Enjoying Life

Sorry for the hiatus! Things have been very busy and we are getting used to some changes in our life.

I have recently started a part-time job at Sanson Estate Winery and you can read more about that on My Local Food, my blog about trying to eat locally in Windsor and Essex County.

The other time-consuming thing has been preparing our house for the arrival of our foster dog, Jonathon. We are now blessed with two corgis that make our home a wonderful place to be. So from now on, the photos are sure to include Jonathon's tri-colours along with Leeloo's brindle coat.

The Hounds of Walkerville (Windsor)

Name: The Hounds of Walkerville
Location: 460 Giles Blvd East, Windsor
Website: http://www.thehoundsofwalkerville.com

Dog Notes:

• Doggie day care and grooming
  
• Socializing your dog is a VERY important part of a dog's development
• Excellent rates for all services provided
• Owned and operated by Karen Jones, a vet tech with specialties in canine behaviour, dentistry, and grooming
  

Family Notes:

• Well, this really isn't a family activity but it can help your sanity!
  

John R. Park Homestead (Harrow)

Name: John R. Park Homestead
Location: 915 County Road 50, Harrow
Website: http://www.erca.org

Dog Notes:

• Must use leash
• There are lots of garbage cans around the park
• Bring your own waste bags
  
• Washrooms are available but you might want to bring your own water

Family Notes:

• Lots of picnic tables and areas to have a nice lunch
• Boardwalk along the waterfront
  
• 1850s house/museum, farm buildings, blacksmith shop, farm animals
  
• $4.50 Adults, $2.50 Children, $12.00 Family
  

Notes: Bring sunscreen and your own food and drinks. There are some fruit and vegetable stands down the road though if you want to stop and pick up fresh food. There are also 2 wineries very near by.

NEWS: Pet Owner Responsibility Bylaw

From the Windsor Essex County Humane Society:

At its meeting on May 20, 2008 the Council of the City of Windsor agreed to facilitate public meetings in each of the five wards to document the public’s response to the Humane Society’s proposed ‘Pet Owner Responsibility Bylaw’.

Please consider attending and adding your voice. If you are a dog owner then you may also have a love of animals in general and if you love cats (or if you want to see the stray population controlled) then you should attend and support this cause.

Meetings are being held this week and next to review the information.

You can get details from the City of Windsor.

Or get more information through the Humane Society's website, including an overview of the proposal.

I license my dog each year and would be willing to do this for my two cats as well. I find the cost negligible when you consider the reward. Please join me!
.

Blueberry Social

Celebrate blueberry season this Saturday, August 9th, at John R. Park Homestead (915 County Road 50 E, Harrow) from 10am to 4pm.

Dogs on leash are welcome!

There will also be:

• Craft vendors
• Blueberry pie
• Ice cream sundaes
• Live music
• Games for kids

You can also pick your own blueberries that same day at nearby Klassen Farms (954 Co Rd 50 E, Harrow).

I'm hoping to make it there with Leeloo so I'll post more information after the event.

Bert Weeks Memorial Gardens (Windsor)

Name: Bert Weeks Memorial Gardens
Location: Riverside Drive East (between Parent & Langlois), Windsor
Website: http://www.citywindsor.ca/

Dog Notes:

• Must use leash
• Dogs are not allowed in the fountain area (phooey!)
  
• There are few garbage cans on the trail so you may have to carry your bags
  
• Waste bags are available at some entry points
• Washrooms are available during the day (close to Parent Ave) but bring your own water
• Paved trails (1.2 km round trip if you go from the parking lot on Parent to the end of the eastern trail and back)

Family Notes:

• Lots of benches and lots of shady areas
• Sun dial and water fountains with lots of seating
• Some shade along the waterfront but mostly open
• Connects to Hatch Memorial Wildflower Gardens with information signs
• Walk, run, bike or rollerblade (fully accessible)
• Washrooms are open during the day
  

Notes: Bring a lot of water as the majority of the trail is in direct sunlight. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the fountain area so you have to stay on the path along Riverside or along the waterfront while your family enjoys a close up of the fountain.

Great Western Park (Windsor)

Name: Great Western Park
Location: Riverside Drive East & Parent Avenue, Windsor
Website: not found

Dog Notes:

• Must use leash
• There are lots of garbage cans along the path
  
• Waste bags are available at some of the parking lots but on this day they were empty
• Washrooms are available during the day in front of the casino
• Paved and gravel trails (1.6 km round trip if you go from the parking lot on Parent to the casino and back)

Family Notes:

• Lots of benches and some picnic tables
• Some shade along the waterfront but mostly open
• Lots of playground equipment and swings
  
• Walk, run, bike or rollerblade (fully accessible)
• In front of the casino there is a bike rental and ice cream stand (ice cream, slushies, hot dogs, chips); bike rental for Monday & Tuesday was $6/hr for 2 bikes with child cart available (for an additional fee)
  
• Washrooms are open during the day
  

Notes: Bring a lot of water as there is not much shade and on a hot day, your dog may need to take frequent breaks. Bring some cash to enjoy a snack at the ice cream place and sit at one of their shaded picnic tables.