September 28, 2025

 

A lovely read, Yes Saturdays were always busy times, but not rushed.

I'll write tomorrow with very different memories of London , then Canada.

I am ready for bed,  clean and hair washed, clothes laid out for my usual

early rise, 6am, hopefully with early sun shining on red trees all the way 

along Wolfgrove Rd to Clayton where I open up St.George's church

@ 8am and prepare the Altar for 9am.

9.45 pm Straight into bed !  Good night.

September 26, 2025

An interesting article, amongst others that I have finally read; too much happening all at the same time !

So much so that I could not sleep at the proper hours; then the underground parking door could not

be opened from outside, a truck smashed into the "key plug opener".  I had to leave my car outside for

2 nights, once the rain turned to a drizzle I walked to a clean car feeling rather weak, once parked down 

below at the far end of the building in the only EV space (with the trailing cord) I wondered how I could 

 manage to walk to the elevator; luckily the husband of a friend of mine asked if I needed help with the

parcel I was carrying," Yes please Ernst, could you also carry me ! Thank goodness I had made a 

delicious Sweet Potato soup in the morning, I filled a bowl , added fresh Broccoli and grated cheese,

once finished , I crawled into bed and slept for 10 and half hours without moving  !  That has been "

"A wake - up call"  Early to bed. !

Good night  !!

September 23, 2025 v2

 

Beautiful photos, the memories come tumbling home. 

Living in Ringwood, Hampshire, only a few miles from Bournemouth with it's fine white sand beach;

during the war no one was allowed to go anywhere near that gorgeous beach, partially mined. 

On the high hill above the English Channel, My Father, once in uniform again, all be it, the R.A.F ,

ordered very tall trees, maybe from the New Forest, to be cut down, branches removed, then 

the trees to be placed at certain intervals for miles along the South edge of Great Britain, facing 

the E.C.,with a few rocks each side of the large " Guns".  In 1940 just before the "Battle of Britain"

the country was extremely short of Weapons.

At my small Ringwood school, we all learned John Masefield's  poem , Sea Fever,

and said it each Monday morning, but.... adding "And planes and guns to keep us Safe".

September 23, 2025

 

A beautiful old Sailing ship, or is it an AI picture ?

September 20, 2025

You are sure to enjoy that healthy meal that you now smell !

Some of those "plant based meats" I dare not try, too many "allergies'. I eat lean pork, chicken breast,

fish of many kinds, eggs and Lactose free cheeses. While it is warm weather, every day I make large

 salads consisting of everything imaginable, plus my 1 a day tiny sweet tomato grown on my balcony in

the far corner against the usually warm red brick walls; there are still 29 green turning yellow fruits left,

these last few extra cold nights have not killed them ! BUT....we badly need rain, hopefully it is forecast

for Monday & Tuesday. We understand that Miss:Mills is asked to save water in every possible way.!

At the Condo meeting the other evening, one bright Spark suggested that we only shower one day a 

week, so another person suggested "Only if you don't come out of your locked apartment "! Many 

"Guffoughs" to both  !

September 20, 2025

Hi Bill, 

Just to let you know that Heather Sheffield passed on September 13,, aged 79,

after a short but courageous battle with cancer. 

On Thursday evening after the Annual Condo meeting, I attended Gamble's Funeral Home for the 

visitation. There was a slow moving, long line up. I am grateful that I went as I reconnected with

their middle daughter, Sarah, also Emily who came to Graham's birthday parties from aged 5, for

for several years.  Heather was a good friend of mine, who in1998 finally managed to persuade me

to become President of the Almonte Hospital Auxiliary.  That was the beginning of 10 years of hospitals;

Not only Almonte but eventually as Chairman of Eastern Ontario's 28 hospitals, which I discovered 

was the largest area in the whole of Ontario , all at the same time!  I was asked to continue with 

Ontario for another 5 years, ending as head of the Province.   Unfortunately my children's Father 

became ill, so I refused those final  5 years. 

Heather and I kept in touch whenever we could as she also worked.

On Friday morning I attended Heather's funeral service at St.Paul's.  Alan gave a delightful Eulogy, 

also sad at times when he had to stop talking.  Sarah also tried to start her Eulogy but the tears

were too much for several minutes. however she spoke lovingly and extremely well for all the Family.

