Niagara on the Lake ~ Wines

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE ~ WINE, WISDOM and WHIMSY

For a glass full of quaint and cozy, brimming with cordials and witticisms, whimsy and wine, classics and vistas, join us on our picture filled tour of a day in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

The day started sunny with a ninety eight percent chance of fun. Things just point in that direction when you’re in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

We were staying at the gorgeous Queen’s Landing Hotel. http://www.vintage-hotels.com/queenslanding/?gclid=CjwKEAjw6_q5BRCOp-Hj-IfHwncSJABMtDai1QjHfO1abUPupU9f7gODs-ThCfYltcMCedoAdFu2hBoCJdTw_wcB

It’s a good start when you look out the window and see the Niagara river’s waters glistening and the sailboats docked.

We began with a day trip to close-at-hand wine country; Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for it’s wineries, and we wanted to weigh in on that. After-all, a 2chicks review is priceless…

There are many wineries, large and small to choose from, and we started with one of Ontario’s  largest Wineries: Peller. This family owned winery offers daily tours and award winning wines.  http://www.winealign.com/wineries/26-peller-estates-winery. And https://www.peller.com/

 

The vineyards are fresh and budding, ready to start this year’s crop of grapes.

Next door is the ‘new kid on the block’, Two Sister’s Vineyards. http://www.twosistersvineyards.com/site/home

We appreciated the intimacy and attention.

We tried several samples…

And pleasing the effort turned out to be…

…before settling on a Cabernet Sauvignon, Ice Wine. Rich and full, but not overpowering on the sweet side. Special.

This Chick and her Rooster will be saving it for a special occasion…

And like a very fine wine, this very fine view topped off our visit.

After such royal treatment, we went back to our hotel. Unfortunately the Rooster had to fly the coop, but the 2chicks and a brother lazed around the lobby and the library at Queen’s landing, for a bit of whimsy and wisdom:

Some statues just look smart.

 

The plant and pot are delightful…dare we say, just ducky?

All kidding aside, elegant beauty is around every corner. We spent forever exploring…

 

Learning something? Fabulous. In a charming setting? Glorious. Two siblings getting along? Priceless.

Three strong naked guys supporting a bowl, yet still looking good? Definitely classic, if not a little amusing.

And there for our convenience, more wine, or a nibble at the Tiara Restaurant and their locally sourced (my favorite)and delicious food. Loved this cozy corner! http://www.vintage-hotels.com/queenslanding/dining.php

Clue? Sir George in the library with the candlesticks…
For those in the know, this is Sir George Bernard Shaw. This renowned author and playwright is honored by the well-known Shaw Festival, permanently located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. http://www.shawfest.com/about-the-shaw/george-bernard-shaws-bio/ Many folks come just for the Festival, so be sure to take in a play during your stay.

It’s surprising just how much one can learn from actual books in libraries, statues, wooden ducks (or geese), wine-tasting, visiting wineries, historical plays or just fun plays (Alice in Wonderland is currently running). It’s also surprising how accommodating a Son/Brother can be… 😉

Now that you’ve partaken in our NOTL adventure, perhaps you’ll be as informed and knowledgeable as THIS Chick…

Don’t hang up. We’ll be back with more.

Round II, Niagara-on-the-Lake, coming soon…

 

 

 

 

 

 

A moment to ponder at the Niagara

 

The 2chicks are returning here with perhaps a few tricks up their sleeves. The following is a short story, set along the banks of the Niagara River, on Grand Island, New York, in Beaver Island State Park. If you are coming to the area, certainly google it for more information. Please, read on and enjoy!

Written by Sherrie Robins

Evening fell over the Niagara.
There was a hush and an echo, that reverberated as sunlight on the whimpering waves.

A heron was standing in the marsh along river’s edge, aware of my presence. Silhouetted as a statue, she was unwilling to move a muscle…until I got too close. That was when she spread her wings wide and with a leap and an arc, soared toward the setting sun.

 

In the distance, a dog’s bark preempted the quiet, perking my ears up, bringing me to attention.

