December 31, 2024

A happy and healthy New Year to you Both.

The same for your coming vacation by the Atlantic in a warmer place. Say goodbye to freezing rain and Snow!! 

I have just been invited by friends next  door to spend the last evening of 2024; I was driven to the larger Church in C.P. for breakfast this morning, a dozen of us from St. G's in Clayton; a very pleasant time and many reminiscences of times gone by. This afternoon I walked to the Bank of Montreal in the warm sun, where I met an old friend so we had a cup of tea together across the road in the coffee shop.  Quite the unexpected day ! 

Enjoy the evening, a hug.

Suzanne

December 30, 2024

After all the effort of returning to your vehicle, I hope the meal was excellent.

I intended to email to you a "Merry Christmas".   But .. too many phone calls from one son, Ian, then "Our Granddaughter Dr. Sarah"  now residing on V Island fairly close to son

Graham and Ana, now all three women are working in the same hospital in Duncan. It was a special surprise to hear Sarah say "Merry Christmas Grandma" when I answered the phone.

we talked for well over a half hour, she is so happy being on the "Beautiful Island”, and "just loves working in the "Amazing hospital" all quite different from Saskatoon!! 

Ray and Kathy collected me in the afternoon to drive to Smiths Falls for a special meal at an excellent Chinese restaurant which advertised they are open at 4.30pm.  They did not open, we 

were not the only vehicles waiting. We drove through and around the town, every eatery closed, the only one open was Popeye’s, a kind of McDonald's who only sell chicken etc:

The various chicken meals were excellent, I had a large chicken breast that was covered in a crispy batter (which of course I could only taste and not eat!). The chicken was delicious ,

just slightly moist and tasty, I brought half home and the next meal I added greenery and sweet potato, just as good. Ray and Kathy ordered slightly different meals , but just as excellent.

On the way home we laughed about our "Odd Christmas dinner". The next day Kathy cooked their Turkey to feed the 10 people of different ages which now make their extended Family.

Christmas day alone was tiring until the phone was ringing in late evening. Canada is just too enormous  for Family times.

December 29, 2024

You are quite correct anywhere warmer than the Ottawa region.  Perhaps now the ideal "home" for me would be Vancouver Island, where now I have one son, delightful daughter-in-law, 2 large Huskie dogs who follow me around when not sleeping, and now an amazing, adoring step-granddaughter (an Emergency Specialist) , the smell of the ocean. Time will tell! 

#1 son in N.S., and a kind daughter-in-law now have a smaller house in Wolfville,  where grandson Alexander can squeeze in during holidays. Each Christmas and birthdays I find it harder to live alone. They are my only family, all others passed away many, many years ago.

After returning from the Joint Sunday Service at St.James, Carleton Place, I was in need of hot tea, so when I sat down I mistakenly turned on the TV only to find the English programme "Escape to The Country". The first section was in S. Cornwall where I have stayed many times, the scenery is just beautiful; then after one hour there was another one from Oxford and area. A young scientist with wife and baby daughter were looking for a house within 30 minutes of the City, when asked how much he could spend , his answer was 1 and 1/2 Million pounds.

They were taken to 3 very large properties, one was partially from the 16th century. They decided to have a second view of one which had a very large modern kitchen, the whole house had gorgeous views from the windows; and slightly under their budget.  Even Cornwall was listed at 600 thousand for a 3 bedroom.  All the scenery is beautiful, very green, even in winter! Why did I leave 67and 3/4 years ago!!

Now it is time to heat more of the soup I made yesterday.

Have a good night

Suzanne

December 28, 2024 v2

A wealth of pleasant memories.

Last Tuesday afternoon I drove my white mechanical pony for extra exercise in the cold but sunny fresh air; later well before anyone else arrived at St.George's church I unlocked the Vestry door as usual, only to have a bat knock off my hat. That reminded me of an occasion when I was four years old, a bat flying around my bedroom, I must have screamed because my Father ran into the room, saw the problem and grabbed the small material bag where I kept my night dress during the day; he managed to catch it inside the bag and took it away.

