Sunday, February 25, 2024

WARMING UP ON A COLD NIGHT

 


All across Canada on Feb. 24, communities gathered to raise funds and awareness for the homeless in their community. In my little town, it was hosted by Grace Inn, our local shelter for the homeless.  

I have volunteered in various roles for the "Coldest Night of the Year" for almost 10 years now: a greeter and guide, working the registration table, counting all the money, standing in the snow holding a sign directing which way to go, bombing around in my Mini-cooper to be on hand should someone need a break and take a lift, and this year my role was to hand out hats, buttons and stickers. 

Some of the volunteers prepping for the crowd

Somehow, we've always managed to have pretty decent weather for a winter walk. And this year, though it was bright and blue,

It was Cold....VERY COLD.  

And yet the volunteers showed up early, set up tables and signs and did whatever was required to organize a walk for this important cause


Then the community showed up! In Droves! Young and old, famous and important or every day Joe Blow.

 

Even this big fuzzy mascot from our local hockey team made an appearance


I checked my lists with frozen fingers and handed out hats nonstop along with another volunteer. My hot chocolate was ice cold along with my feet. I wrapped up in a big blanket but nothing was going to stop my shaking after a few hours in the cold. 

Finally the speeches were made and the walkers were off!


The local goal was $75,000 and last I heard we were up to $67,000 with monies still coming in! 

It is hard to imagine anyone spending the night outdoors when the temperature plunges and a Canadian winter sets in. I'm very grateful that our community is willing to show tremendous support, opening their hearts and their wallets to help others warm up on a cold night. 

When I got home my husband ran a hot bubble bath for me. After a good soak and a hot cup of tea, I managed to de-ice. 

Thank you, Grace Inn for being amazing hosts and organizing the walk. Thank you Belleville for your compassion and participation.

And thank you Sheldon for running that bath for me! 

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

FAMILY DAY IS A-OK WITH ME

Thanks to Family Day, I had a 3-day weekend which is always a welcome break but especially in the dead of winter. 

So what to do…..well there was a lunch date with my daughter, son-in-law and perfect grand children and I spent some time in the kitchen. 

I’ve been trying out different recipes including this one:


A banana chia pudding topped with cashew cream and homemade granola. This was a nice protein rich treat!

And I made homemade pizza dough (had to share the sunbeam with Sasha for a warm place to proof). Everybody gets a stool!

But it was a beautiful day to spend entirely indoors


Clear cerulean skies, fresh crisp air; a perfect day for a hike in the woods.

Lulu checking out the trail at Massassauga Point

The old quarry was a warm sheltered place to hang out
With open water on the Bay, Ice fishing has been a bit of a bust this year. 

Winter is not my favourite time of the year, but even I can appreciate a sunny winter day with a palette of white, grey, blue and bare black branches etched in. 

Family Day is a low key holiday with no pressure to put on a big meal or buy gifts. Just enjoy the downtime with whoever you call “family”. 

It’s A-OK with me.




Monday, January 1, 2024

THE SPACE BETWEEN

 

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! Are you ready to jump in? The water might be beautiful or really cold but there is only one way to find out. 

This past week between Christmas and New Years is usually a vague fuzzy time. It’s the space between the great finale of one year and the transition to a new one. 

If you think about space it involves time and waiting. It allows you room to move or a moment to rethink. “Just give me some space!” Space between can be a good thing. Sometimes, space is not what we want. It is a lonely place filled with waiting. 

But I think there is much to be said for the space between. It adds depth, beauty and insight. 

Space in music is what makes a piece richer with perfect timing. 

“A hope deferred makes a heart sick but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life”. Proverbs 13:12

“The waiting is the hardest part” Tom Petty

2024 will surely hold times where there is space between. It may be just what I need or just what I don’t want, but I hope I can embrace them: learn from them. For I believe when the space between is closed and the desire fulfilled the fabric of my life will be richer. 



Sunday, November 26, 2023

SOME KINDA FRUITCAKE

 All right I’m putting my Christmas cards on the table. 

I LIKE FRUITCAKE

I’m one of the few left who are Fruitcake Fans. 

This year November 26 is “Stir Up Sunday”. It is a reference to the last Sunday before Advent and gets its name from the book of Common Prayer “Stir up, we beseech thee O’Lord, the wills of thy Faithful People.” It’s also the traditional time to start prepping those rich English puddings and fruitcakes filled with candied fruit, nuts and raisins!

Most people consider Fruitcake the worst gift ever, better off as a brick or paperweight. But I like it so for the first time this year, I made one!

Now my Mom makes a rum soaked version rich  in raisins, currants, dates and nuts and goes easy on the jewelled coloured mystery fruit. 

But I went a different route and made an orange and almond base with all the neon fruit. 


I had a bottle of Grand Mariner in the cupboard to use so I figured for my fruit cake this would be what I would use to bathe it in booze.

