I've been busy doing other things lately

The last few days have been fantastic weather, cool but not cold, sunny but not too sunny.  This is my idea of a nice summer.

I have taken advantage of the weather and gone down to the water, sat in our back yard, and read, read, read.

I am reading Dr. Ross Pennie's "Tampered" right now and I must say that I am very impressed with it thus far.

My advocacy side has been activated and have been in touch with Hamilton politicians as well as Toronto Politicians.  I am happy to say that Hamilton has come through extremely well, and also Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto.  I am still waiting for a reply from the alderman in Toronto.

Busy, but nice days.

Thanks for dropping by.

Jack Layton's funeral Service today

It really touched my heart, as I think that it did so many other people in this country. The Roy Thompson Hall was completely filled and the overflow of mourners were outside.

His death has definitely touched many people and brought out the good in people as they mourn together.

May he rest in peace and may God grant peace to his family.


Thanks for dropping by.

A true crime programme brought back memories for me

Last night I saw the true story of a good family man, who was out with his family for a nice time on the Mountain here in Hamilton.  He was brutally murdered in the back hallway and washroom of the pub

It happened in 2005 and I remember it well.  This gentleman was minding his own business, playing pool with his son and then had to use the washroom.  In that rather isolated  area, unknown to anybody in the bar, he was kicked and stamped to death by two gang members from Kitchener, Ontario.  A third one, a young offender, looked on while this crime was taking place.

It brought back so many memories for me.  One of my children had gone to a bar with a buddy and had wanted to go up the stairs to where the washrooms were.  There were some young people blocking the stairs and my child said "Excuse Me" and went through.

From what I recall, as I head the story after it happened, my child was set upon outside when they left and my child was beaten quite badly and required a trip to the hospital.  I lived in another city at this time and my child was in University in Hamilton.

The next thing I know, I hear my buzzer downstairs in the apartment where I lived in Toronto and a voice said "Mom, I don't want you freaking out."

At that time, I had a bad case of flu and was quite ill with it.  When I opened my own door, my eyes could not take it in.  My child was covered with blood, including on the clothing and the doctor's had patched up the wound on the face, but it had started to bleed again.  Recuperation time took about two weeks if I am remembering rightly.  With the help of my doctor friend Nor, who was in Hamilton as a "fellow", I managed to stop the flow of blood.

The group of "so called" men who did this, have never been caught which suggests to me that they will continue doing such vicious things until they are caught.


These vicious people had every intention of inflicting brain damage,  as that is where they aimed.

 Over what?  A polite "Excuse me"?

 There was absolutely no sense in this crime as there was no sense in the terrible crime done on that good family man on the Mountain.

Happily, the police have found two of the three men in the case on the Mountain and they are serving 11 year sentences, but will be out in 7 years.

A good family man, hard working, well liked by his peers, his life snuffed out in such a vicious and uncalled for attack, leaves such a void in the lives of his family and friends.

My child was lucky, somebody saw it and called the police before more damage could be inflicted. There was nobody there to help the other gentleman..

What has gone wrong with our society that young people feel they have to be in gangs and wreck havoc on others?

Where has our society failed?


On that note, I shall stop.  Thank you for dropping by.

A day spent with some good friends from the Toronto area

It was so grand to see both of them again.  They both had been to my jewellery party in April but I have not seen either one of them in person since that time.

We went to the Afghani food place in the Old Eaton's Center as it is halal.  Nobody was fasting due to health reasons.

After that, we took the shuttle bus down to the waterfront Pier 8 and then took the trolley ride throughout the waterfront parks.

I think Mun was quite impressed but both Asma and I have done it before.  It was a very enjoyable afternoon and they left about 4:30.

The boat launch at Bayfront Park.

a view from inside the troley

Both Asma and I took pictures of the scenery mostly.

Thanks for dropping by.

To call or not to call

After coming home about 5:30 this afternoon, I saw a man sprawled on the ramp very close to our building.  He was not wearing shoes and his feet were twitching.  His head was tucked under his arms and he did not appear to be moving.

I decided to go in the back entrance and then called the non-emergency line to ask for somebody to come and check on him.

Another lady had seen him there and also gone by the back entrance to avoid contact in case he was dangerous.

After I made the call, a policeman came almost right away and I don't know the outcome. I went downstairs to watch from a safe distance and I was glad that it was a policeman who came. He can talk to him and assess the situation and he knows how to defend himself if the man turns aggressive.

Did I do the right thing?  I don't know.  He could have been a drunkard sleeping it off, or he could have been on drugs.  Either way, human beings in that condition are unpredictable.

