This year, and this summer in particular, I’ve frequently said “I can’t believe it’s (insert month here) already!” To be honest, I think I’ve been saying it since about March. Time moves quickly when you fill your days, whether its work or play, and there are so many ways to get lost in the excitement of a Muskoka summer.

As I look back on the summer, there are always more things I want to have fit in – events to attend, new places to explore and experiences to savour. And yet, I am ever grateful for everything I have enjoyed and accomplished during this summer in Muskoka.

Now, as we move into September, there are so many ways we change and adapt for the looming fall and winter. The days are shorter, kids head back to school, boats are winterized and stored for the season, gardens are overhauled and summer attire is transitioned into fall.

Transitions frequently seem daunting at the outset, like climbing a mountain. As we reach the top and look down, or back at all we’ve been through, we realize the challenges that seemed insurmountable at the beginning were achievable. Knowing the journey is worth the struggle makes a difference in preparing for life’s shifts.

Fall is often a time to re-evaluate what comes next. In mid-August, after returning from a trip to Scotland, my parents announced their retirement from retail and their plans to shutter their shop on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge. This is the third time my parents have “retired” and I know them well enough to know this is simply closing one chapter and opening a new one. That said, I congratulate them on taking this next step in their journey and I thank them for their unending support.

Much like the transition from summer to fall, this edition of Unique Muskoka includes several features that explore processes and changes we go through. 

Ceramic artist Kristi Bails shares with contributor Bronwyn Boyer the intricacies of creating goods at the pottery wheel. Plans and designs may not always come out as initially intended but the transformation from clay to pottery is the product of patience, practice and knowledge. Bails’ work balances originality, creativity and functionality, allowing her to craft items she feels make a house into a home.

Contributor Tim Du Vernet who often pens features about vintage and wooden boats instead shares with us some of Muskoka’s aeronautic history. The visit of the restored PBY-5A CANSO aircraft to the Muskoka Airport in July brought together family members from across the country, along with dignitaries, aircraft and military enthusiasts and a Second World War veteran, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RCAF.

Perhaps the most obvious example of the progression of time are changes to the buildings we construct. Regular contributor Patrick Boyer shares the history of many of Muskoka’s purpose-built structures and the myriad ways those buildings have been maintained, or not, after their initial use has been fulfilled. The activities and needs of communities change over time, which necessitates updates and modernization of certain facilities. However, many buildings are gems, worth retrofitting to suit modern needs while preserving the history they represent.

Truly, I can’t believe it’s September already. However, I plan to enjoy the transition and make the most of what’s left of summer in Muskoka. I hope you do too!

Happy reading!