Eliguk Journal – March 17, 2025.

I have found over the years, that celebrating iconic dates that the rest of the world holds as significant, doesn't rub off unless you are part of that bigger society. The vibrant festivities that once adorned our calendars now seem to fade into the background, eclipsed by the everyday demands of a simplified lifestyle. St. Patrick's Day nearly slipped unnoticed this year, with the flag raised only after breakfast, a gentle reminder of cherished tradition fading into the background.

Yet, as we approach Mountain Man's 62nd birthday on the first day of spring, I feel a spark of creativity rekindling. Whether a plan comes together or not, all depends on how it resonates at the time. Is it deeply felt, or simply entertaining my consciousness? It never matters to my husband what I do anymore along culinary lines, I mean, as long as it tastes good and is a healthier choice (besides the need for his sweet treat). I don't need to show him how much I love him by making a big deal about the day that marks his birth. Something that took me too many decades to realize! I always find a way to make him feel special to me every day with long embraces, words of gratitude, and spending time together... that's what counts.

Perhaps instead of focusing on grand feasts, we can embrace the essence of these occasions in a much simpler manner—finding joy in the little things, like sharing stories or enjoying a simple meal together. While the traditions of an Irish dinner may no longer hold the same allure, the spirit of celebrating life and connection remains essential. It’s a reminder that we can reshape our traditions to fit our evolving lives, embracing new ways to honor each other and the moments that matter most. The best part about setting myself up with this train of thought is that we save on money, supplies, and precious time that can be better spent elsewhere!

Maybe I just don't have it in me anymore, whether it be focus, age, or energy. Whatever it is, I refer to it as mindful living, after all - it doesn't have to be all about the environment in which we live, it can be how we exist in savoring moments together. Awareness, intentionality, and sustainability by being present at the moment and fully enjoying each of those experiences together. For example, shared meals provide opportunities for meaningful conversation and connection, while walks in nature offer moments to appreciate and engage with the surrounding world. Certainly, this only reflects who we are and how we live, here in the remote expanse where only our two souls exist. If we still lived in the suburbs, I know we'd be the people we used to be who did everything on a grandiose scale, always having to make a big deal out of everything.

We finally had a dump of snow over last week - nearly a foot, and it was desperately needed! It allowed us to go back to keeping the bonfire going day and night without having to stand by and watch it. The forest floor was so dry at one point a week ago, that we had to fill the portable water tank and keep it near the fire in case of a stray ember. Needless to say, it was very much a relief to have the white blanket of fire suppression land. We were also able to put the quad away finally, for a few weeks. Maybe we will get through a whole tank of fuel in the snow machine, yet!

The lunar eclipse was an astonishing surprise, a gift from the universe that caught us completely off guard. Imagine wandering through the woods gathering up stray branches to stoke your bonfire at 11 PM, the vibrant glow of the full moon guiding your path, when suddenly, the world around you shifts into shadow. You glance up through the trees and gasp as you behold a breathtaking eclipse of the moon, a celestial wonder that feels like a secret shared just with you. In that moment of darkness, you realize the beauty of being disconnected from the rest of the world. Not everything needs to be planned or foretold; sometimes, the most profound experiences come when we release our need for control and embrace the extraordinary as it unfolds before us. A reminder to cherish the magic of the present, to revel in the unplanned, and to truly live in the moment.

Winter has truly made another grand entrance! While this time it came without the biting cold, it also unveiled an awe-inspiring beauty that transforms the resort into a winter wonderland. As night falls, temperatures may plunge between -5 and -10°C, but during the day, the world awakens under the sun’s warm glow, rising above freezing to dazzle our senses. In this enchanting landscape, the sun sparkles on the pristine snow, casting a brilliant light that dances across the ground. Above, the cobalt skies stretch endlessly, showcasing a breathtaking shade of blue that feels almost surreal. Canadian Jays, steadfast companions of winter, retreat to the trees, their joyful antics filling the air. With playful chirps, they swoop gracefully from one majestic spruce branch to another, celebrating the warmth of the sun in a jubilant chorus - signaling the start of a mating season.

