We set off on Wednesday 29th at around 8:30am and took a steady drive to Boston. We stopped off a few times en route and had dinner before entering the Boston area. We reached our hotel at about 7pm and checked into our king room which was very nice.

The following day was our anniversary so we set off in the morning for Boston. As promised the hotel provided a shuttle bus to the local T station which is the subway into Boston. It took ten mins to reach the station, then we waited five minutes for the train and then another 15 mins into Boston. Very easy journey.

We had decided to try to get a ticket for the Duck Tours to get an overview of the city before trying to get around ourselves. The Duck tours are amphibious vehicles that drive you around the city then enter the water and become a boat. We had to get tickets from the Museum of Science and got there at 9:50 am and managed to get tickets for a Duck tour at 10:30.

We waited outside for the tour where several ducks were waiting. When the time came we had our photos taken and boarded the duck. There are about 30 different ducks and we were on one called Arbourway Alex a white flowery one. Every duck is captained by men and women who act our different personalities and themes. We had Jason the Argonaut who dressed in a short white toga.

Jason was a very funny and entertaining guy who narrated throughout the tour pointing out all the sights. Every so often someone on the street would quack at us and we quaked back. The tour took us all around the city from the commercial district, financial district, Copely Square, USS Constitution, Prudential Centre, Boston Common and then into the Charles River.

Once we got into the water Jason let some of the children on board drive the duck and took pictures of them driving. The tour lasted 80 minutes in total and was fun and entertaining.

When we got back to the museum we decided to go back to the Copley Square area as it looked nice from the duck, we also wanted to go up the Prudential Building to get a view from the top. As it was so hot we decided to get the T to Copley. Once we got there we wandered around, took photos and then strolled round to the Prudential Building.

The Prudential has a shopping area on the ground floor, but on the 50th floor there is the Skywalk where you can see magnificent views of the city and many miles surrounding it. Take a look at my photo album to see the views.

We spent the rest of the day wandering round Boston and trying not to get too fried by the sun. We had dinner at the Beantown Pub which was awful and definitely to be avoided.

On Friday we decided to minimize our walking as our feet still ached from the day before. We got in the car and drove down to Providence in Rhode Island. We did not know the city so took pot luck in where we parked which ended up being in a shopping mall. We had a coffee there and then took a stroll along the river which was lovely. After a hour or so just wandering we decide to go back to the mall for lunch and then we left and drove down to the coast. We intended to drive into Cape Cod, but at one intersection the traffic going onto the only road which goes into the Cape was absolutely at a stand still, so we decided to change our plans and turned round and went up the Atlantic coast towards Plymouth instead. We forgot it was July 4th weekend and everyone in the area seemed to be travelling to Cape Cod!

We drove without too much traffic to Plymouth, found somewhere to park and wandered down to the beach. Here they have a replica of the Mayflower called the Mayflower II which you can tour. We had done this in 2004, so didn’t do it again but we still got some pics of the ship.

Once again the weather was stunning but very hot, so we wandered along the coast then went into town to see the shops. After awhile we got hungary so went into a restaurant called the Lobster Pot. It was not what we had expected but instead more like a fast food restaurant for fish. However we ordered our food and it was very nice – haddock & chips for Chris and fried shrimp and chips for me.

Afte wandering the town some more and having some very nice ice cream from a local vendor we decided it was time to make our way back to the hotel. By this time our feet were really killing us from all the walking we had done over the two days.

On Saturday we decided to have a driving day to save our feet a little, so we headed north this time. We went into New Hampshire and drove round a large lake they have there called Lake Winnipesaukee. The views were lovely, lakes on side and mountains the other. We stopped off at a place called Wolfboro which is a quaint little town.We had lunch at the Wolfboro Diner and it was very nice. We then strolled round the town and had ice cream whilst looking out across the lake.

Once we finished in Wolfboro we decided to travel across to Maine and drove down the coast. We then entered New Hampshire again then Massachusetts and drove to Gloucester, then after stopping for dinner here we drove back to the hotel.

