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

May 27, 2025.

Thanks Bill for the article. Toronto is a long way to visit, even by computer.

I am extremely pleased with my PFaff sewing machine, when I have the time. It is far superior to their mentioned Janome Make.

I was taught at boarding school by a well known London couturier, who could no longer manage her own business.  Then once I had passed my ballroom dancing exam as a teacher, I was invited to join "Angele Delange" couturier who made all "Princess Elizabeth’s bridesmaids’ dresses at Fortnum and Mason's 5 storey building in Piccadilly, London. She had two floors of dressmakers and two floors of tailors.  I learned to fit "Mamselle's " mostly titled customer's by watching exactly A.D. pinning materials and half finished clothes to very Talkative Ladies!

Angele Delanghe (sometimes Angèle Delanghe), was a Belgian fashion designer based in London who ran an eponymous label from the late 1930s to the mid 1960s and also produced couture designs for the West End department store Fortnum & Mason.

Mme A.D and I walked to Alice, Duchess of Gloucester's London apartment in the old Tudor Palace just off Piccadilly on several occasions.  The first time there MMA.D was about to introduce me to the Duchess, she raised her hand and said "That young lady and I met a few years ago, do you remember, my dear?"  I had to say, "Of course I do,  For one of your Charity's I was dressed up as Little Bo Peep and handing you a bunch of Flowers. When a photographer's light bulb hit me in my face, you saved me from falling down; at the same time you gave the photographer a good telling off!!" It is amazing how so many of the "Royal's"  remember people, Names etc. for a long time.

Another well known customer was Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, maybe 28 -30 years old. The first time I met her when she arrived a little early for an appointment  I offered her a comfortable chair in a quiet corner while she waited  for A.D. She asked me if I was relatively new there as she had not seen me before. I do not remember the details, but after she left AD called me into her office as she had news for me. The Duchess had 

TOLD her "to get rid of that dreadful Cockney female who drops pins all over the place; and please always ask Suzanne to join us".  Poor A.D. she did not know whether to be annoyed with the Duchess or keep quiet.  However if I was always there when the duchess came and we became friends; a few weeks later a parcel arrived for me @ Fortnum's butchery with a Christmas card, signed “Margaret”. It was a couple of edible birds (with long tails, the names escape me, but Daddy's favourites) from the Argyll estate in Scotland. I also had the same present for my birthdays for a couple of years. 

Sometimes memories come back so clearly, but ask me what I ate for breakfast after a late night, a completely different story!!

May 26, 2025

This has to be a story, re-written by AI??

Editor’s note: Refinement by AI of ancient composition. Photo is AI too!

May 25, 2025

Great photos. I had  friends years ago on Gore St. She also used to volunteer in A.G.H. but passed away a few years ago. 

I still prefer your own photos.

May 24, 2025

Thanks Bill, That is the most beautiful tree; obviously the white section was grafted to the red; the scarlet colour is unusual. This is a beautiful Spring for having so many trees in flower everywhere one goes, dozens of different colours, but.... this one 'takes the cake".  Where did you find it?

We should not complain about too much rain, if this is the result ! Now we need sun to make everything else sprout.

Tomorrow, Sunday afternoon, 2pm. there will be a Remembrance Service @ the water beside the Old Town hall for The Battle of the Atlantic, re: the Yesterday's Millstone. Weather permitting I shall attend.  My late Grand-Father-in-Law was a Captain of a Royal Navy ship on East section of the Ocean, plus once D Day was finally completed his ship covered the English Channel.  Captain J. Musson was the first in the R.N. to arise from the Ranks.

After the service, hopefully I would like to again meet a couple of ex-Canadian service men at The Legion;  re: Tony's Poem,"Remember the Brave," that he wrote and read at the dedication service of the new Cenotaph in Clayton, November 1996 .  About 2019/2020 @ the November Legion dinner he was asked to read His second poem "Cherish the Brave" which was read  at the dedication of the Korean war Cenotaph in Ottawa.  Unfortunately Tony was not aware of that happening as the poem had been stolen from the wall at the entrance to "Linn Bower", Clayton, where he lived for two years.

Tomorrow's forecast is warmer weather and sun; Finally!!  Enjoy.

Suzanne

The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, ran from 1939 to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, covering a major part of the naval history of World War II.

Source: Wikipedia

May 23, 2025

That was quite a day for you. Unexpected, interesting, but surely grateful that at this time, you are no longer a practicing lawyer.

The building with 12ft ceilings must have been a large establishment, totally opposite to your favourable quiet country, charmingly appointed office

The afternoon became an entirely different occasion for you Both.   Saying goodbye to friends, new or old, can often be sad.

