WEIHNACHT IN DEN BERGE

Christkindl Market - Kitchener City Hall

Lots of nice things going on right now

Last Saturday Jennifer picked me up at the back door and we went to ArtWord/Artbar for the launch of another Tower Poetry Book.  I was one of the readers of my poem "Ali". 

I was afraid that I may have lost my touch with speaking before an audience, but I was fine and felt very comfortable doing so.

My poem was not an uplifting poem but rather dealt with a very sad event in my life. 

I never expected it to be chosen for this anthology but the whole book was along the same lines about thought provoking events.

After that, Anita, Ruby, Jeff, Joanne and myself went across the way to enjoy the perogies at Loaded Perogies on Colbourne St.  Very good food and lots of choices available but with perogies.  The place was clean and the staff efficient and friendly.

I hoped on the bus and used my Presto pass to get me home.  I forgot to tell the gals that the venue is not accessible.  I felt very bad about that as two of them brought their walkers and had to carry them up the stairs.  That is why I used my cane, as I knew I was getting a ride both ways.

The next nice event was our little group going to the club to eat on the patio. The weather held off nicely until we were all safely home.  We were most fortunate.  Everybody enjoyed themselves from what I learned later.  I had my camera with me but forgot to take pictures......


Other than that, not much else has been going on.  I went to get some groceries at Fresh Nations and hoped to get six more library  books but the library was closed  for staff development day. 

I went back today and got seven more books so I should be okay for a while.  I felt like an orphan without any large print books at home.  I sure appreciate the library!!!!!

I have some medical things to get done within the next week or two but nothing too drastic at all.

Thanks for dropping by.

Here are some pictures from the book launch.  Jennifer took them.

George Down - Editor in Chief   talking about the many front page designs of artist and poet Susan A.J. Davis

Me, holding my copy of the anthology

It was a nice event and many poets from elsewhere, not just Canada, can send in their work.  It costs nothing to send in except for the postage.  One can send in 4 poems for each issue.  They may, or may not, be chosen.

A Toronto poet - it was lovely to meet her.

Friday June 2/18

I took some things for the Salvation Army to help their work among disadvantaged people.  Then I dropped into my favourite handbag store which moved from the mall to King Street near the Subway restaurant.

It was nice to see how well he is doing there - he has branched out to selling many, many different things and even when I was there, several people came in.

We had a little chat while I was there as well and it was nice to see how much better he is doing with the new location.

On the way home I sat in Gore Park for half an hour or so.

I wanted to go to the city wide Iftar event which was to  be held at City Hall.  It started at 7 p.m. so it was fine to go out as there was about two more hours of light.

I took some pictures to show you of parts of City Hall in the front of it.  Two of which are very new.  A grass covered dog and also a grass butterfly done by the Cities Horticultural department.  They were attracting a lot of attention both by parents and the children as was the new Hamilton sign.


Here are some shots.

Our new Hamilton dog made of grass

Folks looking at the new dog in town!

The green butterfly - soon flowers will be planted there I suspect.

Hamilton's new sign which lights up at night.  Also it is a great place to take pictures sitting on it.

A small waterpool 

A flowering scrub on the side of the ramp for people with handicaps.

They have done a nice job adding those new grass items on the front lawn. It attracted lots of picture takers and many families came downtown just to take pictures with them.

I went inside City Hall to find out where the Iftar was being held and found out due to the vast amount of guests coming, they were holding it at the Hamilton Convention Center.


I walked over there which was not very far and then followed the crowds inside.  All manner of people were there, Muslims, Non-Muslims, lots and lots of little children and teenagers.  Guests were greeted at the entrance door of the Convention Center with "welcome" and directions to where the event was held.  Once there, young people greeted the guests and introduced themselves by their first names.  Each young person had a name tag on.

They sure got "A" for thoughtfulness, courtesy and friendliness.  The young ladies all wore beautiful gowns with either contrasting hijabs or matching ones.  Some of the young men wore kufis (the hat many Muslim men wear. They are are quite beautiful in a masculine type of way.

