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Showing posts from August, 2023

Book Review: Hidden Ontario by Terry Boyle

I had such a great time reading this book. It is a series of stories about some of the funniest, oddest and most interesting events. I was not familiar with any of the stories which I found very surprising considering the amount of reading I do.    Terry Boyle's writing is just ripe with description and you can frequently sense that his tongue is in his cheek as he tells some of the most ridiculous true stories from Ontario's history. I loved the story about the bridge built across Rice Lake. The lake freezes every winter and all that nasty ice made the bridge so fragile that when British royalty came to visit alternate means of transportation had to be found rather than risk the royal visitor's life. When the train reached the other side of the lake, the Prince of Wales hopped back on. We had the opposite problem here in St. Thomas. We had a temporary bridge that was put in at Dalewood Dam many, many years ago and just refused to break so we could get a permanen...

160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ Serpent Mound

Address : Otonabee-South Monaghan, Ontario Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4) Designation Date: 1982-06-12 Event, Person, Organization: Point Peninsula culture  (Organization) Other Name(s): Serpent Mounds  (Designation Name); Serpent Mounds Park  (Other Name); Serpent Mounds Complex, Alderville Site, Island Centre Site, East Sugar Island Site, Corral Site and BbG M- 22  (Other Name) Research Report Number: 1982-SUA, 2003-058, 2005-SDC/CED-036 Plaque Existing plaque:  Hiawatha First Nation Territory, Keene, Ontario Two thousand years ago, Aboriginal people gathered nearby in large settlements in spring and summer to hunt, fish and collect freshwater mussels. Here, for over three centuries, these people built mounds to bury and revere their dead. These nine mounds and other closely related sites provide an exceptionally complete record of life at that time. The mound shaped like a serpent, the only one of its kind in Cana...

What's On Your Mind?

  What's on my mind? Not much. My plan today is to start my to do list and not stop. That is my only priority. We did a bit of shopping at Canadian Tire last night. Here's my favourite purchase. A little tricky on the first try but I think it had more to do with us than the little machine . . . LOL. What's on your mind?

Movie Review ~ 12 Angry Men (1957)

I could write a lot about this movie but I don't want to give it all away.  This is the 1957 version . . . the original . . . filmed back in the day when movies actually told a story that relied solely on the abilities of the cast and crew.  12 Angry Men is the story of one not guilty vote at a murder trial and the drama and suspense that follow.  Watch this movie . . . on the edge of your seat. Academy Awards, USA 1958 Nominated Oscar Best Picture Henry Fonda Reginald Rose Best Director Sidney Lumet Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium Reginald Rose  

What's On Your Mind?

What's on my mind? Not much really. I'm very relaxed but managing to accomplish things. Maybe because I'm relaxed? I don't think I met any of my priorities yesterday . . . because an important priority popped up. Hal needed to have some tests done in nuclear imaging yesterday and he was feeling anxious sooooooo I spent the afternoon with him and then we bought chicken and salad and some snacky types of food an proceeded to spend the rest of the day snacking and day drinking. Today's priorities are 1. clean apartment 2. work to do list 3. make togas since they didn't get done yesterday. So, what's on your mind?

Journal Prompt ~ Tanka

my wee precious boys you fill my heart with joy love I smile just thinking about you I'm so proud of the awesome men you are now

What's On Your Mind?

What's on my mind? I'm looking forward to life slowing down a bit. I just don't know when that will be. I'm okay with that. I love to be busy. And as my to do list continues to get smaller I can feel myself relaxing more. My priorities today are to: 1. start making togas for a toga party this weekend. 2. actually make it to a Sew Sisters meet up 3. Continue working my to do list. A perfect mix of getting crafty, getting out of the house, and getting things done. What's on your mind?

Journal Prompt ~ Bills

Today's Writing Prompt: Bills Everyone pays them, even if we don't like it. What's the most expensive bill you paid this past month? My biggest payments each month are rent, groceries and car expenses.  Our rent is really reasonable and utilities are included so that's not so bad.  Grocery costs fluctuate depending on who's home and who's visiting and apparently the state of the economy. Right now groceries are at ridiculous prices. Our vehicles have a voracious appetite for money lately.  Along with regular maintenance, insurance, and gas, in the past month we've repaired brakes twice and exhausts twice . . . I'm thinking of starting up a Go Fund Me page just for our vehicles.

