Lack of Communication

Sorry I haven't been doing much on the blog. I had a difficult winter healthwise and had a full hysterectomy at the end of April. Was really tired and slow for six weeks after that but now I feel fine and am back in full swing.

This summer weather has not been great. Too cool, too wet and not enough sun. I have managed to be in our pool most days since mid June, however. Too big an investment not to use it. It was too cool to turn on the heater (just a waste of energy and money) but I swam anyway. I figured if I was at the lake I'd be swimming so why not here? The heater is on now so it is less chilly.

We saw Westside Story at Stratford in July. It was a wonderful production and the music and story still work all these years later. Worth going to see. Last week we were at the Shaw in Niagara-on-the-Lake and saw Sunday in the Park with George. It was clever in how they did the sets and managed the stage. I do not think much of the musical itself, however, and especially the second act. It was almost as if the creators just got bored and finished it off.

Golfing quite a bit this summer and improving marginally. Such a tough sport that requires so much patience.

Our dear sweet dog, Ceilidh (Kaylee), died suddenly on June 30 of a brain lesion. We are having a very difficult time not having her with us. She was only 10. It was quick for her but very hard on us. The cats are well and Tux does make me laugh every day but it's not the same as having a dog. We miss her very very much.

Food bank machine

There were over 400 volunteers to make this happen. Thank you to all who contributed but also to all who made it happen.

Ancaster Food Bank Drive

We live in a relatively affluent area. It is astonishing to many who live here that there are neighbours in need. Today, Linda and I were volunteers going around the community collecting food for the food bank. We arrived at the hall and got our route. We had 95 homes to visit. The food drive was advertised for some time, signs on the major streets for a week and flyers delivered to each house. Some people were very generous and left bags of food on their stoops. But, we knocked on every door and asked for donations. Only once were we turned away empty handed (that was Linda's experience - but I had three houses totally unoccupied in Ancaster??).

Yes, the economy is in a downward spiral and many who thought they'd be okay are shocked.

However, it was a gratifiying experience and many people did donate and thanked us for doing our bit.

I have been delivering Meals on Wheels for two months now (only once a week but that's all I've been asked to do) and that is okay. I prefer to do it on my own, as I'm not good at small talk, but sometimes help is good. The "clients" ,as they call them, are varied. Some apparently have some money and family support and others have nothing. Taking a little time chatting makes a big impact. So much for small talk.

I was delivering meals on the day Ombaba was inagurated. I was listening on the radio while I was driving around. Every house I hit had either the radio or the tv tuned in. Every one was excited and we had great convertations. But, it was great day for me (I taped the speech so I did get to see things later) and I was doing what he wants - community service.

Iam's Superdogs

We took my neice to see the dogs at Copps Coll. on Dec 27. Great show! The dogs all were happy and excited to perform. The did agility, races and even dancing. Apparently, of the 300 Superdogs in N. America, 30% are dogs rescued in some fashion, usually from a shelter. Just before Christmas, an Ancaster woman was lost in the snow for three days. The search team that uses dogs are all volunteers and they did locate her alive. The dog, Ace, is a Dutch Shepherd and he got a standing ovation at the show. Lots of laughs and very impressive training.

When I'm sixty - NINE!

When I was out west last May, Linda called and said Tina Turner was coming to Toronto. At any price, I said. And, it was worth it . To see the Queen of R&R still strutting her stuff was amazing. Her pipes put all the young ones to shame! Man, can she still get everyone stomping, clapping and singing along. I took my 13 yr old neice with us. She has seen Turner on videos and loves the dance routines (she is in dance classes 5 days a week) so it was fun to take her to see the pros at work. It was an interesting audience. Lots of white haired whites mixed with lots of varied aged blacks. Mostly women, I would venture. The "girls" behind us were very excited about seeing Tina and they were very entertaining. The props and the dancers were terrific. It was a real event and I'm glad we went and I'm especially glad that Katharine got to see her. I'm sure years from now this will be a story. And I love a story.

Birds and Water

I read a number of years ago that you can really attract birds to your yard if you provide clean water. I have used a special low voltage heater in the bird bath for many winters and it does bring them in (7 feeding stations helps, too!) and gives them much needed water through the winter. The heater prevents the water from freezing but doesn't make it hot. It will evaporate, however, so keeping an eye on the water level is important. As you can see, the cardinals really love it.

Habitat for Humanity

I thought about trying to sell the old patio door, the old outside door and the upstairs window. But my desire for getting rid of stuff quickly kicked in and I called the Habitat for Humanity reuse store in Hamilton and they came and took it all away. They determine resale value and send a tax receipt. Great way to make sure things are recycled and a personal gain as well!