My new walker

It arrived yesterday with Sarah the Occupational Therapist and Chris, the representative from Shopper Drug Mart.

They were kind enough to adjust my old one to suit the new owner. I was very thankful for that.

I will be discharged from CCAC's care in one month's time as my O.T. thinks I am doing very well.  I am in total agreement with her.

Although I still have problems as far as the broken tail bone is concerneed, it might take many months still before I am healed but everything is very well under control.

Here is a picture of my new walker folded up.  This is what sold me on it, the fact it folds up so small and does not require such much space.

It also can hold up to 324 pounds so it means that my grocery shopping should be able to be carried on it as well.  That was my main concern.

Thanks for dropping by.

Poetry once again at ArtWord/Artbar

On Sunday, October 18th from 2-5 p.m., a group of poets assembled at the ArtWord/Arbar on Colbourne Street in Hamilton, Ontario.  Ron & Judith, co-owners of ArtWord/Artbar graciously hosted this event.

Writers from Sarnia, Toronto, Oakville, Grimbsy and, of course, Hamilton read from their work to the appreciative crowd in attendance.

Master of Ceremony - James Deahl

David Haskins

Michael Mirolla

Jennifer L. Foster

Donna Langevin

Deborah Morrison

John B. Lee

Debbie Okun Hill

James Deahl

Norma West Linder also read her  beautiful work but unfortunately the picture I took did not turn out for some reason.

Some of us, eating together at a very nice restaurant within a short walk from the venue .


It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating the Lummox  book and those people who were published in it for this edition.

What made it even more special, was going out to a nice restaurant after the event and enjoying each other's company.

A very good day for all those concerned.

Thanks for dropping by and if you are in the neighbour of Dundas this coming Sunday, do come for the Art Walk which starts at 1 p.m. near the Carnegie Gallery.  There also will be reading of poetry inside in the warm and cozy Carnegie Gallery.  The walk will take place first and the picture of the poems exhibited in the store front windows will be read aloud.  On a personal note, this is the first year I was unable to do this event as I was still in the hospital and unable to pick a picture and write about it.

It feels strange not to be included in this lovely event. However, again on a personal note, I will be reading some of my work at the Carnegie Gallery on Sunday.

All in all, a good event on October 18th and another good event coming up on November 8th at 1 p.m. outside the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas, Ontario.

Please join us for this very pleasant event on Sunday if you are able.  There is no cost to attending and it is a most delightful way to spend a lovely fall afternoon.

Thank you for reading and hope you will come again.

Goodbye to an old friend, hello to a new one

No, I am not talking about a human being, but rather an inanimate object which has enabled me for fifteen years to be as independent as a bird in the sky!

Because of its sturdiness, support and seat, I am able to walk much further than I would with just a cane.

I am also able to carry four grocery bags full of goodies from the grocery store which help keep me strong and well.

What is this paragon of virtue?

My trusty fifteen year old Dolmonite walker!

It has been a good buddy for me for so many years and soon will be a tremendous help to a dear friend who visits from Mexico.  I am so delighted that it will benefit her and continue its valuable service to mankind.

Here are some pictures of it.

I shall be sad to see it go, but at the same time, glad to know it will help another person get around easier.


I shall look forward to getting a new, lightweight one this week which will be easier for me to lift onto buses or into cars.

Thanks for dropping by.

A fantastic event today- Leadership Summit for Women 2015

Although the day itself was rainy and dreary, that did not deter the many people who turned up for a day of interesting talks held at the David Braley Health Science Centre at 100 Main Street West in Hamilton, Ontario.

Here is what their website said about the event.

"The Leadership Summit for Women is presented in partnership by McMaster University and the McMaster Students Union with the YWCA Hamilton. The Summit brings together women, trans* individuals, and allies from the McMaster and Hamilton communities.

An annual intergenerational community-wide event, the Summit provides the skills, space, and support for all participants, regardless of gender, to reach their full potential as individuals and as collaborative members of the community.

Participants in the Leadership Summit for Women are catalysts of change, driving the creation of a more just and equitable society.

The 2015 Leadership Summit for Women will be held at McMaster’s new downtown campus, the David Braley Health Sciences Centre located at 100 Main Street West on Saturday, October 24, 2015. For the most up-to-date information, Like the Leadership Summit for Women on Facebook.

2015 Workshops

The theme for the 2015 Leadership Summit for Women is Make it Happen Hamilton.

The event will feature a wide variety of workshops and a keynote panel discussion.

