I keep “data” as a matter of fun in many areas so I can look back for trends, mark notable changes, or even work toward improvement. Annually, May becomes “Camp Month” and 2025 was no exception. Perhaps warmer skies, improvements in fishing, the necessity to complete cottage chores or even just throwing off winter are the impetus for increased visits, but this year saw 13 overnight stays in Upper Whitehead @camplumsden. That’s quality camp time!
So what’s the big attraction on Smelt Lake this time of year (it surely isn’t the black flies)? Well, for starters it’s one of the better months for fishing 🎣. Landed a few beauties that will do nicely on the smoker. Speaking of smoker, racks of ribs, chicken, and salad meals are highlight meals… cooking with charcoal at the camp is the best way to feed company!
Further, the list of chores is long, as we prep for warmer weather (raft, wood, screens, motor maintenance) and our newest addition in our camp systems, our modest vegetable gardening experiment. The exploration of plants that are hardy enough in combination with soil prep / beds / compost / planting keep us outside and keen on the process! This year we’ve added beds for onions / rhubarb to hopefully complement our success with last year’s garlic patch.
May is also a Mothers Day – birthday month for Ms Lumsden. Hijinx included a 70’s / 80’s gathering with cousins in Hammond Plains with all kinds on nonsense. Haven’t had an evening of “dancing” such as this one in quite some time. One would suggest that maybe “Fun Chris” came out to play with his friends. Of note, recovery time from an evening of socializing and sleeplessness has moved exponentially into a “long term” solution!!!
We also celebrated Janie’s Birthday in the city with the kids, having a great visit and lunch at Le Bistro by Liz. We are managing several gatherings a year with the entire gang, and it’s always a pleasure to catch up with everyone and see what folks are up to and how “life” is progressing. A perfect way to end a very busy month and get ready for tsunami that is June in public schools 🫣!