Oh Deer!

I stopped at Horton's to pick up coffees for Elsie and I and then hopped on the highway heading toward New River. It was after six and I was running a bit behind schedule but still I was in no hurry and drove slowly enjoying the early evening views. As I passed through Pennfield I saw them, slowing even further for a double take. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, deer, deer and more deer...right there on someones lawn, contentedly gnawing away at the brown grass. They were great in number but not in physical size. The long cold winter had obviously taken it's toll on these gentle creatures. My they were thin! Now I understood why so many of the people around this area that love animals put food out for them during the winter months.
I've recently read posts on gossip central, aka, Facebook from people as well as hearing buzz around town stating a dislike for people doing this for the deer population. It brings them out close to the road and makes driving dangerous. Although I see their point, and yes it would be better to take the food out into the woods for the deer, if I thought deer would come into my backyard I would put food out for them too. I just love watching them. My recommendation would be to drive very slowly on the highway and enjoy the view of nature. I'm sure the deer were here long before the highway and the people that insist on taking away their natural habitat for their convenience.
Perhaps it is because I am new to the area that I notice the deer crossing signs everywhere and I heed them, watching carefully along the roads when travelling. Maybe it's because I am enjoying the slower pace of life here and refuse to be in a hurry to get anywhere that it doesn't bother me to drive slower, especially in this area at this time of year. I hope that living here over time will not cause me to be less in awe of nature's abundance and beauty. So, drive slow, be aware, and enjoy the view!

I will not say good-bye...just "See you later"

It's Monday and we are leaving tonight. So much to do and so little time! First on the agenda at 7:30 am was to take Madison to her hairdressers which we were lucky enough to get her an appointment with on such short notice. After dropping her off we drove into Paris so I could stop by to see the folks that live on Amelia St.. Jake, Deb and Julie were as happy to see me as I was to see them. We enjoyed a coffee together and chatted while they had breakfast and got ready to head off to their daily activities. It was soooo nice to see them! After a quick hello to Megan and Debra who were working I was off again, back to Jane's to start baking.

With the cupcakes and angel food cake baked and cooling, Lyndon and I went over to Gillin St. to visit with Russell for a few minutes. He quickly and efficiently updated us on all the goings on in the neighbourhood where we used to live. Apparently there are 6 houses on that street in foreclosure!! How sad that people are having such a hard time.

Back to Jane's to finish up filling and decorating the desserts and then back to Canine Design to pick up my naked puppy! She was so cold and shivering I had to buy her a new sweater...poor baby!

When we returned Jane, Lyndon and I loaded up the car with treats for HBBS and headed to Hamilton. First stop was Lyndon's old place of employment to say hello and then up the mountain to the office. You know how the seagulls swarm you at Port Dover begging for your fries...well it was kind of like that! Brad and Blain crack me up with their love of sweets, I'm so glad I had the opportunity to take them something. Apparently the sugar coma from the carrot cakes I sent up there this summer had worn off! After a final farewell we headed back to Brantford to get ready for our evening at Kelsey's.

Supper with Sally, Melinda and Diana was great...love that Chicken Sonoma Salad! Soon everyone started arriving and we spent the rest of the evening mingling and chatting up the Kelsey's bar area. Unfortunately I forgot to get my camera out until the end of the evening so I only got a few pictures to share but it sure was great to see everyone. Thanks to all for coming out and making the night so special. I miss you all and hope someday you will venture down here for a vacation.

Guests: Kristie, Greg, Desiree, Destiny, Melanie, Cindy, Leo, Sally, Diana, Melinda, Susan, Christy, Grant, Andrew, Marta, Tracey, April, Rory, Mary Ann, Steven.

Thanks and take care...until we meet again!

Sunday, the day of rest! Yeah, right!! Brunch with Kristie and Jenna was on the agenda this morning and after a quick call to my friend Melanie, I convinced her to come join us. The Sherwood restaurant in Brantford has the best brunch with everything from roast beef and ham, every breakfast food you could ask for, tons of different salads and then a humungous table of desserts!

Awwww...my friend Mellie!

Jenna presented me with a picture she colored and her abilities with the crayons astounded me for a 4 year old!

Jenna

We dove into the buffet against our better judgement after yesterday's festivities and caught up on some more visiting between bites.

Afterwards, Lyndon went off to do some visiting with his family and Jane and I went shopping for baking ingredients. Since Lyndon was now in town, I cancelled my flight home and decided to drive back with him so I now had to have the baking done to take to HBBS on Monday instead of Tuesday. With all of the ingredients for some butterfly cupcakes and lemon filled angel food cake purchased (along with a pair of shoes that were totally unnecessary) we headed back to Jane's. Since mom and dad were expecting me for supper, I made a quick call to my friend Tim and arranged for him to be my dinner date and then whipped up a cinnamon raisin bread pudding to take for dessert (like we needed it!!).

