Here, the rhythms of nature take over - the seasons are so strongly felt - spring thaw, when the creek rises over all the low ground, and rushes around our bridge, making it an island. Migrating ducks and geese flock where stream has become lake. Lambs born on new grass, and turned out to gambol on fresh pastures. Birdsong heralds every sunrise, changing with seasons. Loons haunt the evenings, coyotes in chorus with the marsh critters. Great Blue herons and hawks resume their patrols. The garden, heady with the scent of willow and apple blossoms, then a riot of massed blooms. Sheep dot the hills inside tidy fence rows, guard dogs amongst them, invisible until revealed by feathery tails. Marsh grasses, twice my height, heavy with plumes, wave in summer breeze. Apples drop in all the hedgerows - treats for the sheep - the horses pick from the branches. Geat oaks, all down the east fence line, huge maples and pines in the north  woodlot. Autumn rains swell the creek again. Fat lambs, ready for market. The last of the pasture, when the sheep finally refuse the open gate, and settle into the near paddocks for the winter, the feeders stuffed with hay. Bales of hay unwound, bursting with the smell of summer. Skiing the entire perimeter with dogs tumbling, frolicing through deep snow. Stop to adjust a hat, then marvel at the absolute silence, and pure whiteness everywhere. The pink winter dawn, the corrall littered with snowy mounds, which rise up, shake off, and wag tails for breakfast, or stare blankly and baaa.

 

The house is gracious, large, bright and airy. Restored with much care. Original wood floors and high baseboards, fluted casings and medallions surround every window and door (each one a four-panel original). Ideal for entertaining crowds or intimates, the central kitchen is srrounded by three sitting rooms and two dining rooms. The sunporch, bright and toasty, even in bitterest cold, the favourite in every season. The wood stove, glowing heart of the house in winter, refuge from cold and gloom. Wonderful, welcoming neighbours.

An easy 20-minute commute to Kingston on first class roads through beautiful unspoiled countryside. Ten m inutes to 401, two hours to Toronto, cause sometimes you have to go.