Why Not Build a Fence?

 Because it is a LOT OF WORK!!

We returned home from the infamous fishing trip and knew we had to get going with this project!

As much as I spent days and days and days painting the fence boards, it was nothing compared to Don and several assistants building the fence. Paul came and assisted with some strategic areas and measuring, Cory (the neighbor that shares the fence) added his muscle help, and we invited Blake out to try his hand at the air nailer, hauling wood, etc.  It was so great to have him with us in so many ways. First he is not a little boy anymore, he is the size of a man, and did a man's work every day he was here. That being said, he eats a lot too. haha He carried the old fence out, carried in new boards, nailed, painted, and was an extreme help to Don throughout the whole process. And it was also great to have him around for some one on one time.

The fence was completed on July 10 and then it was time to go.. you guessed it CAMPING!

This time we headed to Cross Lake, an old favorite, with the Camerons in their trailer and Lindsay and the boys trying tenting!

We were so happy we had this time with family, considering what a year we have had in many unique ways through the pandemic. We missed Jeremy, but he had an great biking adventure!

The exterior house and garage painting was started this month also. It was almost all done, but we left to visit Jim and Janice at their farm for the August Long weekend, so the final touches and walk through will be done the first week of August, so I will save that surprise reveal for them. 

A Camping We Will Go - and Maybe Catch a Fish?!

 June was an ideal month - it started with camping and ended with camping and who can ask for more?

We headed out to Abraham Lake for a few days, and decided to hike a few times instead of just laying around. LOL

The whole area is so beautiful, there were not many campers, and it was a great way to extend our anniversary celabrations!

On the ongoing saga of house renovations and repairs, we finished painting the east side fence. AND bought the fence panels for a whole new fence on the west side, and started the painting of those! But first a picture of the completed sidewalk repair from last month. Then combined with the freshly painted fence, things are looking up.

June seemed to go by faster than normal, but all the painting may be the reason for that. I am sure our neighbours are wondering what we are doing, we aren't much for outside work. LOL

Finally we moved on to bigger and better things and made a 10 day reservation at Calling Lake. June and Walleye fishing go hand in hand at Calling, and we were glad the park re-opened for camping.

Our friends Bruce and Keri joined us for the first 5 days. We were all excited to try our hand at fishing. We had the greatest time. The drinks were cold, the fish were biting like we had never seen, and the weather was on it's best behaviour! You couldn't wipe the smile off Bruce's face.

I finally perfected cooking the fish, but when you have 4 to clean and eat per day, it was bound to happen!

On Saturday Jim and Janice pulled in. Last year we joined them camping at Abraham Lake. We had not camped together since our St. Paul days in the 90's, although we have stayed in touch visiting and watching grandsons play hockey. So we made a pact that Jim would take time off every summer and we would meet somewhere.

Oh what a great time we had again! Don't take good friends for granted!!

Through this visit, Tracy and the kids drove up to see us for a day. The kids were excited to get out on the water and see if there were any fish left to catch. There is no way to describe this fishing expedition! Literally the hooks went out and the fish were there. Don and Tracy could barely keep up with the net, baiting, getting the fish off, etc. I am not joking - it was actually exhausitng. Suffice to say this trip saw everyone's fish stories and dreams come true!