People greeted each other in the standard Islamic way, a kiss on one side of the cheek, then the other, and then back again to the first side.  Women did this with each other. I noticed that men generally just gave each other a hug or a backslap.  So many people knew each other there which was wonderful to see and everybody had happy smiles on their faces.

At this event, it was suggested that the women sit on the right side of the large room and families and single men sit on the left side.  Most people listened but not all.

As one entered the room, they had people who had set up booths to explain the basics of Islam and that seemed to be very well attended.  I was glad for that as it is so much work to organize such a huge function!

Each person had a folder called "Food for Thought" and a brown paper bag in it with a bun and three dates. The bagged items were to eat once the fast was finished and before the Sunset Prayer (Maghrib).  As most people know, dates are very nutritious and give a person a real boost in energy.

With regards to the book, it was well done with articles of explanation, plus of course, the agenda.  Something to keep.

I have only one comment which is not complimentary.  Too many people did not listen to the speakers and kept on chatting.  I am not talking about guests here.

I do compliment the organizers on starting only five minutes late.  I have been at some functions where late is very normal, which does not please me as I am an uptight, on-time person mostly.



At 8:56 the Adhaan  (call to prayer) was called for the Maghrib prayer and I was already out of the room by then as I felt so tired.

Dinner was served at 9:15 and there were many, many tables set up for this.

I was very pleased to see so many people there from all walks of life.  I would say, from my observation, that it was a very successful event and well organized.  As I was walking down from the Convention Center I saw crowds of mostly young families heading to break their fast.

I hope they will have it again next year.

Thanks for dropping by.

Princess Point on the weekend

One of my most favourite places is Princess Point.  I took the bus downthere (#6 Aberdeen) and met Jeff there.  I was surprised to see him bring his car down to the parking spots there as he usually parks where he does not need to pay.  I also took the bus back as it is so simple for me to get there and back and I can do it by myself without having him pick me up.  He lives close to the park so there is no sense for him to come all the way to my place and pick me up when I have a bus right outside my door which will bring me there!

We went on the paved side and the little trolley is now running on the weekends only.  I plan to take it once this summer as it is only $5.00 for seniors and takes you all along the waterfront.  A very economical and good thing to do.  They also have a commentator on board who gives a history of the area.

It was a beautiful day and we were both a little puffed out by the time we made the few and far between benches. I would have been fine as I now take my walker everywhere I go for safety reasons.

We sat twice when we were on the paved part and just enjoyed seeing the birds in the water and in the trees and the peaceful attitude.  We also said hello to people we met on the trail which was very nice.

In the general rule, people are very friendly on the trails in Hamilton.

View from the little bridge which goes to the paved walk where the runners and the bikers go.

Blossoms are coming out now - just lovely

Time for a spring cleanut down here

Calm waters

Two fellows enjoying chatting and the wharf 

Canada Goose

One of the many beautiful spots on the paved part of Princess Point.

Two fellows enjoying the wharf and another one in a kayac.

Sam Lawrence Park with Jeff

It was a trifle cool with a very brisk wind but I was okay with my inbetween coat and scarf.

This is the first time I have been for a walk in that park. It is a very large park with wonderful old trees and flowering bushes.

Unfortunately for me, my camera battery died so I could only take 4 pictures.

A view of the lower city from Sam Lawrence Park on the Mountain

A view of the lower city from Sam Lawrence Park

Further along - a view of the lower city

Beautiful Greenery

I really enjoyed going there and we walked a great deal. There are lots of picnic tables, flowering trees and some very lovely spots to enjoy. We saw other people there as well which was nice.

One day I would like to go back for a picnic lunch. 

I wanted to post some of his pictures on here but was unable to unfortunately.

It was a lovely spot and I plan to go there again.


Thanks for dropping by.

Our monthly get together for lunch

My friend Jeff picked me up and we drove out to the east end to join other friends for lunch at Kelsey's.

I have to say that the food is excellent there and the lady who served us was very good.  We met about 11:30 and broke up a little before three.

They did not rush us at all which I appreciated.

