I went to the mall to get a few things at Harts today. While I was in the mall heading towards the CityCenter, I saw a man about 35 asking many people for a quarter and not one person helped him. He must have asked at least 10 people.
As I progressed into the City Center, I found out from looking down on the bottom floor that Solomon, the head of security, was escorting this fellow out of the mall.
This man was not harrassing anybody, asking very politely and even when people refused him, he wished them a Merry Christmas but not in a sarcastic tone of voice.
He was not drunk nor disorderly. People are becoming more and more selfish. Most people can spare a quarter surely?
Even if they couldn't, would it hurt to be polite to this fellow instead of just ignoring him like he was invisible?
As you can see, I am somewhat upset with the selfish behaviour of some people.
He got ahead of me and I could not catch up with him. I had enough money with me to buy him a coffee which I intended to do. It is a very cold day today. Anybody can be down on their luck, and nobody knows what their future holds. Could it be one day that they too may need a little help?
Would they like it if they were treated as an invisible person?
I think not!
On that note, I shall sign off for today. Have a good day. Looking forward for our annual luncheon at the Club with our group of friends.
Thanks for dropping by.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
Saturday, December 9, 2017
December seems to be getting very busy.
My friend Jeff's concert was at 11 o'clock on the 3rd of December and Mohamed and I went to hear him and the other singers. It was very nice.
On the 5th of December, it was our Lutheran Women's regular meeting but with a Christmas theme. I was requested to read a poem. Every member was asked to bring a pair of socks for MacSoc which is a programme run out of St. John's for people in need as well as with physical and mental disabilities. It has been running for many,many years. Student Nurses are part of the programme as well which is a good experience for them.
On the 8th of December it was our Bibles and Bagels potluck which was held in Hanna's building. It was just lovely. Unfortunately I forgot my carmen so there are no pictures at all.
It was a potluck and there was a wide variety of main courses dishes as well as some very yummy desserts. German baking is wonderful!
Pastor Dani picked me up and also brought me home, which I appreciated. I was going to try and book DARTS but happily for me, she invited me to go with her.
We are such a lovely group and I have known most of them for 14 years ever since I arrived here from Toronto. I was so fortunate to find them.
I had a little health problem in the late morning and was not sure if I could make it, but I took some meds from the pharmacy and it seemed to work. Jennifer picked both Jennifer T and I up and drove us out to Stoney Creek which is at least half an hour from downtown. It is lovely out there but too far if you take the buses.
It was again a potluck which is always nice. There was a fair turnout but not everybody was able to come. I did remember my camera, thanks to my friend Jennifer, who reminded me, so I will post a couple of group pictures here.
On the 5th of December, it was our Lutheran Women's regular meeting but with a Christmas theme. I was requested to read a poem. Every member was asked to bring a pair of socks for MacSoc which is a programme run out of St. John's for people in need as well as with physical and mental disabilities. It has been running for many,many years. Student Nurses are part of the programme as well which is a good experience for them.
On the 8th of December it was our Bibles and Bagels potluck which was held in Hanna's building. It was just lovely. Unfortunately I forgot my carmen so there are no pictures at all.
It was a potluck and there was a wide variety of main courses dishes as well as some very yummy desserts. German baking is wonderful!
Pastor Dani picked me up and also brought me home, which I appreciated. I was going to try and book DARTS but happily for me, she invited me to go with her.
We are such a lovely group and I have known most of them for 14 years ever since I arrived here from Toronto. I was so fortunate to find them.
I had a little health problem in the late morning and was not sure if I could make it, but I took some meds from the pharmacy and it seemed to work. Jennifer picked both Jennifer T and I up and drove us out to Stoney Creek which is at least half an hour from downtown. It is lovely out there but too far if you take the buses.
It was again a potluck which is always nice. There was a fair turnout but not everybody was able to come. I did remember my camera, thanks to my friend Jennifer, who reminded me, so I will post a couple of group pictures here.
As I said, it was not the whole group who was able to come but a fair number of people came out and enjoyed food, fellowship and the reading of Christmas poetry.
AsI have not been able to write any creative things for the last almost two years I did not bring anything to read.
Some people read from other people's work.
We stayed until about 5 p.m. and then we made our way home - thanks to Jennifer F.
Thanks for dropping by and I hope that you will all have a pleasant day and if it is night time when you read this, a good night's sleep!
Saturday, November 25, 2017
This and that
I don't really have much to say right now. I have been out for lunch with some good friends of mine twice this month and went to our ladies group last Tuesday. All nice things.
Since the weather has turned cooler, I am not so interested in going out places unless it is a short hop to where I am going.
I have been fighting with a cold since Thursday and almost lost my voice. It started with a sore throat, and then progressed with loss of voice (almost) and no sleep hardly at all.
I seem to get up at 3 a.m. and remain up for the rest of the day and into the night. It really does away with energy when that happens.
I am hoping that once the silly cold goes away, my sleep pattern will improve. Today I was up at 1 a.m. It is amazing how much house work one can do at that hour.
I continue to downsize and probably will do so for the rest of my life.
