Our summer took off with a visit from the relative's. Below a few of us ham it up for the camera in front of Jeanie's cabin - our version of the 'island cancan.'
Ernie's cousin Pam, myself, Jeanie & our guest, LaVonna
LaVonna's husband, Mark enjoyed our sauna so much - that he enhanced his experience by completing his sauna with a cold swim in the lake.
As we know, Ernie love's projects - so he put his nephew Steve and Steve's wife, Pam to work. Hauling Kirby's 24 ft ladder down to our cabin. Erine hauled the front of the ladder via the 4-wheeler while Steve and Pam trotted behind holding the other end.
After our visitor's departed - I took a break and canoed around the island. Very relaxing!
During our active summer - a pair of Swallows came to take up summer residence in the bird house above our main entryway. The pair are constantly flying about catching mosquitoe's and other flying insects. The bird family doesn't seem to mind our comings and goings - they do check us out now and again - but mostly ignore us. Their babies are nearing leaving the nest - so it's fun to see them poking their heads out to see which one of them will be the first to get food from a parent.
Shortly before our four visitor's departed, Ernie's other nephew, Leo arrived from California to help Ernie out with projects. Below - they removed a door and are in the process of closing the opening.
Since Ernie is still in his 'knee recovery' - having Leo to assist has been a tremendous help. As I like to say " Ernie is faster that a turtle yet, slower than a rabbit." When we first returned to the cabin, Ernie used walking sticks to maintain his balance on all the uneven ground. He is now walking without the aid of his walking sticks but, still must be catious about falling or jarring his knees. All in all, he is doing quite well. However, that didn't prevent him from putting Leo to work - painting, leveling the back shed deck, chopping wood, hauling and assisting with other related projects.
Below, Leo is painting the eves of the cabin and calking the logs where needed.
Of course, any old bones they happened to be dug up were given to Leo to snack on.
When Leo wasn't busy - he'd tackle splitting wood for our winter woodpile.
While Ernie and Leo caught-up on various tasks and projects - I took time to wander around taking pictures - including the one below of all the dasiy's blooming in front of our cabin.
Between projects -- we managed to get out and do some Salmon fishing. Below Leo and Ernie are filleting fish.
Above - our friend, Mike boated by to say hello and swap fish stories while Ernie and Leo filletted fish.
Below - we also managed to get out and take Leo for a boat ride around the lake. While we were in one the nearby coves, we spied a big Black Bear walking along the hillside. Speaking of bear's - a Black Bear was spoted on 'our' island a couple of weeks ago. Some folks saw bear scat (poop) with seeds in it - but our neighbor's Vince and Nancy actually saw the bear near their outhouse and took some photos - a good looking bear about 175 - 200 lbs. Currently, we don't know if the bear has left the island or is still roaming about - so we all remain 'bear alert.'
Today, a little moose came to our cabin - twice - once in the morning and later in the evening. We didn't see it's mother anywhere about - but will remain catious. The little moose visited us for about 5 minutes this morning - just wandering around eating. This evening it showed up and stayed longer - hanging out down by our boat - sniffing and checking it out. Hmmmm - I'm wondering if we may have another orphan on the island?
Hopefully - this little moose is just out exploring while mom is busy elsewhere and will return.
We haven't seen Maggie for awhile. So she may have left - but we thought that once before and she showed up.
Take care - and continue to have a wonderful summer!
