Picton Castle

Another day on another boat. This time we had the GRAND tour. We visited the Picton Castle docked in Lunnenburg for the winter. This is a cargo ship that is also being used as a teaching vessel. Those on board learn about sailing from hoisting up anchor (man power), to making and repairing sails and ropes. We were fortunate to have a patient guide and sailor who was willing to show us everything.

Really... every nook and cranny.

If there was room for a body, we went there.

The chain room was a particular treat as the entry was an opening in the cabin floor and going into this space meant we were below water. This is where the anchor chain feeds into when it is hoisted.

For over a year, this ship sails around the world carrying cargo and visiting ports all the while the crew is teaching new sailors how to work on a boat.

No work for us today but plenty of time for fun.

farm life

We headed out to New Ross Farm this week with our Homeschool group. Some of us (insert parents) were loving the buildings and idea of having animals around us every day. In particular, this fabulous shed. perfect for a horse and even a few chickens!

And so while Audrey and Joseph discussed math equations (love those kids), Adam was making a new friend.

Perhaps we need sheep to go with the horse and chickens.

Who new the school house would be such a hit with the kids! They sort of moved right in, making themselves quite comfortable. Was it the heat of the woodstove on a cold day or the comfortable seats?

Yep! The school house was a hit, but there was more to see.

We spent much time checking out the large animals and even more time in the farmhouse where fresh biscuits were being served right out of the oven but not before adding the fresh butter. Ahh..loving this.

A great day left each of us thinking about a better way, a more fulfilling way to live.

Books come to life

A few days ago, I commented on Shakespeare's play Henry V coming to life in my living room. Today we have Beowulf. Who knew playmobil characters would be so enthusiastic to participate in our reading of such classics? Joseph, of course! And so it goes, Beowulf confronts the fire-drake. This is to be his last battle. Years after defeating Grendel and then the Sea-Hag, paying a debt for his father, Beowulf dies only after killing the Fire-drake.

I think we may see some more reinactments in the future.

This was found at the beginning of our walk with our Homeschool group. A short walk but nice to get back together after a long summer break.

Wednesday wouldn't be complete without some equestrian adventures.

An evening on the farm.

kejimkujik

Home sweet home. We chose it for the location....the view....because we were told it was the one for us.

They were right.

This is school at its best. Audrey and friends heading out for a picnic on an island.

Time and more time to see friends old and new.

Adam and two friends braved the cold night and wild raccoons (they were indeed wild) to wake up to a stunning sunrise, perhaps they missed that but a friend awoke on her birthday on the beach. One birthday wish granted.

A week of spending time together; finding new places, new friends, new adventures. So many hours spent biking, swimming, canoing, singing and playing. Learning about this place so close to home yet a whole new world.