Spring is finally just around the corner!
April 9, 2025
April 6, 2025v3
The Morning Service started @ 9am. But... Because we now have the Rental "Orthodox" service @10.30 a few extra possabilities always arise. Today, I immediately saw that the Altar cloths had been folded up and half hanging to the floor. I needed another pair of hands to help but...I was alone, so just had to manage, quite well in the end. Ashley arrived at the church hall with 5 dozen new eggs, I came home with 3 doz: 1 for me , the other 2doz are in my small fridge until 2 other couples return home sometime soon ! David Moat who took the Service this AM, always takes home 1 or 2doz.
Once I left the church Hall, I delivered my Income Tax papers to Our Accountant who now lives on Gemmill St, Clayton having bought the property from Tony at the far end of our 25 acres. It was a dreary time for me this morning, I parked my car right in front of the now large tree, where we both decided that was not the best place to build our first Clayton house, there were already houses on the other side of the Street; so we built at the top end of the long shaped grounds amongst the trees, plus the 2nd house 6 years later, where Ashley and Stan live with their now 4 children.
Ashley's Parents bought our first house last Fall, which is a short distance through the trees.
Almonte has always been Home to me, that is why I decided to buy the Condo here, but .... Clayton will still be my favourite for the memories, children and grandchildren, also possibly next Spring a great grandchild (on North Vancouver Island).
Oh dear, I have to retrieve my washed clothes and hang them on the special rack in my small sewing room (second bedroom!).
Good night.
Suzanne
April 6, 2025 v2
Yes, that is quite amazing, positively "humanoid"? If you continue in the same vein you may end up with a swollen head!!
April 6, 2025
Hello Bill, I just opened yesterday's Millstone, only to read the advertisement for a Tricycle, which reminded me that you used one almost everyday.
Then the next above email was your "Retail". Eventually I had to laugh, I had not finished reading the Millstone so I then realised that the Trike Advert was yours ! It certainly was an easy way to sell at a good price, inspite of a sleepless night!
Hopefully you will sleep better tonight.
Suzanne
April 5, 2025
Thank you for the picture of the Man on a Horse, in Victorian Attire!
When you were here, did you see the framed photo of Daddy riding "Starlight"? Maybe not, I found it a few weeks ago in an old box. It took place in Ceylon in 1913 when he and Starlight won a 12 hour race up and down high mountains arriving at the finish line in perfect condition. Daddy received a large solid silver wine cooler, plus the usual bottle of Champagne, which he immediately poured into W Cooler and offered it to Starlight, who in
Daddy's own words (which he wrote on the back of the frame) "He drank the whole Bloody Lot". This photo was taken the next day after they had won a "Flat" fast Race.
On the same kind of subject; What can I do with Daddy's "Hunting Pink Uniform" clothes, now in a suitcase, which he wore when his renowned artist brother in-law painted his picture, now hanging on my wall?
Unfortunately Uncle Edwin died a few days later, so his right hand fingers are not quite finished, also the painting could not be signed. Sir Edwin Ward had two paintings, King Edward V11 and King George V, hanging in Windsor Castle.Thankfully when W. Castle caught fire a few years ago, every painting, most furniture and carpets were saved.
All kinds of decisions, decisions to be made, and not too far ahead!
Wintery weather has returned. This morning I purchased many food items at FreshCo in C.P. from many new countries . I saw several people put items back when they found it was from USA , it is already losing money!
Tomorrow, another early morning back to St. G's and then to deliver my Income Tax papers to the accountant. A lot of paperwork finally finished for another year.
Time for a cup of Tea!
Take care....Suzanne
April 4, 2025 v2
I am sure I was 4 years old when I began that effort, dear old Daddy planted the first ones and I grew up in the garden with him, when he wasn't riding one of his horses!!
April 4, 2025
I'm sure that once you finally regained the Appleton Sd road you knew that you were Home.
Yesterday afternoon I decided to take a long walk in the Spring sunshine, which I accomplished by walking to Country St. and returning on the longer way home. To my surprise once in front of my old house @ 279, there was a glint of white under a front bush; naturally I moved closer avoiding puddles of water to find "Snow Drops" just about to open.