December is filling up with lots of nice things coming up. I don't know if my son is cooking Christmas dinner or not - will have to wait and see.
Once a year, although this year, our little group went to eat on the patio of the club so that was nice also, we get together once the club is decorated for Christmas and enjoy a nice meal together.
It is my friend Jeff's Christmas concert coming up and I plan to go. Mohamed and Anita also usually come to that as well.
It will be the first of Advent service at St. John's coming up as well and that is always a really great time. My friend Mary tries to come from Toronto for that but this year, she is unable to do so. Mohamed always come to that as well and enjoys it very much.
Mary and I met at the Lutheran Church when we were in our early thirities and now both of us are in our middle seventies so it is a very long and good friendship.
I have been very busy crocheting dishcloths for the bazaar and brought about 8 to sell for the church and its work. As usual, for that bazaar I poured coffee, tea and herbal tea. It was also the Santa Claus parade the same day at 4 p.m. but the route was changed this year for some reason.
Jody, Ken and little Eve went to see it and called me to see if I wanted to join them but alas, I did not get the message till it was almost over. I was just too tired anyway to go. It would have been so great to see the excitement on little Eve's face. Perhaps next year?
I lost my watch about a week ago. It may have just dropped off my wrist in the house and the cat may have decided to play with it. Hopefully I will find it eventually.
In the meantime, I had an old, old watch (pocket style) and I crocheted a leather chain for it and had the jeweller put a new battery in it so that will do for now until I find it.
It was an old watch but I liked it so hope I find it.
Thanks for dropping by.
Since the weather has turned cooler, I am not so interested in going out places unless it is a short hop to where I am going.
I have been fighting with a cold since Thursday and almost lost my voice. It started with a sore throat, and then progressed with loss of voice (almost) and no sleep hardly at all.
I seem to get up at 3 a.m. and remain up for the rest of the day and into the night. It really does away with energy when that happens.
I am hoping that once the silly cold goes away, my sleep pattern will improve. Today I was up at 1 a.m. It is amazing how much house work one can do at that hour.
I continue to downsize and probably will do so for the rest of my life.
December is filling up with lots of nice things coming up. I don't know if my son is cooking Christmas dinner or not - will have to wait and see.
Once a year, although this year, our little group went to eat on the patio of the club so that was nice also, we get together once the club is decorated for Christmas and enjoy a nice meal together.
It is my friend Jeff's Christmas concert coming up and I plan to go. Mohamed and Anita also usually come to that as well.
It will be the first of Advent service at St. John's coming up as well and that is always a really great time. My friend Mary tries to come from Toronto for that but this year, she is unable to do so. Mohamed always come to that as well and enjoys it very much.
Mary and I met at the Lutheran Church when we were in our early thirities and now both of us are in our middle seventies so it is a very long and good friendship.
I have been very busy crocheting dishcloths for the bazaar and brought about 8 to sell for the church and its work. As usual, for that bazaar I poured coffee, tea and herbal tea. It was also the Santa Claus parade the same day at 4 p.m. but the route was changed this year for some reason.
Jody, Ken and little Eve went to see it and called me to see if I wanted to join them but alas, I did not get the message till it was almost over. I was just too tired anyway to go. It would have been so great to see the excitement on little Eve's face. Perhaps next year?
I lost my watch about a week ago. It may have just dropped off my wrist in the house and the cat may have decided to play with it. Hopefully I will find it eventually.
In the meantime, I had an old, old watch (pocket style) and I crocheted a leather chain for it and had the jeweller put a new battery in it so that will do for now until I find it.
It was an old watch but I liked it so hope I find it.
Thanks for dropping by.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Some news in October
Our little group of friends went to Taylor's Tea Room in Dundas, Ontario and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It is such a cute little place and the food is excellent and plentiful. Jeff drove me which was very kind of him. Pastor Dani and I visited Sami in the hospital on the Monday and at the same time visited another friend who happened to be in as well.
It was my week for lunch at the club - thanksgiving dinner on Thursday and Rosemary and her sister Jeff on Friday.
I am looking forward to going to our ladies group tomorrow (Tuesday) as it is a potluck and everybody there are great cooks and bakers. I don't have much planned for this month at all.
Just don't feel like going anywhere special. I imagine I will read a great deal (borrowed tons of books from the library) and watch Netflix as well. I also borrowed two DVD's from the library and have to have them back in a week's time unless I can renew them.
The weather outside is turning colder now. I sat downstairs for about half an hour just wearing my spring jacket and felt cold so will have to bring out my heavier clothing soon.
That in itself is quite a big job, as most things are stored clean in boxes in the cupboard and I will have to iron them before wearing them again.
I wish my cupboards had more room so I could just hang them in dust covers in another closet when I change them for the season.
Ah well, it is wonderful to have more than enough clothing and I do not need to buy anything this year at all for the winter.
Have a good day and thanks for dropping by.
It was my week for lunch at the club - thanksgiving dinner on Thursday and Rosemary and her sister Jeff on Friday.
I am looking forward to going to our ladies group tomorrow (Tuesday) as it is a potluck and everybody there are great cooks and bakers. I don't have much planned for this month at all.