The next day I saw said bag on the washing line, I ran to Daddy's workshop and told him to throw the bag away.

A few years later when he came home on leave from the RAF, he showed me how to polish the copper pipes in the engine of the Vauxhall car which had been slightly raised off the garage floor with wooden 4x4's to protect the tires. A few weeks later I looked for the polishing rags, only to find them in my now rather dirty night dress bag!

How on earth can I remember such a rather stupid experience, then a few hours after breakfast I can not think of what I had eaten in the morning! 

With me, the fibre of old age is Tea and chat!!  That is what happened yesterday, I invited the new owner of the apartment above me.  A pleasant widow who lived in a fair sized modern bungalow on the next street.

Now time for a fresh cup of Earl Grey tea!  Before WW I my Father opened up the Ceylon tea plantation where the same tea is still grown today. It is just by chance that it is my favourite.

Suzanne 

December 28, 2024

You are certainly looking forward to your early vacation due South and warmer weather.

Yesterday I tried walking in the sunshine only to discover the local sidewalks were partially ploughed and slushy or icy. Thankfully I carried my Mother's small walking stick enabling me to stretch over all the mess. The wind started blowing so I pulled my hood over my warm hat and carefully walked home. Until winter is past I shall quickly walk, or run back and forth on our long corridors each and everyday, then open the balcony door to breathe fresh air (if such an element still exists). Oh! to smell and breathe sea air! Roll on Spring.

Whenever I drive back to Clayton, once past a couple of hills I automatically open the car windows, I truly miss Our country life.

Today I shall make Butternut and sweet potato soup with fresh chicken stock and a few herbs.

Enjoy your day.

Suzanne 

December 27, 2024

Happy thoughts of a coming time drawing closer every day.

"Limelight" was one of my favourite melodies.

I'm still waiting for my second son to call "Merry Christmas", hopefully no more blown down trees during their current wind storm.

When I am alive again this morning I shall call Ian to wish him "Happy 57th Birthday".

Now Back to bed for another snooze.

Suzanne

December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas to you Both. Enjoy your day and especially great meals.

St. George's had an excellent evening; with 51 people attending. The meal, Carols and Service were greatly appreciated.

This evening our dear friends Ray and Kathy are taking me to SmithsFalls to visit their daughter and then eat out "somewhere".

Phone calls received from 2 sons, V. Island is experiencing more heavy storms.

Keep well,

Suzanne

December 22, 2024

I can imagine how you are looking forward to a respite from the cold and snow. A long but interesting drive, the smell of salt air and a comfortable space in which to stay. For what more could you clearly ask?!

Tomorrow I shall be preparing fruit to make a small and not too rich Christmas cake to give to our dear friends Ray and Kathy. They both have bad colds so a small item to cheer them both.  Christmas eve I shall be at St. G's again, for Shepherd's Pie and Angel cake, neither of which I can eat, then more Carols and a late Eucharist service.

David Moat, our Lay reader, who now lives in Almonte, has offered to drive me there and back home. For me, driving in the dark on quiet country roads is no longer sensible. He is not sure if Heather will come, some days her arthritis stops her easily moving. 

Ashley, from our old house, is coming in the afternoon, bringing Christmas cookies that she and the children have made from a special recipe. Bless them.

Now I'm wondering what do I cook for myself on Wednesday, maybe a pork tenderloin, so I must remember to remove it from the freezer.

An early night is required!

Take care.

Suzanne

December 19, 2024 v2

So glad you enjoyed a great breakfast once more at Neat Cafe; the drive there and back must be quite different from summer time. 

I always enjoy seeing photos from your apartment, no matter what time of year.

Just watched Rosemarie Barton and Andrew Coyne re: the Liberal's Ministers shuffle. A. Coyne was once Head of Bank of Canada, then moved directly to the same position at the Bank of England.

Enough of news! 

Good night,

Suzanne

December 19, 2024

Quite a round - about morning, the road works were mentioned on, I think, Valley news on computers last week. I’m glad that I no longer drive that far away!

Thanks for reminding me about Hummingbird chocolate, I know I put away a half eaten small box given to me when Graham and Ana were here in early summer! 

