"If there is one thing that links cottagers, it's this: The cottage is much more than just a building where we go to spend weekends and holidays - it's a place full of memories and traditions, and when we're not there, we just can't wait for that next trip to the lake."-- Cottage Life Magazine

I feel rejuvenated. The past few months have been a bit stress-laden, with having a new job, trying my best to start that new business, being very tired and quite under the weather, the recent addition of the summer heat...I could go on...This weekend has certainly served to put all those things back into the shadows of my mind, allowing me to legitimately relax. Deep breaths and long naps in the afternoon. Sitting on the deck, citronella candle keeping the mosquitoes at bay, sipping wine and finding time to talk, about everything and nothing. Lounging in the cool waters of the lake and lying on the sun-warmed boards of the dock (heavily sun-screened) while S. sits nearby, reading a magazine. Getting into the canoe and paddling around the still somewhat quiet Northern Ontario lake where my family's cottage is.

On one of the first times S. came up here, I remember we had a small bonfire down by the lake, and although the mosquitoes bit our necks and nibbled on my ankles we both enjoyed it quite a lot. I think it had a lot to do with just being in the moment, not having to be somewhere, or with someone...other than where we were, and who we were with. S had never tried the age-old Canadian favourite, "s'mores" before then, and I doubt he'd even roasted marshmallows until that night. Of course teaching him was fun...we laughed a lot and cuddled by the fire as the night grew dark.

That's what the cottage is for -- not HAVING to do anything, doing it all for fun and because you want to. We always manage to play cards and sleep and relax and swim and cook and eat. Days seem to somewhat revolve around the next meal and I am always thinking about what we should make. Dinner last night was an old cottage favourite -- some really delicious Chicken Fajitas. S. marinated and grilled the chicken on the barbeque and I supplied homemade Salsa and Guacamole.

This morning, after we ate a nice light breakfast and I had had my coffee we sat down to try to kick each other's butts at Rummy. This weekend I have remained the reigning queen...something S. is not impressed by, I think. But -- my mom taught me, and I can't help but win.