My neighbours are coming home on Saturday and since I have been housesitting for the last month, I want it to be spic and span for when they arrive.
They will be tired enough from such a long trip from Africa and they don't need to see any mess.
I went in almost every day to check on the place and each day I collected their mail. It was so easy for me to do.
In spite of the fact that all the windows are tightly shut, dust seems to be everywhere, even on the floor.
I will make a coffee before going back there. It is very warm in their place right now so cannot stay for long periods of time.
It will be so nice to welcome them back. We are very close and visit back and forth fairly often.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Olivet United Church event
My friend Jennifer invited me to go with her to this special event. I really enjoyed it and met some very nice people.
She picked me up with her car and we went in together. It is a good thing she did, as it was not on a main street. I may still be searching for it!
The first concert started at 4 p.m. and ended at 5:00 p.m. The musicians playing were called "A String & a Prayer" It was marvelous. We took some shots but unfortunately they did not turn out too clearly.
This group featured David Broad, Diane Broad, Dan Flaherty, Meaghan Riedl, Greg Simpson and Norm Sonnenberg. The instruments played were guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, fiddle, Dobro and Bass. Vocals were done by several people in the band. I really was glad that we arrived early enough to hear this lovely presentation.
At the end of the concert, we all were invited to the church hall where we feasted on a delicious roast beef dinner, with gravy, mashed potatoes, green and yellow beans, horseradish and a bun. Juice was also part of this scrumptious dinner! We met some delightful people with whom we shared the table. They were from England originally and were great people to share a table with. David's accent was similar to a friend of mine in Toronto who also was from England.
Their son is a writer in England and the father David gave me his son's e-mail address so we could communicate. I liked both Vicky and David very much and hope that I will run into them at some other function.
The next entertainment was a group called "Sweet Refrain". It was a contemporary choir from St. Paul's United Church in Dundas, Ontario. This group goes around to nursing homes and retirement residences as well as sings at Sunday worship services.
I thoroughly enjoyed their singing and three of them joined our table for the desert and coffee after their performance.
If the roast beef dinner was not enough of a treat, then the apple pie with ice cream would certainly entice any reluctant appetite! Coffee and tea were served as well.
The final performers were called Jacobs Dream, and they were very familiar to many of the people who were in the audience. They played more rock music but did include other types of music as well. They had a very good beat.
The whole event finished at 9 p.m. and it was extremely well organized, from start to finish. My congratulations to not only the cooks and the many willing hands who helped, but also to the organizers of the different musical events.
Well done! Below you will see some shots of the various events.
This floral decoration was such a good idea, simple yet very elegant.
She picked me up with her car and we went in together. It is a good thing she did, as it was not on a main street. I may still be searching for it!
The first concert started at 4 p.m. and ended at 5:00 p.m. The musicians playing were called "A String & a Prayer" It was marvelous. We took some shots but unfortunately they did not turn out too clearly.
 |
| A String & a Prayer |
This group featured David Broad, Diane Broad, Dan Flaherty, Meaghan Riedl, Greg Simpson and Norm Sonnenberg. The instruments played were guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, fiddle, Dobro and Bass. Vocals were done by several people in the band. I really was glad that we arrived early enough to hear this lovely presentation.
At the end of the concert, we all were invited to the church hall where we feasted on a delicious roast beef dinner, with gravy, mashed potatoes, green and yellow beans, horseradish and a bun. Juice was also part of this scrumptious dinner! We met some delightful people with whom we shared the table. They were from England originally and were great people to share a table with. David's accent was similar to a friend of mine in Toronto who also was from England.
Their son is a writer in England and the father David gave me his son's e-mail address so we could communicate. I liked both Vicky and David very much and hope that I will run into them at some other function.
The next entertainment was a group called "Sweet Refrain". It was a contemporary choir from St. Paul's United Church in Dundas, Ontario. This group goes around to nursing homes and retirement residences as well as sings at Sunday worship services.
I thoroughly enjoyed their singing and three of them joined our table for the desert and coffee after their performance.
If the roast beef dinner was not enough of a treat, then the apple pie with ice cream would certainly entice any reluctant appetite! Coffee and tea were served as well.
The final performers were called Jacobs Dream, and they were very familiar to many of the people who were in the audience. They played more rock music but did include other types of music as well. They had a very good beat.
The whole event finished at 9 p.m. and it was extremely well organized, from start to finish. My congratulations to not only the cooks and the many willing hands who helped, but also to the organizers of the different musical events.
Well done! Below you will see some shots of the various events.
 |
| Floating candles and a real flower in this lovely cut glass bowl. Each table had one. |
This floral decoration was such a good idea, simple yet very elegant.
 |
| Sweet Refrain |
 |
| Jacobs Dream |
 |
| Me - near the grand piano in the front of the church |
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Last new writing group for the season
Even the flash of lighting, the threatening of a downpour, did not deter those hardy writers who came to the last writing workshop at Hamilton Artists Inc. It will be undergoing renovations and we normally close down for the summer months anyway.
Since it was the last night, I brought some home made almond cookies which everybody seemed to enjoy.
I brought my poem on the blind man and his near accident from the open manhole. Some valuable suggestions were made which will improve it.
By the time we got out - after 10:30 p.m. the sky had opened and buckets of water had descended upon the streets of Hamilton. Fortunately, I had a plastic poncho type of raincoat in my carry bag and was able to spare myself some of the wetness.
