On June 12th, I went with grandson James, age 5, and son-in-law John on a wetlands/marsh walk in Huntley Meadows Park in Northern Virginia. We saw three kinds of turtles, frogs and tadpoles, a lizard, a a toad, an egret, ducks and Canada geese. The highlight of the walk was when we came upon a box turtle on the path and James got to pet it... very gently. Seeing the fascination nature holds for a five year old is a strong reminder how connected we are to nature and how much poorer our lives would be without the joy of spring in the marsh.

Alert a moderator

Just remembered another water moment - happy memories of going swimming in the lake with my dad, and singing songs to each other underwater - trying to guess what the tune was. I was pretty good at it.

Alert a moderator

I spent the hour in prayer - praying in thanksgiving for the clean fresh water we have at our disposal and praying for those who do not have clean fresh water.

Alert a moderator

I have been fortunate to see my fair share of this world: all 10 provinces, NWT, 25 US states, and more than 15 other countries. Yet my favourite place in the entire world is "The Lake." My Grampa's cottage on Paudash Lake has been a central theme in our family life for over 60 years, long before my time. There is nothing more relaxing than a morning canoe ride or a midnight swim. The last sound of a beautiful summer night is a loon calling from "The Lake." There are lots of lakes like this from Central Ontario north. Every one is special. Ours is a part of our family fabric. We treasure and protect it. See you on the dock!

Alert a moderator

Today, in honor of Waterhour I visted Lake Ontario.... As my conciousness expands, I see reality differently. I saw the birds on the lake as more that just a "pretty visual" to enjoy in passing. I saw the birds as living and active in their "habitat" and I felt a sense of call to protect the water that is their home.

Alert a moderator

When I was 14, I was at a sleep over at my neighbor's house. I prefer my pillows cold. I pulled the bottom drawer freezer out of their refridge, stuffed my down pillow inside, and went about my evening. I woke up to my friend's father mopping up the puddle of water across his kitchen floor. He was moving the flood out of the front door. My pillow had stuffed the freezer vents closed. The food in the freezer melted overnight. Small waves of hilarious memory. 16 years later, I put my pillow in the refridgerator. It's cleaner.

Alert a moderator

Every summer since I was around 8 my family has rented cottages. These summer trips alone have left me with many water moments. My favourite, however, took place one morning two summers ago when I finally found it in me to wake up before the sunrise. In the mist that rolls over great Canadian lakes in the early morning, I slid a canoe in the flat, still water and felt myself afloat. It was the first time I noticed how the bow of a canoe splits water to each of its sides.

Alert a moderator

For water hour my parents are going to talk with our neighbours about water and how much it is important to us all. I encourage others to do the same. :)

Alert a moderator