Unfortunately Saturday night was our last night and in Sunday we had to drive home. Overall we had a great few days in and around Boston. Now back to reality….

More photos can be viewed in my photo album.

On Monday we didn’t do much other than catching up on things, doing washing and just hanging out. It was Victoria Day here so not much open anyway. On Tuesday we set off in the morning for a trip to the USA. We crossed the border at Thousand Islands and although Chris and I have our visa waivers the girls had to get theirs. It wasn’t very busy there and so we were through in about 20 mins and into the USA.

We stopped off at Syracuse and visited the Carousel Centre where we all spent a few hours shopping. Stacey found Abercrombie & Finch and was very happy. We left the centre late afternoon and traveled to Buffalo where we had booked hotel rooms for two nights. The girls had wanted to go to Canada’s Wonderland last week, but due to the bad weather at the beginning of the week couldn’t, so we suggested Darian Lakes instead. We planned to go the following day, however upon arrival at the hotel discovered it was only open at the weekends. We decided to go out for dinner and decide what to do after.

We went to a great restaurant a short walk from the hotel, had a fabulous meal which was very cheap considering the huge plates of food we got! We then all went back to our room at the hotel to discuss what to do the next day. We had always thought that the American side of Niagara Falls was inferior to Canada and so had never been, but decided as we were so close it would be silly not to.

So the next morning we met for breakfast and then travelled to Niagara Falls for the day. We purchased a Discovery Pass at the information centre for $33 each and off we went.

First we went on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. We had done this before, but it really is the best way to experience the falls so it had to be done. Also it was included in the ticket price. This is me and the girls in our best outfits!

After the Maid of the Mist we went to the Cave of the Winds walk. We weren’t sure what to expect from this but it was brilliant. Once again you are given rain coats (yellow this time) and you have to wear the footwear provided. They give you a plastic bag to put your own shoes in to keep them dry. You then walk along a walkway underneath the falls. This is also a nesting colony for gulls and so there are thousands of gulls in the cliffside. We saw lots of chicks in their nests which were really cute.

The walkway takes you right under the falls and you do get very very wet, but it is awesome. This is Stacey & Amy getting wet.

We then wandered around the area as there is some beautiful parkland and of course stunning scenery. You can stand on the edge in between the American Falls and the Bridal Falls and literally be part of the waterfall. We felt that this side of the falls was in fact much better than the Canadian side as you get to be a real part of the whole thing.

We also went to the Niagara Aquarium, which to be honest was pretty poor and not really worth the effort, but again it was included in the ticket price. All in all we had a brilliant day in Niagara Falls, NY and I would recommend anyone in the area to visit and not miss out on what the American side has to offer.

We ate again at the same restaurant that night and after a terrible night at the hotel (Do not stay at the Comfort Inn University it is terrible) we then went across the border at Rainbow Bridge and back into Canada.

We then spent the day in Niagara Falls again, but this time in Ontario. When we got there it was very misty and the falls were almost invisible so we decided to go to the Butterfly Conservatory first to let the mist clear. There are thousands of free flying butterflies here and we always love to visit. It was the girls first time here and they loved it too. This is Stacey with one of the butterflies.

When we came out of the Butterflies we drove down to the falls and parked in the car park then wandered over to the falls. Took lots of photo of the Canadian Falls as well as the American/Bridal Falls from Canada. Then we walked down to Clifton Hill.

The girls wanted to go to Ripley’s believe it or Not, so we all went. It was very interesting with lots of interesting facts. Our ticket also included the wax museum and the movie theatre, so we did those too. The wax museum was hilarious. Every wax figure had a name tag on, and believe me they were needed. I have never seen so many bad models in my life. Having been to Taussauds in London many times, this place is just a laugh and needs to be viewed that way. The 4D movie experience was pretty good though.

This is Chris auditioning for Star Trek. Yes that really is Spock and Captain Kirk – honestly!

After wandering round town we went to Bird Kingdom and spend an hour admiring the many birds here. It had changed from the last time we went and there was another room with some parrots and lizards etc. Worth a visit if you like birds.