Those little flowers were the last thing that "Mummy" gave me before she had to move into the nearby Nursing Home. In England, every February 7 (my birthday) I would pick a few Snow Drops to put in a tiny glass vase, which I still have, and then put it on Mummy's breakfast tray.
While walking home I know that in a few days I have to find one of the photo's of my old house as it looked when I first bought it in 1983; It has changed hands 4 times since then each time being changed and enlarged. It was built in 1880, by a church Minister whose daytime "Job" was a carpenter. He built it in pine wooden "Balloon Framing" which is no longer allowed because of fire destruction.
Another long story, but a change from trying to finish my Income Tax etc!!
April 2, 2025 v2
You had a busy day after finally arriving home.
Thank you for the tip in the grocery store. I shall look out for the Black Triangles with a T inside, hopefully they are not on the few foods that I can purchase in the Independent store.
Life is changing so fast, how do we manage to keep up with it all?
At 10pm I shall watch the CBC news to hear what Trump has thrown at us, at 6pm his was his usual self talking vaguely about how every Country has been taking USA money away from their ownership, "Its just not Fair, so now we have to get it all back".
Is he a complete idiot not to understand how it will hurt both sides with his Tariffs, also he said "what a lovely word". He must be 6 years old!
Have a good sleep in your own bed!
Tomorrow I have to deal with Income tax papers, such is life!
Suzanne
April 2, 2025
She and the "New Queen Elizabeth "were troop ships back and forth to New York during the War. My Aunt Gladys (Daddy's sister) sailed in her on her Maiden Voyage; I also was given a cardboard model of showing every compartment on each floor all in the correct colours, the restaurants were large and showed each table. Unfortunately the weekend we moved into Almonte the sewers backed up into the basement where we lost many boxes of odds and ends. That was on the corner of Farm ST. and Brae St., just behind the Bank of Montreal. A few days later the" Town discovered that our rented house had never been attached to the town's main sewers in the 1930's!
Old Mr McGregor, who lived on the other side of Brae Stf, first response when told the problem was "No wonder I always had such great Vegetables!"
That was August 1978!
April 1, 2025
Hopefully all will be as you expect.
One "small" difference, snow is forecast on Wednesday for Eastern Ontario. Today is sunny and just below Freezing.
Take care, you are Almost Home.
Suzanne
March 31, 2025
By the Fall of 1963 we were once more on the Atlantic Ocean returning to Ottawa as my Dentist husband realized London was not the best place for him to open his own practice.
Yesterday I realised that if had forgotten to mention Ivor Novello. His "We'll gather Lilacs in the Spring again" was a special favourite; I remember my Mother singing that whilst in the bathtub and I used to sing it when cycling home from my small school on the edge of the New Forest. I'm sure we had a whole record of his many songs. There were some lovely mellow tunes in those days; totally different from the classical music that I was learning to play.
The Ice Storm has been a disaster and will take many weeks to clear away all the debri of broken trees and Hydro Poles.
Thousands of buildings are without any power, especially for Hydro One. Thankfully we still have power through Ottawa River Power, another good reason why I chose to live in Jamieson Mills!
By Wednesday most of the ice will have melted, but rain is forecast and cool cloudy weather.
Take care, safe driving.
Suzanne
March 29, 2025
It is a difficult removal when you know that is the last time that you will travel to a favourite holiday place.
Having travelled East for sixteen years, at first by car, then in later years flying to Halifax and renting a vehicle, the last three years of which I did all the driving. We encountered many people who became very good friends all over N.S and P.E.I and we visited and some with whom we stayed each year. Only last week I had an email from one dear friend who asked if I would "please come to The Island for a whole week". I had to carefully explain that maybe I shall be flying to the other "Western Island" B.C. where I now have even more Family residing, also all working in the same large Hospital.
Lumberton sounds a nice Town in which to stay overnight; hopefully the second night will be just as agreeable for you Both. Last night we had 6 inches of wet snow; around Peterborough many trees came down due to excessively high winds plus even more snow. Late tonight we expect Freezing rain for the next 36 hours, the temperature to drop well below freezing point. Sunday Church is cancelled, the last News was,"Stay off all roads, keep warm inside, watch out for Hydro stoppage. Tuesday is supposed to be warmer and melting ice.