David was there so he was kind enough to offer me a drive home which I really appreciated. He drove into the garage area but my darn key fob did not work on the back door so I told him to leave and I walked in the pouring rain to the front door. My poncho worked overtime at that stage!
It was a very productive workshop and I shall look forward to commencing in September again.
Thanks for reading my blog and come and visit again when you get a chance.
Since it was the last night, I brought some home made almond cookies which everybody seemed to enjoy.
I brought my poem on the blind man and his near accident from the open manhole. Some valuable suggestions were made which will improve it.
By the time we got out - after 10:30 p.m. the sky had opened and buckets of water had descended upon the streets of Hamilton. Fortunately, I had a plastic poncho type of raincoat in my carry bag and was able to spare myself some of the wetness.
David was there so he was kind enough to offer me a drive home which I really appreciated. He drove into the garage area but my darn key fob did not work on the back door so I told him to leave and I walked in the pouring rain to the front door. My poncho worked overtime at that stage!
It was a very productive workshop and I shall look forward to commencing in September again.
Thanks for reading my blog and come and visit again when you get a chance.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
A gorgeous day - lovely time spent at Princess Point
On the few really gorgeous days that we are getting lately, I decided to forget about the housework and just go down on the bus to Princess Point.
It was a great decision. The sun was not too hot and I explored a new trail which I will explore further another time.
I saw two Geese, Mama and Papa, I assume. They were shepherding their six little goslings around. How I wished I had brought my camera! A darling little chipmunk darted past me, obviously thinking that I was a huge monster out to get him! It is an interesting thought how we humans must look to such tiny little creatures and how very threatening we must appear.
The way back on the No. 6 bus is much longer but at least I can get a seat and enjoy seeing all the large and beautiful homes on Aberdeen.
I had a lovely chat with both drivers. It is a much quieter route and people seem to be familiar with each other. I found that very nice.
All in all, a lovely afternoon. I went to help my friend with her house again last night as well. It is getting there, slow but surely.
Thanks for reading my blog.
It was a great decision. The sun was not too hot and I explored a new trail which I will explore further another time.
I saw two Geese, Mama and Papa, I assume. They were shepherding their six little goslings around. How I wished I had brought my camera! A darling little chipmunk darted past me, obviously thinking that I was a huge monster out to get him! It is an interesting thought how we humans must look to such tiny little creatures and how very threatening we must appear.
The way back on the No. 6 bus is much longer but at least I can get a seat and enjoy seeing all the large and beautiful homes on Aberdeen.
I had a lovely chat with both drivers. It is a much quieter route and people seem to be familiar with each other. I found that very nice.
All in all, a lovely afternoon. I went to help my friend with her house again last night as well. It is getting there, slow but surely.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Royal Botanical Gardens
What a lovely afternoon it turned out, in spite of the rainy start to the day. Rosie and I decided to go to the R.B.G. as the sun came out finally.
It was a great choice and we saw a wonderful variety of tulips, and some flowering trees. It was not overly crowded as it had been rainy but once the sun was out for awhile, people came.
Yellow tulips
We spent several hours there and enjoyed it very much then drove back to Pier 8 and spent some time in the outdoor patio of Williams Pub. Very enjoyable with warmth enough that we did not need our jackets in the afternoon.
All in all, a good time spent together.
It was a great choice and we saw a wonderful variety of tulips, and some flowering trees. It was not overly crowded as it had been rainy but once the sun was out for awhile, people came.
Yellow tulips
 |
| Pink tulips |
 |
| deep colour, almost purple |
 |
| me under a wonderful tree |
 |
| Delicate flowering almond tree I think |
We spent several hours there and enjoyed it very much then drove back to Pier 8 and spent some time in the outdoor patio of Williams Pub. Very enjoyable with warmth enough that we did not need our jackets in the afternoon.
All in all, a good time spent together.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Party time at the Lebanese Islamic Center
I was invited by my friend Sarah to go with her to a ladies party at the Center which is on Upper Gage. The 23 Upper Gage bus took us right there. Sarah met me at the McNab terminal though as it is a difficult place to find, as it has no name on the outside of the building and the number is either very small or in a place where it is not easily seen. After a long bus ride, almost to Stonechurch Road, we finally got there.
As we entered, we took our shoes off and left them on the shelves and walked into the prayer hall. For this event, it was held in the men's prayer hall. Nice carpet on the floor, lovely wall hangings of Qur'anic verses, and ample space for a party. This party was for the women of the mosque and only boys of age 5 and under could attend. All ages were represented among the women. I think I was the eldest there. Mostly young children, young women and middle aged women.
We were given a warm welcome as we entered and took seats.
Most of the ladies came conservatively dressed - a few did not. Once in the hall, hijabs came off, beautiful dresses emerged from under their abayas (a form of overcoat) and jewellery sparkled as the women chatted gaily with each other. This event is highly anticipated as it only happens once a year at this particular Islamic Center.
The little children scampered around, tossing balloons, lifting each other up to see who is stronger, and, in general, just being themselves - noisy and rambunctious! I just loved to see them. I even had a little girl come and sit next to me for a little while and we had a delightful conversation in English. She was almost five I think she said. Cute as a button and chatty. She came back twice to talk to me so she must have felt comfortable doing so.
There were some speeches about Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammed, pbuh, and there were quizes for the children on various figures mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. It was so wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the children as their hands shot up to be chosen to give the answer. Those with the correct answer got a little prize.
Also for the children, they had a puppet show put on by two of the ladies. It was adoreable. All in Arabic, of course. The puppets were dressed Islamically as were the dolls around the room. It seemed to me that the children really enjoyed the show. I did myself although I could not understand the words spoken.