The church was absolutely full. Rev: Jonathon Kouri produced an excellent service.

May Dear Heather rest in peace.

September 19, 2025 v2

We now have 5 new Condo owners on the ground floor; I am finding all are pleasant and 

interesting. One who now lives in the large apartment at the end of the corridor, was an

Almonte High School teacher.  When asking my last name he immediately said "and you

have two sons ! He remembered Ian, saying he was an excellent Soccer player and at age 

15 he played on the same team as the 18 year olds,he was small and extremely fast, also 

highly intelligent,  what does he do now ?   When I very briefly answered, he was Flabbergasted ! 

Then he asked about Graham, telling me most of the teachers often wondered if he has a

photographic memory !  A small world !

September 19, 2025

Interesting article.  One question;  Where on P.E.I is the Rod Crowbush Resort ? 

Denis did an amazing amount of studying and organising to make it all extremely worthwhile.

September 18, 2025

You were on the MOVE so much , I certainly understand your delight at finally coming

Home.  Once winter has arrived, (if it actually will be as we remember it all ! ) great 

memories will return, both good and even frustrating ones ! 

Welcome Home.

September 16, 2025

I know you would not have been able to travel to all the Eastern Provinces and home again ,without your extremely

comfortable new EV Cadillac .

The charging problems were relatively minor; improvement will emerge in following years.

An amazing holiday.  Enjoy the last portion ; Fall is almost here !

September 15, 2025

Enjoy the Ferry, Bay of Fundy has the highest TIDES in the World

September 13, 2025

Well done ! That sounds like a great swim etc; after all that I'm sure you were ready for an 

excellent breakfast. 

Chester is a very nice small town next to the Bay;  it also has a large amount of expensive houses 

close by. I remember eating an excellent lunch right on the water.

September 12, 2025

Did you go anywhere near your old Family home ?

September 11, 2025 v2

 

So glad you finally arrived on P.E.I.   A lovely photo of a golf course and ,Hotel ? which I recognise. 

Victoria by the Sea is a delightful small town. There is an excellent restaurant built over the water,

it does not look that good, water stained wood, but the food is excellent; you can eat inside or out

on the deck. We always went there2 or 3 times; our last year we met a good friend eating inside, 

when we were outside right next to the window, suddenly there was a tap tap on the glass, it was 

a friend from Montague, well East of Charlottetown. Her husband had been Mayor of Montague 

for several years, then said "enough "  so he had a break for a couple of years, then was asked,

almost pushed back into office for another few years ! Their daughter had a son who attended the

University St. Francis Exceavior in Antigonish at the same time as Our Granddaughter Sarah,

 they had a relationship for a few years until it was time for Sarah to enter Medical school.

There are lovely Sands all around  Stanley Bridge, Cavendish, Rustico, Brackley Beach,

We used to stay just outside Cornwall, all that area is very green and pretty.  You will find

your own delightful places.

Have fun, plenty of fish;  No more struggles to re- charge your car.

Post Scriptum:

That is what you are supposed to do, just relax and enjoy !!

September 11, 2025

Enjoy that beautiful Island.  In the 16 years that we went there, we must have covered every side road !

One interesting place was the farthest North point, where the High wind towers were erected; also 

I remember a reasonable restaurant in which to fill up etc: before the long drive home to Kensington

where we stayed in a large B & B on a large acreage with a beautiful ground floor suite, on the main 

Highway just past the well known potato chip factory.

September 10, 2025

 

We also had snake -rail fences around our 25 acres but sadly some of them were 200 years or more old.

But those ones were above the house on a high hill between US and the lovely old wooden farmhouse,

at least 7-800 ft away from our only road.

September 9, 2025

Another great day for you Both.  I believe that is the same way that Tony and I avoided Montreal. 

Waiting at the charging station is a great way to relax your eyes from following the road 

and maybe a snooze. Hopefully the beds at the hotel were as comfortable as everything else ! 

Enjoy todays drive through the small towns.  Now I must return to bed !

September 7, 2025

Well Done !  At least you did not completely run out of Charge.

Sleep well.  Better luck for tomorrow, it is a great learning experience.