The poem to Joan was delightful, presumably written by yourself. 

By the evening you must have been exhausted, hopefully you slept well that night.

May 20, 2025

Good memories for you, despite the fact that you could not join them. I remember the feeling of wishing we could turn back time and renew old great friendships; maybe in our next world.

May 18. 2025 v3

Thank you Bill, it was great to see you again and to finally meet Denis.

Two lawyers, my goodness, I shall have to make sure I do not argue with the police if they stop me when driving my car!! 

Thank you so much for the framed picture, AI can be excellent but sometimes no better than the original. It is now sitting at the back of the kitchen counter next to a photo of my 18 ½ year old Grandson Alex, which I can see whilst sitting in my armchair.

I am beginning to freeze again. The door to the underground parking has opened quite a few times which makes the floors very cold. It is only 10.5℃ in here now. Thankfully my old red wool carpet has a very thick under pad.

The sweet potato soup with added chicken stock, herbs (that I grew on the balcony) and when cooked in the "Instant pot" I added pre-cooked Asparagus and chopped up cold chicken. It turned into a good hot meal, enough for tomorrow.

9pm and suddenly the heat has come on, hooray!  Maybe complaints and/or John and Warren were also cold! Now I should not need the heated blanket or having to fill a hot water bottle to keep my feet warm when in bed.

After an early morning drive into a warm church, collected 4 dozen organic eggs, from Ashley in my Old Home to provide to two friends and myself, I shall soon dive into a comfortable bed.

Good night to you Both,  Suzanne.

May 18, 2025 v2

Thanks Bill, that was just the good laughter that I needed on this dreary day.

My dear old Daddy also enjoyed P.G Wood House (sic). The picture of Jeeves and His Lordship could not have appeared at a better time. When you read my morning's email, you will understand the reason why! Lord John had the perfect "Old Family" butler to look after him. I had not remembered anything of that old friend for almost a whole lifetime.

May 18, 2025

Quite a diatribe; but it is always interesting to find how other people thought, speak and live in different vernacular from each other.

From my late teens and early 20's, I worked with so many people in the fabric trade; one quickly learned to ignore the few truly obnoxious individuals, but made very good friends with different other individuals.

The son of an acquaintance of my Parents, occasionally took me to a theatre as he disliked going alone. We enjoyed each other's company,  had many similar interests and much laughter. He lived in Mayfair, London,   Lord John .............(a very old family name, which now escapes me !). However, many years later when I took Ian , aged 14 months, to stay in Melplash, Dorset, while Mummy was in hospital, Daddy, in his early 80's, one evening told me that John had committed suicide not too long after I came to Canada.  Such a waste of a highly intelligent decent person.

Bill, That is a great photo of you at your desk,  I just wish I had a printer, no space also I would forget how to use one in this ripe old age!  May I ask if the framed picture is your Father? A nice compliment to him. 

Keep warm in this dreary weather; our heat was turned off last week. So time to move around once more.

Suzanne

May 17, 2025

Beautiful photos. The last one is an amazing sky, also it looks like the back of Orchard View's Town houses? 

No wonder you enjoy your apartment with the ever changing scenery. 

A couple of days ago I watched 2 baby, small Mourning Doves fly out of their nest in a tall tree next to the entrance of the underground parking garage; they landed in a pine tree outside my drawing room window, stayed there for about half an hour, totally worn out!  Now they walk and fly around the building every day, growing and eating whatever they can find; strangely none of us have seen the parents. 

May 16, 2025 v2

Thank you Bill, I was able to open the photo of which should be my Rosebush in a few weeks time.

This morning I only bought two small  Blue/purple plants which I put into the soil either side of said Rosebush.   

Having finished that particular piece of the back garden I suddenly realized, I hope it does not look Red, White and Blue.

For a change I shall be sewing tomorrow, especially as we are forecast for thunderstorms and rain, then cooler weather for at least 10 more days. The balcony plants will survive, less watering for me to do! Hopefully the humidity will disappear.

Good night, S

May 16, 2025

Very attractive potted plants. Loblaw are selling many Native plants so I shall visit Jonsson's to find what they have in stock. A few large greenery in between bright, colours would be a change plus my usual Herbs.

Once a gardener always a gardener!!

Warren kindly took the garden fork out of my hand, and said "I'll turn the soil for you , it's pretty tough right there, too  many thick roots." He filled a large pot with a lot of thick dead roots etc; I was grateful he came past when he did, so all I had to finish was with my small rake. Then I planted a dozen white tiny plants in front of Tony's Red Rose bush, with light perfume, a Rosa Floribunda, "Our Anniversary". It survived the winter and now has many

healthy growing leaves. Roll on Summer!

