Another thunderstorm, must close windows!
Hope you are pleased with the results of the Election?
April 29, 2025
A very good photo, You sitting at your desk? A beautiful view.
I'm trying to go through all last week's emails, I was not well enough even to attempt opening my computer. A most dreadful chill, then cold; hopefully never to happen again!
April 26, 2025
Enjoy the Island as much as you can, but maybe for next year find a more comfortable place with beautiful views.
April 24, 2025 v2
Extremely interesting and explained. A completely different type of world from when "Old" people grew up! But ... some of us can understand it and notice the differences.
Trump's age is visible in this respect, let's hope the end of his "first next two years" may come "crashing down". How on earth can he possibly change the USA law to see him become a President in power for a 3rd time??
April 24, 2025
Really great news for you, almost fully independent once more. Enjoy the warmer weather, Spring is on the horizon.
April 21, 2025
Have you tried to moderately cut down on carbohydrates but add more protein to the diet. After Breast Cancer, taking one pill a day, I gained weight very quickly; then in a hot summer while travelling in N.S and P.E.I., I had to struggle with tight elastic stockings!
Once home, Tony announced that he had gained weight; so we ate a lot of salads, which I knew he did not like, with increased amounts of protein and less carbs. Oh! and no more N.S. Beer, just the odd glass of wine. In a few weeks we both lost weight, and No Way more of those Stockings! Thankfully I do not have Arthritis, I am highly allergic to Tylenol.
A very nice photo of your Cadillac on a quiet country road.
April 21, 2025
Fantastic news on all points, a great relief for you.
I shall wait to vote 28th, here in Almonte, only a few minutes drive to Civitan Hall, also prefer Carney to deal with Trump and any Money decisions. From the first week of electioneering, Poilievre's Venezuelan wife appears to be the smarter one of the two. Carney may not have been in Parliament before, but experience in both countries, in crisis times is entirely what Canada needs.
It was an interesting Church service this AM. Our relatively new Minister had an excellent Sermon, bringing centuries old happenings comparing with 2025. I was the Reader today, Rev. Robert commended me, also a number of others, afterwards Robert teased me by saying "the English accent came out even more English today than previously!" Thankfully I always have my extra reading and sewing glasses with me, as someone had forgotten to bring the large print reading for me; once finished, naturally I had to change glasses before stepping down the three steps, immediately Robert stretched over to catch the one that was falling off the large book, quite the performance, the people in the front pews had smiles on their faces, one new visitor whispered to me, "What a kind man"; afterwards I mentioned to her "That is why we are so pleased to have him come every second week, or whenever necessary".
Last week I had forgotten to put in my Hearing Aids. It was just as well, they were not working properly, so Monday morning I took them to the H.A. person who replaced two minute batteries and cleaned them, all for $150, I certainly hope they will last another 3½ years.
Now I am waiting for my sons to phone, especially Graham. He tearfully called me last week "Mum I have 'Flu' for the last two days, with high fever". Having to still take 4 pills every morning and 3 at night for the last ten years, to keep his heart in good shape, his Pacemaker and Defibrillator need to be changed this summer. His wife Ana, saved his life by ordering a special ambulance to take him to the large hospital in Calgary, where they lived at the time. She had an office there, she is a Rehabilitating specialist. The Heart specialist there at the time,was trained by the famous one in Ottawa. When Ana walked into G's room the next morning, he was surrounded by young Drs and students, immediately she saw something was wrong, so she called "Code Blue", the youngsters disappeared in a hurry, and G was rushed into the operating room once more. G does not remember much of that time, but Ana told me a few days later when I flew to Calgary, the young Dr was removed to a different section. Graham was only 41, eventually it was found that heart problems were on his Father's side of the Family, he had died about ten years before G's massive Heart Attack.
I finally called Ian to wish them Happy Easter, he has a most dreadful cold for the last two weeks, coughing and sneezing while still trying to work at home, thankfully all by computer around the world.
Alex finished his last exam @ Acadia, he is now staying with his other GrandMother in Dartmouth, tomorrow he starts expert training to 14 -18 year old swimmers for the Summer. He has applied to Dalhousie U for the next three years as they also teach Kinesiology; all because Acadia's swimming pool is leaking; that is a long expensive problem, which Ian and two Other parents who are lawyers, are dealing with objectionable people at Acadia. Basically they should not have allowed 49 "swimmer" students to attend last Fall, knowing the full extent of the problem. Alex has an excellent chance of the 2028 Olympics, according to swimming coaches from all across Canada.
Now I have a bad cold, after church yesterday I visited our Cemetery in Clayton, it was bitterly cold with high winds, no hat, but I put my silk scarf around my head, obviously not warm enough. I spent all day in bed and used two full boxes of tissues! I just finished a cold
chicken salad and a hot cup of tea. No wonder I was hungry, hopefully that is a good sign!
Stay well,
Suzanne
April 19, 2025
That was quite a lonely Easter in Montreal. From the sublime to almost the ridiculous!
April 18, 2025
It will be quite the learning experience, but a long time to wait, if you have the patience! Whoever previously parked in my now space, had the 240 volts attached to the wall, but only used it for a short time before they sold the apartment. It is still there and can be used again, when they have an Ottawa River Power account.
