In My World

 What is a mistake people often make about you?

https://canadianmysteries.ca/sites/donnellys/aftermath/donellyfamily/1139en.html “The massacre of the Donnelly family, in the township of Biddulph, by an armed mob, is a crime which has no parallel in the history of Canada,” proclaimed the Listowel newspaper in February 1880. The notorious Donnellys emigrated from Ireland in the 1840s with the hope of finding success in what would later become Canada. James and Johannah became squatters who eventually settled on contested land near London, Ontario. Before long, conflict characterized their relationship with many of their neighbours and the community as a whole. The feud escalated in 1857 when James Sr. killed Patrick Farrell, a man involved in a dispute over the land the Donnelly clan had illegally called home. While James Sr. spent time at the Kingston Penitentiary for the crime, his seven sons grew into manhood. They eventually earned a sullied reputation of their own. Accused of many crimes including arson and assault, the Donnelly ...

Today's Prompt: Best Breakfast What's your favorite breakfast to get you up and out the door? My favourite breakfast is coffee and peanut butter toast. I'm not a fan of big breakfasts. I do enjoy brunch though.

The Pledge , directed by Sean Penn, is another pick from 151 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Leonard Maltin.  I think Maltin has a bit of a dark side because all the suggested movies I've seen so far have had a really dark side to them. The Pledge is no different.  It is the story of retiring detective Jerry Black, played by the amazing Jack Nicholson, who decides to check out one more murder--the brutal murder of a little girl.  When the detective meets the parents they make him promise to find the killer.  Shortly after a suspect is picked up but commits suicide.  Black doesn't believe the dead suspect is the killer and can't let go of the case.  When several similar unsolved cases come to light, he begins digging deeper into the crimes. Time goes by and life goes on.  Black buys an old gas station near where the murders had occurred and builds a new life.  He meets a young waitress with a little girl and they become a family. ...

Today's Writing Prompt: I Quit! What was the most recent thing you quit? I can't think of anything recently that I have quit.  I still have all my bad habits.  I still worry too much.  I still work my Dreaded To Do List everyday even though I am so far behind that I wonder if I will ever get caught up.

When my kids were little I often made hot chocolate using a homemade mix.  As the kids got older and life got busier it was just one of the lovely things that went by the wayside, replaced by the convenient. The other day I had a craving for chocolate but it was really humid out and I just didn't crave it bad enough to make me want to walk to the store.  Then I remembered the tin of cocoa in the cupboard. I had forgotten just how delicious homemade hot chocolate is.  Here's the recipe I used . . . Serves 2 2 tbsp and 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup and 2 tbsp white sugar 1/2 pinch salt 2 tbsp and 2 tsp boiling water 1-3/4 cups milk 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup half-and-half cream Combine the cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan.  Blend in the boiling water.  Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir.  Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes.  Watch that it doesn't scorch.  Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but do n...

Jane Stewart was born in Toronto in 1955 and was raised in the suburb of Etobicoke. She would take her subsequent surname, "Siberry", from the family name of her maternal aunt and uncle. Many years later, she would explain this choice by stating "this woman and her husband were the first couple I met where I could feel the love between them and I held that in front of me as a reference point." Siberry learned piano from the age of four, predominantly teaching herself and developing her own concepts of notation and structure. At school she learned conventional music theory (as well as French horn) and taught herself to play guitar by working through Leonard Cohen songs. Her first song was completed at the age of seventeen, although she had been developing song ideas since much earlier. "I started out in music, but switched to sciences when I realised how much more interesting it was to study than music. I would leave the classes ecstatic about tiny things."...

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

  Kingston author Armand Garnet Ruffo's staggeringly powerful poetry collection,  The Dialogues: The Song of Francis Pegahmagabow.   brings to life not only the story of the famed WWI Indigenous sniper, but also the complexities of telling Indigenous stories.  From Wasauksing (Parry Island) to the trenches of WWI to the stage, Ruffo moves seamlessly through time in these poems, taking the reader on a captivating journey through Pegahmagabow’s story and onto the creation of  Sounding Thunder , the opera based on his life. Throughout, Ruffo uses the Ojibwe concept of two-eyed seeing, which combines the strengths of western and Indigenous ways of knowing, and invites the reader to do the same, particularly through the inclusion of the Anishinaabemowin language within the collection.  These are poems that challenge western conventions of thinking, that celebrate hope and that show us a new way to see the world. More about Armand Garnet Ruffo: Armand G...

Hal and I are both senior citizens now! Most Canadians want to age at home — but few are preparing their houses for it. Here’s how to change that by Meagan Gillmore Nancy Edwards has the most popular home among her friends — because they can easily enter and move around it if they have trouble walking or use walkers. Edwards, a retired University of Ottawa professor, bought an accessible bungalow 15 years ago. She wanted to decrease the risk of falling as she aged. “Many people don’t think about [fall prevention], and that’s a problem,” said Edwards, 72. Wheelchairs and walkers fit easily through her home’s doorways and hallways. The ramp connecting her home and garage has space for walkers and wheelchairs to turn. Staircases have railings that are easy to grasp. And the bathroom has a walk-in shower with grab bars. Edwards may have an easier time making her home fall-proof than most: she researched fall prevention for three decades. She knows home modifications can increase safety, of...

