Cottage 2007

Saying Goodbye To An Old Friend

June 28, 2007, Ponderosa Steak House in Belleville will close for the final time. Most ponderosa's in ontario closed years ago but Belleville has held on to it for many years. In our 30 years in Ontario, the Ponderosa has always been a favorite eatery for the Mackay Family from going out after church when we were little, hanging out with Youth & C&C's, to meeting back there once again with all our families. Earl Wilson, the manager/owner has been there throughout the whole time and I feel like he's watched me grow up. Tanya asked me what I would like to do for Fathers Day and there wasn't much of a decission to make... we're going to Ponderosa for one last time. My darling wife who does not share the same love for this steak house as do I, commented "just think, most people had this experience 20 years ago. So you've had 20 extra years... Get over it" I may be embalishing a touch but the sentiment was there!
Rumor has it, we're getting either an Applebees or an Outback. Won't be the same...
So Long Old Friend

Family Photo Op

Happy Fathers Day

Went out for supper tonight with my father for fathers day. Carol & Dave came down with the kids and so did Paul. Had a good night. Happy Fathers Day Dad... we love you

Soccer Pictures

Today was soccer saturday. The I-man couldn't stop laughing because he thought it was the funniest thing to play soccer right after breakfast. Pictures were taken today and then they proceeded to get beat... badly. Isaac came running off the field a few times crying... eventually realized he was upset because he didn't score.

G-G-G-G-G-G-OAL

There was one happy camper tonight in the Mackay Household. Isaac scored his first goal in soccer. After the goal he went running off the field and jumped into his mothers arms. He was some happy and has not stopped talking about the goal. I'd like to say he deaked out a few defenders and rifled a shot past the goal keep... but... well the goalie made a save put the ball down, everybody stopped and thought the play was dead, except for my cagey son who snuck up and kicked the ball in the net. It wasn't pretty but it went in!

The New Bike

Isaac got an early birthday present from Gramma & Papa Jones on saturday from Canadian Tire, a new bike. Tanya said he was riding all over the store on the bike and it was pretty funny. The bike came with a back pack and a water bottle... he does 1 or 2 laps and then stops and has to have a drink

Jr. Day with Hockey Ministries

Went to Newmarket today for Junior Day with Hockey Ministries and had a 3 on 3 tournament with some OHA and OHL Players.

They were short some players so I suited up and played... didn't realize how out of shape I was, well, ok I did but man I felt it and I felt Old.

Rocky Dundas shared his testimony about playing Junior, winning the mem cup, playing in the nhl and about his faith in God. Mark Osborne (former NY Ranger and Toronto Maple Leaf) who works with HMI. had a great day

Junior Day part II

Backyard

Looked out in the backyard last night and this was my view by the pond...

Kids

Tanya took some pictures of the kids yesterday and thought this one was a good one... and then I realized, the stanley cup was in the picture too... come on, the season is over already.

The Stanley Cup

Isaac was devestated the the Senators lost last night.

After watching the re-run of the hockey game, Isaac took it all in. Tonight we had to play hockey downstairs and he was Michael Murphis 'the hockey player'. He declared himself the winner of the Stanley Cup and then had to arrange Tanya, Eva and Myself with the stanley cup so our picture could be taken. After doing this for about 15 minutes with his imaginary camera, i decided to actually take a real picture of the the Mackay's with our giant stanley cup. I'm amazed at his imagination and his retention. During our games downstairs, we have to sing the national anthem and he always takes his goalie mask off and sways from side to side. Tanya and I are just imagining him during his first day at school during the national anthem, there our boy will be, head bowed and swaying side to side

Happy 80th Birthday Uncle Doug

32 of us got together today to celebrate my Uncle Doug's 80th Birthday. It has been 9 years since so many of us have gotten together.

It was his party and he insisted on paying for everyone's meal. I went up and thanked him for our meal and said, "Uncle Doug, you shouldn't be paying for us" and his reply was classic... "You're right, I shouldn't!" and he gave this dry witty smile that made me laugh. Happy Birthday Uncle Dougie.

Fun On The Farm

Happy 50th Anniversary Uncle Robert & Aunt Marie

Uncle Robert & Aunt Marie

One of the main reasons for our trip was to honor my uncle and aunt who were celebrating their 50th anniversary. They had a drop in tea in Island Brook and it was so good to see people we hadn't seen in many many years

My Cousins Cindy, Winston & Janice

My Mother & my cousin Meegan

The Tale of a loonie

50 cents worth of agony

and after a quick switcheroo... 50 cents of thrills!

Pull Me

Not Sure how he did it but Isaac managed to get his new found cousins Noah and Kelson to pull him around on the Kart. Considering Noah doesn't really speak a lot of english, I was impressed with Isaacs power of persuasion.

Louis

No trip to Sherbrooke is complete without at stop at Louis. For most, it's nothing special but to me it is my favorite restuarant in the whole wide world. Coke, Chien Chaud & Potate Frite at Poutine... My Grampa Mackay used to take me to the old Louis on King St. in Sherbrooke and I can't help but think of him every time I go back. Here, the kids are getting their first taste of Louis.