Games were played, tug of war, sack hopping, apple bobbing, and several others strictly for children. For the adults, there was the egg game where you had to balance the egg on a spoon and run back and forth, a sack race, and also a tug of war. It reminded me of long ago Sunday School picnics. Good clean fun was had by all.
Several children gave a recitation in front of the assembled audience and they did very well. One little girl, who was dressed from head to toe in a golden fabric gave a little speech. She was celebrating the fact that she was now wearing hijab. She looked about 9 or 10 years of age and she looked absolutely smashing in her outfit. The organizers mentioned that if any families wanted to celebrate the putting on of hijab, they could use the hall for a party for free.
Arabic music was put on and the women danced together - sometimes in a circle, sometimes in a line. There was a definite step to it. I really enjoyed this although I could only watch. Somehow a cane gets in the way of dancing!
This happened several times during the evening. I wish there had been a little more dancing but we left at 9 p.m. as we had to take the bus home.
People were also invited to come up and place their name on a paper and the dollar amount they wanted to pay for an item. At the end of the evening, they would draw names out and this person would be able to take home the item at the price they wanted to pay for it. They had some lovely things to sell, such as perfume, a wonderful vase and other good items. I did not quite understand what was going on as it was all in Arabic so I missed on that one.
Food was served at the end of the event. Not too spicy, fortunately for me, and also some delicious deserts as well. Soft drinks were available. All this was complimentary.
They took some pictures with cameras but not of the general crowd, as the women were not covered. I had brought my camera, but decided not to use it as they did not know me. They also had a video machine going, again centered on the main stage where the organizers ran things. They stayed conservatively dressed all through the event.
I had the pleasure of meeting two of the doctor's daughters, one of them is studying chemical engineering. Good for her! She was a very sweet girl and we hit it off well.
All in all, a very nice evening and I hope that, God Willing, I can go again next year.
We took a taxi to near Sarah's place where she could walk home and I could take the No. 25 bus downtown. It worked out well.
After we parted and the bus pulled into Limeridge Mall, I saw something so disgusting that it made me angry.
There was an Ethopian woman who pushed her way to the front of the long line. She had a baby carriage. Following her were three other women of the same culture all with baby carriages. The driver politely told them that he could only take two carriages but instead of following the rules, they pushed their way into the bus through the front door. Thus four baby carriages (one was a double carriage) were in the space reserved for people with disabilities. Another couple came on with their baby carriage but they were very civilized. They may possibly have been from South or Central America.
The Ethopian woman was mouthy and obnoxious to the driver and he kept telling her not to touch him or he would call the police.
I have to say that my sympaties were with the driver here. To top it all, two of those women tried to cheat, they had expired transfers. One of the women paid again but the more aggressive one did not.
I don't know how the bus driver kept his cool. I, and everybody on that bus, wanted to kick those silly women off. What kind of an example are they giving their children by cheating and being so aggressive?
Very objectionable behaviour, in my opinion. Grrr.......
I have a good friend who is from Ethopia and her behaviour is not like those women at all. For shame on them.
Thanks for reading my blog, am off to a funeral now so have to go.
As we entered, we took our shoes off and left them on the shelves and walked into the prayer hall. For this event, it was held in the men's prayer hall. Nice carpet on the floor, lovely wall hangings of Qur'anic verses, and ample space for a party. This party was for the women of the mosque and only boys of age 5 and under could attend. All ages were represented among the women. I think I was the eldest there. Mostly young children, young women and middle aged women.
We were given a warm welcome as we entered and took seats.
Most of the ladies came conservatively dressed - a few did not. Once in the hall, hijabs came off, beautiful dresses emerged from under their abayas (a form of overcoat) and jewellery sparkled as the women chatted gaily with each other. This event is highly anticipated as it only happens once a year at this particular Islamic Center.
The little children scampered around, tossing balloons, lifting each other up to see who is stronger, and, in general, just being themselves - noisy and rambunctious! I just loved to see them. I even had a little girl come and sit next to me for a little while and we had a delightful conversation in English. She was almost five I think she said. Cute as a button and chatty. She came back twice to talk to me so she must have felt comfortable doing so.
There were some speeches about Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammed, pbuh, and there were quizes for the children on various figures mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. It was so wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the children as their hands shot up to be chosen to give the answer. Those with the correct answer got a little prize.
Also for the children, they had a puppet show put on by two of the ladies. It was adoreable. All in Arabic, of course. The puppets were dressed Islamically as were the dolls around the room. It seemed to me that the children really enjoyed the show. I did myself although I could not understand the words spoken.
Games were played, tug of war, sack hopping, apple bobbing, and several others strictly for children. For the adults, there was the egg game where you had to balance the egg on a spoon and run back and forth, a sack race, and also a tug of war. It reminded me of long ago Sunday School picnics. Good clean fun was had by all.
Several children gave a recitation in front of the assembled audience and they did very well. One little girl, who was dressed from head to toe in a golden fabric gave a little speech. She was celebrating the fact that she was now wearing hijab. She looked about 9 or 10 years of age and she looked absolutely smashing in her outfit. The organizers mentioned that if any families wanted to celebrate the putting on of hijab, they could use the hall for a party for free.
Arabic music was put on and the women danced together - sometimes in a circle, sometimes in a line. There was a definite step to it. I really enjoyed this although I could only watch. Somehow a cane gets in the way of dancing!
