The following is the conclusion to the story that appeared yesterday. In honour of our one year anniversary, I wanted to share it with you.

Here’s to sharing many more cottage moments together.

Cottage Season - Squatters Welcome Con’t

The hardest part of this lifestyle was actually getting invited to a cottage. It was tricky, if not downright difficult to be subtle while trying to extract an invitation from a cottage owner. Often there were the parents and other siblings to consider, and maintaining that fine balance between guest and nuisance. It was especially difficult watching other people leaving the city early on the eve of long weekends when faced with the prospect of having to spend three interminable days cooped up in a small stifling studio apartment.

Despite all these obstacles, nothing diminished my passion for cottaging. It only strengthened my resolve. Someday I too would have a place of my own and a boathouse full of toys to go with it. It just wasn’t right now. So I consoled myself by pouring over cottage listings and reading Cottage Life magazine in search of that perfect piece of affordable waterfront property.

On June 28, 2004, my 20 year search ended. I found my cabin. A three bedroom cedar structure that looked more like an ATCO trailer than a home, but it had 55 feet of glorious waterfront and a floating dock. It was mine. I could relax. I no longer had to worry about being “invited back”. There was food in the fridge, and for the first time in years- my very own bed. Toys to play with– too many in fact: a boat for water skiing, a wakeboard, a kayak and even a windsurfer. There was a dock to dive off and a place to sit and watch the sunsets. My neighbours have become my really good friends, and together we enjoy campfires and happy hours.

Cottages like their owners are a work in progress. The first year it was a new deck. Last year, a new coat of paint – first inside, then out- and some much needed landscaping. This year it’s a new generator and solar panels, maybe even a lazy boy rocker. Regardless of what changes I make to the cottage itself, as I stand on my dock and stare out at the lake, it is the water that I am drawn to -this rippling blue playground, with its sandy-rutted bottom and endless possibilities. It is in these moments that I connect with my past.

As a new cottage season begins, I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful to my parents for providing me with my early cottage experiences. I am grateful to all those people who welcomed me into their weekend sanctuaries and I am especially grateful to the universe for providing me with a place to call my own and squatters to share it with.

Cheers,

Julie

Today marks the first anniversary of CottageDaily.com. I would like to thank everyone who’s stopped by, read the articles and left their comments. A special thank you to those who clicked on the Google Ads. I think I’ve made $16 advertising revenue to-date.

It was also a year ago today that I published my first article in the Globe & Mail - on what? Cottaging of course. Today’s blog is the first part of the article; the second half will appear tomorrow.

For anyone who owns a cottage and for those who dream of someday owning their own cottage - this blogs for you.

Cottage Season - Squatters Welcome

Standing on the edge of the warm shallow water, we waited for my mom, Jackie Kennedy look-a-like in a polka-dot bikini, to rake away the long green spindly weeds and dead sunfish found pooling in our sandy bay. Brought in by the waves from the boats, my mom dutifully pushed them back out into the lake, so my brothers, sister and I could go swimming. We were renting a cottage–small and worn down by time and other renters- on Rice Lake, Ontario, -a lake known for its muskies, pickerel and dense weed beds.

Over the course of my childhood we “experienced” many cottages throughout the Kawarthas. All were similar in nature: compact plain kitchens with beige linoleum flooring, two bedrooms with sagging mattresses – (perfect for jumping on), and rusty brown sleeper sofas. The feature we loved most was always the lake with its warm brown sandy carpet - an inviting playground for any child.

We ceased being renters when I turned 12. My parents bought a bright sunset orange cottage on Sunset Bay (the colour of our cottage was no coincidence). We were back on Rice Lake, the place where it all began. It was love at first sight. I loved our little “doll” house: the dated furniture- cast-offs from the previous owners’ living rooms, the big copper dials on the circa 1950’s kitchen stove. But most of all I loved the lake, whose enticing magic drew my siblings and me to it like children to finger paint. The lake: a giant aquatic canvas filled with endless possibilities.

Unfortunately our cottage days were cut short after my parents’ separated in my late teens. At the tender age of 22 I became a cottage squatter forced to rely on the kindness of other cottagers. Always on the look-out for invites, I found myself in some rather unusual and at times downright awkward situations. Cleaning out eaves- troughs, standing in frigid waters installing docks, and enduring intoxicated family members who called me by the ex- girlfriend’s name: these seemed small prices to pay for waterfront privileges. Waking up and finding nothing to eat but beer was another squatting dilemma.