No doubt Franz F will visit his daughter and Family on one of his trips, I'm sure it was a pleasant surprise to have the car door opened and a brief "catch-up" of news. 

I've had a couple of "poor days". I called dear Joy Sheets the other morning, I was freezing cold and thought perhaps I also had a fever. She was here in a few minutes, checked me out, took my blood pressure, etc: "Stay in bed, what food do you have, drink plenty of water" and "I'll check in again later." 

Well I slept almost all day and night, same the next day, then suddenly I felt really hungry. I heated up homemade sweet potato, celery and chicken soup; that did the trick!

I realized on Sunday at church I was cold, then Monday afternoon was quilting time in Grace Hall, the heat was turned on when we arrived but turned down about an hour later, I kept my warm coat on the whole time.  Even making Tea for the seven of us didn't make much difference, in spite of holding my hands on hot teapots!

It was my next door neighbour's turn to drive to Clayton, when we left to drive home, her car was freezing cold and hardly warmed at all.  I was just completely chilled, not catching flu or anything else!

Today when waking up I knew immediately I was my normal self again and so was my blood pressure!

Friday I shall drive to fetch groceries and Carleton Place for the Items that are not kept in Almonte. Winter is certainly here, I shall wear my winter coat and hat, my boots, I had already put new winter insoles inside last week; by the time I drive out of the underground garage my car will be warm, also the steering wheel, I do not use the seat warmer as I have to sit on a stiff cushion, I'm just too Short! 

My Clayton Friends, Ray and Kathy both have bad colds, hopefully they will improve soon. Last year I spent Christmas dinner with them. I will probably be invited again if no more colds, otherwise I have frozen pork tenderloin in the freezer!

Thursday; It was a bright sunny morning and cold, but I had to wait for for the electricians to finish installing a new thermostat: after three hours it was discovered that it didn't work, apart from switching on the A/C in full blast! So the old complicated one was quickly returned to its original space. I can turn the heat up when needed, which is a change, so the question is "What Next?

Finally I left here at 1:30 and drove into Carleton Place and bought all the needed food from three stores, returning home just before dark.

Once in the apartment all the fresh food was put into the frig and freezer. I made a cup of tea and almost collapsed into my armchair!

Tomorrow will be a full day of CBC news re Trudeau, US government, finally Putin.

Have a goodnight.

Suzanne

December 18, 2024

I must remember your expression re: Saucy Worcester.

December 18, 2024 v2

A beautiful winter Picture, with Christmas of years gone by, especially the somewhat now older grey stone building at the country end of Almonte!

December 18, 2024

Good luck to "Bunny" and Godspeed.  She will be warmer than the rest of us! 

I had to wear those wretched compression stockings one summer whilst in Nova Scotia and PEI. It was a hot summer! I said never again!

At least I was able to exercise and lose some weight after having to take several years of pills due to Breast Cancer.

Stay warm,

Suzanne

December 17, 2024 v3

Interesting, The Ku-Klux-Klan was quite an undesirable situation many years ago. I wonder if the same feelings still exist in Indiana.

I remember watching racing on TV many time from The Indianapolis speedway with husband Peter, who was a small car racer in England,

He also was tested with Formula 1 racer's by one of UK's famous racers but had to refuse the opportunity because he did not wish to lose his excellent position in a large company in Buckinghamshire .

2 years later said company went bankrupt, so he emigrated to Canada.

December 17, 2024 v2

Once more an extremely interesting read. I truly hope all these recollections and others over your forty years of service to hundreds of people, will be placed into a well bound book.  Maybe later donated to the Elizabeth Kelly Almonte Library.

I was told that John Kerry was a tough business man; but over the years I knew him as a polite, charming friend to the very end of his life.

I had a chuckle about your meeting in Frank Murphy's house, typically Irish!  If it had not been for Frank's Conservative prominence together with your legal jurisdictions regarding my then old  Mother's failing health, I should have become totally "penniless" and my two young sons would have suffered indescribably.

I shall never forget that association.

