Sunday 15th August

Ellie and Ian had a swim in Lake Simcoe with Alison looking on.  They did handstands, rollypollies and cartwheels in the water.  Meanwhile, Helen was shown the highlights of the lake by Ken – they stopped at a church where Stephen Leacock (famous Canadian author) is buried – very picturesque on the edge of the lake. 

Jack slept for nearly two hours then we played Pass the Pigs until the rest arrived home.  No sign of concussion – he beat me twice!

We had a barbeque on the patio, then the kids went to the movies to see Despicable Me.  The grown ups stayed at home.  Very relaxing, although we went to bed as soon as the youngsters returned – still a little tired.

Sunday morning and we had a lie in.  Great!  Helen & I went to deliver the big back of chocolate buttons – Tracey’s gift to the Gillises.  Unfortunately they were out and we didn’t have a pen with us to leave a note – so we left a message with a neighbour.  Hopefully they will realise that very few people would send them Cadbury’s Chocolate buttons!

Fairy Lake Park

We then went to Main Street, Newmarket to have coffee in a second hand bookshop – lovely coffee and hot chocolate in comfy chairs (I had a rocking chair).  Then a walk in Fairy Lake Park.

Ellie looks out of the hotel room window

Back to the Moss’s for lunch of Western (that’s an omelette sandwich – delicious), then we head off through rain and slow traffic to Niagara where there is only sunshine.  We are booked into the Sheriton Fallsview and our room is on the 25^th floor.  When we get to it, it has a full length window with a great view of both falls (American and Horseshoe) and much of downtown Niagara Falls.  I like just sitting looking out of the window.  We crack open as bottle of nicely chilled wine (courtesy of Alison), get changed and ready to hit the town…

Jack at Vinnie's

We walk past quite a few hotels and not that many restaurants.  We’re looking for a Planet Hollywood or Hard Rock Café, but it’s getting towards 8.00pm and we want to be back in our room by 10.00 to see the fireworks over the falls.  We settle for the TGI Fridays – but don’t stay long as there is only one salad on the menu which a veggie could eat!  Across the road is a American Italian eaterie which has a live band playing great Motown and R & B – lots of Wilson Pickett numbers.  They also have good options for Veggies.  We feast on Pizza, Ravioli, cheese burger and lemon haddock with local wine, a margarita and my first Moosehead since I worked at Pizza Hut.

Back at the hotal before 10 – looking out the window we watch quite a spectacular firework display over the falls and sleep with the curtains open so we don’t miss the thunderstorm over night.