May 15, 2025

A relief for you to have your small vehicle now well working, hopefully it will stay in good shape, thanks to Roger.

A typical Spring garden making a delightful photo.

All the trees at the back of this building are now in flower, due to this afternoon's sun, also many daffodils and tulips.

A few days ago I bought a large potted plant in a bluish purple colour now on my balcony; at our Wednesday coffee hour I had many compliments on brightening the drive into the underground parking space, they are all looking forward to the whole area full of different plants.  A lot of watering in hot weather etc: but I still miss my large perennial garden which I started from mere sand and gravel.

I shall visit there in a few days to help sort out the difference between overgrown weeds and plants!!  

May 14, 2025

I only just read your interesting comments, I'm sure I have not heard that expression the Hoi Polloi since my Father explained the meaning and noted "to which all our Family belong".

I also have long moments of remembering very small items that happened or were given to me: especially yesterday; I spent far too long looking for a small kitchen item, that I know I used infrequently, but was the only thing to finish a particular piece of cooking. No luck at all, gone by

the wayside in my last move; the same as the missing 3 beaters for my large mixing machine, which I used to make all our bread for almost 25 years.

I had to chuckle over your last sentence, "becoming frivolous by accident"!!

It appears that we voted for the correct person ,PM Carney; he is certainly not dithering around, but making sure everyone in his new Cabinet will continue to trust his advice and plans in the quickest imaginable time. Even "Mr Trump" respected Canada's new Prime Minister!  

Gardening tomorrow, a few small plants around  Our rosebush and potted plants for the balcony.

Early to bed!  Enjoy the warm sun, a few days of rain and more cold weather. 

May 12, 2025

Today I found out  that the second Saturday in June will be the  last breakfast in "Gace Hall"" until September. 

Your AI print of St. Gorge and Clayton, now hangs on a wall in full sight as you walk into the room.  Lynne Bamford ,Warden, and myself decided exactly where the best place for it to be seen. Maybe you will mark the date on your calendar for another Breakfast.

Enjoy these next few days of Spring as the forecast is cooler weather and rain.

Tomorrow morning 9:30 am on CBC news , P.M. Carney is to announce his new Cabinet.

May 10, 2025

Well what a surprise, so glad that you enjoyed the breakfast. Two nice photos inside "Grace Hall".

I'm sure Wayne Guthrie was surprised to see you; did you know his lovely wife Lyn died about five years ago.  He still lives in his same house, one of his sons also lived with him for a while when he was alone, then I believe it was last year that he quietly told me "Thankfully I can do exactly what I like in my own home as my son has somewhere else to live! I have bought some new furniture, the Family are welcome anytime and life continues quite well.” 

He reads the Lessons  about every month, usually one week before I do the same. He is always cheerful  and enjoys his after Service coffee and chatter amongst friends in Grace Hall.

Kathy Lowe, our dear friend, was working in the kitchen and phoned me to say there  were 40 people this morning, including Mayor Crista Lowry and two sisters, one of whom brought the homemade Beans.

Did you know that after expenses, all the proceeds go to the Almonte schools and Youth Centre for children's breakfasts and lunches.

In the morning as usual I shall open St.G’s @ 8am, to prepare for Communion as well as a Baptism, plus the Family, plus all people from our other 3 churches, maybe an almost full Church! 

Last Monday afternoon we did not have our usual Quilting time in Grace Hell, not enough of us to open up.  A great pity as I have your AI print of St. George and the Dragon in a new frame and we were to hang it on one of the walls.  So at some time later you must come for breakfast ,  I'm not sure if will be in June, if not definitely September.

Bedtime,  I leave here @ 7.15 am, good night, Suzanne

May 8, 2025

You mentioned the Royal Family's procession @ Ascot. A few days ago while turning out a box in a dark closet, I found two Years' of my Parents' visits to the Royal Enclosure (the photo is a little before our time but it certainly shows the main "old" approach) during the main races, naturally Both "dressed to the nines", also copies of the Racing books and My Father's "ticks" against his preferred horse and rider! Another two invitations to "Smith's Lawns" in Windsor Park from HRH Prince Philip.  At that time Daddy had been offered the "Job" of Managing the each event @   S  "     L  "   " .  Unfortunately he really had no choice in Politely declining the extremely prized invitation, owing to the fact that he had not ridden a horse since 1940 when he volunteered and joined the RAF; also at this time he was almost 80.  

He had always owned and ridden horses all his life, in Ceylon, India, England and at the beginning of WW1, when he joined "The Cavalry;" after 6 months he quickly changed to the Royal Artillery.