Every year, I grow more comfortable with the slower pace of life—my version of zen, if you will. While my husband turns into a regimented machine, buzzing around outside with his power saw, I relish the art of cabin dwelling, channeling my inner hermit. There I am, peering out the window, clutching a cup of wild mint tea like it’s a lifeline, and plotting my next daring expedition to visit him on one of my wilderness inspired walks.

In the early days of our off-grid adventure, being cooped up too long drove me to the brink of madness. Who knew cabin fever could be a legitimate threat? But now, I’ve made peace with my inner hermit. With every passing season, I realize that there's something beautifully dramatic about finding joy in simplicity—and a good sense of humor helps too! After all, someone has to balance out all that hard labor with the inside cozy cabin's slower-paced chores of things like waiting for the bread yeast to activate.

As the dark mornings are creeping slowly behind us, I find myself wistfully reminiscing about those cozy hours when my husband and I bask in longer sleep and sip our second cups of coffee while watching the sun make its grand performance over the horizon. Those moments are pure magic, but the clock is ticking, and change is afoot! My little log cabin has become a bustling nursery for leggy seedlings, desperate for their time in the limelight as they stretch towards the artificial light during the night and then sideways towards the tiny cabin windows by day. I'm forever rotating them all day as they bend back and forth performing more yoga side bends than I've done lately.

Mountain Man has the first load of wood already packed into the greenhouse, and nightly temperatures are no longer beyond -10C, so it is time for the plants to head up to their big glass castle. While I’m thrilled to reclaim my dining table and all surfaces, this newfound freedom of surfaces comes with a side of midnight drama. Yes, I’ll be loading the greenhouse fire at the witching hour, followed by a caffeine-fueled refill around 6 a.m.

When a thick blanket of snow descends like a scene from a winter wonderland, the only thing that grinds to a halt is the brave little band of chickens! Those feathered divas refuse to step outside their cozy coop as if the snow were lava. Meanwhile, our eggs had a fleeting moment of glory last week when the flock was foraging on all the new green grass, turning their vibrant deep orange before the Great Chicken Lockdown. I can almost hear them say, "What a clucking tragedy!”

As spring awakens the world around us, it ushers in a whirlwind of activity filled with business ventures, endless paperwork, renewals, and the highly anticipated tax season. Among these responsibilities lies the ever-evolving necessity of liability insurance—a cost that, like the seasons, transforms year after year. This year, a new chapter unfolds in our story: we must ensure that every soul who sets foot on our cherished resort property acknowledges the risks and rewards associated with this breathtaking wilderness.

Each guest must sign a waiver, a symbolic pact between adventure and responsibility. In our cabins, we must post signs, as we've had to take pictures proving to our insurance company that they are there for all guests to see. While it pains me to post these warnings in such a remote haven, I recognize the importance of safeguarding our guests. These labels serve as a vital reminder that while we invite others to experience nature's wonders, we must also respect its power and those who may just require a warning label or two.

Life, much like the seasons, is a whirlwind of change and often a dramatic spectacle. It teaches us to embrace the unexpected, stand tall against adversity, and muster the courage to remain calm when chaos reigns. As life bursts forth in brilliant colors, let’s also celebrate the beauty of cautious adventures—because who wants to dive headfirst into a pool of uncertainty without checking the water first? Together, we can create a sanctuary where wild adventures and safety coexist, inspiring everyone who steps inside to explore with a mix of bravery and a pinch of common sense.

As we gather around the warm glow of the bonfire, hearts brimming with hope and an occasional marshmallow toast, we’re reminded that even on the darkest nights, the brightest stars shine. So, let’s take a moment to look up and appreciate the sparkle overhead—and maybe, just maybe, avoid tripping over the log in front of us while we do!