Monday - July 17

 So sad to read about the ongoing (with no end in sight) massive wildfires across Canada which have now burned 25m acres.    And the 2nd firefighter has died fighting these horrific fires.     Lots of the country are experiencing the haze/smoke.   And then the awful flooding in the east. 🙏🙏🙏

We walked downtown and had breakfast at The Harbour Merchant Coffee Company, Inc (that's a mouthful) 😀   Mark had a breakfast sandwich and I had a raspberry yogurt muffin - good stuff + my latte.

Back to the boat and while Mark did some logistic planning for the next few days, I gave Catrina some TLC.

Then I checked out some of the shops - this little town has so many cute places to browse (some are closed on Monday), but still plenty to enjoy

 Frankly Scarlett (ladies boutique).... and Joshua and Company - one of the nicest home decor/gift shops I've ever been in.

Cute name

Love this little town

I met Mark at Two Forks and we sat on the shaded backyard patio - so pleasant and excellent lunch.    Mark's ribs were outstanding with a nacho salad - unique and yummy.   I had a loaded turkey sandwich - very good spot!

Mark's different, but oh-so-good lunch

Pretty blooms around Port Stanley...

Our neighbors, Beth and ? came in this morning for 3 nights.    They are from Vermilion, OH and winter in Naples, FL    We had a great chat this afternoon - they lived in the Lagoons (those gorgeous white homes) for 30 years and now in a condo in the downtown area (we know right where it is AND, Beth is a volunteer to beautify this wonderful town which has gorgeous flowers.)    She has her area to plant, weed, water and fertilize!!!   What a nice couple and maybe we'll meet again somewhere, sometime.    

We walked across the bridge, downtown and here and there.    Such a charming town of  around 2,148 year-round residents!    As we were walking thru a parking lot, several bagpipers were getting out of their cars dressed in their kilts, knee socks,etc., with all their equipment heading to the library park.    These Canadians sure take pride in their parks - beautifully maintained!

We could hear them from the boat, but walked across the street to see them perform - these 6 men and 2 women are with the St. Thomas (20 miles north of here) police department.    Nice crowd came out for the evening.

Catrina in Port Stanley

I mentioned in Saturday's blog about Melissa's playground dedication stone at the very nice H H Knoll Lakeview Park in Port Colborne.    I posted a picture of the stone which included Melissa's photo on the stone.    I was curious what happened to this lilttle girl......back in October 1997, Melissa (4 years old) fell out of her bed (as the article said - "not that unusual event for a 4-year old"), but she died from that fall.    Her family/friends/community rallied around to do something special in her memory and less than a year later, "Melissa's Playground" came to be with over $35,000 raised.   It was recently renovated and updated - beautiful and 1st class in memory of this little girl from so many years ago.   What a wonderful tribute from Melissa that so many other boys and girls have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy thru the years.