Suzanne

December 17, 2024

I remember staying on Jekyll Island in 1962 after driving across Canada, down the west coast of USA into south Mexico through the southern States  to Florida, staying a week on the sands near the large Air Force Base, then up to the eastern States and criss -crossing up to New York and finally back to Ottawa, all in 3 months, then returning to England.

When Tony and I drove to Dartmouth N.S. each summer to visit with Ian and baby Alexander we always drove out to Lawrencetown, walked up over the large rocks and walked on the wet sand, then up to the old house above the rocks for tea and cakes.

When Alex was old enough he came with us to paddle in the ocean and build sand castles. 

Masefield's Sea Fever, we learned by heart, which I could recite for many years later, at my small school in Ringwood, Hants, on the edge of the New Forest. 

I come alive with the smell of the salt air! 

It's a small world!

Suzanne

December 15, 2024

An appropriate delightful message to-day, thank you.

Yesterday I had a long telephone call from son Graham assuring me that the Island's storms did not do too much damage on their property, just a couple of downed trees away from the house, giving them more firewood for next winter.

At the end of the conversation he informed me that he and Ian would be having a three point phone call with me late today; now of course I'm wondering "What are my 2 "boys upto"! It feels like a Merry Little Christmas to-day! 

A cold winter's drive this morning to open St.G's Church at 8am, happily with only one other car on all the roads! 

Keep warm.

Suzanne

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light;
From now on,
Our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
Our troubles will be miles away.

December 14, 2024

Re: Morocco

Did you know that after World War 2 and Winston Churchill lost his position of Prime Minister he spent many months, or possibly 2 years, living in Morocco reclaiming his health.  He painted many beautiful pictures, of which he sold quite a number, many are still in his home in Kent, where he built an enormous high brick Wall beginning in the 1930's and finishing in 1950's.

I had a collection of his autobiographical books, plus two books of his paintings; upon moving back to Almonte I donated them all to the Almonte library. 

Suzanne

When I first came to Almonte, Elizabeth Kelly was still holding forth in the small lower right hand room of the old Town Hall!

December 12, 2024 v2

Yes Stephen is an amazing person, full of energy and ideas. Almonte would not look anything nowadays without his help to resuscitate the old town.

I have known him well enough for him to say hello to me over the many years. It is his sister, the renowned  puppeteer (Ed Note: Noreen Young) whom Tony and I came to know very well.  Each summer when Tony's young grandchildren flew down from Yellowknife, NWT, on their own, to spend almost all of the summer holidays in our first built house in Clayton, she invited us all to spend a whole day in her home to see how she made the puppets, how to work with them and finally each time to present a play in the small puppet theatre. It is one of their best memories which to this day, all three remember  extremely well.

Recently when on Vancouver Island I spent Thanksgiving weekend with Graham's sister-in-law and young Family, plus dog, visiting Graham and Ana, who own 2 Huskey dogs, then arrived Dr Sarah Cannell, Emergency Specialist, + dog, also her friend Dr Katelyn, dentist, + dog.

During the subsequent amazing meal, Sarah told the other 2 young children all about her summers in Clayton, specifically the Puppets and how they loved working with them. 

Now that I have finished the tale, I still cannot remember the puppeteer 's name whom I recently met in the local grocery store!! 

Oh dear I am old, also tired!

Suzanne

December 12, 2024

This might be a small point of interest re: King James 1.  He became King of Scotland @13 months. His Mother Mary, became Queen of Scotland age 3 years when her Father died whilst the Family lived in Linlithgow Castle, Scotland.  The water colour painting hanging  on my wall here is said castle, painted by my god-mother, Beatrice Walsh Emmerson in the late 1800's or early 1900's. "Aunt Bea" was the Ballet teacher, consultant and great friend of  Ballerina  Anna Pavlova,  once she escaped from St Petersburg, Russia.  

 

The first King James Bible  was partially printed in England and Germany.  During my time at boarding school, Oak Hall, Haslemere, Surrey, it was owned by Norman Hardy Wallis, a retired Oxford Don, who also taught history to the senior girls . In his library he frequently read from and showed his original first version of the King James Bible. At that time there were only two known original bibles left,  Mr Wallis's and one other in a museum in England. I forget where ! My last "Advent" time at Oak Hall, I had the privilege of holding and reading  from

 the ancient bible during our last "Lessons and Carols" service.  