On my way into Clayton at 7.30 am today on Wolf Grove Rd, quite a few trees are turning Red;  on the way home 

we had heavy rain all the way into Almonte, exactly what is needed.  Summer is returning for the next two weeks.

Safe driving.

Malpeque Oysters September 6, 2025 v2

Enjoy that amazing long trek.  When do you leave ?

Once on P.E.I you have to find "Malpeque" N.W. island, and eat their world renowned

famous Oysters.  Tony enjoyed them each time over 16 years, while I waited outside

on the grass, eating a homemade cheese sandwich, as I am highly Allergic to all

Shellfish!

Malpeque oysters are 

a variety of the native eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, specifically Malpeque Bay, and are famous for their balanced, clean, sweet flavor with a moderate brine and a meaty texture. Recognized as the "tastiest oyster in the world" at the 1900 Paris World's Fair, these oysters are highly prized for their rich history, teardrop-shaped shells, and tender meats, and are harvested using traditional hand-tonging methods from the cold, pristine waters of PEI.

Received by chance: Hi Bill: John Bell was a direct descendant of Rev. William Bell, the famous first Presbyterian Minister in Perth. I don't think John ever had much interest in his heritage. I went to school  with Pat, their daughter. John's Mother came to the school once to listen to us do story telling. It was only when I started doing research for an LCGS book "Lanark County Legends" that I realized that they actually were a pretty famous family, many of whom were  "legends". John was "different". He and Halcyon were friends with my parents until they (the Bells) discovered alcohol and that ended the relationship, since my parents were teetotallers!

Rose Mary 

 

The Village of Clayton

Another  interesting article, specifically the names of people with whom I have met and or Known

for many years.

1. John Bell I briefly met Years ago at some gathering in Almonte, when I asked "Would you happen to

be related to Alexander G.Bell ?"  He looked slightly surprised, then answered  "maybe a couple of

hundred years ago " !   I seem to remember saying " he was my Grand-Father's first Cousin. We had

a brief chuckle realising we were not related 

2. Keith and Penny Blades, who now live on Parkview Crescent, a few minutes walk from here;

Penny ,I have known for many years with A.G.H.association organising many House Tours, the money 

received goes towards purchasing new necessary items (inside all hospitals),for which the Government 

does not pay.

3. The Thompson family has  produced Maple Syrup for almost 100years !  Glen THompson was the

Head of the Almonte Hospital Ambulance Association,  Now taken over by Lanark County. 

4 Rose Mary Sarsfield

I have a copy of her Book " Whispers from the Past " which she kindly signed for me in 2018 @ a special

meeting in Clayton,to hopefully sell her first number of books.  The picture on the front cover is the first 

wooden building where Maple Syrup was made and sold in Clayton. It was carefully renovated a

number of years ago,  right opposite Our property on Bellamy Mills Rd.   When gardening ,I could hear the 

saw squeaking and nails being banged into the wood !  

As a child Rose Mary grew up in an old log house a short distance around the bend on Bellamy Mills Rd.

She attended the small school closer to Clayton General Store,and remembers sliding down the steep slope

at the side of School during Icy cold winter days.

The McIntosh Family home on the edge of the lake, always has a large brightly coloured Christmas Tree,

that everyone can enjoy. Personally I have not met them, but Tony and I were good friends with their next

door neighbours across the small unpaved lane.  The names of whom I cannot remember at this moment.

The wife (Brigit?)was a well known artist, who travelled around the world, painting amazing pictures.   We celebrated the New year 2000, at Mary and Jim Huguesson's home with them all. Unfortunately the artist died, her

husband stayed alone in Clayton for a year, then decided to join his son in Sydney, Vancouver Island. He spent

his last Clayton evening at our house and drove  through the USA to The Island. We kept in touch for many 

years; another interesting story !  

Re:  Mollie P-W,  I brought My Mother to Almonte December 3,1979, She had stayed alone in the delightful old cottage in Melplash, Dorset U K, for 5 years after my Father, Ronald died, August 12, 1974.  I realised she was

no longer able to manage many everyday items;  She would telephone me in the middle of our night because she had forgotten how to turn off her electric kitchen stove. It would take me 2 or three times to tell her " There is a large black plug on the wall above the stove and next to it , there is a large black knob that you must pull down".