This happened several times during the evening. I wish there had been a little more dancing but we left at 9 p.m. as we had to take the bus home.
People were also invited to come up and place their name on a paper and the dollar amount they wanted to pay for an item. At the end of the evening, they would draw names out and this person would be able to take home the item at the price they wanted to pay for it. They had some lovely things to sell, such as perfume, a wonderful vase and other good items. I did not quite understand what was going on as it was all in Arabic so I missed on that one.
Food was served at the end of the event. Not too spicy, fortunately for me, and also some delicious deserts as well. Soft drinks were available. All this was complimentary.
They took some pictures with cameras but not of the general crowd, as the women were not covered. I had brought my camera, but decided not to use it as they did not know me. They also had a video machine going, again centered on the main stage where the organizers ran things. They stayed conservatively dressed all through the event.
I had the pleasure of meeting two of the doctor's daughters, one of them is studying chemical engineering. Good for her! She was a very sweet girl and we hit it off well.
All in all, a very nice evening and I hope that, God Willing, I can go again next year.
We took a taxi to near Sarah's place where she could walk home and I could take the No. 25 bus downtown. It worked out well.
After we parted and the bus pulled into Limeridge Mall, I saw something so disgusting that it made me angry.
There was an Ethopian woman who pushed her way to the front of the long line. She had a baby carriage. Following her were three other women of the same culture all with baby carriages. The driver politely told them that he could only take two carriages but instead of following the rules, they pushed their way into the bus through the front door. Thus four baby carriages (one was a double carriage) were in the space reserved for people with disabilities. Another couple came on with their baby carriage but they were very civilized. They may possibly have been from South or Central America.
The Ethopian woman was mouthy and obnoxious to the driver and he kept telling her not to touch him or he would call the police.
I have to say that my sympaties were with the driver here. To top it all, two of those women tried to cheat, they had expired transfers. One of the women paid again but the more aggressive one did not.
I don't know how the bus driver kept his cool. I, and everybody on that bus, wanted to kick those silly women off. What kind of an example are they giving their children by cheating and being so aggressive?
Very objectionable behaviour, in my opinion. Grrr.......
I have a good friend who is from Ethopia and her behaviour is not like those women at all. For shame on them.
Thanks for reading my blog, am off to a funeral now so have to go.
Friday, May 20, 2011
How can people live like this?
I went to help some friends of mine clean their new house. I should say, "new to them" house. In all my days, I have never seen such a mess left by other people. Every time I move, I always clean the old place once the furniture is out, but these people certainly did not do anything like that!
Rotten food left in the frig with unwelcome guests in it; frig held together with grey duct tape, definitely on its last legs, brown grease oozing out from under the frig, dust bunnies happily clinging to the iron grill at the back, clumps of grey dust, so thick that it is a wonder that the frig could work at all and the list could go on and on. Fortunately, I had brought many old rags with me and they certainly came in handy!
I concentrated on the kitchen while the others worked outside trying to get rid of some of the garbage left laying around.
At least now, the stove, frig and cupboards are ready for use as moving day starts today.
I like the layout of the house, nice size rooms, window in the kitchen with a nice ceramic floor, and there is lots of light in the place. I also like the neighbourhood - it is very quiet from what I see and there is a bus stop within a few yards of their front door. It is about a five minute walk down to Princess Point as well.
Needless to say, it was a very tiring experience and I shall go back one or two more times, to help with the cleaning of the house. Now I know how to get there, I can go myself.
All in all, an interesting experience. I do like the house very much and it will become a real home once the repairs are done.
Thanks for reading my blog and drop by again, should you wish to.
Rotten food left in the frig with unwelcome guests in it; frig held together with grey duct tape, definitely on its last legs, brown grease oozing out from under the frig, dust bunnies happily clinging to the iron grill at the back, clumps of grey dust, so thick that it is a wonder that the frig could work at all and the list could go on and on. Fortunately, I had brought many old rags with me and they certainly came in handy!
I concentrated on the kitchen while the others worked outside trying to get rid of some of the garbage left laying around.
At least now, the stove, frig and cupboards are ready for use as moving day starts today.
I like the layout of the house, nice size rooms, window in the kitchen with a nice ceramic floor, and there is lots of light in the place. I also like the neighbourhood - it is very quiet from what I see and there is a bus stop within a few yards of their front door. It is about a five minute walk down to Princess Point as well.
Needless to say, it was a very tiring experience and I shall go back one or two more times, to help with the cleaning of the house. Now I know how to get there, I can go myself.
All in all, an interesting experience. I do like the house very much and it will become a real home once the repairs are done.
Thanks for reading my blog and drop by again, should you wish to.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Ladies Group at St. John's Mother and Daughter evening
What a grand time we all had at this annual event. In spite of the inclement weather, more tables had to be added as women ignored the weather and braved the elements to come out.
This was the 16th annual Mother and Daughter event. It was delightful to see young girls with their grandmothers, mothers with their daughters, and women alone, enjoying this special time out. Several other Lutheran Churches came as well to join in this festive occasion. I believe they were from Grace and Transfiguration Lutheran.
The programme was as delightful as ever, with singing, poetry, a special story of "The Cab Ride" which tells of the last ride in a taxi of an elderly lady of 91 or 92 who calls for a cab to take her to a hospice. This story, although I have heard it before, always brings tears to my eyes. The driver took this dear lady to all the familiar places she knew as a child, as a young worker, as a married person which gave her so many pleasant memories to visualize in her last days.The driver spent many hours with her taking her wherever she wanted and it was a blessing for both of them. In the end, he brought her to the hospice but he did not charge her a penny. A very moving story, which, one day may be our own story if we live long enough. Let us hope that we get such a wonderful man as a driver who not only listened but understood her needs and spent several hours of his time with her.