After this we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner. The girls loved their lasagna but Chris and I were very disappointed in our meals which cost twice as much as the restaurant in Buffalo but nowhere as good.

When we left the restaurant it had been raining so we walked back to the car (approx. 2km). During the walk it started to rain again and by the time we got to it we were all totally soaked. After this it was a drive back to home via Toronto which turned out to be a doddle, traffic-wise. We sailed through and got home in about 3.5 hours.

Friday we went into Belleville so the girls could spend the last of their money and then went home where they cooked us lasagna which was vey nice.

Saturday was the last day and as their flight was not until midnight, we were able to spend the day together before setting off at about 6pm for the airport. Once again traffic was great and we arrived at the airport at 8:20. The girls checked in their luggage to get rid of it then we all sat in the restaurant and had drinks before they had to leave. This was the worst bit – the goodbyes. Lots of hugs and tears and we finally had to say goodbye at around 10pm. The drive home was very sad and quiet.

Sunday the house seemed deserted and we already missed them being around. We hope that they can come back soon, although work commitments for them means it will not be until next year unless we win the lottery before then.

Phoned my aunt and uncle on Monday morning and told them all about the visit. They were very happy for us all but also jealous that they were not here. Once again we are all awaiting that lottery win!

Final photo of Chris & the girls.

On Sunday our daughter Stacey and her girlfriend Amy were due to arrive from the UK for a long-awaited two week trip. On Sunday morning we started the day with a phone call to my aunt and uncle in Spain who seem as excited as us regarding our visitors although I think they wish it was them coming here. Soon I hope!

Anyway, we set off for Toronto having looked on the web at traffic conditions to see everything was moving great and with it being a Sunday we hoped it would stay that way. Well, traffic was great up until we got right into Toronto on the 401 when it stopped. Apparently there is construction along the route and lanes were closed and everything was getting snarled up. At one point we were only a few km’s from the airport but at a total standstill and wondering if we would ever get there.

Stacey & Amy’s plane was due in at 5:10 and we eventually got to the airport just before this. We knew it would probably take them an hour to get through customs so had plenty of time in the end, especially as the plane actually landed at 5:22. As it was they didn’t come through arrivals till 7:10. We were beginning to wonder if they were even on the plane!  Lots of hugs and kisses and we were finally all reunited and ready for the long drive home. Although traffic was congested on the way home we didn’t encounter too many delays and got home late evening. After a little more chatting we all went to bed exhausted.

Monday rain was forecast all day and as the girls were still a little tired we decided to pop into Belleville, especially as Amy had never been before so Stacey wanted to show her the lay of the land. We also went grocery shopping for things the girls wanted. The rest of the day was spend just chatting and general stuff.

On Tuesday more rain was forecast which put paid to our plan of going to Toronto Zoo. So instead we went to Kingston for a little shopping and a drive round the city and a scenic route drive home.

The weather for Wednesday was again rain for Belleville and Toronto, so we decided to go east to Ottawa for the day. Stacey had loved Ottawa last time she was here and was eager to show Amy all the sights. We took the scenic route via highway 7 and encountered showers, but by the time we got to the city it was warm and dry. We all ventured over to the canal, then Parliament Hill where lots of photos were taken. This is Stacey (right) and Amy outside the Parliament buildings.

We then went across to Byward Market and at this point we decided to split up and meet later. We wandered around the mall for a couple of hours and then the market and had dinner at The Exchange which was very nice. After some more walking we decided to get a Tim’s at the food court and came across the girls. They had eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe. All of us had done what we needed to do and so decided to head home once beverages had been consumed. As we left Ottawa it started to rain, so our timing was perfect.

On Thursday we drove the girls to Toronto as we had booked them into a hotel for a few nights so they could explore the city. In order not to waste the day we all went to Toronto Zoo as the weather promised to be a bit better. As it turned out the weather was magnificent. Bright sunshine, temps in the 20′s, in fact almost too hot. I know it sounds silly but I had really forgotten what it felt like to be out in the heat.

