Happy Holiday Weekend to both Canada and the U.S.!

I haven’t checked elsewhere but both Maple Lake, Ontario and where I am (23 miles northwest of Chicago) are having very nice holiday weekend weather compared to last year. That makes me hopeful that Maple Lake especially will have a good summer weather-wise which of course effects lots of other aspects of life, too.

On with what to expect in the next week from  the weather and the bugs:

July 1 Holiday Weekend Weather

Chances are if you look outside or are outside right now you’d see a lovely sight–perfect holiday weather at Sunny and 75°F. It will be be clear overnight with a low of 61°F. Seems like summer is here. Yay!

Sunday morning will be sunny and 66 °F, rising to 82°F by Sunday afternoon with a sunny high of 82°F.

Sunday evening will be clear and 77°F and Sunday overnight will be mainly clear with a low of 68°F.

Long Term Forecast. Southern Ontario. July 5 thru July 10. 2010 - CLICK TO ENLARGE

July 1st Holiday Weather- Click to enlarge

Looks like Deer and Horse flies are going to be most pesky. Your mileage may vary.

Scroll below for More photos from the southern Ontario area today July 3. 2010– including cottage country!

Ontario late June sunset photos

[View with PicLens]

Happy week!

Ontario Harmonized Tax Info

I was planning to put up a “Happy Canada Day ” post and after quite a bit of searching google.ca I came up with very little in the Haliburton Highlands even though I know there is plenty happening. Heck, it’s enough that this is the first official long weekend of the summer, right? That is something to celebrate.*** Scroll down to check out the weather below.

Coincidentally, I was was reading today that if Americans want nationalized health care like Canada and Europe then we shall have to pay taxes as you do. Now that I’ve read through a comprehensive list of what you have been paying for sales tax and what you will as of July 1, Canada Day, for my area of the United States (Greater Chicago) there is __right now__ little difference in taxes. (Illinois’ taxing system is both incredibly complicated and incredibly corrupt. Currently some areas pay 11.50% sales tax.)

Even out here, 25 miles northwest of the City of Big Shoulders we pay 10% sales tax and that includes infant car seats and baby clothes and shoes and of course, we pay our health care out of pocket (including prescription drug taxes, taxes on eyeglasses & contact lenses, etc.) whilst paying relatively high sales taxes overall (the highest in the U.S.– Governor Terminator out in California raised their base state sales tax to 11.5%, allowing county tax to be added so they are probably paying what Ontario is and they still don’t have health care!)

So to get to the point, you really do not have it all that bad especially if you cut your own hair, give yourself your own mani and pedicures, don’t smoke, don’t take vitamins and don’t drive a petrol-fueled car. Just about across the board your so-called sin taxes are going up according to the “Harmonized Sales Tax Guide,” which I’ve pieced together and you can read at it’s full size but clicking on each page twice.
I can’t say I’m thrilled about the gasoline taxes getting higher but we kept that in mind when we needed to replace our family sedan. We aren’t in the income bracket to purchase a hybrid but still we found a decent compact car that sips petrol at about 40 mpg. The fact is we won’t change our behaviours that impact ourselves/the environment without a nudge and sometimes a kick in the derriere and so the new “harmonized” taxes reflect exactly that.

This is completely inappropriate to bring up here but it’s true (skip this paragraph if you have tender sensibilities).
The harmonized sales tax dings diaper-clad babies at the 5% GST but incontinent adults are completely exempt from all taxes. Since diapers are paper products usually, they shouldn’t be in a special category because the are deathly to the landfills so making them exempt from HST makes the “sin-tax” logic go out the window. Same argument for adult diapers and paper-based feminine hygiene products. I’m sure if I read closely I’d find other examples that go back and forth sometimes seemingly tied to logic and others not.
Anyway Happy 143 Birthday, Canada! You look wonderful and are and will remain my favourite country in the world–always.
Canada Day Weather : It is NOT going to rain!

Canada Day Weather Thursday July 1, 2010

Have a great weekend!

Happy Victoria Day and official first weekend for cottaging!

If you had a chance to see a weather forecast or read my post  about  the Haliburton Highlands Holiday Weekend & Long Range Weather Forecast for 5.21 – 5.28 you already do know that the weather this entire week is going to be near-perfect for year-rounders, cottagers and visitors alike.