Mrs H.W. was a well known retired classical pianist. She invited many other musicians to come to Oak Hall and play for her "special Gels". Each term we always had two music concerts.  Oh! I forgot I was allowed to play her exceptional grand piano in their drawing room during music lessons and practices as I had a light touch !  

I hope that I haven't bored you;  some of your writings remind me of my younger days! A totally different life!!

Suzanne

December 11, 2024

A delightful story!  I shall keep this to read again, also to the three older children who now reside in "our" old house in Clayton. 

I have been told that they are now making me special "almond flour cookies" as a surprise Christmas gift for "their pretend Grandmother"!! (that is another delightful story)!

December 10, 2024

An odd appearance for an ex-farm boy, obviously it was his choice at the time; maybe it was given to him by a special person, a wife?  He has a daughter, so he keeps it in memorial.

An interesting photo of many paintings, an Indigenous headdress, good umbrellas and cane, plus, by resorting to holding a magnifier, Is that Mother holding a young Boy, You? 

I opened my computer with one interest in mind, only to find your tale of the day.

December 9, 2024

A delightful memory of Christmas past.  I wish I could say the same for my two "Boy's".  There was only over indulgences provided by father-in -law to almost 7 year older brother Ian, than to young Graham who at age 3 noticed the difference. Happily Mum and Grandma  always tried to make up the difference; whilst Dad always chose  one toy that Graham could put together and take apart himself, such as brand new "Leggo".

 Christmas food was always a matter of excitement, very special items for Ian who lived with a number of allergies and Asthma until his late teens.  Very rich fruit cakes were made in "Fall", the fruit being soaked in brandy for 48 hours before cooking. The homemade Christmas pudding came to table lit up with brandy.

The two brothers always helped make these items and made a "Christmas Wish" when stirring!  They tell me now they remember the smell from cooking for several hours of turkey and stuffing!  Both of them now cook Turkey themselves in exactly the same way as Mum!  However with not having any other Family it was usually a pleasant event. 

Winter is here, Take care.

Suzanne

December 8, 2024

A lot of memories of cold afternoon drives. This afternoon having partaken in another "lessons and Carols" in my beloved Clayton without our sick Lay reader, our Chief Warden and I apparently performed extremely well with our Choir joined by 8 younger choristers from The Eastern Orthodox Community , who now rent St.G's Church each week. I performed 3 extra readings and Lynne became the Lay minister.  Upon returning home and noticing a magnificent Sunset most of the way, the first item I needed was a chunk of Cheddar cheese (Lactose free) and Gluten free bread with a sweet apple  and of course a cup of Earl Grey tea!

Son  Ian phoned to say they moved into their new house in Wolfville, N.S. last week,  extricated all their furniture and belongings from 3 months of commercial storage whilst living in Mother-in-laws' very small basement in Dartmouth. They are surrounded by fields and trees, a distincted change from a large house plus pool etc; in the city. Ian works from home, so life was not a simple time for him.

Now I must connect with Graham after all their storms on Vancouver Island.

We shall have more rain and snow most of the warmer winter according to our biologist. 

Have a good week. 

Suzanne

December 7, 2024

Well thank you for such an amusing tale, or I should say a good laugh.  I almost hate to tell you that my two son's grew up with  almost perfect manners at table and were never allowed to run around the dining room, my left handed Graham also taught himself to use a knife and fork in the correct hands! Nowadays he can use quite a number of tools in either hand, just like my Father who was completely ambidextrous. Daddy's writing became almost indiscernible due to a German bullet hitting his right elbow, afterwards he had to push his pen with his left hand. At the same time he had half of his left knee blown away during WW1.   

December 6, 2024

As a child I remember hoping to see "Daddy" again but not too often after the 1940 Christmas "Blitz" in London; then only in summer holidays when we could have a "railway pass" per the government for long distance travel, of course we had to pay the railway fares.

