May 6 2026 v2

Glad to know you read my small piece of history ! 

Once I am totally recovered from the unexpected visit to A.G.H. , I have a tremendous amount of sorting

out all kinds of Family treasures, eg: dated 1689, furniture, late 1700s/early 1800s,well known china,French,

Chinese, British. Far too many Silver items and 200 years old solid silver cutlery with Family crests, etc: etc:

All of which came to me as an only child, and before Leaving UK apart from my Parents, no more Aunts,

Uncles or Cousins. 

Now Elder Son Ian , in Wolfville , N.S, is thinking of my Grandson, Alexander soon to be 20, @ Dalhousie 

University, Halifax, with the chance of next Olympics, Summertime 3 years hence.  Both Ian and Graham

( Vancouver Island) understand that I should be closer to my own Family. Also Tony's Granddaughter, Sarah

Cannell, is an Emergency Specialist @ 2 hospitals  on V.Island. Denton and Nanaimo; her brother James were

both here with me for 10 days in March, I am their only Grandmother ! James and his Fiancee will be married

in 2027 and return to the Island where she grew up .

Ian is considering buying a larger house  in N.S. so that I can stay with them for a few happy years. The other

youngsters could always come and visit !

Oh My, I have just noticed the time !!

Good Night,     Suzanne

May 6, 2026

Hello Bill, 

Finally I can access my computer, only to find something from Linda Seccaspina, but

dated in early April, which year I have no idea !

It is something that you wrote about Almonte's, Island; in which you mentioned myself, 

My Mother and the then recently died James Knatchbull Huggesson  ( Mary Rosamond's Husband )

So sorry, but names now escape me in my 93rd year !!  I did suddenly remember the name.

At any rate the main reason for mentioning "Dear Jim H". The Knatchbull family are closely related

to Lord Mountbatten who owned a beautiful country estate in Hampshire, which he lent to Princess

Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, immediately after their wedding.  Sadly , Lord.Mountbatten was killed many 

years later while boating  off the coast of Ireland.  I believe he was an Uncle of Prince Phillip.  and

The Mountbatten's and Knatchbull's are all closely related. 

For quite a few years Jim and Mary used to ride through our property in Clayton, also through the large 

farm that backed onto us until Jim's eyesight became very poor.  Memories galore !  Tony and I spent New

Year's Eve 2000 with them in their large house next to the River, plus another couple of Clayton friends,

the wife of whom was an expert, well known Painter. Now all have sadly left us. 

Hopefully you are Both keeping well and enjoying your car rides.  Excellent timing to have an electric vehicle:

 

Unfortunately I am not driving my car at the moment . I was in our hospital for 5 1/2 days as I caught  an 

unpleasant Stomach Virus which has been going around. It certainly took the life out of me and I easily tire ;

this week I know I am on the mend and do not need to walk with a cane.  My Dr. told me not to worry, I am the

healthiest 93 year old person they have seen for a long time. Because of my food allergies , the hospital kitchen

could not feed me  the correct meals, so I lost weight. Now Ican cook for myself. I'm sure that will help regain 

some strength . I shall certainly express the Kitchen problems and suggest that there are so many new food 

items that will keep well for a long time.  I know that I am not the only person with Food Allergies ! 

The CEO of Both local hospitals has an apartment just down the Hall here, and we have talked many times 

about how things were many years ago, when I was involved with it all ! 

Spring has to be just around the corner after such a long winter !

Keep well,

Best wishes,   Suzanne

January 2, 2026

Last night I also watched that Gorgeous sunset, remembering many previous ones in several of our Eastern provinces. Memories, memories! 

Thank you for the photo of the delightful little girl.

Sad memories, but that is another, well kept, untold story.

Let us all enjoy our cold, sunny winter weather: Politics be Darned!! 

January 1, 2026

Welcome home!  An Amazing photo of YOU BOTH. 

Thank you for your Good wishes, in which I reciprocate. Also for the year long advice. 

I was going to visit the local car wash after all our "slushy" weather, thanks for the tip.One of my friends here will help me wash underneath the car in the downstairs garage; Much warmer there than outside, when having to drive home! 