I remember that the whole of the British Isles's electricity is 240 volts; mainly because in my Mother's last few months of living alone in Dorset, she would phone me in the middle of our night, to ask how to turn on her electric stove. I had to explain that she has "That very large black plug over the top of the stove and pull the handle down" when the light comes on, then you can use whatever section of the stove you need. After that happened a few times, I knew the lovely 17th century cottage had to be sold and bring her to Canada. As you must remember, sadly Alzheimer soon progressed.
April 17, 2025
AI is amazing at times; but on re-reading your own writing, I prefer yours. It comes with much thought and angst. I feel it a privilege that you sent it to me.
Sorry to hear about your trike.
I had all the same kinds of feelings when my trusty 15 year old large sewing machine suddenly had two metal inside parts that went "bang". Fortunately the original "Sewing Machine Hospital" was still in business, but using smaller space. Owner Saro was not able to collect parts from Toronto for several months, 'or, if possible". Eventually I bought a smaller machine, that offers almost all the same programs, same make, " Pfaff", 10 years younger and 1/4 the price than the old one; Saro told me he had completely rebuilt this one, gave me a warranty and threw in many small extra parts and "best" needles. Last week I found out from one of our Quilting friends at St.G's, she has dealt with Saro for more than 20 years and would never trust any other technician. Today I spent many hours refitting and sewing a Scottish wool skirt that I had made for my Mother in 1962, the wool is still in perfect condition, but the lining was a mess. It is red and white woven threads, the correct colours for Good Friday.
Just finished watching the four hopeful politicians in the Great Debate . They certainly outspoke each other, back and forth. Time will tell!
Happy Easter to you Both.
Suzanne
April 16, 2025
Bill, you have every right to suddenly say "I have to sit down" no matter what age. I learned that after I was dumped off a horse that suddenly "reared up" at the age of twelve.
My dear dance teacher, whom I had known since kindergarten, advised me never to be afraid to say "those five words " wherever you are.
I believe that I told you a long time ago, by the time I Was 14 at boarding school, my right leg would not lift higher than level with the ground; consequently I lost my Scholarship to "Sadler's Wells Ballet School", now U.K. National Ballet. In hindsight, it was not the end of the world! I still taught Ballet and Ballroom dancing until I came to Canada.
I just remembered I can still add ' MISTD" after my name! Member of Imperial Society of Teacher of Dancing.
This is why I am sitting down and writing to you!
Two very nice photos,
Thanks
Suzanne
April 15, 2025 v3
I will certainly give John your best wishes; his actual date is Saturday 26th April. I teased him by saying "he has a long way to go to catch up with me"; his reply "I'm almost there, some mornings!"
We all had an enjoyable evening, with plenty of excellent food items and no empty chairs. I came home with only one spoonful of my old English recipe for "Cornish Chicken Pie" per Gordon Ramsay. I made this many times for Tony on special occasions. Today as usual I made the original stock from chicken bones, then cooked chicken in the stock plus small mushrooms and chopped sweet onion; then a sauce from brown rice flour (Gluten Free), Stock and eventually mixed with Whipping cream. Then into a hot oven in a Corning Ware dish with mashed potatoes on top instead of pastry.
I hope I have not made you feel hungry!
I shall sleep well to-night!
April 15, 2025 v2
Interesting and very understandable. Mostly I have only a few minutes each day in which to devote to the internet, " In Box", or even to T.V. ; CBC news, especially now with the upcoming Election.
Who is the best person to deal with Trump? I have my own thoughts on that question. Trump changes his mind each day, probably deliberately to enable him to take more advantage of his own Coffers, and become a Dictator around the whole World.
April 15, 2025
So now the "busy Day" must quickly begin.
Suzanne
April 12, 2025
A great AI picture. No sun today, but warmer ! Sewing today, altering clothes. Another Sunday tomorrow, how do the weeks suddenly end !
April 11, 2025 v3
Thanks Bill, I used to see the Ottawa Tulip Festival for years, one of the best times of the year. Yesterday I was given a pot of red Tulips, all in bud,so I am hoping for the sun at my large window; when the flowers are finished I shall plant them in the garden next to Our special rose bush that I can see from my windows.. Once a gardener, always a gardener ! Very well taught by Daddy who gave me my own small space and a packet of radish seeds; they sprout fairly quickly, as soon as a few green leaves appeared I pulled one out, it was my first learning experience, age 4! Thankfully when W.W.2 started I was able to keep the vegetable garden growing every year until Daddy returned from the RAF in August 1945.
Spring is almost here! Enjoy your Trike, take care.
Suzanne
April 11, 2025 v2
Reading this note, brought back memories of Our one year rental of a two storey house
on Water st. that had recently been renovated after a fair sized fire. In the early January of 1998 I was asked to help Baby sit three young children who were about to be removed to Yellowknife, NWT as their Step-Father and Mother were relocated by the Canadian Government for an exceptional position with, but not in, the Armed Forces.
One week later I arrived in Yellowknife, the weather was -75°F, during the next three months it slowly warmed to -35°F !
I was introduced by the children, to their next door neighbours, as their GrandMother. The beginning of a new "Lifetime".
Only rain last night, Thankfully Spring is actually around the corner.
April 9, 2025
Spring is finally just around the corner!
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
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