The drive into the city after the zoo was pretty uneventful, but the DVP leaving the city was like a car park, so we decided when we returned home we would take a different route. We dropped the girls off at the hotel after checking them in at around 4:30 and after a detour though the city, hit the 401. Guess what – standstill again. After we got past the main toronto area it thinned out and we picked up speed, but then near Ajax it stopped again. In the end we didn’t get home untill 8pm, just in time for the last episode of The Big Bang Theory.

Yesterday (Friday) we didn’t do too much. I went shopping to stock up the cupboards and Chris tried to fix Stacey’s laptop for her. Alas it seemed it was a futile attempt and he decided it would be easier to give her one of our old laptops. So he spent the rest of the day transferring stuff from one to another etc.

Today Saturday, I have been spring cleaning and Chris is on his tractor mowing the lawn. Once again the weather is stunning, lets hope it stays like that for next week.

That is all that has been on TV, the news etc here the Royal Wedding or the election. Yes we have another election here in Canada on Monday. I think this is the third since we have been here and it has always ended in a minority conservative government. This time though it looks like the NDP are creeping up and will give Harper a run for his money.

A lot of people are saying the election is a waste of time and money and that they cannot be bothered to vote. I agree it is probably a waste but it is happening so everyone who is able to vote should. Because we are relative newcomers we are yet to get citizenship and so cannot vote yet. I find this very frustrating as I live here and pay my taxes but have no say on how my money is spent. This is why I feel that those who do have a voting option should use it. If you don’t vote you have no right to moan about the government after.  There, I have had my say, end of subject.

We have both recently had reminder cards to renew our driving licences which expire in July. They are valid 5 years and we will have been here 5 years on July 7th, so have to get new ones. On the website it says renewals are $75, but mine says it will cost me $90 and Chris’s says $62.50, so no idea what that all means. No doubt we will find out when we renew.

Also up for renewal is our PR cards which again expire in July. There is a waiting list so we sent the applications off in February with all the relevant paperwork. Yesterday I got a letter saying I hadn’t included a copy of the reverse of my driving licence as requested and had sent a copy of a passport that was expired. This is very strange as my passport is brand new – I haven’t even used it yet and the driving licence was copied front and back on the same sheet of paper so if they have the front, they also have the back. I phoned to check all this but was told that I need to recopy all these and send again. Very frustrating, but not worth arguing about.

On Wednesday a big storm passed over both the eastern US and Canada including us. We were under a tornado warning as well as large hail and heavy rain warnings. The day started out lovely with blue skies and sun, but later in the afternoon it got darker and windier – then this cloud arrived.

We then had a thunder storm with rain, lightening etc. We lost electric momentarily, but thankfully not for long. We lost internet and TV and the rain hammered down and the winds were horrendous. We lost a few tree branches on some of our trees but overall came out unscathed. This morning we went into town and noticed that just along one road half a dozen houses had quite bad roof damage, many trees had been either knocked down or damaged. Our neighbours house had some of the siding blown off, so we got off very lightly it seems. In the US they suffered very badly with over 100 tornadoes and around 200 people being killed, very sad.

On a happier note: Only three weeks now till our daughter Stacey arrives with her girlfriend. We are very excited and have a lot planned whilst they are here, so we are going to be very busy.

Our baby bunny is now a big bunny but is still as inquisitive as ever. He is also very playful as we often see him trying to engage chipmunks and squirrels in play, however they are not so willing. If he happens to find another rabbit in the garden, which is not unusual he will try to play with them. Sometime this is successful, but more often than not they see him off. If they do play they chase each other round the garden and lightening speed, then take turns to jump over each other which can be highly hilarious for us human watchers. This is him on the deck.

We also had a wasp wandering round the hummingbird feeder and Chris managed to get this rather good shot.

Talking of hummingbirds, we are inundated with them at the moment. We think we have at least three separate families. We have determined this by the location they fly to after feeding and there are three distinct locations. The feeders a busy with activity as each pair apparently has two babies, so we have around a dozen birds. I still find it hard to believe we get such tropical birds here in Ontario, but I am so glad we do.