We had a grand chat and a few laughs and everybody enjoyed their time together.

Thanks for dropping  by.

LW group - Mother/Daughter event May 15,2018

The weather improved significally in time to get to the Mother/Daughter event at St. John's. I am finding it a rather long walk now unfortunately.  However, since I was asked to open in prayer, I managed to get there.

On the walk there (about a half hour for me) I was stopped by a lady in a scooter asking for money as she had no money to buy food and she was diabetic.  I took a chance and gave her enough money to buy some solid food.  I had to hurry along though as I still had quite some ways to go before reaching St. John's. 

The Church hall was set up beautifully, with tables with bud vases and tulips, china cups and saucers and gleaming silverware.

Shortly after 7 p.m. we began. A warm welcome was extended to everybody who were able to attend as well as to our guest speaker Sister Elaine Arsenault of Good Shepherd.  She is the Sister of Social Service there.

I had been asked to open in prayer which I am honoured to do.

Some lovely poetry was read, some hymns were sung and then the guest speaker gave us an inspirational talk.  She had a valid point, in my view, that most of us listen but only so we can reply back.  She was right and it does give us, as people, something to think about.

She mentioned that most people only want to be heard and do not necessarily want to be given suggestions on what they should do as they already know what they want to do.

An interesting thought  indeed,

After her talk, another poem was read and a hymn. 

Our hostest with the mostest ladies had prepared a marvellous spread for us to enjoy.

Those ladies are amazing, month after month, they prepare beautiful tortes and sandwiches for our group.

In my opinion, it is an excellent group to belong to and I consider myself very fortunate to belong there.

Thanks for dropping  by.


Here are a few snapshots of last night.

Sister Elaine  of Good Shepherd - the guest speaker

Our president Waltraut espressing our thanks for her very stimulating talk

The hostess ladies preparing the table 

A snap shot at the end of the evening.

Have a great day!

Mother's Day May 13,2018

Kenny picked me up and we spent some lovely time just soaking up the wonderful sun and talking.  Eve is such a live wire and she wants to be part of everything which is a good thing.

Kenny prepared tacos for supper which I have never had.  They were good.

They also had bought some wonderful cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.

 Jody and Eve chatting in the backyard.

Ken and Eve on Ken's favourite lounging chair

Jody taking a selfie with Eve at the dining room table.

Jody and Eve with the lovely cupcakes in honour of Mother's Day.

Waiting, not so patiently, for me to snap his photo!

Eve with her puzzle.

I was getting tired and asked Ken to bring me home which he did.  I enjoyed my time with them very much. 

Thanks for dropping  by.

The Mother's Day tea at St. John's Lutheran Church

Each year, the ladies group puts on a lovely day which is open to the public.  There are fantastic plants for sale as well as yummy German baking and lunch is $5.00 which consists of a German sausage, sauer kraut and a bun.  I bought a small Christmas cactus as I have been on the lookout for one for many years as mine died of old age.  I don't know what colour the flowers will be but it will be lovely to see when it opens around Christmas time.  I also have at home a shamrock plant which I bought from Josie on the basement floor of the Farmer's Market.  It has flowered with the cutest little white flowers and both the shamrocks and the flowers fold up and go to sleep at night.  It is so fascinating to watch.  Now back to the tea.  This year due to spinal fractures, I was unable to help with pouring coffee.  I have done that job for 14 years but I guess all good things come to an end.

This year it was not quite as crowded, perhaps because it was cold outside. I needed my semi-winter coat on and Jennifer picked me up and brought me home, but it still was chilly.

The ladies group helps many charities, including LAMP which services the far north where the only way to get in is by plane.

The money they raise goes for these charities, including local ones here such as the Youth  Shelter (Living Rock).  Off hand I cannot remember which specific ones our group assists.  One of the most wonderful things to happen was that the owner of Giant Tiger (a retail shop) here in Hamilton came and donated four lovely pies to sell at the cake table.  He saw that the proceeds go to local charities and he wanted to help.  Wasn't that wonderful?

There sure are a lot of good people out there! 

