May 2-4.........It Starts

smirby's posterous

And, so it begins. The first long weekend of the summer. Victoria Day weekend, celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday.

This much-looked-forward-to holiday is most commonly referred to in Canada as May 2-4 (not only is it celebrating a May 24th birthday, but a case of beer in Canada is often called a 2-4, of which much is often consumed)

The pic above shows a highway leading from Toronto, jampacked with traffic, a common occurrence during the summer month weekends

This weekend is when people go to open up their cottages

I wonder if "opening" a cottage built out of two trolley cars is easier than just a regular cottage?

Of course, not everyone has a cottage, but does have the need to celebrate the warmer weather and get out of the city

Camping anyone? Tent?.....or.....

....trailer?

After that long, very tedious drive, one needs a way to release the pent up aggravation of all those crappy drivers clogging up the highway - if the weather suits, what better way than a plunge in some (still) freezing cold water?

Unfortunately, May 2-4 can be cold and rainy, in which case cramped quarters in dismal surroundings are necessary

Many do not go away for the whole weekend, but go off on little excursions - like picnics! (Canadians no longer wear ties and aprons on picnics however)

For the younger set, May 2-4 means one thing.....

beach parties

lots of beer....

and more partying....

For the rest of us, this is the weekend to tackle the weeds, plant some flowers, and hope for this........

Garden at Versailles

So Happy Birthday Queen Victoria - Thank you for this holiday!

Wishing everyone a safe, fun and sunny weekend!

♥


(most of the vintage pics from Shorpy.com)

Victoria's Day

Queen Victoria 1842

Victoria Day commemorates Queen Victoria's birthday and is always celebrated the Monday before May 24. Today, here in Canada, we are just beginning a three day weekend. The first long weekend of the season and commonly celebrated as the blast-off weekend to summer.

Early on a Friday, people leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, only to hit the hustle and bustle of the highways. Their destination is Cottage Country, for May 2-4 (as we so affectionately call this landmark weekend) is the date marked on our calendars to "open the cottage".

............or, the trailer

"Opening" these summer residences, requires a lot of cleaning to clearout the cobwebs (and mice visits) of the winter months.

Taking a break from all that rug beating, it is always fun to venture into

the closest little town for a spot of lunch.

...and then maybe stroll down to the beach to check out the action

For the younger people, May 2-4 heralds the beginning of summer parties

All too soon, the weekend comes to an end and we return to our everyday lives, looking forward to the next long weekend that is circled on our calendars.

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Safe Victoria Day Weekend