Makes 2 servings Prep 10 minutes / Cooking 20 minutes 280 calories per serving 1 leek, white and light green parts only, cleaned 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1/2 tsp dried oregano salt to taste ground pepper to taste 2 slices country bread, lightly toasted 45 g brie cheese, thinly sliced 1 tomato, Roma type, thinly sliced Prepare the leeks. Cut off the dark green tops then thinly slice the white and pale-green parts crosswise. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and oregano, then season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the leeks are very tender and just beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Arrange the toasted bread slices on a baking sheet. Distributing the ingredients equally, layer the bread slices with the cheese, cooked leeks, and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then add salt and pepper to taste. Broil at 10 cm from the heat until the cheese has melted and the tomatoes st...

Today's Writing Prompt: Broken Heart Thank goodness the heart is resilient because somehow if you give it enough time and care it will heal, perhaps not the same as before the break . . . sometimes it is even stronger . . .  You can't live for as many years as I have and not learn this one key fact.

Thomas Cook of Innerkip was a 45 year old blind labourer who was charged with the murder of his wife, Bridget Morin, on July 22, 1862. He was convicted (mostly on character statements by his neighbours) and executed on December 16, 1862. Much to the shock of onlookers Cook was accidentally decapitated during his execution and according to some reports his head rolled out into the crowd. It was this event that sparked the making of the death mask seen at the side entrance of the Gaol. It also ended public executions in the County. Rumour has it that following the execution money exchanged hands, and instead of the body being buried in Innerkip, it was delivered to a doctor’s medical clinic for study and experimentation at the corner of Finkle and Dundas Street in Woodstock. The body was eventually buried in the backyard of the building and was discovered in 1903. Following this discovery, a number of ghostly sightings were said to occur at both the County Court House and the Gaol. To th...

Journal about a difference of opinion.

I probably would not have watched this movie and the sequels if not for the Top Movies of All Time list.  Otherworldly fantasies with scary stuff and violence are not generally my cup of tea.  And it would have been my loss.  The story is wonderful and vivid and exciting . . .  Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, and many more, this is the story of a very dangerous ring found by a Hobbit named Frodo and the epic journey to destroy the ring and save Middle Earth.  He is aided by a powerful wizard, his best friends, and joined by others on his journey. This movie is filmed in New Zealand and is worth watching just for all the lush exotic scenery. Excellent edge of your seat entertainment.  Just be careful.  If you watch one you will want to watch all the others in the series . . . and you might even want to read the books by J.R.R. Tolkien.  They are on my reading list. Academy Awards, USA  2002 Won Oscar Bes...

 What is the clumsiest thing you have ever done? Since I was born a klutz, I could write a novel of all the clumsiest things I've done . . . but one sticks out in my memory . . .  We were at a funeral visitation and I was walking down the stairs.  I missed the last stair because the railing ended just before that stair, fell sideways, and was only saved from total humiliation when my grandson caught me so I was able to remain upright.

1/2 cup pure maple syrup 2 tbsp butter Place both ingredients in a pan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 5-7 minutes until mixture reaches 225-230 degrees. Place snow in pan or bowl, and drizzle hot syrup over the snow.  The snow cools the candy pretty quickly.  As soon as the candy is cool enough to eat, it's ready.

Jane Richmond Hyslop (born 15 February 1967), known professionally as Jane Child, is a Canadian singer, songwriter and record-producer best known for her hit single "Don't Wanna Fall in Love". She is also known for her unusual fashion style, which included a hairstyle made of spikes and ankle-length braids and a nose chain piercing. Child was born in Ontario, and is the daughter of noted Canadian classical musician Ricky Hyslop, while her mother was a singer and pianist. She has two brothers. Child was classically trained as a pianist during her youth. Her parents taught her how to play and sing by kindergarten. The first record she ever owned was the Beatles' Rubber Soul, purchased by her father so that she could learn the arrangement of "Michelle". Her exposure to funk music came from having Christmases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and listening to local music there on the beaches. At age 12 she joined the Canadian Opera Company's children's chorus...

cool fresh breeze blowing rose of sharon opens up outside my window  looking at them makes me calm  and gives me inspiration

Today's Writing Prompt: In Common What is something you and your spouse or best friend have in common? My dear hubby and I are very very very different people but we actually do have a few things in common. We love movies especially if one of our favourite actors are in them like Meryl Streep (my fav) or John Wayne and Duane Johnson (Hal's fav). We love some of the same kinds of music like 50-70s rock. We both agree that our children and grandchildren are mostly perfect. We both love letterboxing but for different reasons. I love to carve stamps and solve clues and the social aspects of the hobby. Hal loves to drive me around and make me happy and he will pull letterboxes out of creepy places that might have snakes or bugs . . . even though we both have no fondness for snakes and bugs.