Book Review: Lifting the Silence: A World War II RCAF Bomber Pilot Reunites with His Past

Lifting the Silence: A World War II RCAF Bomber Pilot Reunites with His Past is written by Sydney Smith with his son, David. This book tells the true story of Sydney Smith, a young bomber pilot who is shot down over the French countryside during the Second World War. With the help of the Comete Line (Belgian Resistance) he is able to get out of Occupied France by means of a grueling trek through the mountains into Spain and return to his base in England.  Sydney, who later became a dentist, and made his home in Thunder Bay, never spoke of his unbelievable experiences.  It wasn’t until his son David began clearing out his grandfather’s effects that he found a letter that Sydney’s father had kept since 1946 from one of the women who had assisted him.  Together father and son research and write this amazing story and in the process are actually able to find some of the daring resistance heroes who helped him and many other allies to safety.  Sy...

Canadian Music ~ Gino Vanelli

Gino Vannelli (born June 16, 1952) is a Canadian rock singer and songwriter who had several hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s. His best-known singles include "People Gotta Move" (1974), "I Just Wanna Stop" (1978), "Living Inside Myself" (1981) and "Wild Horses" (1987). Vannelli was born to an Italian family in Montreal, Quebec. His early ambition was to be a drummer. He admired Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, and he played drums in a pop band while he was in high school. In 1969, at the age of seventeen, he signed a contract with RCA Records, using the name Vann Elli. He studied music theory at McGill University in Montreal. Vannelli and his brother, Joe, moved to Los Angeles in 1972. Desperate and broke, they waited for hours in the parking lot outside A&M Studios, hoping to get a record deal. When Herb Alpert, the co-owner of A&M Records, finally emerged, Vannelli ran toward him and gave him a demo tape while being chased by security guards. ...

What's On My Mind?

I don't usually journal on the weekends but I'd already finished writing this before I realized it was the weekend . . . LOL! What's on my mind? Still smiling after last night. Hal actually took me to Plaza Sushi and I stuffed myself with the Poke Bowl. And then we met my favourite children Greg & Katie and Tim & Krissy at Pinafore Park to watch Princess Bride. When they were young we had this movie on VHS and watched it over and over again so that we still have all the dialogue embedded in our brains. Today is going to be tough. I still have so much to accomplish for tomorrow afternoon's Lemonade Party https://www.facebook.com/events/837560871218071 . I would really appreciate everyone, near and far, supporting me in this. Priorities for today are  1. to update my calendar and get the September newsletter ready. If you would like to receive my monthly event newsletter please let me know. 2. finish cleaning the house and start party set up for Sunday. 3. go to ...

What's On My Mind?

  What's on my mind? Well, I am having a very late start to my day thanks to all the storms last night. Mom and I went grocery shopping which I believe is her first outing since she broke her shoulder/arm that didn't involve a doctor. Came home, put groceries away, had lunch, watched a tv show . . . and now I am ready to begin. My priorities today are . . . none. It is our 40th wedding anniversary and I'm planning on taking the day off. How about you?

What's On My Mind?

What's on my mind? I really enjoyed chatting in In My World Online with friends while I worked on an art journal page and organized some genealogy files. No one had to force me to run away from home and enjoy Bella Jack's with a friend. Mole is really yummy! We even did a little window shopping before heading home. My priorities for this afternoon are to continue working my to do list, prep for my Lemons to Lemonade event this Sunday, and prepping for Sketch Club which is on Monday night. I got this. How about you? https://www.facebook.com/events/837560871218071 https://www.facebook.com/events/952479822483794 https://www.facebook.com/events/684500183495931

160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ Alderville Cenotaph

This article is from the Alderville First Nation website: The Alderville War Monument was unveiled on Sunday September 25, 1927 to a large crowd (some 3000 people) of community members, neighbouring communities, and dignitaries who had gathered for the commemoration of those who gave so much in the Great War, 1914-1918. The first sod was turned on Sunday August 21st and within just over a month some 468 tons of concrete had been poured raising this unique design almost 50 feet. Clarence and Alf McKeel were the two Campbellford, Ontario men who contributed the design and technical advice on its construction, while the local men and women supplied the labour and hospitality. Originally built to honour the 33 Alderville men who enlisted for service during the Great War including the 9 who gave up their lives, it now also commemorates the contributions made by Alderville during WW11, Korea, and peacetime. But it was the Great War, ‘the war to end all wars’ that could have only been in the...

