"Sweet Success: Our First Adventure in Making Dandelion Honey

May 15, 2021, the sun was just beginning to rise over the northern horizon, casting a golden hue across the landscape. We had recently moved from the city, and were eager to explore our new surroundings and embrace the rustic charm of our new home. Today’s adventure: picking dandelions to make dandelion honey.

Armed with a wicker basket, I set out to where dandelions dotted the grassy expanse like little drops of sunshine. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers. I knelt down and began to carefully pluck the bright yellow flowers, mindful of their delicate petals. Occasionally pausing to admire a butterfly or listen to the birds singing.

“This is so much more peaceful than the city,” I thought.

“Who knew picking weeds could be so relaxing?” And they were pesticide free.

After a couple of hours, my basket was brimming with dandelions. I headed back to our cozy lakeside home, eager to start the process of making our first batch of dandelion honey. The recipe I found online seemed simple enough: wash the flowers, steep them, and then combine with sugar and lemon to create a sweet, golden syrup.

In the kitchen, we carefully rinsed the dandelions, making sure to remove any tiny insects or dirt. The flowers were then placed in a large pot of water and left to steep overnight, releasing their essence into the liquid.

The next morning, I woke up early, excited to see the transformation. I strained the liquid, discarding the spent flowers, and set the pot back on the stove. I added sugar and a splash of lemon juice, stirring constantly as the mixture began to thicken.

As the honey simmered, the kitchen filled with a sweet, floral aroma. We chatted and laughed, recounting our misadventures in the north so far—the time we got lost on a hiking trail, the hilarious attempts at fishing, and the mishaps with local wildlife.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the dandelion honey was ready. We poured the golden syrup into glass jars, admiring its rich colour and silky texture. Annette couldn’t resist dipping a spoon into the jar and tasting our creation. It was delicious—a perfect blend of sweet and floral, with a hint of citrus.

“We did it!”

We both beamed with pride. Making dandelion honey had not only provided us with a delightful treat but also deepened our connection to our new home. It was a sweet reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures in life are the most rewarding.

Our Lakeside Leap: From City Streets to Waterfront Retreat.

June 7, 2020 was an unseasonably warm day when we decided to make the drive up north.

The city was already buzzing with the promise of summer, but the pandemic put a hindrance on it.  

We knew we were heading to a place where the pace of life slowed to the rhythm of the waves on the lake.  We had been toying with the idea of buying a home up north for a while, but today, something felt different. The sun seemed brighter, the air a bit fresher, and our hopes a tad higher.

We arrived at the lake around midday. The water sparkled like a thousand tiny diamonds, and the trees, just starting to bud, stood as a testament to the beauty of rebirth. Our real estate agent, Tim, met us at the property.

As we walked through the house, we could almost hear the echoes of laughter and the splash of water from summers yet to come.

The kitchen, though outdated, had a cozy charm, and the living room offered a panoramic view of the lake that took our breath away. Each room told a story, and we could already envision the potential and adding our own chapters.

But it was the deck that sealed the deal. Standing there, looking out over the water, we knew this was the place. It wasn’t just a house; it was a home waiting for us to bring it to life. The serenity of the lake called to us, promising a haven from the hustle and bustle we were so eager to leave behind.

We exchanged a glance, and in that moment, everything felt right.

Annette looked at me and said “Do you like this home it could be our forever home!”

“Annette,” I said, taking a deep breath, “this property is heaven!”

She nodded, her eyes reflecting the same excitement and nervousness I felt. “Let’s do it,” she said.

We found Tim and told him our decision. The paperwork was a blur, a whirlwind of signatures and initialings, but we didn’t mind. We were making an offer on a dream, on a new chapter in our lives.

As we drove back to the city, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We were silent, lost in our thoughts, but it was a comfortable silence. We knew we were on the cusp of something wonderful.

The next few days were a mix of anticipation and anxiety as we waited to hear back. Some set backs, a bit of haggling back and forth and then the call finally came, we were ready. Tim’s voice was full of excitement as he delivered the news: our offer had been accepted.

We hugged, we laughed, we celebrated. The lake home was ours. It was the beginning of our adventure, the start of a new story that we couldn’t wait to write.

And so, with hearts full of hope and a future as bright as the sparkling lake, we embraced our new life, ready to navigate the comedy of errors that surely awaited us in the north!

 



A Turkey's Curiosity

On Thursday April 15, 2021, as we were driving through Sandfield, something unexpected happened.  Out of nowhere, a wild turkey emerged, strutting with an air of curiosity. We slowed the car to get a better look, and to our surprise, the turkey seemed just as interested in us.

It waddled closer, pecking at the hood, leaving a dent and craning its neck to peer into the windows. We laughed, marveling at its boldness. Deciding to continue our journey, we slowly pulled away, but the turkey had other plans.

With an impressive burst of speed, it began running alongside the car.   We couldn't believe our eyes. It was like a scene out of a cartoon—reminded us of Road Runner.  This determined turkey, keeping pace with our car, seemingly having the time of its life.

We finally picked up speed, and the turkey fell behind, eventually returning to the safety of the brush. We drove on, still chuckling, grateful for yet another amusing encounter in our new northern adventure. 

Pandemic

During the pandemic, we made a significant life change by moving to Manitoulin Island.  Seeking a respite from the uncertainty and chaos of the times.  We were drawn to the Island's serene landscapes and tight-knit community. The isolation and slower pace of life provided a stark, but welcome contrast to the bustling city environment we left behind.  Embracing remote work, we found solace in the natural beauty surrounding us, from the vast forests to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Manitou.  This move not only offered us a chance to reconnect with nature but also brought a sense of peace and clarity during a tumultious period.

Two Chicks on a Lake

We are known as "Two Chicks on a Lake" because we are two women who took a bold leap from the hustle and bustle of city life to the tranquility of the northern wilderness.  Our journey began with a shared desire for a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle, far from the noise and distractions of urban living.  Adapting to our new environment is challenging yet rewarding process, as we learn to embrace the rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, and the close-knit community around us.  From mastering the art of self-sufficiency to discovering the joys of outdoor adventures, our story is one of resilience, love and a deep connection to the natural world that now surrounds us.