Today (Saturday) will be nicer than yesterday and tomorrow nicer than today and it keeps going in that pattern for about 5 days straight!

I so wish I could be there!

Regardless, I’ve copied many goings-on in the Haliburton Highlands this weekend and beyond into the album below. There are some fantastically fun things going on all the time. Plus, there is community information from when and where to sign up for swimming lessons to the homeowners association. There are some charitable and community causes that need support. All you need to do is grab the family, show up and be thoroughly entertained. There is plenty more, including talent up from Toronto as well as well-known area entertainment. I encourage you to thumb through and simply click to full size if a page looks interesting. Enjoy!

Reach Harbour, Lakefield--Soon the boats will return! (?)

Many people when the weather in say, early spring behaves as if it’s is early summer wonder ‘Why?’ The answer? Blame it on Bermuda. Read on.

Bermuda Heat in Ontario

Source: The Weather Network

You can see from reading above that this spate of very warm weather shall continue throughout the Easter weekend to which we shall all shout “Yay!’

Here are the deets:

Weekend Weather April 2-3. 2010 - Haliburton Highlands

Tonight’s forecast is for mild temperatures around 64°F. Overnight Friday it will be mainly clear and a warm 55°F.

Saturday morning  you’ll wake to clear skies with temperatures still quite pleasant at 55°F.

Saturday afternoon remains sunny with temperatures climbing to 73°F.

Saturday evening may bring scattered showers with a temperature decline to 55°F.  The overnight low is forecast to be 39°F, which is needless to say, a heckuva drop!

Long Term Forecast April 4- 9, 2010 - Haliburton Highlands

Sunday, look for cloudy periods and a more seasonable high of 57°F. The low temp on Sunday night should be about 39°F.

There’s no precipitation in the forecast for either Sunday or Monday.

On Monday April 5, expect variable cloudiness a high of 59°F and an overnight low of 39°F.

On Tuesday expect some light rain with up to 0.5 inches accumulation. The high temperature will be 54°F and the low temp overnight will be 41°F.

For Wednesday, it will be cloudy and there will be showers. The high will be 57°F and the overnight low41°F. The precipitation accumulation should be about 0.25 in. The overnight low on Wednesday will be 41°F.

On Thursday April 6, expect a return to variable cloudiness with a seasonal high of 48°F. Overnight temperatures will be more typical for this time of year at 36°F. As the week draws to a close on Friday expect sunny skies but a comparatively low-temperature high of only 41°F.  Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge to 15°F. There is no precipitation in the forecast for Thursday or Friday.

Have a great week! Enjoy the webcam shots from around Central Ontario taken today- April 2, 2010. There are some great examples of how drastically the warm weather has affected the shape of things in just one short week (scroll a couple of posts down to check against last week’s webshots)!

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Courtesy of The Weather Network

Haliburton County – Maple Lake Weather forecast 12.27.09 (above)

Weekend (above) and Long Term Weather Forecast – 12.28 – 01.02.09 (below) – Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake, Ontario

The weather forecast for West Guilford/Haliburton Highlands for Saturday overnight calls for a few flurries and a low of 27 °F.

There should be a few flurries Sunday morning with a high of 26°F. Afternoon ushers in scattered flurries and a high of 32°F.  There will be variable clouds Sunday evening with temperatures about 20°F. Overnight will bring cloudy periods and a low of 22°F.

Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake Short Term Weather Forecast

Haliburton Highlands – Maple Lake Long Term Weather 12.28 -01.02.09

Light snow is expected for the beginning of the traditional workweek on Monday. High temperatures of 26°F are expected. Overnight lows will be about 11°F.

Tuesday will be a sunny day with a daytime high of 6°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to be minus 2°F.

Wednesday, expect cloudy periods and a high of 20°F. Overnight temperatures are expected to only reach minus 4°F.

Thursday, expect scattered flurries and a high of 26°F.  Nighttime temperatures should be about 15°F.

For Friday, the first day of the New Year, scattered snow flurries are predicted. The high temperature Friday will be 22°F.  The low on Friday night is expected to be 17F°.

Day Two of the New Year will bring scattered flurries and a high of 18F°. Saturday’s low is expected to be 9°F.

Have a great week!