Just don't feel like going anywhere special. I imagine I will read a great deal (borrowed tons of books from the library) and watch Netflix as well. I also borrowed two DVD's from the library and have to have them back in a week's time unless I can renew them.
The weather outside is turning colder now. I sat downstairs for about half an hour just wearing my spring jacket and felt cold so will have to bring out my heavier clothing soon.
That in itself is quite a big job, as most things are stored clean in boxes in the cupboard and I will have to iron them before wearing them again.
I wish my cupboards had more room so I could just hang them in dust covers in another closet when I change them for the season.
Ah well, it is wonderful to have more than enough clothing and I do not need to buy anything this year at all for the winter.
Have a good day and thanks for dropping by.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
September 22 and onward
On Friday the 22nd our little group went out to Boston Pizza in the east end which was very enjoyable and the food was good. As usual, we had a good time. Our next eating adventure will be in Dundas, Ontario in October.
I did not bring my camera. On the 25th I will see my family doctor and ask for an ex-ray of my lower back. On the 28th Simon and I are going for tea at the club and in October Ken and I will enjoy the Thanksgiving buffet.
It is beastly hot today Around 90 degree Farenheit and for the seond day of October, it is unseasonably warm.
Have a great day and hopefully the weather will cool down in a day or so and be more like the fall which I love.
Thanks for dropping by.
I did not bring my camera. On the 25th I will see my family doctor and ask for an ex-ray of my lower back. On the 28th Simon and I are going for tea at the club and in October Ken and I will enjoy the Thanksgiving buffet.
It is beastly hot today Around 90 degree Farenheit and for the seond day of October, it is unseasonably warm.
Have a great day and hopefully the weather will cool down in a day or so and be more like the fall which I love.
Thanks for dropping by.
September 13 tp 19
We tried a new coffee shop at Gore Park which was nice and the food good.
It was an art gallery as well as a coffee shop - The Red Church.
I suspect it was more for younger people but they were very welcoming.
Thanks for dropping by.
On the 14th my friend Simon came and helped me tidy up the small room and he took away a lot of stuff for the Rummage Sale at St. Paul/s. Things are gradually looking better in the little room but there is a long, long way to go yet as many things are now in the living room..
On the 18th, my friend Mohamed flew to Egypt as his son Ahmad was getting married on Septemer 25th. He arrived safely.
On the 19th Janet and Mike came for a visit from Acton and we ate on the Terrace at the club and enjoyed ourselves very much. They had to leave by 2:30 as Mike had to go to work. Here are some pictures from that day. I took a picture of them but for some reason it did not turn out. The last picture is of me. Again the machine will not let me go down further and I have no understanding why it now doesn`t.
It was an art gallery as well as a coffee shop - The Red Church.
I suspect it was more for younger people but they were very welcoming.
Thanks for dropping by.
On the 14th my friend Simon came and helped me tidy up the small room and he took away a lot of stuff for the Rummage Sale at St. Paul/s. Things are gradually looking better in the little room but there is a long, long way to go yet as many things are now in the living room..
On the 18th, my friend Mohamed flew to Egypt as his son Ahmad was getting married on Septemer 25th. He arrived safely.
On the 19th Janet and Mike came for a visit from Acton and we ate on the Terrace at the club and enjoyed ourselves very much. They had to leave by 2:30 as Mike had to go to work. Here are some pictures from that day. I took a picture of them but for some reason it did not turn out. The last picture is of me. Again the machine will not let me go down further and I have no understanding why it now doesn`t.
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| Colius plant on the terrace |
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| Another beautiful plant on the terrace |
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| Add caption |
September 6th onward
Our little group went to Joanne's for lunch. As usual, she served a wonderful meal. She totally spoils us to say the least.
Jeff brought me in his car for which I was thankful. We always enjoy going to Joanne's home.
Another nice event event September 9th with Super Crawl. Anna and Bill came to Hamilton and I served a vegetarian dinner to them before we went to Super Crawl. Super Crawl is becoming more and more popular each year and the crowds were huge. Their bus left to go back home at 5:30 I think it was.
All in all a nice day with good weather.
Here are some pictures from then. Again, I cannot go any further down for some reason.
Jeff brought me in his car for which I was thankful. We always enjoy going to Joanne's home.
Another nice event event September 9th with Super Crawl. Anna and Bill came to Hamilton and I served a vegetarian dinner to them before we went to Super Crawl. Super Crawl is becoming more and more popular each year and the crowds were huge. Their bus left to go back home at 5:30 I think it was.
All in all a nice day with good weather.
Here are some pictures from then. Again, I cannot go any further down for some reason.
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| The bus they came in |
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| A distant picture of them leaving the bus |
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| Anna and Bill |
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| a snapshot of Super Crawl |
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| Random shots of Super Crawl |
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| Bill wanted this picture as he is an artist and liked the art on the Armoury |
September 2nd, 2017
September 2nd was a great day. My friend Jennifer pickd me up at the back door and we went to Waterdown to a European restaurant there and then to LaSalle Park. I enjoyed both but I really loved the chipmunks and the other creatures in the park the best..