My little group of friends came - Jennifer, Ruby, her friend Bev, Joanne and Anita.  We all sat at the same table and Rosie joined us for her lunch break.  She has taken over the job of pouring coffee I think. 

We stayed till about 1:30 and Jennifer drove me home.  I felt somewhat tired and slept till 4:30 which was good for me.  All in all, a wonderful time spent at a great place with good people and lovely food!

Now, as I write this the next day, I am invited to my son's place for a BBQ and he will pick me up.
I am so spoiled but I love every moment of it.

Thanks for dropping by.

I am almost back to normal now, thankfully!

The weather here is also getting better and there is no snow anywhere around here!

In fact, it has been warm enough to go outside with just a sweater - some people are even just wearing sleeveless tops!

I was looking through old picture books today and found this picture of me at age 30.  I look very serious there, don't I?

I also found some other pictures which I will share.

This gentleman was my fiance.  We were engaged for four and a half years many years ago.  He came to Canada when he was 21 and I was 18 and we met through a mutual German friend and her husband.  We got along very well, but my parents at that time did not like the fact he was from another country and put a stop to it.  I was under twenty one at that time (18) and legally they could forbid me to see him. A lawyer's letter was sent to him which frightened him as he was new in the country.  He left Montreal and moved to Vancouver and years later, once I was 21, we reunited.    Suffice it to say, he was a good person but he passed away in Germany at age 65 in 2004.  He will always have a place in my heart.  

A more formal picture of Georg taken in Germany about 20 years after he returned to Germany.

Georg & Wilma   

It was sad that my parents split us up as we would have had a good life together as we got along very well.  Mind you, they thought they were doing the best for me.

We all make misakes. I have made plenty myself so have no right to judge.

Thanks for dropping by on the trip down memory lane.

Please drop in again at some point.

Sorry for the long delay in writing my blog

Some of you are such faithful readers and I thank you for that.


Since before Easter, I have had recurring bouts of sickness which seem to last for days and days.

I finally called Teleheath to get some advice on how to fix this situation.  I am contageous so do not want to go to my doctor's office.

Telehealth is a free service staffed by registered nurses  here in Ontario and they were very helpful to me.  I have not been able to eat or drink even water for several days which is not good.  You can tell something is wrong if I do not have my morning coffee!

Especially the lack of  water is the most dangerous as I could not handle taking my meds with water so had to skip them.  The nurse was not too happy about that.  Considering my rather fragile health it is dangerous not to have the meds.

Alas for me, I seem to have a deep cough and have lost my voice from time time.  There are some people who would find that a very diserable thing, ha, ha.  This bout is a little different from the others for some reason.

I am missing so many nice things this week.  Our women's group and a pot luck. I was going to make a couscous salad to bring.  Tomorrow is our regular group of friends who go out for lunch once a month.  Saturday at St. John's there is a very good rummage sale but I just too weak at the moment to even think of going.  I'd really like to be better to go to that, but I don't want anybody else to get this miserable virus!   It is only once a year.

I did go to the Past Chairs Black Tie event at the club. It was very nice but three quarters through the meal I had to leave abruptly.  Our wonderful membership director went to get my cane for me and my purse so that I could leave quietly.


I have not been well since last Wednesday.

I sure hope things will improve shortly!

Thanks for dropping by.

Easter Sunday

I had so looked forward to going to St. John's today as it is not only Easter but the Sunday service which starts at 11 a.m.

Also my son had invited me for dinner but alas, both those plans have fallen through as I have some type of miserable virus which will not let go.  I would have loved to have gone.  However, I have no appetite at all and this has been for several days now.


In order to amuse mysellf, I have been concocting different recipes for essential oils.  I am now trying one out  with lemongrass, lavendar and tea tree oil plus apple cider vinegar and water.  It is a spray on deodorant.  I made one before with just lemongrass and lavendar and it worked quite well, but I forgot to write down the recipe so had to search for another one.

My friend Asma called and wanted to visit me from Toronto tomorrow but alas, that also has to fall through as I sure don't want her to catch this silly virus, We had a lovely long talk on the phone though and once I am better, we will get together. Hopefully the weather will be warmer then so we can go down to the waterfront.