We also had a black squirrel visit for about half an hour the other morning. However the territorial reds soon made him leave.

Last but not least here is a chipmunk looking rather cute with his full cheek pouches.

Is this the look of a chipmunk with indigestion??

On the 7th we celebrate our fourth year here. Quite amazing really. In many ways it feels a lot longer than that but in others if feels like we landed only yesterday.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!

And of course no Canadian town is complete without a water tower.

We had a great day there and will definitely return.

Firstly it was the renewal time for our mortgage. We had previously had a variable rate but it was set in 2006 so the rate we were paying was high compared to todays rates. I know that all the extra money we have paid is reducing our mortgage further which is great, but it still means the money is coming out of our bank account every month!

So I contacted the mortgage company to re-evaluate the terms of our mortgage and after going through the various options such as fixed rates etc we decided to stick with the variable. As the rate is now much much lower – so is our monthly payment. Obviously if the rate does go up, so will our payment but it has to go up a lot to reach the rate it was set at before. SAVING NO 1.

I then contacted our satellite TV company. A friend of mine had recently switched from our supplier to another and had saved some money. I called our supplier explaining this and stating that I did not want to change, but the savings outweighed the hassle etc. Basically she asked what package we would like with them in order that we would stay. Our current package was one of the basic ones with the HD and some extras. In total we paid $75 per month inc taxes.

I said that we used to have the films but at $20 per month extra it wasn’t worth it so we had cancelled and that my husband also missed some of the sports channels. She asked me to hold and when she came back she offered us the same package we currently had, plus movies and sports for $10 per month less. Obviously I grabbed this offer with both hands and now we have loads of channels. SAVING NO 2.

Next I phoned our alarm company – well by now I was on a roll…..

I explained that I had been looking at other security systems and ours seemed old by comparison and that ideally we would like to have a key-fob to activate the alarm and pay less per month. The guy said that although he could not reduce the payment he would upgrade our system, include a key-fob and a warranty – result. SAVING NO 3. Okay, this is not technically a saving, but we are getting a better system for the same price so we are happy.

The moral of this story is that you should not be afraid to ask for better or cheaper service. After all, they can only say no and you won’t have lost anything by trying.

Isn’t he just stunning (or she!)

It was going to be a glorious day so we decided to go to a local provincial park. We decided in the end to go to Frontenac, simply because for some reason we had never been there before. It is about an hour or so from our house and we chose to go the scenic rater than the highway route.

We set out reasonably early just in case it got too hot later and hopefully before all the bugs woke up. We arrived about 10.30 and paid for our day pass at the info centre ($12). I asked the guy which trails we should take and he suggested three. Two which led off the info centre and another further into the park. He warned us that the deer flies were at their worst at the moment – great! So out came the caps, sunscreen, mozzie repellant etc and off we went.

The first trail we tried was the Arab Lake Gorge Loop which was about 1.5 km. Most of this was in wooded areas along side a stream. We saw lots of mushrooms, squirrels and chipmunks. it took us about 45 mins to do this bit.

We then did the Doe Lake Loop which comes off the first one. This was more interesting as not only did we go through lots of woodland, but also streams and of course Doe lake itself which the trail skirts for much of the distance (3km). We kept stopping off to take picture of various things.

We came across one area where there were lots of dragonflies, most of them happy to pose for photos!

The scenery here is beautiful and there were lots of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, dragonflies and bugs. Yep, by this time the bugs were starting to become a pain. We kept dosing ourselves with bug spray which kept them from landing on us and biting but they still buzzed around a lot which took out the enjoyment. We decided once we finished the tail that we would not go onto the next one. Because the park is so close to us we can come again when the bugs are not so annoying.

After leaving the park we drove around the area for a while and went across to the Loughborough Lake area an then after a few hours made our way back home.

Overall we had a good day out despite the bugs and celebrated Canada Day our way!