Tomorrow the conclusion,

Cheers,

Julie

Occasionally I have an opportunity to write for Cottage Magazine. Not only is the editor, Desiree Daniels, a delightful person to work with, I enjoy contributing to the cottage world at large.

My most recent article involved looking into what goes into building a log home. I must confess I jumped at the opportunity to research this story. Not because it’s my dream to build a log home, but Bill’s. Why? I have no idea. Here’s a man who didn’t realize the bathroom had been painted until weeks later.

Let’s just say when it comes to anything to do with the home, Bill is content to let me play house - with one exception.

He wants things to look good. When we first bought our cabin, see above photo, the exterior was in pretty rough shape. Bill took on the entire renovation. I tend to shy away from big projects, especially ones involving recreation property. I just want to play - building a log home could take years.

What I discovered writing this article is the exact opposite. A log home can be built in just under three weeks - to the lock-up stage which includes doors, windows and roof. It also assumes the basement or foundation is in place.

According to Mike Leduc, who works in business development for Calico Log Homes, the logs which are all precut and measured to exact specifications, can be snapped together like LEGO - something even I could manage.

I took the opportunity to visit Calico’s plant in Maple Ridge, B.C. to see first hand how the homes are built. It’s pretty amazing to think they build the home and then take it apart. That’s why it’s so easy for people to assemble them. The mistakes have already been made - you’re getting the finished product.

Later this summer I plan on visiting Mike’s home - his third log home that he built himself, located in Nanaimo, B.C. I want to see for myself what a machined log home really looks like.

Who knows maybe we’ll end up building one.

Cheers,

Julie

P.S. The article is slated to appear in Cottage Magazine’s November issue.

Having just purchased a new boat, it’s now time to sell the old one. Chris Caswell of Boats.com writes, “Most boaters put far more energy into buying a boat than they do selling it. While they price shop carefully before buying, they tend to simply slap a price on the windshield.”

Oh if only it were that easy. For anyone who’s ever sold a used boat, it’s not unlike selling a used car. A lot of energy goes into making the boat presentable, figuring out the asking price, listing it for sale and arranging for viewings.

Make Sure the Boat is Ship Shape - Clean it

In our case, the boat needs to be pulled out of storage, tuned up, battery replaced, scrubbed and polished, carpets cleaned and chrome polished.

Price it Right

Next comes the valuation. Caswell recommends people start by checking local classifieds - we used Buy and Sell, Boats.com and NADA. The reality is, there are not a lot of used Bowriders for sale especially at the $5,000 mark. Variations like freshwater use and extra equipment can also raise the boat’s value. Make sure you include them in your listing.

Paperwork

Because we’re selling the boat ourselves, we will need to write up the bill of sale. It includes price, buyer and seller names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, type and size of boat, registration numbers (don’t forget the VIN number from the trailer if one’s included), and a list of the major equipment included. The bill of sale can serve as a receipt for payment.

When it comes to down payments, Cross suggests to take non-refundable deposits so that you don’t take the boat off the market for an uncommitted buyer.

Signing the back of the pink slip or title isn’t enough. You also need to send a form (usually included with the pink slip_ to the boat registration agency specifying when, to whom, and for how much you sold your boat. Otherwise you will remain liable for accidents or liens caused by the new owner.

Cancel your insurance as soon as the transaction is complete and the boat leaves your control.

Cross also recommends you be as up front as possible about the boat’s condition. There is no legal obligation to withhold information, but I follow the laws of Karma. What comes around goes around. While Bill says I’m too honest, I don’t want anyone buying our boat and wasting a whole lot of money, like we did, trying to fix things that are beyond repair.

Besides, if one of my neighbour’s ends up buying our boat, I don’t want them cursing me every time they pass by my cabin. Cross recommends documenting any defects. I wished our boat’s previous owners had done that. We found out the expensive way.

When it comes to taking the boat for a test drive, you may want to have a firm non-refundable deposit to cover any costs such as gas or launching.

