Remember those wedding vows…….for better or for worse…..for richer or poorer……through thick and thin……in sickness (surgery) or in health…….until death parts us. When we say those vows - usually - life is pretty good - you are getting the bills paid - health is pretty decent - life is pretty wonderful on your wedding day.

I hadn’t thought about my vows for awhile until I had my first surgery on my right thumb in May. It healed well. After three months - almost 100% healed! And then…..two weeks ago….I had surgery on my left thumb! For the first time in our marriage, I was going to need a lot of help physically and emotionally.

Harv has been a rockstar the past few months while I haven’t had the use of two hands. (Not that he’s not a rockstar when I have the use of both hands). He’s had to be chief cook and dishwasher - handled the laundry - washing and drying and folding and putting it away - changing the bed every Saturday morning - filling the ice machine regularly - putting my watch on for me - tying my hair up in a pony tail several times a day - helping me dress and undress - driving me to appointments - leaving golf early to pick me up when I got caught in the rain while out walking - encouraging me - all these things and more.

You may remember from a previous blog that I made a bingo card for the summer. Ordinarily I would be on the pickle ball court - or on the golf course - or in the garden - but this summer none of those things are happening so I’ve needed other things to keep me occupied and busy and entertained. It’s been a lot of fun ticking off the boxes.

One of those bingo boxes included my desire to drive to a place I’ve never been before within two hundred kms from home. Last Thursday was the day.

We headed north on hwy 21 - in my car - top down! The day was perfect - 25 degrees - sunny and not a cloud in the sky. We stopped in Port Elgin for lunch and then took the backroads - to Owen Sound. Harv had done some research and found a cool spot for us to visit - Morland Place.

Morland Place is a hidden gem. Since its gardens opened to the public in the 1970s, thousands of visitors have been drawn to the unique property. Its old-world charm has provided a perfect backdrop for weddings, photo shoots, and even as a filming location for feature films.

Barry Joseph More inherited the estate from his parents, who originally bought the property – a farm at the time – in 1945. He grew up managing the homestead with his mother and father, where he developed his unfailing work ethic and dedication to his family’s home.

Wandering around the gardens was like stepping back in time. I imagined that we were in the English courtryside waiting for the garden party to begin. The paths led us through a maze - calming and eerie at the same time. I felt I was creeping the family - regardless - it was lovely.

We skipped by Owen Sound and arrived on the road I had never been on (neither had Harv ever travelled there) - Bruce road 1 - a road that hugs the coastline of Georgian Bay. We made a stop at Indian Falls and hiked to the top.

We meandered along Bruce road one and the sights of the big bay were stunning. We drove by a friend’s parents home - wheeled around to check it out. They sure do live on a sweet piece of this universe.

We eventually made our way to Wiarton and stopped for some yummy coffee and a sweet treat before heading over to Oliphant. Just 15 minutes north up the Lake Huron coastline from Sauble Beach, you’ll find this picturesque village. With shallow, sheltered waters from the nearby Fishing Islands, Oliphant is a mecca for kiteboarders and kayakers alike. It is a happening place.

Next town? Sauble Beach. Sauble Beach is the second longest freshwater beach in the world! Even driving through the town, you feel the vibe. Kilometre after kilometre of beach. Sand dunes. Stand up boards being lugged. Coolers carried. Babies in strollers being pushed and toddlers in wagons being pulled. Patios filled with vacationers. We drove slow and I was agog.

Our final stop for the day was Southampton. We met up with friends at The Waller House - where we enjoyed great company and great food and great conversation.

Remember those great verses that are often read at weddings? “Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

We sure don’t always exhibit these attributes well - sometimes not good at all - some might come easier than others - but for the last several weeks - I’m grateful for a husband who has cared for me more than well.