displays (no one was spooked by the canons). My daughter made a special Canada Day cake. And in the evening they played with sparklers (under intense adult supervision)