About a week later, the same kind of confusion with her washing machine. I telephoned one of her cousins,

who lived in another small village about 5 miles away. Thankfully she and her husband were able to mention to

Mollie that it was probably time to sell the cottage.  That was the start of the whole procedure of Mollie coming 

to Canada !  She stayed with my family and I, in our rented old Farmhouse at the base of Gemmill Park, owned

by Brig: General Don Stewart. At that time he was still Head of NATO in Syracuse, N.Y.

Unfortunately Mollie's memory was identified as Alshiermer disease.  Exactly one year

and one day later, Dr.Frank Murphy authorised her removal from AGH, to The Almonte

Nursing Home on Country St, with your knowledge as her lawyer.

A few months later, you had a phone call at your office,from a friend of mine, with whom

my family and I had briefly stayed in their new bungalow in Clayton upon our return

from living in Calgary, Alberta;  Mrs Audrey Baran questioned you re; "the unnecessary 

removal of Mollie to such a place as a nursing home."  In your own words , you told her

"It was none of her business and to leave her daughter alone."  Immediately you phoned

me, to tell me the whole present situation and that as a lawyer, you felt you should not

have done such a thing. My response: Thank you Bill, it was the correct way in which to

treat an unwanted "busybody".

The only time Mollie actually went to Clayton, Mrs.A.B. took her to Clayton for tea, on

Mollie's return She said "The countryside is lovely, but the house, awkward, cold and

uninviting; please give me a hot cup of REAL tea !

Naturally, I did not see the Baran's again.

Post Scriptum:

Thanks Bill,  but am I reading some of your words incorrectly ?

My eldest son Ian, has told me on many occasions, that he does not want

any of my "Things", furniture, glass,china,silver,Paintings, photos, etc: ect:

However, my younger son, Graham, has told me he would like all of my furniture

and Family items. Once retired he will repair, polish ect; read books.  He will rent

a large Van and drive everything home to Vancouver Island.

All that spacing on my "monologue" is by this computer, not as I sent it to you !!

Editorial Note: 

September 6, 2025

I can no longer withstand the grimace of having to ignore the tales I frequently receive from Mrs. Jonsen.  Previously I had abandoned the record keeping because she had dismissed the effort of any interest to her children. In view of the limited expectancy of amusement I have however foregone the necessity to correct the appearance of the monologues.

May 7, 2025 sequel

So true. 

A nice looking young lady,  Those were the days of piles of papers,  especially "Patents ".  

For a number of years I was the "Bookeeper " for Marks and Clerk, British Patent Agents of Lincoln's Inn, London,  but in their Ottawa Office; every month I had to mail all the Agent's reports and also my financial statements. In those days mail only took 2/3 days to London and vice a versa, so if necessary we could receive answers by the end of the week.

After 4pm the typists would deliver papers to my office desk  for me to check each package, eg: correctly stapled together page by page, officially signed, then writing a cheque, signing it, then taking it all to the Welsh Patent Agent "Manager" to Co-sign them. Then take it all to the "Old Patent Office" which then was still in the 1940's wooden, single storey Office behind Dows Lake before it closed @ 6pm.  All on my way home to Bayshore's new 12 storey apartment building overlooking green fields, a few years before the shopping centre was built.

May 8, 2025 Conclusion

Thank you Bill,  BUT.....Graham works on his 5 computers from 8am - 4pm trying to fix large Company's computer problems, mostly from U.S.A.  Next time we see each other, he will check all that you have saved.

Ian is not particularly interested , mainly because he spends all times of night and day with Other well known Biologists from around the world.  He and three other University's, 30 years ago forecast Global Warming, but no Governments were interested or even understood what possibly could happen.  As a Marine Biologist he is now trying to tell enormous fishing trawlers to stop damaging the the basic sand at the bottom of all the oceans.  That is where all the problems start.

One day, when I have left this world, he may have time to think of "Poor Old Mum" and start reading!!  That sounds a bit "hard", he does phone me every1 or 2 weeks, when he is not travelling around the "Eastern section" of the World.