I was rather irritated by now. My ethereal moment, my commune with nature had been interrupted, and I can’t say that I liked it.

I was sorry my bird (how did I think she was mine?) had flown off. I was sorry a pet was in the vicinity…and a man.

I turned my head back towards the water, and the sun, the glow and the calm and tried to reemerge.
A warm evening breeze caressed my face, in a seeming attempt to calm. The least I could do was respond. Drawing a deep breath, I listened. There was a far off bird call. Perhaps MY heron. Maybe she would come back, and this dog and his man would disappear.
The now cooling sand was fresh between my toes and the nip of a mosquito pricked my neck.

It hadn’t been a particularly good day. Nor week…nor year. This place was my calm. My restoration. It filled me up when I was running low.

The end of the season was my favorite; the kids were back in school and their parents hovered with them, over homework. Family tourism was over and the only tourists still around were not interested in a river beach, they were here for the big bang Niagara Falls had to offer.

Several boats were still moored, but mostly empty, waiting for weekend attention. No, weeknights in September belonged to me.

The docks were inviting. I loved stepping out on the wooden planks. They were rough and springy with the dank smell of tall wooden posts, long immersed in the underwater world of mud and clay.

My mind wandered. It slithered as a water snake along the golden shimmer, touching on my troubles and problems, seemingly without solution; problems that I had allowed to seep into my soul and had sunk deep and dark into my mud and clay.

I shook my head, where was that Heron, anyway. I could use the distraction of her call…

Instead I heard a bark. And it was close. And a man…his dog…and interference. The hair on the back of my neck ruffled in irritation. This was MY sanctuary.

He came out onto the dock. The dog was young and full of bounce and friendly. I didn’t want bounce. I most certainly did NOT want friendly. But my Mother had conditioned me to “nice”.

“Hello” he said. “Hello” she bounced and licked, jumping up in my space. She landed squarely on my bare feet with her sharp toenails, drawing a neat red line from ankle to toes.

“Ouch”! I yelled. I was going to “nice” but now I wasn’t. I didn’t care. My problems. My sanctuary. My space, My foot.

“I am SO sorry” he said. He was irritatingly sincere.

I sat down on the dock and put my feet in the water. “That’s okay. But do you think you could manage to control your dog”? She was jumping with those toenails, precariously close. I continued to not like her. Or him.

But he spoke up “Again, I’m very sorry. Is there anything I can do for your foot? My car is in the lot and I have a first aid kit”…

“That’s okay. I’ll be fine”.

“I’m really trying to manage her. I’m not usually the one to take her for a walk. I do apologize”.

“Nice” insisted on speaking up. Thanks Mom. “Oh…you got stuck with the job”? It was the best I could do.

“Well…in a manner of speaking”.

My foot was throbbing, but my Mother continued…”Oh”?

He hesitated.

I noticed him for the first time: middle aged, graying hair, glasses, trim. He looked pleasant enough, for a man whose dog had just punctured my foot.

“I didn’t mean to pry”…

“It’s just this is my first time walking my Wife’s dog here. Leona is a rescue, and she was just beginning to get her under control…when…” His face hinted of pain and began to contort, before he turned away.

Oh no…what had I gotten myself into?

“I’m so sorry, I, uh…”

“No” he sniffled. “It’s my fault”.

“I’m really sorry, apparently there is more to this and I didn’t mean to”… I trailed off, overwhelmed with awkward, and just a little sympathy.

He straightened up and stood tall. “Look. I don’t know you and I am truly sorry I interrupted your reverie here. But you have no reason to feel bad. I’m the one who came here and interrupted your alone time. I’m the one that made you feel uncomfortable. I am most sorry my dog hurt your foot. And mostly, I’m sorry for this awkward  moment. But I just lost my wife tonight. She had been sick for a long time and we knew it was coming. I have family at home, so I’ll be okay, but Leona and I needed to get out. I just felt I needed to tell you.
Now, won’t you please excuse us? Please have a good evening”… He turned abruptly, sniffing a little, clearing his throat.

