Cat Tales and Then Some

I'm Back!

2011-11-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

I have found it a challenge to maintain my blog over the past year or so. My work load had increased and finding personal time was difficult. Now that I have a few moments I will try and recap quickly what has happened over the past year.

In October 2011 I had the opportunity to travel to Greece. I spent three days on Mykonos, three days on Santorini and two days in Athens enjoying the local culture and seeing the sites. Mykonos was enchanting, Santorini was inspiring, and Athens fascinating. Perhaps I will write about this experience later when I have more time. All I can say right now is... when can I go back?

In the winter of 2011 I was an observer for an on-line teaching course to support a friend who was the instructor through the University of Toronto (OISE). Having had this experience I was, then, given the opportunity to teach a face-to-face course in the spring (Junior Basic) and, again, an on-line summer course (Primary Basic). These were huge learning experiences for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the professional dialogues. It made for a very busy time in which I worked many long hours and did not have a summer break, although it was very rewarding.

In February I spent a week in a rented cottage again at the Salvation Army camp on Lake Simcoe. I scrapbooked, scrapbooked, and scrapbooked. I loved laughing with friends and getting something accomplished.

I had a wonderful time this past October when spending time with family. My nephew, Jonathan, was married in Virginia. The wedding was beautiful and I loved seeing David, Evie and the boys. Jonathan has grown to be a very gentle, sensitive man and wish him all the best that life has to offer. Following the wedding my sisters, Joanne and Barbara, my mom and dad, and niece, Jennifer, and her boys, Don and I all went on a cruise out of Baltimore to the Bahamas. It was my first cruise. Spending this kind of time with family is something I always cherish. Someday I must write about this, too.

This year at school I am teaching grade one. It was quite the change from teaching grade five last year, although I love change! My children are eager to learn and want to be at school. I am teaching at a high energy school and between teaching six year olds all day and keeping up with the school demands I find myself falling asleep very easy this year!

Recently I completed a leadership course in which you look at your personal qualities to understand how you relate to others and how to understand and support others. I completed a personality test and was given quite the detailed report on who I am and how and why I respond the way I do in different situations. This will be another post to see if you agree or disagree...

Right now I am looking forward to the upcoming Christmas break in three weeks. It will be another busy time visiting family but I would not want it any other way! In case I do not have a chance to do so before Christmas...

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my friends and family!

Too Long...

2010-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I don't really have an excuse. For some reason I seem to think I have little to say and then when I read friend's and family's posts I think, "Why didn't I think of that to write about?" It's so silly, really. Let's see, what has been happening in my life since...February?!

1. In March I spent a week in Myrtle Beach with Don, my sister, Barbara, and her three boys. I enjoyed getting away with family and spending time walking on the beach and relaxing. We went to a show, Dixieland, and spent a day in the Charleston area visiting a couple plantations.

2. I hosted Easter at my place. Ethan ad Owen, the twins, wrestle like the older boys and the one thing that had them rolling with laughter was throwing their toys in the garden so they could walk through it. I always find it amazing just what little ones find so interesting! The best part of Easter, as usual when there are little ones around, is the easter egg hunt. It was great to watch Barbara's boys with the twins. They are going to make very caring fathers some day. Awwww.

3. My nephew, Jason, was off for a tour in Afghanistan. While I fear for what life may bring him over there and pray for his safety daily, I admire his dedication and string sense of duty to his country and the world. I am such a proud auntie!

4. May was our annual Sears' reunion. It was good to see some cousins that have not been able to attend for a few years. It is great to hang out with family - something we don't do often enough!

5. The very beginning of July I took four nieces and nephews camping. Stephen's kids joined Cameron and I for a few days in Killbear Provincial Park. It was perfect weather for tent camping. We went on the boat cruise through the Georgian Bay islands and went down to Midland to Ste. Marie Among the Hurons. Every night we were visited by some brazen raccoons and I, of course, got very little sleep. You know, I wouldn't have it any other way! I got my tent camping fix and the kids had a wonderful time.

6. My family also rented a cottage in Haliburton for a week. There was about fifteen of us at the cottage for the week (Don and I, mom, dad, Rick, Barbara and John and the three boys, and Stephen and Gayle and three of their children. Tom and Doreen, our cousins, stayed a couple of days and David and Evie dropped by for a day while on vacation. Jennifer and the twins, Ethan and Owen, also visited for a day. It is the first time we have done this as a family even though we have been thinking about it for a few years. It was a large cottage - large enough to let the teenagers have their space without intruding on the adult space. There were kyaks, paddle boats and a great dock and swimming area. While there was some rainy weather (one really great storm), it did not hamper our activities. The week was much needed time away and great bonding time.

7. I spent a night camping with Stephen and Gayle in Barry's Bay so we could see Jason who was on leave from Afghanistan. Jason was suppose to be on leave in Europe until he took ill. While it was disappointing for Alyson not to have alone time with Jason the rest of us got to see him - yeh! Jason was proud to show us around the lake in his boat and to take Nathan and Kathryn fishing.

8. My niece Elizabeth dropped in for a quick visit. She is so grown up now. My how time seems to fly by!

9. At school this year I am teaching grade five. I taught grade four last year, so I have all of the same students again, plus a few add-ons. I am enjoying my year so far and the comfort level my students have in asking interesting questions. I am also enjoying the depth we can go with our units of study.

Well, I guess this sums up the bigger events in my life over the past few months. Life just keeps rolling along, and I like it that way. The more I look back at events in my life it are these seemingly ordinary experiences that mean the most.

Scrapbooking TIme Away

2010-02-14T18:50:00.001-08:00

I have been away over the past few days. I rented a cabin at the Salvation Army Camp at Jackson's Point. My sister, Barbara and friends Milena, Janet and Paulette also came at different times throughout the week to keep me company and scrapbook. By the end of the week I had fifteen layouts done (15-double page layouts). It was great to have time to work on my trip west this past summer. Stephen I hope you enjoy the layouts. Hopefully there will be more to come once I finish journaling them.

I am so excited because Barbara showed me how to stitch photo images to make larger ones and I now can scan and stitch my layouts to show my work. Thanks bunches Barbara! ENJOY.

2010-01-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

1. How old will you be in five years? 55
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? Don. We are sneezing, coughing and blowing together. Awww - love!
3. How tall are you? The last time I checked I was 5' 3"
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six months? I would agree with my sister - the family vacation in the summer. I miss my family!
5. What's the last movie you saw? Julie and Julia. It's been a while since I have been to a movie. I'm due.
6. Who was the last person you called? My sister, Barbara, to confirm details about a few days away.
7. Who was the last person to call you? That would also be Barbara, to confirm arrangements for a night out.
8. What was the last text message you received? No cell phone - I now, I'm behind the times.
9. Who was the last person to leave you a voice mail? Don't have voice mail.
10. Do you prefer to call or text? Obvious according to the previous questions - call, although since I am not a phone talker I suspect I would prefer texting.
11. What were you doing at 12 am last night? Just got home from seeing "Jersey Boys". Loved the show. Loved it so much I have been on the Internet searching and watching videos today.
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? married
13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Christmas time. They are now in Florida for three months.
14. What color are your eyes? Blue/Green - is that hazel?
15. What time did you wake up today? 8:30 a.m. I actually slept in. Yahoo!
16. What are you wearing right now? PJ's - my favourite weekend attire!
17. What is your favorite Christmas song? So many favourites - Stable Door might be my first choice today.
18. Where is your favorite place to be? Camping anywhere on a warm, sunny day.
19. Where is your least favorite place to be? Right now it is my basement - too dusty and messy. I can't wait until we get it finished and I can tidy up to make it more comfortable.
20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Great Britain and parts of Europe (Belgium, Holland, France) to see the history, particularly of the World Wars and retrace the steps of Canadian Forces and my grandfathers.
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Hopefully living north - Georgian Bay area, Haliburton, so many choices.
22. Do you tan or burn? Burn, burn, burn!
23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Fire
24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? My husband, Don, is always doing something to make me laugh.
25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 4
26. How big is your bed? Queen
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? I love my laptop.
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? With
29. What color are your sheets? cream
30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 1 pillow
31. What is your favorite season? No doubt about it - autumn. The colours and the lovely warm days can't be beat.
32. What do you like about fall? the colours, the crunchy leaves, hiking, crunchy apples, the colours in the grocery store from Ontario grown produce, wearing sweaters, Thanksgiving... I could go on and on and on....
33. What do you like about winter? Enjoying a warm fire during a blizzard and then late at night taking a walk through the neighbourhood. Everything is so fresh and peaceful.
34. What do you like about the summer? Wearing light clothes and going camping.
35. What do you like about spring? I enjoy sitting on my deck in late spring and enjoying my garden. The best colours are in the spring, before it gets too hot or the bugs eat away at the leaves.
36. How many states/provinces have you lived in? Two - Ontario and Kentucky
37. What cities/towns have you lived in? two
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? In the summer, bare feet 24-7 if I can. Winter - socks and slippers.
39. Are you a social person? I love being around people, although may not be social.
40. What was the last thing you ate? a bowl of tomato soup
41. What is your favorite restaurant? This a difficult one since I enjoy a few - Swiss Chalet, Applebees, Kelsy's, Mandarin.
42. What is your favorite ice cream? Heavenly Hash
43. What is your favorite dessert? I'm not a desert eater, although I love apple crisp
44. What is your favorite kind of soup? tomato
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Raspberry
46. Do you like Chinese food? YES!
47. Do you like coffee? No
48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? about three
49. What do you drink in the morning? milk and orange juice
51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? I can sleep on either side of the bed although the left because it has the alarm clock.
52. Do you know how to play poker? No
53. Do you like to cuddle? yes
54. Have you ever been to Australia? Not yet but I have thought about doing a teacher exchange. I just don't know what to do with the husband...
55. Do you have an addictive personality? No
56. Do you eat out or at home more often? At home
58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? No
59. Do you want kids? Too old now for my own, although I could inherit some.
60. Do you speak any other languages? French, although not well.
61. Have you ever gotten stitches? Four separate times - both eyebrows and both pointer fingers. I believe in keeping things equal.
62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes. Once - to be with one of my students.
63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Ocean or lakes.
64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? Window seat. I like watching the wings and the views.
65. Do you know how to drive stick? Yes
66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Books - children's books
67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Yes - my engagement and wedding rings.
68. What is your favorite TV show? I have a couple - anything Law and Order and Star Trek.
69. Can you roll your tongue? I don't think so
70. Who is the funniest person you know? My husband, Don.
71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No
72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? Just a normal ring
73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? No.
74. What red object is closest to you right now? A candle. Go figure, eh Barbara?!
75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Yes, or I leave it a trickle.
76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed, although it doesn't bother me one way or the other.
77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? What horrible choices - I guess if I had to, I would choose bees since I could run into water to get away from them?!
78. Do you flirt a lot? I can, although not much
79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Sweet and Sour sauce
80. What is your favorite food? Chicken and popcorn
81. Can you change the oil on a car? no
82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? No
83. Have you ever run out of gas? never
84. What is your usual bedtime? 10 p.m. because my alarm goes off around 5:45 am
85. What was the last book you read? A children's Picture book called A Bear in War about a teddy bear that was mailed to a Canadian soldier during WWI. The bear is now on display at the Canadian War museum in Ottawa.
86. Do you read the newspaper? Sometimes.
87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Canadian Scrapbooker, The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership
89. Do you watch soap operas? I am a Coronation Street lover!
90. Do you dance in the car? Not usually, although on occasion I have drummed.
91. What radio station did you last listen to? 680 News for the weather - needed to make sure I was prepared for yard duty :)
92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? a picture of Don and I
93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? a list of must-dos at work
94. What is your favorite candle scent? vanilla
95. What is your favorite board game? Backgammon
97. When was the last time you attended church? Unfortunately it has been awhile.
98. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Barbara, Mr. Featherstone was my favourite too!
99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Three weeks
100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? Don - took me to dinner and to the Jersey Boys. Loved it!

Algonquin in Winter

2010-01-16T05:48:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to be able to spend a few days at Adventure Lodge in Whitney, Ontario. Whitney is a small town just outside the east gate of Algonquin Park. I went with a teacher friend, Sheryl. During the day I hiked and the evenings were spent enjoying a gourmet meal and scrapbooking. In southern Ontario we have very little snow (next to nothing), but up there it is a winter wonderland. It looked like scenes from Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe with the heavy snow hanging off the trees. It lightly snowed each day so there was always a freshness about it. We hiked in Algonquin Park and saw a yurt and, yes, people were camping in the yurt. Maybe someday I will stay in a yurt during the winter. Sounds cold, but if it would be anything like my autumn experience it would be an amazing experience.

I also went horseback riding - something I haven't done for 30 years. With the heavy snow was wonderful. I considered going dog sledding but I was afraid it would be too much work. I thought I would be sitting and just enjoying the ride or standing on the back of the sled and the dogs doing the work. When I found out we would be constantly pushing with the legs I thought I would make it a pass. Maybe I will attempt it next time. Anyway, enjoy the photos!

All I can say is...BLISS...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2009 Memories

2010-01-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

I was talking to a friend about how she has recently reflected on her top memories of 2009 and then I read my sister's post about her top 100 memories of the past year, so I guess I am destined to do something similar.

I will start with the memories that I share with Barbara that were special to me in some way:

- New Year’s Eve and morning since Don and I spend it with Barbara and John and their boys. We have been doing it this way for a few years now. I can't think of any other way to start a new year.
- Spending a week at Jackson's Point cropping with my sister, Barbara and a friend, Sheryl. Don also joined me at the end of the week for a couple of days. It was fun to get away and just crop until I dropped and enjoy winter. It was my first time up at camp with lots of snow and cold. I loved it!
- Mrs. Gage’s funeral. It was a true celebration of a wonderful lady. She is so missed!
- Spending a weekend in Syracuse with a group of scrapbookers. I loved staying in a hotel and cropping in a room across the hall and then, of course, scrapbook shopping!
- Easter at Joanne’s new house. It is always wonderful to spend time with family. The twins, of course, made it interesting and everyone had a chance to hold one of them! Also, watching Don, Kevin, John, and Jason golf from the comfort of Joanne's deck was also great. Do I still hear a "CRASH"?
- Gayle’s visit since we had a girl's night out for dinner and Jenn joined us with the twins.
- the Sears family reunion in Belfountain and visiting the Badlands in Cheltenham on our way home. Many of the family were amazed by what they saw, so it was special.
- going out for lunch (breakfast?) with mom and Barbara for Mother's Day. It took a while to decide on and find a place to eat, but Cora's worked out well.
- Aunt Ivy's 90th birthday. As I have already written, anytime spent with family is always precious to me. This was a lovely afternoon celebrating the life of a great lady. It is even more special since a few days before Christmas she passed away.
- going to Barbara's for dinner and have a visit with Rick. We celebrated his birthday. I need to spend more time with him!
- celebrating my 50th birthday. Rather than hate my age, I like to think I embrace it. What better way, than to have a family bowling night. I just wish my score reflected the good time!
- I agree with Barbara - monthly Friday night crops at my place. It gives me a chance to enjoy down time with friends. These times are so hard to come by sometimes.

Other memories:

- celebrating more than 20 years of teaching at a breakfast hosted by the Peel Board. It felt good to be honoured my years of service.
- spending March Break camping in Louisiana, touring around New Orleans and then going over to Florida to spend some time with mom and dad. I loved visiting the French Quarter in NO and doing a plantation tour. When can I go back?!
- Going west to spend two weeks camping in Kootenay National Park - camping beside the river and waking up to seeing the mountains - the cold, shivering nights that were so cold the mountain tops became covered with snow - seeing bighorn sheep and mountain goats - Radium Hot Springs - the natural hot springs - Fort Steele - campfires - hiking to Dog Lake - Invermere - the Stolen Church
- Don and I buying ourselves a Wii for our anniversary and playing bowling and curling over and over again.
- "Yurting" in Bon Echo Provincial Park. It was stunningly beautiful, peaceful, and a great time doing something I have not done before (staying in a yurt).
- going up to Dorset in Haliburton to celebrate Thanksgiving with Don's family. The views from the tower of the autumn colours was to die for.
- Christmas Eve at Barbara's
- Having mom and dad and Rick for Christmas Day. I got to watch mom and dad play shuffleboard with the Wii. Mom only plays games to "get" the other person. She's deadly!
- Boxing Day in London and spending time with other members of the family I do not see very often. I got a guitar (one of my "wishes" for years) and now I just need to figure out how to play it.
- watching the World Junior game on New Year's. We won against the U.S. Too bad we couldn't do it in the final. Oh well, there is always next year... Here's hoping!

I know, I know - 100 memories? There are more memories, I am sure. I have not even thought about my teaching memories... Sorry, I am now out of breath!

So, Cathy, What's Up?

2010-01-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted so I thought I would give a brief overview of the last many weeks. I worked, I worked and I worked! Between report cards, parent interviews, concerts and planning this is basically what I have been doing.

In November I celebrated my 50th! Yes, I am 50. I have lived half a century and am proud of it. I celebrated by bowling with any family who could come. My score was terrible and I loved every minute of it, although my ears were ringing after from the extra loud music. I do not have many pictures to show for it since once the glow in the dark started picture taking was very limited. I would like to let my hair go whichever colour it wants to be and be proud of it, but until my 70+ mother decides to let her hair go this is difficult. I would probably look like her sister! Mom, let's embrace our ages and just let it be...

...and James gets a strike!

I was so ready for a relaxing Christmas break. I had a lovely time on Christmas Eve with Barbara's family and Christmas Day with mom, dad and Rick. I enjoyed just being with family. It does not take much for me to enjoy my time with family - just hanging out is enough to make me happy. At Barbara's place we were all able to play bowling and I was a spectator for car racing. I can't believe it, but mom and dad actually played Wii shuffleboard on Christmas Day. Mom sure is a brutal player - she is out to get the next player. She does not care about winning. Winning is secondary - getting the other guy is the reason for playing a game. She thoroughly enjoys being evil. She studies the situation and is only looking at how she can knock someone off. She even has an evil tone to her voice. Mom was in a position to win a game against dad. All she would have to do is make the marker go off the board and shes would still win by a few points, but what does she do instead? Mom aims to get dad's marker(s) off, misses, and then looses by a few points. You know the saying: pride comes before the fall. Well, mom's saying is evil comes before the fall.

My bigger tree.

My white tree in the diningroom
Mom planning her strategy. Is that the evil grin?
On Boxing Day Don and I parted with each of us visiting our own extended families. These opportunities come less frequently these days so rather than one of us missing out seeing nieces, nephews, brothers or sisters, we each traveled the distance to spend the day with our own families. It has been a long while since I had seen Mike and Mel and the boys, seeing Jason and Alyson, and seeing Joanne and Bruce and Jenn's boys. Life moves so fast that it is important to grab these moments when you can. Jason will be off the Afghanistan soon and the babies, well, they grown up so fast...

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

It is hard to adequately explain my thoughts right now so I will keep it simple with a list of things I am thankful for this year:

My husband, Don, who keeps my laughing and gives me great hugs. I am so fortunate!

My cat, Yoda. I love cuddling with him - takes all the stresses away. I am so fortunate!

My family - parents, brothers and sisters... each one has a special place in my heart for how they have influenced me. I am so fortunate to have a loving family who supports my endeavours.

Friends who take time for me. Isn't that what friends are for? I am so fortunate!

A home and a bed - a warm, safe place to lay my head. I am so fortunate!

Clean water. I am so fortunate!

Grocery stores with an abundance of food to choose from. I am so fortunate!

A country that allows me the opportunities to worship God in the way I want, to have an education, travel freely and to have choices and make my own decisions. I am so fortunate!

A rewarding job in which I can influence young lives through teaching. I am so fortunate!

God who has allowed all of the above to happen - my creator, my hope, my saviour. Each day I begin my day by saying words of thanks to God for the coming events of my day, whether positive or negative. Life is never perfect, but no matter what comes my way, I know that God will be there to help guide me in my understanding to shape me into a better person.

This is such a beautiful time of year and I trust that all my family and friends will embrace the spirit of thankfulness and be content with who they are, their circumstances and their future endeavours.

My Yurt Experience

2009-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days this past week enjoying my first yurt experience in Bon Echo Provincial Park. Before I went I heard over and over again, "What is a yurt?" For those who do not now... a yurt: According to Wikapedia, a yurt is a portable, felt covered, lattice-framed dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in central Asia.

Since it was a cold, damp week I was thrilled that the yurt came with a great heater and electricity. All cooking and eating was done outside either on the bbq (which also came with the yurt) or on the stove in the shelter, so it still felt like camping.

Bon Echo is known for its rock cliff which juts straight out of the lake. The lake is the deepest lake in Ontario after the Great Lakes. The native peoples many years ago would come to the rock to contimplate and leave paintings. Sheryl and I rented canoe so we could get up and personal with the rock and go on the rock cliff trail. The views from the top are spectacular.

The pictographs.

The view from the cliff top.

Our sitting spot from across the lake on the top of the rock.

The autumn colours became more brillant as the week went on. The rock cliff changed throughout the day - from when the sun come up and the sun set on the lake.

The best part of camping at this time of year: the park was so quiet and we did not have to wait for the use of the showers.

Wildlife seen: chipmunks, squirrels, robins (shouldn't they have flown south by now?), blue jays, raccoons, deer.

The weather: Cold, wet, damp, sunny - we had it all.

Activities: canoeing, hiking, reading, thinking, relaxing, more hiking, more canoeing, more reading, more thinking, and checking out the visitor centre.

Best meal: steak done over the fire. There's no better way to eat steak!

Most embrassing moment: tripping over a rock (or was it my own feet) and ended up with some bruises.

Enjoy different views of the "sitting rock spot" - a great place just to contemplate, meditate, think and pray.

Family Time

2009-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

At Radium Hot Springs

Resting at Dog Lake after a hike in.

In a previous post I mentioned how much I love the mountains and never got tired of watching them. While the views were spectacular, the best part was family. It was the first time in many, many years that Stephen and I have spent more one-on-one time together. Usually we are so busy between children and our professions that we have not really been relaxed to just enjoy each other's company. We often did not need a lot of words - it was just great to be around each other, something I hope can happen again.

I have always admired Stephen's passion for helping others so it did not surprise me that I saw this side of him camping as he took on the camp host role. He never was quick in doing his rounds in which he was suppose to count how many registered visitors there were are remind those who have not registered to do so. Stephen took his time to talk to the campers and get to know something about them. He also helped them with their difficulties. One was a motorcylclist who had hit a deer. He and his bike were quit banged up and Stephen spent time mending both.

"The Criminal"

Fort Steele

I also enjoy watching Stephen with his children - laughing with them, singing with them, playing with them, and talking with them. We all remember Stephen in his childhood, getting into all kinds of interesting situations all due to his curiosity and wreckless abandon. As an adult, it is good to see that he has not really lost that side of him. He is a true child at heart and I hope thia isnever lost. Stephen is a sensitive and understanding caregiver and I'm sure that his children will be fine, caring adults due to his influence.

Playing in the Kootney River

I loved spending quality time, whether it be just sitting around the campsite or playing a game, with Nathan and Kathryn. It's wonderful to see how Nathan is growing up to be a a fun-loving, friendly person who is smart and has a strong sense of self and of right and wrong. Kathryn is a risk taker who has a zest for learning, loves asking questions, and wants to be as grown up and do the same things as the rest of her siblings. This time with them is time well cherished.

The Mountains Shall Bring You Peace

2009-08-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been home now for two weeks and it is about time I let everyone know how much I enjoyed camping in the mountains. I had the best campsite - right on the river with the mountains as the backdrop. It rained on and off for our first three days. It was also on the cool side, although at night it was cold. It was so cold that I had to go into town and buy fuzzy, warm socks to keep me warm. I know - something Cathy hardly ever has to do!

Anyway, all the cold had its benefits. When we arrived the mountains were devoid of snow except the odd patch. When it rained on us it snowed on the mountains and after three days there was snow on the peaks. By the time we left, two weeks later, there was no snow again.

I loved seeing the changes over the two weeks I was there and watched the sky constantly. The darkness of an approaching storm was great to see.

Just as the title said, peace. There is more to this than just the view. It's the wildness of God's handiwork - the animals, the isolation, the majesty. Stunning!

The Kooteny Heart

*Most of these photos are taken from the campsite, or close to the site. Others were taken around Radium and one was taken at Fort Steele (the one with the buildings).

Family Picnic

2009-05-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

My favourite thing to do is spend time with family. Life can't get better than hanging with family - immediate family and extended family. Today, thirty-two of us got together for a picnic at Belfountain Conservation Area. It is a small, but very pretty park with a suspension bridge, man-made cave, hiking trail that is part of the Bruce Trail, water fall created from a dam, a fountain (although today the water was only a trickle), and a river. It also help that it is in the town of Belfountain in the Caledon Hills so even the drive to get there is picturesque.

It is so nice getting together and catch up on family happenings and keeping in touch with cousins I don't see very often. The older you get the more precious these times have become. I also enjoy seeing the family and grow as people get married and have their own families. It is then that you realize how fast time really does fly.

I have included many pictures - enjoy the show!

A caterpillar created quick the exciting moments when it fell on Jessica's sweater. They were fine with it crawling on their hands, but when it fell on Carol's foot it created quite the fun!

Caleb stole the show with his wonderful temperament. He sure loves the camera - and the camera loves him! I love this picture of Caleb with his great nana (Aunt Eva)

Our matriarch, Aunt Ivy.

What an incredible lady!

Barbara, in one of her famous poses - slouched in a chair, with her sunglasses on,

and a drink or a magazine in her hands. This time Carol joined her in creating the pose.

On our way home some of us stopped by the Caledon Badlands for more photo moments.

Awwww.... I finally get a good photo with my hubby!

The older they get the more you can tell they are brother and sister. I see so much of nana in them.

Boy Singing Beautiful Song ('Tell Me Why').

2009-04-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

I came across this while I was watching a couple of other videos. It is amazing. The message is powerful and the singer is incredible. Enjoy!

Time in Florida

2009-04-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad posing the masks I bought in New Orleans.

I finally have some time to finish my March Break adventure to the south. After Louisiana Don and I went to Florida to visit mom and dad. We arrived on the Sunday, later in the day, after a six hour drive. It rained our first full day there so we spent the day doing mom's favourite activity. One guess....you're right on your first guess - shopping!

Tuesday was spent doing Don's favourite thing - nothing in particular. In the morning we played shuffleboard and I actually almost won a game against my game-winning husband! We relaxed, Don read, I swam, and watched the sunset. Later in the evening we played aggravation with mom and dad. The girls won!

Wednesday: Don wanted to do his favourite activity again so I went to St. Andrew's State Park for the day. I walked through the ruins of a turpentine mill sat on the beach. Isn't interesting that the beach looks like what I left behind in the north - snow! That evening Don and went out to dinner with his mom and her new husband, Ted. They just happened to be vacationing in Panama City Beach for two weeks the same time we were - coinsidences...

Thursday: Mom, dad, Don, and I went to Sandestin, a golfing resort. We went to the Baytowne Warf to look in the shops. What an interesting place.

On our last morning there Don and I went down to the beach. It was early and despite it being psring break time the beach was deserted and quiet.

Plantation Tour Day

2009-04-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Our second day in Louisiana was a rain day so we spent the day touring sugar plantations along the Mississippi River on river road. Most of them were in Vacherie. It was interesting to see the influence of the french, in particular the Acadians (the cajuns)who had been expelled from Canada by the English 200 years ago. Some day I would love to come back to Louisiana and explore this further. One day does not do it justice!

We started at Oak Alley. It got its name from the line of 300 year old oak trees, obvious in the photos. What a stunning home. Sometime in the early 1700's, a settler claimed land for his dwelling and planted two rows of live oaks to mark its entrance that lead to the river. It's so sad to think that it was built on the backs of black slaves.

Jacques Joseph Roman arrived from France and later, in 1741, married Marie D'Aigle, whose family had moved from Canada, and spent much of the first years of their marriage buying and selling plantations. Of their five children only one son, Jacques Etienne, and his two sisters survived to inherit the estate. The grew sugar and flourished. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement within the Roman family, the plantation had to be sold in 1866 and had various owners ever since.

Down the road was St. Joseph's, a 1,000 acres plantation, where we had a private tour. Raised Creole style home predates nearby plantations constructed in Greek Revival style. The home stands on brick columns 8 feet tall to protect from flooding. It was originally owned by a doctor who cared for the families and slaves in the area. Eventually it was purchased for one of the Roman families as a wedding gift. It came fully furnished and with a full staff of slaves. In 1877, they lost their plantation because they couldn't pay the back taxes after slavery was abolished.

Today, it is still a working plantation and some family still live on the estate. I enjoyed this tour since it had a video about the making of sugar, a mini museum, and different outbuildings, such as slave quarters, an out kitchen, and small schoolhouse.

Unfortunately, we just missed the final tour of the Laura Plantation on the same road as the other plantations. I was able to take a handful of pictures but do not have a full context for it, except for what I read. It is a creole plantation and was built in 1805 and restored to same period. At its greatest it was 12,000 acres in size and apparently the manor house is about 24,000 square feet with a detached kitchen that was 2,500 square feet (the size of my house). I can't imagine farming a property that size or house cleaning a house of that size!

Lastly, I took a picture of the Evergreen Plantation. I love the stairs that set this home apart from the other ones we saw. Apparently the main house was constructed in the 1830s and continued to be in operation growing sugar cane until the 1930s.

Red Shirt

2009-04-04T20:18:00.001-07:00

I had something very interesting sent to me via e-mail this week. I have copied it for everyone who readds my blog:

Red Shirt

If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man...

Last week, while traveling to Toronto on business, I noticed an army sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class ( across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. 'No', he responded.

'Heading out', I asked?

'No. I'm escorting a soldier home.'

'Going to pick him up?'

'No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Afganistan, I'm taking him home to his family.'

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, 'Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.'

Upon landing in Toronto , the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. 'Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the Canadian Armed Forces join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.' Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be a Canadian.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. Red Fridays. Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Canadians who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority.' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Canadians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Canadians supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded Canadian who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Canada on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming Hockey game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the Canada is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is 'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

This coming Friday I will be wearing red. What colour shall you wear?

Trip to the New Orleans Area

2009-03-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Since it has been a while I thought I woul pop in and let you know how my vacation is going. I can't believe that right now I am sitting in a tent (with the rain bubbling on the roof - I love that sound!), on line, and writing about a vacation I am currently on. This blows my mind! Don and I are in Louisiana for three days before heading over to Florida to spend time with mom and dad.
Don and I left on Wednesday and traveled all night to arrive in Louisiana on Thursday around lunch time. We are currently staying at Fountainbleau State Park in Mandeville, across the causeway from New Orleans. It is not a great site since the ground is very unlevel but it works for us in the three days we are here. It was suppose to be a shaded sight but it is not. Apparently during the Ike and Katrina many of the trees were downed. It is still a pretty park but not what I am use to from my camping experiences in northern Ontario (no recycling, people use insecticides to kill the ants and you are welcome to pick up dead wood in the bush to use for firewood - all things that you can be fined for in Ontario (it's that conservation thing we have). I also have never seen so many big rigs in a state/provincially run camground before. There are only a few of us who are tenters. I explored the beach area and the ruins of a sugar mill.
Aw, tenting... I love being in the outdoors. I love sleeping in a tent and hearing the wildlife sounds during the night (as long as it isn't a bear) and eating food cooked over an open fire. I ate the best hamburger ever the other night - slowly cooked and smoked. We have an electrical sight which means we can watch a movie on the laptop - too cool. This has come in handy with the threat of rain. I feel spoiled. I must damit, though, that my tenting days are probably numbered. While the tent is easy to set up and we have an air mattress and I sleep well, I am starting to lean toward having something that makes the night time more comfortable and possibly easier for when I want to camp alone.

Anyway, on to New Orleans. Don and I went into New Orleans yesterday and did a walk-about. I love the french quarter with its architecture and interesting lifestyle. I wanted to tour one of the old homes but it was closed, so we went to the aquarium and just walked the streets since Don is not into museums. At the aquarium we pet a stingray, saw loys of fish, sharks, penguins, and otters. We also watched an IMAX movie titled "Wild Ocean" in 3-D about the sardine run on the east coast of Africa. It was cool. We saw a few sidewalk musicians and performers. I liked the man who had marionettes that sang, danced, and played the guitar to music. I have posted a few pictures for you. Unfortunately, the poverty is still evident and you can tell which areas suffered the most during Katrina.

Today I am hoping to do a tour of some of the plantation homes. Hopefully the rain will either stay as showers or stop altogether. Stay tuned...

Time Away

2009-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

This past week I rented a cabin at camp. It was the first time I have been at camp in January. I loved seeing how people embrace winter by snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. I can now say that I have walked on water, at least camp water! I love seeing the icicles on the buildings and walking in the deep snow.

A teacher friend, Sheryl, came up for three days, Barbara came up for three days and Don came up for two days. I spent the week scrapbooking to my heart's content! I loved this time to relax, talk, and get something accomplished. On one of the days we took Aunt Eva out for lunch. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with family we do not see very often. The older we get the more cherished these moments have become.

My Christmas Photos

2008-12-31T06:56:00.000-08:00

As usual, I am late with the challenge. I did my photos is two groups - Christmas Day at Barbara's house and then Boxing Day, also at Barbara's house.

DAY ONE:

This is the second year in a row that Don and I were not home for Christmas. It just made sense this year considering how I was sick before Christmas and getting ready was a challenge. I enjoy spending time with my family so it was not a hard decision to make.

I love nutcrackers. This is one of Barbara's

DAY TWO:
There is nothing better than getting together with my brothers and sisters et al. This year on Boxing Day there was 22 of us, with 20 sitting around the table since the babies did not need there own chair. We enjoyed just passing the twins aound. We never get enough of babies in our family. After dinner we did the usual - the boys did the clean up while the women relaxed. I always like to get a picture of that special family event. It was great to see how the smaller cousins, Joseph and Scott, want to play with the older cousins and look up to them.

The Outliers

2008-12-23T16:57:00.001-08:00

http://www.cbc.ca/sunday/2008/12/121408_4.html

I watched an interview on CBC News Sunday (see the above address). Malcolm Gladwell has written a book titled The Outliers. His book is a look at what makes people succeed at what they do - specifically, those people, or groups of people, who achieve beyond anyone's imagination. Outlier is the phenonema that lies outside of normal experience. His book is a look at some of the factors of success that have not been considered before. Some of the factors, he says, is your birth date, institutional factors and the culture you are born into. If you are born in the first three months of the year you stood a better chance than your peers in school.

Taking hockey as an example, the cut-off date for first class hockey is January 1st and the process for finding the talent starts to happen for kids at 8-9 years of age who will end up being chosen for the rep squads. Now, at 8-9 years of age, who are the stroger kids? The ones born at the beginning of the year. So what we think of as a system set up to identify the stronger, more talented people often turns out to be a system that favours early birthdays. These kids start to get extra coach support, practice time and play more games then other kids their age. In the end, Gladwell says, is that this stronger group just keeps getting stronger becasue of the practice time etc. and those bornin the later half of the year will not catch up. INTERESTING... Gladwell looked at a vareity of hockey teams in the NHL and other leagues. On one team he found 60% of hockey players have their birthdays in the first four months of the year. One idea he suggests is possiby having two leagues for those in the first half of the year and those in the second hal of the year so that all children are given equal opportunity to develop their potential. Gladwell believes that if this occurred that it would double the amount of kids that are good in hockey. INTERESTING...

Another factor - it takes 10,000 hours of pratice to excel at any complex task. Taking the Beatles, for instance, who did hours and hours of practice in clubs before they hit it big. Another example he gives is Bill Gates who happened to go to a school in 1968 which had a computer terminal - rare for that time. Gates gets his 10,000 hours of practice in before he even goes to college.

Gladwell believes that there are ethnic differences in achievement. However, he takes a look at they why, beyond the genetics. First of all he believes that looking at genetics is silly. He looks to the culture to help explain the differences. Asians, for example, excel in math. He believes it is because of the cultural attitude and work ethic. North American children give up a lot sooner than Asian children when figuring out a difficult math problem. Gladwell believes that this is because of the cultural differences in sticking to something until you figure it out. It comes from the history of the rice crop. Growing rice is very labour intensive and through the passing of the years has instilled in the Asian population a patience and sticktuitiveness. INTERESTING...

What else does this theory effect? How we look at education, particularly when it comes to the disadvantaged populations. Poor kids do worse because they do not have the amount of time with reading etc. that advantaged children have, especially during the summer. School is good for kids. It's just that poor children do not get enough of it. Japanese children go to school for 245 days in the year compared to 180 in North America. Gladwell believes that we should extend the school year in order that the gap between disadvantaged and advantaged can close.

I think he has a lot of interesting ideas. What do you think?

Another Borrowed Idea for a Post - Thanks Jenn!

2008-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Jennifer wrote about a nurse's job description at the turn of the century. I thought I would share the teacher's job life. After a little searching I found a job description for teachers during Upper Canada Days (http://www.projects.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/pioneer/school.htm). As with Jenn, I don't think I would be a teacher back then, especially since teaching was for unmarried women or men. Once I was married my teaching days would have been over.

Rules for Teachers:

1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys.
2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day's session.
3. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.
4. After ten hours in school, the teacher may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.
5. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.
6. Every teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.
7. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaves in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention and honesty.

Any teacher who performs his labour faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of 25 cents per week in his pay providing the Board of Education approves.

What does this tell you about the importance of education? There is no mention of how to teach! Who cares about the quality of the curriculum, as long as the teacher ensures the schoohouse is taken care of. I guess you would just have to watch Anne of Green Gables or Road to Avonlea to fill in the teaching details.

Another thought - we tend to think hat the reason we have the summer off is that we were an agrarian society and children were needed on the farm; however, recently I read that this does not make sense since the time children were really needed was in the fall - when they were in school. Apparently the American educational reformers at the time thought that if children had too much schooling they would go insane. Children need to "rest" their brains for two months! I will post about this issue tomorrow.

Not much to Say, So I Borrowed an Idea...

2008-12-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? A variety - depends on what is available at the moment. Often it is wrapping paper because the right fitting bag is hard to find.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. Some day I would like to try a real tree. There is something special about the smell...

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as I can. Last year it was decorated while watching the Brampton Santa Claus parade - second weekend in November.

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever the mood hits - usually the first week in January.

5. Do you like eggnog? YUCK!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably my Chatty Cathy doll - I wonder why?! As an adult it was my camera and I-Pod.

7. Hardest person to buy for? I agree with Barbara - dad. Don is a close second the past few years.

8. Easiest person to buy for? It used to be Don - anything model railroad or tools. These days he is getting harder.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to do cards, but not every year.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Not sure. Don tries very hard and puts a lot of thought into his gift giving, but sometimes may miss the mark - like the year I got a car stereo. That was more of a Don gift. I didn't want to hurt his feelings so I was excited at first.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I love The Polar Express and The Grinch, both based on children's picture books.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually after Halloween.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Never. The thought of it!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The sweets. I don't eat a lot of cookies etc. but there is something wonderful that happens at Christmas time. I love my Special-K treat bars.

16. Lights on the tree? Big, coloured ones - Don's favourite! The older I get the more I like the idea of a pre-lit tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? To sing it would be Silent Night, Star of the East and Stable Door. To play would be Jingle Bells. A more secular song - Grown-Up Christmas Wish and White Christmas.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We have done both - depends on other family.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course - I'm a teacher. I don't have a choice! I even know Olive, the other reindeer, and Rudolph's other names - like stupid. I even know the games he was not allowed to play, like Monopoly.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Definitely an angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. Never done it any other way.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Shopping in a mall - too hot - too stuffing. I CAN'T BREATH. It reminds me of when I almost fainted on kettles twice.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I don't really have a theme or special colour. I collect ornaments that tell me a story and my tree has become more of a memory for me. For instance, I have an ornament that I got in a teacher exchange 20 years ago. Three of my ornaments I got in Manhattan last May. Now that I am looking at my tree, I guess I have a lot of different things on it - country ornaments, instruments, a lot of gold...

24. Favorite dessert for Christmas dinner? Pie.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I'm like Barbara, I don't really have anything on my wish list. I would love a good telephoto lens for my camera. I think it is one of those things that I need to save for myself.

26. Any special Christmas traditions? Listening to music while unwrapping presents, watching the Queen's address, fancy breakfast - do these count?

My 100 List

2008-11-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

How many have you done? I bolded the ones that I've done

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (well, Disney Wrold)
8. Climbed a mountain (kind of...)
9. Held a praying mantis (such cool insects!)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (Paris, Ontario!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (do great newphews count?)
16. Had food poisoning (remember the Red Barn?)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I know it is pushing it, but does being a boat that passed it count?)
18. Grown your own vegetables (at school - potatoes, carrots, beans, corn, orange tree, apple tree)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight (who hasn't at camp...or with a sibling?)
22. Hitch hiked (For my family - do you remember our walk/hitch hike to the ranger station?)
23. Taken a sick day when youʼre not ill
24. Built a snow fort (who hasn't!)
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (Jackson's Point memories...)
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (both)
31. Hit a home run ((I surprised the boys when I was in grade 5. I was picked first after that one!)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (does Mennonite count? They are similar, aren't they?)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (almost there...)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangeloʼs David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance (I escorted one of my students)
47. Had your portrait painted (I was sketched - can that count?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (I have a wonderful picture to prove it. Some day I will share it)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (can't begin to count the number of times...)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (does Weekender's count?)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen (it wasn't soup - it was refreshments)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (does publishing curriculum in my Board count?)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someoneʼs life (I had to do CPR on someone once)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person9
6. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Thanks for the idea for the post, Barbara. It was fun. I need to get more of a life - so much of the list has to do with travel...

A Family Thanksgiving

2008-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

The best part of celebrating the special events and occasions in our lives is that you get to spend time with family. I spend all day Sunday getting the house and turkey ready. I loved decorating the house with the fall decorations. There is something magical about the fall colours. I am so blessed to be living in Canada and in a place where the fall colours show with such vibrancy. God is good!

Now that Joanne is back in Ontario she was able to spend Thanksgiving Day with us for the first time in three or four years. It was a special day since Jennifer was there as well with her twins, Ethan and Owen. Jennifer opened presents for the babies. I had a ball buying the outfits. We couldn't get enough of taking pictures of different people holding the babies.

It was also so warm again this year that we ate out on the deck. Unfortunately there must be a next of wasps. Cameron to the rescue! Cameron trapped six of the wasps under goblets to we could eat in relative peace. He was so proud of his efforts.

After dinner we had our usual family photo and then played a game of spoons. Spencer became our first casualty with getting a cut on his finger when fighting for a spoon with Uncle Don.

The four generations - Great-Grandparents, Grandparent, Parent and children

Great Uncle Rick.

It's hard to believe Joanne is a grandmother!

The proud great-grandparents.

To those family members who live far away and were not able to be with us this day, we wish you the best. We missed you and look forward to a time when we can all be together again. Ontario is waiting!

Autumn at a Cottage

2008-10-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Don and I were able to spend a week away at a cottage on Round Lake near Killaloe. For the first time we packed up Yoda, the cat, and brought him with us. We put him in a carrying crate but he kept banging the lid and the bars to get out. Once we were on our way and outside of the GTA I let him out of the crate. He laid right down on the blanket and went to sleep. We thought the ride would be a traumatic for him but Yoda was a trooper and actually settled well in the car.

The first night there Jason stayed with us. Don and Jason got up early the following morning and went fishing. They did not catch anything and Don was very stiff for a day or so. They also played the board game - Axis and Allies. It was great to see the two of them having their male bonding moments.

While the males had their testosterone time I just enjoyed relaxing in the cottage, reading and taking pictures of autumn. The cottage faces west so I thrilled to see a sunset each night we were there. So glorious!

Don and I spent time driving the back roads around the lake to Round Lake Centre, Bonnesure Provincial Park and into Barry's Bay. Don's idea of looking at and appreciating nature is from the front seat of the car!

On Tuesday we went to Petawawa to have dinner with Alyson and Jason. Jason and Alyson took us on a brief tour of the town and base. It is a lovely community with a lot happening to support the families that live there. We had a lovely time.

As the week went on Don and I spent much of our time relaxing around the cottage. Do you see a pattern in the pictures? Don and Yoda loved relaxing together. Yoda was such a sucky baby the whole week. He was content just to lay on the couch with us and we cuddled every day. Yoda tends to be a very independent cat, so the cuddling was a real treat.

Later in the week Don adn I went hiking in Algonquin Park. We went on the lookout trail. It felt like we would never get there but the wait was worth it. We also went on a bog trail. We came upon a group of people just standing and sitting looking toward teh woods. There was a moose cow and baby in the woods. I couldn't see a thing - so disappointing! The last trail we went on was the beaver pnd trail. It also had a small lookout over a pond with a few lodges. We had previously gone past the creek that had been damned by the beavers to create the pond.

I'M A GREAT AUNTIE!

2008-08-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Barbara and I and her boys had a special visit a couple of weeks ago with Jennifer and her newly adopted twins. I was so excited to visit her since she and Kevin have been through so much trying to adopt and it is interesting to see how it all worked out in the end. God had bigger plans for them - one baby would not be enough. They were being saved for such beautiful bundles.

Ethan and Owen are so teeny tiny - something almost foreign in our family (we grow big babies!). There is nothing better than the feel and smell of newborn babies, especially twins.

Me enjoying being a great auntie.

I didn't want to leave. I could watch them for hours.

I love the idea of being a great aunt and I just hope I can see them fairly often, just as I saw Jennifer, James and Jason as they were growing up. I loved watching all of my nieces and nephews grow up and I cherish those family times.

When the next generation become parents all those years of parenting and other influences in their lives come into fruition. I am looking forward to seeing my nieces and nephews become nurturing parents.

Now Barbara and Joanne, these are newborn babies!

I'm so proud of you, Jennifer. You make such a wonderful mom. What a natural.

30,000 Islands Cruise

2008-07-15T06:55:00.001-07:00

While away camping I went on the 30,000 Islands cruise out of Parry Sound. The boat went around the islands by Parry Sound, basically circling Parry Island. I can just imagine sitting on a Muskoka chair on a wrap-around deck of a cottage that sits one of those islands. Stunning views and relaxation to the nines! This would be my idea of a vacation getaway and cottage life. The other place I love visiting that gives me the same feeling is the thousand Islands near Kingston and Gananoque. This is when having money would come in handy!

I have included an osprey nest that sits on a man-made post. There was also an inukshuk on a small rock island. Traveling north on highway 400 and 69 you see lots of rock sculptures and inukshuks once the Canadian Shield is revealed. They says, "We have been here."

Lastly, just before the cruise returned to Parry Sound we went through an area with a swing bridge. It use to carry a railway but now it only carries cars. Many years ago there was a port town called Depot Harbour on Parry Island that was connected to the mainland by the bridge. The town was set to outgrow Parry Sound and Midland and become the prime destination. The town had schools, churches and businesses. It was a town that connected the Algonguin area and logging via the railway to the Great Lakes. However, due to a the selling of the railway, disrepair and hard times Depot Harbour no longer exists. It is a ghost town with only foundations left.

St. Marie Among the Hurons

2008-07-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

One of the activities I did while I was away was to visit St.Marie Among the Hurons. We visited the Wendat-Jesuit village back when we were much younger when visiting Uncle Bert's cottage. I find the story of the Jesuits' failed missionary pursuit intriguing. For a variety of reasons it failed. There was the Wendat people's conflict of feeling that they had to give up their culture in order to become Christians. There was also the Iroquois dislike of the Huron (Wendat) and their want for trade with the French. As with most native people, there was also the sickness brought by the Europeans due to the exposure to disease. In any event, the conflicts resulted in the murder of Jesuits, the burning of the mission, and the destruction of the Wendat. While the effort to spread Christianity was honourable and genuine, the result was devastating to the native population.

The village the Jesuits created was interesting since it reflected the diversity between European ideas and lifestyle versus aboriginal beliefs and lifestyle. I loved the canal system that was created with a series of mini locks for the couriers de bois (fur traders) could enter the village safely.

I have also included some photos of the village as it looks today and three pictures of our family's visit to the mission 40 years ago.

I'M BACK!

2008-07-12T14:40:00.001-07:00

Well, I am home. Unfortunately I have come home early. Due to severe rain on the way, car noises, and sleeping alone at night I decided to head home early. I did not go the Chutes and through Manitoulin Island. I debated and debated about it but considering being alone I think I made a good decision. It would have been great to see the island in the summer but it was not meant to be. I had to try to get something of a vacation.

Here are the camping experiences I did have, though...

My first two days were spent at Awenda Provincial Park. I did some hiking and toured Saint Marie Among the Hurons. I have included just my camping pictures here, though. The trees were covered in fuzzy caterpillars (ew!), I was paid a visit by a raccoon and it rained heavily my second night so packing up the next morning was not fun! The raccoon was very brazen. He walked right up to me while I was sitting at the camp fire. His visit put me off my sleep the first night! Here is my campsite, my fire and a picture of the beach during my hike. Georgian Bay is sooo beautiful.

My second camp ground was Killbear Provincial Park. Again, I stayed two nights. My camp site was on Georgian Bay so I have included a picture of my view. Spectacular! I will definitely return to this park. My only misgiving was the thought of bears while I was sleeping. Needless to say, what sleep?!

Oh, did I say that I set up in a rush because of the threat of more rain?!

The chipmunks were very friendly and I did the Thirty-Thousand Islands cruise. I can't say it enough - spectacular. I would have a cottage here in a heart beat!

The wind really picked up and the night temperature was around 12 degrees. With the dampness I was cold sleeping that night. The following day on my way to the next campground I bought another sleeping bag.

My last camp ground was Grundy Lake Provincial Park. I set up my campsite in the rain, again! My first night was a little boring since all I could do was set up and go for little walks in between the raindrops. I sat and read in the car that first night - too wet for a fire. I was visited at night by a growling, snorting animal that chased another animal. Don't ask me to tell you what it was since I was too afraid to check. It was either a bear or a big raccoon. Needless to say, again, I did not get a lot of sleep.

The next day the sun was shining so I spent the day hiking,reading and sketching. What a lovely day. My campsite was right on a lake and there were three loons on the lake. Another breath-taking view. My last night the wind picked up again and threatened rain. In the morning I got up early to quickly pack. I packed just in time for the rain did indeed roll in. I headed home rather than go any further. Setting up in rain and looking at the upcoming possible taking down in rain did not thrill me.
Overall, I had a lovely time. I always enjoy camping and sleeping in a tent, although I would have been more comfortable with having some company at night. I learned a valuable lesson - I can set up a campsite and manage all by myself but I would be a much happier camper having company to sleep with at night. Too many noises in bear country doesn't sit well with my imagination. Rain and an active imagination did me in!

Off on a Small Holiday

2008-07-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

I am so looking forward to a few days away. I am going camping - alone. It would be best to have someone to share the experience with but the only way I get a few days camping is just to go myself. I am looking forward to it. I am tired of sitting around the house alone and begging people to go on vacation with me. It has been a few years since I have done more than three days of camping. I am also going to travel around Georgian Bay. I hope to take time to relax, take in the scenery, hike, sketch or paint and photograph away!

Here is my itinerary: I am leaving on Sunday, July 6th and then...

1. Two days at Awenda Provincial Park. I hope to visit the Wendat Village (St. Marie Among the Hurons outside of Midland). I haven't been there since I was 7 or 8 years old! I remember visiting Uncle Bert and Aunt Ivy at their cottage. It's interesting how places have emotional attachment.
2. Two days in Killbear Provincial Park in the Parry Sound area. I am thinking of taking the 30,000 Islands Cruise.
3. Two days at Grundy Lake Provincial Park. It will be great to see the French River area.
4. Two days at Chutes Provincial Park.
5. Not sure what is happening next. I thought I would just go with the mood. I might go through Manitoulin Island and take the Chicheewmaun across to Tobermory or drive back the way I came and take my time coming home. I should be home either July 14th or 15th.

I am so looking forward to seeing northern Ontario (the near north) and all that Mother Nature has in store. I am also a little apprehensive since I have never camped alone. I wonder if I will get bored with myself...?

Originally I wanted to go to Cochrane and take the train north to Moosonee (on James Bay) or to travel to the east coast. If all goes well I am thinking of doing this next summer. Bye for now and I hopefully have lots of photos to share when I get back.

My Garden

2008-06-28T05:11:00.001-07:00

I love my garden. Barbara wrote about her happy place. Right now, my garden is my happy place. I have really enjoyed it this year since we have so much rain that my flowers have stayed fresh and colourful. I can't wait for next year and the following years as the garden matures, especially when the tree and bushes get bigger and create more privacy.

Family Reunion

2008-06-05T16:52:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was wonderful. I loved having my extended family visit. I enjoyed watching everyone interacting. It is something that does not happen enough. As I get older I realize how much I appreciate my cousins, aunts, and uncles and I miss the times when we were little and would spend more time with them. When I think back to those simpler days I realize how each person helped shape who I am today, even if it was in a seemingly insignificant way.

I also love looking at people and seeing family characteristics and mannerisms that we have in common and which bind us together even when so much time passes between visits and over long distances. It is even more interesting to see those samae characteristics apprearing in the next generation. We look like family. My only regret is not having enough time to talk to each and every person. I was just too busy with organizing the event, my role for the day. I look forward to the next time when I can spend more time with those that are special to me. I just hope the time is not too long away.

A special thanks to my husband, Don, who took care fo running the BBQ. Thanks to Barbara who was the BBQ assistant and kept Don "happy"!

To see more photos, visit Barbara's blog. She has included family photos.

Life Graduations

2008-06-01T15:02:00.001-07:00

Recently I have been to two graduations, of sorts. First I attended a graduation within the church of Spencer becoming a Senior Soldier. I am proud of Spencer for the decision he made to make his love of Christ the first priority in his life and for making a stand by becoming a soldier. This was my first important life decision and it has solidified my life since. I know that it is the beginning for Spencer and I will keep him in my prayers as he goes forward throughout life and uses his talents and gifts in amazing ways. *Barbara, I hope you don't mind me using two of your pictures. Getting good pictures of Spencer is hard to come by these days!

I also had a lovely time at Jason's military graduation on Friday (May 31st). I enjoy the pageantry and the marching they do. I am so proud of Jason and the hard work it took to get into the military and complete the courses. Doing it with such flair (three awards - what an honour!) is the icing on the cake! I know it has been a challenging year for both he and Alison being away from each other so much and each completing courses. I hope they will both be able to look back and say it was all worth it. No matter what happens in his life I just want him to know that he is in our prayers and we couldn't be prouder of him.

As the nieces and nephews are getting older I am really seeing how they are all coming into their own - making life decisions with good maturity. They all have their own gifts and talents and using them in an honourable way. An aunt couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them. No matter where the decisions take them I know that they will all be our prayers.

Manhattan Meihem, Part II

2008-05-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

My second full day in Manhattan began with a brief walk into central park. We started at the John Lennon memorial and saw the building he lived in. While we were waiting for our tour guide I enjoyed snapping pictures galore. What a pretty place! Our tour took us around central park. We went into Harlem. Apparently it has been cleaned up a lot since people are buying building and converting them into condos. We also went to Rockefeller Centre - another pretty spot. Next, we had lunch at a pier and then went off to Wall Street for pictures with the bull. It is good luck to kiss the bull and it is said that if you kiss a certain body part you will win a million dollars! Needless to say, I didn't go near that part!

We got on the Staten Island Ferry, went across to the island to see a view of the city, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water. When we landed we walked through the building and got back on the ferry again!

Next it was an hour to tour the ground zero site. There is reconstruction of the the site so there was not a lot to see. We got there too late to go into a pictorial museum and the St. Paul's Chapel. St. Paul's Chapel is one of the only (if not the only) building to not sustain damage when the towers fell and it is across the street from the reconstruction site. A miracle! I also took a picture of Ladder Company 10 who lost so many of its firefighters since they were close to the towers (right across the street from the reconstruction site) where there still are some memorials.

Finally, we went to China Town and Little Italy for shopping on canal street and dinner. Now, Canal Street is a very interesting place. It is a place to go to buy knock-offs of the high price designer clothes, shoes, handbags and jewelry (in other words, illegal things). All you have to ask is for ____ brand and you are lead to another place, sometimes in the back of the store front and sometimes down a dark alley, to the illegal stuff. While we were there one of the teachers and her husband were standing in front of one of the stores when a mass of police officers invaded the shop. They confiscated everything in the storefront, even bags that buyers had in their hands, threw it all in van, and posted a sign. I took a picture of the court order sign.

Manhattan Meihem, Day 1

2008-05-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

On the long weekend (Victoria weekend)I went to New York City with a group of teachers from my school. I was in the city 28 years ago for a day and I either went up the Empire State Building or the World Trade Centre. I would have to look at my pictures from back then to remember.

Some teachers went to New York City to shop while others of us wanted to tour. We left on Friday night at 9:15, travelled all night and went straight to Manhattan arriving at 9:00 on Saturday morning. I was tired after not being able to sleep well on the bus (who does?) but I spent the next twelve hours touring. We went straight to the Empire State Building since we were told that it will be hours of waiting if you don't get there early. I'm glad we did because as it was there was line after line after line and it was very crowded at the top. The views were wonderful.

Following the view from the top, Sheryl (a teacher friend) and I went on a three hour boat tour around the island. The guide was informative and witty and the views were incredible. Here is some of what I saw:

Yankee Stadium - just for you, Evie!

The Mayor's Residence

The Brooklyn Bridge

Sheryl and I then went to Times Square to eat and go on another tour - a two hour night tour. We sat up top on a double decker bus. I love the architecture of the city. Toronto needs to learn from New York and stop tearing down buildings or go back to some of the older architecture. Something interesting the tour guide said: for every New Yorker there are three rats. Just think of it, if there are 8 million New Yorkers, there are 24 million rats! Tasty, eh? One of the teachers saw a dead rat on the street and it was the size of a cat!

We went over the Brooklyn Bridge and stopped in Brooklyn for a view of Manhattan.

The Empire State Building at night. Apparently the colours change on it weekly. That night the colours were in honour of the New York Mets winning over the Yankees. Sorry Evie!

Following our tour we went into Maceys and took the escalator all the way to the top and back down again. Cool! Now I can say I have been there and done it!

Finally, at 9:30 pm, we got back on the bus and headed to the hotel. I went right to bed since we would be up at 6:00 to get back downtown for another day of touring! Stay tuned for day two...

Trip to Atlanta

2008-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Recently I visited Atlanta for a teacher conference on reading (IRA Annual Conference). I traveled with two other teachers. We arrived on a Saturday so we could tour on the Sunday. We took a trolley tour to see the general sights. We hoped to decide on a couple of things to see in more detail, but the tour guide would say, "Over to your right is the ___ building", then pause, then, "On your left is ___", and so on. Real helpful! I thought a tour was suppose to give you information...

This is a view of the city from Olympic Park.

Atlanta had a tornado go through the downtown a couple months ago. Most of the higher buildings have windows out. The convention centre and the Omni Hotel (part of the CNN complex) also had a lot of damage.

On our way to dinner the first night I was approached by three different people asking for money. At dinner the waitress avoided us (she took our order and we didn't see her again - someone else even delivered our food) until the end when we stood up to ask for the bill. She was very bold and didn't really apologize. She said, "I've been busy, you know. I haven't been standing around doing nothing," but not once did she use the word "sorry". So much for southern hospitality.

While our time started out in an interesting way we did end up having a lovely time. I enjoyed my sessions which confirmed many of the teaching strategies I use and I learned some things to enhance my teaching. I heard Jamie Lee Curtis speak about her ideas for her children's books. She cried when she read one of her stories and got to the part about the importance of family. Very touching! I tried taking her picture with my zoom lens but there was too much camera shake. I took a picture of the screen instead!

We are sitting waiting to hear Jamie!

Anyway, here are a few sights from an interesting city and some of the things I did:

I visited the Martin Luther King Museum. It was very touching to read about the walks fro freedom. It was interesting to read about the Freedom Riders. A few months ago I saw a special about the riders, one of whom is a Canadian. The special was about a reunion from the Canadian's perspective.

King's childhood home and his resting place...

I had a two hour wait between sessions so I walked over to the aquarium. I loved the cold water exhibit where there were penguins and beluga whales.

My friends and I went on a tour of the CNN building and watched the news being produced. Cool!

On my next visit I would like to go to the Margaret Mitchell house where Gone With the Wind was written. There is a museum, too.

Lastly, each day we sat out by the pool to enjoy the warmth and sun. One day was on the 80s! We tried to do some professional reading but the social talk was more interesting.

More Signs of Spring

2008-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

As I was out and about today I thought of two more signs. Those who grew up in Brampton will appreciate the first one, in particular:

1. People lined up around the Dairy Queen just for an icecream, even though the temperature is 12 degrees today.

2. The sound of the icecream truck as it goes around the neighbourhood. The song goes on and on and on.... Will they ever think of another song?!

Earth Hour

2008-03-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

What were you doing for earth hour? I know some people took a cynical look at it and said turning off the lights would not make a difference in saving our planet. While I agree, it was a wonderful opportunity to raise global awareness to the problem of global warming and our carbon footprint. Hopefully people will see that just by turning off a few more lights can make a difference and then, in turn, help us to make even more environmentally friendly choices. Don flicked off the breaker so we would have no power to our house for an hour and we spent our time playing Backgammon. I loved playing by candlelight. As well, we kept all lights off for an extra hour while we finished watching the Canadians-Leaf hockey game and playing more backgammon.

I HAVE GRASS!

2008-03-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

It has been warm enough the past couple of days to actually melt enough snow so I could see my grass. I almost forgot what it looked like. CELEBRATE!

Ottawa, Part III - Canadian War Museum

2008-03-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

Here I am again telling about our time in Ottawa. Again, I will just quickly tell the highlights. Don and I went to the Canadian War Museum. We spent about four hours there quietly waling through the exhibits and reflecting. We started our visit in the Afghanistan exhibit. It was a very moving experience knowing the sacrifice soldiers are willing to make for others.

We sat at a computer terminal to look up Don's grandfather and my great grandfather Wallbridge. It was cool to see their application papers. The library was closed, but some day I would love to go back and get copies of this information. You can also get a list of battles and medals. That would be cool for Don since his grandfather, who lied about his age to fight in WWI, received a few medals - one for carrying an injured comrade even though he, himself, was shot in the leg. Below: an example of tunnel art done while waiting in a tunnel at Vimmy Ridge and memorabelia from Billy Bishop, a famous Canadian fight pilot. The windshield of his plane has a bullet hole in it.

The last interesting place we went to was the Deifenbunker - the cold war bunker for the national goverment and military. Each province also had bunkers, but this one was the main one in the country. When we entered we were lead down a long tunnel to the main entrance. The tunnel kept going up the other side so that if a bomb fell the pressure would go along the tunnel and out the other end. Before we went in through the entrance there was a nuclear bomb on display.

As we entered we were taken through the decontamination area where there were showers for those who may have radiation. In the same area was the medical facilities to deal with possible radiation burns. One of the rooms in the area was built so that it could be locked down from the outside so peoople inside could not get out. This came in handy in case someone went a little crazy with being too long in the bunker.

It amazed me how this place was built and maintained until the late 90's in secrecy. I was surprised at how basic the life would be down there. I guess I thought it would be a little more elaborate with couches and nicer furniture since the Hitler bunker was somewhat elaborate for its time. Below is a picture of the Prime Minister's bedroom, a radio room, and the cabinet room. Notice how small the cabinet room is - only select ministers would be included in the inner circle. The rest were out of luck!

Ladies, if you were the prime minister's wife at the time of an atomic bomb, you would be left behind with the children to die. Unlike the saving of people you see in American movies (wives and children), only necessary personal were allowed below and only a handful of people knew who those personal were. Example: the primeminister appointed a second in command in case he could not be there and no one except the PM and that person knew who it was. That person, in turn, appointed another minister and only he and that person knew who he was. That was secrecy was maintained. Below is a picture of a room in which only certain people were allowed to enter due to secrets over the years. even the base commander did not have access. The tour guide met a man who worked in that room and he is sworn to secrecy to never reveal the information learned in their reconaisance. SCARY!
The bank of Canada bunker for gold storage. If there was enought notice a train was ready at Union Station (Ottawa) to bring key personal and gold to the facility. One of the gentlemen going through the tour with us worked in the bunker for years in the generator room.

The last place Don and I visited was Rideau Hall (Governor General's residence) and Rideau Falls.

This is the end - that's all there is folks!

Ottawa, Part II

2008-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am not telling everything we did - just the highlights. Don and I wwalked to the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, which has a focus on Canadiana. It is very well done, with exhibits that have the feel of being in a real village setting.

Walking on the bridge from Ottawa to Hull and a view of Parliament Hill from Hull.

We spent a lot of time in the First People's Hall which showed the history, diersity and contributions of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
We also spent time in Canada Hall that is set up in village vinettes from different time periods. Joanne, the turn of the century exhibit felt like Heritage Park in Calgary.
Lastly, we walked through the Face-to-Face exhibit which showed some of the interesting personalities who shaped Canada. I enjoyed a visit with Pierre, although he isn't very photogenic!

A Whirl-Wind Visit to Ottawa

2008-03-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

I love Ottawa. I love the museums, the architecture and the shops. I dragged Don along with me on my visit. He chose Ottawa because he didn't want to drive all the way to Quebec City. Everywhere we went Don wore his Montreal Canadians hat and, of course, we got constant comments due to the Montreal-Ottawa rivalry.

We visited Parliament the first day. We went on a tour. I love the library there and all the wood. It is hard to believe it was the only part of the old building to survive the fire years ago. We saw the Senate but due to Parliament sitting we could not go into the House of Commons. We were able to sit in the house of Commons to watch the proceedings. We considered coming back for Question Period but didn't. Too bad we didn't because at the end of the Question Period the House voted on the war in Afghanistan. It would have been interesting to be there for the historic vote. Don and I watched the "Turning the Page" ceremony in the Memorial Chamber. In this chamber are housed the various books of Remembrances within which are hand written the names of all soldiers who have died in action during Canada's Wars. Every morning at 11 o'clock the next pages in each of the books is turned. Sounds so simple but it was was very moving. We also went to the War Memorial. I have seen the memorial before, but it now has the tomb of the unknown soldier. Some day I would like to be there on November 11th.

For Don, we went to the Currency Museum. It was very interesting since the audio tour had a focus on counterfeit money and how it was done through the ages. Even though we did not go to Florida this year, we did get the Florida feeling! Pretty good, eh Barbara?!

Don's way of dealing with Cathy and the camera.

I Know Spring Has Arrived in Brampton When...

2008-03-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

I know that spring has sprung in my corner of the world when...

1. Just when you think the cold weather is behind us, we get one last blast of winter (will it ever end?).
2. The snow is replaced by rain and more rain and more rain.
3. You sink into a foot of mud.
4. Don comes home from work covered from head to toe in mud (he works in construction).
5. The smell of mud is in the air.
6. The smell of manure drifts across from the farmers' fields.
7. The smell of skunks scared off by neighbourhood dogs.
8. The cat sits at the back door and cries to get out, and out, and out.
9. The cat's fur comes out in clumps instead of a few hairs at a time.
10. Don hides in the basement to avoid the necessary yard work.
11. BBQs are already on sale in the stores.
12. Buying daffodils for cancer research.
13. Watching Blue Jay baseball. Remember the cold spring games at the CNE exhibition stadium and couples making out under blankets?
14. Neighbours coming out of their winter cocoons to socialize with one another.
15. Clean cars - well, no salt cars. They are muddy instead!

More Snow Pictures: Can You Believe it is MARCH?!

2008-03-11T12:11:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this little guy sitting on our back fence nibbling away at this chunk of snow.

Don shoveling and shoveling...and shoveling!

Another sign of animal life! We have a rabbit visiting our street on a regular basis these days. He must be looking or grass. He's going to be looking for a long time!

Still Walkin in a Winter Wonderland

2008-03-09T17:04:00.001-07:00

This is the winter that never ends - and I love it! I know a lot of people are complaining, but I figure if I live in Canada and winter is one of our glorious seasons, then let it snow to show for it! We have just been through another day and a half of snow (approximately 25-30 cm in the GTA and 50 cm in the Niagara area). I went shopping on Friday and have hunkered down for the weekend. I have tried to upload some pictures but had no luck for the past two days. I will try again soon.

On Saturday night Don and I went for a walk around the neighbourhood at 11:30. It's a great time for a wlak because no one is around. As we went down one street we heard a lot of arguing. We stopped to listen since we were not sure if it was people joking around or not. Well, it was not. There was one man and two women screaming. We had to do something, so Don walked to the door and knocked. The teenage girl who lived in the house was attacking the man of the house with her mother in the middle. There were tears and angry words but with Don and I there eventually there was some semblance of calm when the girl took off in the family car. Rather than finish our walk Don and I went home and called the police. Our conscience just couldn;t ignore what we saw and heard. The family is known to the police and we were told they would check in on the situation. I wonder what ended up happening...

The Miniature Earth

2007-12-24T06:17:00.001-08:00

Facebook has been an interesting esperience. It can be frivilous and I can feel guilty not responding to everything I read or see. The best thing is that it has allowed me an opportunity to touch base again with old friends I thought I would never hear from or see again. I have now had contact with Karen Kushner from elementary and high school days, BJ Prior from camp days and Cheryl Watson and Scott Kelly from Asbury days.

I have been sent a lot of videos and thought this was very pertinent for this time of year when we reflect on helping others. We truly are blest to have financial security, all of our basic needs met, family who care for us, and peace in our society. In particular I am blessed to have peace in my heart. May we all appreciate what God has given us and may we never take it for granted.

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Music Video

2007-12-18T07:01:00.001-08:00

As a primary teacher I just couldn't resist posting this on my blog. There is alight show using this song,but I thought this was a little more interesting. ENJOY!

Miss Piggy Goes Camping

2007-12-15T17:30:00.001-08:00

I found this Miss Piggy number - just for Jennifer!

I'm Counting My Blessings!

2007-12-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

What is eaten in one week!
Just in case you need to think of something new to be thankful for this holiday season.....
This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting e-mails I've ever received. Take a good look at the family size & diet of each country, and the availability & cost of what is eaten in one week.

Italy: The Manzo family of SicilyFood expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11

Germany: The Melander family of BargteheideFood expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07United States: The Revis family of North Carolina (Sure hope most Americanfamilies eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less junk food than this family.)Food expenditure for one week $341.98 Mexico: The Casales family of CuernavacaFood expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09 Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-JeziornaFood expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27

Egypt: The Ahmed family of CairoFood expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

Ecuador: The Ayme family of TingoFood expenditure for one week: $31.55
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey VillageFood expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23 ?

Don't know about you, but right about now, I'm counting my blessings!

Winter Storm Warning!

2007-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

I LOVE snow! I LOVE snow storms! There can never be enough snow, as long as I don't have to drive in it. Tonight we should be getting a dumping. I plan to sit in front of the fireplace and stay warm and cuddly. My favourite memories are when Don and I took a walk about 2-3:00 in the morning when all was still, no one on the roads, and no tracks in the snow. The beauty of fresh fallen snow can't be matched. I only hope it stays around another week until Christmas or we get another dumping just in time for Santa.

Oh - I can't wait to use my new camera to catch it all!

My New Camera

2007-12-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

I finally saved up enough money to get myself a digital SLR. YIPPEE! Now they playing begins. It is going to take me forever to learn how to work everything. There are so many options. I can't wait for Christmas. Barbara, hope you can show me everything!

My first official event to photograph was Rick's Christmas party. It was a lot of fun. We had a girl at our table named Heather who giggled through the dinner, especially when there was an announcement about the dancing about to begin. She had a boyfriend at another table and she couldn't contain her excitement.

As for Rick, his big excitement was sitting beside Barbara because the food just kept on coming! Even when Barabra finally announced that the food was gone he reached out his hand and grabbed a handful of whatever he could find and stuck it in. Man, that boy is the fastest grabber in the west! Kudos to Barabra for being quick witted and grabbing back the honking slab of meat that just happened to have a teeny corner sticking out of Rick's mouth. Rick would have been chewing that all night and probably the next day!

Flat Stanley Comes For a Visit

2007-12-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I read the novel, Flat Stanley, with my class. Stanley was a normal boy until one night when he was sleeping a bulletin board fell on him. Now he is as flat as a piece of paper. To encourage my students to write, they each made a Flat Stanley and took him home for the weekend for a visit. I also did the same thing and made a slideshow of our visit. Here are a handful of the pictures from the slideshow:

Flat Stanley walked in the Brampton Santa Claus parade under Don's hat!

Flat Stanley went to pizza hut and ate a whole personal meat lovers pan pizza all to himself!

Don and Flat Stanley spent a lot of time together playing games on the computer. Stanley even beat Don in a game! Later they watched Hockey Night in Canada together.

Yoda and Stanley became buddies for the weekend. Stanley and Yoda slept together.

My students are presently preparing letters and a questionnaire. They are hoping to find people who love to have Flat Stanley visit them for a week and take pictures of his adventures. Stanley's new friends would take him with them wherever they go and take pictures of places he visits. They will also answer the questionnaire and mail him back to us. My grade 3 students will read the journal and the questionnaire and look at the pictures (which could be e-mailed) to determine if Stanley visited an urban or a rural community. FUN TIMES IN GRADE 2/3!

Any takers? If you know anyone who would be interested, let me know.

My Past Life!

2007-10-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well, Evie, I tried the past life experience and here it is...

I don't know how you feel about it, but you were male in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern East Australia around the year 1775. Your profession was that of a leader, major or captain.

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:Timid, constrained, quiet person. You had creative talents, which waited until this life to be liberated. Sometimes your environment considered you strange.

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:It always seemed to you that your perceptions of the world are somewhat different. Your lesson is to trust your intuition as your best guide in your present life.

Do you remember now?

I don't remember, but it sure is interesting. I was a male from Australia, a leader, timid, and creative. Hmmm, let's see, I would love to go to Australia on a teacher exchange some day, have been in leadership roles, am timid in new circumstances, and may be considered somewhat creative. Hmmm.... What do you think?

Another Year Ahead

2007-08-04T06:52:00.001-07:00

It is now the end of the first week of school. I had a class of 20 students until two moved away. Now I have a class of 18 - PERFECT! Unfortunately that will not last very long. We will proabably have to re-organize the school since some other grades' numbers are too high. I may need to become a split grade 2/3 one the dust settles.

It all comes down to the government mandate that primary classes not be any larger than 20 students. There is debate in the research about this issue - are smaller class sizes really better? Some say yes since the less teacher stress means for happier students and more time for class programming. Some say no since it all comes down to good teaching, regardless of size.

I can see both sides of the issue. I know that when I have had the rare smaller class size I have felt calmer and less overwhelmed by the marking. In today's educational climate more and more has been asked of the classroom teacher. We are secretaries, moms, nurses, social workers and so on, not just teachers (although the best teachers throughout time have always taken on these additional roles). More and more is also being added (dumped) into the curriculum, as if time at school will solve all of society's problems. Children need to know about sexual abuse so let's add it to the curriculum. Then there's anit-racism education, daily physical activity (DPA), computers, and so on and so on. It is all worthwhile programming but there is only so much time in the day. Effective teachers do not just program. They assess, program, reassess, reprogram and so on. All of this means quality time in order to do it well and honour the creativity, different learning styles and multiple intelligences of children. It all comes down to TIME and we never have enough of it.

On the other side of the argument in the calssroom over the years in which there were more children there was fabulous learning happening and a vibrant energy. I have ocassionally heard from some of those children who remember the classroom experience with fondness. I would like to think that I had somehting to do with it.

The long and short of it - I am carrying on with teaching a straight grade until I hear differently. There is never a dull moment in education. There is always something new or different happening.

Calgary Happenings, Part III

2007-07-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have a few minutes so I thought I would do one more blog. Thanks to Joanne's digital camera I have had pictures to show you of my experiences so far. You will have to wait until I get home to see my pictures once they are processed. So far I have 12 rolls to process (or is it 14?)!

Joanne took me to Banff National Park for a day. We went along the old Trans Canada, 1A, and the sights were amazing. How can anyone not believe in God when they see the beauty all around? Joanne and I went to Lake Moraine. What a beautiful spot. I think I could live in the mountains so easily. I kind of feel about them the way I do about northern Ontario - awestruck.

I was able to take a couple of pictures of trains traveling the rails along this stretch of road. Some day I would like to travel across Canada by train in a sleeper car. What a great way to see the country.

I think I have these growing my garden back home! The columbine is one of my favourites.

I was so glad that Joanne was patient with me since I kept yelling, "Stop the car!" so I could get pictures and I wanted to sketch. Lake Moraine was a lovely spot to stop and get out the sketch book and pencils. It would have been great to have a day just to sit by the side of the lake and paint. The water is turquoise. Who needs to go to the Caribbean when you have the lakes in the Rockies? The only problem is that you freeze the tush off if you swim in the ice cold water.

A couple days later Gayle drove me up to the mountains. While we were at Lake Moraine four teenage boys dared each other to jump into the lake. They all jumped in at the same time and as soon as they came up they made a mad dash for shore. They would enjoy being a part of the polar bear club that goes for a swim every winter in the Great Lakes in Ontario. I think the one in Toronto does it around New Year's.

When Gayle took me up to the mountains we also went to the Columbian Icefield in Jasper. Such a "cool" place. It was interesting to learn all about the glaciers and the shaping of the Rockies. There were trees there that are 300 years old and only about six feet tall. There was another patch of trees that were 8oo years old and only about eight feet tall. They harshness of the mountain environment with winter-like conditions almost year round makes for an extremely short growing season - I think they said about six weeks! The day we went was actually a warm day - 15 degrees.

Nathan and I took a tour bus out onto the glacier. It was one of these buses that are used in the oil industry on these humongous wheels. Nathan was excited because his family has only visited the toe before. We saw big horned sheep on the side of the road. I tried getting pictures of them through the bus window. Hopefully they will turn out and I can show you them at another time.

On our way back down the highway we stopped in Lake Louise to see the famous Fairmont Hotel. We also stopped in Banff for dinner. We ate at the Old Spaghetti Factory in the open area section. Eating spaghetti looking out at the mountains - life couldn't be better! A couple days before when Joanne took me to the mountains I saw the other famous Fairmont hotel, Banff Springs, and the Canadian Place owned by the government (Canada House?) and used for summits and retreats. I preferred the Banff Springs hotel to Lake Louise because of the rocks/bricks used in constructing the buildings. They look more historic.

Anyway, now that I have rambled on and on and on, it is probably time to say aurevoir. I will be traveling into the BC interior for camping with Stephen and Gayle and the kids. We are hoping to go to Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump (I love saying that!), the Frank Slide and the Crowsnest pass. These are all historic places. I will write again when I get home. So.... toodles for now and speak to you soon!

Calgary Happenings

2007-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the next update of my visit: Joanne took me to the bomber museum in Nanton. There was a wonderful display and information about the Great Escape and the role Canadians played. Bruce just happened to have the movie so that night I watched the movie.

We visited Drumheller and the hoodoos. Cool place with interesting formations but it sure was hot that day. Another afternoon Joanne and I went backroading to look for abandoned buildings. The prairies are full of them since it was so hard to make a living and get a farm established. If the buildings could talk I can just imagine the history and personal stories they could tell. It is sad that so many grain elevators, a key to the export of winter grain, are now silent.

I had a blast at the Calgary Stampede. I got up early - very early - to get into the city and reserve a place on the street. I sat with Stephen and the kids - aren't they just too cute!

I loved the standing ovation the armed forces received, especially the army. How fitting considering just the day before we lost another six of our soldiers. They are doing such an awesome and courageous job in Afghanistan that they deserve all of our praise and support.

I loved seeing the street cleaners that were a part of the parade to clean up all of the droppings.

That night we all went to the grand stand show. There were the chuck wagon races before the show. The rider I cheered for won his heat. I have no idea who he is, but his wagon said "sandalwood" on the side and since I live off of Sandalwood Parkway I thought it was fitting. Amazing Las Vegas style show. I loved the dancing, the ventriloquist (?), the native ring dancing, and the fireworks.

It's Me Again - I'm Here!

2007-07-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

I finally have a few moments to blog. Flew out to Calgary on Saturday. The flight went okay. I don't like flying alone - I like having company. The seat beside me was empty so it wasn't so bad. I liked watching the airplane on the map to see our progress. I ate pretzels and watched some TV. Travel certainly is becoming more luxurious!

I couldn't believe that I was able to get a flight out for $149 ($200 when taxes etc. are counted in). On the way back it is costing me $350! So much for a cheaper trip!

After touching down Joanne was there to greet me. It was great to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar place. We stopped by Stephen's with a Dairy Queen ice cream cake to say hello and see what is left of his family. Nathan, Kathryn and Stephen - Gayle and the rest of the girls are away on some singing thing. I love being with family. It's too bad that I have to take an airplane to see them. I would much rather take a car so it can happen more often.

Yesterday Joanne and I went to a small town (forget the name) to see a bomber museum and go through some antique stores. I bought two school books from 1909 and 1912. Joanne started reading a poem and I laughed since I do that same poem with my children in grade 2! We saw a lot of books that we read when we were younger and they were newer at the time. I sure felt old! In my class a few years ago we were talking about "many years ago in the pioneer days" and one of the kids said, "You mean in the black and white days?" It made me laugh because I was brought up in the black and white days! I guess age is a relative thing because I still feel like that little girl sometimes.

The bomber museum was cool. I liked seeing the war from such a Canadian perspective, especially the display about the Great Escape.

Tomorrow I think we are going to Drumheller - the dinosaur place. I can't wait. So until next time, toodles!

Now It's My Wedding Picture Turn!

2007-06-01T18:48:00.001-07:00

At the family shower two weeks before the wedding.

My, Alyson, what a lovely wedding dress you have!

The Holiday Inn in Cambridge.

The boy cousins. If only they had jeans and boots, just think what would have happened.

Having the pictures taken in a park with a stream was a great idea.

Thanks Jason and Alyson for thinking about keeping the cousins occupied.

A moment with his nana. This is such as loving picture.

I think it is one I will cherish for many years to come.

I liked how Jason and Aylson were very relaxed throughout the day. There were many sweet moments between the two. Unfortunately I don't have an automatic mode on my camera so was unable to catch them all. I'm glad they took Uncle Don's advise to not worru and jusy enjoy their special day.

Great car. Alyson said it was great to get a vintage car fro the fifties and then I thought, "Wait a minute, I was born in that vintage decade. Does that make me vintage?" I am feeling very old tonight...

Some of us got together for brunch the next morning. I loved spending time with my family. We don't do it often enough. Anyway, I couldn't believe that Jason and Alyson made it down to breakfast, too. I think it was something about having a coupon from the hotel with them being newlyweds. I don't know about you, but having breakfast with my mom and dad would not have even entered my mind when I got married! On second thought, food...Jason... some how it is fitting!
You sure can tell Jason is a newlywed - playing with the ring. Thanks again, Jasonand Alyson, for such a great day. Congratulations for the many years to come.

Another Wedding Reflection

2007-05-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

I always feel like my blogs are way behind the times. Again, people have already reflected on Jason and Alyson's weddingwith photos before I could. Maybe I need to get a digital camera so I can be more ahead of the game...

Anyway, I, too, have been reflecting a lot over the wedding of a next generationer. It is hard to believe that Jason is a married man. I know I am going to sound cliche, but it seems like just yesterday when he sat on my knee in church or stayed with me in my apartment. It is wonderful to see the maturity in the decisions he has made over the past couple of years. I am proud to be an aunt and to be a small part of his life.

I so enjoyed the wedding. It was very evident that Jason and Alyson had a great time, too. I'm glad that they made themsselves a priority. So often it is a tense filled day for the bride and groom, but they were relaxed and just enjoyed spending time with family and friends. There were no pretenses, just honest fun. Alyson will fit right into the family.

Thanks for a great day guys!

Panama City Beach

2007-04-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

I used my Roxio Program to create a scrapbook project. Unfortunately, it was a little limiting for what I was hoping for (more choice in layout, being able to add more journaling).

The first photo page shows two pictures of our overnight stay at Shakertown. As you can see, the accommodations were very modest but the atmosphere was divine!

The second photo page is of Gator Lake in Andrews State Park. We saw a large blue heron but, again, missed the gators. The twisted trees were cool and it is amazing to think that just over the hill was the ocean. Great park - it's a repeater experience.

Lastly, I just had to include a sunset. I tried every night we were there and always missed it. I was glad that on the last night we got down to the beach just in time.

Enjoy!

Wikipedia Tag

2007-04-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put in my year as well and this is what I found...

Three events:

1520 - Stockholm Bloodbath begins: A successful invasion of Sweden by Danish forces results in the execution of around 100 people.
1793 - In Paris, the French Revolutionary government opens the Louvre to the public as a museum.
1973 - The right ear of John Paul Getty III is delivered to a newspaper together with a ransom note, convincing his father to pay 2.9 million USD.

Two Important Birthdays and one death:

Birth - 1927 - Patti Page, American singer
Birth - 1723 - John Byron, British naval officer (d. 1786)
Death - 1674 - John Milton, English poet (b. 1608)

One Holiday or Observance:

Saint Michael's Day in Greece and Cyprus and to those of Greek Orthodox faith worldwide

Relaxing?

2007-03-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Dad, Don and I went on an air boat to look for alligators. While I enjoyed the air boat it was, overall, disappointing. I thought we would do more on the air boat than start and stop a handful of times. The closest I got to seeing an alligator was a penned one. Oh well, sometimes you win big and sometimes you lose big!

Isn't he a cutie! When I was about 13 years old I thought a pet alligator would be great. What was I thinking!

I thought I would include a couple pictures to show Don and mom and dad's idea of a vacation - sunning and sleeping. Notice I am not in the picture and it is not just because I have the camera. It is hard or next to impossible to find me laying down. I just want to see and do it all!

Kentucky Happenings

2007-03-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful March Break traveling south. On our way to Florida Don and I spent two days in Kentucky. Wilmore has not really changed, just grown a little. I have included some pictures of the Wilmore sites. I'm so glad he picture of the plaque turned out since it says it all about the atmosphere in the chapel. I loved walking the hallways downstairs where the class graduation photos are. David and Evie, my how young you look!

I also have pictures of High Bridge. I thought Don would love seeing the train bridge, although he made me a little nervous when he walked on the rails.

Stayed tuned - I will write again soon about the rest of our trip.

March Holiday Here I Come!

2007-03-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am really looking forward to a two week March Break and getting away. Don is not as thrilled since for him the perfect holiday is to be locked away in the computer room and left alone. I it has been a busy, short term at school and am sun starved.

We are hoping to leave Wednesday morning and stop over in Lexington, Kentucky. On Thursday we will visit Asbury Collegge and then stay the night at an inn at Shakertown. Friday is a visit to the Mammoth Caves and on Saturday we will arrive in Florida to stay with mom and dad for a week.

In the meantime I will be busy cleaning the hosue, organizing my teacher piles and putting my finger in a socket to frizz my hair. Jason will cat sit for the week and a half we are away.

I CAN'T WAIT!

February Happenings

2007-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Not much has happened since I last blogged. Working....working...working...

Now - a week's holiday. What did I do? Painted...painted..painted... Spent a few days at mom and dad's painting doors, windows, trim, and baseboards. Don and I went to dinner at Gary and Laurie Reilly's. It was great spending time with old friends. We got home late Wednesday night. I spent yesterday (Thursday) relaxing a little bit and getting my hair done. Today I am at Barbara's scrapbooking - well, not really. Right now she is cropping and I worked on report cards and planning for my classroom, until now when I am blogging. In a few minutes I should be able to finally get around to cropping.

Life just goes on and on and on... Isn't that refreshing?!

Belated New Year's!!

2007-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

With Barbara's help we figured out how to download and show the Smilebox greeting I tried to send a few days ago. Don't forget to click on the arrows to see the next page(s). ENJOY :)

|
View Smilebox

Belated Christmas Lights!

2007-01-06T10:45:00.000-08:00

I know this is very late; however, here is my effort at capturing some Christmas lights. I have a tree with coloured lights and it really showed in the pictures I took. My baby, Yoda, loved the lights and the tree, too. He would lay on his stoop and play with the noisy decorations. He would bite the "gingerbread" ones (they look like it, but do not taste like it) and take them off the tree, perhaps becasue they fit nicely into his mouth like a bone. Did I mention that I have a dog named Yoda? He even shakes a paw!

A Belated Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

I had wanted to send out one of those fancy greetings Barbara sends out, but I still need to figure out how it works. Here is what it was suppose to look like - A glass of champange (or sparkling pear juice) being poured, all to music and then a picture of Don and I and a Happy New Year message.

Since I didn't figure out the downloading part, I will do what David did and send out an old family pictures instead.

Winter, Oops Autumn, in Agawa Canyon

2006-12-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

I can finally download pictures without any glitches (hopefully), so I thought I would show some of our pictures from our trip to Agawa Canyon. We went on the day long train trip to see the sights of autumn. Instead we saw winter! At first I was disappointed, thinking it was going to be a gloomy day. Sault Ste. Marie was rainy and dull. As it was we were on the last weekend of the autumn season and most of the leaves had fallen; however, as we rode further north it started to snow. The snow got heavier and deeper as went up toward the canyon and by the time we stopped there was 20-30 cm on the ground. It was amazing and breath-taking. We rode in the dome car on our first leg of our journey and I was awestruck by the beauty that surrounded me. Since we were on the last car of the train, Don opened the door. The photographers on the train were lined up to take pictures and I loved watching the track rolling along. Here are a few of the pictures I took out the back of the train:

We were quite fortunate to go to the canyon n the day we did. If we had gone during the winter we would not have been allowed to get off the train since the canyon receives up to 15 feet of snow and it would be too dangerous for hiking. As it was we were not able to go to the lookout - closed due to dangerous weather conditions. It was a mix of rain and snow once we got to the canyon so I got soaking wet when we hiked to two of the falls. The water falls had not yet frozen over so we saw something more unique - water and snow, not snow and ice. The downside - I was soaked and my glasses kept fogging over. For those who are visually impaired like me, you can appreciate the frustration and disappointment when taking pictures and trying to get the light just right and focusing when you can't see.

Don had a great time looking at the trains. Being a model railroader he loved watching the engines changes from front to back for the return trip. I took some pictures of different parts of the train hoping to some day put together a collage for his train room.

I loved taking pictures of autumn peeking through the snow. The brightness of the colours against the snow was amazing.

We met a couple from Florida who come up to Ontario, Quebec and the eastern states every fall in order to get a real feel for the season. They had this honking digital camera that had a super zoom lens and could take five or more shots for my one. By the end of the trip they had taken 1400 shots! And I thought I took a lot of pictures!! They said they would send us a CD with some of their pictures on it which meant I was able to get some good pictures taken from inside a train (the windows were water streaked).

The return trip was relaxing. We sat below (not up top in the dome car) and could stretch out since there were fewer people than on the way north (a group of the people in our car hopped another train and kept going north to Hearst, another six hours north). We walked through the train and found car after car empty! When we asked we found out that there was just 200 people on the trip and since the next day was a full train of 800 they kept the cars on the train. We had free rein - great!

I loved looking at all the cottages along the rail line. Many of the cottages had no road access so during the summer the cottagers hop the train and the train stops along the way whenever people need off. The little huts you see at farms for children waiting to catch a bus are also along the rail line for people waiting for the train. I think that would be so cool to be that isolated... One man whose front door to his cottage was probably about 20 feet from the track was sitting on his veranda with his dog and reading the newspaper. I'm not sure I would want to be that close to the tracks. Here are the last look at our trip - the way back south:

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into a special walk through a winter wonderland that Don and I took. The only thing that would have made the time better was to make it longer. We are now thinking of looking into the train trip up to Hearst, Ontario, a ten hour trip. I would also love to take the Polar Bear Express from Cochrane up to Moosenee and Moose Factory in the summer. Anyone up for it?

Toodles!

Have I Said How Much I Love Autumn?

2006-12-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

I just had to add a few pictures I took this fall. I LOVE AUTUMN! It is such an amazing time of the year. The weather is usually fair and the colours magnificent. Barbara and I went to Elora Gorge to see the sites. I also went up to the Caledon Hills, just ten minutes north of where I am. The pictures below are from my hiking through the badlands and driving on the equestrian club road.

I just had to include this picture of our car. Don and I drove along the trans Canada on our way to Sault Ste. Marie. The weather was interesting - snow one minute, sunny the next, then foggy and icy. We saw that our car antenna had a layer of ice coating it that was about one inch thick. We found the first rest stop so we could take a picture of it since the ice was melting fast. When we got out we noticed the ice coating the front of the car. I just had to take a picture of it against the autumn trees since I thought no one would ever believe how contradictory the weather was.

Reflecting on 2006

2006-12-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

The director of Education sent out an e-mail to all Peel Board staff. He reflectied on a few questions and challenged us to do the same. Here are my thoughts...

What did I do in 2006 that makes me most proud?
I suppose it would be the work that I have done in my classroom with my students since August and with mentoring and teaching other teachers about comprehensive literacy. Keeping the lessons simple and mini really works within a framework of reading and writing workshops. In teacher's college making formal and complex lessons was expected; however, keeping lessons simple and focused is better. I have been fortunate over the past year to work with teachers in planning and modeling literacy lessons. Just that little bit of modeling and professional discussion has made a positive impact on the schools I serviced.

What challenged me most this year?
Sometimes my own negativism or high expectations of myself create the moments of biggest challenge. At these times I need to slow down to speed up, to realize that it is best to take small steps one at a time rather than leaps and bounds to make the most impact on myself or others. I can be too hard on myself and wanting to see change too soon, before I am even ready for the change...

Who—or what—really inspired me?
I don't think it was anything big or anyone in particular, but I get greatest inspiration from the small and simple things in life, not the "big" moments. Examples: a child saying to me, "Mrs. Rutter you look pretty today" even when I feel tired and am having a bad hair day. These kinds of comments give me that extra boost to realize my day is good afterall. When my husband, Don, has dinner made when I get home from work, or when he buys me something (usually a candy treat) just because he was thinking of me, or hearing the words, "I love you", or a whistle when Don sees me in the morning. These simple gestures of love and kindness make me feel secure and, yes, even sexy. Looking at the autumn colours and realizing how amazing God is with His artistic touches. These days inspire me to write a poem or paint.

What touched me or surprised me?
I am back in the classroom (grade 2, in a portable) for the first time in three years. A lot of things that have surprised me and touched me this year are the little things I had forgotten (isn't it amazing how quickly we forget the day-to-day things that make life what it is). What touched me - the excitement of seeing the joy of learning and zest for life children have. Children are so naturally curious and fully embrace life. What do we do as adults, or what happens in life along the way, that dampens that spirit as children get older. Children start off wanting to go to school, wanting to learn, wanting to please others around them (particularly the adults), yet so many get turned off of school as they get older. Maybe I am ready for a change in grade to a junior class to try an reverse the trend.

What's the biggest lesson(s) I learned this year?
Keep it simple stupid : it is usually the simple things that make the biggest and lasting impact on myself and others. Also, don't sweat the small stuff: don't worry about what you cannot change. This is a hard lesson for me, considering I have such high expectations of myself. In order to not worry, I am learning to make lemonade when I am thrown a lot of lemons. I know, I know, how cliche of me!

A Day With the Girls

2006-11-11T19:20:00.000-08:00

Now that I can download some images, I thought I would go crazy...

I was so excited to have Emily and Elizabeth stay with Don and I for a few days in the summer. We spent a day shopping and going to the Caledon Hills to the Badlands and then to a conservation area in Belfountain. The Badlands are always interesting to see and we did a small hike to the Belfountain falls and then waded into the creek.

Don insisted that we go to Canada's Wonderland and take Andre, a boy from Barbados. Great idea, except that it was the hottest day in the summer with the humidex being somewhere between 42 and 45! As you know, I melt in anything over 25 so I had a challenging day. Unfortunately I ended up spending a couple of hours laying down on the grass outside the park while Don and the crew finished going on the rides since I was having difficulty breathing.

I thought you might enjoy seeing pictures from our time with the girls(hopefully it all works well...). I think the girls had a great time. At the very least, they thought Uncle Don was a "funny man", a comment he repeats often to this day. He will tell me during his teasing moments (which happen quite frequently) that Elizabeth and Emily think he is a funny man...

In Flanders Field

2006-11-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I thought I would create an entry just for a special poem with a heartfelt story...

"In Flanders Field" was written by Liet.Col. John McCrae, a Canadian surgeon in WWI. He wrote the poem during the battle in Ypres after burying a friend. Wild poppies were growing in the ditches amidst so much death and destruction. It has come to symbolize remembrance since the red of the flower is the colour of blood. The yellow/black centre represents the mud and desolation. The green stem represents the forests and field where so many died. The poem is now also a haunting song.

John McCrae, himself, died later in the war in 1918. His last words were, "If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep." How fitting...

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.

Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Remembering Remembrance Day

2006-11-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

This has been a very emotional hour or two. It always is. As someone who loves reading about history the sacrifice of so many through war is touching...

I watch the Remembrance Day ceremony on tv. This year I considered being in Ottawa for the day - even if I was one of the 26,000 in the crowd it would still be a visible way of showing my appreciation, to applaud the vets during the parade. In the past many years as a society we are forgetting the importance of this day. You just need to watch the solemn ceremony to understand the need to never forget. I think it should be mandated that stores etc. should not be open until 1:00 on Remembrance Day so as a country we can honour the fallen. I remember as a child how people and traffic would stop at 11:00 to pause, think, mourn, remember. Can't we do that again? I feel embarrassed and disappointed by the number of people who see this as just another day. Here are just as few more of my thoughts o this day...

I think of how many people have forgotten or are not interested in knowing about significant battles and what they tell us about our country, such as Vimy Ridge. Perhaps now that so many young lives have been lost in Afghanistan we will want to be back in touch with our history.

I think of the story of Hanna's suitcase and the touching way the story came alive through a Japanese museum curator. It's interesting how this children's book has become a best seller in Japan yet as a country they have not recognized their part in the atrocities in World War II.

I think of the remaining vets. On such a cold, rainy day it is inspiring to watch these vets stand and salute their comrades. They are old (the average age of WWII vets on Canada is 85), sick and feeble, yet they stand for O'Canada, salute their friends, and participate in the veteran's parade with such pride. Their faces tell the story of the pain and horrors they saw and felt, yet year after year they participate willingly in events to honour the dead. Can't we do the same?

I think of the tomb of the unknown soldier and placing poppies on the tomb. Something I just learned... a headstone representing the unknown soldier has been placed in the war museum in such a way that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month it would be basked in natural light. Wow!

I think of Don's grandfather who lied about his age so he could go to war. He volunteered for both the first and second world war. His other grandfather was disappointed to not go to war - he was turned away because of flat feet.

I think of my own grandfathers who each participated in WWII - one as a foot soldier and one through the Red Shield Services. I wish time could stand still or I could take time back. I would have spent more time with them as a grand-daughter asking them questions and listening to their stories. A part of their gruffness and how they perceived life is due, in part, to their wartime experiences. I am proud of them and their willingness to go. Papa Sears found it difficult to talk about, as did most vets. It isn't until recent years that vets are so willing to now talk about what they went through. We need to embrace their stories, write them down, and keep them in our hearts.

I think of the mothers and other family members who lost sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers and sisters. The mom who represented all moms today is from Newfoundland. She told a story of her son who had a strong sense of duty. He served in Kosovo and Afghanistan. When he was leaving Kosovo he met a man who was cold because he didn't have a winter coat, so he took off his jacket and his cap and gave it to the man.

I promise I will not forget. I promise to wear my poppy. As written before, I would love to go to Ottawa to recognize the vets. Anyone on up for it next year?

The Spectacular North Country

2006-10-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days Don and I went up to Sault Ste. Marie. We had a great time and many interesting adventures...

We left Brampton at 5:00 am so we could catch the boat, the Chewcheman, from Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to Manitoulin Island. We arrived in good time and ate a wonderful breakfast of bacon and eggs as the waves were getting higher and higher and the water was very rough. We loved watching the boat rise and fall and rise and fall, crashing into the waves. All we kept saying was, "wow" and "cool". We were doing well until about 45 minutes before docking when were both said that breakfast was repeating just too much and, as you guessed it, I walked to the washroom with the barf bag in my hand and used it as I walked into the washroom! My mistake was getting up and walking around the ship. I found out later that staying sitting down is the best thing for the stomach. Oh, well, a lesson learned. Don did better than I - he stayed sitting down and we docked just in time!

Driving the Trans Canada was an experience. It was as if lines were drawn because one minute it was fine and the next it was snowing, then raining, then sleet, then nothing, then snow, and on and on it went. We stopped at a picnic spot for a break and noticed that the whole front of the car and the antenna were covered in about 3-4 cm of snow ice. I just had to take a picture since where we stopped had no snow but we had a very thick coating of snow on the front of the car.

We got up early the following morning to make sure we boarded the train in plenty of time. It was a dull rainy day and I was feeling a little ripped off; however, once the train started rolling out of the station I was looking forward to seeing what little bit of autumn was left in the canyon. We paid extra to sit in the dome car and going north we were up top. We were on the last car on the train. The further north we went the more snow we started to see. We no longer saw autumn, bit winter! It was an amazing sight, especially when Don opened the back door and I could take all kinds of great pictures out the back of the train. A couple of my pictures show the motion of the train.

When we arrived in the canyon there must have been up to 30 cm of snow (1 foot). It was a a wet, heavy snow. It was a cross between rain and snow falling and I got very wet. We did a short hike to two of the falls and Don spent time watching the trains and the switching of the engines. We ended the day thrilled with the landscapes we saw and excited that we saw a snippet of winter. I will need to go back sometime sooner on the season to see fall another time...

On our way back the boat did a lot of rocking again, but I am pleased to announce that my stomach held strong - probably because I refused to eat anything all day until after we got off the boat. We ate lunch in Wiarton and took our time going home by driving along Lake Huron through all the small towns. It so puts me in the mood for a cottage! Yes, Cathy, dream away...

Couldn't Sleep - Too Much on My Mind

2006-10-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about the school shootings that have been happening lately...

When I watched the coverage of the shooting in Quebec, especially the part where students were running away from the school to get away from the shooter, my mind went back to over 30 years ago. I couldn't help but cry, as if reliving the experience all over again.

It seems so surreal, as if the whole thing happened to someone else, and some of my memories are sketchy. I don't know for sure what I really saw or heard...

I remember being late from french class because I had a presentation. I know, I know, so often we say if only this had or had not happened, but in my case it is so true. I remember coming down the stairs during lunch time and seeing a deserted hallway. I opened the door and looked down the hallway. I saw a line of blood pools. A head popped out of the cafeteria and a hand signalled me to go away. Confusion and a feeling of doom came over me as I went back up the stairs and went outside. I saw people scrambling out of the home-ec classroom windows.

I remember feeling scared and concerned about finding all my friends and family. I stood at the front of the school in disbelief as rumours and facts became known to me. I am thankful to the Kerrs for coming to the school in search of all the SA kids and they drove us all home.

I remember arriving home and mom flying out of the house and how all I could say was, "We don't know where David is." I remember waiting, watching, feeling scared. I was glued to the television and the newspapers as they covered the event, hearing the personal stories and feeling concerned for classmates who had been shot.

I remember hearing MS's sister coming over the PA system on the morning we all returned to school apologizing on behalf of her family and thinking that it wasn't her fault so why would she feel she had to apologize.

I remember that a piece of my locker had been replaced and thinking it was a good thing I was late for lunch. God was looking out for me.

I remember being at camp the following summer and having a sudden feeling of dread and my heart pounding when a tire popped. It made me wonder if maybe I had heard some of the shooting afterall, maybe even the last shot.

It is hard to believe this ever happened in our quiet town. As a teacher in the same school district it amazes me how few people know that the shooting ever occurred. That shooting influenced so much in Ontario society - a gun registry and lock down procedures we are expected to practice today. Recently I was watching a brief CBC coverage of the first high school shooting in Canada - the one at BCSS. CBC is working on a special of the shooting. I imagine I will glued to it again....

10 Things You May Not Know About Me...

2006-10-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Barbara, this has taken so long. Too much thinking...

1. If I couldn't be a teacher I would love to work in a zoo. I am fascinated by animals, especially polar bears, penguins, beavers, whales, and owls.

2. I love having my back rubbed. The sad thing is that it happens so seldom because Don hates rubbing my back!

3. My ultimate vacation dream would be to go on a cruise to the Antarctica.

4. I love the taste of veal, but have refused to eat it since I found out how veal meat is "made".

5. I am a rebel environmentalist at heart but have a hard time reconciling what would be best for the environment and the reality of cost...

6. I would like to travel through Europe and retrace the steps of Canadian battalions during the World Wars and discover my family history.

7. I am fascinated by the Royal family and its history.

8. If I had the money I would Iike to have a cottage somewhere rustic up in Haliburton somewhere... a place that could be low maintenance... Anyone want to buy me one?

9. I would love to get my Master's degree but I have too many other things I want to experience...like... get my pilot's licence, get my visual arts diploma, sky diving, scuba diving... and the list goes on. Life has so much to offer...

10. It would be wonderful to do a teacher exchange to Australia or New Zealand, or teach for a year in the Arctic.

I thought of another one...

11. I am a reflective person. I have written poems as a way to reflect on my life experiences and my love for God.

Not Enough Time Off!

2006-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

I may be able to finally catch up on my blogging. I have two weeks off to relax and reconnect with life!

It has been an interesting two months. I am teaching grade 2 at a balanced calendar school. It felt strange to be teaching throughout August but having two weeks off in October sure feels great! Perhaps I will be able to do a few day trips and enjoy the autumn colours. Don and I will be taking a few days the second week to travel to Sault St. Marie to take the train through the Agawa Canyon. Hopefully scrapbooking, stained glass, painting, shopping, finishing a fence and digging a garden will also be a part of my time off. WAIT - can I have more than two weeks off please? I'm exhausted already...

Latest Happenings

2006-09-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

I know, I know - I don't keep up on my blog as much as everyone else. I often have a hard time writing off the cuff so think I don't have much to say. Also, I have been trying to download some pictures and getting frustrated with how long it takes and so gave up. I don'thave that kind of time. I spend most evening sitting at the computer planning and preparing for my classroom. Iknow, I know - I guess I had better get a life!

Anyway, Don and I went to Jenn and Kevin's for dinner last night. I so enjoyed spending time with them and seeing their new home. Lovely! I was thinking on my way home that I wish family wasn't spread out so much so we could see each other more. It was so much nicer when we lived in teh same city and say each other at church. I know, I know - that's poart of growing up and getting your own life. It's great that we all have jobs we are passionate about and wonderful families, but I just miss y'all!

I was at the National program last weekend and thought, "Boy does life ever fly by?" I saw Prof Curnow and realized it has been over 25 years. Wow! You know you are getting older when...it feels like yesterday that you went to music camp and remember most details like they just happened.

By the way, at the National program there was a video with Jason in it. He was wearing his army fatigues and getting shot over and over again. The situation was humourous and the national students cheered at this, but if Jenn, Kevin, Alyson, or Jason could explain it to me, I would appreciate it (do you "get" it?). I don't really get it - am I missing something?

Summer Happenings

2006-08-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Not much to report on my life at the moment. I have not had an exciting summer. Here is what I have been doing:

I took a two day course on Differentiating Instruction. It sounds impressive doesn't it. It also sounds heavy and boring. It wasn't too bad but it was a bit boring...
I took a week long course on teaching math. There was a lot of hands-on activities so it was pretty good. Hands-on is always good :)!
Emily and Elizabeth visited for a few days - it's amazing just how much they have grown in one year. I miss all of my nieces and nephews who live far away. You miss so much when you are hardly ever around them.
Don and I actually spent a few days camping. We had a wonderful time at Port Burwell. Gary ad Laurie Reilly came down for an afternoon. It's hard to believe they are mom and dad's officers now!
I spent a week and a few days getting my classroom ready.
I am now back to work in this heat! While I am cooking right now, I sure will enjoy October and the two weeks I will have then. Hopefully I will be able to go away, then.

Once I get my pictures back I will share them at another time. In the meantime, I have enjoyed reading everyone else's Blogs and catching up on family. Toodles!

My Most Cherished Possessions

2006-07-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I forgot to do my most cherished possessions... (sorry, I copied and pasted Joanne's). I put this as a comment and thought I might add it as another posting. Also, I thought of a fifth one that some people might find interesting.

my photo albums
my professional portfolio
my furniture antiques (Don's grandmother's sewing machine, my dining set, Don's grandfather's chest)
my children's book collection
my grandmother's Salvation Army bonnet. This has come in handy - I have taken it into school when talking to children about treasures that give us memories.

Finally Replying to My Tags...

2006-07-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am finally getting around to the tag! My internet/e-mail has been so unreliable these days. They are changing the system at work and with my personal server at home - a double whamie! Anyway, here goes...

4 jobs I've had:

lots and lots and lots of babysitting
Simpson's (The Bay) Cafeteria cleaning tables and cooking
working for the Salvation Army in the camp kitchen as a cook and at DHQ as a Girl Friday
a primary teacher and Early Literacy Teacher for the Peel District School Board.

4 movies I could watch over and over again:

Fiddler on the Roof (actually, most musicals, especially those with a social message - fun and thought provoking, a hard achievement)
Money Pit (I love watching the section where the house starts falling apart)
Back to the Future (any of them)
Wizard of Oz (the best witch ever!)

4 places I've lived:

Mississauga, Ontario (although it was called Cooksville at the time...)
Brampton, Ontario
Wilmore, Kentucky
Brampton, Ontario...Brampton, Ontario...Brampton, Ontario (I'm so predictable)

4 TV shows I love: (6 instead...)

anything Law and Order
CSI
I Love Lucy
Dick Van Dyke Show
M*A*S*H
Corronation Street

4 places I've been on vacation: Okay...5 again...

Quebec City (I agree, Barbara, it's the best. I love the ambiance and history of the place)
Camping anywhere (as long as I am outdoors and in a tent I am happy. I enjoy the provincial and national parks best for the hiking and nature activities. My favourites - Arrowhead, Charleston Lake, Port Burwell, Bruce Penninsula)
Salvation Centennial Congresses - Kansas City and Winnipeg. The atmosphere is incredible and meeting new people and seeing old friends is great.
Haliburton School of the Arts (over the years I have stayed in cottages and attended art class during the day. I love learning something fun and enjoying cottage life. It would be my perfect life if I didn't have to have a job)
Ottawa (I could live here - just give the word...)

4 favorite dishes:

Oriental Salad
Spaghetti
Chicken Friend Rice
Almost anything beef, especially roast beef and yorkshire

4 websites I visit daily:

4 places I'd rather be right now:

on a road trip anywhere. The paces I have not been that I would love to see - the Canadian east coast, the Canadian west coast, the arctic (Churchill, Manitoba, the polar bear capital of the world; Moosenee, Ontario; Iqualuit; Yellowknife to see the Aurora Borealis), the antartic (this would be a tricky road trip!)
camping
in a hillside cottage on an Ontario lake in the autumn (the colours would be fabulous)...or an island cottage in the St. Lawrence (I love isolation)
traveling Europe (especially England) to trace family history and see Canadian Armed Forces sites and key battles (Vimy Ridge, Normandy, Holland...)

4 most cherished possessions:

my photo albums
Mum Young's antique serving bowls
Family photos
Handmade Christmas Ornaments from the kids over the years

4 least favorite chores:

cleaning toilets (I agree, Joanne)
any laundry, especially ironing
organizing my boxes and boxes and boxes of teacher stuff (I'm over-run!)
vacuuming (it's a good thing Don likes to do it!)

4 best stress relievers:

bike riding
hiking
petting Yoda
sitting on the deck/patio and having a BBQ

4 bloggers I'm tagging: I am not tagging anyone....how sweet!