Friday, June 12, 2009

SUMMER'S HERE...ANY SPECIAL PLANS?

Summer's finally arrived and old and new Verdunites usually make plans to visit summer cottages, take a road trip, go fishing or swimming at a favourite beach, relaxing with friends in backyards having a Barbie (and I don't mean the doll!) and a couple of Molsons'. When we lived in Quebec, we used to like to go to Rawdon, Lake George, and a beach just over the border called Copacabana!  It sure didn't look tropical but we still had fun!  How about we just try to get to know each other a little better by sharing some of the things that are special to you during the lovely summer months ahead!  Here's hoping you all have great summer weather both North and South of the Border... a safe and happy time enjoying the outdoors with your family and friends.   Please Note:  We are heading into winter in this lovely country "DownUnder" (much like your autumn weather).  So we'll be hauling out the jackets and cosy sweaters, snuggling next to the open fire with a glass or two of wine in Margaret River, having old fashion "Casserole Nights" with country friends and playing Scrabble on the rainy days.  Life's what you make it, rain or shine it's worth sharing your experiences with VC friends...Diane 

9 comments:

Bill McKiernon said...

Hi Diane, What a great idea! Life is ALSO about the present, reminiscing is great, but i would love to share some of the NOW experiences. I remember going to Plattsburg Beach (maybe it was the Copacabana, but I never knew it as anything else) I just got back from Lake George last week - still a nice place.
I love riding my motorcycle and this year will be better than ever. Riding through the Adirondacks was perfect last week. all of the winding roads were the perfect way to start the summer "vacation". I'm not sure if you call it a vacation when you are retired, but I will anyway!
A few more trips are planned to Michagan (I live near Toronto now), The great Smokey Mtn National Park, Daytona Beach and Memphis TN. I'll fill you in when I actually get them under my belt.
This weekend I'll ride to Verdun and visit my sister, Bertha, who graduated in '78 or '79. Yeah - Just a BABY! I am from '71. My trips aren't exotic - but they are me.
Stay in touch,
Bill (AKA Willie)

john allison said...

Nothing much planned here. We play everything by ear. We will be going to Las Vegas in July. Staying 3 days at Harrahs for a slot tournament, then 3 days at The Venitian. We will be seeing Phantom Of The Opera.. We live out in the woods, so it is almost like being in Val David, or Rawdon....without the lake.... Life is good....

Diane Roberts said...

Bill, riding through the Adirondacks and the Smokey Mtn National Park sounds like my idea of a perfect way to spend your time! I swear, if there's any coming back to this world, I'm getting me a Harley and taking to the roads! Absolutely loved them as a teenager and still do at 64!....Diane

pauline garneau said...


Hi Bill While riding down the 87 last week-end we ran into groups of motorcycles heading south and assumed they were on their way to Lake George but can you tell me what is the reason for such a large and I mean large gathering in Lake George. Andre, my husband had a motorcycle in fifty six and they use to have a weekend in Laconia New Hampshire. The big event there was motorcycle racing but does Lake George have a race track?? I hope you have only sunshine on all your trips this summer. Take care.
Pauline

pauline garneau said...

Hi Diane Your the perfect age for a motorcycle all the bikers around here are at least 50 plus.Especially the ones with Harleys.Or you can get a three wheeler or a side car.All you need is a black leather jacket and motorcycle boots and black leather pants (not the song).I'd love to know how many bikers there were in Lake George.
We have no plans for a holiday this summer and that's the way I like it.If something comes up we just go. Just throw a bag together and we're off. Hope you enjoy your winter. Pauline

Diane Roberts said...

I had friends from Verdun that used to go to Laconia for the races. Eddy Lowson and Johnny Bourgouin were two that I can recall. Laconia was "The Place" in the late fifties, but I just got to ride around Montreal, Verdun and Rawdon. Does Andre remember when you could race your motorcycle in Montreal and yet if you managed to outrun the cops and make it over the bridge into Verdun, they couldn't follow you! Great fun!...not that I'm admitting to being one of those juvenile delinquents!...Diane

Bill McKiernon said...

Hi Pauline,
It is an annual event, like Laconia. Americade is suited for the "Touring Crowd" started with a group of Honda Goldwings (Aspencades). It has mushroomed to include all kind of bikes, but the vendors cater more to the touring side of motorcycle travel. This year there were about 50,000 registered. I have been there with 80,000 other registrants at times over the last 10 years or so. The roads are awesome around there as Diane said. I participate in a number of organized group rides and poker runs while there for the week. Next weekend I will be down to ORMSTOWN for another small rally. Probably about 50 or so motorcycles. IF you were ever thinking of doing it....now is the time !!

pauline garneau said...

Hi Bill We stopped in Lake George one year when the event was being held and was amazed to see so many bikers. The little town of Lake George was totally taken over by all there beautiful machines.
We wanted to get out to get a closer look but the town was not equipped for cars so we drove very slowly through the town. Years ago the only motorcycle that stood out was the Harley but now they all have
a classy style and the equipment is amazing.Hope you have beautiful weather for all your trips and have a safe summer.Pauline

Diane Roberts said...

Bill, hope you really enjoy your summer biking experiences....sounds wonderful! Unfortunately my husband Richard never really liked motorcycles, so I think I'll have to wait until my "next life" to take to the highways!....Diane.....happy days ahead!