By Wednesday the roads should be clear, but maybe wet.
Take care driving, and "bundle up" you will notice the cold weather!
Suzanne
March 28, 2025
You are correct in more ways than one. Why should Canada, possibly Mexico, be forced to repair USA’s staggering debt...However since lunchtime Trump has responded to PM Carney's phone call," It was a good Talk".
Later to-day we shall hear PM's interpretation.
Canada's weekend weather! Snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, high winds, then rain and after that "Winter's special 4 piece Mixture"! Hopefully by Wednesday some of it will start melting. Surely Spring has to be "around the corner"!!
Take care driving. In PM's words "Canada and our partners will survive well."
March 26, 2025
Please enjoy your warm situation, you need to rest up before your long drive home. By Saturday hopefully your aching legs will have recovered and you can enjoy the scenery.
I think you have made the right decision on waiting for the new Cadillac with only 300 Kms before recharging etc:
When Graham was here one year ago, he rented a full electric car with 500 Kms before recharging, at that time the vehicle was two years old. He was only back and forth into Ottawa and also around Lanark county during their 6 days in Ontario, no need to charge-up. It was silent and comfortable, I'm sorry but I forget the name.
Sunday and Monday we expect to have wet snow plus freezing rain, the latter, mostly at night; Wednesday snow showers, 2℃ Thursday AM rain showers, 6℃. After Thursday the temperature slightly increases!
The Election is in full swing from the first minute; NDP are way down, P. Poilievre has never asked for full security from CSISS.
Both leaders are travelling and will, all across the Country. Each news break there are new ideas and Carney has announced a special new investment to help people who loose their "Jobs" due to Trump.
Take care.
Suzanne
March 23, 2025
The Election will be April 28. This morning I arrived home just in time to see M.Carney announce the election After Gov. General closed Parliament. Lots of questions from Correspondents, in return very specific answers, helping Middle Class with less taxes, also people losing "Jobs" etc: etc:. He is running for a seat in H.of Commons as an M.P. for Nepean, Ottawa, where he has lived for many years.
So, time will tell.
If when once you are finally home and you still feel (unbalanced), I know the Almonte G.Hospital has a number of options for people in similar situations, one being a very good friend of ours who also attends St. G's, he is a Diabetic who needs help in a number of ways, a couple of years older than you.
March 22, 2025 v4
With AI you can make some very good art work. I am sure there must be some around that is presented as original and priced accordingly. Good luck to the excellent Auction Houses in the coming years. It took several years for the missing famous photo of Winston Churchill to be found by "Christies" plus O.P.P, before the advent of AI.
The world has completely changed in the last few years, mainly by power hungry oligarchs.
Tomorrow PM. Mark Carney is to announce the date of a Federal election. He has covered an amazing amount of "ground "in his first few days. He may not have been a politician, but he knows "Money" in every sense of the word. Canadians feel he is the correct person to deal with all the present situations; not only tariffs , but keeping our Arctic safe, finding new allies for practically everything under the sun increasing the size of our United Forces, sadly under size.
Another early Sunday morning, we had another wet snowfall this afternoon, the temperature is down to 23F, more snow next week and cold for next two weeks. Enjoy your warm weather while you can!
I'll let you know the date of the coming election.
March 22, 2025 v3
Another interesting challenge: along with another AI photo. The colours and sky appear to tell us when it is AI.
March 22, 2025 v2
March 22, 2025
There is a 7 hour difference for us as she still lives on the outskirts of Basel, Switzerland, but now in a retirement home after her husband died some years ago. We met when she was brought to London to perfect her English vocabulary and professional writing, one day before Our late Queen's Coronation (1953).
"Trudy" had never left her home before, her parents and three much younger brothers. Thankfully we knew almost immediately that she had found a new Family home. A few weeks later, by accident, she left her passport open on the edge of her bed,which I was able to catch before falling to the floor; It was open showing the date of her birth, July 10 (1933) which was my Father's birthday and we were organizing a party for his 70th.
So whilst icing the cake and writing the usual "H.B". I realized I could not just Write "Ronnie" of course I added "Trudy" and two sipecial candles. The next evening when it was time for the cake cutting etc: amongst Daddy's cousin's and friends, none of us realised that
Trudy's 20th was her "coming of age" unlike the then British 21. Naturally Trudy was overwhelmed and a little tearful, so Ronnie quietly asked the "reason why the tears"? So she answered, "Nothing from my Family on this special day".
