Driving through Algonquin Park

 This year's trip up to Huntsville, Ontario for Thanksgiving saw fabulously warm weather.

 Ya never know. Sometimes it rains. Once it even snowed.

 It rained in the morning and then was sunny all day with a high of about 20C

 Our return home lets us drive through magnificent Algonquin Park, in all its fall splendour.

These photos were all taken through a car window as we drove through the park. Dont' worry, I wasn't driving! What beautiful vistas. Love the park. Happy fall!

Autumn in full bloom

 For Thanksgiving weekend we headed up through Algonquin Park to spend time at Richard's sister's cottage in Muskoka.

 I grabbed my watercolours and did a quick sketch of the scenery.

 The night before we left was mighty cool -- we had to scrape ice off the windshield -- and when the brilliant morning sun broke out, the warm water created a photogenic mist.

 Near Huntsville, we went for a walk on the Grandview Trails.

 At the summit, the view wasn't so grand. Couldn't see the view for all the trees!

On our way home, each twist in the road revealed another "ooh" and "ahhh."

Thanksgiving leaves

It's cooling down out there; the leaves are changing and the acorns are falling.
This year for Thanksgiving, I made a carrot-nut cake, slathered with cream cheese frosting and topped off with maple leaves, oak leaves and acorns made of fondant.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We have much to be grateful for...

Fall happenings

 We took our annual trip to Richard's family's place in Muskoka over Thanksgiving and were blessed with perfect weather. 
That's nephew Michael's dog Winston.

 The temperature last Sunday was 18C and sunny.

Richard's sister Mary taking in the view at Lake of Bays.

 Sparkling water had us all down at the dock hanging out with a bottle of wine.

Say ahhhhhhh.

 Meanwhile at home, autumn is in full fettle.

My new woodshed (to the left) is starting to fill with wood. There's Oreo posing at its doorway.

Thanksgiving pie cupcakes

I bring a dessert up to Richard's family every Thanksgiving and this year I was puzzled. Last year was just delicious and not gorgeous. Year before I painted a scene on fondant and before that, mini-turkeys made of peanut butter cups and candy. I was stumped this year until it came to me. Pie! The ultimate Thanksgiving treat. But this year, I made spice cupcakes with a variety of "pies" on top. Fun or what?

A weekend away

 Last weekend was Canadian Thanksgiving when we go up to Richard's sister's house for a grand Thankgiving dinner with family.

 This year we decided to rent a wee cabin at Dwight Beach instead of staying in the big house with the family.

 The cabin was sweet and it was right on Dwight Beach. I imagine the place is hopping in the summertime.

 Misty mornings made for moody photos.

 On Sunday, before the grand meal, we decided to explore Oxtongue-Ragged Falls Provincial Park, just a stone's throw from Algonquin Park.

 The water patterns were very painterly.

 Selfie time!

 There's a short trail to the top of a rocky ledge where the water flows down. Amazing view!

Very, very rocky!

Thanksgiving Cake

I had seen these cute turkeys made of peanut butter cups and Oreo cookies on Pinterest last year. My sis and my niece made them and used them as place cards. 

 I loved them so much and decided to make them this year but use them as decorations for my Thanksgiving cake.

The cake was a real hit and it was a lot of fun making these crazy chocolate turkeys!
Hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one!

Views of Thanksgiving Weekend

For Thanksgiving this past weekend, we headed to Richard's family in the Muskokas.


On our way, we had a picnic at our usual spot on Golden Lake on the edge of Algonquin Park.


The temperature was 26C with a humidex of 28C, very unusual weather for Thanksgiving weekend. It's the first time I've seen swimmers this time of year.


We spent much of the weekend at the dock, watching a pair of loons on the lake...


...and soaking up the hot sun with a beer or two.


Richard's sister and brother-in-law took the canoe out for a paddle.


Sadly, the cottage had to be closed down for the season and the dock moved to its winter position.


We said goodbye for another year and on the way home, stopped for another picnic at our favourite spot, this time a table right beside the water.


And what could be more Canadian than a butter tart? Hope all my Canadian readers had a wonderful Thankgsiving.

Happy Thanksgiving

I made this spice cake with maple frosting for Thanksgiving. The dinner on top is all made with marzipan, except for the cherry jam. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm bringing this carrot cake I made to share with friends and family this weekend. To all my Canadian readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

Drawing in the Muskokas

On our visit to the Muskokas for Thanksgiving last weekend, I sketched a bouquet of orange-coloured chrysanthemums that were on the table inside.


Outside, I drew the beautiful scenery.


A small row boat came into view as I was drawing.


While I was sketching, Richard took this shot.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Richard and I spent Thanksgiving weekend at his sister's place in the Muskokas and drove through Algonquin Park to get there.


The drive was amazing because the fall colours were at their peak.


We pulled over a few times...


...those leaves were so colourful.


Looks almost like a painting, doesn't it?


We got to the Muskokas and took a short walk through the woods.


And a walk down to the dock...


...to take more photos.


Every vista proved to be artful...


...even when you looked straight down!