They walked a little further on, down the main dock and out onto one of the several protruding finger piers. Leona was sniffing around, satisfied with the varied smells, but he stood still, staring in the direction of the sun setting over the water…as unmoving as My heron had been.

He hadn’t even given me time to respond. I couldn’t tell him I was sorry.

I didn’t bother to move as I was frankly, thunderstruck. What could I do? If I moved I might interrupt his reverie. No. I could give him that much.

After a few moments, Leona pulled at the leash and the man came back to himself. I saw him wiping his cheek as he turned. They walked back down the main dock and off into the darkening horizon.

The sun was nearly down and I was shivering as I pulled my feet out of the wet. I wasn’t sure where I left my shoes, and that mosquito had returned with his companions.

But I was experiencing a paradigm shift.  No. It was time for me to leave his dock, his beach, his park.

I would let the sun sink low, I would return the heron to herself, I would give the man his sanctuary… maybe even realize my Mother had a point.

It was time to pull the supports from their entombment and give my head a shake. Most problems were only that. Problems. I would save my sorrow and self-pity for the bigger things of life.

 

Spirit of Springtime in Niagara

Though Springtime has officially come to Niagara, here is a blast from the past when Spring was only showing INSIDE the Botanical Gardens. We are certainly welcoming the blooms outside now as well!

2chicks2go

Dear Readers,

We know that you’ve been cooped up indoors for a long, harsh winter… We know that the snow drifts have been taller than your car (or in some cases, your house.) We understand that your eyeballs have frozen solid in their sockets! We are here for you. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to warm the cockles of your heart and soul. We may not be able to offer you any soup for the soul, but we can give you a feast for your eyes. Ah yes, we know some of you live where the weather is warm year round…. Lucky you. But, you can look too.

While we were freezing our socks off here, we took a day to visit the neighboring city of Buffalo. We included two things in our day trip – first we went to the Buffalo and Erie Botanical Gardens, which was displaying an…

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Delaware Park ~ Olmsted’s Buffalo Paradise

It’s a lovely week for a stroll in the park, don’t you think?
The 2chicks have been out and about for a while now, and thought we’d stop in for a re-post. We’ll be back soon!

2chicks2go

One of the great things about living or vacationing in Niagara, is it’s proximity to some pretty outrageous scenery, cities, parklands and more. Delaware Park, in nearby Buffalo, is one of our favorites! It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and mainly completed in 1876. Olmsted is of Central Park reknown.  https://www.bfloparks.org/ and http://www.pbs.org/wned/frederick-law-olmsted/learn-more/olmsteds-buffalo-park-system-and-its-stewards/ *Also, keep in mind our previous posts regarding America’s Oldest State Park, the Niagara Reservation State Park http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/Americas-Oldest-State-Park.aspx

At the beginning of the park is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The Greek Revival structure was dedicated in 1905. This is a spectacular building, adding to the ambiance and beauty of the park.

Let’s stroll the perimeter of Hoyt Lake together…

There is nothing like a bike ride around the Lake on a lazy summer day.

Marcy Casino is open to the public as a beer garden and also for private events. http://marcycasino.com/historic-location/

Lovely flowers are placed…

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Happy New Year, from Niagara!

Remember when Niagara was frozen, ‘real good’? Hoping for a warmer winter this year…

From the 2chicks, here in Niagara, to you, whichever corner of the world you may be in, we wish you a very Happy, Joyous, and Hopeful New Year!

Happy New Year! photo/poem

Cleveland Terminal Station. Poetry & photo, Sherrie Robins.

 

Happy New Year, from the 2chicks!

All hail to Autumn, as winter knocks…

Niagara on display.

I am hesitant. The day inviting, the view unparalleled, but winter imminent.

The grounded leaves are in a kerfuffle, blustering about, looking for a limb to hold on to. Isn’t that the way it’s always been; since inception?

But I, on the other hand, am grounded, plodding, peaceful despite the knowledge of the inevitable, as I trod the path beneath my feet. Beauty has a way of doing that. It humbles us, rescues us, lifts above the mundane to exaggerated and exalting heights.

