Swimming through the heat wave

by Joanne Dovercourt is a refuge from the heat!   Just a quick post to say that the Dovercourt is having free swims to help with the heat wave until Sunday!   All swims in the pool are open to all ages and are free of charge until Sunday: - Swims are: Friday 12 to 1, 230 to 345, 630 to 730 pm - Saturday 7 to 8 am, 1 to 4pm - Sunday 7 to 8 am

Wading pools are always free but they have extended the hours! - Mckellar Park, Friday: 10am-7:30pm (extra 1.5hrs) - Westboro Kiwanis Park, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm   Joanne the proud mom of Amélie (8 years old) and Mathieu (4 years).  She is new at blogging and you can find her at Our Money Pit.

Blog Out Loud 2010

by Lynn The Ottawa blogging scene is great. There are so many local bloggers who are smart, funny, and wise. There's an endless array of great people out there, and great reading.

Best of all, everyone online here is so supportive -- we read each other, we comment on each others' blogs, we help each other through the rough times and laugh with each other in the good times. It's easy to feel as though some of your best friends are bloggers -- even if you haven't had the chance to meet them in person.

Blog Out Loud is a chance to finally put a voice to the words you've been reading online. It's a get-together for Ottawa-area bloggers, a social evening for us all to hang out, exchange URLs, and buy each other a drink. Don't be shy! We're all new here.

And there's more! Around 20 local bloggers will be reading out loud. Oh yes! They'll pick their favourite post from the past year and bravely take a turn reading at the mike. You'll hear all sorts of different stories, from the likes of Dani at Postcards from the Mothership to Rebecca of A Little Bit Of Momsense to Kids In The Capital's very own Brie. Entertainment and fun for all!

And on top of all that, several local photo bloggers will be showcasing their stuff at Blog Out Loud, too. Come and see some beautiful works of art -- and maybe show some of your own stuff, too. We still have room for more photo bloggers, and all are welcome.

Blog Out Loud (or BOLO, as it's affectionately called) is on Wednesday, July 7th, from 7 p.m. to around 10ish. It's at Irene's Pub on Bank Street, just a block or so north of Landsdowne Park. Irene's has a full menu, so you'll be able to eat there - I hear their veggie burgers are awesome. And you'll be able to share a pint or two with your favourite blogger. Hope to see you all there!

Lynn is mom to 7-year-old Captain Jelly Belly, 5.5-year-old Gal Smiley, and 2.5-year-old Little Miss Sunshine. She blogs over at Turtlehead.

Canada Day Fireworks

by Vicky Are you thinking about taking the kids to see the Canada Day fireworks on Parliament Hill this year? If you are hesitating because the thought of pushing a stroller or keeping a small child close by among thousands and thousands of people all rushing to catch the free OC Transpo bus freaks you out just a little bit?

Here's a tip, there is this little place with a pretty much unobstructed view of the fireworks, without the throngs of people pushing you from side to side at the end (and no, I don't mean watching them on TV at home in your living room).

The Minto Bridge near the New Edinburgh Park is a great place little place to watch the fireworks. There are lots of wide open spaces to set up blankets or chairs, or you can find yourself a spot on the bridge like most people do. Street parking in New Edinburgh is free, but it may be hard to find a spot close by so you may have to walk a bit. But the best part is not having to deal with the crowds on Parliament Hill, and making a quick exit down the Vanier Parkway back to the 417!

We haven't been back to watch the fireworks since having kids.  But at the time, we lived in New Edinburgh, and this was always a great place to spend the evening on Canada Day! Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms close by (but lots of shrubs in New Edinburgh park for a pee pee emergency!)

The Minto Bridge is on Maple Island, behind the old Ottawa City Hall.

Will you be watching the fireworks? What is your favorite spot?

Vicky is the mom to 3.5 year old son named Joel and 9 month old daughter named Mieka. You can read her blog at blog Some Kind of Wondermom.

Ottawa Farmers' Market

by Vicky Have you been to the Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne Park? Every summer we would talk about going to check it out, but it never happened. Finally this year we made it on the opening day! After one visit, I'm hooked. I want to go every weekend.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, considering it was early May and too soon for a lot of local produce. But I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of non-food vendors at the Market.

I picked up the most amazing some soap from U.Fabu. It's Cinnamon Sweet Orange and smells so good you want to eat it!.

And some Jerk Spice Rub for the husband!

I could not get over the baked goods! There were line ups to buy freshly baked breads, squares, pies and cookies so if that's what you are looking for come early!

When we lived downtown (before children) we often went to the ByWard Market or the Parkdale Market on Saturdays to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables. I really enjoyed strolling outside and buying from local vendors. I think it's great that we have so many fresh and local Markets in the city! Now that we have kids, I think this is something the kids will really enjoy, and it might even be an opportunity to teach them about the importance of buying local! Maybe we'll see you there?

From the Ottawa Farmers Market website:

Local producers of fruit, vegetables, meat, arts and crafts are bringing their goods to Lansdowne Park. From 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each Sunday until the end of October. Bring the family to enjoy breakfast in the open air and purchase locally produced seasonal goods.

The promise of the Ottawa Farmers' Market is that all goods sold by the vendors who participate are produced by those vendors. This ensures that the customer wanting to buy locally is able to and is purchasing the freshest meat and produce available while supporting local producers.

The market is located in Parking Lot #4 between the North side of the Aberdeen Pavilion, the East side of the Horticultural Bldg. and Holmwood Avenue.

Vicky is the mom to 3.5 year old son named Joel and 9 month old daughter named Mieka. You can read her blog at blog Some Kind of Wondermom.

"If you go out in the woods today....

by Julie You're sure of a big surprise. If you go out in the woods today You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, because Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic"

Every year, CHEO hosts a Teddy Bears' Picnic as a way to say thank you to the community for their support.  Held on the beautiful grounds at Rideau Hall, the picnic usually includes a pancake breakfast, a parade, entertainment, often rides and/or a petting farm, a BBQ, and the most popular attraction: the B*A*S*H tent (Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital) where kids can bring their bears (or any stuffed animal really) to be checked over and patched up by a doctor. 

 In past years, the picnic has also featured face painting, a visit from several Mounties, a display from the Ottawa Police and/or Fire Services, a games area (with games perfect for 2-5 yr olds), and of course clowns.

Enterance to the picnic and most attractions is free.  A nominal charge applies to some games, rides and food concessions.

Since there is no parking on site, the organizors have teamed up with OC Transpo to provide a free shuttle service running to and from the Aviation Museum.  Let me tell you, this ride alone is sometimes half the fun: a bus filled with picnic goers and their bears what more could a kid ask for? 

If you're planning to check it out, be sure to pack hats, sunscreen, water and snacks....and don't forget your bear!  The grounds are woven with paved pathways making most of the area stroller, wagon and wheelchair friendly. 

The year, the picnic will take place on Saturday June 26th.  Hope to see you there!

“Julie is a mom to 7 year old Maya and 5 ½ year old Evan. She is photographer and samples of her work can be found at www.inspiredphotography.ca “