Speaking of hospices, we took up a collection for the Bob Kemp Hospice here in Hamilton and raised almost $400.00 just from the assembled people. Our treasurer will round it out to $400 and send them a cheque.
Thandi, who is originally from Zimbabwe, brought some friends of hers for the evening and they favoured the assembled group with several beautiful songs. I took some shots of that.
What a real treat to hear them sing. They sang in both English and in their own language.
Our guest speaker for the evening was introduced by a lady from our group who had found her ad in the Shepard's Guide and chose to go to her for help with some medical issues she had. She has been her patient for a year now and is very satisfied.
The speaker's name is Vicky Hachey, who is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Allergist and her subject was "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made".
Vicky brought a slide show and explained a little about how she came to study in this field. For more information, please go to http://www.talktovicky.com/ where you will find many of the services that she offers.
Her practice is on Concession Street which is easy to get to from downtown or on the mountain.
Just a few points that I wrote down which may be helpful to my readers.
. Sugar wears down the immune system.
. Apples are very good - a complete food. All the nutrients are there in the apple.
. Eat real food - not packaged.
. Drink a glass of lemon water each morning. Squeeze an organic lemon into a glass of water. (2 tsps. of
lemon)
Vicky left us with many excellent points to consider.
The evening finished off with delicious home made German baking, herbal tea, coffee and regular tea.
All in all, a wonderful and interesting Mother/Daughter event at St. John's.
This was the 16th annual Mother and Daughter event. It was delightful to see young girls with their grandmothers, mothers with their daughters, and women alone, enjoying this special time out. Several other Lutheran Churches came as well to join in this festive occasion. I believe they were from Grace and Transfiguration Lutheran.
The programme was as delightful as ever, with singing, poetry, a special story of "The Cab Ride" which tells of the last ride in a taxi of an elderly lady of 91 or 92 who calls for a cab to take her to a hospice. This story, although I have heard it before, always brings tears to my eyes. The driver took this dear lady to all the familiar places she knew as a child, as a young worker, as a married person which gave her so many pleasant memories to visualize in her last days.The driver spent many hours with her taking her wherever she wanted and it was a blessing for both of them. In the end, he brought her to the hospice but he did not charge her a penny. A very moving story, which, one day may be our own story if we live long enough. Let us hope that we get such a wonderful man as a driver who not only listened but understood her needs and spent several hours of his time with her.
Speaking of hospices, we took up a collection for the Bob Kemp Hospice here in Hamilton and raised almost $400.00 just from the assembled people. Our treasurer will round it out to $400 and send them a cheque.
Thandi, who is originally from Zimbabwe, brought some friends of hers for the evening and they favoured the assembled group with several beautiful songs. I took some shots of that.
 |
| Thandi and friends singing their hearts out |
What a real treat to hear them sing. They sang in both English and in their own language.
Our guest speaker for the evening was introduced by a lady from our group who had found her ad in the Shepard's Guide and chose to go to her for help with some medical issues she had. She has been her patient for a year now and is very satisfied.
The speaker's name is Vicky Hachey, who is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Allergist and her subject was "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made".
Vicky brought a slide show and explained a little about how she came to study in this field. For more information, please go to http://www.talktovicky.com/ where you will find many of the services that she offers.
Her practice is on Concession Street which is easy to get to from downtown or on the mountain.
Just a few points that I wrote down which may be helpful to my readers.
. Sugar wears down the immune system.
. Apples are very good - a complete food. All the nutrients are there in the apple.
. Eat real food - not packaged.
. Drink a glass of lemon water each morning. Squeeze an organic lemon into a glass of water. (2 tsps. of
lemon)
Vicky left us with many excellent points to consider.
The evening finished off with delicious home made German baking, herbal tea, coffee and regular tea.
All in all, a wonderful and interesting Mother/Daughter event at St. John's.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
wirework
Hi, thanks for dropping by. I am posting a shot of a design I did quite recently which already has been sold.
Amethyst stone, silver plated wire, Swarovski crystals, and long enough that it can go easily over the head. It also has a clasp and safety chain.
Amethyst is such a beautiful stone to work with and Swarovski makes such lovely crystals that combining them is such a pleasure and makes an attractive pendant.
Thanks for dropping by.
Amethyst is such a beautiful stone to work with and Swarovski makes such lovely crystals that combining them is such a pleasure and makes an attractive pendant.
Thanks for dropping by.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Picnic in Gage Park
What a beautiful day it turned out to be for Mother's Day. The weather is warm and the sun is shining, no humidity and Gage Park and a bucket of chicken what awaited me.
On my way to St. Paul's today, I took a shot of the flowering bush which is at the corner of the property. It seems that Spring has finally arrived.
It was so beautiful that I had to stop and dig my camera out of my purse. I was a little late getting to the service but it was worth it.
There were a goodly amount of people at the service today, the nicer weather brings people out. Many of the people are very elderly and are almost housebound in the winter time.
Even the church looked spring-like with blossoms gracing the alter and the tables.
I went downstairs to the rummage sale as I was unable to go on Saturday. It turns out it was on Friday as well, my friend was wrong.
Ah well, I do love a rummage sale as you never know what treasures one can turn up. I got a pretty container which I can put some of my "findings" in and it will look a lot neater plus a few other good buys.
