Many of us have tried composting at the cottage, but are fearful of attracting bears or other animals to our compost piles. An exceptional alternate to composting outside is to Vermi-compost indoors all year long. Vermi-composting has become popular among backyard gardeners, urban farmers, and homesteaders looking to raise worms for personal use or to supplement a homesteading income. Continue reading “Composting with worms at the Cottage”
Whilst rummaging around the cottage shed I came across two paddles, they were showing their age, as the wood was discoloured and varnish was peeling off, structurally they were no longer as sound as they once were. What was I to do? use them in the boats in case of an emergency? discard them? No – I thought to myself with a little time and effort I can bring these paddles back to life and at the same time bringing some Canadiana back into my cottage. Continue reading “Restoring some old paddles found at the cottage!”
Winter has arrived, and the lake has finally frozen over and safe to skate on. Is it time to head out and teach your little one how to skate? Absolutely, assuming your child is ready and willing to try skating. Continue reading “Teaching Your Children How to Skate”
While the safest and best way of enjoying a fireworks display is by attending a public display, we know that some of you are more partial to informal neighbourhood gatherings or family fireworks show, it might be your only option Continue reading “Firework Safety”
With every passing day we become more dependent on our electronics and gadgets to get us through our everyday life. While I agree that with technology there comes some advancements in how we live our lives, we cannot ever replace the bonds and intangibles that having a good neighbor at the cottage brings you. Continue reading “Good Cottage Neighbors – cherish what you have!”
While stand up paddling may have developed in various places around the world, It’s more modern form originated on the beaches of Hawaii but now stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has spread around the world. The popularity in this sport that combines surfing and kayaking is something to be amazed at as it is the fastest growing watersports on the planet! Continue reading “Stand Up Paddle Boarding”
All it takes is one spark for things to go wrong. A carelessly abandoned campfire or a campfire built without safe clearance can turn a small fire into a dangerous and fast-moving blaze. Be sure to build your campfire in a way that does not endanger anyone or the surrounding forest. Enjoy a safe campfire by following these campfire safety tips: Continue reading “Campfire Safety Tips”
It is springtime, and with the onset of longer days, warmer weather, we inevitably get dandelions infesting our lawns, and gardens. Whether you like them or hate them for what they are, you must admit they are adaptable, hardy and proliferate quickly. Many of us consider Dandelions a weed but consider the following facts before plucking them from your cottage. Dandelion Facts: Dandelion is a common … Continue reading Dandelions – Friend or Foe?
Seven years ago I began my journey as a cottage owner north of Huntsville, Ontario. At the time I did not know that I had been bitten by the gardening bug, a very insidious disease. Once the disease takes hold victims feel a compulsion to spend much of their free time digging in the dirt and using their money to buy plants and seeds. Continue reading “Mail Order Nurseries – Getting the right plants for your garden”
There are few things more enjoyable than sitting by a wood-burning stove or fireplace during the bitter cold of winter. The warmth, comfort and homey feel it can bring is enjoyable, but is not without some effort. You need to be very cognizant of how, and where you store your firewood, and what to do when you bring it inside for burning. Below are some tips on what you should be doing to properly enjoying your firewood Continue reading “Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to correctly manage your firewood”
Winter in Ontario can sometimes feel long but there are many winter activities and outdoor adventures that you should experience Continue reading Great Winter Activities in Ontario
Is there anything more Canadian than gliding outside on a frozen pad of ice? Whether you are going for a skate with the family, or watching the kids play a pick-up game of pond hockey well after the sun sets, outdoor skating is a right of passage for Canadians of all ages. Continue reading “Skating Destinations in Ontario”
As the seasons change, motorists must take steps to get their vehicles ready for winter. You need to trust your vehicle to get your family and friends safely from place to place through harsh freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, salt, and icy roads. Continue reading “Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter”
A twist on traditional fries Continue reading Garlic Parmesan Root Vegetable Fries
A Great way to Enjoy Salmon Continue reading Smoked Salmon
A few weeks ago my wife purchased for me a new Bradley Original Smoker from Canadian Tire. I must admit that a never really had the desire to have a smoker, but now that I have one I am more than willing to experiment and see what new culinary adventures this smoker can take me on. I hope that you find my review of Bradley Original Smoker useful. Continue reading “Review – Bradley Original Smoker”
Three factors influence autumn leaf color- 1) leaf pigments, 2) length of night, and 3) weather. The timing of color change and leaf fall are primarily regulated by the increasing length of night. Continue reading “Why do leaves change different colors in the fall?”
Winterizing Your Cottage Winterizing your cottage for winter’s arrival is an important process and can help to avoid a myriad of problems. Irrespective of whether you’ll be stopping by occasionally during the winter months to check on your cottage, or closing it down completely, the following list will safeguard you against unpleasant surprises. Canoes and Kayaks – Stack canoes and kayaks on sawhorses or on a … Continue reading Tips for Winterizing your Cottage for Winters Arrival
