adventures in my backyard Archives - Wandering Wellington County

5 Tips for Your Toronto CN TOWER VISIT

August 22, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

Make sure you charge your phone, and check that it is working well before your visit. You can capture the most amazing photos of the City, or take a selfie with the Toronto skyline. Take tons of photos if you can, (my phone which was having technical issues at the time, sighh).

Take a backpack with some water and snacks. Or if you are like me and didn’t bring any snacks and beverages with you, check out the new Bistro with food and drinks. We had a chance to sit down at the new bistro and watch the world go around, it was fun. Last time we were there, we dined (burgers) at the 360 restaurant experience, it was great and not too expensive.

Buy an Express Pass for the Elevator – It will cost you $7.00 per person, but it was well worth it. Our wait times went from 1.5hr to 30 minutes. I really liked this option, we thought it was great value.

Go as early as you can, (they suggest before noon is the less busiest time of the day).

Have FUN, walk across the glass bottom floor if you dare! My kids ran across, I was a little nervous and did not. Walk all around the observation decks, both indoors and outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes!

Here is the link to purchase tickets and to check out more information about the CN TOWER, https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/plan-your-visit/tickets.html Maybe take the new Edgewalk?

Talk soon ~

Nancy

The Drayton Entertainment Disney Beauty and the Beast

August 17, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

Photo By: Hilary Gauld Camilleri

The Drayton Festival Theatre, a renovated 1902 Opera House was at full capacity last evening for the opening night of the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast. Entering the former Town Hall and Opera House the building was lit up ready for its audience to watch “A tale as old as time”.

The Drayton spin on the old tale was magnificent. The audience was captivated from the very beginning until its final bows. Entering into the old building it was bustling with preshow activity, 50/50 draw tickets, people purchasing admission at the box office, as well as patrons having a few beverages before the show.

Hearing the bell we knew it was time to quickly find our seats. The theatre is very accessible with one of our attendees who required the elevator to bring us to the balcony seating. As always we found the staff to be so welcoming and helpful during our evening.

The show began with the iconic voice of Lloyd Robertson narrating the opening act where we met the handsome looking fellow who played the beast by actor Tony Edgerton. Within minutes the Prince is transformed into a hideous beast after a spell is cast on him.

The tale begins when we are introduced to Belle, played by Jessica Gallant who discovers her father is missing so she sets out on a search to find him.

Later at the castle we find the beast staring at the enchanted rose wondering how he will ever return to normal. Meanwhile in the basement of the castle Belle’s father is trapped in a cage.

The set was ever-changing with quick scene changes that brought the tale to life. The set designer Christine Peters, definitely utilized the magic of Disney in all her designs. The costumes were colorful and added to the fairy-tale appeal, including the debut of Chip, who played the cup of tea.

The first set was a full of musical acts and we enjoyed the antics of Belle’s hometown. There were the Village silly girls, Gaston, Lefou and lots of singing and dancing of course.

We watched Gaston’s flex his muscles throughout the show all the while trying to win the beauty’s heart to no avail.

Photo by: Hilary Gauld Camilleri

Belle gave up her freedom for her father, we knew little about the journey it would take her on. The musical stirred all the senses and emotions like any good fairy-tale does. Like all good ending we hoped that love would be found.

The Drayton musical adaptation of the Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is wonderful for all audiences, including both younger and older. We were transformed into a magical fairy-tale world for 2.5 hours. The cast, crew and director Jayme Armstrong certainly deserved the standing ovation.

Go see this creative performance playing until August 31st at the Drayton Festival Theatre. You can purchase tickets here at 1-855-DRAYTON or check out the website to purchase tickets, https://www.draytonentertainment.com/Online/default.asp.

You will have to come and see for yourself if love will safe the day!

Talk soon,

Nancy

Fergus Highland Games

August 12, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This community is so amazing there is just always something going on! Centre Wellington was once again hosting the Annual Fergus Highland Games this August weekend. I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremonies on the Friday evening.