I also ran into an old fellow today who was begging on the street.  I have seen him before and I think he has mental health issues.  He told me he was 62 years old and that he lived on the street.  He showed me. by lifting his shirt up, just how malnourished he was.  His ribs were showing.  He also took off his running shoes and his feet were dirty and his nails were a yellowish tinge and far too long for comfort.

He also said that Mission Services and the Salvation Army refused to help him.  At this age, it is highly unlikely that he will find a job, especially in his poor condition.  I am going to call Mission Services and find out what I can about this comment and find out why they bar people.  I met another old fellow years ago when I was first here who demanded money and was extremely aggressive.  In fact, one time he demanded $9.00 from me and came an inch or two from me.  I felt very intimidated.  I would not go out for three or four days that time, until I decided that I had to overcome this fear.  I almost went back to Toronto due to that incidence.

I have donated money and worked for one of those agencies in Toronto.There has to be a reason why they refuse services to needy individuals.  Perhaps this man has been abusive in some way and they don't want him on the premises.  I don't know.

It is a judgement call I made, with the intention of helping this man lying there.  I hope that I have done the right thing.

More and more older people are falling through the cracks - not quite old enough to get Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Security, and thus are in need.  This man who was begging is older, I don't know the age of the man lying on the sidewalk.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Kaz Simatis at Whitehern Concert

Kaz Simaitis

This young man entertained the audience at the Whitehern Gardens concert with his superb playing of the classical guitar.

Emma Rush was to have played but was unable to do so and Kaz Simatis stepped into the breach to fill the spot available. Emma herself was able to enjoy the concert for a brief time.

He played a variety of music, from romantic, classical, baroque and even modern.

I particularly enjoyed Al Hamra as it reminded me of my visit to Moorish Spain many years ago.  I hope that he will be invited to entertain people again next year. Another piece I particularly enjoyed was "Jesu, joy of man's desiring.

For more information on a group he plays with, please e-mail  him at  thepracticalplayers@gmail.com or contact the group by calling 289-396-6844.


Their group plays at weddings, corporate functions, parties etc.

Thank you for dropping by and have a good day!

"Tainted" by Dr. Ross Pennie

I have to say that he is a superb writer and his book held me spellbound. I loved the fact that it took place in the Hamilton area.

I would highly recommend it to other people interested in medical dramas.

A fantastic read!  It can be borrowed from the Hamilton Public Library for a period of three weeks.

Thanks for dropping by.

Birmingham post-riot rally honours slain men - World - CBC News

Birmingham post-riot rally honours slain men - World - CBC News

Bayfront Park with friends

I decided to phone some friends to see if they wanted to go down to Bayfront Park with me.  I am delighted to say that we all managed to get together and go.

It was a beautiful day and Bayfront is as beautiful as ever!  Mohammad came over early and we had a lovely chat and then Rahel and Andrew got home and we left for the park.

Mohammad, Andrew and Rahel

Mohammad, Wilma and Andrew

Mohammad, Rahel and Andrew

Mohammad, Rahel and Wilma

We spent two hours walking down there, chatting and laughing and in general had a great time.

Some of the boats berthed there

Some really nice boats there

Trees are some of my favourite things.

An unusual looking plant

One of the many beautiful spots

The two hours passed so fast and Mohammad suggested that we go over to Pier 8 to Williams Pub to have crepes but unfortunately we were not able to go.

CFB Trenton to bid adieu to modest leader - Ottawa - CBC News

CFB Trenton to bid adieu to modest leader - Ottawa - CBC News

Harbour Queen Boat Trip - Hamilton, Ontario

What a lovely time we had today!   The weather could not have been better with a nice breeze on the water.

The sun was hot but not excessively, which made it very pleasant.

We took off a  little after 12 noon and made our way through the choppy water.  Our tour guide pointed out places of interest as we passed them by.

A light lunch was served of a delicious soup, sandwiches, fruit cocktail and a cookie with coffee or tea.

Here are some shots I took.

Grace, Joanne, Rosie, Jeff and I

This nice gentleman took three pictures of our little group.

On the deck

Lunch was served in the covered part of the ship.  The windows opened so it was quite pleasant in there once the ship started to move.

Grace and Joanne

Jackie and Jeff, Rosie in the background

Rosie and I were at Table 20 and the others were at Table 19.  It worked out well as Rosie did not know two of the girls and she does know me very well.