In this case, beauty comes from beyond and below, enhanced by above. Sunlight flickers between yet attached and gloriously attired leaves. The water, away down, perpetual and exhausting in it’s permanent purposefulness, resonates on canyon walls.

 

I, small. Alone. Individual. I among the many and the few. Many trees, many leaves…clouds, colors, grasses, pebbles on the ground. Few travelers, tree stumps, forks in the path, the earth.

 

I am here to revel. Admire. Be invigorated. Soar.

You are here to absorb, imbibe, share in our journey and enjoy.

 

We invite your presence with pleasure and send warm, sun set, color-filled greetings your way.

Remember us, those ‘neath the white, frosted earth…

All photos taken one November afternoon, Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York.

Autumn in Chagrin Falls, a quiet beauty

The sun is setting, silhouetting trees and shades and golden hues of color. Glimmering leaves dazzle, shimmer in the breeze or float peacefully past rocks or broken branches. The sound of water dashes hard. It pummels and penetrates the lower banks, creating a second home.

The church bell chimes, the town hall tower shines, the square defers. Muted colors, softly enclose in preparation of a bolder season of celebration, ahead. Christmas and the holidays are drawing near, and chopped evergreens subtly await, still slumbering, hidden in back alleys or along building’s edges.

Shopkeepers anticipate the cold bite of winter, while shoppers shiver and pull their coats a little bit closer.

We open a door and warm air rushes out, greeting us with genial arms of invitation. Though the hour has not yet come, we are welcomed with tea, cheer, and a cozy fire. Through sprawling windows we see the long, wide drop of inspiration.

A sip and a nudge. A view, and a bite. With you by the fire, the world once again, right.

Find beauty ’round the corner, just beyond the bend,
Or in the eyes of loved ones near or far,  

Past, present, in the future, For always in the end,

We n’er leave ourselves behind,
Create your joy, your love, your friends.

Sherrie

Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Just beyond… Cleveland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sampling of shops,  Inn and Restaurants of Chagrin, Ohio, listed below:
https://www.facebook.com/Winds-of-Change-111953242215815/

http://innofchagrin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nola-True/159967410692272https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nola-True/159967410692272

http://hedgeschagrinfalls.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Toni-In-Style-195127467202003/
http://www.jekyllskitchen.com/

http://www.sugarmedesserterie.com/

Or contact https://yourhometownchagrinfalls.com/

Also, for more 2chicks information:

https://www.facebook.com/sherrierobinsart/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

https://www.facebook.com/2chicks2go/

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sherrie-robins.html?tab=artwork

https://twitter.com/Tweaterpated

 

 

 

2chicks Photos ~Light on the Marsh

Light on the Marsh

A calm weekday evening, a few people milling about, but mostly quiet, nature, silence and beauty. A heron flies low and lands just out of reach. I wonder what else is happening out of our view? The sun is getting tired from a long day’s work, but still has some show left in her. “Do you mind if I take a picture of a smidge of your work, oh sunshine, fair”?

Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina, Mentor, Ohio

https://twitter.com/Tweaterpated

2chicks2go Facebook

Sherrie Robins’ Art Facebook

Sherrie Robins’ Art Fine Art America (Purchase of art, available here. *Requests taken).

2chicks2go Pinterest

2chicksNiagara ~ Whale Breaches Niagara?

Whale Breeches Niagara?

#Really ? #NotReally

The Arteest in the 2chicks came out to play. 

Enjoy your hot July summer’s day

Think of the cool refreshing Niagara

And the mysterious whale who says ‘back atch’ya’! 😉

(You were wondering what THAT rhyme was gonna be, weren’t you)??

#original #art #SherrieRobinsArt

 

2chicks Niagara ~ Gorgeous Gorge

For the Beauty of the Earth.

The wind curves ’round the bend,

The Hawk and eagle glide on by,

The water rushes down below,

My heart it soars, touching the sky.

Sherrie Robins

 

#ForBeautySake #NiagaraGorge #NiagaraRiver #NiagaraFalls #SherrieRobinsArt
#2chicks2go #WhirlpoolStatePark #DevilsHole #IloveNewYork