Dick's Hideaway

Dick MacKenzie - www.dickshideaway.com

New toy

Each season has its own charms and we are well into the switch from summer to fall. Today we started feeding the birds again and have been thrilled to see many chickadees at the feeder.
The wood stove has been on for heat since we got here yesterday and I’ve been simmering bean and ham soup all day. Nice to have comfort cooking smells in the cabin again, as well as the wonderful ambiance of wood heat on a cold night.
Yesterday I finally bought a 4x4 ATV to haul loads up and down the hill between the boat and the cabin. Been thinking about it for a year and realized the loads didn’t get any lighter or easier, no matter how much I thought about it. Mary and I went home this morning to load it onto the big boat (it drives up the ramp and clears the front gate by four inches) and transport it out to camp. Here’s a picture of Mary in the driver’s seat as we boat back to camp.
A big thank you to all who are showering me with your wonderful words of encouragement. It’s helpful to have such beautiful friends. I must point out, though, that I’m much luckier than many, many people who have debilitating conditions and pain. Their’s is the tough road. Mine’s pretty easy by comparison. Also, I need to build a track record before accepting good example kudos. Three months is a great start. Continuing success by this time next year will be a better measurement.
With all that said, I do thank you all very sincerely for your encouragements. I can assure you I’m in no danger of becoming skinny (maybe leaning toward svelte?). And, Dorothy, maybe next time you see me leaving your building you could throw open the window and blast out a nice, shrill wolf whistle. I’d like that!
And my Australian friends, my boat was hand built in my driveway here in Sioux Lookout about 18 years ago with the help of some mighty talented friends. I bought the components from a supplier in Ontario.
I keep telling myself. “No more food pictures,” but thought I’d sneak in this picture of today’s brunch at camp. It’s zucchini slices seasoned with lemon pepper, tomato slices seasoned with Italian seasoning, topped with crumbled, browned hamburger with Panko breadcrumbs sprinkled over,  and a small cube of cheddar cheese on top - baked in a cast iron pan in a 450 degree oven for about 20 minutes.
Happy Sunday, friends!