After three-and-a-half months of being grounded at the motherhouse in London, Ontario, four of us eager vacationers decided to honour our long-planned annual two weeks at the cottage and make a run for it. No sooner was the trip confirmed than Sister Florian, a fine cook shifted into overdrive and baked enough cookies, muffins and loaves to last an entire summer.
On a bright sunny Monday, we headed first to Loblaws to pick up our pre-ordered groceries. We were still in COVID daze and refraining from in-store shopping. Another restriction meant that we wouldn’t be leaving the Rest Nest area once we arrived there. We had to ensure that we had enough supplies for the duration.
Upon unpacking our cache at our destination, we were relieved to learn that we had planned well, even if we were short on tomatoes and long on brown bread.
How relaxing it was to venture down the long, steep stairway to test the sparkling Lake Huron water and to sit in the shade of the leafy maples at the top of the hill. There was treasured time for meditating, reading, or just “being” under bright blue skies where warm sunshine caressed us on every side.
We are all good cooks, so lingering at the table enjoying tasty meals was the norm. Sr. Mary Raphael loves being sous-chef and like kids at an earlier age, we took turns doing the dishes. Sr. Kathy brought a Canadian-themed jigsaw puzzle in a nod to Canada Day. However, 1,000 tiny pieces were a challenge. One evening, as I was reading in my cozy room, a muffled roar arose from the first floor, followed by another outburst several minutes later. Another elusive piece of the puzzle had been found! Concerning other leisure activities, we were not much quieter playing cards.
Thus, ensued our lazy, hazy, precious holidays of summer. Before we were ready, the calendar signaled it was time to head back to the city. Returning home is also a joy. Always, we are welcomed warmly as we embrace the shelter of each other and resume our duties with love and renewed energy.
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj