backward leonard

Hazzard

2012-01-21T20:00:00.003-05:00

Paul's cousin Rob was up on Sunday along with his lovely partner Amy and his young'un, Hannah. I called up brother Enos the night before, knowing he'd like to drop by to see them too. We had a great visit, catching up on life and taking a run or two down the toboggan hill. It had warmed up to a lovely -15 by that point so, naturally, it made sense to be outside rather than in front of the warm cozy fire. The kids lasted outside longer than the so-called adults.

At some point during our visit, we got on the topic of dogs. And names. Rob and Amy are looking to add a dog to their family. We got talking about names like, well, Cooter and how, in keeping with the theme, Rosie should be called Daisy.

(Warning: If you know nothing about the Dukes of Hazzard you might want to jump ship here. You may want to bail even if you do know about the Dukes. I would understand completely.)

We asked Enos if he was thinking about getting another dog. He's undecided just yet but it was suggested that, if he does get one, he name it Roscoe P. Coltrane. Enos thought that was a good name. Especially when letting him out to go to the washroom. "Roscoe! Pee."

Oh, we laughed. I've said it before - we don't get out enough.

Robert's pretty much decided on the name Uncle Jesse. Seriously. He pictures taking his new pet out for a walk and someone coming up to him and asking the dog's name.

"Uncle Jesse," he will respond.

"Oh, he's a nice looking dog."

"She," Rob will say.

I know. I know. I'm shaking my head too. (He's Paul's cousin, remember.)

I'll be sure to get pictures when Enos builds the dog house! In cop car white. With a siren on top.

*sings*

Just good ol' boys,
Wouldn't change if they could,
Fightin' the system like a true modern day Robin Hood.

'Tis the Season...Wait; What Season Is It Again?

2012-01-21T09:30:00.025-05:00

Okay, so let's recap:

Tuesday was a stellar day - foggy, rainy and +8 and then high winds set in and we had a flash freeze...

Wednesday dawned bright and beautiful; why it was downright balmy (somewhere) - a high of -10, but no snow! So no rink-shoveling for me. Yay! I'm liking the flash freeze...

Not bad; about -10 on Thursday; couldn't really complain about that and then the snow started. Out-of-towners got to leave work early (that would be me!) so, picked the kids up at school and slowly made it along the slippery roads - only got stuck once, had to back up for traction and continued on our way again...

Winter. Right. I'd almost forgotten. Forecast for Monday? +9 and rain.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T17:00:00.002-05:00

And She Brought Croissants, Too

2012-01-16T20:30:00.006-05:00

Dorito was up on Saturday. She'd had her car in for an oil change and figured, while she was up this way, she might as well drop over and see her favourite person. In the whole wide world. She saw me, too.

Paul had taken the boys to the dentist (mental note: no more sugar...ever) and Ri had stayed in town after school Friday to stay over at a friend's house. So, when Dorito got here, we just farted around for a bit, dogs got lots of scratches and then we headed out the door.

Our first stop when we arrived in Peterborough was the Farmers Market. No. Wait. The first stop was the bank. I owed her cash for lumping in Paul's Christmas gift with her Lee Valley order. Then we headed over to the Market.

Dorito takes nice pictures

We parked and crowed and then went inside. First on my list was to restock the pantry with maple syrup. As we made our way to their table, I noticed that Allin's still had a booth so I greedily grabbed one of the last baskets of apples. No more applesauce, though; these are for fresh eating. We each picked up a big bottle of syrup and one of us, who shall remain nameless, bought a little bag of maple sugar candy. Oh. Mmmm. Or, at least, that's what Dorito said. Ahem.

We went and grabbed a very late breakfast (it was lunchtime) and then wandered over to Chapters. Dorito is a computer geek. She volunteers her time and maintains the website for Canadians' Abreast (she's a nice geek) and was after a programming book. While she searched, my buddy who works in the store came by. He saw that I had a Countryside magazine in my grubby little hands and asked me if I'd ever seen Backwoodsman magazine. I confessed I had not and he went on to tell me a little about it. After our chat, I found it and added it to my purchase. This edition has info on making a simple water heater and fire from the sun - interesting little tidbits of information for the six- and nine-year old boys who want to make a fire with a magnifying glass to the survivalist. And everyone in between. Dorito came away empty-handed. I'll share my water heater with her.

Once home, we finally exchanged Christmas gifts (I love Happy Bunny!) and I think she liked the alpaca socks that my coworker made. They raise the Peruvian beasts. She gave Paul a book on Nascar. You know; some guy who turns left for a living. Takes all kinds, really.

Calling People Names

2012-01-10T20:00:00.020-05:00

Kathy, my pal at work, and I, call each other names a lot. She's been known to send me an email addressed to Carol and signed Vicki *. I'll respond with Dear Alice...Sincerely, Vera. Or, Hey Thelma...From Louise. It's the little things that get you through the day.

For my birthday a couple years ago, Kathy gave me a subscription to Herb Quarterly. Once every three months a magazine arrived in my mailbox addressed to Marcia Thackeray. I'm not too big to admit - I thought they delivered it to the wrong box, four out of four times. And then, slowly, the light would go on. (A little dim, I know.) It was from my pal, Jan.

This year at Christmas, as every Christmas, we exchanged a gift or two. We don't open them in front of each other, rather we take them home and the wee treasures go into our stockings. Chocolate. Hand cream. An ornament for the tree. Little things that bring big smiles. But this year, this year I received what may have been the funniest gift ever. Dear Marcia...

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia

...Love Jan. It sits proudly on my desk at work.

It's hard to believe I count a nut like Jan as my friend, isn't it? I know.

Hey Pinky! Here's to a happy 2012. Be healthy, girl. Your pal, Joannie.

* Okay, so I started watching Carol Burnet videos and ended up wiping tears from my face I was laughing so hard. There hasn't been a show since, that has made me laugh like that. 'Shame, really.

+7 Degrees Means It's A...

2012-01-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

Wood stacking...

Testosterone emitting....

Apple smushing.....

Dog poop scoopin' kinda day.......

(I'll spare you that picture)

I'm Dreaming of a White New Year

2011-12-30T00:00:00.007-05:00

It's been one mild fall in these parts, let me tell you. Mother Nature has provided a couple little snowfalls - enough to turn the ground white but not enough for excited kids to run a toboggan down a hill. Until Tuesday.

We did wake up to a barely white Christmas and then the snow melted through the day. Tuesday made up for it all. The snow started around lunchtime and continued through the day and night. By Wednesday we were looking at about half a foot of the white stuff.

Paul pulled the sleds down from the rafters in the garage yesterday and the kids finally got to have their fun. Down the hill they'd slide then up the hill they'd climb. Over and over as dogs ran excitedly about them.

Come on; throw the frisbee, throw the frisbee...

We've had an extra dog in our midst lately. Genny, a German short-haired pointer, is with us for a few weeks while her people bask in the warmth of the Sunshine State and hang out with a mouse called Mickey. Not a bad way to spend Christmas. 'Though, I still think I'll take the snow over the sand this time of year.

With all those missing teeth, the wind tends to whistle through the gaps.

I'm happy to report that we had a very local side of beef delivered this morning. Usually we get the year's supply around August and were beginning to worry that they had reduced the size of the herd and we may not make the cut, so to speak. Turns out some people wanted to give beef as gifts for Christmas so they went into the butcher in December. We're well stocked once again. Amazing what you can find in the bottom of the freezer when you're forced to go through it. "Hey! I remember that sale!"

Right now bread is baking and I think I see an Apple Betty in our future. Brother Enos is coming over today along with Dad and Elizabeth. Wouldn't want to disappoint Enos.

Carrots!

2011-11-27T18:30:00.006-05:00

Growing up, I loved the story of Anne of Green Gables. Dad bought the first three books in the series for me the year of our trip down east. I was going into grade 6 that summer. I finished the first Anne with an 'e' book before we left and absolutely loved our day spent at Green Gables in Cavendish. Years later, the movies captivated me.

"Carrots. Hey. Carrots."

Do you remember that? Gilbert, calling to Anne in the schoolroom and Anne yelling at him, "How dare you!" while breaking the slate over his head. Good times.

Speaking of carrots, I had a few of the past-their-prime variety to go out to the chickens today. I placed them and their basket ever-so precisely on the front porch to take out later. Within a few minutes, I saw Rosie, through the window, standing with the basket by her side, eating a wee carrot on the grass. Awww, our little red riding hood. When she came in, I gave her one from the fridge. She took it to the livingroom, dropped it, turned her nose up and strutted away. Moments later, Cooter wandered along and absconded with the treasure. (He had probably just peed in the kitchen, too.) Finding a safe spot between his crate and the back wall, he gnawed away. Carrots!

Eh, what's up, Doc?

Wishes in Rhyme

2011-11-26T17:00:00.011-05:00

Today there was a gathering of friends, neighbours and kin-folk at a church in Courtice. We were celebrating my Aunt Jean's 90th birthday. After greeting cousins and aunts and uncles, I joined Dad and Elizabeth in the corner. Pretty sure Dad was put there so he couldn't easily tell people any of his reeeealllly bad jokes. He managed to anyway. Did you hear the one about Beethoven? Lots of head-shaking.

During the celebration, Dad was called up on stage. He had a poem to share. Dad's often asked to speak at such occasions and today was no exception. Earlier in the week, he hadn't been too sure what to say so brother Enos sailed in and offered to help out. Here's what they came up with...

Jean’s Day

Beneath the western, Tisdale sun
In November, nineteen and twenty-one
Was born a girl, a daughter known as Jean
To Muriel mom and Cecil dad
One of the first her parents had
The years would bring a few more to the scene

Out on the farm the family grew
The children, ten, the parents, two
The Thackeray clan all learned to work and play
In fields of amber wheat and corn
Then on to church on Sunday morn
And to and from their school, uphill, both ways

Five cents was each child’s share
At the Silver Stream agricultural fair
“The ice cream or the candy?”, each would think
And other times, dry goods galore
In Runciman, at the general store
Near the grain elevator, just past the curling rink

Then as the thirties came and went
Some money made, some money spent
The whole gang packed their lives and headed down
Ontario way on an eastbound train
With a whistle and a bell’s refrain
Gore’s Landing, then to Peterborough town

Then as a few more years unwound
While searching for a beau, Jean found
Her love named John, and soon the two were wed
In forty-six, church bells would ring
A choir and the birds did sing
As rings were placed and wedding vows were said

Soon children followed, the family grew
Jean and John saw life anew
Along came Glen and then his sister Gail
Third was little daughter Ann
Then little Johnny grew the clan
A house became a home on Prestonvale

And then for years near Rice Lake’s shore
At the Landing named for Thomas Gore
The annual family picnic had its home
Uncles, aunts and cousins all
Would meet and eat and have a ball
Brothers, sisters, one and all, could roam

One year, a floating plane flew in
And Uncle Stu asked with a grin
If anyone would care to take a ride
And Garnet said, “I’ll take that dare”
And as the two flew through the air
We wondered how he kept his lunch inside

Those picnics are a great display
How families can find a way
To gather near and stand on common ground
And learn of where they started from
And look to all the days to come
To celebrate with friends and kin around

And so, we turn to Jean this day
The Tisdale girl whose made her way
Through ninety years and send our wishes true
We raise a glass and hold it high
And see the twinkle in your eye
We wish to say from all of us, to you

Happy Birthday! And we love you.

Not bad, eh? I reckon I can hear an old country tune in there. A little Merle Haggard or Conway Twitty. Or George Jones.

As I left, I took a picture of the minister's parking space.

Alright, alright. It doesn't take much to make me laugh. But that's funny!

Meet Cooter

2011-11-21T21:08:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago, Nolan was at the YMCA celebrating his buddy Josh's birthday. Six candles on the birthday cake, don't you know. As the party neared its end, we gathered Ri and Cameron, told them we were going into town to pick up Nolie and then go out for supper. Once at the Y, Paul stopped at the main doors and Cammy and I went in. Nolan and the friends that still remained were having a grand time chasing each other with balloons. The best part, though, was beating up on Josh's dad with said balloons. Pays to be tall.

We thanked Josh's family for the invitation, wished Josh a very happy birthday and hit the road. Where should we go for supper? Oh. But wait. Paul needed to pick up a "tool" (ahem) from a "coworker" (wink, wink). Our bathroom was largely torn apart, you see. So, we took a quick drive over to the "coworker's" (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Luckily, he was home and, well, here's what we came home with...

Alright, alright; I cannot tell a lie. He's not a coworker - we'd just met him a few days earlier when we went to see the pups. And, we didn't go out for dinner. The bathroom bit was real, though. I'm happy to report that it's all back together with - are you ready for this? - a shower that doesn't leak! And new DRY flooring.

* wipes a wee tear from eye *

Ain't he just the cutest darn pup you've ever seen?

The Sticking Kind

2011-11-18T08:00:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, brother Enos and I were in Oshawa with Dad for the Remembrance Day service. It was a cool day made worse by the wind and occasional drops of rain. But, while it was spitting in Oshawa, the kids, in their Peterborough classrooms, were watching little white flakes descend from the sky. Despite the visions of toboggans and sleds dancing through their heads, the snow didn't stick and winter disappeared as quickly as it came.

Yesterday was a different story. The snow came and it stuck. Not a lot but enough to resurrect those visions just a little longer. The high expected for today is 4 so the snow won't be around for long. Soon enough, though. Soon enough.

First snow of the year that stuck.

True Patriot Love; There Was Never More...

2011-11-11T00:01:00.003-05:00

We will remember them

Bugs Bunny Would Be Proud

2011-10-29T18:30:00.005-04:00

A couple months ago, I was surfing the net, looking for new canning recipes. I found a really yummy-looking one - Carrot Cake Jam (tell me that doesn't sound the best!) - and have kept it in the back of my mind since. Today I tried it out.

After a bunch of running around earlier, I settled down to the job at hand. I pulled a handful of carrots from the garden. Almost everything died back awhile ago when we were hit with hard frost but the carrots just keep getting better.

Last crop in the garden

I had picked up a basket of pears at the Market last week and they've been sitting, staring at me relentlessly, ever since. Oh, the pressure. Turns out, I only needed two pears for this batch. What do I know. I see an apple-pear sauce, or something, in my none-too-distant future. May even share a couple with the chickens. What the heck, they give us food every day.

The fruit and veggie were peeled, grated and/or chopped, thrown into my beautiful maslin pan with a can of very not-local pineapple, spices added and everything brought to a boil. I'm not usually one to use pectin, but had found some Pomona pectin at the health food store and wanted to give it a try. Instead of using the...are you sitting down...6-1/2 cups of sugar that's called for, I used about 2 cups. As it cooked down, I had a wee sample and it tasted mighty fine, if I do say so myself. Ended up with 4 - 250ml jars. The final judgment will take place in the next few days, with a slice or two of toast and a hot cup of coffee.

Carrot Cake Jam. Oh. Mmmm.

Now That's Fresh

2011-10-29T17:00:00.003-04:00

The rain was falling ever so gently. Not quite how I'd planned it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

(Yep, that's shorts they're wearing! Beauty weather!!)

An Apple Or Two A Day...

2011-09-22T20:30:00.003-04:00

The apple trees are bursting with fruit this year. Whether it was spring's late appearance or the hot, dry summer, the absence of tent caterpillars or some combination of these things, I don't know but it sure has made for a fabulous crop. We have several wild apple trees in the yard, most of which produce downright nasty apples. This year, however, we've discovered three winners. Two out the back are dripping with beautifully red, sour apples - definitely the kids' favourite. And up towards the road, is a small crop of sweet green fruit. They rate higher in Paul's book.

This morning as I packed up school lunches, I realized we were missing something. So, I put on my shoes, called Rosie and wandered out to the back trees to gather up snacks. Cameron especially, loves these little apples. Morning, noon and night, they're his food of choice. Can't go wrong with that.

They're not grocery-store perfect and that's just fine by me.

Under Pressure

2011-09-19T22:00:00.014-04:00

We've been kissed by frost the last few mornings. I covered tomatoes Thursday night and, with more frost in the forecast, I decided to bring them all in on Friday - green, red, and everything in between. In they came. Saturday I awoke to a balmy 1 degree. There's no question that fall is in the air.

Dorito was up on Saturday. She arrived at the house around seven and we headed over to Lindsay. After a lovely breakfast, we went to St Andrews church for a canning and preserving class. I've got the water bath canning and dehydrating down but have long wanted to learn to pressure can - this was the day.

We started with a quick run down on how a pressure canner works and then went to the kitchen, washed and snapped beans, prepared jars and lids and then watched as the pressure canner was put to use. No vinegar. No worrying about acidity and botulism. Just beans, boiling water, and ultra-high temperatures to make everything safe.

Jars of prepared beans going into the canner for processing

Turns out I didn't have to be scared of the 'pressure' part of pressure canner. There were no explosions, no holes in the ceiling, just beautiful jars of preserved beans for winter eating. I can do that.

We also were shown how to make strawberry jam in a water bath, dehydrate apples and tomatoes and, best of all, use the canner for beef stew. How great would it be to come home after a busy day, pull a jar or two of stew from the shelf, warm it up and eat a truly homemade meal in no time flat?

Beef stew just about ready to be canned.

Now, I just have to save my pennies (and loonies and toonies) for one of those fancy-shmancy canners. Think I'll go buy a lottery ticket too...

Crash

2011-09-15T21:00:00.004-04:00

After hugs and kisses this morning (for those that aren't too cool for that kinda thing), the kids boarded the school bus and I waved to them as they started away. Then I headed into work.

Sometime just before 10, the Principal of our school called. Uh-oh. She assured me it was nothing serious, but the kids had arrived at school about half an hour late because of a minor mishap on the bus. Turns out our bus and another passed each other on one of our narrow country roads and their mirrors knicked each other. Well, that led to our bus driver's window cracking but not breaking. Nonetheless, it wasn't safe to drive so another bus had to be called out.

That wasn't the reason for the call, though. Nolan was upset and had a bit of a sore neck...in the front. Not being in the medical profession or up on all the technicalities of the body, I wasn't about to diagnose but I thought whip lash was in the back of the neck. I spoke with him and we decided I'd pick him up.

When I arrived at the school, I found him on the couch in the front hall with, none other than his big brother Cameron. I got the story from Cammy (although I'm still not clear on it) and we decided we'd all go home and start fresh tomorrow. The Principal assured me she'd let Ri know that Cammy was going home too and off we went.

Once home, we had some lunch and then it was decided we'd go for a walk to town. We hooked Rosie up to her leash and set out. Once in town, I gave the boys some money while Rosalita and I waited outside the General Store. They paid for their purchase, rejoined us and we headed back to the trail. I've long figured that candy's good for the soul and turns out Laffy Taffy cures whip lash...in the front.

When we arrived home, there was a message on the phone. The bus company wanted to make sure that the boys were okay and to let me know that Riley and another girl had been very helpful keeping the kids quiet and helping them off the bus. They let the school know, too, how helpful she was. Her ma's pretty proud.

We're looking at about 4 degrees tonight and a good chance of frost, so after supper we went out, collected any somewhat ripe tomatoes and then covered the plants. Fingers crossed, we get a bit more time before we see a killing frost.

I'd Like To Thank The Academy, My Grade Three Teacher...

2011-09-14T19:30:00.003-04:00

One of the great things about this blogging world is the people you get to meet. People with interests like your own...or not. Folks in your neck of the woods...or not. But always people who are great fun to read. Well, all of you are, anyway.

A little while back, Farmer Liz passed along the

Liz and her partner are working to live more self-sufficiently on eight acres in the beautiful land down under. (I know it's beautiful because I went there for my honeymoon. Even took Paul.)

I digress. The award is given to bloggers with under 200 followers and the rules are as follows (here's where I copy and paste):

1. Thank the giver and link back to them.
Thank you Liz. Please go check her out. You can find her here.

2. Reveal your 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Cheryl at Misty Meadows

K at My Old New House

Mara at Weighty Matters

Carolina at Brinkbeest in English

And, last but not least, Dorito, who'll probably kill me for this. Mwahahaha. She's here.

3. Copy and paste award to your blog.

4. Have faith that your followers will pass the love on.

(But no pressure.)

5. And most of all, have Bloggity-blog fun.

Putting Up Peaches

2011-09-13T21:30:00.002-04:00

I spent most of the weekend at it and I'm happy to report that we have enough peaches put away to see us through another year. Yay! Pretty near killed my back doing it but it's worth it. Or, at least it will be. One day. When a bit more time passes and naked peaches stop chasing me in my dreams.

Saturday, after I came home from the Market, I peeled, pitted and sliced up two of the flats and ended up with 14 litres of canned peaches. I used the same recipe as last year (you can find it here, if you're interested). Only change I make is to use a lighter syrup than they call for - about 9 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. The kids love it.

Sunday I peeled, pitted...this is starting to sound repetitive isn't it...and sliced up about two-thirds of the last flat. Looking for any reason I could find to stop peeling the damn things, I came up with the brilliant idea of putting some away for kids lunches. You know - in the fresh, round, unpeeled form. Surely, my back would thank me later.

This batch was mixed with pears that Paul had picked up earlier in the week at our favourite orchard, some mint from the garden and canned in a honey syrup.

Sliced peaches and pears sitting in the maslin pan

I had used this recipe last year but didn't care to add the store-bought maraschinos this year and I didn't have any grapes. Still looks good and we ended up with seven 500ml jars.

And, last but not least, I ~~ripped~~ carefully removed the peel and pits, ~~hacked away at~~ gently sliced the last of this beautiful fruit, hunted for a recipe and made peach muffins. When Nolan saw them he asked what they were. I told him peach muffins, he made a face and said he didn't like them. Then he tried one. Fifteen minutes later he had another. The fly swatter came out to prevent removal of a third.

All set for another year

Now, what to do next? Judging by the forecast, I'm thinking tomatoes will be involved. We'll be seeing frost in our not-too-distant future, I suspect. And so it goes.

I Choose Local

2011-09-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

One flat of beautiful, Canadian-grown*, 100-mile* peaches left. Time to get to work.

* It matters.

I Think I Can

2011-09-10T12:00:00.008-04:00

I was out the door early (for me) this morning, dropped the boys off at a friend's and then drove to the Saturday Farmers' Market. What a zoo! First things first, I made my way to the Niagara peaches.

"Ask about our canning special," the sign said.

I did and thirty five seconds later I was the proud owner of three flats of peaches. They held them for me while I walked around, picking up some maple syrup and wild blueberries, throwing a toonie in the guitar case of one of the buskers, and petting a few dogs. I can't resist a cute dog. Once finished, the guy at the stand helped me carry the peaches out to the car. Turns out peaches are heavy. Now I just have to decide whether I'm going to stick to the usual sliced peaches or hold some back and try something new. I'll be sure to let you know.

Alright. Here we go...

Pickles - Check!

2011-09-01T22:00:00.002-04:00

I took a bit of an early lunch yesterday so I could zip over to the Farmers' Market that's held downtown every Wednesday through the summer. I wandered around, stopping as I always do for perogies (oh, mmmm) all the while searching for pickling cucumbers. The kids and I are home for a few days to take in the last of the summer days before back-to-school on Tuesday. It's as good a time as any to make pickles, I figure. As I approached the last stall, I thought my luck was running out when I spotted a small basket of the sought-after treasure. And then the stars aligned and the man behind the table appeared with a 1/2 bushel basket of cukes.

"That's what I'm after," I exclaimed whilst pointing at the basket.

"We love you!" came the reply.

I'd like to think the response was due to my shining personality. Then again, the market was closing in another hour and it may be that they didn't want to return to the farm with all those cucumbers. Nah. Let's go with the first option.

After work, I stopped at the General Store and picked up a few bags of ice and dumped it into a cooler with the cucumbers. They sat overnight, nice and cool.

Cucumbers on ice

I decided to make two kinds of pickles today - the ever popular bread and butter and last year's awesome discovery, sweet dill. (Cheryl wrote about them here last year - and I'm very glad she did.) My beautiful maslin pan came out for the first time this year too. Have I mentioned that I love my maslin pan? I do. I love it.

Despite the sticky, humid day (aren't they always when you've got the stove going for hours?), I managed to put up 11 - 500ml jars of sweet dills and 13 bread and butter. There's still a few cukes left. Haven't decided whether to make relish or try drying them into some kind of a dilly cucumber chip. I'll have to think on it.

2011 bread and butter pickles - check!

The Fourth Line

2011-08-30T22:00:00.007-04:00

There seemed to be a theme to my birthday this year. On the big day, back in May, Ri and I went with Dorito and little E to Toronto to see The Railway Children. The story was fabulous and the whole set up - the temporary theatre set up around the tracks down at the CN rail yard (under the CN Tower) - was amazing. Real trains chugging in and out were incredible to watch. The first I'd heard of The Railway Children was over at Sharon's place when she wrote of her trip to see the stage production at London's Waterloo Station. I thought of her several times that day in May as we took it all in.

Trains sitting outside the wee theatre; Skydome in the background

But that wasn't the only theatre this year. Oh no. This is turning out to be a culturally enriched kind of year for me. Brother Enos gave Ri and me gift certificates to the 4th Line Theatre and last Friday we traded them in and the five of us were treated to a fabulous sold-out performance of The Cavan Blazers. It's the story of the Irish Protestants who settled Cavan township in the early 1800s and fought to keep the area 'orange' despite Catholic settlements in nearby Peterborough and Ennismore. Local history brought to life on an outdoor stage - doesn't get much better than that.

Visiting priest met by the Blazers

Can't remember who this guy is but he does look official, doesn't he.

The Blazers burn the cabins of the small Catholic settlement in Cavan.

I was wandering around the internet looking for more info on the Cavan Blazers and it would seem that one of the family names thought to be involved is Sutton. Interestingly, I have an uncle whose last name is Sutton and hails from the Fraserville area near Cavan. I do believe I shall have a few questions for him the next time I see him. ;-)

Dig In

2011-08-28T21:30:00.005-04:00

When I started thinking about the garden back in the spring, I decided I would pick one vegetable and concentrate on it. So, while I planted a variety of things, I'm keeping records on the potatoes. My goal is to grow enough to see us through a good portion of the year, maybe even having enough left over to plant again the following year. You've gotta dream big. So, in May, I picked up three bags of seed potatoes - two Yukon Gold and one Chieftain - both mid-season potatoes with good storability. Cookie and hubby were also good enough to give me a bunch of blue potatoes (can't remember the name on those) so they went in too.

We've been eating spuds here and there, through the summer but today the shovels came out and the boys and I dug in. Yesterday was a hot humid day but today was overcast and windy. Whether we were seeing the outer limits of hurricane Irene or not, I don't know, but it made for a perfect working day. With gloves on and shovels in hand, we all worked toward the same goal early on, pulling out Yukons, big and small. At some point...I'm not sure exactly when...the digging moved from potato hills to a newly spud-free spot and soon there was a fairly large, deep hole. Cameron declared that this was Rosie's own 'room' where she could lie down and relax. Nolan noted that there wasn't a roof and she would get wet if it rained. They look after her.

Rosie helped with the digging and apparently got in the way too.

The boys and Rosalita left a short while later, apparently bored of the new earthen room while I continued digging. When my back could handle no more, I called it a day and loaded the freshly dug crop onto the wagon. There's still a few rows to go but it was a good afternoon's work. We'll see how far we get with these and make adjustments next year. One day, we'll grow enough to see us through. That will be a mighty fine day.

Guess what we had for supper tonight.

That Danged Ragweed

2011-08-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when some suffer the wrath of Mother Nature. The majority of us in this household are lucky but poor Riley gets hit every year. Seasonal allergies. The ragweed's out in force and her poor nose is running but she refuses to take medicine to help her through. We tried a homeopathic mixture back in the spring, taken once a week for several weeks and that seemed to help with the pollen but she's back to square one. Good thing we're well stocked in kleenex.

Ri, cutting the grass, with a box of kleenex on her lap.

Top of the World

2011-08-17T21:30:00.008-04:00

After all the stair climbing yesterday, we had three very tired kids last night. So they were a little hard to wake up this morning. We wanted to hit the road at a half decent time as we were heading into Toronto for the day. After a quick breakfast, we drove down to Oshawa to catch the GO train. About an hour later, we arrived at Union Station. The train ride wasn't quite as exciting as last year's trip - the boys are seasoned veterans at this train thing having been on it for the second time now - but they rather enjoyed themselves all the same.

We walked westbound on Front Street and found a restaurant for lunch. It had a nice outdoor patio so we relaxed there and enjoyed our meal.

He takes after his father.

Then we headed a little further west to the CN Tower. Ri's been asking to go there for awhile so this was the day.

Posing under the tower


Now look up...look waaay up...

After paying admission and working our way through the 45 minute lineup (first thing in the morning is apparently the time to go - who knew) we boarded the supersonic elevator and zipped to the top. No idea what the hostess said on the way up as we were busy clearing our popping ears and taking in the amazing view across Lake Ontario. In 58 seconds (seriously), we reached our destination at the Look Out - 346m/1136' above the city's streets. Best not to think about it.

Looking down on the world

The piddly little white building top right in the picture above is First Canadian Place (marked BMO) and stands a mere 298m/978'. Pffft.

City waterfront and Toronto Island Airport

After making our way around the tower we joined the 1/2 hour lineup back to earth. Cameron suggested taking the stairs. We told him to have fun and we'd wait for him downstairs. He remained with us in line.

Back at Union Station, we hit the beginning of the mass exodus of workers heading out of the city and it was standing-room only on the train back to Oshawa so we made ourselves comfy on the stairs and settled in for the ride half-way home. Rosie, tail wagging, greeted us at the door at the end of our journey.

A Little Wild, Lots of Water And Some Wheels

2011-08-16T23:00:00.015-04:00

Paul mentioned this morning that he wanted to go into town. He had some banking to do so I invited the kids and I along. He became suspicious. You'd think after all these years that he'd know I don't just come up with plans on the spur of the moment but...oh, wait; yes I do. Let me try that again -- you'd think after all these years he wouldn't tell me that he's going into town but he did and the rest, as they say, is history. Half an hour later, calls were made to brother Enos and a friend of Ri and we were headed to...the bank.

We picked up Ri's friend, actually went to the bank, and then met up with Enos at Wild Water and Wheels. Then the fun began.

Our little group followed the path around the main building and hiked up the hill towards the water slides. The kids changed into swimsuits, sunscreen was applied, rules about walking and not running were set down and off they went. (The no-running rule was forgotten in very short order.) Paul, Enos and I made ourselves comfy on a couple of picnic tables and enjoyed the sunny day while the kids got wet.

Ri & her friend on a couple of the slides

The humans under thirteen took a break after about an hour for some fries and a drink and then back they went for another 45 minutes or so of climbing stairs and slipping down slides into the cool water. They changed into dry clothes and off we went to the bumper boats.

"Get her, Dad!" orders Nolan. Great fun.

Cammy opted out of the pipeline coaster. It's a cool ~~little~~ ride that's powered by gravity. The rest of the gang went for a ride or three.

Here comes Nolan! Weeeee!

Cammy decided to try out the carpet slide.

Look out!

Of course, the ride that Paul and Enos were patiently waiting for was the go-karts. With helmets on, the race began.

Nolan wasn't quite tall enough so he was Paul's co-pilot.

I've been asked several times this evening when we can go back. Yep. Another successful trip to the bank.

I See Blueberry Buckle In The Not-Too-Distant Future

2011-08-12T22:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful cooler day - the perfect day for a trip down to the blueberry orchard.

With a little searching, bushes full of blueberries waiting to be picked

And after a couple hours of picking, two big buckets of perfect blueberries. The fly-swatter - you know, the one that stands at the ready when strawberries are coming out of the dehydrator - sits patiently nearby.

Trials of a Sheepdog

2011-08-08T23:30:00.002-04:00

Dorito arrived at our place around 8 yesterday morning in a fog. Oh, no, wait; that's not right. I mean she arrived in the fog. Yes, yes. The drive up had been clear but as she neared our neck of the woods, visibility all but disappeared and she slowly found her way to our driveway. Enos arrived a few minutes later. He was in a fog too. Greetings were exchanged, tails wagged, rain gear gathered and then we loaded into Enos' car and headed out on our two hour drive. The sheepdog trials were on in Kingston.

The fog cleared up shortly after leaving and there was no rain most of the way there. And, while the sun wasn't exactly shining when we arrived, the park was dry. And furry. We should have brought Rosie.

We wandered around, stopping first at a demonstration of a takedown by the Kingston police K9 unit. Sure wouldn't want to end up in the sights of that working dog.

Good thing he's got lots of padding. Ouch.

Next, we hit the washrooms. Then, we found our way to the show being put on by Jungle Cat World. Not much going on there; just a couple of critters that you'd see all the time. You know, like a lemur and a lynx. Oh, and a local siberian tiger.

The rain was hit and miss throughout the day - a bit of a shower here and some light sprinkles there - but it was never too bad. And the clouds kept the sun from beating down on an already hot day. There was an agility course set up for dogs and their people and a pen with some young sheep. If you had a young border collie with you, you could have him go in the ring with a trainer. Amazing the natural instinct of these dogs when they realize the critters in front of them are of the herding variety.

There's a joke in here somewhere.

The Canadian Raptor Conservancy was here again this year with some beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) birds. Red tailed hawks are stunning but I can do without seeing the turkey vultures. This year they brought along a bald eagle too.

Picture stolen from Dorito's place

Of course, the main event was the trials. Friday and Saturday brought over a hundred dogs and their handlers from across Canada and the US into competition, with the top fifteen vying for the big prize on Sunday. Given 25 minutes, the dog was sent off to bring back a group of seven or eight sheep. Then, once they reached a certain point, the dog was prompted to turn around and, as soon as he caught sight of the second bunch of sheep, off he went to bring them back, across the field and through the gates.

Then, the two woolly groups were brought together and the shepherds guided the herd into the ring. Usually at that time, the four-legged herder was sent to the little kiddies' pool for a cool-down and a drink. Like I said - it was a mighty warm day. (There were pools placed throughout the park for four-legged visitors too.) We saw one handler call it because her young dog was overheating.

Of the twelve or fifteen sheep in the combined group, five had red collars on. The idea was to have the dog and handler shed the naked sheep from the ring and be left with just the collared ones. The groups we saw managed to chase off several but none were able to win full points for a complete shed. Not sure how they did earlier in the day.

The competition ended around 4 so we packed up and hit the road. We grabbed a bite to eat along the way, slowed down to a whopping 20kph when heavier rain hit and arrived back at the ranch around 7. I'm pretty sure they'll see us there again next year.

Sheepdogs and Strawberries

2011-08-06T22:30:00.013-04:00

The boys and I took a trip into town this morning to pick up a flat of local strawberries at the Market. As we wandered around under an overcast sky, the Niagara peaches jumped out, blocking our path and forced us to buy them. Forced us, I tell you. Plums too. And cherries. The growing season may be short up here but, man oh man, when the crops come in, they sure are good.

Tonight, I sliced up most of the berries - you've got to save some for fresh eating - and layered them in the dehydrator. We're trying a few plums and cherries this go round, too. If they turn out nice, I'll pick up some more and the kids can add dried cherries and plums to the strawberry chips that they snack on at school throughout the year. Options are a good thing.

While I was cutting up the fruit, the Sheepdogs came on the all-request show on the Wolf. That got me thinking about the day to come. Tomorrow, Dorito, brother Enos and I are making our annual trek to Kingston for the sheep dog trials. (As this is the 3rd year in a row that we're going, I reckon it qualifies as 'annual'.) There's a chance of thunderstorms tomorrow and the forecast is for about 38C with the humidity. Lordy. May have to wander down to the lake for a little dip.

As for the musical Sheepdogs, have a listen. I heard them for the first time last week...as I was slicing strawberries. It's a toe-tapper...

Nolan, Meet Stanley

2011-08-01T14:00:00.010-04:00

Paul and Nolan were out the door this morning to meet with, arguably, the country's most famous Canadian. They drove into town and to the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Paul wanted to be there early so he could be near the front of the line. Once there, he learned that he was at the wrong golf club; the famous Canadian and his minions were scheduled to be at the Kawartha Golf and Country Club. Oops. Back to the car and then a quick drive toward the west end. The Stanley Cup is in town.

Every year the famous trophy spends its summer traveling to the hometowns of the year's champions. Today, it's in Peterborough courtesy of Marc Savard. So, Paul coerced Nolan into removing his much-favoured, ahem, Calgary Flames ballcap for the seldom-worn Bruins one. (Okay, so he wears it all the time. Whatever. It's called brainwashing.) I felt sorry for the young lad so I sent him on his way with a cold drink...in his Flames water bottle. Two can play at this game. They met up with brother Enos and waited in line. Paul was disappointed that there was no autograph signing (he'd bought a grey Sharpie especially for the occassion) but they did get a glossy of Marc and a couple pictures taken with him and Lord Stanley's Cup. Marc even noticed Nolan's beautiful water bottle and mentioned that he'd played with the Flames several years back. Lucky guy.

Apparently they're telling Nolan to look at the camera. What a goofy picture.

On the way back to the car, Paul noticed a guy selling black tshirts across the road. They wandered over to take a look and Paul confirmed his suspicions. A table full of Bruins paraphernalia for sale. The red and white of our Canadian flag came down shortly after they arrived back home and has been replaced...

...by the black and gold. There goes the neighbourhood.

Cars, Potters, and Paints

2011-07-24T12:30:00.006-04:00

Paul has taken the kids into town today for an air-conditioned, popcorn-filled afternoon at the movies. Brother Enos is meeting up with them and he, Cameron, Nolan and Paul will be taking in the second installment of The Movie Cars. You gotta love Mater. At the same time, Ri's meeting up with her friend, Renée, to catch the final chapter in the Harry Potter series.

Back here at the ranch (my imagination is rather vivid at times), Rosie's settled under the front porch, lying in the cool sand and listening to the birds chirp. Or perhaps she's plotting how she might entice one into a game of tag. Or catch. The hens are scratching about in the dirt, tucked safely behind their fence. No game of tag for them. And I'm about to start painting Ri's room. The kids are swapping rooms - the boys moving into the larger space and Ri taking over their old one. Pink walls and girlie teddy bears wouldn't do so the paper's been stripped, the walls primed and the paint's ready to go on. Any second. Once I finish this. I mean, it's not like I'm procrastinating or anything...

* Note to self: Never, ever wallpaper anything, ever again *

Well, I'm Ready for Winter

2011-07-21T23:00:00.003-04:00

We've been sitting under a weather alert here in southern Ontario as the tropics have moved north and taken over our little corner of the Great White North. (Remember snow? I do too. Vaguely.) In Toronto today, they were close to breaking the all-time record for heat. Up here in the Kawarthas, we were slighty cooler, reaching only 35 degrees C with a humidex of a mere 48. Sounds even hotter when you convert to farenheit. Are you ready? One hundred and eighteen degrees! We did manage to find one way to keep cool, though...

Here's hoping for slightly cooler temperatures tomorrow.

* Please remind me of this day in January when I'm whining about how cold it is. Because I will be.

Raspberry Season

2011-07-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

Paul and I sat down to watch the news this past Tuesday evening to catch up on the day's events and find out the forecast for the week ahead. We're on holidays right now and the weather has been absolutely glorious...beautiful sunny days with no end in sight. Wednesday looked like it would cool down a bit with a break in the humidity and no chance of rain 'til Monday, so I decided that would be the day to go up to Buckhorn to pick raspberries. Riley had even agreed to come along. Without much prodding. Not sure what was up there 'cause her forehead wasn't even warm. Must have been something internal.

Wednesday morning dawned bright and beautiful. The humidity had broken and it was the perfect day to do a little work outside (like berry picking is work). We took the scenic route 'cause, well, there is no other route and arrived mid-morning. Ri took one basket, I grabbed another and we combed the bushes for bright red berries. Oh. It was wonderful. The birds were chirping, Ri and I chatted and laughed, joked and picked. Even the ominous dark cloud to the north didn't feel threatening. After all, there was no rain in the forecast until Monday.

Ooooh. Berry scary. heh-heh-heh

We had about two-and-a-half baskets filled when the wind picked up. Looking skyward, we noticed that the ominous dark cloud was right above us and then, the cloud opened up and the downpour began. We ran to a row of trees and joined the other folks who had probably watched the same weather forecast that we had - you know, that one that said there was no chance of rain 'til Monday. Ten minutes later (maybe it was only five; it seemed like fifteen), the ominous dark cloud passed and we emerged from our pathetic little shelter completely soaked to the skin. Talk about drowned rats. I thought it was hilarious; Ri, on the other hand, had straightened her hair to come picking ( *rolls eyes* ) and was therefore unimpressed. We walked back to our raspberries, which at this point were looking ever so clean and water-logged, and topped up the third basket. Since I had no plans to make jam this year - Cameron has kicked his daily raspberry-jam-sandwich-habit and won't go near them now - we called it a day and went back to the weigh-in station. The woman at the till was kind enough to deduct some of the weight due to the water (on the berries, not us), she added in the flat of pre-picked strawberries (pick-your-own season ended a week ago), I paid up and Ri and I hauled our treasure to the van. We drove home with the heat on.

The dehydrated treasure

The next two nights, the dehydrator hummed and we put away six jars of dried raspberries and two strawberries. Then I hid them from the three 'mice' who can't be trusted near them.

There's been no rain since.

Summer Chillin'

2011-07-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

Recipe: take one old sandbox, a hot day, add water and voila...happy dog

Tell me this dog hasn't got it made...

Scenes From A Canada Day Long Weekend

2011-07-03T22:00:00.001-04:00

Thursday night Lakers lacrosse game against Brooklin - Lakers won 14-7

Canada Day Parade

We were a bit early for the parade. But look! Water! 'Nuff said.

'Cause what's a parade without a snowmobile...even in July

Canada Day Fireworks

Millbrook Old Car Show

Paul's cousin, Robert - probably bugging Cammy about being a Habs fan

And Last But Not Least...

... look who learned to ride a bike,

all by himself - Nolan! Wa-hoo!

The Maple Leaf Forever

2011-07-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

This morning I slept in. It was beautiful. No alarm. No school lunches to pack. And of course, no work. Today we're home with few plans other than to celebrate the 144th birthday of this beautiful country. Happy birthday Canada!

A fine start to a beautiful Canada Day

There's A New Sheriff In Town And His Name Is Liz

2011-06-27T23:00:00.003-04:00

There was a time in this little backward kingdom that chickens roamed free. Free from repression, prison bars, shackles...and golden retrievers. The warmer seasons were spent foraging in the lush green grass and hanging out on the porch. Winter came and the poultry retired to the coop, enjoying slightly mushy apples in the comfort of their cozy little home. The season was long and cold with a fair bit of snow, but eventually spring came, the snow melted and the hens were free to roam again in their little backward kingdom. Yet something was different. There was a horrible beast about. A muddy, red four-legged creature who sometimes answered to 'Rosie' but more likely to 'ball' or 'bickie'. She ruled the roost with an iron paw and the chickens were not happy. One by one, over a few weeks, they disappeared. Until there were none.

That was when I named myself Sheriff and took back the kingdom. First, we got our hands on some electric netting, not so much to keep birds in, as to keep dogs out. Deputy Paul and I set it up yesterday.

Note it also keeps juvenile delinquents where you can see them

Then, while my deputy was in town with the court reporter (Ri went to the movie with her friend Julie), I whitewashed the coop, in preparation of the new arrivals.

A fresh coat of whitewash and she's just about ready

And today after work, Deputy Paul picked up our four new charges at the Co-op. They'll spend the first day or so inside the coop getting used to their new surroundings. Tomorrow we're going to clip their wings so they can't fly over (you really can find instructions for anything on the internet...with video to boot) and into the waiting paws of the outlaw, Rosie Wagshertail.

Betcha can't wait to hear their names! Poor girls.

Alumni Day

2011-06-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

The boys finished their lacrosse for the season, both playing in the Alumni Day finals. Nolan's 9:30 game was followed by the awards ceremony where he and his teammates received their trophies...

Awards were handed out by Lakers Alumni

and then posed for a final group shot...

Proud boys

Then it was back to the arena for Cameron's 3 o'clock game. The opposing team was down to just 8 players, including their goalie, so Cammy and some of his teammates were loaned to them throughout the second and third periods. I noticed that none of the Blue team playing for the Green team, scored on their shifts. :-)

Happy with his Lakers Lacrosse stainless steel water bottle.

Veggie Fortress

2011-06-19T22:30:00.001-04:00

We're in the home stretch with lacrosse now. It's been a busy couple months with Cameron playing two nights a week and Nolan on Saturdays. Times like this, I almost wish I lived in town. Almost. Good thing gas is so cheap. This week, Cammy's team plays playoff games Tuesday and Thursday and Nolan plays a make-up game Wednesday. Then Saturday is the grand finale, champions are decided and I get my life back. It's all good.

I was at the Kinsmen Arena Saturday afternoon with Nolan. He made a beauty pass to set up a goal - no small feat considering there's not a lot of passing at this age.

#13 on the run. Shockingly, he's the tallest on the team.

Spent a good part of today in the garden. I had taken a couple days off work a few weeks ago and got most of the veggies planted. The lettuce, cabbage, radishes, zucchini, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and 12 rows of spuds went in then. Oh, and the melons. We've a small garden to the south of the house, beyond the firepit, where I moved my herbs. I had some room left over so planted the melons there. Even came up with a brilliant structure that allowed the sun through but kept the dog out. Did I mention she likes dirt? Later on in the day, as I came back up for a shovel or whatever, I noticed that the big tree to the west of the garden completely shaded my newly planted melons. I hear melons like full sun. Heat, you know. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but at least I'm fairly likable.

Today, at long last, the tomatoes went in. They've been on the porch for several weeks and are doing great but it was a relief to finally get them in the ground. I also managed to get half the carrots in, the dill and some peas and beans. I've built a fortress of tomato cages around the tepees for the peas and beans and will win this season against the deer. (I know, I know; I said the same thing last year and how'd I make out.) We've also discovered that Rosie has selective hearing. "Come, Rosie." Oh, look at her run right through the potatoes. Good thing she's cute.

A cage or two here, a bench there, and victory will be mine.

Hey, what do you think about this for show-and-tell at school? We've a robin building a nest in the garage. Paul's removed two of them so far and there's another in the process of being built. Too bad it's on top of the garage door opener - that isn't working properly right now. Wildlife.

The trick is getting it to school without making scrambled eggs.

It's Okay. I'm Alright.

2011-05-29T15:30:00.014-04:00

I decided to take some time off from blogging. Get away from the computer and enjoy life. Okay. The truth is the playoffs are on so I've been plopped in front of the tv most nights watching and cheering. Go Bruins go! Wooo!

By the way, how funny is that fan with the sign that says, "Horton Hears a Woo!"? (For my international blogging buddies who have not yet been bitten by the hockey bug - after a goal in Boston, the crowd yells 'Woooo!'. Nathan Horton, #18 with the Bruins, scored the winning goal the other night to send the B's to the Stanley Cup final. You're wishing you could get this on your tv's now, aren't you? I know.)

Oh, how I wish I had Krejci in the hockey pool at work. (I'm in second! Like I know something about hockey. Funny.)

Where was I? Oh yes. Right. I was taking a blog-iday. Some time off. A blog-ation, if you will. And then the emails started. First Marian, Paul's sister - which was no problem because she's so nice and I love her to pieces and I doubt there's anything she could do to bug me. And then Robert. Paul's cousin.

Rob took a blogging break for - are you ready? - two years. You read that right. Two. Years! Last weekend he mentioned that he's started reading me again (that sounds so dirty) and I haven't posted for a few days. Alright, a few weeks. Now he's blogging again. About me not blogging. Guilting me into writing something. And, damn it, here I am. Cousin-in-laws. Sheesh.

*****

Paul, brother Enos and Dorito took off a few days ago for Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Charlotte?" you say. "Why would they go to Charlotte?"

I wondered the same thing. Something about rednecks turning left. Oh, what do they call it now? Yes, yes. NASCAR. The race is today. (Some would cheer here; I prefer a nap.) I've heard from Dorito who sent a picture of Paul and I've heard from Enos who sent a picture of bacon, mentioned me and NASCAR and the obvious connection - when pigs fly. Haven't had a note from Paul though, which leads me to one conclusion. He can't remember his gmail password.

Here's the picture of Paul and his hero, Dale Jr. Riley calls him, his man-crush. Awww. Some say Paul kind of looks like Jr. They both certainly do attract very attractive women. Who are witty. And full of wisdom. Wooo!

That's Paul on the right. Or the left? Looks kind of waxy.

AML, Rob ;-)

Wow! Just, Wow!!

2011-05-02T20:00:00.006-04:00

The Pedal for Hope campaign is wrapping up at school and, as of this writing, the kids have raised just shy of a whopping $19,000! Cameron handed in $540 in pledges today and, thanks to that stylish hair cut he received, was responsible for bringing in another $70 in on-line donations (made by a couple of my blogging buddies, I might add). You guys are all awesome.

So, time for a shout-out to all of you who were kind enough to give to pediatric cancer research...

Dorito, Enos, Oma & Opa, Grandma & Grandpa, Shane, Darlene, Marlene, Mrs. B, Aunt Marian, Aunt Margaret, Rob & Amy, Cammy & Nolan, Kathy, Jeff, Lizzy, Bob, Shelley, Tracey, Rick, Larry and to my blogging buddies, Cheryl and Sharon. You've all made Cameron one proud little man. And you've touched my heart more than you can know. Thank you.

Thank you! Merci! (It is a french immersion school, after all)

Please, check out the school website for the latest. Wow.

Bzzzzz

2011-04-20T21:30:00.024-04:00

I put in about half an hour at work this morning before I grabbed my jacket and headed back out the door. I had a meeting to attend. With a bit of a kick in my step, I walked across the parking lot. "Hmmm," I thought, "the truck has an odd lean to it." As I stepped around the back end I glanced toward the front tire. Flatter than a pancake. Crap. Well, I had no time for such annoyances, so I went back into the office and asked a coworker if she'd mind driving me to the school. She threw me her keys, warned me about the state of her van (it was immaculate compared to the truck) and waved me on my way.

After parking down the road, I walked up to the entrance and met brother Enos. As it was cold and drizzly, we waited inside for a bit. The bell rang, kids gathered in their classes, O Canada played out over the PA, announcements were made and then the mass exodus to the front steps. Kids, teachers, staff, Principal and members of the community (including Paul who had just shown up) gathered outside to greet the special guests that were minutes away. Someone started the wave and everyone joined in. Then, the sirens...

...and the Cops for Cancer team, with members from the Peterborough Lakefield Police, OPP and RCMP, arrived. A loud cheer went up and the 2011 Pedal for Hope was underway.

After lots of high fives, the team parked their bikes, we all gathered in the gym and the party began. A beach ball appeared and bounced around the room while loud music rocked the place. Soon, things settled down and introductions were made. A video was shown explaining why the team pedals 1000km every spring and thanking all the kids, from 50 schools, who helped them reach the million dollar mark in 2010. Messages of congratulations from Dion Phaneuf, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jordan Staal who'd played junior hockey with the Petes were included.

Then it was time for head shaves and ponytail donations.

Cammy and his buddy Nate getting buzzed right down to the wood

A couple of the cops kicked things off with a shave and about twenty kids donated their hair.

What have I agreed to?

Finishing touches then off to get a Pedal for Hope ball cap.

More buzz cuts on the stage while Cammy shows off his cueball

A few more games and then the ice cream eating contest. Five to a team, girls against the guys. In the video shown earlier, three players from the Canadian women's hockey team noted that girls rule. The ladies-ice-cream-eating-team didn't disappoint...including Riley who had somehow made the cut.

Things rapped up with one final song. The kids jumped to their feet and, along with the members of the Pedal for Hope team, everyone danced to Cha Cha Slide. Well, everyone but Enos, Paul and me because we'd never heard of it before. We're so not cool.

Oh, and as of this morning, Cameron has raised $510 for pediatric cancer. Yea Cammy!! And thanks to all of you who have donated to support him. Woooo!

As for the truck, the tire's been replaced (it was beyond fixing) and it runs like a charm. Paul was fairly soaked to the skin, lying on the pavement in the downpour, changing the tire. I, being the devoted partner that I am, was only slightly less soaked, as I stood in the rain offering moral support. Might have cracked a joke here and there too. It's what I know.

AC DC it's not, but it is kinda catchy, y'all.

***

You can read more about the Pedal for Hope, here.

******

UPDATED APRIL 22ND:

I've been asked how people can help out. If you'd like to make an online donation (no pressure), please follow the link below. It's the Westmount PS Pedal for Hope fundraiser page through the Canadian Cancer Society:

http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/CopsforCancer/COPS_ON_?team_id=248919&pg=team&fr_id=9734

Then click on 'make a donation' by the flashing red "100%+".

You can also follow the in-school progress here:

http://www.westmountpublicschool.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=browse&id=114425&pageid=180

And THANK YOU!

Team #3

2011-04-19T20:30:00.008-04:00

Cameron's not the most aggressive boy. In some ways, that's a good thing and it's one of the reasons that he and curling are a good match. But when it comes to team sports, it can be a hindrance. The last two summers, he spent a week each at lacrosse camp. After the first summer, he didn't seem to care if he ever played again. The following year, he went out again, grew more confident, came to like it and advised us that he was going to play on a team. Nolan decided he would too. So, a couple months ago, I signed them.

Shirt and stick for signing up

House league started tonight for the novice teams. That would be Cammy.

He, Nolan and I arrived at the arena just after 5 and found his changeroom. Unfortunately, there was no #13 jersey (like his favourite hockey player, Mike Cammalleri) but there was a #31. So, he tried it on...and swam in it. Lucky for him, though, #12 was available (that being my favourite player, Jarome Iginla; Cammy's not impressed).

That's Cammy - #12 - rushing by in a blur.

After suiting up, he went out, took part in some drills with his team and then they had a scrimmage with the yellow team. His buddy Aaron is on the yellow team. At one point, Cammy got the ball in his own end, was checked by another player and lost the ball. By the look on his face, he wasn't expecting the hit (neither was I, for that matter), but he hung in there and kept after it. Given a little more time - games are two nights a week - he'll gain confidence and do just fine. Nolan and the paperweights start Saturday.

A Stick of Butta

2011-04-17T21:30:00.017-04:00

Grade 3 social studies looks at the pioneers. To get a better look into the past, Cammy and his class went to Hutchison House a few weeks ago where they learned a thing or two about the everyday life of a pioneer. Among other things, they were shown how to make butter. Well, that got me thinking and the next time I was in the dairy store I picked up some cream. Yesterday, we made butter.

Loving all things pioneery, I've eyed many an old butter churn over the years. As much as I wanted one, the paddles were usually made of wood and you never knew if it had been treated or stained with something that wasn't food safe. So I never picked one up. A few years ago, I found this one on ebay. It's second-hand but not that old. You can pick this type up new through Lehman's and Berry Hill for a good bit more money than I paid. Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if that's where this one came from originally. I've used it a few times but not recently enough that Nolan would remember. So, I washed it up, gathered the boys and we set to work.

Cammy poured half the cream and then Nolan poured the other half into the churn. This results in fewer fights. Then they took turns turning the handle. They stayed at it for a good while and then lost interest, at which point I took over. All that churning takes a heckuva lot longer than they figured. They have lives, you know. Games to play. Balls to toss. Dogs to wind up. So, I churned. And churned. Nightfall came and...alright, it wasn't that bad. But it did take awhile. Once the butter formed we gathered again in the kitchen.

Using a strainer, we separated the butter from the buttermilk. Then, we rinsed the butter and squished it until it pretty much ran clear.

Nolan added a pinch of salt and, voila, homemade butter.

Yummy. Some of the buttermilk found its way into today's concoction of banana chocolate chip muffins and the butter into applesauce bars. Now all I need is a loaf of bread and a container of milk...

I. Am. Not. Impressed.

2011-04-17T14:00:00.004-04:00

April. Not funny.

I blame Paul, who put the toboggans away this week.

* Updated to add:

And it's sticking. Pfft.

The Origami King

2011-04-16T11:30:00.005-04:00

In the last week, Cameron has become le roi de l'origami. One of the guys I work with is leaving and, wouldn't you know it, new business cards had recently been printed for him. Cammy scored heavily. He's been making jumping frogs all week and giving them to his friends at school. His teacher thought they were really cute early on but has since banned them. Turns out they like to hop during class. Ah well, c'est dommage. (She probably had more than that to say but I don't know those words in French.)

Army of frogs (and friends) that escaped the confiscation

Origami dragon trying to escape the wind and rain.

(Dorito - we all want to thank you for the instruction book! Well, except for Cammy's teacher.)

Here, There and Everywhere

2011-04-09T20:30:00.017-04:00

Dorito was supposed to take her car in for some fixin' at the in-law's so we'd made plans to hang out today. The appointment for the car ended up being canceled but she decided to come up for the day anyway. She arrived about 9 with a little something for Cammy - an origami book and paper. Cameron discovered the art of origami last week from his buddy Nate and has now mastered sailboat-making. Dorito showed Cammy how to make a frog and then, figuring we needed thicker paper, promised him we'd pick up business cards on our travels today.

We went into Peterborough for some breakfast - the usual omelettes and hashbrowns - and then we popped over to Fabricland. Dorito needed some quilting material and I picked up more patches. Seems I'm forever patching up knees of boys' pants. We'd figured on going to the Garden Show but the cars were lined up on the road to get in, the parking lot at the arena and across the street at the Canoe Museum were packed and so we kept going. The Antique Barn is just as fun anyway.

We wandered around checking things out, stopping every now and again so Dorito could take pictures of bizarre things. It's what she does. I did come out of there with one thing, though...

"Have your crutches handy, this be a toe curler"

Not sure on the definition of antique up there 'cause I don't think this is very old but, what the heck, it made me laugh. Oh ya, and Dorito made sure to pick up a bunch of business cards while we were there. Wouldn't want to disappoint the young lad.

We were going to call it a day when Dorito said, "Hey, you wanna go to Curve Lake?" Haven't been there in ages so we hit the road again and made our way toward Buckhorn.

The Whetung Gallery - this picture lifted from Dorito's blog

Dorito's going to Halifax this summer so we browsed around looking for a gift for her friends and their new babe. Didn't come out with anything but, as always, enjoyed the gallery. On our way back down the road, we ended up in a traffic jam as people walked up the shoulder. We thought there was an accident ahead so I asked a guy parked on the side of the road. His face lit up as he told us that it was a parade for the Tykes who'd won the Little NHL. Very cool, I thought. I suppose the big trophy sitting on the hood of his car should have been a clue.

After we arrived home, we joined Paul who was sitting at the firepit, enjoying a beer. Dorito pulled out the business cards and she and Cammy made more jumping frogs. There was even a hint of a smile on his face as they worked.

Brother Enos showed up a short while later and he and Paul hopped in his car and headed to Toronto for the Motorcycle Show. Then we said goodbye to Dorito and she headed up the road. Now there was just one more thing before we settled down and had some supper. Cameron has decided this year he's going to have his head shaved when the Cops for Cancer come to the school in a couple weeks with the Pedal for Hope. He'd already hit up Dorito and Enos for pledges, called up Grandpa and, of course, I put some money in. So, we walked next door to see if Darlene would like to donate. Cameron practiced what he'd say on the way over and, with a little prompting from his dear ole ma, he did a fine job of explaining the event. He came home with a big grin - happy that they'd donated and proud that he'd been brave enough to support the event. The boy's coming out of his shell.

The Water's Fine

2011-04-03T18:00:00.010-04:00

Do you remember this time last year? No? Well, take a look here. No doubt about it, last April was exceptional. Warm, warm, warm. Fast forward to 2011 and Environment Canada has predicted a cooler than normal spring. They definitely called that right. It may not be warm enough for swimsuits, but that's not gonna keep winter-weary kids and their dogs from playing in the water.

Snow's almost gone

Where's the ball?

Basking in the sun

Yep, life is good.

A Delicate Operation

2011-04-02T13:15:00.001-04:00

Nolan will be six at the end of this month and still has all his baby teeth. Until today, that is. He's had a loose one for a few weeks now but wasn't prepared to part with it just yet. Earlier, Paul noticed that the adult tooth was starting to poke through in front of it. (We tend toward crooked teeth in this family.) Well, a push here, a wiggle there and with a little help from Dad...

...out pops the tooth...

That wasn't so bad. Guess we should expect a visit from a certain fairy tonight.

While We Wait For The Bus

2011-04-02T10:30:00.004-04:00

The kids have discovered a new pastime as they wait for the bus in the morning - the obstacle course that sits out at the road and is made entirely of wood.

"Hey Nolan! Time me!"

"Watch Mum, I'm quick!"

"Cameron. Move." (Older sisters aren't quite as enthusiastic towards younger brothers.)

Great fun.

Now, how to ask Dad to leave some of the logs for play. Surely we don't need that much firewood.

Nolan shared a little story with us at the supper table last night. Earlier in the day at school he tripped his buddy Nick and yelled, "April Fools!" After I composed myself - bit of a laughing fit - we explained that tripping someone isn't really an April Fools prank. Apparently it was an accident but he wanted to take part in the spirit of the day.

Busy As Beavers

2011-03-27T23:00:00.009-04:00

Paul's brother, his wife, their four boys, one girlfriend and two dogs were out here by about ten yesterday morning, dressed down and ready to go. Our schedules were all clear so we had made a weekend date to start on the wood. The day was beautifully sunny and the temperature sat just a smidge above zero. Perfect for working outside and, best of all, no blackflies.

We all greeted each other and the mugs of hot coffee were doled out. Then Paul and his brother started up their chainsaws and the work began. As they cut through the logs, two others worked the splitter and the rest of us, fifteen years of age and older, stacked wood. Some went into their trailer, some in the back of our truck and the rest into a pile nearby.

Cutting and splitting

All two legged creatures under fifteen (that aren't winged), played hide and seek in the woods and later separated into teams, each soldier equipped with a toy gun of some sort, and sharing the walkie talkies, spent the better part of the weekend running, hiding and spying.

The dogs had a grand ole time running and chasing too. The chickens weren't too thrilled but managed to avoid being retrieved. Rosie had the time of her life with her two new friends. And, oh, what fun, lying down in the mucky water, or is it watery muck, out back! By the end of Saturday, she looked like a black lab from the belly down. She was smiling.

Sunday, our sister-in-law had to work, but the rest were back out shortly after ten. It was a little cooler today, not quite making it to the freezing mark, but bright and sunny again. I had a bit of a fight later in the day trying to bring the sheets in off the line - under the clothespins, the wet flannel froze and surrounded the line with ice. Not exactly gardening season yet, by a long shot, but those pillowcases are gonna smell soooo good when I go to bed tonight.

Almost through the first load of logs

It was another productive day and close to half the logs have been cut. Paul's chainsaw ended up a casualty on the day. Not sure if it can be repaired but he'll look into it. Considering it was never meant for this much work, we've done okay by it. My fingers are crossed, though.

All in a weekend's work

So, between the trailer and truck, five loads have found their way to the Landing, another load will go tomorrow and soon they'll be stocked up for next winter. This week, we'll start splitting our share and get it stacked and then on to Paul's sister's load. It's nice to finish up a weekend with lots accomplished. We're all tired. But it's a good tired.

All Bases Covered

2011-03-20T20:30:00.013-04:00

Paul, who sometimes has horseshoes up his arse, got talking to a woman at work awhile back and found out that her family has had seasons tickets to the Leafs for about forty years. Can you imagine? Forty years. The last time the Leafs won the Cup was 44 years ago and there's not gonna be a parade down Yonge Street this year, either. Why, I think I'd be asking for my money back. Umm, what was I talking about? Right. Paul's arse. Well, you see, it turns out that she had a couple tickets available for yesterday's game. And who would the Leafs be playing? The Boston Bruins. Paul was all over those tickets. And guess who Paul took. Well, since Cammy got to go to a game in early January courtesy of my work (that was against the Bruins, too. See? - horseshoes), last night Nolan got to go to his first ever National Hockey League game. He was awfully excited. And just to make sure he had all his bases covered, he wore a Bruins shirt and toque (which in some parts of England, is called a dut) and a Maple Leafs jacket, kindly donated to him by Aunt Marian. (Let's face it, nobody else would take it.) And the Leafs actually won, 5 to 2! Wonder where he lost those horseshoes.

Nolan - A Toroston Maple Bruin fan

What A Difference A Day Makes

2011-03-18T22:55:00.004-04:00

Last night, as I sat at the computer, Cameron called down from bed and asked if there was lightening. I told him no, I hadn't seen any and it was time for sleep. Minutes later, he asked again. I got up and took a look out the window and sure enough the sky lit up to the north. And then again. I don't think we saw any rain here but the winds sure did howl during the night. Neither Paul nor I slept very well. It's nights like that when you wish you were young again. Kids can sleep through anything.

Considering I wasn't going to work, I was up fairly early this morning (I beat the kids!) and when I opened the blind I couldn't believe my eyes. The snow was all but gone! Between the above freezing over-night temperatures and gusting winds, just about every speck of not-so-white stuff had melted. I think I did another happy dance.

Snow's all but gone! Yesterday it looked like this...

Around eight, as Paul and I were chatting at the kitchen table, I noticed a truck go by loaded with logs. Uh-oh. Missed our driveway. Paul ran out and got his attention and soon he was backing up and then making his way up our driveway. After a brief discussion about where to unload, he parked, steadied the trailer and set to work.

Steady as she goes

After the first trailer was unloaded, we offered him a coffee and chatted for a bit. Then, he moved the truck along a bit, ascended the ladder of the crane and set the second load of logs down. Took him no time at all. We paid him and wished him well, then he backed out onto the road and off he went. Always amazes me how easily some people can handle a truck and trailer. Takes me about thirty tries to back the tent trailer into a chosen spot. On a good day. (Ah, who am I kidding? I leave that to Paul. Takes him twenty tries.)

That's a lot of wood to cut...but, look! The snow's almost gone!

Once it's all cut and split, we should end up with about 12 to 14 bush cords of wood. Enough to see us all through another winter.

Spring Is Sprunging

2011-03-17T23:00:00.006-04:00

But, shhh, let's not say that too loudly for fear of jinxing it.

At work on Monday, I saw, resting in a tree, the first robin of the season. I was on the phone at the time and was so excited that I interrupted the caller (it was just a coworker, so he doesn't really count anyway) and let him in on the sighting. My toes tapped a little happy dance under my desk. We've been hearing the Canada geese this week and saw a large vee of them today. And, thanks to thawing ice, I spotted a colourful mallard swimming happily in open water too. (I could tell by the big smile on his face.)

Warm enough today for sweaters and no mitts

It's March break in these parts, so I'm taking today and tomorrow off and hanging out at home with the chilluns. Ri's off at a friend's place overnight and Paul's at work so it's just the boys and me. And Rosie, of course. The temperatures are becoming more spring-like as we're treated to above zero as much as below, now. You can smell the changing season in the air. Actually, that would be mud. The snow disappeared from over the septic tank a couple weeks ago and the grass is slowly emerging from beneath its winter blanket. (In other words, the grass is riz.) The chickens eagerly stumbled out of the Stanley Coop today to take a look around. They stuck pretty close to home for a good while as there's still lots of snow around but, eventually, they got brave and ventured further. Chicken poop on the porch is proof of that.

"Hey, guys; keep an eye out for that big furry thing while I look for bugs."

Tomorrow we have a load of logs coming. We're going in on it with Paul's brother and sister and, when all is said and done, there'll be three well-stocked houses with a season's worth of firewood. The chainsaws are tuned up, the splitter's ready to go and the hope is that the job'll be done before the blackflies show up. Damn things can drive a sane person mad. And Paul completely around the bend.

So here's to spring my friends. And to St. Paddy. Hope you had a cold green beer tonight.

These Golden Days

2011-03-14T20:30:00.009-04:00

Rosie's been with us for a month now. When she first arrived out here in the sticks, she didn't know quite what to make of us. Paul is a little weird, so I could kind of understand her apprehension, but I'm pretty awesome to hang around with. Yet, she ran away from me when I came in the door. She loved to play ball but as soon as the lacrosse sticks came out, she cowered. Poor girl was scared of every little thing. But now, ever so slowly, she's coming along. The other evening, she finally braved the upstairs hallway to explore our bedroom. That night, while we slept, she joined us on the bed. Rosie's home.

Walking to the village

"Come on, throw the ball, throw the ball!"

"You can't catch me, Wosie."


Longer days means more time to play

Yes?

From The Fur Trade To Discovery

2011-03-08T22:30:00.015-05:00

Ri and her grade 6 classmates boarded the bus at school yesterday morning for their trip back in time. They're spending three days and two nights re-enacting the fur trade up at Camp Kawartha. How cool is that? Yesterday's schedule had them splitting into three groups. While one lot tried flint and steel and bow drill fire-making in the tepee, another took on the role of Voyageurs and participated in a timed canoe portage. (I'm guessing there's not much water involved as the lakes are still frozen. Maybe they're working in a polar bear plunge while they're at it? Brrr.) The third bunch was to learn basic map reading skills which they would need for Tuesday's adventure. Then they'd switch up so that everyone had a chance to participate in each activity. Before bed, a night hike was planned.

Today was a bright beautiful day with the temperature hitting around 0. After breakfast, the kids were to learn more about the formation of the North West Company and then take part in a fur trade at the Camp. After lunch, more trading and then a get-together for the results of the trade and a discussion on the impact of the Fur Trade. Tonight, a campfire was planned with traditional games, music and dancing.

Wednesday morning, they will pack up their cabins, have breakfast, play a survival game (herbivores, omnivores and carnivores - Riley's an elk), lunch and then load their gear back onto the bus, take their seats and enjoy the short trip back to the school.

While Ri's been away, Rosie's been wondering where the heck she is. She sat for a good while last night, positioned with her butt on one stair and her front paws one step below, waiting and watching. The boys were happy to have her take turns sleeping with them for a change.

Around 7:30 tonight, Paul's alarm went off. Turns out he had it set so that we wouldn't miss the fly-over of the International Space Station and the Shuttle, Discovery. The four of us pulled on our boots and bundled up in coats and mitts and traipsed outside. The starry sky was perfectly clear and we had no trouble spotting the space travelers. I've included a picture of the fly-by. As you can no doubt see, the Space Station had already passed through the frame but Discovery wasn't far behind...

You may have to squint.

Smiley

2011-03-05T10:15:00.003-05:00

Every now and again, the artistic side comes out in me. You know, the one beyond stick people and colouring outside the lines. (I'm getting better.) Yesterday's lunches just didn't cut it so, grab a few carrots, place them just so, and a cheese bun is magically transformed. It was so artsy, I'm told, that Riley showed the whole class. That's right. Just call me Pablo.

This magnificent piece is on display now at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Doth The Moon Shine That Night We Play Our Play?

2011-03-03T22:30:00.023-05:00

As I look to the heavens, I see no sign of a moon but the stars sure did shine tonight.

Finally, after months of practice, initially during recesses and more recently on Saturday's and after school, the curtain rose for Riley and her fellow thespians. Tonight the school gymnasium was transformed into a 16th century forest as the Drama Club presented Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Riley, my stage-loving goofball, portrayed Tom Snout, the tinker who plays Wall in the play-within-a-play. Home with the flu, she had missed the final dress rehearsal on Tuesday but thankfully has fully recovered and, knock on wood, none of the rest of us have come down with anything. I had worried a little today, as my stomach turned from time to time, that the bug had found its next victim. I couldn't miss the play. However, once we were seated and the lights had dimmed, my tummy miraculously recovered. Ri may not get butterflies, but I sure as heck do.

The kids put on a fabulous show. And let me tell you, if I come away understanding what happened in a Shakespearean tale, they must have done a fine job. (If it wasn't for Coles Notes in highschool, my marks in English would have been considerably lower.)

Tonight Peterborough, tomorrow...Stratford...

"In the same interlude it doth befall, that I, one Snout by name, present a Wall"

(Look how she towers over the older boys. Awww.)

Versatility, Blogger Style

2011-03-01T22:00:00.004-05:00

Last week, Carolina received an award for being a versatile blogger. She's over in the Netherlands and you should go check her out, here. Go on now, I'll wait...

* taps fingers whilst whistling*

Hey. You came back! I 'met' Carolina last year and she's one of those people that, despite being half a world away, I feel like I know. One of the great things about the blogging world, really, is the people you meet and finding that there's a good number with whom you'd like to sit out on the porch on a warm summer evening and share a coffee.

Anyway, Carolina kindly passed the award on to your pal, moi. And now you get to find out even more about me!

1. The year I was born, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup.

2. When I was a kid, I told my brother that there were alligators living under the basement stairs. Heh heh. That scared him, scared him good. Scared the crap out of me too. I hate those stairs.

3. Laura Ingalls was my hero. Okay, maybe she still is.

4. I like baking, growing our food and putting it up, whether by canning or drying. But I hate cooking.

5. My given names are Elizabeth Anne. Elizabeth after the Queen and Anne for the Princess. Three guesses where my Mum was from...first two don't count. And, yes, that's Anne with an E. Just like Miss Anne Shirley.

6. Oh, speaking of Anne Shirley, Paul and I went to Prince Edward Island several years back and I ~~dragged him kicking and screaming to~~ gently suggested we visit Green Gables while we were there. I loved it. He still hasn't entirely forgiven me for ~~dragging him there, kicking and~~ suggesting we visit. Given the opportunity, I'd drag him there again. (evil laughter echoes in the background)

7. In grade 5, I was Safety Patroller of the Year at my school. Even got to go to Ottawa with other safety patrollers for a few days. We stayed in the residence at Carleton University and visited the Governor General's home. The parade we were to take part in was rained out so we came back early. I've never gotten over that. Sniff.

How's that? Did I do okay? Be nice, Dorito. Now, go on back over to Carolina's place and take a look around. She takes really nice pictures and her animals are awfully cute. And thanks for the award, Carolina. ;-)

This Is Embarrassing

2011-02-19T16:20:00.011-05:00

"As long as they don't start calling me 'Flash'..." *rolls eyes* "People."

A Little Seedy

2011-02-16T22:30:00.010-05:00

I came home from work today and found, hidden amongst the mail on the kitchen counter, a large manilla envelope. My name was on the label affixed to the front and, stamped in red, here and there, were pictures of plants. My seeds had arrived!

I'd like to say that I ripped into it then and there, but I had kids to feed and things to do so the envelope stayed put awhile longer. But, once dinner, dishes and Riley's homework was complete (I am so good at word problems involving metric conversions! Go ahead; ask me anything.), I tore open the package.

Holy. I ordered a lot of stuff. I'm gonna have to watch that next time. Anyhoo, it's exciting! Now I just have to build a seven foot high fence around the garden to keep the damn deer out and we're rockin'.

After much research, I went with the one with the best name.

So, here's the rundown on the seeds...

Bean - Cherokee Trail of Tears
Cabbage - Mammoth Red Rock
Carrot - Chantenay Red Cored, Scarlet Nantes
Lettuce - Drunken Woman Frizzy Headed
Onion - Rossa di Milano
Pea - Golden Sweet Edible Pod
Radish - Black Spanish, Watermelon
Tomato - Box Car Willie (it's the name again), Isis Candy, Rideau & Principe Borghese
Ground Cherry - Aunt Molly's
Zucchini - Cocozelle
Melon - Amish
Pumpkin - Connecticut Field, Small Sugar
Watermelon - Small Shining Light

I can't wait 'til May!

Fries and Snow

2011-02-13T21:25:00.001-05:00

Ri's been working hard at school. (Math? Don't be silly.) The drama dept will be presenting Shakespeare's A Mid-Summer Night's Dream in March and rehearsals have moved from the mini-variety at recess to full-scale on Saturdays. Yesterday, Paul took her into town and dropped her off for her two-and-a-half hour gig and then did his running around. He even got a snazzy hair cut out of the deal. As she was finishing up there, the boys and I loaded into the truck and made the short trek to the ski hill for Cameron's lesson.

A Local Ski-bum

We waited for his instructor, Jesse, reminded Cammy not to have fun (and more importantly, not to smile) and then Nolie and I wandered into the chalet. Nolan pretty much had one thing on his mind - fries and gravy. We made a beeline to the cafeteria lineup, ordered lunch (I went for the egg salad on a pita and a hot chocolate) and found ourselves a sunny seat by the window to enjoy our meal.

Mmmm. Fries and gravy. Life is good.

After the lesson, we met Cammy, returned his rentals and rushed home. We had a busy afternoon ahead of us as we headed west to...

...Kitchener

2011-02-13T21:20:00.004-05:00

Once home from the ski hill, everyone went to the bathroom, donned their coats and boots and got comfortable in the van. We had a good two hour drive ahead of us and something very special waiting at our destination.

Way back in November, I'd received a picture from Marian of a litter of wee golden retriever pups down in Kingston. Turns out, their mother had been turned into an organization called Golden Rescue and soon was found to have a belly full of puppies. Well, it doesn't take much to get our full attention when pups are involved, especially when they're of the retriever variety. Within a day or two of seeing the picture, we had filled out the online application and waited to see what might happen.

Some time went by and we were told that the foster parents thought it best that the pups go to homes where someone was around most of the time. We didn't qualify. No big deal, though. It was only a short time since we'd said goodbye to Kokanee and our plan had been to wait for spring before we started looking for pups.

Shortly after this, we heard about a couple of dogs, both male and a little older. They, too, were placed elsewhere. Then, a few weeks ago, we heard about Rosie.

Rosie, we were told, was a year-and-a-half old, red, golden retriever...just like our girl Chimo had been. She had been living with her foster mom for a few months in Kitchener and was ready to placed in a 'forever home'.

Last week, a gentleman from Peterborough who is with Golden Rescue, came out to our place to check us out. We were interviewed, asked lots of questions and then, later that weekend, received the phone call. We passed.

Yesterday, we brought Rosie home. She's a quiet, shy, beautiful girl and we're so happy to have her. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a four-legged creature in the house again. Slowly, she's exploring, checking things out and learning to trust us. We're smitten.

Rosie and her family

Turns out, Rosie's foster mom also has a one year old male in her care who took quite a shine to Riley. But that's all I'm gonna say about that right now. ;-)

After-School Skating

2011-01-25T22:00:00.018-05:00

Nolan and I arrived home with some daylight to spare so we dashed into the house and Nolan yelled out, "Who wants to go skating?" Big grins crept across his older siblings' faces and then, "I do!" We gathered up skates and helmets, toques and mitts, hockey sticks and ball, then grabbed the shovel and made our way to the rink.

There's a plastic lawn chair that resides, both summer and winter, back there. Patiently it sat, waiting for its first customer to be laced up. Ri, then Cameron and then Nolan all took a seat as I tied up their skates. And then off they went. What a difference a year makes.

I managed to get a little more of the rink shoveled as the kids showed off their skills. Twilight set in and I found myself looking out for coyotes as I added snow to the pile. A little paranoid, maybe, but the tracks in the snow don't lie. As darkness neared and the skates came off, the boys played a quick game of hockey. "He shoots, he scores!" I heard several times, as the crowd went wild. The big league may have their all-star game but they've got nothing on us. This weekend, I think we'll have our own little hockey tournament. The first annual all-rats game. Go team!

First winter skate

Like Dad Always Says - It's Refreshing Out There

2011-01-23T19:30:00.006-05:00

One of the (few) problems with walking out in winter to a driveway cleared by your neighbour, driving on plowed roads and parking in cleared lots, is that you don't always realize just how much snow is on the ground.

After curling this morning, the kids and I grabbed shovels and headed out back to hunt for ice. Turns out, we have about a foot of the white stuff on the ground...as I found out when my ten-inch tall boots sunk into the accumulated snow. That's always fun. Despite the setback, we trudged out to the bog and got to work. Well, I got to work. Cammy lasted about four-and-a-half minutes before heading back to the centrally heated house. Ri stayed about nine minutes longer. Something about being cold? Babies. -15C ain't that cold. Sheesh.

I spent about an hour-and-a-half shoveling before I decided to call it a day. I was becoming slightly chilled myself. Oh, and my muscles were starting to seize up. The good news, though, is we've got ourselves a rink. And we plan to try it out just as soon as things warm up a bit. -5 would be awfully pleasant, I think. Expansion of the rink will occur once I can lift my arms again.

Houston, we are a go for skating. Oh ya.

Scurry! Far!!

2011-01-23T15:00:00.007-05:00

Heh, heh. A little curling humour, there.

The kids are back in Little Rocks for the winter, so we're spending our Sunday mornings at the curling rink. Not a bad way to pass a couple hours. The coffee's cheap, the hot chocolate is free and I get some reading done. Not much, mind you, as I have one eye on the action most of the time. Wouldn't want to miss Riley making a takeout or Cammy acing a throw for shot rock.

Today was picture day, so Enos' friend, the mole, braved the slippery roads and came out to take individual pictures and a few group shots. Poor guy was out with his band last night playing a few bars and raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. He didn't remember much after midnight, arrived home in a cab around four and was at the curling club just after ten. What a trooper. Last I heard, he was heading home to his couch.

Cammy's been moved up to the regulation rocks. The coach took the best of the lot and has been working with them with the big rocks. Unfortunately, they weigh about the same as Cammy (well, it sure seems like it, anyway) and he's struggling. He asked to go back to the little rocks after break today and the smile returned to his face. It's all about having fun, after all.

Sweep!

Hurry! Hard!

Badge of Honour

2011-01-22T16:00:00.006-05:00

Cameron has been wanting to take ski lessons this winter. He'd been asking, no, pestering, for awhile so last Saturday, Paul called up the hill to see if there were any spaces left. Sure enough, there were. Out came the Visa, the online form was filled out and Cammy was in. The lesson started within the hour.

It's funny. In the city, there's lots of extra-curricular activities within a short distance. Swimming. Skating. Bowling. You name it. Not so out here. Now, don't get me wrong; we've got the best that Mother Nature has to offer right outside our door and we're most thankful for it. But swimming lessons are in Peterborough, bowling is in Millbrook and skydiving is in Toronto. (Cammy has to wait 'til he's 18. We checked.) But skiing. Oh, the skiing. We're looking at a seven minute drive - eight when the roads aren't cleared - to a fabulous local ski hill that's been around forever. How many people can say that? (Alright, granted, people in the Rockies and the Alps can but this is southern Ontario, people.)

Cammy's off to his skiing lesson this afternoon and is thrilled to pieces. He'll be bundling up today to ward off the chill on those north-facing slopes. We're looking at a high of -12 and it's snowing lightly. He'll get his lift ticket and proudly wear it for the week on his coat. "I'm a skier," it says. A badge of honour.

... only fell twice today

Pride

2011-01-15T22:00:00.002-05:00

Cooped Up

2011-01-02T20:50:00.002-05:00

The snow's all but disappeared so the ladies of the NHLPA decided to venture out today. A girl can only be 'cooped up' for so long. Ya. That wasn't funny. Anyhoo, we're back below zero and it looks like it's gonna stay that way for awhile which is just fine by me. If it's gonna be winter, it might as well be south of zero with a chance of snow than grey and dingy with a chance of rain.

Bobbie Oar cleaning up after the chickadees

On The Lookout For A Rink

2011-01-01T12:30:00.006-05:00

The temps warmed up to a balmy +5 yesterday and the snow's been melting. Today we're about the same, with rain. Cameron was a little upset when we started our trek out back because the sled run has completely disappeared. Nothin' but brown grass. I explained as we walked that this could be a good thing. With the melting snow and rain, mother nature is working her annual magic. Fingers crossed, we'll soon have a skating rink out back. Conditions have to be just right - frost in the ground, snow-melt sitting in the bog, rain and then a freeze. The forecast looks good, I just hope the early snow this year didn't insulate the ground. December snow doesn't usually stick around this long. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Examining the bog - hmm, slushy ice

This one looks better - too bad it's so small

A-ha! One of the reasons for my dirty floor

Oh, and, hey - Happy New Year!

Look What I Made, Grampa

2010-12-29T22:30:00.002-05:00

Hi Gramma and Grampa. Cameron here. Thanks for the Lego Star Wars spaceship. Mum and Nolan helped me find the pieces and I made it today. Nolan didn't help that much. He was watching Scooby Doo more. It's really cool. And I'd never seen it before. It wasn't in the Wish Book. I'm taking it to bed with me tonight.


Clone Wars Separatist Shuttle (ooh, I've gotta put that Hallowe'en decoration away)

Laughing All The Way

2010-12-27T19:00:00.002-05:00

Once the gifts were opened on Christmas day, breakfast was had and I woke from my impromptu nap on the couch - ahem - we bundled up and went outside. The hill this year is the best it's ever been. The snow's well packed and there's a bit of a shine to it where the flying saucers have traveled it's slope so many times. It had ended towards the top of the facing hill but, by the time we were finished with it this day, the run curled and made its way back down into the cattails. Turns out the ground isn't frozen there and where there's cattails, there's water. And mud. Nolan's coat is proof of that. Yep. Another fine day on the hill...

Christmas Morn

2010-12-27T11:00:00.008-05:00

The kids had been given strict instructions upon going to bed that they were not to get up before 7. Like that would happen. I remember squinting at my clock around 3, turning over in bed and going back to sleep. Moments later Nolan yelled, "Mum! Can we get up now?!"

"No," I shouted in reply, "it's too early!"

Silence. And then Paul said, "Uh, Liz, it's after seven."

No way. Time to greet the day...

Attention! Army gear and cap guns for Christmas.


Check out the new jammies. And the face - she's such a goof.

Cammy symbolically adopted a frog...thanks to Uncle Gooey.

It's Christmas Time In the Country

2010-12-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

Ring-a-ling...

We've had a busy, wonderful, smiley Christmas so far and there's no sign that that's gonna change anytime soon. Christmas Eve, Dad and Elizabeth came out and joined brother Enos and our brood for an evening filled with great anticipation. Would we have the pleasure of seeing the jolly old elf himself as we have in Christmases past? Well, brother Enos hung around as long as he could and then called it a night and set out. Darn it all, not long after, we spotted movement in the driveway. The dogs across the road serenaded the shadowy figure as he trudged through the snow and then, there he was. Santa Claus.

The kids flew down the stairs - well, the older two kids; Nolie was fast asleep at this point - and we all hung out in the doorway. Watching. I ran upstairs and shook Nolan awake. "Santa's here," I whispered. His eyes grew wide and, as he processed the information, a smile crept across his sleepy face. We quickly joined the others on the porch. And watched.

Santa removed three packages from his sack, chatting to us all the while. (So much for the classic tale of A Night Before Christmas - "he said not a word but went straight to his work" - apparently Father Christmas has grown chattier as the years have gone by.) The white-bearded elf singled Dad out as being a relatively good boy this year. Dad looked kind of proud.

The next thing you knew, Père Noël was waving farewell, and heading south, cross country, towards the neighbours. We all wished him well and the kids yelled their thank yous as he walked out of sight. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

But wait, I'm not done yet. In a flash, Cammy had his boots on and was running out to the driveway to gather up the packages that Santa had left in the snow. Paul grabbed Nolan and, while not as quick as Cameron, they were down the path in almost a flash. In we all came and the gifts were ripped open. Pajamas! Not that anyone was surprised, as Santa's kind enough to deliver some every year. But, oh, those mischievous elves. What game would they play this year?

The jammies were all mixed up. Ri's top with Cammy's bottoms and so on. But this year, they outdid themselves. Parts were inside out and turned in on each other. Bottoms were stuck down inside-out-sleeves. Oh, those playful elves. I like them. Even though we're polar opposites in the height department, they're my kind of people.

And then it was time for bed. A second time. The kids, clad in sorted-out new jammies, traipsed up the stairs to bed. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Tracking Santa

2010-12-24T13:36:00.004-05:00

Throughout the day today, we'll be tracking Santa's whereabouts, as he makes his way around the globe. You can find him through Norad, here. We just checked, and he's arrived in New Delhi. Won't be long now!

School's Out For...Christmas

2010-12-22T22:00:00.016-05:00

The kids were rife with melancholy this evening. Poor dears. You see, school finished up today and now my grief-stricken children must go without for two whole weeks. No long bus rides. No lurnin'. No homework. It pains me to see them so downtrodden. Unaware of my presence, I snapped this heartbreaking photo...

School's out

Oh, hey! What do you think of the tree? I came up with the idea of the dark stripe through the middle all by myself. That's right; I meant for it to be like that. Ya. I think it gives it a rather festive air of, um, je ne sais quoi, don't you?

Oh ya, the kids. I think, in time, their grief will pass. The poor souls went outside for a few runs down the snow-covered hill tonight. They assured me they'd be okay.

School's out!

I do hope so.

A Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

2010-12-12T16:00:00.007-05:00

We awoke to snow this morning. Oodles of heavy wet snow. The chickadees have been flitting and flying about, stopping at the feeder for a sunflower seed and then off they go, into the the pine and cedar forest, causing bird-size avalanches as they disappear through the snow-laden branches. Now and again, a blue jay drops in, stirring up an impatient chorus as the smaller birds await their turn from the shrubs below.

Can you spot the chickadee?

The kids bundled up this morning and headed out into the snow. There was talk of a snowman and a fort - it's the ultimate packing-snow out there today - but in the end, there was great fun to be found just standing under a tree. And pulling on a branch. Oh-ho, that snow's cold when it lands on your head and finds its way inside your coat. Summer's great, but there's nothing quite like winter's playground.

The chickens weren't much interested in leaving the Stanley Coop today

Sunday is baking day. So, what to make for the week ahead. Could bake muffins or brownies or squares. Nah. Today feels like a chocolate chip cookie day. Definitely chocolate chip cookies. And pear bread, too.

Let's count how many times Mum yells, "Git!" today.

Look Who Dropped By

2010-12-06T20:30:00.008-05:00

It's a heckuva long journey across that body of water we call the Atlantic Ocean, but good old Sinterklaas and his buddy Black Peter were kind enough to make the trip. This morning, the kids awoke to find chocolate letters in their shoes and an assortment of sweets about the hearth. Rumour has it that Oma, Opa and Sinterklaas know each other from way back and each year they put in a good word. Upon hearing their dear friend had dropped by, they grinned widely.

Peppermunt ballen, Vruchtenhartjes and Ri's favourite, Speculaas

'Tis The Season

2010-12-05T22:30:00.013-05:00

Saturday's don't come much busier than yesterday. As is typical for the weekend, everyone beat me out of bed and that's quite fine by me. After a quick shower and breakfast, I thumbed through my binder full of recipes 'til I found the directions for Apple Betty and Blueberry Buckle. Once the ingredients were gathered and the kids were shooed away, each with a bowl of mostly frozen blueberries, I set to work creating my masterpieces. Alright. I know. The word 'masterpiece' might be a titch strong but I'll bet, if you asked brother Enos what he thinks of apple betty, that word would be right up there. Hmm, where was I? Right. Measuring and mixing. In the midst of all this baking chaos, the boys wrote their cards and we wrapped the gifts that would accompany them to their friends' birthday parties. Paul took Nolan into town first for his buddy Ben's big day. He came home by way of the dump (still no garbage pickup in these parts) and settled in for a wee bit. The masterpieces came out of the oven, we gathered up warm sweaters, extra socks and mitts, toques, snowpants and anything else we could think of to ward off the chill on the streets of Peterborough after sun set. Then we loaded up the van and headed out.

Cameron's pal Nate was also having a birthday party at a rock climbing place in town. We dropped him off there and then made our way to my work for our annual Christmas potluck. After another wee bit, Paul went back out, picked up Nolan, and Cameron and then we spent the afternoon with my coworkers and their families, feasting, chatting, opening gifts and, as always, laughing with our beloved friend Santa. There weren't near as many political jokes as previous years - Santa's a Tory, while our boss is NDP - but the jolly old elf led us in a rousing rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (we really can't sing) and was as jovial and fun as ever. The biggest joke is that I won Leaf tickets for the second year in a row. And no, they're not playing the Flames that night. But, Cammy's never been to an NHL game so he and Paul will be taking the train into the big smoke in early February to watch the Leafs lose to Carolina. Cammy's excited. And he thinks it's kind of cool that he'll get to see Eric Staal who used to play with the Petes. Guess who he'll be cheering for.

Once the festivities ended, we packed up again, drove over towards downtown, parked, bundled up and wandered over to our usual spot where we found brother Enos and his friend Sean and gang. The Santa Claus parade had just found its way down George Street to where we were standing. You'd think we'd planned it but, we're not that organized. The boys made their way up front, Enos handed out the still-warm coffee and we settled in to enjoy the lights and show. Lots of smiles all around.

I Was Gonna Build An Ark...

2010-12-01T21:00:00.011-05:00

...because it's been raining nonstop for a day and a half. Good thing we don't live in the middle of a swamp. Oh, wait. We do. Anyhoo, you just never know what you're going to get this time of year - rain, snow or, my personal favourite, the ever-popular freezing rain. Nothing quite like driving on a skating rink. But today, oh, mid-morning, after 40 days, or whatever, the rain started to turn to snow. Big, fluffy, white snowflakes. Beautiful.

Oooh, Christmas card material

That's Not...Snow, Is It?

2010-11-27T22:30:00.012-05:00

Shortly before packing things in last night, I checked the Weather Network for the forecast. A little cold, it said, but no chance of precipitation. This morning, as I lay half asleep under a bevy of warm blankets, I heard gasps and screams as the kids made their way from their rooms to the stairs. Looking down and out the front door they were greeted by a world of white powder. "Oh ya," Nolan exclaimed. It was a darn good thing we took care of new winter boots last weekend 'cause they sure were put to good use today. Now, if I could just remember where I stashed my boots...

"I'm okay, Mum!"

Ain't life grand?

Crosby Joins The WHA

2010-11-25T22:00:00.020-05:00

We've been enjoying rather balmy weather for this time of year - up to about ten degrees when we awoke Tuesday morning. By Tuesday evening, it was feeling more like November as the wind picked up and the cold air nipped as it barrelled through.

Nolan and I arrived home to find Paul crouched in the open door of Lord Stanley's Coop, plugging in the thermostatically-controlled waterer (seriously) so the chickens wouldn't hurt their poor wee beaks when they took a drink. Ice cubes are one thing; frozen solid is quite another. Once it was set, he closed up the man-door in the Coop and headed in. Moments later, one of the feathered creatures hopped up the ramp and indulged in a little dinner. I looked in the window and she was the only bird inside. Odd. Piggy's usually the last of the girls to head in and there was no sign of the three winged members of the NHLPA. "Crap," I thought. "The union's walking out again 'cause I haven't lived up to my end of the contract. Damn birds want their knitted scarves. Crap."

Darkness had set in by this time, so we all grabbed flashlights and split up - Ri and Paul heading into the woods to the north and the boys and I traipsing through the brush to the west. "Phanny? Bobbie?" we called out. "Crosby? Come on chickie chicks." They were nowhere to be found. After wandering about for a good while, shining light up into the whispering trees in search of a possible roosting spot, we reluctantly called it a night and went inside to thaw. Piggy would have to spend the night in the Coop alone. The Poultry Association would have to survive the night in the woods.

Wednesday morning, I opened my shutters and looked out on the Stanley Coop. There was Phanny frantically searching for a way inside. Cameron dashed out to open up their door and Phanny scurried up into the nestbox. A short while later, a warm white egg lay in the wood shavings. Phanny was no longer in a flap but the whereabouts of Bobbie and Crosby was still unknown.

At some point during the day, Bobbie Oar rejoined the membership. There's still no sign of Crosby. She always thought we were bush league anyway. You could tell. Paul figures she negotiated a better contract with the WHA (Wayward Hens Alliance). That's the story we're going with, anyway. The alternative isn't as nice.

Nifty Hen Layers Poultry Assoc. (NHLPA) in warmer days

Kokanee

2010-11-23T21:30:00.007-05:00

A lifetime ago, when I lived in Calgary, there was a guy a few doors up with a husky. We'd often see him roller blading down the road with his four-legged friend running alongside in high gear. Kokanee was this blue-eyed gal's name. He'd named her for the beer that could be found in every bar and beer store from Manitoba west. I thought it was kind of a cool name and tucked it away, deep inside my brain. A few years later and living in Oshawa, our best friend Chimo shared ten rambunctious golden retriever pups with us. Paul and I kept two - the bear-sized tail-wagger, Waylon and the cutest little fluffball you could ever imagine, Kokanee. She also answered to Puff...when the mood struck.

Puff wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. If you asked for a paw, a horrified look came over her and she sat, eyes wide, not really believing that you would ask such a thing. She was the last to come when called and was generally in her own little world...where the sky was always blue. But you know what? She was the only one of the bunch who could open the screen door to let herself out. Or in. Maybe there was more going on in that pea brain of hers than we thought. A grand act, it was.

Last week, we said good-bye to our ole girl Puff. She was two weeks shy of her fifteenth birthday and just couldn't do it anymore. We laid her to rest out back with her mum, Chimo, her big brother Waylon, her little brother Willie and her pesky little sister, Sandy. Finally together again, I bet they're having the finest game of tag up there.

Love you, Puff

Willie and Cooter

2010-11-21T21:00:00.029-05:00

The latest. From Nashville. Poor Cooter.

(For the story behind all this, you might want to check out the first installment - Jack and Charlie. Then again, you might not.)

From: Enos Strate
Subject: A final day from our pilgrimage to mecca...
Date: November 21, 2010 7:54:55 PM EST

Well, our mission has now been completed fully. We wandered around downtown Nashville today, retracing much of our path of enlightenment from the night previous, visiting Tootsie's Orchid Lounge as part of today's pilgrimage.

Prior to this, however, we made it our purpose to visit the Willie Nelson and Family Museum and General Store in order to find a red bandana, which we succeeded in doing. We browsed the museum and discovered that next door was Cooters, the Dukes of Hazzard store and museum. We were truly blessed to be able to view the artifacts of such cinematic and musical history.

Though we were already blessed with fulfilment, we discovered (from our waitress at our rooftop place of mid-day nourishment) that one final destination awaited us. Our final stop took us to Hendersonville, a mere 20 minutes from Nashville. After arriving there, we asked a K9 police officer directions to Johnny and June Carter Cash's former house. The first family of country music had lived there since the late 1960s until their deaths in 2003. A few years later, after the house had been sold for 2.3 Million dollars, it burned to the ground. We eventually found the spot on the shore of Old Hickory Lake where the house had been. Inspiration indeed.

We shall be returning from our voyage of discovery and enlightenment tomorrow.

God Bless All, Shalom and Amen
Cooter and Enos

No Dodge jokes from the peanut gallery please.

I know. I'm thinking the same thing. Where does Enos come up with this stuff?

Jack and Charlie

2010-11-21T18:00:00.006-05:00

Being the incredible wife that I am - yes, thank you, I know - I allowed Paul to take off for an extra long weekend with brother Enos. They left early Friday and headed south to the fine city of Nashville. Years back, when we were still in Oshawa, Enos mysteriously disappeared for a few days and returned with our Christmas gift - a barrel from the Jack Daniels distillery. A decade and a half later, he felt it was time for a barrel of his own, complete with the Jack Daniels logo etched into the side and branded on top. A finer piece of furniture you'll not find. In Enos' estimation, anyway. (Alright, maybe ours too.)

But here's the thing. Nashville is the place to go for country music. Paul's not exactly what you'd call a country music fan. Enos on the other hand, is in his glory. Tootsie's. The Ryman. The *gasp* Grand Ole Opry. And all those bars in between. This weekend, I've received several emails from Enos, exhalting...well, I'll let you read for yourself. Oh, and Cooter is Paul. Or Paul is Cooter. Big Dukes of Hazzard fans 'round here.

Howdy Pilgrims,

Here's a photo we took today during our baptism today in the Holler.

God Bless

Enos and Cooter

*****

Hello Friends and Family,

Attached, please find a photo of the town square in Lynchburg - courthouse (on the right), hardware store, and motorcycles - we did not see Bo and Luke (but we did see Bubba, Cletus and Earlene).

Again, God Bless!

E and C

ps We are now off to receive holy communion at the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium. We may stop in for a quick sippin of holy water at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (just down the alley) prior to the service. What a glorious day of epiphany and personal religious imbibement have we absorbed this day.

*****

Mornin' Y'all,

Well, last e'nin was spent walkin round the Broadway Ave (in Nashville, not that Yankee town) and 2nd Ave area of downtown, the heart of country music bars and saloons. We musta passed 25 bars, all with bands playin live music in them (had a JD and coke at the Whisky Bent Saloon). Music city.

We then arrived at the Ryman Auditoruim for the Grand Ol Opry concert. It was a live broadcast with 1 overall host (the guy who keeps the show on schedule and reads ads and introduces the 4 emcees (one for each of the 4 half hour segments) - he had a fantastic radio voice). The hosts were Little Jimmy Dickens (a fine joke teller), Charlie Pride, Marty Stuart and John Conlee. Each did there own performances and there were about 3 other performers in each of the segments - including Radney Foster, Ralph Stanley, a couple of kickin bluegrass bands, and the Charlie Daniels Band. Paul Shaffer (the band leader on the David Letterman Show) was in town and joined Marty Stuart's band at the piano, performing a classic Floyd Cramer medley as well as joining Marty's band (note to Sean: which includes Harry Stinson on drums) on a fiery, Johnny Cash-sounding train song. You really appreciate the skill of these musicians when you catch 'em live. The Charlie Daniels Band then brought down the house with the Devil Went Down To Georgia.

The view was fine, just fine from the Confederate Gallery.

Enos and Cooter

The Charlie Daniels Band

Haven't heard a lick from Cooter. He's either a country-music convert now, and not ready to admit it, or he's passed out somewhere, not quite believing he agreed to all this.

This Or That

2010-11-12T10:00:00.008-05:00

A couple weeks ago I picked Nolan up from daycare, paid Julie for the week and off we went. We returned on Tuesday. While Nolie hung up his coat and the beautiful red Calgary Flames ballcap that adorns his sweet little head everyday (I'm so proud; Paul rolls his eyes; mwahahaha), Julie mentioned that I had paid 5 dollars too much. I tend not to remember what I had for lunch the day before, so the overpayment was long forgotten.

She offered, "You can either have your five dollars in a bill or cheese curds."

Well, gee, that's tough. Not sure if I took one second or mulled it over for as long as two seconds before declaring, "Cheese curds please!"

I continued on into work with my treasure. As I put the bag in the fridge I noticed the label read $5.66. Good golly. I owed Julie 66 cents.

Yesterday, I paid up. "Julie," I said, "I owe you 66 cents. Do you want it in change or two freshly laid eggs?" Her reply came in the standard one to two seconds. Nolan handed her the eggs. Some would call this the informal economy. The folks I know, call it country living.

Cheese curds and still-warm eggs

Yesterday, on the way home from the Remembrance Day ceremony in Oshawa, brother Enos and I stopped at the orchard and picked up close to a bushel of apples. We had a good chat with the owner who, it turned out, had grown up in the 'Shwa and went to the same schools that we went to from grades 7 thru' 13. And, if that wasn't coincidence enough, her sister's first house after she married, was next-door to ours. Enos got that far-off look as he reminisced about the beautiful, red '69 soft-top Camaro that they had. And I got that far-off look as I thought about the bushel of apples that I was going to be turning into sauce. Which is today's job. So off I go. Enjoy the day all! It's a beauty out there.

The Cenotaph in Oshawa after the Service

At The Going Down Of The Sun And In The Morning, We Will Remember Them

2010-11-11T00:01:00.012-05:00

Cecil Thackeray returned safely to Canada in the spring of 1919. He courted and later married Muriel and they moved west to Saskatchewan to farm. Ten children were born. Times were tough as they struggled through the Great Depression. In the fall of 1939, Cecil and Muriel packed up their belongings and their children and returned to Gores Landing, Ontario. A few years later, their eldest son Roy enlisted and sailed overseas, fighting battles in France and the Netherlands. On April 28, 1945, 'Duck', the 3rd Division's amphibious operation to take Leer and nearby Loga, began. Roy, with the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, encountered heavy opposition. As their boats crossed the Ems, they were engaged by machine-guns from both flanks. Roy was killed. He is buried at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands.

Lest We Forget

With notes from this site, page 596

Postmark Edinburgh; Nov. 8th, 1918

2010-11-10T08:00:00.007-05:00

King George & Queen Mary Victoria League Clubs

Edinburgh

121a Princess Street

Ramsay Lodge, The Mound

St. Giles House, St. Giles Street

Blackie House, North Bank Street

from

RAMSAY LODGE

The Mound

Nov. 8th, 1918.

My dearest Muriel ~

Just a few lines that all is glorious and well and hope this may find you the same. I am enjoying my leave these days very much, the only fault that I have to find is the rain at times and the speed that my two weeks is flying by. I have from the 1st to the 15th and then back to France again for awhile. I think by the looks of things at present that the war won't last much longer. The people up here are in great glee over it at present and expect hostilities to close at any time. We have been doing no firing in France now for nearly a month as we couldn't keep up with the heavy guns on account of the canal bridges being blown up. I hope that when I return that I may find the battery still at Sauchy Cauchy a little town between Douai and Cambrai on the Canal De Nord. We are really in front of Valenciennes but out of range by a long bit. I didn't see Clark before I left at all but I think they are around there also. I have been very busy since coming over. Had a good visit to Glasgow and Ayr and I hope to see Dundee and Abberdeen if the weather is fit at all. My Scotch Lassie is fine and I am well away while in this town. She got over the flu just a few days before I came over. It is raging over here at present and claiming alot by death also. There seems to be very little of it with the soldiers though. Bruce Thompson's up with me this time again. He is going back on Sunday. We are expecting Whit up any day now as he was first on the list when I left.

I have not had a letter from you now for a long time. I guess you must have got careless like me. It seems pretty hard to write during leave time however this is my second letter since yesterday. It is a bad time of the year for leave especially up here. I don't think I would come up this way again during winter months. We had a few flakes of snow today for the first. I have a bet on with a chap in the battery that the war wouldn't be over before the snow flew. It is any body's bet yet although who ever wins means a free trip to Buffalo from Port Hope and return. I will willingly pay it to see the thing end before the winter sets in. Well kid I guess I will ring off for this time and will write again before returning. Be on the look out for a little parcel any time. Be a good girl and write soon again.

As ever,

Cecil

Letter From The Front; July 16th, 1918

2010-11-09T08:30:00.001-05:00

France

16-7-18

My Dearest Muriel ~

I was more than delighted to receive your very welcome and much appreciated parcel today. I hadn't had a good piece of cake for some time so you know how it would taste after the army rations all the time. I rec'd a big parcel from home a few days ago containing in all a big cake but was sorely disappointed on opening it for it was blue molded through and through. That is the first I have received yet to be in that condition and what puzzled me was that it was only on the road a short time and the cotton on the outside was dry and in good condition. Everything in your parcel was in A1 condition. The contents of the Comfort Kit Cover were just what I was needing the worst. Who's idea was it of sending such a good assortment of that kind. I am using the pencil for the first time on this letter tonight. I have often wondered how it was that you never kidded me about staying with the pencil so well. To tell the truth it was always my favorite and now during war times I have a little excuse. Oh yes I mustn't forget the flitters. They are excellent. I'm glad that you sent a few.

I rec'd your very welcome letter of June 21st a few days ago and two from Aunt Mary. In all I got 6 so I panned out real well in the last mail. We rec'd a big bunch of Cobourg Stars today and of course they were very interesting after not seeing any for so long. I read the entire evidence taken in connection with the burning of the Fenella cheese factory. I'm glad the poor beast wasn't so wet the time I landed in Cobourg with her perhaps I would have looked as cheap as the owner did had I been called to the stable there to have the Chief Cop and 3 or 4 others that might have tracked me in, questioning me as to where I was that night however it didn't happen that way. Just imagine Muriel up in Police Court. ha ha.

We had a very heavy rain storm last night with heavy lightening and thunder. A lot of our boys were very near flooded out of their dugouts some having several inches of water all over their floors. In mine in the morning at the guns there was about three inches but it helped to cool it off a lot as the day had been very close. Whit is still away on his signalling course and we have heard from him once. I have yet to see Clark which I hope to shortly. Did you notice in the Cobourg paper of Sergt Page being gassed. I was on the gun with him at the time but escaped although I did my share of sneezing and eyes watering and snorting however it passed off in a short time. We are still at the baseball. Well I guess I will ring off for this time. I see where we have a good lunch before retiring tonight as Bruce Thompson rec'd a parcel also. I am quite well at present. With love and best wishes Cecil.

PS We are still on the same front.

Letter From The Front; May 16th, 1918

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

France,

16 - 5 - 18,

My Dearest Muriel,

I was delighted to receive your ever welcome letter of April 24th this week. It seems strange to me that it is so much easier writing me than to some of your other correspondents however I'm glad that such is the case. I rec'd a letter recently from a young lady of Roseneath by the name of Brown. It seems that she met Alex Spears last winter at his brothers dance down there. She has been at several dances since and has danced with Alex quite a number of times and has mentioned it to me of him being so good at it. By the last letter I got I think Alex must have shot her quite a line about you & I as she kidded me quite a bit about it. One of the parts of letter read like this. Oh by the way Cecil I hear there is a nice little school marm near Gores Landing that likes to get a letter from you very very much and that she is awaiting your return from overseas before she takes the matrimonial notion in her head. Isn't that a pretty good one kid? Get right after Alex now the next time you see him at a dance about that and kid him good for awhile and then ask him what he has been telling about you down around there. I answered her saying about that. Well, the poor girl doesn't want to wait that long if she gets a line on another chap for at present I'm considering to Batch out the rest of my days as I'm taking lessons now every day in washing dishes and clothes etc. Did I answer her all right?

I had a letter from Aunt Mary yesterday again, that is two now in a very short time.

They are still at the baseball around here and Clark was up as a rooter to their team a few nights ago.

We are having pretty hot weather at present and if it continues getting more so as the summer advances it would sure be melting. We are still on the same front and having it quiet as usual.

This is sure some place for small bugs around here and are very pleasant, yes, in your bed at nights.

When I rec'd a letter from Gordon Budd recently at the time of writing he was in a hospital in Cape Town S.A. and that he would soon be in London again. He said he was pretty badly used up and would never be the same again. I'm afraid if Mrs. Budd loses another boy it will go pretty hard with her.

I think you and Joseph are getting pretty thick driving around so much together and using such nice language. Believe me I would have laughed at the old Gink if he had of kicked me out of the rig afterwards.

I have got rid of the creepers again for a change, some change believe me. I'm glad that my letters are interesting at all. It's hard to fill up a decent sized letter but I've done pretty well this time. I think the next day off duty I must write your mother. I am quite well at present and hope this finds you the same. I'll be over for that boat ride all right before long. I saw a couple good snaps of Florence recently. Write again soon.

With kindest thoughts

Cecil

Letter From The Front; Nov. 12th, 1917

2010-11-07T06:00:00.005-05:00

France

Nov. 12th, 1917

Dearest Muriel ~

Your most welcome letter of October 11th arrived safely this week also the snap shot and the two cards of the teachers convention. That snap was sure real good of you. I must say of course you know considering however it will fill the bill the very best. The ones I had taken in Scotland haven't arrived yet although the one of the group has been here for some time. None of the Canadian mail arriving here is censored at least none of ours has been so far but all going out is. Our officers do all our censoring unless we use the green envelope but they have been few and far between with us so far. I don't know if Dudley happens to censor any of mine or not however I should worry for you'll know where it came from and how should he happen to make a break any time for any thing that I may say in any of the letters. I don't happen to be acquainted with him however all the boys speak very well of him.

I had a letter from Irene Walker telling me that she was teaching near Centreton and I suppose it is in Gladys MacCullough's old school. The people she boards with are C.O.B. and she has to go to church with them and so is afraid she will lose all her Methodistism. Apparently she is about as big a chip as ever. I think out where she is will be kind of quiet for her. My address will be still the 1st Can. Siege Battery. We are still having considerable wet weather and the mud about as bad as ever. There hasn't been a night yet but our feet are soaking wet. Night before last we were all drenched to the hide and I rolled in with some wet clothes on. Before that I had been coughing considerable but that put the kibash on it for I haven't coughed since. I think that is rather cheap cough mixture, what think you! I haven't saw Clark yet. He was in town for a few days but I hear today from a reliable source that he is gone again. I saw your brother a few days ago and a fellow that I see him with considerable told me today that he is still on the job alive and well. One chap in the battery had his head blown off yesterday with a shell. We have lost 15 of our chaps now one way and another. Two have been killed, 7 wounded and 6 gone for minor operations. These are all boys of our last draft. We get shelled very near every night around or near our billets. I have got quite used to it now for I seldom hear it at nights at all. We have lots of company now also galore of rats about. I pull my rubber cape over my head at nights so the rats will have a clear run way. You would think at times that they were having 100 yard dashes for prizes by the speed that they travell. I'm glad to know they are enjoying themselves. I'm sure you did real well at the last letter but please have a heart and don't expect me to ever pull off that much especially here in France. I think if you answered all the letters you mentioned about receiving that well you will be writing yet. I am glad your mother got the letter all right. I suppose I will be hearing from her again some time all being well. Bert Spear is bunking with me at present. You needn't worry about our conversation that time for there was little said about you however I could easily tell you all anytime that we meet in the future which I hope won't be long. I don't think this scrap can last many more years by the way things are going at present. There has been no cold weather here yet although there was frost this morning. All the boys are well at present. I suppose the dances will soon be in full swing in the Landing again and about the time that arrives the old boat will be stopped. Well I think this is the limit for this time so heres hoping to hear from you soon again. Bye bye for this time. Sincerely,

Cecil

Front Lines - The Life of the Soldier

2010-11-06T07:00:00.004-04:00

Courtesy of The National Film Board of Canada

Letter From The Front; Nov. 4th, 1917

2010-11-05T07:00:00.003-04:00

France

Nov. 4th, 1917

Dearest Muriel~

Just a few lines in answer to your very welcome letters of October 4th and Sept the 27th & 20th all of which arrived this week. The mail reaches us nicely here and I think that all the boys appreciate it very very much. I am still on the job alive and well and have managed to miss the shells so far very luckily. There has been a few days this week that things have been very hot around the guns in fact so hot that we flew our kites away from them for awhile till the storm blew over. There are times when Fritzie is very quiet with his artillery and then again its the reverse. When the shells are not plentiful about he quite often pours bombs down at you from the air or else puts his machine guns to work on you. Since joining the battery it has been nothing but the roar of guns all the time. The first two or three nights I guess there were very few boys that slept at all with the roar and the air raids however with all there are many more of our shells going over at him that we receive. It is sure a wonderfull business this war and if one is spared to survive it is a thing worth seeing at least. #2001035 - Gnr C.A.Thackeray, 1st Can. Siege Battery, B.C.F. - France. I see your big brother quite often but have only spoken to him the twice so far. There has been only one shell light real close to their position since we came up here and I hope it may continue that way. You asked me for the exact position over here but I can't tell you now only that there is very heavy scrapping going on. There has been no cold weather here yet like other parts of the world I hear from however it isn't much wonder its warm here. I'm sorry I can't send you that photo this time however it will be along in a day or two as some of them have arrived all ready for the other boys. The young lady in Edinburgh got after the photographer and bustled him up a bit. It comes in handy to know a few in Edinburgh as I can get things sent over pretty handily. I haven't recd that letter from Bowmanville yet you mentioned off however I don't doubt but what it will reach here all right. Dudley Sears is here with the battery yet and he tells us that one of the Harris boys at Whitby has been here some how or other. No doubt you people will all know about it by this time. We have lost 5 of our boys all ready but not killed. Two were wounded the first day up at the guns or slightly shell shocked and the other two had to go the hospital for operations. I'll bet Pack as you call him isn't sorry that he is in Canada today. Do you know it is lively here at present and much ------ however the boys seem in good spirits for all that. And so a lot of your close neighbors are getting married over there. Now that Mina has done the trek I'll expect to hear the same of the rest of you Gores Landing girls now for there ought to be a good chance for you all now. I haven't saw Clark yet but I hear he is around here quite close. None of us feel much like running around at nights after our days work however the first chance I get I will rustle him up.

I don't know if it would be safe for you to call at 465 for a meal or not. I think that by the reports from Mary that she is laying up a good store for winter anyhow. All that is bothering me is that I won't be around to help spoil a bit of it. They give us lots to eat here. Our breakfast and tea is fine but we do the best that we can up at the guns for dinner. There are YMCA dugouts up along the line in fact way up past the guns and they are sure handy. All the tea and coffee is free and the rest is sold at reasonable prices . Well kid I guess this is about all this time. One is sure up against a proposition here for writing however I'll do the best I can. Hoping to hear from you soon again. Sincerely, Cecil.