Sunset Lake Resort, is an equally captivating narrative full of thrilling twists, exciting reveals, and gorgeously drawn women characters. When Ruby’s father passes away, but fails to leave her the millions some expected, Steve, her husband of 35 years, moves out. Alone, but in control of her own affairs for the first time in her life, Ruby is torn between panic and relief. When she investigates the remote beach cabin her father had left her instead of his estate, she discovers a dilapidated beach resort in a remote location, seemingly untouched since its former owner, Cecelia Johansen, died under mysterious circumstances. Despite the condition of the property and rumours it is haunted, Ruby decides to move to Sunset Lake Resort, determined to find out why her father bought it, and why he left it to her. Sunset Lake Resort is now available wherever books are sold. @joannejacksonauthor @river_street_writes @stonehousepublishing #canlit #canadianbooks #bookishcanadians #bookstagramcanada...

What memories are brought by the smell of pine needles? When I smell pine needles I think of outdoors, of course.   I think of Christmas. It is only since Hal and I became empty nesters that we stopped having a real Christmas tree.   Pine needles also remind me of rosemary. I love rosemary in cooking, especially with roasted potatoes.

Blackfriars Bridge in London, Ontario, is a wrought iron bowstring arch through truss bridge, crossing the North Thames River. The bridge was constructed in 1875 and carries single-lane vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians from Blackfriars Street to Ridout Street North. At 216 feet (66 meters) it is the longest working span of that kind in North America. The Blackfriars Bridge is the oldest wrought iron bridge in North America still used for vehicular traffic. Although originally two-lane, due to the weight and frequency of modern traffic, the Blackfriars is at present two-way but single-lane.  The Blackfriars Bridge was manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company (WIBC) of Canton, Ohio, although erected by local London contractor Isaac Crouse. The bridge is the successor to a series of fixed, wooden structures at the site since 1831, which were damaged mainly by spring freshets of the river. It is the northernmost and oldest of a company of eight bridges of different ages, const...

Today's Prompt: Cut-throat Have you ever played a simple board game and it turned everyone into cut-throat die-hards? We were at my older son's home for a family evening.  My younger son and my three grandsons decided to play Risk, a favourite game which I haven't played in years and years.  The boys were scheming and making deals with each other.  I said, "This isn't a game . . . THIS IS WAR!!!!!"  LOL!  I didn't win.

Write a list of songs that make you feel happy. Add them to your playlist or use some of the lyrics in your journaling or scrapbooking.

When I first turned this movie I nearly turned it back off again because there was some pretty offensive (to me) language. Not to say that the language wasn't appropriate in the situation. I just have a lot of trouble hearing certain words. Fortunately I didn't turn it off because I found myself involved in a lovely and touching movie about an old-world grandmother trying to raise three teenagers on her own. Apparently none of the actors were professionals which really added to the sweetness and reality of the film. And apparently this film won several noteworthy prizes. I'm not surprised. A film that is this "different" is hard to forget.

One Word Wednesday: Sweet I love sweets.  Chocolate.  Cheesecake.  Fruit.  Ice Cream.  But it doesn't take much for a sugar overload.   I don't usually crave sweets.  Just once in a while or when they are right in front of me. We were at a bookstore in Williamsford ON a couple of years ago and I managed to get the most beautiful butter tart I think I've ever had in my entire life.  The last couple of times I was there they were sold out.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Mary Jane Bunnett, OC (born October 22, 1956) is a Canadian musician and educator. A soprano saxophonist, flautist and bandleader, she is especially known for performing Afro-Cuban jazz. She travels regularly to Cuba to perform with Cuban musicians. She changed her instruments, from pursuing her career "as a classical pianist...at age 20 to jazz and to flute and soprano saxophone." Bunnett founded and leads an all-female Afro-Cuban/jazz group, Maqueque. Its other members are: Dánae Olano (vocals, piano), Yissy Garcia (drums), Magdelys Savigne (vocals, batá drums, congas); Elizabeth Rodriguez (vocals, violin), and Celia Jiménez (vocals, bass). The group has won one Juno Award (Best Group Jazz Album of the Year in 2014 for its debut CD) and garnered two Grammy nominations, while Bunnett herself has won four additional Juno Awards. In 2004, Bunnett was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour given in this cou...

  What was the best vacation you ever took and why?

  Borrowed Memories is an absorbing story that explores the life of Ivan Pyefinch, a freelance translator, who is the self-appointed custodian of family memory. He is faced with the challenges of caregiving for elderly parents and grapples with the question of how much of his life is too much to give up to this end, and for how long. Ivan Pyefinch moves home to the Thousand Islands for the summer to care for his aging parents and escape the sting of his failed marriage. His father Horace, a former World War II pilot, is fighting now to regain his driver’s license, while his mother Aida wages a losing battle against Alzheimer’s. They are living on borrowed time, and Ivan is there to lend them some more. Enter Mia Hakim, a Jewish filmmaker in Quebec who has always preferred the memories of others, even as she dreams of her Sephardic roots. She plans a research trip to Tunisia in search of her lost childhood and enlists Ivan to translate her scenario. When Mia arrives unannounced at ...