Stay Happy!  Suzanne

December 31, 2025

Finally you will be home in your quiet corner of Almonte with the calming beautiful views. 

I am sure on your return to Pembroke you will be able to enjoy the same situation for a few more hours. 

I wish you and Denis a Happy and Healthy New year.

Hugs, Suzanne

December 30, 2025

So glad to know you had an excellent day;  Quite a mixture of excellence, especially to play on a good piano. You have not forgotten and your fingers moved accordingly!

Also the swim in salt water should certainly help aching muscles and bones.

I'm sure you remember Marvin and Joy Sheets  in #101, Joy used to swim almost every day, she has cut it back a bit now, mainly because of the winter driving.

Hopefully all goes well for you today.

Stay under Dr's orders and your recovery should be good, but possibly not as quickly as you would like. Remember the older we are, the longer it Takes!! 

You are not alone, St. Denis is always understanding.

Hugs to Both.  Suzanne

December 27, 2025 v3

Please take the greatest care when driving.  Yesterday within a couple of Klms 

the roads almost suddenly changed. 

You were Both wise to start out before Freezing rain etc

Enjoy a few hours of playing a good piano, and eating excellent food 

that Denis will not have cooked, a good change for him ! 

Best of luck with the surgery, also the recovery procedure.  

I will keep you in my prayers for the next few days. 

Hugs,  Suzanne

December 27, 2025 v2

Thanks Bill, you are too kind.

It is a beautiful sunny cold day, I will not bother to get dressed up just to go outside for

a few minutes.  However I hope you and Denis enjoy the sun on your lovely corner.

The last few seconds of sun eventually reaches the balcony; that is when I shall put on

my special "Yellowknife" sweater and plug in the lights on my Christmas tree.

At St.George's early tomorrow morning, it is still "Christmas Season" for a few more days.

December 27, 2025

Very thoughtful good wishes, no matter the unavoidable distance.

To-day, 27th is son Ian's 58th Birthday. How quickly those years have passed, remembering that tiny 4¼ lb healthy baby, now living in Nova Scotia, and Mum realizing how much he has achieved during those past years.

Hopefully even more worldwide recognition for him in the coming years.

Time for a long Happy Birthday phone call! 

Suzanne

December 12, 2025

 I wrote a long letter re; My father's Rolex watch  which he had until he swam

 in the Indian Ocean  a few years after W.W,1,  all after the "Mock Beggar 

Rebellion when , as the first British officer he managed to Nab  "Mahatma Gandhi"

Some time later the weather became unusually extra hot. My Father drove to

the Indian Ocean and managed to swim in the cooler water for a long time.

Needless to say that was the end of his Rolex, but he still had the gold chain

which he always wore with his waistcoat and different watch, also attached 

with his house key !

What happened to Wilson Basille  ?  Tony and I rented a house on Water St,

Almonte, for a few months that Wilson had partially repaired after a fire there.

It was comfortable for the winter; during which time I flew up to Yellowknife to

 help look after Tony's 3 grandchildren while Their Mother Katie ,tried to find

a reasonable workplace. Her Husband had a new position attached to the Cdn

Army in Northwest Territories. When I arrived there a week after they found a

house, it was -72* and stayed that way for almost 2 months ! I returned to Almonte

3 months later in Spring time, OH ! It was so nice to be warm again!  Then Tony

and I found the 25 acres of land in Clayton.  Would you believe Wilson had almost

finished building a new house, overlooking Clayton Lake much too close to the water,

he and the then official inspector (I forget his well known name) almost came to 

Fisty-Cuffs as he refused to move the house back to the edge of Tatlock Rd.

Post Scriptum:

December 13, 2025

Thank you Bill, yes it certainly was Bruce Monteith.  We became friendly with both

Bruce and his wife Anne,  especially after Bruce learned that I had several relations,

long gone by that time;  Alexander (Graham) Bell, and Duke of Montrose, both of whom

 were first cousins to my Father's Father.  Alexander chose the "Graham" to add 

to his name once he was beginning to be well known, just a might "snobbish" !

December 8 , 2025

A great winter afternoon ! That was just what you needed after the last few days.

