As I write these words, summer in the leafy town of Oakville on the Lake is quickly winding down. This weekend is Labour Day, a national holiday started to acknowledge the achievements of workers: ergo most regular working folks will resume their daily grind this coming Tuesday. Ironically, this weekend is also the last hurrah of the “cottage country” crowd here, those families who are fortunate enough to enjoy second homes on the pristine blue waters of lakes a few hours north of Toronto. What passes for a “cottage” in Ontario can range from a simple wood frame 2 bedroom uninsulated bungalow, decorated with lumpy mattress and castoffs plucked from the “soon to be recycled” pile, all the way up to multi-million dollar Cape Cod style mansions (with fully outfitted guest house/boathouse of course) that are regularly featured in the pages of design magazines. Simpers the owner, “I wanted to keep it simple: only 6 bedrooms, and no maid’s quarters”. But I digress.
The level of traffic on the major highways going into and around Toronto will go overnight from being mildly annoying to stress inducing, fingers on the wheel clenching, swearing like a drunken sailor horrendous. What took 20 minutes on a sunny July morning will now take a mind numbing 100 or more. (And then the children of privilege go back to private schools the following week and then the traffic horrors intensify. BMW drivers can be so aggressive!)
For me, the event that signals that the wind is coming out of the hot air balloon that is summer in Ontario is the arrival of the Canadian National Exhibition. The “Ex” is a dizzingly chaotic and crowded mashup of amusement park, concert venue, circus, hucksterism, greasy disgusting and somehow irresistible foodstuffs (deep fried Mars bars anyone?) an irresistibly cute dog show, and something called Horse Capades! Everyone I know has been there at least once. Over a hundred years ago, there were real agricultural competitions at the EX, a holdover from the glory days of Ontario farmlands when capturing the 4H prize for growing a gigantic pumpkin or raising the finest looking doe eyed heifer was a real coup for a budding farmer. Awh shucks and pats on the back all round. There are still gardening awards, but most of the true celebrations of the rural farming life were replaced earlier this century by an elaborate petting zoo (140 animals!) and an urban gardening wall.
My personal highlight of the Ex is overhead right now: The Toronto International Airshow. Our Oakville home is almost right on the flight path of those glorious silver birds like the World War II Allied heavy bomber, the Avro Lancaster which flies into Toronto from the Warplane Museum in Hamilton. There are only seventeen remaining of these worthy Leviathans of the sky in the world, only two are still flying and that Museum has one. It’s a sight to behold, and our good neighbour and aviator, Brock Mason, holds a neighbourhood tailgate party and arranges a “fly by” every summer in honor of the plane. A crowd stands out in the middle of the street, waving madly as the plane goes by, briefly wagging one wing in regal acknowledgement. It’s a perfect summer moment in a summer that was pretty darn perfect.
Nice article – found myself sad at the change in weather up north this week – leaves starting to turn!
Thanks Sharon. Summer comes so quickly and seems to be over in a flash. Sigh. But you and I can look forward to the warm weather in San Miguel!
Loved it Cheryl, reminiscent of a past life. You captured the flavor of a beautiful, ideal summer.🌹
Hi Cheryl Your post was a welcome read upon our return from Scotland. Thank you We had a awesome trip blessed with fantastic weather for 98% of our time there. Islay is a must visit for scotch tastings. The Fringe festival and the Tattoo were definitely highlights while in Edinburgh. Walking around one could feel the history around you. Also a photographers paradise. Now back home. But as I said your post brought back good memories of Labour Day and the reality of what Tuesday will bring. Best to Ben. He looks great behind the wheel of boat/ship
Marshall
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Wonderful read Cheryl. It reminds us of all the ways to enjoy summer.
Great read, Cheryl! Growing up a bit in Burlington I have fond memories of downtown Oakville, the Bronte Harbour and the lovely parks. We too just returned from Scotland. An amazing trip, combining family visits and sightseeing. We went to Skye–Richard loved the incredible landscape and lochs–not to mention just a wee bit of whiskey tasting! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Summer 2019 has passed far too quickly. It certainly looks like you two have enjoyed every minute. Wonderful photos.
See you soon!
Cheryl you really captured it all. Loved all
the photos. Thanks
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