The cottage for our family was one of those constants in a changing world.  As we grew older, married and had children, it was a place where the extended family could visit and enjoy times together.  It had played that role for the generation that preceded us too. 

For me, it was a connection to the earliest parts of my childhood memories.  The cottage was a place where memories were added every year.  Many were building on the same experiences while others were new.

It was also a special place of quiet.  In a life that often was filled with people and commitments, the cottage was a place where there was only a time to arrive and a time to leave.  Everything else was flexible.

We also enjoyed watching the children grow up there.  It was away from the city and gave them a wholly other kind of experience.

This book was intended to share some of our cottage experiences.  From the early feedback on the book, it seems that it has also created a place where people can insert their own memories that were like this chapter or that.

The chapters were written as short expressions to connect with one facet or experience of cottage life.

I hope that whether you are still a cottager, were a cottager or had some other special place to get away that this book will bring back some happy memories.

Please email your comments or reflections.  It is great to hear about other people and their cottage life.

Grant
September 2011