I haven't seen dear Shirley Duego for a number of years, especially since she

is now a twice over widow. We go back a long way, even when she was still a

nurse in A.G.H.

Memories, memories; even Stephen 

Brathwaite and his renowned sister , whom

for several summers, invited Tony and I plus Our Grandchildren from Yellowknife,

to spend a day with Puppets, learning how to make and play with them.  Those

now 30 year old's have never forgotten the joy that it all gave them.      

Now back to cooking for tomorrow evening; It is the Christmas Tuesday Dinner 

with the Condo owners, we now have 6 new ones in the last 2 months, trying to

put names to faces is not easy at times !

Back to work ! 

December 7, 2025 v2

I wondered at first if this photo was of St.Paul's ,Almonte,

after changing my glasses the answer. was No !.

The afternoon Service went very well, unfortunately due to the snow 

there were very few visitors.  

I read the 9th Lesson from John, re:The great mystery of the Incarnation. 

The last Carol, afterwards was "Joy to the world". 

Reading through all 9 Lessons before which one I should read, it was

amazing to find that in centuries ago especially in the same old countries ,

 nothing much has changed, wars and fighting, loss of homes, food 

shortages and uncomfortable lives under hated rulers. 

Keep warm, cold winter is with us for the next two weeks.O

December 7, 2025

Another beautiful, appropriate winter photo, Thank you.

This afternoon we are having "A Lessons and Carols 

Service", in which I shall read the last Lesson and

(hopefully) sing with a mixed group of people, who after 3/4 hour

practice together, should be able to sound like a choir ! 

St. George's has offered this start to the Christmas Season for

the last few years, then tea and cookies in Grace Hall.

The last one we had a full Church, but with Cold weather who Knows !

December 6, 2025

Today's photo is a beautiful old gnarled tree, maybe a maple ?

OThere are times when I feel almost the same as the tree. ! 

How ever life continues on, whether we like it or not, so we

just have to manage the best way we can; certainly not as

quickly as years gone by.  I know I am fortunate at the moment

but for how much. longer; last Thursday afternoon I drove into

Carleton Place for groceries that I cannot buy in Almonte, 3 hours 

later,after having to lign up to pay in each store, it was almost dark,

driving home was horrendous.  2 years ago when I moved back into

Almonte I told my friends, please no more invitations once darkness

is upon us, especially in Winter , also my Family is concerned enough

about me even driving at all !

Now my rule is : If I need more groceries in C.P Mornings only and in

Good luck with the tooth;  I think I have to wait until the New year to have

the " bridge" attached to the good tooth next to the now "Gap", I'm just 

careful not to smile too broadly or eat hard nuts ! 

Wednesday I go to the local Optometrist to check the slight pressure in my

Eyes,  one thing after another, hardly surprising @ almost 93 !

OhYes, is your Birthday Tomorrow  11th ?

December 5, 2025

That was quite a day!  So glad that all went well, apart from having to walk down a corridor, another time hopefully you will have a volunteer to push you in a special chair.

In my Top Volunteer time  I remember there were two separate hospitals, one

Roman Catholic and the other "Normal" as they called it !  Both fairly close to

the other.   Almost everyone had true Ottawa Valley accents; at breakfast  just

before the special large Convention, at which I was the Chairmen, a lady with 

an Irish accent suddenly asked "May I call you Queen ?"!!   It was hilarious!

We remained good friends for a number of years, meeting in Toronto for more conventions! 

By the weeks you mention, that must be almost Christmas.  Glad to know you

booked into a hotel.  Once more Denis becomes St.! 

Today's photo is beautiful, Wintertime. Far more picturest than the previous day,

A solemn, worried, nervous face.

Take care,  Suzanne

November 30, 2025

Best of luck for tomorrow, both the drive and the surgeon's expertise.

You mention the Tesla Charger in your former building, that is exactly

where I park my long Kia Forte Ex, right against the concrete wall,

Thankfully the owners behind me are "away down South" for the winter,

however my neighbour who lives exactly opposite my front door, persistently

refuses to drive into her parking space a foot closer to her front wall where 

there is no storage unit, her vehicle is shorter and higher than mine !!  

There are all different kinds of people in this world !  