This Sunday I shall be In St. George's, Clayton, Choir singing and reading for the annual "Lessons and Carols" Service. Christmas Eve we shall have a dinner of Shepherds Pie

and Angel Fruit Cake,  then an evening Communion Service.  Christmas day I am hoping to talk to both my sons and families.  This is when I know that Canada is an enormous Country and an "Old" person should never dream of flying in winter.

My large pot of homemade vegetable soup is finally ready, which looks like enough for 4 days, I hope!

Take care on messy roads, keep well and cheerful!

Suzanne

December 1, 2024 v2

We had a holly hedge in our Hampshire garden and Ivy clung to one side of the house. Each war time Christmas I picked enough to fill the the tall silver wine cooler that sat on the dining room table, which is now in one corner of my drawing room.

In 1913 my Father was attached to the Ceylon Mounted Rifles, each year there was a long distance mountain ride in full marching order carrying 14 stone over 71 miles. Daddy's horse, named "Starlight" completed it in 10 hours (the previous record was 12 &1/2 hours) with a 1 hour stop @ 1/3d of the way.

They won the Race. After the presentation of the wine cooler, plus a bottle of Champagne, Daddy poured it into the cooler and proffered it to Starlight for a taste; however, in Daddy's own words "He drank the whole damn lot.  Oh! well he did all the work!!"

Last week I was trying to move a heavy unopened box which I promptly opened to reduce the load;  inside were a number of "Old" framed photos, the bottom one is a photo of Daddy sitting on Starlight the next morning after the Ride.  I have never before seen inside this box.  So now Starlight will sit right next to the wine cooler.

This tale all began because of the Carol "The holly and the Ivy".  I was hoping to sing it in our Lessons and Carols service next Sunday afternoon. No such luck, but maybe on Christmas Eve service.

December 1, 2024

 

Cute tale!

November 30, 2024

An amazing photo but..so glum. That was my first impression then; having read all of the following writings, you pursued extremely well. In fact I had a few good chuckles!  Over the years your constraint has done you well. 

Now I must get back to work, finish making a new recipe for vegetable soup to which I will add protein for to-night's dinner.  Wrapping the finally finished children's "Advent Calendar" to be delivered tomorrow between Morning Prayers, Important financial church meeting and Choir practice for the Lessons and Carols service December 8th.

Also making sure the "new people" keep the Altar in excellent shape, that has been my domain for almost 20 years.

A little snow for Sunday. At least I have Winter tires and new wiper blades on my Kia Excel. 

Keep cheerful.

Suzanne 

November 29, 2024

Quite the circuitous day!

I also have been going round and round in the same circle whilst trying to pay the monthly bills; no invoices, just receipts, then waiting on the telephone trying to speak to a "person" to tell me how much I actually owe their corporation. Finally I was able to pay three different amounts, in my usual way through my Bank's telephone.

So much for the Post Office Strike! It has lost thousands $ this year, what next??

Yesterday I finished the complicated sewing, an "Advent Calendar"  to give to the four children who now live in "our "erstwhile Clayton house". I shall deliver it on Sunday December 1st.

December 8, St.George's is having a Lessons and Carols Service @ 7pm.   Carols being sung by our renewed choir of which I am a part.

Christmas eve we have  a Shepherd's Pie and Angel Food Cake Supper, once more, Officiated by our brand new Minister; an extremely pleasant retired man.

Great changes for St. G's who we expected to close down in a couple more years. An Eastern Orthodox Community recently asked if they could rent our church and Hall for 4 hours per week, they usually have 45 - 50 people whom they appear to feed very well.  Our Bishop signed all the papers two weeks ago. Previously they rented an old church, St.Johns on Highway 7 which was sold; this summer the Orthodox Community rented a Farmer's field and large Tent, obviously they could not survive the winter!

Winter is almost here, I had my snow tires and new windshield wipers plus oil etc; finished yesterday afternoon, then grocery shopping and came home in pitch dark, which did not bother me at all in spite of # 29 being very busy.