We spent several lovely hours together chatting, eating and enjoying nature..
Here are some pictures of the day. I wanted to add more items to this post but was unable to for some reason. Will have to do a new post for further news in September.
We spent several lovely hours together chatting, eating and enjoying nature..
Here are some pictures of the day. I wanted to add more items to this post but was unable to for some reason. Will have to do a new post for further news in September.
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| My pal Jennifer |
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| LaSalle Park, Burlington, Ontario |
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| LaSalle Park and its bird life. |
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| My curious friend |
Friday, September 1, 2017
September 1st and |I have no idea where the summer has gone! It seems to me that it has flown by and thankfully it has not been as beastly hot as it was last year while I was in the hospital.
Lots has happened since my last entry. My son and I spent our birthday together and had a BBQ at his place which was nice. Also nice was the fact that my little group brought me flowers plus treated me for lunch at a lovely hotel.
I have been spending plenty of time at the waterfront alone sometimes and other times with friends.
I just love to be near the water! That will end at the end of Labour Day (Monday night at 9 pm),
This summer I have borrowed tons of books from our wonderful library and because it is now labour day weekend, borrowed more just in case I ran out before they opened again.
Central library is one of my most favourite spots to go to in Hamilton. I also like the Westdale library as well. It is smaller than Central, but very cozy and you see lots of families enjoying quality time together there.
Central Library also has a special section for children and their parents. In it is a row of fish tanks with all kinds of small fish in it, plus little chairs and tables, blocks, puzzles, computers and a general atmosphere of coziness. Moving on from the library, our little group was invited to Joanne's family picnic which turned out to be very enjoyable. Binbrooke Conservation Area is lovely. It has water running through it, a children's playground, a splash pad and further down I believe there may have been a little store but am not sure of that.
Jeff took Ruby and I in his car, and we all split the entrance fee equally. It turned very cool while we were there and I was thankful that I brought my jacket. Ruby was very, very cold - chilled to the bone. Joanne had bought a tarp so we made use of it to keep warm as well as to make a little tent for the younger members of the family. They were adoreable!
To me, the highlight of the day was playing with the little ones with the tarp tent! The giggles made my day!
As usual, Joanne excelled herself with her wonderful cooking.
We all are invited to her place for our annual picnic. Some of us are getting too old to enjoy a picnic on a bench for a long period of time so we are having it indoors at Joanne's this year.
I saw the surgeon for the gallbladder issue but he said I didn't need an operation for which I am most thankful! I have had enough medical intervention unless it is an emergency.
I also had a hearing appointment with the Hearing Society and there was no need to change my hearing aids. The rules have changed, it is now 5 years before the Government will help pay for hearing aids. It used to be 3. In Canada the government pays $500 for each individual hearing aid, thus $1,000 which is a good help. They are really expensive but this helps.
I was without my hearing aids for 21 days when they were sent in for a thorough cleaning. It was great to hear better when they were returned to me!
A friend of mine invited me to the club for lunch during this month as well which was nice. However, she told the server to give individual bills. This is the second time she has done this to me. I am wondering if she has become confused. It does not matter really - I will prepare myself for this to happen from now on. She means well.
I had a wonderful visit with Carmen and Wally in the middle of August and I treated them to lunch at Tobys Restaurant which we all enjoyed. We had a great visit!
Near the end of the month, I had my regular visit to the Cardiac Outpatient Unit of the Hamilton General and the problem has been regulated and all is well again.
A nice month, watched a lot of roku and Netflix as well and read a few books and did some housework. Still am in the downsizing stage but having trouble being motivated.
Thanks for dropping by.
Lots has happened since my last entry. My son and I spent our birthday together and had a BBQ at his place which was nice. Also nice was the fact that my little group brought me flowers plus treated me for lunch at a lovely hotel.
I have been spending plenty of time at the waterfront alone sometimes and other times with friends.
I just love to be near the water! That will end at the end of Labour Day (Monday night at 9 pm),
This summer I have borrowed tons of books from our wonderful library and because it is now labour day weekend, borrowed more just in case I ran out before they opened again.
Central library is one of my most favourite spots to go to in Hamilton. I also like the Westdale library as well. It is smaller than Central, but very cozy and you see lots of families enjoying quality time together there.
Central Library also has a special section for children and their parents. In it is a row of fish tanks with all kinds of small fish in it, plus little chairs and tables, blocks, puzzles, computers and a general atmosphere of coziness. Moving on from the library, our little group was invited to Joanne's family picnic which turned out to be very enjoyable. Binbrooke Conservation Area is lovely. It has water running through it, a children's playground, a splash pad and further down I believe there may have been a little store but am not sure of that.
Jeff took Ruby and I in his car, and we all split the entrance fee equally. It turned very cool while we were there and I was thankful that I brought my jacket. Ruby was very, very cold - chilled to the bone. Joanne had bought a tarp so we made use of it to keep warm as well as to make a little tent for the younger members of the family. They were adoreable!