My friend Mohamed arrived safely in Chicago and each day he sends me a message so I know that he is doing fine with his sisters and brother.  They are celebrating his 75th birthday. 

I continue to work on the family tree and find it fascinating!  Through my son, who found another with his exact name through Facebook, we have been in contact and it is wonderful to find more relatives.  They live in  St. Albert, Alta.   We are all connected by a great grandfather and great grandmother and we even have their pictures and marriage certificate.


The sad thing is that I met one of my relatives in Dundas at a concert many years ago, but he did not know his family history and he has now died.  The Alta. family know of him as they met him and his parents and siblings when they did a cross country tour.

I did print of his obit in the Spec though so it will go in the family tree history.

I continue to cat sit Ali Cat - it must be at least 3 or 4 weeks now.  There still is no decision yet by the doctors when my friend can come home if at all.   Ali Cat is so lonely so I may just have to bring her upstairs, but Gemma and her do not like each other.  I have tried before and Gemma just stays in my room and won't come out. Ali Cat is more the dominant cat unfortunately and it is Gemma's forever home.

It is a little problem for me but in the meantime, I have asked the family to try and find a family member who will take the cat in until and if  my friend is allowed home.  Her suster Jeff from England called this morning and we chatted for a few minutes.

That is about all the news for now.  Have a wonderful and Blessed Easter.

It has been a rather long winter

I have gotten out of the habit of writing in my personl blog everyday.  Not much to say on these long winter days when it is too cold to go out or no reason to go somewhere.

Spring has officially arrived in Canada several days ago, but the weather is still cold enough to wear a winter, coat, hat and scarf plus, of course, boots.

Today I am home because of the flu with all its wonderful manifestations!  I sure hope it is only the 24 hour bug and will disappear soon.  My energy level is really down, nor do I feel hungry.

I have been talking on the phone with friends though which helps to pass the time nicely.  I don't know what I would do without a phone.

On an interesting note, I have been busy working on our family tree and putting pictures with each person on it, when possible.  It is a fascinating study and I have found a branch (through my son with the same name as him) of the family who live in Calgary, Alta.  We are now in contact.

It has taken a considerable amount of time but is fascinating to me.  It is going back to 1820.

Some of the older pictures are so interesting to see and the similarities are very interesting in how the children were named.

It is something to keep my mind occupied and active as well which is a good thing.

Still downsizing and don't seem to be getting anywhere fast! Mostly papers left and basically I need to go through them piece by piece.

I guess I will take a small handfull when I sit and watch t.v. and either file them or shred them.

Some sad news.  My friend Anne passed away two days ago in Toronto.  She was 100 years old but bedridden for about two years.  Her daughter emailed me to let me know.  The funeral is this weekend.  I have been trying to Bernie, Norma's husband, to let him know. Norma has demensia so it might be better for her not to know.

Well, on that note, take care.

It has been awhile since I wrote on my blog

It remains cold here in Canada although we did have a mild spell for a few days which has put several areas under a flood warning.  Several are near here in Hamilton.

I don't have much to say as I haven't been going anywhere much.  Yesterday I went out with a bunch of friends for lunch which was very enjoyable.  We were 7 people in all and then Grace's husband came for coffee as he was there to pick her up.

We had a lovely time and we celebrated our friend Jeff's birthday.  I am most fortunate as Jeff picks me up at my back door and brings me home, again to my back door.

Yesterday was a bit of a busy day for me, as it was my club's annual meeting.  I left in time to get there by 4 p.m.  but I could not get into the wheelchair accessible entrance so had to walk around and buzz the front door. One of the staff answered that bell and I told her I needed to use the side entrance so she went over there.  Miss missed about half of the meeting due to not being able to get in.

I hate being late!  I stayed afterwards and visited with Henry, the musician and then went into the lounge to listen to him play.  My usual group arrived a little later than usual but most of them turned up.  It was nice to see everybody. 