On Thu, Jun 5, 2025 at 8:43 PM L. G. William Chapman BA LLB <lgwilliamchapman@gmail.com> wrote:

Have you shared your blog page with your children?  It is simple to "share" by email - just click the arrow in the square box on the top right corner, above the blog page. Then go down the drop-down menu to "email this page".

Let me know please because I consider the blog a valuable family history device.

May 7, 2025

David Suzuki is absolutely correct.  I remember in an email that I sent to you in the Spring, I suggested that Trump has Dementia, why don't the Republicans finally notice it?  You and your "caffeine partner" also asked the correct questions, what on earth is Trump trying to do?

The sooner he is put "behind Bars" the better USA can resolve itself, or can it, now that Republicans have been contaminated? 

Suzanne

May 6, 2025

It is great to know that Summer is finally here. 

I planted a couple of Begonia flowers with extra potting soil near Our Rosebush and then heavily watered it all; hopefully it will last until the next showers of rain.  All the potted flowers on the balcony are growing well, also the herbs; the "Sweet Million" tomato plant is sprouting tiny buds and one flower. I tied it to 3x 5ft thin green plastic plant holder to enable it to grow taller and full of tiny tomatoes.

They are the only ones that I can eat, just one a day!  I eat various salads each day, but that one tiny tomato is "the icing on the cake"!  

So now I can sit down to "sewing" once again, all I need to look after the plants is water and water!

Post Scriptum:

Thanks Bill, I hope my tiny tomatoes look just like this photo!

June 5, 2025 v3

The same thing happened a few years ago in Clayton; from the kitchen window I saw a tiny hummingbird trying to drink from an almost empty feeder. Tony dashed outside a managed to catch the hungry bird, while I filled another feeder, then replaced the new one; Tony put the bird on the edge of the feeder, but nothing happened, so he managed to tilt the feeder so he had a wet finger and gently ran it along its beak, then suddenly it managed to draw it's beak to the feeder and drank until it was enough.  He turned his little head to Tony looking at him, then put his beak on Tony's hand and flew away to the nearest tree.

If only we had a camera, it was quite a sight to see!

For two days  the same bird came to our feeder, the next day a female came to the feeder, literally 2 seconds later the male was right behind her; for 2 whole weeks they were always together, then more birds followed them and we added another feeder a couple of feet away.

June 5, 2025 v2

Yes, it was a beautiful, hot Summer's day.

Glad to know you took "Pam's" excellent advice, of which I had also been told a few week's earlier, by "Sherry" who changed the 2 tiny batteries in my Hearing Aids, after their 3 1/2 years.

Yesterday I spent a happy ¾ hour with my Dr. whom I had not seen for at least more than 3 years. At first we caught up with the delightful stories of his young children, almost 5 and 3. After the usual blood pressure, he told me there was no need to increase the size of my tiny B.P. Pill. He was delighted to know that I am still driving my car, also being entirely independent whilst, unfortunately, living alone.

Tony, he asked how old would he have been that day, when i said 96, he laughingly said "You'll make that at least."

He mentioned the change in C.E.O of the 2 hospitals, which is excellent for all concerned. I then said that "Brad" and I had already met as he now lives in the same building, and he would like to know more about the "Old history" of A.G.H.

June 5, 2025

Tony and I used to make that beautiful drive several times each Summer.

In 2009 we stayed in the excellent Resort Hotel near Gananoque for several nights as a present for his 80th Birthday; the views from the excellent restaurant and gardens were delightful.

We had stayed there a few years earlier when I was still the Chairmen of the Ontario Hospital Auxiliaries "Region 9." At that time I did not know it was the largest of all Regions; no wonder I visited all 28 Hospitals in 3 years; from Chalk River to Hawkesbury, down to Cornwall to Brockville. I met many delightful, hardworking people, some of whom became good friends for many years.

At that time there was only one gentleman on the O.H.A. Board.

Post Scriptum:

A lovely photo, brings back so many memories; I wish I could go there again.

When my Parents came for Daddy's 88th birthday, we took them to Canada Village, then they also came for his 90th, we took them by boat to U.S. side, but of course they could not land "No Visa", however they really enjoyed the crossing and scenery. Ian was 5, Graham was not born until 2 Summers later in Calgary.

