We got “the cottage” when I was maybe about 9 years old. Back then, it was a little red cabin, covered in red logs and sitting on blocks. I clearly recall that, when a storm would come in off Lake Erie, my dad would get us out of bed to sit on the green vinyl-covered benches around the kitchen table until the storm passed. I’m not sure what he was afraid of, but that guy is the definition of “safety freak.”
We used to visit the cottage sometimes in the winter,
setting up portable heaters (which I'm sure my dad turned off at night) and using electric blankets in bed. After my parents retired, they decided to move to the cottage full-time.
By then, they had winterized the cottage, adding a basement and a furnace, along with a large great room. I wish they had added a third bedroom! After that last visit, I don’t want to share a single bed with my little kicker/puncher girl anymore.
Last weekend, we went to visit my dad, who is recovering from surgery for colon cancer. After we broke my son away from an online game, he asked granny if he could help peel the potatoes.
Of course, his sister had to get in on the action. Peeling potatoes just looks like more fun when your brother asks to do it first. Note the boy's shirt. That will give you a clue as to their relationship.
The Canadian Girls hung out on my parents' antique sofa. We have had it since I was a kid and it has been home to three sneaky family dogs over the years. I think it was re-upholstered twice.
We bought my dad this model of the Bluenose, a Canadian fishing and racing schooner from Nova Scotia built in 1921. My parents are from Nova Scotia, so I guess it makes sense that my dad likes boats.
And lighthouses.
This is my dad's favourite lamp. Tacky or sweet?
This is my favourite cottage on the street. I just want to drink some lemonade and read a book in that enclosed porch.
Of course, the lake is the main attraction at the cottage. Even in November, when things look kind of bare and bleak, the lake makes for a pretty view.
What do you remember most about your childhood home?
What a beautiful Place ,like Heaven :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Aw, thanks!
DeleteOh how lovely!! I'm with your Dad, the lamp is awesome lol. The whole house is so wonderfully warm & cozy looking. The house I grew up in had a huge picture window in the living room, and soft white carpet on the floor. I used to take the most wonderful sneaky naps laying on the floor in the sun~*
ReplyDeleteI'll tell my dad you approve! :) A nap on soft white carpet sounds lovely!
DeleteThat looks like a wonderful spot, how lucky you are to get to visit!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice and peaceful. :)
DeleteDefinitely sweet!!! That cottage looks amazing! My childhood memories are mainly of our garden. As a child it seems huge - sadly the estate that owns my mum's house have since built 2 houses in the garden so there is little of that space left.... but the memories remain! How wonderful to be able to spend such wonderful times at the cottage with your family. J9 x
ReplyDeleteThat is sad. I hate when that happens. But it's lovely you have those memories. :)
Deleteooooh it's lovely!!! Great memories for all no doubt!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. Hanging out with the neighbourhood kids especially.
DeleteOh my goodness - it is beautiful!!!! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ella. I have picked out the highlights. My mom would laugh at what I cropped out. ;)
DeleteOf course, a Maritimer has to like boats and lighthouses!!
ReplyDeleteHope your Dad is feeling better.
And seafood, of course! Dad is doing great, thanks. :)
Deletethe "safety freak" thing runs in the family...
ReplyDeleteps. I LOVE the lamp
Oh, gosh, even your mom? I'll tell my dad you love the lamp. :)
DeleteJoyce and Frank Boore found this bringing back fond memories of the lake and our friends.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you guys! I hope you can visit (and get me in for a look at my favourite cottage). ;)
DeleteOh I LOVE the cottage. It looks so cozy, warm and sweet. The outside views are an added bonus. I have fond memories of my childhood home, which was actually an apartment in a building that was built in the early 1900's.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Oh, that apartment sounds lovely. Very different from my 1970s home growing up.
DeleteHow about Uncle Donald unplugging the night lights, in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, in Cape Breton! Pitch dark!
ReplyDeleteI can totally see that. I have some of that in me too, from years of warnings. How about you?
DeleteI love this post :)
ReplyDeleteI live in PA a little south of pittsburgh :) Erie is familiar to us here :)
Thanks! Sometimes I forget there's people on the other side of the lake. ;)
DeleteI love the lamp, although I don't think my husband would let it enter our house. Cute, cute place! I moved around so many times as a kid I don't have a place that I consider my childhood home other than my grandma's. I don't get there often but I love that it still has the same smell after all these years.
ReplyDelete