It was great fun for me to poke around. After that I went home and was just about to change from my good clothes to my house clothes when the phone rang and it was an invitation to a picnic.
We decided to go to Gage Park as it was quite close and a lovely area with lots of picnic tables.
I took some shots of the various scenery there to prove that Spring has finally come to Hamilton!
Some trees are still bare but some are getting green and the grass is getting there as well.
All in all, a lovely day.
Thanks for reading my blog and come back when you can.
On my way to St. Paul's today, I took a shot of the flowering bush which is at the corner of the property. It seems that Spring has finally arrived.
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| A sure sign of Spring - such a delight to see this blooming again |
There were a goodly amount of people at the service today, the nicer weather brings people out. Many of the people are very elderly and are almost housebound in the winter time.
Even the church looked spring-like with blossoms gracing the alter and the tables.
I went downstairs to the rummage sale as I was unable to go on Saturday. It turns out it was on Friday as well, my friend was wrong.
Ah well, I do love a rummage sale as you never know what treasures one can turn up. I got a pretty container which I can put some of my "findings" in and it will look a lot neater plus a few other good buys.
It was great fun for me to poke around. After that I went home and was just about to change from my good clothes to my house clothes when the phone rang and it was an invitation to a picnic.
We decided to go to Gage Park as it was quite close and a lovely area with lots of picnic tables.
I took some shots of the various scenery there to prove that Spring has finally come to Hamilton!
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Thanks for reading my blog and come back when you can.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day plant and bake sale
My job is to pour coffee and each year I look forward to that as I talk to lots of people this way. The event this year was not as well attended as last year, but in spite of that, I think we did all right.
Unfortunately for me, my "relief lady" was in the hospital and so I was unable to join some of my friends who came. Hopefully next year, things will get back to normal and I can join them for a little lunch.
Speaking of lunch, it was chicken schnitzel on a bun and I brought mine home to eat. I wasn't able to take lunch this time but that was okay.
I was very pleased to see Jennifer and Anita there. Anita brought some of her "Y" friends with her which was also very nice.
The next big function will be the mother/daughter evening with the guest speaker. That always is very nice as well.
All in all, a very nice day. Thanks for reading my blog.
Unfortunately for me, my "relief lady" was in the hospital and so I was unable to join some of my friends who came. Hopefully next year, things will get back to normal and I can join them for a little lunch.
Speaking of lunch, it was chicken schnitzel on a bun and I brought mine home to eat. I wasn't able to take lunch this time but that was okay.
I was very pleased to see Jennifer and Anita there. Anita brought some of her "Y" friends with her which was also very nice.
The next big function will be the mother/daughter evening with the guest speaker. That always is very nice as well.
All in all, a very nice day. Thanks for reading my blog.
What a lazy Friday I had!
Good Day,
It was raining as usual and I didn't feel like going out in it. I spent the day mostly on the phone and on Skype to Toronto with Nasima.
I sent her an invitation to join Skype and helped her get all set up and now she can phone her relatives in Pakistan for free. She is one happy camper! We had a great time talking on Skype and I can hear her better on Skype than on her phone. She has a cheap phone and the quality is not good. She is going to buy the same Webcam that I have and then we can see each other when we talk together.
I have noticed that on certain friend's phones, I have real trouble hearing them, but yet on other friend's phones, I can hear them really well. It is very confusing to me. I am using the same phone in the sitting room. It is quite frustrating for both sides I am sure. Oh well, I have no idea how to solve this problem, I have quite an expensive and well known brand phone so have done the best I can to fix the situation.
Sometimes it is easier to just e-mail people, especially when I cannot hear them on the regular phone.
On another note, our mutual friend is going to make Umra and will be gone for three weeks. One of the countries she will visit is Turkey and I know she will enjoy that. She and Nasima have cancelled the idea of going to Montreal this summer as the other trip is more important and quite costly, even when one goes in a group. I don't know if the girls will come here to visit me this summer or I will go into Toronto to visit them.
I will be visiting Asma for about four days some time during the summer. I am really looking forward to that.We always have such fun together. Angela will babysit the cats - that is one of the ways she makes extra money and she does it for this building only. My cats like her and it has always worked out very well in the past.
I will wait till after Ken has left Canada and this will divert my attention so that I will not feel so sad.
With Skype it does not seem so far away as I can see him when we chat.
When Sarah is away, I will be able to talk with her as well. I tried to use my one free call to a land line and call Andrew and Rahel in Ethopia but Ethopia was not on the free calling list. It is 56 cents per minute to call there so I can see why it is not on the free list.
I see a lot of possibilities with Skype - I have invited Nor in Malaysia to join for free and my friend Susan in the United Arab Emerites may also wish to talk this way. I shall ask her. It is opening up lots of interesting doors for me.
Today is the day I will be pouring coffee at a Mother's Day Bake and Plant sale so had better get organized and out the door!
Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.
It was raining as usual and I didn't feel like going out in it. I spent the day mostly on the phone and on Skype to Toronto with Nasima.
I sent her an invitation to join Skype and helped her get all set up and now she can phone her relatives in Pakistan for free. She is one happy camper! We had a great time talking on Skype and I can hear her better on Skype than on her phone. She has a cheap phone and the quality is not good. She is going to buy the same Webcam that I have and then we can see each other when we talk together.
I have noticed that on certain friend's phones, I have real trouble hearing them, but yet on other friend's phones, I can hear them really well. It is very confusing to me. I am using the same phone in the sitting room. It is quite frustrating for both sides I am sure. Oh well, I have no idea how to solve this problem, I have quite an expensive and well known brand phone so have done the best I can to fix the situation.