I'm still trying to be in touch with Graham and Ana On Vancouver Island after the 2 great storms. They have massive trees around the property and the roads are the same. Without Hydro they cannot work from home.  Ian has taken possession today of his new house in Wolfville N.S, but will not move until January. Too much work now that he is his own Contractor but still working with Macquarie University, Australia, also in Norway, Sweden and I think Iceland and parts of Greenland.

Goodnight.

Suzanne

November 20, 2024

Finally I have just read your Bouncing Back writings; way back to planting trees, then all the Almonte Associations etc:, but of course not all at the same time!

The Medical history has been serious from which indeed you have "Bounced Back". May you continue to do so in the coming years. 

Today I had a sewing Day, part of the time was spent trying to adjust my main machine's "stitching problems". Eventually I managed to make it work so the material, when finished, will look professionally made. It is becoming an "Advent" calendar for the now four children, the third boy is just born, who live in Our Clayton house. 

I started sewing to take my mind off the dreadful 3 day storm on Vancouver Island. Graham and Ana live 1 1/2 hours north of Victoria on the East side of the Island, almost overlooking "Saltspring Island".  Their property has many enormous old trees and so far no space to build a garage for their two vehicles, at the base of the long steep driveway. No Hydro means "no computers" from which to work from home. At least they have a large wood stove and plenty of wood to keep them warm, a BBQ in a protected corner outside the dining area. That end of the house is protected by enormous rocks higher than the roof. 

Thankfully I can visualize the property, but anything can happen in those circumstances. 

I also have managed to Bounce Back over the years after a number of unfortunate circumstances; I try not to remember them and always look to the positive side of life.

I spoke to Ian on Sunday, they have just bought a 6 year old house at the far end of Wolfville surrounded by fields and trees. It has two bedrooms , two bathrooms but no basement, with space for Alex during the summer holidays,  He swims twice a day at Acadia's pool and is enjoying working hard at his studies. He can cycle to the new house once they move just after Christmas. 

At least one son has good news after searching all around that area for over 3 months, very few places for sale  at all.

I can just pray that G and A, also Tonny's Grand-daughter, Dr Sarah all survive well on the Island once all debry is cleared  and Hydro returns.

Looking forward to Bouncing Back once more!

Suzanne

November 19, 2024

Yes, Tony and I have done that drive many times travelling both ways. Unfortunately Neat Cafe used to only provide food that I cannot eat and their tea was not to my liking. However we came away from there during late Spring days with many cuttings of garden plants  that the owners found overgrown, especially when they opened a Patio area. The same plants are still surviving well in our Clayton house.

Glad to know you enjoyed the country breakfast.

Tomorrow Kathy,from Clayton, then she is collecting me at 9am to shop for my special cheeses etc: from Costco; then a rush home to place in the rather small Frig: and a drive back to Clayton for a sewing afternoon in St.George's Church hall.

So off to an early bedtime.

Suzanne

November 13, 2024 v2

Interesting morning. Now I'm wondering who this Lady might be?  Of course Bellamy is so well known, as per Bellamy MIlls Rd, where we lived  for 25 years.

Many elderly women lived in "Linn Bower", with well known names and large families, then great, great grandchildren. I shall have to look up in my book of the large area written by Rose Mary Sarsfield.

Give me a little help, also I may know her or of her. 

Suzanne

November 13, 2024

Well It's a small world! I also knew Bruce Monteith many years ago, then when he and Anne  lived near Middleville.

I will certainly forward your good wishes when I see David on Sunday. This is his week to take the Morning Service, He comes to St.George's, Clayton, every week. Now that he lives in Almonte, he has offered to drive me if the weather is not great during the coming winter.

I also remember seeing the Lanark Highlanders, probably a few times, but didn't recognise you! 

This morning, being the usual get together coffee day, Heather Gurniak mentioned that she recently met you in the grocery store and just chatted for a few minutes.

I was able to find the right coloured wool for her to mend a small hole in a special cardigan. She also compared my kitchen with hers, when she noticed this one is quite a bit larger than her apartment, which is #308, now she is trying to decide on paint colours for dreary walls and tall trees outside! 