Ahhhh… the sound of those bag pipes, it was truly soul-stirring and when the Tattoo began, my heart seemed to have skipped a beat. I found myself getting rather emotional, almost in tears which surprised me, however I don’t think I was alone in my thoughts as I looked around everyone was standing still and appeared to be just as in awe as I was.

I had the honour of meeting and chatting with Graham McTavish, the Scottish Actor who portrays Dougal MacKenzie in the popular Outlander series. Check out my chat with him on my FB social media, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARQNbIui3YV67rLi_OYe7MeqChO8gLxPQwWHonNU2InD-bhxNFeaiHNgHhgw6PeBSig

Last year when I attended the Fergus Highland Games I had the opportunity to meet the popular author of the Outlander series who was a special guest, http://www.dianagabaldon.co m/ Diana Gabaldon. She was full of grace, elegance and appeared humble amidst her immense popularity. Meeting both of these two talented public figures I believe is definitely the universe’s way of sending a message; it is time to dust off the book I had purchased at last years event and delve into another world.

Another bonus of attending the Festival, is of course learning more about the culture and customs of different countries. When one of the speakers shared some of his insight into the various clans in attendance, it is like I had a light bulb moment! I am rather embarrassed to admit this, however I had never seemed to fully comprehend the meaning of the Scottish Clans. He explained it in a way I finally could understand a little more about this interesting culture. Clans as I understood it for the first time in the Scottish context is another word for family. If you are like me and need to understand a little more about the definition of the word, here is the Wikipedia definition below.

A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship^[1] and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor. Clans in indigenous societies tend to be exogamous, meaning that their members cannot marry one another. Clans proceeded more centralized forms of community organization and government, and exist in every country. Members may identify with a coat of arms or other symbol to show they are an independent clan. The kinship-based bonds may also have a symbolic ancestor, whereby the clan shares a “stipulated” common ancestor that is a symbol of the clan’s unity. When this “ancestor” is non-human, it is referred to as a totem, which is frequently an animal.

The word clan is derived from the Gaelic clann^[1] meaning “children” or “progeny”; it is not from the word for “family” in either Irish^[2]^[3] or Scottish Gaelic. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word was introduced into English in around 1425, as a label for the nature of the society of the Scottish Highlands

As I sat at a table with people watching the Tattoo, I felt more welcomed as the night was nearing its end. Perhaps this is a glimpse into what the Scottish call a Clan, as it felt like we were part of a family.

As I have learned this life, there are various types of family, not always blood. What ever you call it, I love my “CLAN”. You know who I am talking about, “those people who get you!”, “they have your back, they fight for you, they cry with you, they are family, they are your clan!”

Sláinte or until we meet again!

Talk soon,

Nancy

Adventures In My Backyard

June 22, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Why do I sometimes think I should travel far & wide to discover more about myself? With the end of the school year upon us and the kids beginning their summer holidays, I pondered this thought. I was brought back to reality when after the kids were safely on the bus, I stepped out onto my backyard which has a forest like feel & look to it. It is in on the outskirts of the City limits and we are moving shortly to a new home.

I know already how much I am going to miss this fabulous backyard, but thinking of the new place, it does have a pond close by and I have always wanted to live close to the water. I am getting closer I guess, although it is an irrigation pond and it located by the kids playground area. I did discover one of my favorite birds flying overhead as I was walking around the pond. It was the Blue Heron(s) who were flying back and forth and may live in the vicinity.

Summer officially began yesterday, (June 21, 2018) and with that came the longest night of the year. My mother was eager to inform us, that yesterday had 15 hours and 36 minutes of daylight. She then said, “After today the days are going to get shorter”. OH no, not shorter days already, we just had winter with blowing snow and cold. OK back to today, it was a gorgeous summer day and night!

I sat on the sidelines of the CW Sportsplex along with my parents cheering my 11-year-old daughter, who truth be told needs a few soccer tips. I was a proud Mom, as this is the first sports team she has ever wanted to join. She is building her confidence and is blending into the group nicely. I am becoming a sports Mom cheering her on the sidelines. She is getting a little older now and when we arrived she immediately got out of the Jeep and went over to her team, not even a see you later. It seemed as if she didn’t want us to even be there, but we had to say a few cheers when she kicked the ball. We tried to respect her coolness factor and not make a spectacle out of her or us.