Haliburton Highlands – A Natural Work of Art

Tourism Information Centre
www.haliburtonholidays.ca
tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca
Tel:705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677

Upcoming Events

Free Skating – Wilberforce
Free Skating – Minden Hills
Public Skating – Haliburton
Solstice Samba
Northwood Inn
Yours Outdoors
Pinestone
Pinestone

Free Skating – Wilberforce Arena:
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Should you have any questions or concerns contact 613-339-2442.

Free Skating -
S.G.Nesbitt Memorial Arena, Minden

Tues., Dec 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Subway Development-Kenfield Enterprises Ltd.

Wed., Dec 23rd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Thurs., Dec 24th – closed at noon
Fri., Dec 25th – closed
Sat., Dec 26th – closed

Sun., Dec 27th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Mon., Dec 28th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Tues, Dec 29th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Floyd Hall Limited

Wed., Dec 30th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Thur., Dec 31st 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Fri., Jan 1st – closed
For more information please contact the Minden Arena at 705-286-1936

Public Skating – Dysart Arena

Monday, December 21st 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 22nd 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 23rd 11:00-12:30

Thursday, December 24th No Public Skating
Friday, December 25th No Public Skating
Saturday, December 26th No Public Skating

Sunday, December 27th 12:00- 1:30
Monday, December 28th 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 29th 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 30th 11:00-12:30
Thursday, December 31st 11:00-12:30

Friday, January 1st No Public Skating
Saturday, January 2nd No Public Skating

Sunday, January 3rd 12:00- 1:30

Price is $2.00 per person.
For further information please contact
the Dysart Arena at 457-2083

Solstice Samba

Winter Solstice (Credit: Photobucket)

December 20, 2009
Celebrate the darkest night of the year by drinking deeply of winter’s magical gifts with winter rumi’nations. Bring a couplet or quatrain of wisdom to guide us out of the dark days into the light. The words may be from Rumi, Hafez, or your own, or from your favourite mystic or poet. Also bring drums or something to beat, stomping feet, and prayers that are sweet. Gaia Centre, Sunday, Dec. 20. 7:00 pm Fire circle RSVP Carol or Paul, info@gaiacentre.org
Visit Website www.gaiacentre.org
Gaia Centre West Guilford
Contact: Carol Tel: 705-754-2427
Email: info@gaiacentre.org
Pre Game Show Live at the Northwood Inn
December 26 2009

LIVE BAND!!! Pre Game Show returns by popular request. Show starts at 10pm.
Visit Website www.northwoodinn.ca

Northwood Inn, Haliburton, Ontario

13588 Hwy 118 Haliburton
Contact: Bonnie Tel: (705) 457-1710
Email: info@northwoodinn.ca

Make Peace with Winter – One Day Sampler Adventure
December 30 2009

Try a little winter. Embrace the winter wonders of the Haliburton Highlands with a full day sampler of unique, fun, and active adventures. You will start the day with dog sledding followed by your choice of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the afternoon. Along the way we will indulge in a tasty bush lunch. This fully guided one day package is available with or without accommodation. Please book at least one week in advance.

Visit Website www.yoursoutdoors.ca
Haliburton County Haliburton
Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 705-754-3436
Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
New Year’s Eve Magical Family Gala
December 31 2009

A fun-filled evening for the entire family featuring not one, but two delectible buttets, one decked out and dazzling for Mom & Dad, and one just for the kids. There will be an interactive magician during dinner and live magic show after dinner. Complete with marshmallows and hot chocolate for all. Dinner, show and campfire: adults $59.95, kid’s $28.95, children 5 and under $9.95. To book you reservations call the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800-461-0357. Visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com
First Night Celebration Dinner
December 31 2009

Join us in Heatherwood Restaurant for an intimate dinner with friends, or just for two. Enjoy a menu planned especially for this evening. Finish the evening off by ringing in the New Year enjoying Highlanders Lounge. (There is no cover charge for the Heather Restaurant dinner guests.)
To reserve contact the Pineston Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800461-0357 or visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com

Credit:
“From all of us at the Visitor Information Centre for the County of Haliburton we would like to extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
See you in 2010.

Sincerely,
Amy Brohm, Ann Lavery, James Stewart and John Stark”

Thanks from me to the above-named staff of What’s Happening this Week in the Haliburton Highlands–the Haliburton Visitor’s Information Centre.

I believe in 2009 they have outdone themselves with the depth and breathe of their highly-informational Highlands Newsletter.

