Cottage Weekend

Guaranteed, if you don't have your own cottage, you know someone who does. Since I grew up heading down to Vermont each summer, I didn't spend too much time in cottage country.

Now that I'm older, I've had a few more opportunities to head up north and enjoy a weekend with the mosquitoes and bonfires. In Ontario, it's a right of passage to spend a weekend at a cottage, and you can't get more Canadian than a weekend cottaging. (Yes, my English friends, I do know this term has a different meaning in your neck of the woods, but on Canadian soil it refers to a simple, innocent time eating s'mores, rocking a bbq, and swimming in a cold lake.)

Tetris that car load in, using every available space. That includes the back window, the foot wells in the back seat and that hump between. *Bonus points for including a dog.*

Muskoka chairs are a must. No better way to kick back and relax after a swim and gather around the fire pit.

Forget about a beach while at the cottage, you can get your dock life on because much of Northern Ontario although filled with thousands of lakes (like seriously, it's surprising how many) is v. rocky--YAY Canadian Shield!--That means rocking up with water shoes and floaties, if so inclined.

Cottage games are a given. I played for the first time, Ladder Ball (pictured below with the lovely @qkristen2) Bocci Ball, Horse Shoes, Lawn Darts, pretty much anything played out of doors, is acceptable.

When the sun is setting it's time to light the fire. Gather round and settle in as hours will be spent around this pit. The flames are mesmerizing no matter who you are. Roasting marshmallows is a given, but it's even better if someone provides graham crackers and chocolate. (Spider dogs are also a favourite of mine and the only time I'll ever be caught eating a hot dog). *Bonus points for sparklers*

Now your time at the cottage has come to an end. Tetris that car again and be sure to capture a pouty selfie with all the things first. And head to the dump with your garbage before hitting the highways home with everyone else in Canada and their mothers.

*Bonus points if you actually come across a bear at the dump.*

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Romantic Lady Weekend Away in Bath

Back in July my soul sister E and I, knowing that my time in England was quickly coming to an end, planned a romantic lady weekend mini break in Bath. I had been there once before years ago, only spending a few hours in the town centre before having to board the tour bus on to our next destination. E and I had grand plans for this weekend and it lived up to the magic and more. Bath is a lovely city to explore with lots of museums, attractions, and sites to keeps everyone interested. 

You can't go to Bath without a visit to the Roman Baths. The museum and interpretation had gone under a renovation since I had last been here and I really quite enjoyed it. I remember last time the highlight being the main Bath, but this time I was eager to read through all the text panels.

This time around I tried some of the very famous Bath water. It was warm, it was mineral heavy, it wasn't very nice.

Along with the Roman Baths, we visited the No. 1 Royal Crescent, the Thermae Bath Spa, The Bath Market inGreen Park Station, Sally Lunn's Bakery, The Pump House, Bath Abby, a wonderful Nepalese Restaurant, and just plain walking...a lot! We thoroughly did Bath in the most romantic lady way. 

Beaver!

We opted to pass on trying the Sally Lunn bun and instead treated ourselves to cocktails and Bath Buns at the Pump House. We had learned at No. 1 Royal Crescent that couldn't say no to a bath bun and often gorged herself on them, so we figured if it was good enough for her, it was good enough for us. And let me tell you, they were lovely. If you've never had one, they are soft bready buns that melt in your mouth when you bite into it, topped with coarse sugar and raisins. 

Loved this little shop that had many, many teapots for sale. I wish I could buy them all.

A note on No. 1 Royal Crescent, they currently have an exhibit on (until 14 Dec) titled 'Portrait of a lady? Ruin and Reputation in the Georgian era'. "The theme of the exhibition is to look at the status of different women in the 18^th century, how they viewed themselves and were viewed by society." Women in the period could rise from prostitute to nobility and easily descend the other way as well. 'Fallen women's' names were written up in pamphlets and their portraits for sale in store fronts people purchase and do with what they want. My favourite part of the exhibit was the very rare naming and shaming of some of the gentlemen that visited these women. It's only fair they get the same treatment in time. There was one name listed, that we then noticed all over Bath,  apparently a very influential individual with an interest in visiting these women. The cad!
E and I had a very lovely romantic lady weekend away in Bath. If you haven't been to this town already, I urge you to go. Keep in mind that it isn't a cheap city to visit and most things you do you will have to pay for, but don't let that keep you from enjoying this delightful little city.



Fun travels!

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