Trudy has never forgotten that evening when Ronnie told her "You have an English Family as well as your Swiss to whom you will eventually return."
I have not been able to talk to Trudi this week after trying 3 times, hopefully all is well, shall try again tomorrow.
March 17, 2025
That is a very old, beautiful pocket watch in its own gold box, with a chain to be hung on an inside jacket or trouser button.
You certainly had an interesting breakfast, I hope the food was as good and varied as all the other people!
Today was misty, wet and cool, by this early evening the wind was harsh blowing wet leaves everywhere; then suddenly heavy rain came down, there is hardly any snow left anywhere.
March 15, 2025
P.M Carney has known and worked with Trump (in his first 4 years). He will not be in touch with him until Trump "shows respect for Canada and our Sovereign Nation". Monday he flys to France, then to U.K to create new partners for import/export of many kinds of merchandise.
April or May there could be an election, mainly to give P.M. a seat in the House of Commons.
Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, is once more struggling in Washington D.C. to get rid of some of the worst Tarrifs, but also not dealing with Trump.
That is our news for today!
Enjoy your Family reunion.
March 13, 2025
I am really glad to understand that situation. A few more tough Border days, hopefully a quiet weekend!
Mark Karney will be Sworn in as P.M. Friday morning, right after J Trudeau officially retires.
Warmer weather after to-day, Sunday Heavy Rain all day, good-bye snow!!
March 12, 2025
The full contents of "History" is notably Anti-Trump. I personally would not like to keep it on my computer whilst crossing the border as a Canadian citizen returning home after several months in USA.
The CBC news in the last few hours has shown how "Dark " our once friendly opposite Border has now completely changed.
Your excellent article will remain on my computer for as long as needed.
We certainly have fairly similar backgrounds although from lately different Countries, not the old "Commonwealth".
March 11, 2025
Once more very well said in such an unfortunate situation for you both. Trump's dementia is increasing by the day.
But he has done Canada a remarkable favour by bringing all our Provinces and Territories together with almost only one partial negative exception, Alberta, or should we say just its Premier.
Mark Carney is the only person who appears to be able to Stand up to Trump, but there will be a Federal election fairly soon.
Stay safe on your return. Our weather is slowly becoming warmer day by day; 52F today, Spring is finally just around the corner!
Suzanne
March 10, 2025 v2
Well good luck with trying to find somewhere warm for next winter. According to son Ian, Chief Biologist of world wide Oceans at Maquarie University; by next winter most of Canada may be as warm as Florida, the exception being The Rocky Mountains!!
BUT... anything can quickly change due to all country's vast toxic emissions.
Sorry, last night I forgot to advise you on "leg cramps" from which I have suffered all my life.
I take Magnesium, one pill a day.If it is not a sufficient cure, try "Quinine" usually found in Tonic Water. I have to "spoon stir out" the fizz"; after a couple of "Gulps" my legs immediately relapse. My Father had to take Quinine every day whilst living in Ceylon and India in early 1900's, to Avoid contracting "Malaria." Hence he would never indulge in my Mother's favourite drink, Gin and Tonic!
I always keep a can of Tonic water in the Fridge; too much driving the car will keep me awake at night, or if my legs are cold. So walking to the kitchen in the middle of the night is a question of holding onto furniture and counters before opening the fridge, it always is worth the effort!!
I suggest that you try it out, much better than waiting in pain until morning.
I am highly Allergic to "Tylenol" also Aspirin.
Suzanne
March 10, 2025
Thanks for your explanation. This evening I watched, unbelievably, the results of the Liberal leadership election. Mark Carney won by 86%.
I'm sure you remember he was the previous Governor of the Bank of Canada, then left there to have the same position at the Bank of England.
He appears to be the best person to deal with Trump.
Jean Chretien, now 91,spoke for almost an hour, mainly praising Justin Trudeau during these times against Trump.
Ontario is charging an extra 25% on electricity into USA as of tomorrow. A "war" no country needs.
