First Offical Sign of Summer

Not sure about you, but the first real sign of summer is when Don's Bakery opens up again - I've been watching for a sign and just noticed that it will be open Mother's Day weekend - May 7th & 8th.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Would love to report on all the work that's gotten done, but its been so cold and today so damp and cold - not very good weather for putting in docks.  Got some raking done yesterday before the rain started.  Went across the river yesterday afternoon to check out the docks over there, but they are still frozen in - need the temperature to go up for a couple of days before they can get hooked up.  Last year, Kyle was in the water April 1st (granted there was no swimming involved - just in and out) but this year, its almost May and he's not had any inclination to jump in the water.  Maybe that because he's older and wiser!

Happy Easter - hope you are warm and dry.

Still Winter?

Well, well, well.  Old Man Winter's not done yet - this is the view from our place this morning.  Already put the plow away for the summer and the truck is in getting "lettered" so we are hoping this doesn't amount to anything!

The Great White Hunter

The squirrels & chippies are busy in Muskoka and the Great White Hunter resumes her post...

Low Spring Water Levels on the Moon

Spring water levels are lower than we've had in years.  Normally at this time of year, the water is up 4 to 6 feet on the Moon River.  Got the small dock and tin boat in yesterday.  That may not be the earliest I've ever had a boat in, but its the earliest I've put a dock in for as long as I can remember.  I'll wait a few more days on the other docks ... just in case.

Checking for Winter Damage

We noticed a couple of roof shingles on the ground this afternoon while we were sitting outside enjoying an outstanding Muskoka spring afternoon. Got us to thinking about other things to look for now that the snow and ice are gone (well the ice is almost gone):

• branches on the roof or broken eavestroughs
• trees down or broken limbs
• damaged docks
• heaves or erosion of driveway
• deck damage from snow loads (although the snow loads weren't that bad - in Muskoka Lakes, anyway)
• cracks or leaks in water pipes - look for signs like no water or low water pressure
• water stains on interior walls or ceilings
• signs of animals or rodents inside

Its great to get outside again, but sometimes we hold our breath to see how our cottage & property have fared over the winter. Seemed like a pretty mild winter last year - hopefully your cottage or home faired pretty well. But, if you need some help with that clean-up ... call Scott!

The Ice is Almost Out

Gorgeous, sunny, warm spring day in Muskoka.  Here on the sunny side of the river, the ice is almost out and its time to start the yard clean-up.  On the other side of the river, its a different matter - at least another week of snow and ice and at least 2 weeks until raking can begin.

The Workshop is Done

First blog post for Scott Glover - Muskoka Handyman.  Thanks to Kristin for the most-excellent idea and to Cath for making it happen.

After many, many, many hours of organizing and several trips to both the Home Depot and the dump, the new workshop is complete and it is a thing of beauty, if I do say so myself.  Scott Glover - Muskoka Handyman is now open for business.

Now we just need to wait for the ice to go out so we can start putting docks in - and the boats are soon to follow.