Movie Review ~ American Graffiti (1973)

American Graffiti is a coming of age story set in 1962 and starring an amazing cast and an amazing soundtrack. My dear hubby is going to have a fit when he reads this post. He looooooooves this movie. Me, not so much. It was okay. Academy Awards, USA  1974 Nominated Oscar Best Picture Francis Ford Coppola Gary Kurtz   Best Actress in a Supporting Role Candy Clark   Best Director George Lucas   Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Based on Factual Material or Material Not Previously Published or Produced George Lucas Gloria Katz Willard Huyck   Best Film Editing Verna Fields Marcia Lucas  

What's On My Mind?

  What's on my mind? Sooooo many things but all in an organized manner . . . LOL. Slept in this morning so I had to run and throw some pants on when my sister Nancy called and said she was in our parking lot. A really fun visit with her and my great-niece Brooklyn. And Brooklyn really enjoyed meeting Uncle H and McGee and Jazzy (the neighbour's little dog). My list remains long but short at the same time. Long because of the number of days on it but short because there are only a couple of items on each date. If we don't get flooded out today I'll be teaching a very cool workshop in my studio. Check it out. https://www.facebook.com/events/1047797303269955

What's On My Mind?

What's On My Mind? Planning a big fun sales event to divest myself of the huge amount of product I ordered in for an event last week. Yes, it has finally arrived. Wishing my a/c was working. I'm hoping Hal can fix it because I really don't want to buy another one this late in the season. Thank goodness its not too hot out today. I'm feeling pretty relaxed today. I meandered through Walmart to pick up a few groceries, office supplies, and inexpensive white sheets to make togas out of for a party in a couple of weeks. Had a snuggle with my great-nephew Hunter who was there with his parents. What are you up to?

Journal Prompt ~ Tanka

we consider you  a very special pair so  we wish that every  day brings to you love joy and Happy Anniversary

Book Review: Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales

It only took a couple of evenings to read and enjoy  Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales:  A Knitter's Stash of Wit and Wisdom  edited by Kari Cornell.  A very enjoyable read for the crafty person, it shares the personal stories and thoughts of knitters and crocheters. If you love to knit this book is a must-read for you.

What's On My Mind?

What's On My Mind? Many happy memories of our anniversary party on Sunday. And I forgot to take a single photo. Believe it or not, we finally took the cover off the bbq for the first time this year! I bbq!!! Today is Open Studio so I'm hoping to get tons of crafting done. But first the kitchen needs some attention!

Canadian Music ~ Geoff Berner

  COAX Records artist Geoff Berner (pronouns: He/him) is a Jewish singer/songwriter/accordion player/novelist/political activist living in Vancouver on the unceded lands of the Musqueum, Squamish and Tsleil-Watouth peoples. Over the last 25 years, he’s garnered a sizable, enthusiastic international cult following, having toured in 17 countries and played live on national radio in 7 of them. He’s opened for rock stars in stadiums, led 1000s in rude sing-a-longs from festival mainstages, and played nearly every dirty little cafe bar in Western Europe. He’s toured Scandinavia, extensively and often. He’s spent much of his career playing klezmer music, the folk music of Eastern European Jews, but he also plays and writes folk songs in English, often of a lefty, satirical political nature. Those songs have been covered by a long of other artists, including: The Be Good Tanyas (“Light Enough to Travel”), Corb Lund (“That’s What Keeps the Rent Down, Baby”) Kaizers Orchestra (“Whiskey Rabb...

What's On My Mind?

  What's on my mind? My mind is a babbling mess. Vendoring outside my comfort zone for the first time in forever and I don't know if I'm going to have any stock. I may be making a road trip to Milton on a FRIDAY! Yikes! That is if anyone besides a machine ever answers the phone. Other than that everything is fine . . . well except for the fact that (I might have mentioned this before) Hal is walking with a brace and cane since he's mangled the muscles in his knee. Sigh. I probably should erase this mess of worries but who else can I tell them to? Fingers crossed the day gets better from here on . . . Photos are what Hal thinks he looks like vs what he really looks like. Just kidding!!! What's on your mind?