Sometimes it is easier to just e-mail people, especially when I cannot hear them on the regular phone.
On another note, our mutual friend is going to make Umra and will be gone for three weeks. One of the countries she will visit is Turkey and I know she will enjoy that. She and Nasima have cancelled the idea of going to Montreal this summer as the other trip is more important and quite costly, even when one goes in a group. I don't know if the girls will come here to visit me this summer or I will go into Toronto to visit them.
I will be visiting Asma for about four days some time during the summer. I am really looking forward to that.We always have such fun together. Angela will babysit the cats - that is one of the ways she makes extra money and she does it for this building only. My cats like her and it has always worked out very well in the past.
I will wait till after Ken has left Canada and this will divert my attention so that I will not feel so sad.
With Skype it does not seem so far away as I can see him when we chat.
When Sarah is away, I will be able to talk with her as well. I tried to use my one free call to a land line and call Andrew and Rahel in Ethopia but Ethopia was not on the free calling list. It is 56 cents per minute to call there so I can see why it is not on the free list.
I see a lot of possibilities with Skype - I have invited Nor in Malaysia to join for free and my friend Susan in the United Arab Emerites may also wish to talk this way. I shall ask her. It is opening up lots of interesting doors for me.
Today is the day I will be pouring coffee at a Mother's Day Bake and Plant sale so had better get organized and out the door!
Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.
Friday, May 6, 2011
A lovely Thursday but sad too!
It was a fantastic day yesterday (Thursday). I had a couple of hospital tests to go for and then walked along Concession Street, looking at the different shops. Went into the Middle Eastern Shop and found some very familiar spices and flavours which I purchased.
The weather was unbelieveable - the sun was out and not too breezy. People walking on the street had a look almost of joy as they strolled along rather than rushed to where they were going. What a difference the sun can make to people's moods.
Today (Friday) we are back into the rain again. I made it back in time for my two young friends. It was our last time together for English conversation with Edilma as she will be going back to Spain shortly. Jeanette came over to say goodbye. We all have exchanged Skype addresses so we can keep in touch via webcam.
I took plenty of pictures and are are a few of them.
Edilma loves my two cats so obviously we had to take some pictures for her to have when she returns. I think they turned out pretty well.
What a lovely time we all had together. We will keep in touch via webcam and Skype which makes it easier than saying "goodbye forever."
Thanks for reading my blog and have a good day.
The weather was unbelieveable - the sun was out and not too breezy. People walking on the street had a look almost of joy as they strolled along rather than rushed to where they were going. What a difference the sun can make to people's moods.
Today (Friday) we are back into the rain again. I made it back in time for my two young friends. It was our last time together for English conversation with Edilma as she will be going back to Spain shortly. Jeanette came over to say goodbye. We all have exchanged Skype addresses so we can keep in touch via webcam.
I took plenty of pictures and are are a few of them.
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| Edilma and Jeanette |
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| Jeanette and Edilma |
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| Edilma and Wilma |
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| Boots and Edilma |
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| Tiger and Edilma |
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| The two pals |
Thanks for reading my blog and have a good day.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
TheStar ‘Pet’ or ‘animal companion’? How to respectfully refer to the family dog
TheStar ‘Pet’ or ‘animal companion’? How to respectfully refer to the family dog
I found this quite an interesting article. All the people that I know who have animals in their home are so devoted to them and oftentimes treat them beter than family!
How many family members come immediately when called? How many family members greet one at the door with a welcome which leaves no doubt in the mind that their world is now complete because you are home?
I often think that animals are smarter than we are. We have to work to make a living, all they have to do is "be nice", show affection and come when called and we think they are great!
Enjoy the article and thanks for reading my blog.
I found this quite an interesting article. All the people that I know who have animals in their home are so devoted to them and oftentimes treat them beter than family!
How many family members come immediately when called? How many family members greet one at the door with a welcome which leaves no doubt in the mind that their world is now complete because you are home?
I often think that animals are smarter than we are. We have to work to make a living, all they have to do is "be nice", show affection and come when called and we think they are great!
Enjoy the article and thanks for reading my blog.
Farewell gathering for Svetlana
What a lovely idea to have a farewell gathering. At first I said "no thanks" as I don't like being out by myself after dark but then I decided to take a taxi and go that way. It only cost $5.00 which was very reasonable.
It was certainly easier than waiting half an hour for the next number 7 bus!
I really like Svetlana's Grandmother - she is very sweet. She trained and worked as a Geologist in Russia for forty years. Her English is very limited and Svetlana does all of the translating.
Olga and I left at 9 p.m. as we did not want to be out late on the street. I waited at the McNabb Platform with her until her bus came and then went home.
All in all, a lovely evening.
It was certainly easier than waiting half an hour for the next number 7 bus!
I really like Svetlana's Grandmother - she is very sweet. She trained and worked as a Geologist in Russia for forty years. Her English is very limited and Svetlana does all of the translating.
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| Olga, Svetlana and Rimma |
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| Wilma, Svetlana, Rimma |
Olga and I left at 9 p.m. as we did not want to be out late on the street. I waited at the McNabb Platform with her until her bus came and then went home.
All in all, a lovely evening.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Day after the elections
It remains to be seen in the next four years how things will work out. I personally am delighted that the NDP will be the opposition party. It was so good that they got so many seats, especially in Quebec.
