Summer is icomin in

Morning at #9 Oakes’ Cottage.

The last day of June and after 2 weeks of being here I’m finally settling in at #9 Oakes Cottages on lovely Lake Mindemoya (a reminder: rented one at Vistbluemountain.com last time). A new owner and a new manager have meant a few glitches as they get used to the needs of cottage renters and the sudden influx on the July 1 long week-end. I now have steps from dock to water and can swim, a mowed path to get to the dock and a path through the bigger rocks to open water. Just in time for the hot weather! (So I don’t really need hot water until a new HW heater can be installed)

Except for the last few days it’s been cool walking weather and a good time to say hello to neighbors at the camp and around the island. Bonnie Kogos surprised me with an invitation to the Garden Shed Café ‘s Tea, Fashion Show and Book Signing– at J.D’s Garden Center in Tehkummah on June 22. The food was delicious—I can hardly wait to go back for their Sunday Brunch. The clothes – and models – from Cindy’s Clothesline in Mindemoya were lovely and Bonnie and I even sold s few books. Patty Oser from Pathway To Peace B&B was there with Heli Cotnam snapping photos and waving us towards the luscious homemade cakes.

The long anticipated gathering of artistic people was at Heli’s beautiful home near Manitowaning on June 24. She guided us through the grounds and the creative surprises she has made in the nooks and crannies provided by nature. Erin Blythe Reddie showed us her latest poetry and photographs, Kate Thompson demonstrated felting techniques, Boo Watson stunned us with her story and song—With several newcomers I felt privileged just to listen in this first time round.

Other than that I haven’t ventured far except of course for the Manitoulin Farmer’s Market on Saturday in Mindemoya. June 27 was my once a month Gore Bay day for their market, visits to The Island Pantry-the best frozen yogurt anywhere (ginger!) My Ol’ Blues, where I succumbed to temptation (as well as the needs of cooler than expected weather) and bought a purple vest in softest fleece. On to Steve Pogue at The Hummingbird Shop, new pale blue glassware and several gifts. They were all kind enough to take books for their shelves and the summer trade.

I needed lunch! Feasted on the only gluten free pizza crust on the island at Buoy’s. Properly fortified I found the energy to drop in to Lynne Gerard’s Ravenseyrie, a second feast of wonderful paintings and poetry. On my way home I stopped in at Edwards Studios in Kagawong to say hello to Barb and Richard Edwards and admire the winter’s crop of new paintings, stained glass and jewelry … and her row of island authors’ books.

Lots of readings and naps after all that adventuring. A quiet dinner with Jan and Betty McQuay-new books and environmental issues discussed at length. Picked up a stick of clay from Jan for inner adventuring here in my peaceful haven.

Now that books are distributed and I’ve said hello to old friends, Laundry Line revisions are moving from background to foreground. Soon I will be looking forward to writing again.