There is quite literally something for everyone with a (pleasantly) surprisingly diverse range of activities that will take you right through winter 2010 in the Haliburton Highlands–all of which you can find out about through reading the newsletter in your email–FREE. I never miss them!

Happy Christmas!

Cyn

Get ready to celebrate not only the Christmas season but to enjoy a new exhibit based on R.D. Lawrence’s private sanctuary in Gooderham called Wolf Hollow. From December 9-19 you can be a part of the experiences of Ron and Sharon Lawrence’s restoration of health and returning to the wild of wolves, bears, porcupines, skunks, owls, and other animals that took refuge at Wolf Hollow. Their stories are told in an exciting and inspiring multi-media presentation that you and your family can enjoy from December 9-19. For more information please read below.

Website: www.mindenculturalcentre.com
R.D. Lawrence Place Minden
Contact: R.D. Lawrence Place Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca

This non-paid post is written in support of the community in and around the Haliburton Highlands.

Photo: CBC

Dorset Fire Tower - 10.08.09 courtesy of weathernetwork.com

Short term weather forecast

Thursday evening – Friday morning

The weather forecast for West Guilford/Haliburton Highlands on Friday is an expected high of 52° F.  There will be cloudy with showers conditions through afternoon when light rain is expected through the evening with cloudy with showers/light rain conditions continuing and a nighttime low of 41°F.

Long term forecast for the Haliburton Highlands including Thanksgiving

Expect a sunny day on Saturday with the high a brisk 46°F. Expect a low overnight of about 36°F.

The Thanksgiving weekend continues with isolated showers on Sunday and a high of 43°F. Evening temperatures will yield to a low of 37°F.

Rounding out the long weekend on Monday the forecast calls for a cloudy day with showers and a high of 39°F.  Overnight lows are expected to go down to 34°F.

Tuesday, look for another  sunny day (2 in one week!).  Temperatures are only set to be a high of 43°F. Better make sure the winter blankets,  quilts and comforters are at the ready as the low temperatures overnight on Tuesday are plunging down to 22°F.

Wednesday, expect cloudy periods and a high of only 36°F .  Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to 20°F.

Rain with a snowy mix is in the forecast for Thursday with a high of 34°F . Thursday, the overnight lows are to be about 27°F.

Happy Thanksgiving! Have a great week!

History of  Thanksgiving  in Canada

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been futilely attempting to find a northern passage to the Orient. He did, however, establish a settlement in Canada. In the year 1578, Frobisher held a formal ceremony in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. This event is widely considered to be the first Canadian Thanksgiving, and the first official Thanksgiving to occur in North America. More settlers arrived and continued the ceremonial tradition initiated by Frobisher, who was eventually knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him — Frobisher Bay now known as Iqualuit.

It should be noted that the 1578 ceremony was not the first Thanksgiving as defined by First Nations tradition. Long before the time of Martin Frobisher, it was traditional in many First Nations cultures to offer an official giving of thanks during autumnal gatherings. In Haudenasonee culture, Thanksgiving is a prayer recited to honor “the three sisters” (i.e., beans, corn and squash) during the fall harvest.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Above is proof that Haliburton County is enjoying a gorgeous day. Next year, if I go up to the Lake* (explanation after jump) and the weather is a nice as this, I’m staying through September!

EDIT/So tonight Saturday–a lovely clear overnight with temperatures only going down to 54°F.

The Weekend Weather - Sept 12 -13, 2009

Sunday looks like another pretty day with temperatures Sunday afternoon about 70°F.

The work week gets off to a very nice start.  It’ll be mainly sunny and about 73°F for a high. Nighttime low is to be about 48°F.

Weather Forecast- West Guilford, Ontario

Tuesday though sunny, will bring a drop in temperatures–down to 63°F for the daytime high, 50°F overnight. Wednesday, expect another sunny day with temperatures very much like Tuesday. 64°F will be the daytime high. Overnight temps on Wednesday will drop to 45°F.  Thursday, expect variable cloudiness and a high of 66°F. Nighttime lows are getting lower. Overnight Thursday, expect it to be about 43°F.

Friday bring showers and a daytime high of 64°F. Overnight the temperature drop continues down to 41°F.  The sun returns on Saturday with a high temperature expected to be about 63°F with an overnight low of 39°F.

Have a great week!

*My son is going away to university next year so things are kind of up in the air for summer 2010.

However, September is wide open. He’ll be off at uni by then.