160 Unusual Things to See in Ontario ~ The Roseneath Carousel

  The Roseneath Fairgrounds in Roseneath, Ontario, is home to a historic C. W. Parker Carousel; one of only two in Canada, and eight in total in North America. Built in 1906 by the C. W. Parker Carousel Company in Abliene, Kansas, known as the king in the manufacturing of amusement park rides, it’s been owned by the Roseneath Agricultural Society since 1932. The carousel consists of 40 basswood horses, 3 abreast , and 2 metal boats. The centre row features Herschell/Spillman or Armitage/Herschell horses, with the inside and outside rows featuring Parker Jumper Horses, with the platform balanced from a centre post. Powered by a 5 horsepower electric motor, riders travel at approximately 4 miles per hour to the music of a 25 Wurlitzer military band organ, built in 1934. It’s all contained within a 16 sided wooden building, which protects the carousel from the harsh Canadian winters. The carousel was forced to shut down in 1985, as it no longer met current safety standards. A maj...

Canadian Book Review: The Woefield Poultry Collective by Susan Juby

When I saw this book at the library I just had to pick it up. Seriously, who can resist this amazing title? When the owner of Woefield Farm passes on, the farm is left to his niece, a truly naive and urban young lady who is determined to make the farm pay for itself using environmentally and organically sound farming principles.  She can't accept that the farm has never been successful and the only things that grow are rocks.  She is assisted in her vision by the old farm hand that comes with the place, a young girl who raises chickens and a boy who has avoided town since an embarrassing incident involving the drama teacher. I laughed out loud so many times as I read.  The characters are wonderful misfits who come together whether they want to or not.  Each chapter is told by a different character which seems rather tricky, but it really works. . . . and the things they do to that poor sheep . . .

What's On My Mind?

What's on my mind? Planning. Lots and lots of planning. I will be at Vendorfest on Saturday and I am working on creating a stunning table so everyone will want to come and buy all of the Watkins products. Also planning how to have my kitchen ready for Cooking with Watkins tonight online. And I can't forget I need to get a final guest count for our Ruby Anniversary Party on Sunday so I will be sure to have enough food. These are the deadlines I've been worrying about for weeks. And they are so close. I'm really looking forward to all these events but also looking forward to Monday when they are done and I can return to my nice quiet life. What are you up to?

What's On My Mind?

  What's on my mind? Well thank you for asking FB. This is the week of a dozen deadlines. I am making steady progress but I'll feel much better when all the deadlines are met. Today's priorities are ~ 1. Clean the apartment. Its care and maintenance have been neglected badly this week. 2. Keeping out of Hal's way. He's blown out a muscle in his knee AGAIN. Still refuses to do R.I.C.E. to heal it. Lying around and taking Tylenol is his answer. Make an appointment with physio is also being filed under "nope". 3. Meeting my prep deadlines for my next two events. I'm feeling a little more positive each day . . . Wish me luck. What are you up to?

Journal Prompt ~ Tanka

Autumn is coming With warm sun and cool breezes The perfect season My favourite time of year Leaves begin changing colour

What's On My Mind?

What's on my mind? Well first I must apologize to FB for ignoring its question yesterday. Lunch with the ladies was my priority for the day. Today is all about prepping for several upcoming events, classes, fun stuff, chores. I even have to miss my quilt club meeting again today but the deadlines I've been worrying about are all this week. Yikes!!! This is going to be a very busy rest of the week. Here's my calendar: Today / I was supposed to meeting with fellow quilters. Sigh! Wednesday / Teaching art journal classes ( 1 & 7 pm) that still need a bit of prep and missing a book club meet up because of said classes Thursday / In My World Online meetup (10 - 12:30) which is the perfect chance to chat with friends while finishing up a bunch of plans. Friday / I'll being doing a FB Live cooking demo using Watkins wonderful spices and seasonings (7 pm). Saturday / Bringing Watkins to Vendorfest (9 am) at First United Church. Sunday / Family BBQ to celebrate our Ruby Anni...

Journal Prompt 22 Jun 2020 ~ Six Words

Six Words Describe your life or current situation using only six words. https://cen.acs.org/careers/career-tips/Taminglist/98/i34c crushed under my to do list