I have not gone regularly as I cannot hear people talking when the musicians play and I hate to ask people to speak up.

Another friend had given me some sleep tea and I took my first tea from it.  It helped a little bit but I had to get up three times during the night so in some ways it was not good.  I find essential oils are helping me sleep better than anything I have tried.

I seem to be catching a chill right now so hopefully it will pass and I will have more energy to do things around here.

Thanks for dropping by.

A summary of some of the wonderful events in Decembe 2017

I am writing this on January 1st, 2018.  We had some excitement in our building this afternoon. the firebells went off, the firemen came in, a man was taken out on a stretcher and the fire people were here for a very long time. The fire was on the 4th floor and I heard it was a frying pan which caught fire.  I could smell the smoke up here on the 9th floor even.  I have a friend on the 4th floor and she was told to keep her door tightly closed and not come out.  I called to make sure she was okay and she was, fortunately.  She is about ten years older than I am.

Let's get back to December's news.  The club event was very nice, but there was only four of us gals. Jeff was sick, Mohamed had a bridge game, Andre is out of town, and Ruby and Joanne were sick.  We had a lovely time though in spite of their being less people.

Part of our group for our Christmas luncheon.

Many of us are missing due to the flu.



The next event was also at the club - a lovely buffet  and I invited my son to come along.  We had a nice time and he was able to help me afterwards with some paper work for the government and he sent it all in via email so hopefully I will get an answer soon.  That was about two weeks ago.

Our lovely Christmas tree at the club

Christmas in the lounge at the club

                                           In the lounge where Henry Strong plays each Wednesday.

Here is a picture of my son Ken at the club.

The little train that runs at Gore Park in downtown Hamilton, Ontario

The Manger scene at Gore Park

The mail box to mail things for Santa Claus

Daniela at our Christmas tree in the building

Part of the lobby decorated for Christmas

Add caption

Daniela

the manger scene at Gore Park

Me in the dining room at the club



If these wonderful events were not enough, my friend Linda treated me to two tickets to the Hamilton Philamonic Orchestra and I invited one friend but he was sick so I invited my friend Dani and we had a lovely time.  The music was wonderful and very festive.

Decemnber has always been a special month to me as my daughter was born in the middle of December.  I remember trudging up the hill to get to the Royal Victoria Hospital so that she could be born.  It was a life changing experience, especially three days later when my body ran into difficulties with hemoraging.  It was then that I walked on the lighted path and had the near death experience which was the best thing that ever happened to me.  It made me a better person, more understanding and more compassionate.  It coloured the rest of my life and I am most greatful to have had this experience.

Now onto other things.  I was supposed to go to visit Andrew and Rahel in Woodstock but I had a really bad bout of vertigo and slammed into my metal front door with my shoulders.  Fortunately, I was able to stop myself from falling by hanging on to the door knob.  It was a very frightening experience as I had no control of my body at all.

Once I coiuld feel well enough to stop clinging to the door knob, I sat for half a hour and did nothing.  I felt week for the rest of the day.

In the meantime, I have had some minor vertigo episodes since then but I am finding that putting a little peppermint oil under my nose and breathing it is, seems to help.

Due to this episode, I could not go plus the little girl was sick with pneumonia and the hospital told her parents to keep her away from anybody who was elderly or very young.

We will have to make it another time.  On Christmas Eve, Mohamed and I went to the early service where there were 350 people in attendance.  At the 7 p.m. service, there were only 30.  Families come from all over to be with their elderly parents and that is why there were so many in the church.  It was a wonderful event. By the time we got out, the snow was really coming down and Mohamed called for a taxi for which I was glad.  I had only brought my cane as we went by taxi as well. 

To round off the wonderful month of December Ken had invited me for Christmas dinner and that was very enjoyable as well.  On the Wednesday, Joanne, one of our group, invited us for lunch and we had such a good time there. Stayed until four p.m.  Asma was supposed to come on the 28th but she was sick so we postponed it.

As you can see, it was a rather busy December but all nice except for the vertigo problem.


Thanks for dropping by and I hope you all will have a very nice New Year.