A PARTY ON THE PORCHES!

For the past 15 years, Belleville has hosted an all out community party known as Porchfest. 

If you are not privy to what Porchfest is, here’s the Coles notes: An event that brings local musicians together playing whatever their jam is on neighborhood porches. The community wanders around and gets to listen to the music ranging from rock, pop, country, blues you name it! 

It’s kinda like Halloween for grownups- we wander from house to house and enjoy the offerings. Occasionally there is uh…. “Refreshments” and snacks to enjoy!

Porchfest 2024 had over 60 bands and/or musicians. That’s a lot of musical porches!

It was also a lot of people! 

Who were all having a great time

Along with people there were lots of dogs: big, little, fluffy, old, tired but all of them had their tails wagging and their tongues lolling. 

This year my old Dad got in the action and sang with an A Capella group. Look at those nice matching blue shirts!

Porchfest has become one of the most anticipated events each September. I love the sense of community and connection it brings. 

Besides, how can you go wrong with good music, good community fun and lots of happy dogs? 

THINGS MY MOM GAVE ME

 I don’t know if all Moms do this or if it’s just mine. Maybe it’s part of her Italian lineage. But almost every time I visit my parents, she has to give me something. 

Trinkets like this cat salt and pepper set

Clothing, books, magazine articles and most of all…Food (both of my parents are guilty of this one).

“Have a piece of pie to take home!”

“I’ve got some old bones for Lulu!”

“Could you use up this chocolate sauce?”

Inevitably I just nod and hold out my trick or treat bag to be filled. Last time I stopped by it was a folding chair and a cooler!

This past week my Mom turned 85. A bouquet of fall flowers, a lovely lunch and we checked out the local museum. Sometimes I have to give back!

But she has given me so much more than material things and food.

She has given me an example of sacrifice, creativity, a love for cats and well, life itself 

Mom and I with Dad and sisters Heather and Heidi

Perhaps in honour of this generous tradition (or maybe it’s a habit I’ve picked up), I tend to do the same thing to my children. Last time my daughter stopped in I handed over her Graduation photo, a purse and some apple cake. She came for dinner on the weekend and off went the last of the Apple Crisp too! 

Thanks for all the things you give me Mom. There are worse things I could pass onto my children!