#314 - An End

 

Today was our last day at the cottage.

I initially woke up around seven AM and headed to the kitchen to drink a coffee. I sat in one of the fabric chairs in the living room and just let my mind wander a bit while I sipped the coffee.

I ended up going back to bed and sleeping until eleven thirty. WE both got out of bed and immediately started organizing our things and packing our bags. I waded out into the lake and walked to kayak over to the owner’s dock, pulling it up onto land and flipping it over.

It’s a ceremony of sorts that marks, for me at least, the end of the vacation.

I stowed the paddle in its rack against the boathouse and went back to the cottage over land. Next, I tackled the floaties. They all needed deflating. I folded and placed each one into the water bag and then stowed it up in the roof cargo carrier.

Meanwhile, Robyn was cleaning the bathroom and tidying the interior. I took care of the hammock and the hammock stand, also putting them in the cargo carrier. With that, the exterior was done with the exception of arranging all the chairs neatly. I wasn’t necessary, but we like to leave the place better than we found it. It’s the small details that matter.

I took a broom and swept away the cobwebs around the front entry and then gave the steps and landing a sweep too.

With that done, I found all my things, chargers, cables, thermacells and anything else I had brought with me and put them into tote bags.

The perishable food items got packed back into the cooler as well as any other leftover items. We skipped making breakfast, it was noon after all, and we had plans to stop at Weber’s Grill on the way home.

Once the coolers were packed, we could start packing the cars. The coolers went in first followed by our luggage and then the grocery bags of leftover food. I made sure to place my glasses in the front console because it was threatening to rain and was getting dark.

Next, I took the recycling and garbage to the owner’s house where he had left out some cans. I broke out into a sweat with the heat and humidity.

We couldn’t get the vacuum to work in the cottage, so we did our best just to clean it using the broom.

The kids helped by bringing out things to put into the car and goofed off a little. But they goofed off less than in previous years and were mostly helpful.

With that the cottage was cleaned and the cars were packed. It was time to leave and we were glad of the extra checkout time we were gifted this year. I don’t think I would have liked being out by noon. As it was we left the cottage around two and stopped at the owner’s cottage.

We debated going over to say goodbye. The funeral for Anne was only yesterday, and we imagined that her husband Bill would be exhausted mentally and physically from the events of the day. But since his late wife Anne always made a point to say hello and send us off, we thought we should at least try.

Anne’s daughter emerged from the house using a walker. Bill was nowhere to be seen. I assumed he might still be in bed recovering. We said out awkward goodbyes and our condolences. She thanked us for the flowers we sent.

And then we were one the road headed to Weber’s.

The drive to Weber’s was unusually quiet. Maybe because of the hour we left at, but even when we arrived there was barely a line up to order the burgers. We all got burgers, shared some fries and Kiddo #2 and I got chocolate shakes.

With all the work we did this morning with no breakfast, I was ready to eat and enjpyed every bite.

Kiddo #2 found a black cat outside the old VIA rail car we always eat in. By the time I came out to see it, he had it in his arms, holding it like it was a newborn and the cat was loving it. For a cat hanging out at food place it was very calm and not bothered one bit by people or their pet dogs.

We left the burger place full and happy.

The weather turned for the worst and we found ourselves in a deluge of rain so bad it was hard to see the car or road in front of us. Eventually it settled down bit I was white knuckling it for a while.

And then a bit further down we ran into some traffic, and I had to stomp on the brakes hard. Kiddo #1 was driving the other car behind us and had to swerve into the other lane to avoid rearending us.

Eventually, the weather cleared and we pulled into the On Route at Innisfil. I needed more gas and the rest of the tribe wanted their Tim Horton’s fix.

The rest of the drive home was busy with traffic, but we made okay time.

Robyn and I arrived home first and quickly unloaded the car and put the groceries into the fridge. The kids arrived soon after and unloaded their car. We realized that we didn’t have much in the way of groceries, so Robyn left with one of the kids to grab some basics as well as some items for tomorrow’s party.

Which reminded me that I had to feed people tomorrow.

In the end I ordered four different pizzas from Blondies and asked Robyn to buy an apple and pecan pie for dessert. My sister messaged to say she’d bring a salad from Costco as well as some ice cream for dessert. My father loves his pie a la mode, and since it is his birthday, he gets to have it like he wants.

I’ll have to nip out tomorrow before they arrive to get his present and a card, but that is a problem for another day.

With everything put away and settled, we watched John Oliver, Bill Maher and House of Dragons. All shows we get through our Crave subscription, but for some reason it only works on the dedicated Apple Tv device in our room. Not being able to watch it at the cottage at least meant we had something to watch tonight. So, I guess it all worked out for the best.

Kiddo #2 just asked me to borrow my scooter so he could get to the track and run some laps. I shook my head at his laziness and agreed.

It’s been a tiring day, but we are glad to sleep in our own bed tonight with walls that slightly better sound proofing than the cottage.

I’m looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep and seeing my family tomorrow when they come for a visit.

That’s all I have the energy for today.

Until tomorrow.