March 9, 2025
Sunday mornings are always early for me! I usually leave the apartment @ 7:15 am to travel back to Clayton in order to open St.G's by 8.am. However my wretched alarm clock woke me @ 5 am, so I turned it off and slept for another 1¾ hours, what a rushed morning. Thankfully the roads were dry and by driving up Wolfgrove Rd at approximately 90- 97 kms all the way I made it in time, only to find the door opening by David Moat who beat me by 3 minutes!
Of course we both bemoaned the loss of sleep. However by the time I slowly drove home 2 hours later, I just had to go back to bed and slept for another 3 hours! Now it is Midnight and I am wide awake. Such is life!
Sleep well.
Suzanne
March 8, 2025
An extremely sad situation, all the more so when you have relatives now living in a very changed country.
The head Governor of the USA has completely no idea of how to behave in a diplomatic way, nor will he ever learn and most probably would not be able to understand. Power and money are his only interests.
The so called Republicans need to have their brains turned around.
Having also spent many months travelling through the USA in happier times and making very good lifelong friends, it is frustrating to see this sad decline.
Hopefully on your "crossing the border" to Canada all will be appropriately well.
All your beautiful photos of the sandy beaches make me wish to return to PEI, Southern N.S and Western BC.
Enough Said! Good night.
Suzanne
March 8, 2025
You appear to have time on your hands! At least you are in a warmer situation than we are at home. More snow, high cold winds, but it is becoming slightly warmer!
All the CBC news can tell us is more Tariffs almost every day. Trump seems to be attacking Canada in every way possible. I remember during his first week in the White House he basically said "If I can't claim the most Northern part of of our two borders, I'll try in many other ways."
That is one reason he wants to "Buy" Greenland so he can come into the Arctic Ocean to collect many of Canada's important metals etc. Our immediate response was, "So Canada will claim Alaska!" He just cannot understand that the USA will hurt far more at first, than Us'.
A few more "Busy days" ahead. My new sewing machine is working well; it just takes time to figure out the differences from my 14 year old one.
At times I just turn off all the News. Another late night!
Keep up all your exercising, I admire how much you can travel; no wonder you often need an afternoon snooze!
Suzanne
March 3, 2025
An amusing morning and a very nice picture of Lands End Court; someone's winter home?
That brought back the few times I visited "Lands End", Cornwall, U.K. where one feels totally alone on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
More wet snow today and heavy falls of the white stuff all night and all tomorrow. A good time to finally work on my new sewing machine.
March 4, what will Trump be bestowing on Canada, how large will the Tariffs become; however Canada is ready to retaliate extremely well.
P.M. Trudeau met with King Charles today @ Sandringham House, Norfolk (a couple of miles from our Boileau estate). His "M" is also concerned about Canada's Sovereignty; the photos taken of the two men sitting in very comfortable Chintz printed country armchairs, appeared to be very rewarding for them both, as per CBC.
Sleep well after your day’s exercise.
Suzanne
March 1, 2025 v3
Yes, that was the most dreadful television morning; Trump and Vance now have the whole world's impression of their Bullying to President Zelensky. After all their obnoxious behaviour they ordered Zelensky to leave the White House, then he was practically pushed into the vehicle.
Obviously the whole of European dignitaries etc. were watching Trump's idea of having T.V. to show how "great " he is. He has no one else to blame this time.
The immediate response from all those countries was amazing. I wonder if he will last his 4 years in office?
Now I have to go back to my cooking for tomorrow's joint "after service lunch" in C.P.
March 1, 2025 v2
Thank you for the very good photo of you (wearing a kilt) and your sister.
It has just started snowing again, more of it for Monday.
Enjoy your warm weather, even if you cannot travel too far.
Suzanne
P.S. I gained my driver's licence for the next two years!
March 1, 2025
A very good and sensible morning! Yes, I stopped using Almond milk once Lactose free Cow's milk was available; I am not a "sugary" person, like you Two!!
February 28, 2025
He told me that he was so hot that he just jumped into the water without a thought of removing either of them.
"Charly Boy", Now King III always wears his, except when digging in the earth at "Highgrove" Buckinghamshire!