To me, the highlight of the day was playing with the little ones with the tarp tent! The giggles made my day!
As usual, Joanne excelled herself with her wonderful cooking.
We all are invited to her place for our annual picnic. Some of us are getting too old to enjoy a picnic on a bench for a long period of time so we are having it indoors at Joanne's this year.
I saw the surgeon for the gallbladder issue but he said I didn't need an operation for which I am most thankful! I have had enough medical intervention unless it is an emergency.
I also had a hearing appointment with the Hearing Society and there was no need to change my hearing aids. The rules have changed, it is now 5 years before the Government will help pay for hearing aids. It used to be 3. In Canada the government pays $500 for each individual hearing aid, thus $1,000 which is a good help. They are really expensive but this helps.
I was without my hearing aids for 21 days when they were sent in for a thorough cleaning. It was great to hear better when they were returned to me!
A friend of mine invited me to the club for lunch during this month as well which was nice. However, she told the server to give individual bills. This is the second time she has done this to me. I am wondering if she has become confused. It does not matter really - I will prepare myself for this to happen from now on. She means well.
I had a wonderful visit with Carmen and Wally in the middle of August and I treated them to lunch at Tobys Restaurant which we all enjoyed. We had a great visit!
Near the end of the month, I had my regular visit to the Cardiac Outpatient Unit of the Hamilton General and the problem has been regulated and all is well again.
A nice month, watched a lot of roku and Netflix as well and read a few books and did some housework. Still am in the downsizing stage but having trouble being motivated.
Thanks for dropping by.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Sunday's events
I was not feeling up to par today so stayed close to home. Around 3 p.m. I went over to the mall just to have somewhere to go.
People watching is one of my most favourite things to do. Today, there was rain forecasted so I could not go down to Pier 8.
I was lucky, the heavy rain happened when I was in the mall and it was only a few drops by the time I left.
You see the most interesting people in the mall - all shapes, all sizes, all from different ethnic groups.
Hamilton is a very international city. I like it for that. Toronto and Montreal also. In Montreal, there were many Spanish speaking people as French is easier for them to learn.
I have to say that the Spanish speaking people sure know how to have a good time - all you need is two or three people and a little food and everybody has a good time.
I also notice that people from the West Indies enjoy life as well and are more spontaneous in their outlook. Good for them!
Life is too short to be gloomy and "down". I try and enjoy the little things of life, a nice cup of herbal tea, a lovely chat with a friend over the phone, going to the waterfront, and hiking at Princess Point.These things do not cost much money at all. In fact, some of them cost nothing!
In my opinion, good solid friends are so important and should be cherished. I have friends still from Montreal and Toronto and I am so blessed to have some great friends here as well. Many from the writing community, some from the two churches, some from Whitehen concerts. I have one friend I have known for almost 75 years. She lives in Collingwood, Ontario so we don't see each other very often.
It is my son's and my birthday coming up. We have a joint birthday which is nice.
The gals are taking me out for lunch to a local hotel here. It should be nice - I have never been there before.
I think that is all. I will go back to watching Netflix and their special programme called The Crown. An excellent picture so far. It follows the life of the British royality basically.
Isn't it strange that the British royality have German relatives. That must have been very tricky in World War 2!
Thanks for dropping by.
People watching is one of my most favourite things to do. Today, there was rain forecasted so I could not go down to Pier 8.
I was lucky, the heavy rain happened when I was in the mall and it was only a few drops by the time I left.
You see the most interesting people in the mall - all shapes, all sizes, all from different ethnic groups.
Hamilton is a very international city. I like it for that. Toronto and Montreal also. In Montreal, there were many Spanish speaking people as French is easier for them to learn.
I have to say that the Spanish speaking people sure know how to have a good time - all you need is two or three people and a little food and everybody has a good time.
I also notice that people from the West Indies enjoy life as well and are more spontaneous in their outlook. Good for them!
Life is too short to be gloomy and "down". I try and enjoy the little things of life, a nice cup of herbal tea, a lovely chat with a friend over the phone, going to the waterfront, and hiking at Princess Point.These things do not cost much money at all. In fact, some of them cost nothing!
In my opinion, good solid friends are so important and should be cherished. I have friends still from Montreal and Toronto and I am so blessed to have some great friends here as well. Many from the writing community, some from the two churches, some from Whitehen concerts. I have one friend I have known for almost 75 years. She lives in Collingwood, Ontario so we don't see each other very often.
It is my son's and my birthday coming up. We have a joint birthday which is nice.
The gals are taking me out for lunch to a local hotel here. It should be nice - I have never been there before.
I think that is all. I will go back to watching Netflix and their special programme called The Crown. An excellent picture so far. It follows the life of the British royality basically.
Isn't it strange that the British royality have German relatives. That must have been very tricky in World War 2!
Thanks for dropping by.
Friday, July 14, 2017
My apologies
A friend of mine called me last night to make sure I was all right. She had been checking my blog on a regular basis and had not seen any entries for a while.
I just have been lazy - watching a lot of netflix and reading tons of books.
I use my library religiously and borrow tons of books at a time.
