Visiting the cottage this year was the calm before the storm. In the next two weeks I go through my magazine’s July/August production cycle, Lucy finishes at Daycare Debbie’s, and then we move.

Before we decided to pack up and relocate, we’d been dreaming of going to the Toronto Blue Jays‘ spring training in Florida in the new year, perhaps even starting to try for another baby. But unless the money tree we plant in the backyard of the new house shocks us all and starts growing $20 leaves, Sauble Beach, July 2007 was The Foster-McDougall Vacation for the next little while.

And aside from Lucy’s fever, we had a great time. How can’t you when the days are spent playing, eating, reading, eating, napping, eating, then eating some more?

This visit was the first time Lucy was old enough to understand where we were and what was going on (read: GET INTO EVERYTHING), so Eric’s aunt and uncle had to baby proof the place before we got there. The only battle fought was Lucy’s insatiable need to poke the DVD and VHS players. They promptly got shoved behind the television.

Lucy loved the water and sand. We spent two afternoons on the beach digging holes, lugging buckets of water for moats and building sand castles with beach toys Eric, his brother and cousin used more than 20 years ago.

It was worth it just to see Lucy’s face when she had her first mouthful of sand. Her Uncle Marky would be incredibly proud…

Eric’s mom and dad, on separate occasions, visited us, offering extra adult conversation and a baby break. Warren treated us to breakfast Tuesday morning, and looked after Lucy while I kicked Eric’s butt at mini golf (this is my web site so I’m allowed to LIE — mini golf is not my forte…). And Lynne is helping with my Lucy’s obsession with Little People, bringing the ferris wheel she keeps at her house for Lucy to play with.

Eric and I were absolute gluttons, polishing off chocolate bars, ice cream, cookies (my bag of Oreos was gone in three days), chips and crackers every. single. day. You’ve no idea how thrilled I was to button up my jeans on Friday morning — whew.

There are great little characteristics the cottage has that make it rustic and cabin like and homey and…cottagey. There’s an awesome collection of kitchy kitchen ware, including vintage Tupperware (like the salt and pepper shakers), pretty glass bowls, funky placemats from the 70s and earlier.

The warm pine walls and stone fireplace are the focal point of the living room, as are the giant windows facing Lake Huron. My favourite part of a morning at Sauble is waking up early and throwing open those curtains to reveal the beautiful beach and water. Cracking the windows and letting in beach breeze tops it off.

And what cottage is complete without a sail boat in the bathtub? Who needs commercial bath toys when there are measuring spoons, plastic wine glasses and ice cream lids to splash with?

I’m so excited to bring the next generation in to the cottage. What a special place for this family, for us and Lucy and her future siblings and cousins. As always: our sincere thanks, Aunt Janice and Uncle Jim.

Until next time.

Possibly related posts:

1. Life’s not a beach anymore, but damn it was wonderful while it lasted
2. The cottage relived
3. Did you know animals like cookie crumbs?
4. On Dora and Elmo and calenduns: The holidays 2007
5. Showers and a fever: it’s good to be home