Listing the Boat

I’ve got our boat listed in two free online locations: www.buyandsell.ca and Craig’s List. While it’s a bit of a hassle, I’ve included photos - a must. I also sent an email out to the other cottagers on Horne Lake. So far, we have equal responses from all sources. The challenge for us is going to be arranging for folks to view the boat. We’re in Vancouver - it’s on Vancouver Island.

Fielding the calls, answering questions and arranging for viewings is actually the hardest part, but timing is everything. The best time to sell a boat is at the start of boating season.

Here’s hoping we’re successful.

Cheers,

Julie

There is nothing more delectable than fat juicy wings dripping with smoked barbecue sauce. Spicy chicken wings and beer are still one of my favourite meals (if you could call it that).

I prefer the sticky and sweet, while Bill, likes a salty soy topping. Below are several recipes that cover a myriad of taste buds. These wings should all be served with icy cold Coronas.

Sweet & Spicy Wings

For the sauce:
1 1/2 cups rice or cider vinegar
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup ketchup
6 tablespoons Chinese plum sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 tablespoons (or to taste) finely chopped fresh red, jalapeño or serrano chili, with seeds
3 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

30 chicken wings (tips removed), rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish

Preparation

1. Prepare the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly to blend the flavors, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Puree in a food processor until nearly smooth. (Makes 3 cups.) Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

3. Using a sharp knife, separate the chicken wings at the joint. Set aside.

4. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and toss well with 1 1/2 cups of the sauce. Lay the chicken wings in a single layer on 2 or 3 baking sheets (do not overcrowd them). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, basting once or twice with additional sauce. Place the wings on a platter, sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Chicken Wings in Peanut Sauce

4 lb chicken wings, halved at joint, tips removed if desired
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced

For sauce
4 tablespoons natural peanut butter
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
3 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Make wings: Preheat oven to 500°F.

Pat wings dry and toss with oil, ginger, and garlic. Arrange wings, thick-skin sides up, in 1 layer in a large shallow baking pan and roast in upper third of oven 25 minutes.

Turn on broiler and broil wings, turning once, until nicely browned and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes.

Make sauce while wings cook: Whisk together sauce ingredients in a large bowl until blended.

Add wings to sauce and toss until coated.

Asian Soy Wings

30 Chicken wings, rinsed and patted dry

1 1/4 cups of Lee Kum Kee’s Chicken Marinade

Marinate raw chicken wings in chicken marinade for approx. 30 - 45 minutes. Place wings on foil lined cookie sheet leave a little room between them. Bake at 400 F. for 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

It’s Saturday morning and we’re towing our brand new - actually used - 2003 Sea Ray boat to the cabin. As we lurch along highway 99 Bill asks me, “So do you love the boat?”

“It’s nice,” I reply.

“What do you think?” I ask him back.

“Ummm, it’s OK,” he says.

And there you have it. We have just bought a new boat and we’re not excited. What’s worse - we both know it. Suddenly, a chrome blue Mastercraft wakeboard boat pulls along beside us. Its hulking frame dwarfs our little 17 foot Bowrider. “Now there’s a boat!” we both exclaim. It’s clear we’ve bought practical when what we’re both craving is something fun and totally irresponsible.

Seeing the Mastercraft sail on down the highway is like watching the cool, cute looking guy walk on by. Even at 42 I still want to be cool and apparently so does my husband. When it comes to boats - looks matter.

Don’t get me wrong our Sea Ray is a beautiful boat - a very distinguished, well coiffed lady. Our neighbour describes her as sleek, with beautiful lines. I gotta agree, she’s absolutely right. But I’m still feeling a little disappointed, that is until I take her for her first test drive and that’s when it starts to happen.

Initially, I like the way she handles. I’ve never driven a boat with power steering. Then, as I gently eased the throttle down, there’s no hesitation. We’re practically gliding across the water - her weight holds us steady and minimizes the bumps from the other boats’ wakes.

By Sunday at about 5 p.m. I’ve fallen in love - the Mastercraft’s long forgotten. Our new boat’s like a cougar -she’s been around the block and has got a few miles on her, but like any mature woman it only adds to her character.

This is the start of a beautiful relationship.

Cheers,

Julie

Despite missing the 8:30 a.m. sailing by 6 cars, we still managed to arrive at the cabin in pretty good spirits largely due to the weather.