Some things have been happening though which I will mention here. My daughter and son-in-law came down for Canada Day (July 1st) and we went to Pier 8 for the festivities there. Too many people for my happiness but the younger generation enjoyed it. They had put the double length buses on but even they were crowded. They seemed to run every twenty minutes on Canada Day.
Billy and Anna took a picture of the Tall Ships which I will post here.
The kids went back on the 5:30 bus. We had an early supper as they would be travelling at supper time.
Also, another thing that has happened is that I am back going to Martini Hour again. Henry Strong is now playing on Wednesday nights.
My Whitehern group (only the gals) went on the terrace at the club and we all enjoyed it. The weather was nice and we had an umbrella over us which helped. As I was in the hospital for so long last spring, summer and half of September, I missed out on enjoying the terrace. It is a lovely spot. I plan to go up there and read when I have the time.
Here is a picture of one of the gals and myself on the 2nd floor of the club. It is my favourite room in the club as there is lots of natural light there.
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| Anita |
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| Me with my very flexible hat |
There were six of us counting myself and it was most enjoyable.
I don't think there is anything else new. Next week will be a quiet week, but the week after will be busy with a doctor's appointment and a luncheon invitation.
I still am not doing any creative writing alas, but I will share a poem I wrote for a group from my home town. Hope you will enjoy it. I got 75 compliments on it when I originally posted it to the group. It was written for a time over 50 years ago when life was much more simple and my home town was smaller.
Seasons of my Life
My feet crunch on icy snow
white clouds, grey underbelly
hover over my bowed head
ready to dump more white stuff
Sun sinks on horizon
ice and snow shimmer
footsteps etched on lake
naked trees shiver in wind
Utter silence as I walk
beside Lac St. Louis
fond thoughts of times gone by
I’m “home” for a visit
to touch base with my roots
deep in Lachine soil
Black ice underfoot, I slip
why did I come in winter
temperatures twenty below
a need for boots, overcoat
scarf and warm mittens?
Shivering, I walk fast
anxious to get to my cousin’s
place - a haven for me
a return to “home”
We sip hot chocolate
my glasses steam up
we reminisce of 50 years ago
Back yard gardens
vegetables & flowers
my favourite spot
the wooden playhouse
which overlooks the lane
New life in Spring
feathery leaves burst out
on gray tree trunks
crocuses & daffodils
lily of the valley thrive.
Neighbours venture outside
call greetings and stop to chat
streets and sidewalks alive
with kids playing games
rugby, marbles, hop scotch
skipping and Mother-Mother, May I?
Streetlights come on, time is up
hands grip bike handles
strong legs pump - head home
Shad flies, mass together
mesmerized by light poles
fall victim to man’s wheels
crunch underfoot as I walk
Stench overpowers nose
they lie thick on ground
impossible not to step on them
I shudder as I hear them pop
Through the lane I race
as the train from Montreal arrives
familiar smells at Lachine Station
I’m glad to see my Dad
Summer in Lachine, lazy days
school over - freedom!
summer cottage in Ile Perrot
swimming twice a day
hair washing in the lake
ivory soap floats away
Row boat takes me far
oars dipping into the coolness
of the lake, solitude I desire
to think and to pray
Inner tube on gentle waves
lulls me, refreshes me
peace reigns on this sunny day
All too soon, September here
school days begin again
easy living of summer gone
It’s Halloween, how exciting!
I don my cherished outfit
trick or treat with friends
bob for apples or sing a song
in the hope of getting a treat
Scene after scene comes
as we walk together down memory lane
tramping through deep snow to the Pier
to pick out a Christmas tree.
decorated tree sparkles with tinsel
photos taken of starry-eyed children
wrapped gifts sit mysteriously
waiting for Christmas day.
Our hot chocolate finished
we call it a day, climb the stairs
bid each other a good night
to dream, perhaps, of times gone by.
Copyright(c)WilmaSeville 2015
Performed at Carnegie Gallery - 2015
Performed at Caroline Retirement Residence November 2015
Originally written for Lachine, Then & Now - website 2015
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| A very small part of Lac St.Louis in Lachine, P.Q. |
Thank you very much for dropping by. Tthe picture above was taken by Luc Simard. He is a wonderful photographer.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
A lovely afternoon spent with friends from out of town
They arrived at 11:30 and we went over to the club for lunch. They insisted on treating me which was very kind of them. They really loved the club and understood why I like going there so much.
After our time at the club, I took them to Jackson Squae and the Farmer's Market. Their town has a Farmer's Market as well but it is only open on Thursday and sometimes Saturday.
Mike was very taken with all the lovely old buildings in downtown Hamilton and took lots of pictures with his camera on his phone.
They motored back to their home town and I laid down for about an hour and a half and rested as I felt very tired.
Here are some pictures from today.
Thanks for dropping by. I was glad for the cooler weather today and hope the extreme heat does not come back soon. Much prefer the cooler type of weather.
After our time at the club, I took them to Jackson Squae and the Farmer's Market. Their town has a Farmer's Market as well but it is only open on Thursday and sometimes Saturday.