So I mixed up the batter and stuck pretty close to the recipe as it’s risky to get bold with new recipes and better to follow instructions!
This “brick” baked long and slow in the oven and then I wrapped it in swaddling cheesecloth and put it to rest in the cool garage. I pull it out weekly and give it a fresh soaking of Grand Mariner to keep it moist

Today, I figured it was time for a taste test


It’s a lovely fruitcake! Rich, orangey with lots of fruit and almonds. I’ll add it to the tray of goodies for friends and family to try. Who knows, maybe I can turn around the trend and boost the Fruitcake Fan Club!
Or, I’ll keep it in the freezer and nibble away at it for the next year. It’s not a brick or a paperweight. 

It’s some kinda fruitcake!








Saturday, November 11, 2023

A TEN YEAR REVIEW

My 10th birthday, 50 years ago

 Sixty…Yup….6 0…I’ve managed to stay on this earth for 60 years. It’s a Pretty Big Number to chew on but I’m happy to say I seem to be holding up. Aches and pains? Of course, but that’s to be expected with 60 year-old-machinery (all original parts I might add). 

Ten years ago on my 50th many family and friends celebrated my accomplishment (read my Blog “Turning the Big 50”). This past week they again blessed me with gifts, well wishes and a surprise dinner. 

The Big 60!

But a lot has happened in the past 10 years…A LOT! So it’s time for a 10 year review! 

Let’s start with family: In the past 10 years both my children married! Not only that they gave me grandchildren! Two little princes, a princess with another princess due in January!  

The Legacy of Family

If nothing else happened in the last 10 years except this, it would be enough. 

But I’ve also thrown in travel: two trips to Europe - one to France and one to Prague, trips out to British Columbia and Alberta. Amazing camping trips and let’s not forget my cross country drive with my son from BC to Ontario. 

The Mother/Son Cross Country Road Trip

There has been a share of grief and sadness as well. Goodbyes to dear ones whose memories stay with me and live on in my heart. 

I’m very fortunate to still have both my parents with me to celebrate my 60 years with me. 

These two have been with me from the Beginning!

Some things have not changed: I continue to work on the cello, my garden and show up for work and church! I’m working on over 37 years of marriage!

I survived COVID. 

I became and End of Life Doula 

All in all - I’ve had a very good 10 years full of many blessings. 

But what about the next 10 years? Good Question! Undoubtably  I will have my share wonderful moments and deep sadness. I don’t know if I will see 70 years. 

But this I know beyond a doubt. I’ve lived a blessed life on this earth and I’m very grateful. Whatever time I have left I hope I use it well and faithfully until I’m called Home. 





Sunday, October 15, 2023

A SEASON FULL OF TREASURE

 Fall finally arrived. Most of our September was extremely dry and warm. My sweaters lounged in the dresser waiting to replace tanks and T-shirts. But right before Thanksgiving, Fall swooped in on a raucous north wind and rain taking her rightful place. 

This beautiful, short season is full of treasure. Now is the time to explore the world full of golds, reds and oranges.


Sheldon and I were blessed to enjoy a weekend away at Lucky Lake in North Frontenac. 

The lake, now devoid of swimmers and sunbathers holds a peaceful prelude for the coming winter’s sleep.

Misty mornings hide the muted colors around the edge of the lake

But there were other treasures for me in this season! The garden leaves a few last parting gifts as well. 

The rose bushes presented these jewels along with my tomato plant



On an outing to Prince Edward county my girlfriend and I came across a curious spot that was really a hoarder’s treasure trove. We wandered around the yard and numerous little outbuildings packed full of trinkets


And purchasing anything was basically on an honour system! If you could pick it up, you could take it and send an e-transfer according to the signs on the door! Treasures indeed!


Soon the frost will come and the leaves will fall and the gardens will sleep. 

Enjoy the treasure hunt!







Wednesday, September 6, 2023

SUMMER, IT’S TIME TO LEAVE

I like summer, I really do. It’s one of my favourite seasons. 

Little dresses

Summer salads

Biking

Swimming

Roses blooming

Not having to wear EVERYTHING just to survive outside.

Summer is easy, breezy and it warms my bones. Yeah, it’s a great time.

But even the sweetest of guests can sometimes overstay their welcome and this year, summer, you missed your cue!

This is the first week of September. The littles are excitedly lining up to catch that big yellow bus and head back to school. But are they wearing their new fall sweaters and jackets? NO! It is hot, record breaking hot out there. 

This is my outdoor very Canadian thermometer at 5:00 pm today:

That’s 30 degrees Celsius in the shade at 5:00 pm. In the sun, closer to 40! 

Pumpkin spice anything is on the shelf; we want crisp, fresh fall air to enjoy those! I have no inclination to turn the oven on and bake a pie or roast a chicken. 

Summer is short in Canada, but so is Fall and we want to enjoy all its charms too. So, Summer, it’s time to move on. You’ve had your moment and we love you, but it’s time to leave!