February 23, 2025
Yesterday I took your picture "St.George and the Dragon" to our long Vestry meeting. Everyone was fascinated with it all including Arch: Brian Kauk. I managed to find a frame that had once been relegated to the Dorset dustbin, but managed to arrive in Canada alongside my antique furniture! The gold paint now looks a bit worse for wear. However I have been askedvto return it when I can find an appropriate frame and explanation, it will then be hung in Grace Hall.
Another 4" of snow last night, the roads were not good when I left @ 7:30 am to open up St.G's for our 9 am service.
This afternoon it is above freezing for the first time in weeks.
Rideau Canal has been packed with skaters and extra new food kiosks etc: One day with extra cold North winds, the ice could not be 'skinned flat" but there still were many hardy, frozen skaters!
Keep up with your exercising, a blessing to still feel fairly independent.
Suzanne
February 21, 2025
You sound a little weary, or may I dare say slightly bored.
Today the snow is sparkling in the sunshine but the wind is very cold.
Tomorrow at St.G's we have our yearly Vestry meeting, headed by the Archdeacon from Carleton Place then pot- luck lunch later. Arch: Brian Kauk and I always have a few pleasant chats and laughter due to my unfortunate episode of cutting the skin on my leg because of the upturned kneeling pads in his C.P Church, St. James. At the time it caused quite a commotion during the service, also 8 stitches and 3 months to heal. A month later Brian did exactly the same thing a few days before driving to Manitoba to visit his Mother and family.
Then tomorrow back to Clayton again for our 9am service, leaving here at 7:30 with many washed and ironed Altar cloths, and changing the colours etc: At least the weather will be O.K. and slightly warmer; the previous Sunday was the massive snow storm. Ottawa has still not been able to move much of it all, cars are still not able to park anywhere and many roads not ploughed.
Did you hear about the Hockey game in Boston between U.S.A and Canada? Canada won in overtime 3 - 2. Of course there is much delight here, also Trump has to take back some of his obnoxious remarks before the game, doubtful that will happen!
Now I have to find a frame for your AI print, the picture of the gold frame looked gorgeous but I shall find something to take in the morning.
Enjoy your pleasant situation especially the warm weather.
Suzanne
February 18, 2025
Yesterday Gary printed the Heraldic Shield re: AI, which I shall Frame and take to our "Vestry Meeting" on Saturday.
February 17, 2025 v2
Thank you Bill, that is amazing. The husband of one of my lady friends upstairs, Gary & Joyce Nicholson, will be able to print it for me and St.G's.
As soon as I saw the printing on the shield I knew I had to jump up and check one of my Father's Family Motto, I knew The "Semper" was identical, then I had to check the spelling before I wrote it to you. SEMPER PARATUS, This dates back to 1700's including the BELL family.
Yes , Alexander Graham Bell was my Grandfather's first cousin. It was only as a late teenager in Canada that Alexander decided to add a second name: Graham goes back several centuries in the Panton Wells family. Why our two surnames became "UnHyphenated" or when we do not know. There was a General Panton in 1820 -1850 who owned almost the whole large area of SOHO in the Westend of London but...he lost all, except 1 acre surrounding his house, in one night due to gambling. However there is still a Panton street, off Shaftesbury Ave where My Grandfather used to take my Daddy, Ronald , his eldest son, for lunch at a well known restaurant during school holidays.
It was still there when my parents had lunch the day before flying to Ottawa to visit us when he came for his 88th Birthday, also again for His 90th.
Daddy was born July 10, 1883. The last time they came, Ian was 5 and he remembers going for walks with Grandpa and had to run to keep up with him! Daddy died suddenly when he was 92, we were living in Calgary and Graham was 6 weeks old.
Last week you sent interesting notes and paragraphs re: AI. How that can work for monetary advice etc: is another "Kettle of Fish"!
We have at least 6 inches of snow today, high NE winds blowing most of the day. Last night all 4 churches were sent emails to close today. Driving was too dangerous, also too cold to heat the buildings!
Just saw Ian Hanomansing on CBC news, Germany is having elections, thousands of people trying to ban "The Far Right" who are trying to repeat Nazism. He Interviewed the head of Canada's Cisis, who said the internet is now in a terrifying state, not only in our country but
all around the world, what will happen or how to solve the problems, or who is maintaining them is a crisis right now.
Not the best news to go to bed and try to sleep. Good night!!
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