I also am very happy that Elizabeth May, the Green Party leader won her seat in the House of Commons and I expect that she will work hard to further the environmental issues that Canada faces.
I did not care for the mudslinging that both the Conversatives and the Liberals did in the last week or so of the campaign aimed against Jack Layton and the NDP party. I was very proud that Jack Layton did not descend to that level of politics but kept to his issues.
My hope is that everybody will now buckle down in the Government and get to work to solve the many problems which this country faces.
Thanks for reading my blog and have a good day!
I also am very happy that Elizabeth May, the Green Party leader won her seat in the House of Commons and I expect that she will work hard to further the environmental issues that Canada faces.
I did not care for the mudslinging that both the Conversatives and the Liberals did in the last week or so of the campaign aimed against Jack Layton and the NDP party. I was very proud that Jack Layton did not descend to that level of politics but kept to his issues.
My hope is that everybody will now buckle down in the Government and get to work to solve the many problems which this country faces.
Thanks for reading my blog and have a good day!
Monday, May 2, 2011
My new webcam
It was great fun for me to show her how to make the wirework and to make a bail and she is so delighted with it. I shall miss her but she has to go back home this week.
SVETLANA, my Russian friend, installed the webcam for me and it works! 
What a busy day today has been! I am very tired but very satisfied. I was able to show Swetlana how to do some wirework in jewellery making and how to put clasps onto necklaces. She and I had a real good time.
She used a jig for the first time and was delighted with the results of it.
Today is election day in Canada and I have voted already. It will be interesting to see the results. I am amazed by how well the NDP is doing in the polls, let us see if it works out in the actual vote!
Thanks for reading my blog. Have a great day!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
An afternoon well spent
I was honoured to be invited to the Qur'anic reading for my Kuwaiti/Iranian friend's second Mom. She passed away last Saturday but my friend only found out a day ago. She immediately called her lady friends and we gathered at her place for the ceremony.
The lady, may God forgive all her sins and bless her with paradise, was in her very early 70's.
The melodic voices of the Arabic speaking women were enchanting, many words I recognized as they read from certain passages of the Qur'an.
I have never been to a Shia ceremony before so this was a new experience for me. The ladies were very kind and explained some of the differences between Shia and Sunni to me. I found out that they can pray to five members of "special people" of the Prophet's family. Similar in some ways, to Catholics praying to the Virgin Mary, also most Christians pray through Jesus the Christ when praying to God Almighty. They act as intercessors on behalf of the one praying.
I have been to several ceremonies in Toronto praying for the departed soul. The prayers and reading of the
Qur'an are for the benefit of the soul of the departed. It will be added to her good points.
In Islam, each soul is responsible for their own actions and each good and bad point is recorded that the person thinks and does. Thus, it is better if a person does more good than bad. It is only due to the Mercy of God that anybody will get to Heaven.
As many of you know, Judaism, Christianity and Islam share a link through Father Abraham and have so many similarities in their belief patterns. In fact, the eldest child born of Abraham was Ismael, son of Haggar, the slave woman whom Sarah his first wife, gave to Abraham so that Sarah could have children through this younger woman. As far as Christians are concerned, Isaac is the child of the promise. In Judaism, Isaac is also considered the important son.
It was a very lovely ceremony and very peaceful and I hope that it comforted my friend in her loss. We had some tasty snacks after the ceremony. One of the ladies had made some very tasty dates mixed with other ingredients. This was the first time I had tasted dates this way. Delicious!
The ladies were delightful and I enjoyed meeting them very much. One of the ladies asked her son to bring me back downtown so we all had an extra time together in the car.
Very fine and dedicated people and good friends to my friend. I was so pleased to see such a strong support system for her.
Thanks for reading my blog and come back another time, if you wish.
The lady, may God forgive all her sins and bless her with paradise, was in her very early 70's.
The melodic voices of the Arabic speaking women were enchanting, many words I recognized as they read from certain passages of the Qur'an.
I have never been to a Shia ceremony before so this was a new experience for me. The ladies were very kind and explained some of the differences between Shia and Sunni to me. I found out that they can pray to five members of "special people" of the Prophet's family. Similar in some ways, to Catholics praying to the Virgin Mary, also most Christians pray through Jesus the Christ when praying to God Almighty. They act as intercessors on behalf of the one praying.
I have been to several ceremonies in Toronto praying for the departed soul. The prayers and reading of the
Qur'an are for the benefit of the soul of the departed. It will be added to her good points.
In Islam, each soul is responsible for their own actions and each good and bad point is recorded that the person thinks and does. Thus, it is better if a person does more good than bad. It is only due to the Mercy of God that anybody will get to Heaven.
As many of you know, Judaism, Christianity and Islam share a link through Father Abraham and have so many similarities in their belief patterns. In fact, the eldest child born of Abraham was Ismael, son of Haggar, the slave woman whom Sarah his first wife, gave to Abraham so that Sarah could have children through this younger woman. As far as Christians are concerned, Isaac is the child of the promise. In Judaism, Isaac is also considered the important son.
It was a very lovely ceremony and very peaceful and I hope that it comforted my friend in her loss. We had some tasty snacks after the ceremony. One of the ladies had made some very tasty dates mixed with other ingredients. This was the first time I had tasted dates this way. Delicious!
The ladies were delightful and I enjoyed meeting them very much. One of the ladies asked her son to bring me back downtown so we all had an extra time together in the car.
Very fine and dedicated people and good friends to my friend. I was so pleased to see such a strong support system for her.
Thanks for reading my blog and come back another time, if you wish.
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