Memories, memories!

May 6, 2025 v2

You have it in a nutshell!!  One of your very best intelligent articles.

Thank you Bill

Suzanne

May 6, 2025

Once more well said.  In another week we may even feel Summer is almost here, The trees are sporting buds on their branches, Daffodils are lovely, and the weather is finally warmer.

Politically, we have a new Government, which hopefully will survive in Canada's best interests, despite U S A's friendship's departure.  Even Canada's ailing King will arrive to open our new Government, to show the World that Canada is a Sovereign Country.

Today, I am completely over my dreadful chill and cold. Ian in N.S, has recovered from 3 weeks of a cold and bronchitis. Graham, on Vancouver Island is slowly recovering from 5 days of "Flu". He could not keep his vital heart pills inside him for over 3 days; wife Ana and step cousin Dr. Sarah, Emergency Specialist, were extremely worried about his situation. On Graham's 3rd day, he phoned me in tears, "Mum, I have to tell you....." He knew it was very dangerous for him and wanted to hear me say "I'm sure you will eventually recover."   All Three of us, ill at the same time!

Now, dear friend, I am sure you will understand how I really need Summer to arrive!

May 5, 2025

I remember tying a few of those complicated knots as Senior girl guide at boarding school. My Father also taught me how to tie a reef knot, but most importantly how to tie my shoelaces so that they would never fall undone;  he also did the same for Ian, then aged four, when he, Grandfather and Granny came to Canada for their last visit together.

My first visit to Cape Breton in 1958, driving our old 1950's Pontiac was a sight to behold!  However we did drive off the Main Road, then became lost on a beautiful dirt road ending on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. As the passenger, I was told to walk down to a few "old men" who were a few yards ahead, to ask the way back to the main road.  A middle aged man, with red hair and beard, welcomed me, and  gave me directions, then politely asked "Why was a young English lady in the middle of 'Nowhere' in N.S.?" He walked back with me to our car and met my husband, giving us his name "Farley", chatted with us for quite a time, wished us the Best of Luck on our journey back to Ottawa.  It was a few months later at a friend's cocktail party, that we were told  it was Farley Mowat, the author and ex-soldier. I still have two of his books, "And no Birds Sang" plus ....... ! 

I hope you eventually drive through N.S. again, every part of the Province is beautiful, all in so many different ways. Son, Dr. Ian Jonsen (world renowned, Biologist) is now living in Wolfville where he and Wife, Nicole met at Acadia U, married in the Chapel. My Grandson, Alexander Jonsen-Humble, has just finished his first year @ Acadia, applied to Dalhousie U, for next 3 years, is now Coaching 14 - 18 year old swimmers in Dartmouth for the Summer. Staying  with his other Grandmother, Carolyn Humble. and living in what has now become the old Family home.

May 3, 2025

Yes, Spring is finally around the corner!

 

Before I forget, a couple of days ago I was driving home on Perth St. when I suddenly saw someone on a red Tricycle moving in the opposite direction, but the person's legs were not moving; however the car behind me honked a couple of times, by the road's new sign I was at 39 kms and already had just flashed my left turn indicator, so that was the end of my vision of the tricycle! 

Yesterday after much measurement taking in my bedroom, I was sure it was time to re-arrange some furniture.  My two weekly helper "Sharleen" was due to arrive in the afternoon, once she walked into my "front hall" she exclaimed "What on earth have you been doing?!"  The dining table, chairs and floor were piled high with all kinds of "STUFF".   Once I told her, that my intention was to turn around my bed and she understood the main reason, her reply was "let's get started". One and a half hours later we decided "Mission accomplished"!  Having moved 4 pieces of furniture, rugs and Bed, everything fitted perfectly. Today, after an excellent night's sleep, I have replaced almost all items in natural places.  

Tomorrow morning back to Clayton by 8:15 for the "morning" service @ 9am, then to our "1175" house to collect 4 dozen fresh organic eggs to divide between neighbours and myself, after a cup of tea and playing with the now 4 children. 

At wednesday morning Coffee hour one of the new inhabitants said "The Jonsen Family must have some kind of E.S.P  to all have Colds, Flu and Bronchitis at the same time over the whole of the last two weeks, while living at each end of Canada and "Mother " in the middle!! A lot of laughter, then someone chimed in "But that is Suzanne's complete Family."  I felt a little uncomfortable so I explained that There are many kind and helpful people here in this building and at times we all try to help each other. certainly last week. Sheila Robertson, next door, brought me Hot homemade chicken soup, then 2 days later Turkey soup. I know I could not have recovered so quickly without her help. 

A warmer week ahead, keep well and active!

Suzanne