Demonstration on how to put on the life jacket

Jeff at the buffet table

The lower deck as seen from above

Jeff, without his glasses

Part of the tour

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I must say it was a most pleasant time and we all enjoyed ourselves very much.  Jeff and I will be planning a picnic for the group at Pier 8 before the end of summer.

We haven't done one for several years and Grace really enjoyed our last one and mentioned it today.

Thanks for dropping by and have a good day.

Today at Whitehern

Ryan Baer (singing and guitar)  Dave Neigh (fiddle) 

What a treat we had today!  The Haret Duo were performing at Whitehern.  Two young fellows by the name of Ryan Baer(singing and guitar) and Dave Neigh (fiddle) entertained us royally.

We were all set up in the garden when a rain shower descended from the heavens and people ran for cover.  Some took off for home while many ran into the Carriage House to shelter from the downpour. Fortunately, the performers were in the Gazebo and thus their instruments were not harmed by the intense rain which fell..

It was decided to continue with the concert in the Carriage House which is a very cozy environment with its stone walls and it was easier to hear in there than in the garden. The young men played the blues as well as some bluegrass.  Their act was billed as "Eclectic Vintage Style Folk".

People participated by clapping their hands, tapping their feet and in general from what I observed, everybody seemed to have a good time.

I hope that they will be invited back next summer to perform again.

Jeff took these pictures on the blog, as I did not bring my camera with me this time.


All in all, a wonderful event once again at Whitehern.

More death threats against Toronto Mayor Ford - Toronto - CBC News

More death threats against Toronto Mayor Ford - Toronto - CBC News

The Secret

I would like to share a poem which was written by Ralph Cushman and which has influenced me most of my life.  I bought this wonderful old book when I was in my early thirities at a rummage sale at Greenborough Community Church in Toronto, Ontario.

THE SECRET

I met God in the morning,
When my day was at its best;
And His presence came like sunrise
With a glory in my breast.

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me;
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,

But the winds that seemed to drive them,

Brough to us both peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I, too, had loosed the moorings.
With the Presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way;
You must seek Him in the morning,
If you want Him through the day.

(c)Ralph Cushman

Published by Zondervan Publishing House

Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What a powerful message this poet has left us human beings. I tried to research to see if he was still alive but was not able to find out.  

All I can say to him for writing such a profound poem, is thank you!

London riot cleanup underway - World - CBC News

London riot cleanup underway - World - CBC News

Visit to Kitchener, Ontario August 4,2011

What a pleasant day it turned out to be - not too much humidity and not too high temperatures.

I took some shots from the bus window which turned out better than I thought they would.

                                         Taken from the bus window on the way to Kitchener

Cambridge Bus Terminal

I loved these cloud as seen through the bus window

What a wonderful trip I had.  The drivers both way were very nice people and the passengers were very quiet.

We passed so many barns, rolling fields of crops and trees dotted the countryside.  I do love this journey from Hamilton to Kitchener. It is so much prettier than going from Toronto to Kitchener as I used to.  It was just straight highway which I found rather boring.

On this route I see lovely houses, some like storybook houses with lattice work as well as farmhouses. I can just visualize writing a story about the houses with the lattice work and its occupants.  While going through the numerous small towns and villages, I saw people pushing baby carriages, elderly folk in scooters and walkers and children on skateboards and bikes.  One sight I found really interesting, I think it was in Cambridge on the way back.  A lady in a scooter met a gentleman with a scooter, but what a scooter!  It had a roof and side panels.  Happily there was nobody behind either one of them.  I wish I could have been quick enough to have snapped that photo.  It was priceless but the bus was moving too fast by that time.  The man's was so interesting to see!

This was taken from quite a distance

I have always loved this building, I wish I knew its history.  It is all boarded up on the lower levels.  I can imagine that at one time it was a famous spot to go to.  I can just see ladies in their long dresses. elegant hats and parasols shading their fair complexions.  I also visualize gentlemen with their top hats on going in and out of this building.

Each time I see it, I am so glad to see that it is still there.

My son-in-law met me at the Kitchener bus terminal and we took the local bus to their place.

Bill in the front of their building

I really like where they live.  It is kept very clean and they have high standards which I like.

Bill's turtle

I tried to convince him to poke his head out so I could get a better shot of him, but alas, I guess he did not feel comfortable with that so this is the best I could do!

I was hoping to meet Milly their new cat, but she stayed under the bed all the time I was there.  Bill took this shot while lying down and this is the best shot that anybody has of Milly.  I hope that she gets used to people soon. 

Milly - the new cat under the bed.