Mike was very taken with all the lovely old buildings in downtown Hamilton and took lots of pictures with his camera on his phone.
They motored back to their home town and I laid down for about an hour and a half and rested as I felt very tired.
Here are some pictures from today.
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| A lovely tree, taken from the patio of the club |
Thanks for dropping by. I was glad for the cooler weather today and hope the extreme heat does not come back soon. Much prefer the cooler type of weather.
Have a good day.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
An afternoon to remember
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| Jennifer and I in the dining room |
Amanda buzzed us in even before I could get my card out to open the side door. She must have been watching for us to arrive at the accessible door.
We ate in the dining room and had a lovely visit as we enjoyed the scrumptious meal.
Here are some pictures of our meals.
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| Jennifer's meal - salmon and a salad |
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| Sour cream &rasperry tart We also had a lemon pie which was good but the picture did not turn out clear enough. |
I had chosen the club burger which was delicious and it came with a small fruit salad which I also enjoyed.
We took some pictures in the dining room.
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| Me in the dining room |
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| Jennifer in the dining room in front of the orchids After we had enjoyed our dinner, we went up to the rooftop patio to sit outside and enjoy the nicer, cooler weather today. |
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A view of the well known Piggot Building complex from the rooftop patio.
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| Relaxing on the patio |
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| Love this old tree - many of the buildings downtown are very old and very well kept up |
It was a lovely afternoon spent with a dear friend.
Thanks for dropping by.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Where did the month of May go?
We had a lot of rain in May and that caused major flooding in parts of Hamilton such as Dundas.
I understand that people are still trying to repair the damages they suffered from all this rain. Water can be beautiful in lakes and rivers, but it can be extremely disruptive when too much rain comes down.
I do wonder what the month of June will bring?
It is so great to see the greenery again and the many spring flowers that pop up everywhere even downtown!
I do have some really nice news to impart. My friend Jeff took me up to Sleep Country in Ancaster and I purchased a mattress and box springs and it arrived yesterday morning. The man who came into the apartment with it was a real nice gentleman. He was kind enough to put the encasement onto the mattresses so that bedbugs if they ever came to this building would not be able to ruin my bed. They cost a lot but a bed is a huge investment. Last night I slept like I was sleeping on a cloud and it was so heavenly!
It is higher than my former bed of 17 years but I still manage to get in and out of it.
Gemma, the cat, has already claimed it as her own, so you can imagine that it will take some convincing to get her off it when it is time for bed!
I am happy to say that my sheets all fit it as well, as I stayed with the same bedframe (red) and the same size (twin or single - same thing). The bedframe was still good and why not keep it?
What a real blessing it is to have a new and comfortable bed!
Thanks for dropping by and have a nice day.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
I'm back!
This is somewhat belated, but perhaps you may find it interesting.
After 3 1/2 months in the hospital, I finally have returned to my little nest. This happened in the middle of September 2016.
I had tears in my eyes as I left St. Joe's Villa as they had been very good to me and looked after me very well and I had become very fond of the staff there. My son picked me up and took me grocery shopping as everything would have gone bad in the fridge after all that time away from home.
It was great to be home but took a bit of adjusting to as I now was on my own except for the Occupation Therapist who was allowed only three visits.
I was not allowed under OHIP (our Ontario health system) to have a Practical Support Worker come in to assist me in personal things which made life quite difficult for a few months until I was able to walk around better. Of course, I could have hired somebody to come in but that would cost quite abit of money. I still remained in a wheelchair for one more month at home but thankfully, I am good again to use my walker and do everything myself. The time of doing this blog is now May 18th 2017 so it is just to catch up.
I completely forgot that I had this in my draft folder so here it is now.
Enjoy your day.
After 3 1/2 months in the hospital, I finally have returned to my little nest. This happened in the middle of September 2016.
I had tears in my eyes as I left St. Joe's Villa as they had been very good to me and looked after me very well and I had become very fond of the staff there. My son picked me up and took me grocery shopping as everything would have gone bad in the fridge after all that time away from home.
It was great to be home but took a bit of adjusting to as I now was on my own except for the Occupation Therapist who was allowed only three visits.
I was not allowed under OHIP (our Ontario health system) to have a Practical Support Worker come in to assist me in personal things which made life quite difficult for a few months until I was able to walk around better. Of course, I could have hired somebody to come in but that would cost quite abit of money. I still remained in a wheelchair for one more month at home but thankfully, I am good again to use my walker and do everything myself. The time of doing this blog is now May 18th 2017 so it is just to catch up.
I completely forgot that I had this in my draft folder so here it is now.
Enjoy your day.
A gorgeous beautiful day today
How pleasant it is to look outside and see the sun shining, observe people walking the streets outside with only a light jacket or none at all.
It is the Victoria Day weekend and Monday will be a day off work for the working people. I used to look forward so much to have that extra day just to relax instead of trying to rush doing housework and cooking for the family for the coming week, it actually gave me time just to relax and do nothing or to go somewhere nice!