Her grandfather and I chuckled and I understood how she must have felt, I was that preteen girl not long ago. Ok maybe it was quite a long time OK, but who is counting? That one who when I got dropped off at high school dreaded the thought of my father and brother blowing the horn and yelling out the window “Bye, Have a Good Day at School Nancy!”

AHHH….summer so darn short and sweet, the sky looked like a photo from a postcard by the end of the night. The thought of wanting to travel to far away lands disappeared because when I looked around I realized I had everything I needed, right in my own backyard!

Amazing what a little perspective can do, and sometimes it can be a little more economical than booking an airline ticket. Although they just introduced a new economical airline flying in Canada this June. That’s another story.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Chatting with, Lisa Browning – 2018 Guelph Y Women of Distinction Honoree

April 16, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WHO ARE YOU?

Name: Lisa Browning

Birthplace: Toronto

Where do you live? Guelph

Career: Assistant Manager, Graduate & Professional Programs, Ontario Universities’ Application Centre

PLUS

Owner & Publisher, One Thousand Trees

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU, TO BE A “2018 GUELPH Y WOMEN OF DISTINCTION?”

It means the world to me! Being selected as a Woman of Distinction has given me such a feeling of acknowledgement.

It’s funny … at first I felt very uncomfortable (those old “Who do you think you are?!” messages were loud and clear!). But I’ve challenged those messages, and now, to be in the company of so many incredible women, my co-honourees, is such a blessing! I am deeply grateful to those who nominated me, and to the selection committee for having chosen me for this honour.

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE”, is this year’s theme. Describe who / what your village is like?

I am blessed to have a community of like-minded people, who have been through their own struggles, and because of that, are passionate about empowering others, and spreading the message that there is always light after the darkness.

WHERE do you find Inspiration?

I find my inspiration in nature. I walk my dog twice a day, on a trail through the wetlands surrounding my subdivision. It is there that I find peace, and that ideas and inspiration just naturally come to me. The energy of the trees is amazing, and it gives me peace. When my mind is quiet, I am able to dream.

Favorite quote / and or a favorite person?

This one is easy! My favourite quote of all time is by Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others”.

WHY did you choose this career, or did it choose you?

When I started One Thousand Trees, I had planned for it to be only a monthly on-line magazine, even though my background is in publishing. But one thing led to another (as it always does when we are doing something that we are passionate about), and the company has taken on a life of its own. I know that my purpose in this life is to empower others through telling their stories and speaking their truth, so I think I can say I chose the career, but it also chose me.

Tell us something people usually don’t know about you?

Hmmm … that’s a tough question. I think I’m pretty transparent.

WHAT did you want to be as a child?

VERY interesting question! (Or, perhaps, my answer is very telling!) I went back and forth between two different things: a writer, and a psychologist. (Maybe not as a young child – for the psychologist for sure – but certainly by high school.)

The interesting part is that now my passion is empowering others by telling their stories! I guess I’ve melded both of those aspirations!

Contact Information: * (Where can people find your business/organization)

Email Address: lisa@onethousandtrees.com

Website: http://www.onethousandtrees.com

Phone: 519-362-5494

Thank You Lisa for taking some time out of your busy schedule to chat with Wandering Wellington County!

Lisa is one of the twenty women who you will meet May, 3rd at the River Run Centre, Guelph Y 2018 Women of Distinction Honorees at the Fundraising Gala. Please join us at this great fundraising gala for the Guelph YMCA/YWCA, here the link for more information.

https://www.guelphy.org/en/community-events-and-programs/women-of-distinction.aspx

Talk Soon ~

Nancy

My Night at The Ghost Island Light

April 7, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Are all Lighthouses haunted? Remember to “Keep the light on always!”, warned Erin Ward a feisty character sometimes referred to as “normal folk”, by the newly appointed apprentice Lighthouse keeper Brandon. It was a night of intrigue, mystery, suspense and laughter all mixed into this must see new comic thriller written by Peter Colley, http://www.petercolley.com/ who was in attendance for the opening night. He greeted the attendees with an intimate chat and answered a few questions from the audience.