June 3, 2025

I too have always attended to detail, now I find that in most respects, I still do; maybe it is quite something inbred from my older relations. The old axiom "When starting things, make sure it is correctly finished". Today's world is certainly not the same; instead "The quicker, the Better!" And now with "AI" let it completely do the Job.

Today I spent most of the time re-potting flowers and herbs to decorate my Balcony.  I have already had many people honk their horns or wave when entering the underground garage. During Coffee Hour tomorrow morning I am sure there will be a few happy remarks!

Tony's Rose bush is growing very well.  June 4 would have been his 96th Birthday, then another 10 days time it will be 4 years since he suddenly left us all; the way he honestly wanted to vacate this now unhappy world.

Low battery....Good night.

Suzanne

June 2, 2025

Excellent, but as "FI"  notes, Trump is now hoping for "World Wide Power" and not just American..

Maybe that letter should be offered to "News" ie: Papers, Internet, T.V. etc:  Also P.M. Mark Carney. 

I have only just opened my computer after several days.

Yesterday, Sunday, ST.G's church held its Yearly "Fiddle Service" It proved in many ways, "The Best Ever". The church was packed to the Rafters, many people standing @ the back near the main Entrance. So far there were 144 visitors, St.G's officially holds 65!  Afterwards there was a sandwich Lunch etc: Unfortunately it was bitterly cold, fine rain just in time for Lunch, but everyone was cheerful and all the prepared food was enough for everyone.

Today I had a pile of Linens to wash from Communion and later to carefully iron.

This morning @ 9am I had my eyes tested again. The Glaucoma is only "slight" and has not changed since 6 months ago; however my normal 3 tier glasses needed to be changed, that meant ever more machine checking and different eye drops. The result of all that meant I need new frames. The chosen ones are lighter and the side pieces thinner, which will make it more comfortable next to my Hearing Aids. Of course, all at expensive cost.  What else is new!!   

This afternoon, once my eyes were finally clear, I did some gardening; I was given 2 large clumps of Lily of the Valley which I planted just under my "sewing" room window, then with the open window the perfume was delightful. 

This evening's news was interesting, but.... the wildfires are dreadful. Thousands of families being evacuated by air, to where and how long or will their homes even survive.  All we can do is keep them in our prayers.

Good night.

May 31, 2025 v2

Thank you Bill, that makes sense. I have an appointment, several months hence, to see Evelyn Wheeler's  replacement; I shall keep in mind your recommendation.

At my request, Tony's son Todd, in Orleans, and I will meet in Smiths Falls to decide on the monument  for both of our Ashes.  At the moment, there is a wooden cross at the head of Tony's Ashes in St.G's Cemetery in Clayton; after another winter the cross will become split down the centre.  Time to be organized and Todd happily agrees.

This long winter, which is still here, at times I have felt quite lonely in spite of making some new friends in this building; they all appear to have Families close by in both towns. 

As much as I equally love my two Dear sons, N.S. and the changes there, do not offer me the same Family orientation as the large Family in B.C. as a place in which to spend my last few years.

Time will tell, I know I would be sad to leave Almonte and Clayton, especially Our two Dearest friends, Ray and Kathy Lowe, who still look after me, are now in their mid 70's, it is not fair to them Both.

Finally our heating has just come on, I have been typing with a large rug wrapped around me. 

I'm sure, once Summer is here we shall declare: It is much too Hot!

Keep cheerful on this dreary Day!

Suzanne

May 31, 2025

Thank you for this extremely interesting article. I read it @ 4 am, when I could

not get back to sleep!

I shall read it all again, I know I have a few questions, One is If I move to Vancouver Island, possibly when I no longer drive my car etc:  Would my original Will be accepted in B.C? 

As you know Son Ian Lives in  Wolfville, Nova Scotia,in a small house.  Graham and Ana live  on Vancouver Island, on large property, also Step-Granddaughter, Dr.Sarah Cannell, Emergency Specialist, Also her Younger Brother James Cannell and soon to be wife, Quinna. all within 15- 30 minutes drive to each other. The Cannell children I have known since Sarah was 3 years old and they used to spend each Summer with Tony and me in Clayton, for many years, while their Mother, Kate remained and worked in Yellowknife, NT.