Now that I am retired and happily so, my days seem to fly by even faster. Of course it takes longer for me to get things done and one of my priorities is a clean and hopefully, tidy home. I love my home and it is the place I go for comfort and stability when the world outside is going crazy.
I can close the door and listen to soothing classial music or religious music and my cares and worries melt away as if by the wave of a magic wand.
I have always loved my home, which ever city it has been in and I am happy to see order in it and at the same time, a sense of peace and security.
I do remember when I lived on Gulliver in Toronto, I had a break and Enter happen and for at least a week, I was afraid to be there but gradually I was able to overcome this fear. My insurance agent said to me that it was good none of us were home, as he had just come from a client who had surprised a burglar and he was badly beaten up and in the hospital.
I am grateful to live in a smaller city now and my stress level has definitely dropped since moving here fourteen years ago. Unless I go back to my home town to live out my final years, I will remain here. I love the trails, being by the water and just the availablility of things to purchase or places to go, I also now have a group of very close friends here which is wonderful.
If I went back home to live, I don't speak enough French to use the services necessary as my cousin tells me that all the necessary services are in French only. I also know only my cousin now and her family. I am so happy, though, that I belong to a group from my former hometown and keep up the news and see so many pictures of the place. We have so many good photogrphers in that group.
I look forward to seeing them each day on Facebook.
Well, on that note, shall close for now. I am invitd to my son's place for belated Mother's Day celebration and he is cooking turkey. He is a darn good cook!
Thanks for dropping by and have good day.
It is the Victoria Day weekend and Monday will be a day off work for the working people. I used to look forward so much to have that extra day just to relax instead of trying to rush doing housework and cooking for the family for the coming week, it actually gave me time just to relax and do nothing or to go somewhere nice!
Now that I am retired and happily so, my days seem to fly by even faster. Of course it takes longer for me to get things done and one of my priorities is a clean and hopefully, tidy home. I love my home and it is the place I go for comfort and stability when the world outside is going crazy.
I can close the door and listen to soothing classial music or religious music and my cares and worries melt away as if by the wave of a magic wand.
I have always loved my home, which ever city it has been in and I am happy to see order in it and at the same time, a sense of peace and security.
I do remember when I lived on Gulliver in Toronto, I had a break and Enter happen and for at least a week, I was afraid to be there but gradually I was able to overcome this fear. My insurance agent said to me that it was good none of us were home, as he had just come from a client who had surprised a burglar and he was badly beaten up and in the hospital.
I am grateful to live in a smaller city now and my stress level has definitely dropped since moving here fourteen years ago. Unless I go back to my home town to live out my final years, I will remain here. I love the trails, being by the water and just the availablility of things to purchase or places to go, I also now have a group of very close friends here which is wonderful.
If I went back home to live, I don't speak enough French to use the services necessary as my cousin tells me that all the necessary services are in French only. I also know only my cousin now and her family. I am so happy, though, that I belong to a group from my former hometown and keep up the news and see so many pictures of the place. We have so many good photogrphers in that group.
I look forward to seeing them each day on Facebook.
Well, on that note, shall close for now. I am invitd to my son's place for belated Mother's Day celebration and he is cooking turkey. He is a darn good cook!
Thanks for dropping by and have good day.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
News from the Mother's Day Tea and Plant sale
It was a very pleasant day to have this yearly event. I walked over to the church with my walker and as it happened, met two of my friends who carried the walker downstairs for me.
This year, it was not so busy as in the past. Perhaps people were already out in their gardens planting flowers and vegetables? Who knows. However, there still were plenty of people who came to enjoy this very worthwhile event.
Four of my close friends turned up and after I did my coffee pouring duty, I ate lunch with them and then Jennifer drove me home.
The food was wonderful and very filling. I brought half of the snitzel on a bun home. The potato salad was excellent as well. I treated myself to a lovely piece of cheese cake. German baking is out of this world!
For $6.00, one had a very filling meal. The desert and coffee were extra. One dollar for a bottomless coffee, tea or herbal tea, and the slices of cakes varied in cost, but still nothing like restaurant prices!
I was glad that Jennifer drove me home, as I had only two hours of sleep and was dragging myself around because of that.
Alas, for me, again, I did not sleep that night as well, so I am dragging myself around, once again.
Thanks for dropping by.
This year, it was not so busy as in the past. Perhaps people were already out in their gardens planting flowers and vegetables? Who knows. However, there still were plenty of people who came to enjoy this very worthwhile event.
Four of my close friends turned up and after I did my coffee pouring duty, I ate lunch with them and then Jennifer drove me home.
The food was wonderful and very filling. I brought half of the snitzel on a bun home. The potato salad was excellent as well. I treated myself to a lovely piece of cheese cake. German baking is out of this world!
For $6.00, one had a very filling meal. The desert and coffee were extra. One dollar for a bottomless coffee, tea or herbal tea, and the slices of cakes varied in cost, but still nothing like restaurant prices!
I was glad that Jennifer drove me home, as I had only two hours of sleep and was dragging myself around because of that.
Alas, for me, again, I did not sleep that night as well, so I am dragging myself around, once again.
Thanks for dropping by.
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