November 29, 2025

Well, Well Bill our history goes even further back than either of us realise.

I am sure you remember that my Father was a Squadron Leader in the 

R.A.F. He was in charge of the defence of 5 AirFields,1 after the other in the 

first 2 years of WW2. During the last 3 years he was stationed @ "Upwood"

just outside Ramsey, Lincolnshire a very Flat area of countryside holding 5

RAF stations plus 2 American; the Lancaster bomber and Mosquitos were

named "Pathfinders".  At that time the RAF Regiment was formed, so Daddy

was once more in Khaki uniform !  But, still in charge of the defence of all 7

Airfields.  Each school holiday Mummy and I would stay with the CO's Family

@ Upwood; he had 2 daughters, one older, the other younger than myself. 

Later after the war, Daddy told the story of how he had met the Canadian

Lancaster pilot who sank the German "Turpitz", their prized largest warship.

Also before Turpitz sank they shot the Lancaster down whose crew "almost"

did not survive. 

A quick note, you missed out the Wellington Bomber.  Just after the war during 

Tony's 2 year "Call Up" essential service in RAF, he was the only young 

man allowed to "start up" the engine of the Wellington every morning.

That is how Tony and I first met, he was looking for a print of the Wellington and

came into the small antique store on Mill St !!

November 28, 2025

Another lovely story. A reminder of A.A. Milne. I believe I was given over time, all of his books, which I adored and even brought to Canada. When my children were young they would ask for "Winnie the pooh" as their nighttime story.  

Unfortunately the books did not survive our first night in the rented house on the

corner of Farm and Brae Sts, Almonte , also many other treasures that had been

dumped in the basement.

November 27, 2025

It was a miserable looking morning but the perfect day to be out and about, no rain or snow.

After a quick breakfast of a cheese and marmalade sandwich, which is often lunch 

after a usual very healthy breakfast consisting 7 different items, nuts, unsweetened

grated coconut, dried Mulberries over the top of cooked Quinoa and Chia seeds,

then large dollops of Lactose Free yogourt and L.F Milk. That all takes plenty of time

to eat, especially with one front tooth missing,  hence the reversal of meals !! 

I drove into Carleton Place to take an enormous bag of excellent winter clothes to

"Interval house". They were items that I knew I would never wear again, living in this

small town, instead of Our 25 acres in Clayton.  We used to walk through many parts

there in the winter, watching where the deer would habitually sleep, also keeping an

eye out for Porcupines as 2 of  them chewed through our original Western Cedar 

Front steps. 

The lady who answered the door at  I.H. told me how grateful they are and desperately 

need so much at this time of the year.  I was also able to tell them That St.George's

Church, has once again sent them a cheque, possibly already arrived. 

On returning home I drove past the golf club through to Appleton side road and turning

off to get to the grocery store to pick up my 3 months of blood pressure pills, the only

item that I need to take each day. Dear Miriam,  when handing me the pills, laughingly

said "Neither the Dr or I will ever make much money from you;  my retort was "let's

 keep it that way "!  By that time her Assistant was there, it was a good laugh that we all needed.

November 25, 2025 v4

I changed my glasses but... there does not seem to be much change in either photo.

The only difference last year was my suit is almost Lavender in colour, not bright Blue ! 

Thank you Bill for your effort;  however my heavy solid gold broache does show up a

 fraction more in the AI picture !

Maybe I should mention that when attending Heather Sheffield's funeral Ray Timmons

walked past me, suddenly turned around having seen me saying " Sue you haven't

changed at all " and gave me a big Hug !  At the same time I must have slightly 

raised my left arm showing my Gold Watch..He was absolutely amazed 

Post Scriptum:

Each time I try to finish a couple of more words, then whoosh  it has already been sent ! 

Last night in my last paragraph, re: Ray T. " He was absolutely amazed, "Because he

gave me my Gold  (Birk's favourite) watch on behalf of the A.G.H. Board in recognition

of all the extra volunteer work across half of Ontario, finishing in 1998. So I told him

As long as it has a special new battery every two years it keeps perfect time.

The photo of the elegant lady in a beautifully made silk "Frock" is delightful.  

Nowadays the word Frock is practically unknown !