May 30, 2026

So pleased to know that all went well this morning.  We are fortunate to be so close to the Ottawa Heart Institute, the finest one in all of North America. Over the years you have been through far too much. Certainly, now you can enjoy life with limitations and forget about the rest of this ever changing world.

Graham has to have his Pacemaker and Defibrillator changed this Summer, as it is 10 years since he had the massive heart attack aged 41. At the time he was still a part-time working Fireman at the airport between Calgary and Banff; 5 Days beforehand, he went through the 3 monthly check-up as required for all active fire personnel, no problems at all and was told he was in better health than the younger people. It was a "day off" so he puttered around at home, by the afternoon he felt tired, when supper time came around he told Ana he was not very hungry; 15 minutes later he called out to her "Call the ambulance I'm having a heart attack".

Thankfully the Surgeon had been trained by the well known Ottawa Heart Surgeon. It was discovered that it followed through his Father's family for several generations. Ian, Nicole and 9 year old Alex had just arrived in San Francisco from Australia as Ian was the Key-note speaker at a large Biologist Conference and were to spend Christmas with her Family in Edmonton before returning to Australia.

Once Graham was out of hospital I joined them all for a week! One evening Graham and Ana told us that they decided together they did not want to pass this heart problem to another generation. I remember we were all in tears. Graham had completely gutted a 40 year old house and rebuilt it by himself as their Family home. The only part that was not finished was the lower level bathroom; in that one week he instructed Ian exactly what to accomplish while he sat on a chair watching every single item, plumbing, electronics, finishing the floor and hanging a door.

As Graham said "Older brother did an excellent job and I didn't have to pay him!" A year later they sold that house, making an excellent profit.

Post Scriptum:

Quite the picture, but I did not like the feel of Graham's left shoulder, a large lump about 3 inches across, thankfully the new one will be less than half that size.

He has been told after the next ten years he will probably be given a new heart!

A few weeks ago I read that a little girl aged 2 or 3 was given a new heart and now she is 4 she is able to associate with other 4 year old's extremely well.

May 27, 2025 v2

It was a delightful morning today to be spent at the Appleton Golf club with departing friends. 

I remember the old building before the disastrous fire.  Ian's Godparents had been members for many years although they lived in Ottawa, Ian learned to play golf there at quite a young age, when he wasn't playing in Soccer competitions.  His father, Peter was also being taught to play there, 1995/ 1996, But.... that is another completely different story!

Tony and I would often have dinner there on the Patio and invite some of our dear friends to join us. He did not want me to be always cooking in beautiful weather, inspite of having an excellent BBQ on our large deck!

Memories, memories!

For many Summers we invited all of St. George's Church Community for a BBQ in our garden and deck; someone last Sunday reminded me of those great evenings and then said "someone else should revive it before we are all gone". I wonder!! 

This morning I watched the CBC showing all of Canada King Charles's "speech from the Throne ". Ottawa's old Train Station (where I arrived in Ottawa 1957), has been resuscitated into a beautiful Senate building.   There were thousands of people lining the streets to see the open horse- drawn carriage containing Gov. General Mary Simon and Husband  plus King and Queen, there was a large CDN Army Regiment, all dressed in Red and Gold uniforms with striking hats, for the King to inspect, plus RCMP riding about 30 horses.  It was an amazing display, hopefully Trump etc: will have seen it all.

King Charles read extremely well in English and pure French (I understood every word, as he speaks firmly and slowly!) PM Carney produced an excellent speech, outlining what Parliament will  put forward, once it returns.  Of Course he greeted the open carriage, with his wife behind him, once they arrived at the Senate building.

After everything was finally finished inside they went to the Ottawa Cenotaph where King laid a wreath.

I did not see all that as I had to drive to CP, Kia' s to finally have my snow tires removed etc;  The car appears to be in good shape, no problems, both sets of tires should last at least another 2 years ! I only have 36000kms, so living in Almonte makes quite a difference, in spite of driving back and forth to Clayton each Sunday; maybe a few more Kms during the Summer if I drive into the countryside for a change of scenery.

Bedtime after a "Busy" Day! It was great to have more sunshine!

Suzanne