A Reflective Take

Kelli McRobert | Dec 15, 2021

I feel as though 2021 is coming to an end quicker than most. Perhaps I say this every year as another one slips by and I try to reflect upon what I had done, seen and experienced. With the pandemic closing us down for almost 2 years, with glimmers of ‘socializing’ hope peppered in every few months, it has been difficult to find a rhythm or get back into old habits. Perhaps this is a good thing?

For some, this may have been the necessary change to spend more time with family, determine what is most important to them, and to re-evaluate their life choices and maybe make changes accordingly. Our family was no different, we decided to make a move north and spent the summer preparing our home for sale and driving countless hours and surfing the internet to see what area made most sense for our current situation. We had no kids to worry about and knew we wanted to downsize and find an area, less travelled, that had a sense of community while still providing us with the space and tranquility we so yearned for. For us, the lockdown reminded us why we came to Ontario in the first place, open spaces, less hectic lifestyle, and sound quality of care for all stages of life. Employment opportunities were there for the taking and we jumped both feet to Battersea, then Inverary, and now Godfrey….and so far, no regrets.

We have been in a Frontenac Township for just over 21 years now, and as I sit looking outside the snow is falling and coating my beautiful surroundings with the slightest sugary powder. The yard needs nothing, it is a thing of beauty with the tall pines surrounding me safely and the street noise reduced from a busy frantic crossroad to a few occasional vehicles that carry passengers to and fro, and the friendly delivery person surprised that a home has appeared in the woods. It is our sanctuary a place where we can rest, and call home, as we begin this next chapter in Central Frontenac.

Over the past few months, as we continued to explore the area and discover what was available to us, we were overwhelmingly welcomed and accepted into the community. Each new adventure introduced us to a more casual way of living. Camping, hunting, fishing, and ATV’ing are but a few activities that are well represented up here. As the snow continues to accumulate, snowmobiles will take over the well-groomed trails that run between most of the towns allowing residents to get outside and explore what nature has to offer through a variety of modes of transportation including foot, bicycle, and horse. These trails offer a convenient recreational link to many businesses along the way including restaurants, hardware stores, and gas stations. Roadways join up the missing bits and it makes for a fun day to explore the trails and check out new communities. Poker runs and charity rides are but a few events that take advantage of these great routes and are where we have met some great neighbours and local business owners, with riders of all ages supporting various local organizations.

Last night at the local yoga class, as I set my intention and reflected upon my year, I realized I wanted to express my thanks for good health, new friendships, and access to excellent local services including the post office, pharmacy, township office, grocery stores, MTO, and clinics, to name but a few. For any newcomers to the area, I highly recommend joining a club or reviewing the Community Reporters section to see what is going on in the region. These contributors help others interact with the local area to meet new friends, explore new hobbies, or support great causes, like food drives and charitable events.

I look towards 2022 with hope and an eagerness to get out there and meet more folk, share their stories, and give back when and where I can. Wishing the readers, much happiness for 2022!

Cheers!