When the Port Dover Lighthouse Theatre approached him to write a play about a lighthouse, he didn’t hesitate as he had been carrying a story around for years with him, and could finally put pen to paper. His imagination stemmed from stories he had long thought about, with years living close to the water and looking out into the distance of the lighthouse. Welcome to “THE GHOST ISLAND LIGHT”!

The Guelph Little Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1935. Why would you want to stay home and watch TV with your cat on your lap; when you can watch a live performance and have an exciting night out on the town. The opening Gala at the theatre was wonderful and as always full of surprises.

A local artisan Tania, of Infinite Arts was commissioned to create a masterpiece replica Lighthouse with body paint on her lovely model. Attendees got to see her work on her craft before, during and after the show. Check out this interview on FB, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/videos/1041184016057429/?hc_ref=ARSxHThkkOcTL_E-NOLHEr9ez-nE5Lm6bzONYnp4kxzj4ayPZW_7c9uIbLBtVBxvM28&fref=nf.

“The opening night of the Guelph Little Theatre’s show was more on the Comic side”, said Peter Colley as he shared with the attendees that the other 4 productions have all taken a slight twist on the endings including variations on the four main characters who might I say where all cast exceptionally well.

Kudos to the one of two directors whom I met briefly, the talented Pamela Niesiobedzki-Curtis who mentioned in passing only three days to paint and put together the set. I would not believe that it only took that amount of time, as I felt like we were part of that lighthouse trying to keep the lights on. I loved the lighting, sound and set design how they all came together to create a mysterious haunted lighthouse, including the large set of stairs required to reach the top.

My girlfriend Kate a fellow theatre lover, like myself commented how she couldn’t believe how quickly the night was going as we were having so much fun! We had nudged each other more than once, with the many comic episodes of these four characters all sharing their time together, trying to keep the light shining at a haunted lighthouse. Is it haunted? I am not saying you will have to see for yourself.

I highly recommend you go see this production while it is in town, playing only till April 21st. You might want to bring a few extra bucks with you so you can purchase a drink at intermission and maybe a 50/50 ticket to support this wonderful organization. Did I mention I was the big jackpot winner of the draw? You could be a winner too, it is definitely a number 1 entertainment experience in Guelph!

Buy your tickets before they are sold out, here is the link for the Guelph Little Theatre, http://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/on-stage

Talk soon ~

Nancy

JUST GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE!

March 25, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Sometimes in life your kind of cruising along, then you hear something that just sticks with you. You know that light bulb kind of Eureka moment?

I was out with an old friend last night, which I had not seen in a while. You know the one who shares the ups and downs on this road called life! We went to the https://medieval.academy/ in Guelph, as I had heard how much fun it was to throw AXES and KNIVES around.

I must admit I was feeling a little nervous after we had signed the waivers; especially when they reviewed things like, “Don’t swing it this way, because if you do……”. Well I will not go in to details, but you can imagine? We had these metal pointy things in our reach, I took the smallest one in my hand, I was a little shaky. I could smell the newly greased edges on the blades and watched them glisten in the light with marks left from past patrons.

I glanced at my friends face and her eyes where lit up and she squealed with delight, “I really like this!” She had just thrown this huge metal object at the bulls-eye marker, and she had struck it right in the middle of the marker. I think she found a new favorite sport, or as they say properly “Activity”.

What happened for me last night, was a light bulb moment of sorts. I looked at her as she swung the axe and asked her, “How do you do that?” She said, “JUST GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE!” MMM… isn’t that just so true. I took the big axe in my hand as she suggested big is better and I swung it like it was the last thing to do before I took my final breath. You know what? That bloody thing hit the mark.

