(DA) Pack Walk

Last night we were joined by two of our friends and their dog. Today we went for a nice 2 dog, 4 person Pack Walk and mother nature blessed us with nice, sunny weather for the duration of our hike in the trees, along the river and through the town near our campsite.

Next time I got for a Pack Walk I'll have to remember to slow down. Wasburn and I are used to hiking and walking a lot and Jason had to remind me that we were going too fast. Apparently the rest of the Pack, although not necessarily in worse shape than us, weren't used to our pace.

It was a delight for us to have more people to explore with and Washburn especially loved having another canine companion to walk with.

We made lunch on our camp stove in a gazebo near the trail head, and made it back to camp right as the rain decided to return. It was a cold, and wet night again, but that didn't stop us from spending the night huddled around the campfire.

-Brandolyn

(DA) In Awe of Nature

Waking up to the sounds of nature is one of the most relaxing ways to start your day. I woke up to the sounds of leaves rustling in the wind, birds chirping and then my dog barking at nature to be quiet. 

Actually it didn't seem to be the sounds of nature that bothered him, rather the noises of trucks pulling in to or out of the camp hauling their trailers. And although waking by dog bark wasn't ideal, the beauty I found once I left the tent was worth it. 

The trees had already turned all the colours of Autumn and a dusting of bright leaves covered the campsite. 

After a breakfast admiring the camp grounds we went on a Waterfall tour. Our campsite gave us a map of all the local Falls and we got to admire the diversity of the falls of the Niagara Escarpment. 

We had a clear day at Waterfall #1, and got to take a bunch of pictures, but at Waterfall #2 it started raining. But the falls were so exciting we refused to be deterred from our adventure. We went on the explore 3 more Waterfalls in the rain. Hiking in the rain was challenging sometimes; slippery and cold, but the experience was incredible. 

There aren't many things I would hike in the rain for; apparently Waterfalls are one of the few, and I'm glad we did. 

-Brandolyn

(DA) Wet and Cold

Well I knew I would forget something.

I didn't bring a rain proof jacket on our rainy camping trip, but I don't own one, so I don't feel too forgetful about that one. What I forgot and have sitting at home is gloves and a hat. It is so cold that I shivered all night. I had to put socks on my hands like mittens and sleep with my head wrapped in a towel because it rained while we set up the tent and my hair wouldn't dry.

Even Washburn's so cold that he slept curled up in a Snuggie. It was very cute to see him wandering around the tent draped in his Snuggie wearing it like a long horse blanket.

Next time: gloves, hat and a onesie PJ set so my PJ pants don't ride up my legs or have to be tucked into my socks.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Away

Jason and I are going away on a week long, pre-anniversary camping trip with the dog.

While we're away I will be writing in my journal and will post them when we come back- since I won't have internet access while camping.

We've been 'planning' this as quite a seat-of-the-pants trip; which is against Jason's nature, and right up my alley. It's been great to plan a broad idea of the trip and be confident to see how the rest of it falls in to place.

We haven't had an uninterrupted weekend alone since we got married; social engagements, work and other plans have kept us busy, so I've really been looking forward to getting away with just him.

Jason, the dog and I will have many adventures to tell when we're back.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Little Efforts

Today I was 1 of 3 servers who went out of their way to attend a Bar meeting at work. It was mandatory for Bartenders, but the servers were encouraged to attend.

I like to know as much as I can about different aspects of my job and memorizing the new drinks on the menu is a lot easier for me when I've watched the Bartenders make them (I also get a crash course in making these delicious drinks at home).

I learned a lot and the team seemed very pleased that I had taken the time out of my day to attend. It was nice to know that my small above and beyond effort was noticed.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Fan Fictions

I write stories about Sherlock Holmes that I pass off as "silly little fan stories" so that I don't try to take them too seriously. I write them for fun. I write them because I love the BBC's interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's characters in the TV show Sherlock.

I love the show, so I write stories to fill the gaps between episodes and have added characters to the world. I find it fun, relaxing and exciting, but it's still 'silly'.

It's 'silly' except that people LOVE them.

I have a fan base.

I have people begging me via email for more chapters and stories. I may think they're fun and not serious but there are complete strangers who are very serious about them, and that makes me feel amazing.

I've never thought the effort or writing I put in to them is the best-of-my-best, but good enough to publish, and the people who love these stories make me want to become a better writer. To spend more time and effort on these stories.

But will spending more time and effort on these 'silly/ fun' stories lose the appeal for me? Will it change the meaning of them for me and take away the ease?

I love writing them, I really want to continue to enjoy them.

-Brandolyn

(DA) Antici

-pation.

(Please excuse my Rocky Horror joke) But Jason and I have been planning a trip for our 'pre-anniversary" and I'm looking forward to the getaway almost as much as I was looking forward to our Honeymoon.

I bet I won't be as prepared as I want; we're camping and I ALWAYS forget something, but as long as I have Jason, the dog, my sleeping bag and waterproof shoes I know I'll be fine. But I'm so excited I can't focus enough to pack!

-Brandolyn