March Break is not usually the most propitious time to trek into the sugar bush, but it was a necessary time, yesterday. Maybe not absolutely yesterday, but close to it.
Sue's sister, Heather, lives in Toronto, about 3+ hours away, but her youngest, Ben, lives a further 2 hours west of Toronto with his wife, Mary, and their two darling boys. But for March Break, they are cottaging on a lake fairly near us along with Mary's sister and husband.
The sap is running, so why not all meet at the sugar camp along with our grands, Danica and Jonathan? And why wouldn't Heather also drive in from Toronto with her daughter and granddaughter, to make it quite a large and almost spontaneous family gathering.
I booked a reservation for 13, and we needed a reservation because it is March Break, and with the sap running, the hordes tend to descend. The demand is so great that they posted that they could not accommodate drop-ins.
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| The places is packed, but we are just about done, |
They were so busy that, shortly after this photo was taken, we were politely asked to vacate because our hour was up and a busload of seniors were waiting for our table. This is the way of it at the sugar camp during an exceptionally lovely March Break week.
It was a beautiful day, so wandering around the grounds was a rather fine thing to do.
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| Sue and I sat out the wandering this time around and basked in a quiet, sunny spot |
We were able to reprise a photo from 2007 when we had also met with Heather and family at the sugar camp. We had taken this photo of Heather, holding our new grandbaby, Danica,
This time, Sue held Heather's youngest grandchild in the very same spot.
It was quite a wonderful outing, all in all. For this event, we were happy to make an exception and go during frenetic March Break. We make the little trip to the bush almost every spring, but we will eschew March Madness (as it were) if at all possible in future.
Before departing, we dragooned some innocent passerby into snapping a group photo.
It had been a grand, little meetup on a rather grand day. March Break weather is for sure not usually as wonderful as it has been this year, so we were able to make the most of the opportunity to get together.
Indeed, this was a wonderful and delicious😋family gathering. It was great that everyone could make the trip and that the sugar house reservation could accommodate everyone. Also, the weather was cooperative.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great get together and to be able to enjoy the fruit of the maple tree. Well, maybe not fruit. This coming weekend is open house at sugar houses. I've read that the sugar content in the sap is lower so more boiling required to get to sweetness which results in a lower output overall.
ReplyDeleteSap boiling ended in a bit of disaster here at daughter's. Son in law was removing the last pan of boiled sap when the chimney fell over knocking what he was holding and resulting in sap splashing and burning his nose and face. Fortunately only 1st degree burns but the output was lost and no chance to make any more with fire pit ruined.
What a great gathering of the clan AC! Loved seeing your group photos (with you in them too!) Marcia's comment above changed my mood of joy just a bit, hearing how their sap boiling ended up. But I know they also enjoyed each other's company in spite of accidental chimney failure. I do love me pure maple syrup. Cost of course will go up again if there's shortages.
ReplyDeleteFor what you describe as a small family, this is a massive gathering. I'm glad you could all make it.
ReplyDeleteConnecting is sweeter than maple syrup. Feeling grateful and so blessed.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I know that many people! It had to be fun to meet up and catch up with your lovely family. I'm a bit envious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family gathering! Glad the weather accommodated you!
ReplyDeleteEste tipo de reuniones familiares me vuelven loco de alegrÃa. Son momentos en los que los sentimientos y las emociones afloran sin que nada lo impida y eso es una verdadera felicidad. Me alegro por ti y por todos los tuyos. Las fotos son esplendidas
ReplyDeleteWhat a grand get together that was! It must be the earliest that place has been open and so busy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great family portrait! Lovely you could all make it to be together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful get together! It's so important to grab the moments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a family reunion and a get together event. Very warm.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, spontaneous family get-together!!
ReplyDeleteThis is beyond terrific! What a great idea and a wonderful time. And so good to get some full on family photos! I love them all.
ReplyDeleteA lovely March gathering. All those smiling faces
ReplyDeleteA lovely get together. Lovely photos, too.
ReplyDeleteGood mix. Lot's of family and maple syrup.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to spend the day - with family. Looks like everyone thought the drive was worth it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think our family will get together like this anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteOur kids out in Vancouver are so busy, and have a cottage.
Thanks for sharing your good times!
This looks like so much fun! I'm so very happy for you all, John.
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