Just like that, I was in the moment AXE in hand and just, “GAVE IT MY ALL”; man what a freeing feeling! At that moment nothing else seemed to matter. You know those things like laundry, work, aging parents, kids, and the everyday aches and pains of life.

Who knew throwing these weapons could be so bloody freeing. I joked with her, “this is better than therapy?” We both laughed and nodded at each other. It was the kind of nod only shared with an old/new kind of bonding experience of hanging out on a Saturday night without any expectations.

We knew then, (or maybe it was just me who finally figured it out), that this life stuff is better when you share, not only your tears but also those cool vibes with your tribe.

Sometimes it isn’t those big things in life, but rather those quiet times, that just kind of make you smile, and you know in your heart, “THANKS, I get it now!”

PS. Thanks Kim, for braiding my hair at my grade 8 graduation, and being that sister I never had xxx.

Talk Soon ~

Nancy

EVENTS Wellington County 2018 MARCH

March 5, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

MARCH 2018 EVENTS

Wellington Advertiser: http://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/index.cfm?page=community

Wellington County Business & Industry: https://calendar.wellington.ca/business/Month

Wellington County Events: https://www.centrewellington.ca/beactive/Pages/Events-Calendar.aspx

The Grand 101 Events: http://thegrand101.com/events

Wellington County Museum: https://www.wellington.ca/en/museum-and-archives.aspx

Grand River Raceway: https://grandriverraceway.com/

Gorge Cinema Elora: http://www.gorgecinema.ca/

The Annual BRO Show: http://grandandgorgeous.com/event/4th-annual-bro-show/

Wellington County Library (March break): https://www.wellington.ca/en/discover/event-2.aspx

The Elora Singers: http://www.elorasingers.ca/

Fergus Grand Theatre: https://www.centrewellington.ca/beactive/Pages/Fergus-Grand-Theatre.aspx

Wandering Wellington County on Family Day 2018

February 19, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

“FAMILY IS NOT AN IMPORTANT THING, IT IS EVERYTHING.” ~ Michael J. Fox

Good Morning, Happy Family Day to you all! It is the official 2018 Family Day here in Ontario. I remember when this newish Statuary Holiday was first introduced. I thought to myself, “What a Holiday for Family!” Now a few years older, and a few kids later I am very thankful for a day to celebrate FAMILY.

I am very grateful for my family today, and for me family isn’t just the blood I share with others, but many of the bonds and friendships I share, I truly consider part of my family too. I must say I haven’t always felt this way, in my youth I wasn’t so excited when my (family), father and brother would drop me off in front of the high school in the old Oldsmobile leaving with a 100 waves out the window along with loud honks trailing their cloud of smoke. I remember I would slither out of the car and escape into the students trying to be as cool as I could, whispering, “I don’t know who those crazy people are?”

Yeah….. finally the weather is starting to look a little like Spring in Wellington County, the sun is shining, and there is rain in the forecast. Hopefully clear out a lot of this snow. But we must remember it is still February and I am sure old man winter is not done with us yet.

My plan for Family Day is to take the kiddlets public skating today, I believe it is free, and you can’t go wrong with Free. I think they may even have hot chocolate and snacks, and maybe a little lunch. Later in the afternoon we are going to drop by my parents in Guelph, and enjoy the day hanging out with them. My son said “well, what are we going to do there today?”, I said, “Well Just hang out, because we are one big happy family!”

Perhaps we are not always happy, like the iconic “Leave it to Beaver” family, but I know we all love each other, and no matter what goes on in life, I know my family has always been and will always be my rock. For that I am eternally grateful, yes grateful even on those days we don’t like each other, or agree with each other. Yep we all have those days.

I know there is lots of fun things going on today in Wellington County, maybe drop by the Wellington County Museum they have a whole day of fun activities planned, and its free admission today, with donations greatly appreciated. Here is the link for this event, https://calendar.wellington.ca/museum/Detail/2018-02-19-1300-Family-Day

Maybe I’ll see you skating today? I hope you all have a wonderful Family Day, even if all you do is stay home in your PJs’ and just enjoy each others company. That’s what it is all about, right?

Talk soon ~

Nancy