Tree Removal

This is a good time of year to take down unhealthy trees and prevent unnecessary damage caused by strong winter storms.
First sign of snow for this year yesterday morning - just a trace of snow on the car, not even enough to get out the snow brush. But it was a reminder that, in spite of the amazing weather we have had for the last couple of weeks, winter is definitely on the way. Lots of work still to do before the snow flies.

World's Best Bruschetta

Now that the local field tomatoes are in season, its time to make all kinds of yummy tomato recipes, including my favourite bruschetta. So, please indulge me in a little diversion from the whole handyman thing - I have been promising this recipe for years. Enjoy...

5 or 6 medium sized ripe tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp good balsamic vigegar

6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

baguette-style bread (try Don's Bakery french stick http://donsbakery.ca/

more olive oil

Cut tomatoes in halves or quarters & remove seeds & juice from centres. Cut out & discard the stem area. Chop tomatoes finely. Put tomatoes, garlic, olive oil & balsamic vinegar in a bowl & mix.

Slice the bread about 1/2 inch thick, coat one side of each slice with olive oil using a pastry brush. Place on cookie sheet, oil side down. toast in the oven on the top rack at 450 for about 5-6 minutes.

Place the tomato mixture in a bowl with a spoon & let guests serve themselves (otherwise the bread goes soggy)

Fire Wood Anyone?

Scott took delivery of two dump truck loads of firewood a couple of weeks ago. Our friend Bill emailed this picture to Kyle while we were on vacation in Vancouver so that he would know what he had to look forward to when he got home! Apparently, we will burn about half of that wood over the winter. The other half is for sale. I think Kyle is hoping it gets sold before he gets around to stacking it all.

Dock Repair

Through a friend of Kristin's, Scott went up to Three Mile Lake near Raymond to repair an old dock that had suffered significant winter damage over the years. They were able to save the basic steele frame of the dock, and redecked the top and sides with cedar. Now its safe for little Boris!

Golferman

Muskoka Handyman takes the day off on Father's Day - first day off in weeks. We golfed 18 holes at Windermere G&CC. The golf course is in great shape and it was a perfect day in Muskoka ($255 for the 3 of us - ouch) The greens were fast but the fairways were a bit narrow for Scott's liking I think. We couldn't have asked for better conditions and I got to spend the day with my 2 favourite guys.

And check out this picture of the deer that Kyle took on the 4th hole. The deer was camped out in the garden just beyond the cart path and was obviously a little too comfortable with people - didn't move even when we stopped for Kyle to take a bunch of pictures.

Cleaning up from Spring Storm

Following the severe spring storm that blew through Muskoka on June 8th, Scott has been extremely busy cleaning up fallen trees and branches. This seems to be the mainstay of his business right now and his chainsaws (and his back) are getting a pretty good workout.

Pollen Really Bad

For all you allergy sufferers out there like me, the pollen is out in Muskoka, sadly. There's yellow dust covering everything, everywhere. This includes my little weekend painting project that is still out on the back deck thanks to work stoppages caused first by the rain (a.k.a Victoria Day Long Weekend) and now by the pollen. Love the lilacs, but really starting hate what they represent.

Went for a long walk this morning and there are still no bugs to speak of here in (usually) sunny Bala - maybe its too cold?!?