From the Editor, September 2022

Susan W. Smith -

Wonder where the water and the hot temperatures have gone? It is September, and both changes are not as welcome as they could be. But rather than blaming all our problems on climate change, Plan 2014, or governments – let's just enjoy the cooler and colourful fall days. If need be, find alternative safe moorings for your boat, or offer a ride to neighbours who have problems getting to and from their island.

Rob Bollaro writes "Our 12-year-old granddaughter, Ava K. Moses, took this awesome sunset picture while fishing in Chippewa Bay."

Queen Elizabeth II

Like the rest of the world, we in the Thousand Islands will have our memories of The Queen. I remember the 1976 Olympics, when The Queen was on board the HMY Britannia for the official sail-past held in Kingston Harbour, when Kingston hosted the Olympic sailing events. Our cruiser was a committee boat, and we were given the opportunity to salute The Queen. We lined up in the Kingston Harbour, and lowered our boat's flag as we went by in a single-file parade. A proud moment for sure!

When I started to look up photographs for this month, I found past articles about The Queen's yacht and her voyages through our islands. I also am able to include a lovely movie, taken by Robert Street of Bostwick Island, back in 1967.

Also, many of you know I collect antique buttons. (Watch yourself; I can see eyes rolling) This past weekend we had many photographs of buttons depicting Queen Elizabeth II, and these are two favorites cards.

Two collections of buttons commemorating Queen Elizabeth II courtesy Simone Kincaid and the Idaho State Button Society.

My Summer Memories

Time to reflect on Summer '22. This Editor has had a marvelous time. I spoke at the Cornwall Brothers Museum's "Meet the Press" series. One friend wrote to say he was flying up a day early so he could attend. I said that I was so pleased and would pay him to clap. He dared to ask, "US or Canadian funds?" (He did clap loudly, though).

Then Emily Russell, a talented NPR reporter, interviewed me in "Life, death, and adventure on the river: The story of one Thousand Islands woman." Being interviewed by Emily for NPR made me feel extremely honoured and I am ever grateful.

Plus, to top the summer off, I was interviewed for Belleville's Lorne Brooker Show on AM 800 CJBQ. It was great fun to spend a half hour talking about our islands.

As we start to haul boats, close cottages, and turn off the water, we can reflect on the happy memories which began in April when the ice went out, as those memories will last a lifetime. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. So I think these photographs will bring a smile to you now, and in the middle of winter.

Summer Memories

Take a moment and look ahead! L: Jim Cooper from Cordwood Island; R: Good night from the St. Lawrence! Robert Carlisle. 
Winky McGowan, Little Sagastaweka Island, shares her views. L: August weekend moorings in Lindsay Bay; R: Changing sky in the Admiralty Group. 
Two more sunsets for memories in mid-November. L: Arthur Rees R: Jim Cooper. 

Conclusion

We have a dozen articles in this issue. Please leave comments or questions or send them to me to post (there maybe a glitch using some web browsers.)

Robert Chitty captures this magnificent bird in the islands. 

Now that fall is coming, and you have some free time, may I suggest helping TI Life? I have a "to-do list" that can use your help. Just email me and see what it is all about.

By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

And the TI Life Team:
Elspeth Naismith is the "Real Editor"; Georgia Barker, Dane Zabriski, and Rick Taylor are our proofreaders. In addition, Jennifer Caddick has taken over Social media; Beth Lavos is posting books; Marie-Anne Erki is our illustrator; and last but not least is Mike Cox, our IT Magician.

Header by Jim Cooper, Cordwood Island

Whew, Twix had the best summer '22, and is now exhausted. (So am I, Twix) [Photo by Katie Pratt Cunningham, Kitsymenie Island]