Apparently Milly prefers to come out at night and check the new place out.  Hopefully she will get more brave as time goes by.

We had homemade bread sandwiches on the balcony and enjoyed a little time out there.  They have a huge balcony - what I could do with that balcony!  I am pleased to see that Anna is growing mint and has some plants out there.  In fact, her plants are doing really well in this new place. She always has had a green thumb.

Drinking coffee on the balcony - my favourite thing to do!

We passed a very pleasant time on the balcony and then decided to go out to the downtown area.  Nothing was going on that we could see so we went to a plaza in another area of the city.

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On the love seat in front of their building

Waiting for the accessible Kitchener bus

From what I have seen on my many visits to Kitchener, their buses are all accessible which makes it wonderful for those with mobility issues.

There also is a specialized transport system called Mobility Plus as well as taxi script.

The disabled people of Kitchener, at least from my observation, are well looked after.

Hamilton also is very great with their transportation system having mostly accessible regular buses, Darts and taxi script.

For those who may not known what Mobility Plus or

Darts is all about, they are special vans and buses fitted out for wheelchairs,scooters, and walkers.  They have a very heavy workload and the drivers are very responsible people as on their shoulders rests the safety of their passengers.

Taxi script is paper money that those who qualify due to disability buy for a certain price and the city pays parts of it.  This paper money is given to the taxi drivers.  A person is only allowed a certain amount of books per month.  In Hamilton, I believe it is 3 books per month.

A wonderful, helpful system.  In Toronto most of the buses are not accessible, Wheeltrans is extremely hard to get, as there are just too many people using it, and there is no such thing as Taxi Script.

I have found that living in a smaller city is much better for many reasons.

We went for a special treat to Zellers in the plaza and took some pictures there as well.

The kids took me to the bus terminal where I caught the six thirty bus and they went home.  We were all very tired but it was a great day spent together.

Thanks for dropping by.


 

TheStar Johnny, 44: Forager, free spirit, chess man

TheStar Johnny, 44: Forager, free spirit, chess man

I used to work with Street People in the 1980's and I learned a great deal by doing this.  One of the many things that I learned was that I had no right to judge another soul.  Money can fail, people can lose jobs, alcohol and drugs can ruin a life and nobody is imume from lifes twists and turns.   

I was very touched by this story.

TheStar Dick Francis, 89: Murder (and races), he wrote

TheStar Dick Francis, 89: Murder (and races), he wrote


I have always admired this gentleman's writing ever since I was a teenager.  The good thing is that his writing will live on after him.

Writers have that advantage, their words will live on.....

My new blog

In case any of my regular readers would like to read the work of other writers, please feel free to drop in on my other blog which I just started very recently.

I started this blog to give voice to those who may not have one, as well as showcase the work of many times published writers.

It is going extremely well and I have some very well known writers on this blog. 

Please check it out if you have the time and join this blog as well. 

http://writingandpublishingblog.blogspot.com/

Thanks for considering this request and have a terrific day.

Civic Holiday

Today is a Civic Holiday in Ontario.  In Toronto it is called  Lord Simcoe Day. In Hamilton, it is called George Hamilton Day and in Burlington, it is called Joseph Brant Day.  I thank a friend of mine here in Hamilton for helping me in expanding my knowledge about this particular Civic Holiday.  As I lived in Toronto so many years, I had only heard it called Lord Simcoe Day.  Thank you Jeff for your insight into this civic holiday.  I appreciate it as I try to be factual as I have readers from other countries.

 I thought for a change, I would go over to the mall and see if there were any stores open.  There were none.  Only two restaurant was open in the whole mall.  Even Tim Horton's was closed.

I am glad for the workers as everybody deserves a break.

On my way back I passed the Sheraton Hotel and decided to go in and just enjoy the ambiance of the lobby.  I have stayed there and have enjoyed it and when my friend Evelyne used to come to visit me before she died, she would stay there as she was allergic to cat dander and could not stay with me.

While I was there, Lincoln Alexander and his new wife drove through the lobby on their respective scooters. 

I came home after a gentleman who came in sat on another sofa quite near by, had started to talk very excitedly to himself.   He may have been unwell.

It is very hot outside today and so I will have to stay in air conditioned places today.  I would have loved going down to the waterfront on the shuttle bus, but at Pier 8 there is very little shade.

Thanks for dropping by.  Enjoy your day.

TheStar Hundreds march against sexual violence in New Delhi’s ‘SlutWalk’

TheStar Hundreds march against sexual violence in New Delhi’s ‘SlutWalk’