Topics include:

• Building Your Leadership Brand
• Leadership Values
• Creating Change in Your Community
• Women in Trades
• Women in the Arts
• Women in Politics
• Women as Entrepreneurs
• Women in Medicine
• The Role of Mentorship
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace
• Activism and Advocacy"

On a personal note, I chose to attend two of the sessions. I would have loved to attend more but one had to pick one topic for the morning and one for the afternoon.

I chose the topic of how Muslim women feel as "the other" and found it very interesting.  There was no "new" information for me but rather confirmed what I have observed over the years.  I found it wonderful that the young women students lead this seminar and they did a very good job of it.  Jon Wells from the Spectator sat in on this one and took notes on his laptop so I suspect that something will be in the paper within a few days time.  

It was certainly a day of good eats, good conversation and audience participation.  The lunch was delicious - wraps with meat and wraps for vegetarians plus fresh fruit and fruit bars.  I also noticed that there was coffee available as well during the day.

After we had finished the luncheon, we went to our second topic.  I chose the one led by my friend Linda Marshall.  She and her dear daughter Olivia had it all set up and ready to go.  

Linda's topic was on emotional intelligence and how it affected every day life.  She had a slide presentation which Olivia ran for her.  

Linda Marshall giving her presentation

One of the prizes - I really liked this one but was not lucky enough to win it.

 

Her prizes plus her book also


The afternoon seemed to fly by and soon it was time to return to the auditorium for a wrap up of the day.

I was very fortunate to meet two ladies, one who sat beside me in the auditorium called Deb and the other, a very nice young lady who packed a little lunch for me from the left over food.  Her name is Carol and she already has gotten in touch with me via email.  Fortunately, I had some of my business cards with me and gave both of them a card.

Here are some random shots of the event.

This exhibition truly amazed me

The stairs going down.  There also were elevators.

The scrumptious buffet

A small outdoor patio

I cannot stress enough how worthwhile an event this was.  Thanks to all the sponsors the price was extremely reasonable considering one had snacks and beverage when one arrived, then a wonderful lunch, then again, more food and to top it all off, people were asked to take food home with them!

Twenty dollars ($20.00 plus tax of $2.00) was the price.  There was even help for people who may not have been able to afford it which I thought, was wonderful!

A day well spent in good company with good topics to think about and to act upon.

Thanks for dropping by.

Beauty in Lachine, P.Q. by Michele Comeau

A beautiful shot of Lac St. Louis in Lachine, P.Q. by Michele Comeau

What a difference a walk makes!

I had rather a difficult start to the day as I had no sleep the night before, plus have a little cold and other minor problems.

I had planned to go to church but things did not work out.  In the afternoon, I had an invitation for tea at one of my neighbour's place which I enjoyed.

After a nice visit, I suggested we go out for a walk as the day was gorgeous.  No takers on that one unfortunately.

Off I went with my trusty walker, walked down almost to Wilson and popped into the mall on the way back.  There was very few people there and most of the shops were closed this being Thanksgiving Sunday.  The wind had really picked up and I was glad to be inside for a short while.

On my way home, I saw a bunch of young people singing their hearts out in Gore Park, so being the curious person that I am, I went over and sat and listened to them.  It was wonderful.  They appeared to be Spanish speaking so I spoke to them in Spanish and they invited me to their church.

Just before the young people came over to speak to me, a German man stopped in front of where I was sitting, and spoke to me.  Without thinking, I replied to him in German but I could not remember where I had seen him before.  He reminded me that we had sat together at a nice supper at St. John's.  Then I remembered him.

What interesting experienced can be had when one takes a stroll and gets among people.  I watched the young people and another dear fellow near Jackson Square, as they tried to share their faith with others.  Most people just walked by, unconcerned and unmoved.

I really admire these people who stand up for what they believe and share with whoever will listen to them.

The weather was brisk but in the sun it was heavenly.  I was so glad to be outside, watching people, watching the buses go by, and talking to people.

I wish now that I had let Adam arrange for a friend to pick me up for the Commons tonight but in the morning I felt so punk that I cancelled the event.

Jeanette Anne and Matt and Adam are three of the people that I know there and most likely others.

Perhaps another time I will go.

Life is full of joy if one opens up themselves to people and is approachable.  I feel so happy for this afternoon's little adventures and the fresh air has been so good for me.

On that note, thanks for dropping by and have a very Happy Thanksgiving if you are in Canada.  Here it is a family time, and usually people have roasted turkey with all the trimmings and families gather.

A wonderful time!