Beach Hiatus

Tomorrow kicks off a busy weekend followed by a week at Long Beach in Canada.

The teen queen is playing in our local Gus Macker Basketball tournament Saturday 2 games and Sunday 1 game possibly two if they win.  It’s actually being hosted right on our Island.  Excited to watch team “Avengers” play.  You can read about the tournament here:  Gus Macker

The boy is playing his first hockey game of the season with his new team, the Buffalo Saints.  He and the man will be traveling to Hamilton, Ontario in the morning for two games against the Hamilton Bulldogs.  Go Saints!!!!

And after sports we are heading up to beautiful Long Beach in Wainfleet, Canada for the week.  I am going to bring my computer this time and hopefully get the drafts written for a few posts I am way behind on!

This will be our spot for the next week.

Everyone have a great week and I’ll look forward to catching up on your posts when we return!  Tina

Oh Yeah!!!

My heart’s pumping already!!  Hockey season will be upon us soon!!

Mother Nature

If you look closely you will see this strange situation happening.  This sunflower is growing out of a crack in a dead tree by our garden.  It’s amazing how mother nature works!!

We fill a few of our bird feeders with sunflower seeds so a bird must have had a nest in this tree at some point.  But how it started and found it’s way out of a crack into the sunlight is amazing to me.

Still Here

I am sorry I’ve been absent but it’s our County Fair and we spend every possible minute there!!  I promise to be back soon and catch up on some posts and share some of our summer adventures!!

Island hopping

Those who have followed my blog know we live on an Island.  There are a few little Islands in the Niagara River around our Island.  The only way to them is by boat.

This week we had the opportunity to spend some time boating, swimming, snorkeling and just hanging out at a couple of these Islands.

On Friday we spent the day at Strawberry Island.  Read history here:  Strawberry Island

The kids are snorkeling along the shore

The boy had a hockey friend with him and they all had a great day.

Today we anchored along Navy Island.  Read history here:  Navy Island

The area we anchored had a little beach and was perfect for relaxing, cooling off, eating lunch and of course snorkeling.  My niece tagged along with us.

And after about 4 hours on the water it was time for one last tube ride.

And a nap for some on the way back into the marina

Amazing Clouds

These were the clouds over the soccer field tonight.

I am amazed at the skies sometimes.  It almost appears to be a heart displaying itself.

In the second picture the clouds seem to be sinking, rolling in and enveloping the houses in the distance.  You could actually feel the cold air from them.

Take the time every day to look up into the sky.  It’s worth every second!

Orange Cake (2 ingredients)!!

Perfect for a nice light summer dessert with a beautiful light orange color!

This is an easy recipe when you are pressed for time!!

2 Ingredients.

I made this after work for dessert tonight. Super EASY!!

1 box of yellow cake mix
12 ounces orange soda
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Mix together and beat until smooth about 2 minutes.

Pour into greased cake pan (I used 2 rounds)

Bake approximately 15-20 minutes checking after 15 so you don’t over cook it (toothpick should come out clean when checking)

Let cool and you can frost with glaze, cool whip or enjoy plain.

Glaze I used was:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
1 Tablespoon melted butter
2 1/2 Tablespoons Orange Juice

I have made this with Sierra Mist (or any lemon lime flavored soda) and replaced the orange juice in the glaze with fresh squeezed lemon juice).

Great weeknight dessert!