Did you know Wayne Pifer, he died last week, he had been back and forth to QCH a few times being treated for heart problems, when suddenly it was discovered he had stage 4 lung cancer. A blessing for him that he departed so quickly, but tough on his family. Tony and I met him when he was still living  just past Clayton in Lanark Highlands.

Tomorrow I shall visit Edith Dash (#110) who is now in Carleton Place Terrace, suffering from Cancer. She and I met almost as soon as I moved in here, we go back quite a long time and experienced many places in Europe; also including Vernon B.C. She once lived only a few houses away from My son, Graham.

Edith is fortunate that her Son and daughter-in-law only live two blocks away, one visits her every morning and the other one in the evening. The main reason for her being in C.P. Dear soul, she does not have much time left, last week Joy Sheets came with me and she was so happy to see us Both. Her black cat "Rascal" is with her; I now have to make a fuss of him, he knows me now and waits for ear rubs! 

Winter is almost here, enjoy the sunshine days.

Suzanne.

On Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 11:18 PM L. G. William Chapman BA LLB <lgwilliamchapman@gmail.com> wrote:

David Moat, my partner Denis and I were members of the Lanark Highlanders, a social regiment initiated by the late Bruce Robert Henderson Monteith (who was the Sgt Major).  I also know Heather Toner from many years ago.  We haven't seem either of them for some time.  Please give them our best if you have the opportunity to do so.

November 12, 2024 v2

Great to know that you are taking your exercise each day.

Fresh eggs are indeed welcomed at all times. My great helper, Sharlene, now brings me fresh eggs @ $6.00 per dozen. They are far better than store stale ones,  but...not as great as David Moat's very special rich deep coloured tasty, just laid ones.

Unfortunately for us all at St. Georges, David finally sold his farm after waiting two whole years of hoping to sell. Neither he or his wife Heather are in the best of health and age is catching up with them both.  He is ex-RCAF, an engineer, also a Parish Lay Reader.

November 12, 2024

Dozens of pieces, well appreciated but now lost. 

I also have always admired gold and silver.  

My Mother's 24 ct gold wedding ring had belonged to my Father's Mother; as he was her first born child of five, it was willed to him.  I have no idea when she died. I still have that ring. 

When living in London I was taken to St, James Park, near Buckingham Palace where I was shown a small distance away, a long row of the back of large 3 storey houses; My Father pointed out the only one with a large "Bow window". "That was my Mother's house where I stayed in 1916 or1917, before being taken to "Buck House" to be presented to King George V who pinned my "Military Cross" to my  Major's uniform."

In about 1930 that whole street became Government offices.

I have more gold rings, also a Birk's 1998 gold watch, presented to me by the AGH board for the 10 years there as President of the Hospital Auxiliary and at the same time for Chairman of Region 9, which I discovered some time later, was the largest area in Ontario. In 5 years I visited 28 hospitals and helped each one organise conventions etc.

After 20 years Birks decided to no longer replace the batteries for free, of any watch no matter the age. The gold bracelet is a wide interesting shape, it keeps perfect time and changes the date each day. 

The last time I was in Birks, Kanata, the head sales person told me they still make the same design, in 1998 it cost about $750, in 2018  the price was $5000. Special thanks are to Ray Timmons, who actually chose it.

Re silver jewelry etc: I have some of my Mother's family's 1830s large buttons for males and females, also buckles and cufflinks. In 1956 onwards I have a silver bracelet with handmade ornaments, made by my late husband, a dentist. Each year it was added to on special occasions, 30 pieces of solid silver which became so heavy I added my Father's heavy gold watch chain and wore it as a necklace.

How times and fashions have changed!!

In a drawer I have many small boxes with antique gold and silver jewelry, also a few pieces of black "Jet" mourning brooches and pins (early 1800s).

My excellent pearl necklace and earrings, my 21st birthday present which was from my Parents.

I must find an occasion to wear those again.

When living in England I practically lived with them every day! 

Almost bedtime! 

I hope you are improving well each day. Your writing certainly seems to be

more cheerful.

Suzanne