March 31, 2025

I remember the Blue Ridge Mountains also the Jefferson Hotel, I'm sure we ate there on our way back to Ottawa after three months of travelling West through Canada, Western USA into Mexico south to Guadilahara, a very beautiful area, through Mexico City on a Sunday afternoon the streets were full of people, not cars! Then North through the Border to Texas, around the "Mexican Sea" to Florida where we camped on the sands for a week to rest up before criss-crossing our way through Savannah, Georgia through the S. Eastern States  to N.Y. State and finally to Ottawa, a few days before taking ship from Montreal to Southampton UK. All in the Summer of 1962.

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 24, 2025

Extremely interesting, something that should be strung around Trump's neck!

March 23, 2025

Well enjoy the warm weather while you can. Tomorrow snow and possible freezing rain, almost the same for Tuesday. Thursday snow,  Sunday snow , freezing rain.  Monday 31, 5, showers, Tues Apl 1, 6, Wed: 02, 8, Thus 03, 9, Rain /snow showers!  Fri 04, 13, cloudy,  But.. anything can change, hopefully from Apl 4 all will be in double digits.

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

Amazing, I wonder what photo you have, I don't even remember having long swept back hair!  It would be nice if we could all look like 30 years old, definitely when one is all wrinkled at 92!!

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

Sounds great, now I am hungry for a scrambled egg lunch with fresh watercress and gluten free toast!

March 22, 2025

Your "Friendship " e mail came at the right time. I have been meaning to telephone my "Swiss Sister" for the last few days.

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

This morning I watched all the Swearing in of Mark Carney as P.M and all his 20 Ministers, some new and other previous ones, especially the woman who suddenly quit J Trudeau's cabinet (as usual forgot her name!) and made him realize it was time to resign.

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 v3

An amazing story, with a subtle touch of LGWC.

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!!