Celebrating, Cottage-Style

Did you know that there’s a new treat called birthday timbiebs?  That’s what our little foursome at the cottage discovered when we set out to celebrate Sister Dora’s 85th birthday.  The venue chosen for the special lunch was Tim Horton’s because one of our Sisters generously shared a sizable gift card which she had received.  These are the special, unexpected deeds of kindness that occur during our life together in community.   

Sister Dora celebrates her 85th birthday

On July 12th, off we drove to nearby Bright’s Grove to celebrate the occasion and spend our windfall. Fortunately, Timmy’s usual lunchtime hustle and bustle was absent, so we had a leisurely celebration.  Of course, Tim Horton’s menu doesn’t include birthday cake, but we did spy the new, delicious waffle cake birthday timbiebs.  These little round bites sufficed for cake and candles to complete our special event.

Incidentally, I’m a belieber and follow the career of Canada’s young Justin.  Therefore, it was fun to have this be a part of our unique way to celebrate Sister Dora before returning to relaxing at Derrynane cottage on lovely Lake Huron. Its inviting water and magnificent sunsets provide a perfect setting to savor our last days of summer bliss.  We are forever grateful for this quiet, refreshing retreat where we’ve been vacationing for over half a century. Quite a Canadian moment indeed.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

The Ties That Bind

Every year in early November we Moylan women arrive from various points in southwestern Ontario to cottage together, celebrate and keep our family connections close and loving.

The Moylan women are not a large group and the number who attend each year varies. Except for 2020 when COVID-19 cancelled our gathering, 2021 marked our 14th annual get-together. This year, seven of us weary Friday night travelers arrived with the usual anticipation of fun and strengthening the family ties. Following a tasty dinner and staking out our bedrooms, connections were renewed, and laughter shared until sleep and cozy beds beckoned.

How wonderful to wake up Saturday morning, knowing that the weekend was ours to linger over breakfast and catch up on family happenings until lunch miraculously appeared on the table. Meanwhile, after lunch we were fortunate to bask in autumn’s finest weather. Walks in the sunshine, contemplating sparkling Lake Huron, quiet reading by the fireplace and exploring every nook and cranny filled the afternoon. Niece Marianne spied a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and her work began in earnest. It was a welcomed change from her usual busy RN days.

Following evening Mass in Bright’s Grove and a delicious candlelight dinner, we settled into an evening of relaxing activities. Emma 16, sat down to play cards with her three great-aunts. We oldsters enjoyed her youth and enthusiasm and her willingness to keep score.

All too soon, it was time to prepare for home. Marianne announced that she wouldn’t leave until the puzzle was completed so her cousin Janet stepped in to assist. We appreciated that throughout the weekend, there had been plenty of connecting with our nearest and dearest and embracing the ties that bind us together as family.

As we packed up our belongings, settled next year’s date and waved our good- byes, the beautiful Old Mill puzzle on the sturdy, hardwood table left a reminder of the blessing of family time awaiting the next group to arrive on the doorstep.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

Ahhh…The Rest Nest

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