James’ Journal
Welcome to my blog.
This is where I write about the cottage, and write about my travels. I just write, because that is what I do.
Family Winter Fun in the Outaouais
Winter in the Outaouais is not simply a season, but rather a time when the extensive outdoor region is transformed into a snowy playground, a place enticing and thrilling for the whole family, a perfe... Read More
WINTER FUN IN QUEBEC
"Enjoy A European-style Winter Wonderland Experience."
Somehow a family ski trip has become an annual March Break tradition - not surprising, since my wife is passionate about skiing. I'm okay wi... Read More
Find Some New England Charm Skiing New Hampshire’s White Mountains
"Let's ski the Whites," my friend says every year when a family March break trip is being discussed. After finally agreeing to his suggestion, I was forced to admit that I didn't even know where "Th... Read More
True Love, Old Age and the Cottage
“You’ve got to be kidding,” states my teenage daughter. “I thought we were going to watch a cool movie tonight ... who are these old farts?” She is holding up the DVD case, on which is a s... Read More
Celebrating Icewine – One Very Cool Festival
The snow and chilly temperatures set a perfect winter scene in beautiful Niagara-on-the Lake, as my wife and I bundle ourselves in parkas, mitts and wool hats. We set off from our Bed and Breakfast ... Read More
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas in Charming Stratford
My wife begins her Christmas shopping in the summer, and starts decorating for the holidays before the calendar flips from November to December. Now, I’m by no means a Grinch, but I usually round ... Read More
Christmas in Muskoka
I sometimes wonder how certain traditions come to be. I am, in fact, wondering now, as I hang precariously off the roof of my Muskoka home.
My upper torso is suspended in space beyond the eaves... Read More
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
“City Ghost Walks Perfect for Halloween”
Ghosts are not real. At least, I don’t believe in them. Still, as our bus enters the massive Chinese cemetery in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,... Read More
Leave it to Beaver
A friend of mine was attacked by a beaver. Now, don’t laugh, it’s true. He told us so himself. We were at the cottage and there were a few of us, outdoor types, sitting around the campfire e... Read More
Bermuda Shorts and Pink Sand
Mark Twain once wrote, "You go to heaven if you want, I’ll stay here in Bermuda”.
I’ve had a long standing love affair with the beautiful island. I have been under her spell ever since my p... Read More