Saturday’s temperature hovered around 28 degrees celcius when we finally pulled up to the lake. It was downright hot, so hot, our neighbours, who were in swimming with their kids (they had wet suits on) invited us to join them. Declining their invitation, we quickly got to work unloading the car and opening up the stifling cottage.

This past weekend was the kind of weekend you could only dream about. It was hot and sunny. The lake was flat calm on Sunday - perfect for wake boarding and yes, I donned my wet suit and went for a ride.

We kicked off Happy Hour season Saturday afternoon on Jan and Stew’s deck. It’s hard to believe eight months had passed. We pick up right were we leave off, although everyone’s kids are about a foot taller than when we last saw them, and some are heading off to university in the fall.

I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the cottage season. It was awesome.

Please drop me a line and tell us about your opening up weekend.

Cheers,

Julie

This weekend signals the start of our pilgrimage back and forth to the cabin. Opening and closing weekends are the more arduous ones due to the amount of stuff we seem to lug back and forth. Invariably, I’ll think of something I’ve forgotten, usually once we’re on the ferry.

In an effort to be more organized this year, I’ve created a check list - which I will be posting on the side of this page. Hopefully this will help me, and maybe you, get it all together and to the cottage.

Cottage CheckList:

• Assured Loading Pass for the ferry/ferry schedule
• DVD Player
• Cell Phone Charger
• Camera
• Kid’s activity bag (crayons, animal activity books, cards)
• Sunblock
• Bedding/Laundry
• Hats, flip flops, raincoats
• Cleaning supplies - vinegar, Method all purpose, baking soda, paper towels
• Weed wacker
• Tool Kit
• XM radio/iPod/Portable Speakers
• Dog Leash
• First Aid Kit
• Food
  • Fridge
    • Milk
    • Juice
    • Beer
    • Mineral Water
    • Margarine
    • Condiments - ketchup, relish, mustard
    • Salad dressing
    • Jam
    • Cheese
    • Potato Salad (Safeway)
    • Burgers
    • Hot dogs
    • Meat
    • Salad/ Veg/Fruit
  • Cupboard
    • Cereal
    • Tea/Coffee/Filters
    • Bread/ Buns
    • Snacks/popcorn/almonds/crackers
    • Seasoning salt
    • Marshmallows
    • Peanut Butter
    • Dog Food
  • Sundry Items
    • Foil/Plastic wrap/ziplock bags
    • Toilet Paper
    • Paper Towels
    • Batteries - 9volt
    • Fire starter
    • Dish soap, hand soap

Have I got everything? I won’t likely remember until tomorrow morning when I’m sitting on the ferry, but as long as it’s not one of the kids or Daisy, we’ll be just fine.

Happy Long Weekend.

Cheers,

Julie

You know it’s a long weekend when….

1. Gas prices go up
2. Long Line-ups at the border
3. Cars have sprouted kayaks
4. No parking spaces at the liquor store
5. Pick-up trucks are towing boats with coolers in the back
6. Canadian Tire is advertising sleeping bags, tents and fishing rods
7. Ferry sailings to Nanaimo, Tsawwassen and the Gulf Islands are sold-out
8. Nobody’s at yoga class
9. Friends have already left for Toffino

Have I missed anything?

Here’s hoping your long weekend is warm, sunny and full of fun. I’m secretly hoping I’ll be able to go for a wakeboard. We used to always have bragging rights on who was the first person in the lake (putting in the dock doesn’t count). I’m hoping to bag those rights this weekend.

Cheers,

Julie

Our adventures in boat shopping reminds me of the following Taoism story, The Farmer’s Luck. See below:

There was once an old farmer who worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically. “Maybe,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it two other wild horses. Such good luck!” the neighbours exclaimed. “Maybe,” replied the farmer.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Again, the neighbours came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “Such bad luck!” they said. “Maybe, answered the farmer.

The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army to fight in a war. Seeing the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. “Such good luck!” cried the neighbours. “Maybe,” said the farmer.

Deciding which boat to buy, or not buy, can be a very stressful process. We made an offer on a boat only to have it turned down. Is this a blessing or a lost opportunity? Only time will tell.

Cheers,

Julie