Tim picked me up and we were off to Hagersville for yet another meal. After knowing Tim for so many years and him listening to me talk about my parents it was nice that he finally got to meet them. It was a short visit but both mom and dad were exhausted from yesterday's party and honestly, after consuming so much food over the past 3 days I felt the need to hibernate! Before leaving and because I now had access to a vehicle to pack things in for the return trip to New Brunswick, mom and dad loaded me up with some porceline dolls to display in the house, my grandmother's painting easle and a few jars of tomatoe butter. It was also no suprise that dad came out with a marble board for me to deliver to Jane so she has no excuse not to be a pro the next time she sees them!

On the road again, Tim and I chatted all the way back to Jane's.

Jane had a dinner guest, her friend Anne which is why she didn't come to mom and dad's as well. When I returned they were just getting ready to watch a movie so we snuggled in to our respective chairs with comfy blankets and ended up chatting and getting acquainted during the entire movie (which by the way was Mama Mia and Pierce Bronson can't sing!) Anne is a dear lady and is planning a trip down to my house this summer along with Jane and a couple other ladies...can't wait!

Well, another day down. The days are too short and I feel like I'm running out of time! Tomorrow is my last day and there are still lots of people I want to see. I'm tired!

The After Party

After stuffing ourselves into oblivion at the Cove Room we all (with the exception of Rick and Vicki because she had to work) headed back to mom and dad's in Hagersville for gifts, games and cake.

All of the Friday Night Marble Gang were there and the games began! Two tables set up for Marbles and a big table for 6 handed Spades were on the go along with lots of chatter and laughing. My friend Jane was introduced to the Marble craze and had a great time even though she said she didn't have a clue what she was doing! Anyone playing the game professes that it's easy to learn but when you are trying to teach someone you see that it is quite complicated and it takes time to learn the strategies. She was a real champ though and struggled through it with dad as her partner and they even managed to win a few games. Debbie Kozicki kept everyone in stitches throughout the party, while my sisters Pat and Catharine kept everything well organized and running smoothly. There is always lots of pre and post work to be done to hold such a party and it needs to be noted that they did an awsome job!

When it was time to cut the cake Debbie indicated that dad must don the infamous Marble Gang birthday hat which he did while holding the knife up pointing in Debbie's direction. Cake and icecream were devoured, coffee and tea consumed and the long awaited night was over. All good things must come to an end and so it did.

Wasn't That A Party?!!

The bed was so comfy and the blankets so warm I just didn't want to get up. It was Saturday and the reason for my return...Dad's 80th Birthday party! Jane was up and ready to go early today and headed off by herself to the market so I took my time in the shower then spent another gruelling hour on the computer. Even though dial up is s......l......o......w, it still served it's purpose and I was grateful to have the access when needed. It wasn't long before Jane returned with fresh lemon danishes and Tim Horton's coffee for breakfast. She even set up a smoking area for me on the front step with a comfy loveseat and an ashtray dating back to the 1970's or earlier...very retro! I glanced through the Brantford Expositor, honestly I only read my horoscope, had my coffee and smoke then went downstairs to do some laundry. While I was in my room I heard someone call downstairs, "Ok woman...what'd you buy???" It sounded like Lyndon but I just talked to him yesterday and he was working on getting my new kitchen taps installed. Low and behold it was him and he brought Madison my cockapoo with him. Now it was my turn to be suprised! He had left New Brunswick at 9pm Friday night and arrived at Jane's just after noon on Saturday. Suprises are great, well the good ones are any way and this was definitely a good one. Dad and mom were going to be suprised as well!

Jane and I left Lyndon to have a nap before we would have to leave for Port Dover, and went to do a bit of grocery shopping.

Shopping and napping done it was time to head out yet again. Jane and I drove her car and Lyndon took his car as he was going to his sister's in Waterford to drop off Madison to be dogsat during the party.

I was looking forward to seeing dad and mom again along with my siblings. It was worth the wait, everyone looked great and we all enjoyed a delicious meal at the Cove Room in Port Dover. I left the restaurant with a sated appetite and all the recipes for the scrumptious Cove Room salads and celery bread. Mission accomplished! Good food, good family and friends...good time had by all!

The Amazing Race...Day 2

Even with the lack of sleep yesterday, my stubborn mind and body refused to sleep in. Up at 7am being quiet so as not to wake Jane I get up I begin making mental lists of what needs to be accomplished today. I sneak upstairs to check my email only to find Jane's laptop password protected. She calls out good morning and gives me the password and I am anxious to see if I have any messages. What's this??? Dial up!!! Needless to say my task of answering emails and making phone calls (which I couldn't do at the same time) that was supposed to take only a few minutes stretched out to a couple of hours. It was a practice in patience to be sure but I completed the first phase of my day and then it was time to get ready for my lunch date with the Hamilton Brant Behavior Services crew.
We met at the office on Upper Wentworth then headed over to the Lemon Grass restaurant on Garth St. It was great to see Lisa, Brad, Ewelina, Mary, as well as the newest addition to the group Amanda. (I hope I got her name correct and if not I hope that someone from HBBS will read this and correct me in the comment section). Jane and I had a great time and a delicious lunch of Pad Thai...again, not sure of the spelling. Keith, Jo-Anne, and Jodie were greatly missed but hopefully will see them on the next trip back. Plans were made for me to return at the beginning of the week with some baked treats that in my rush to get there were forgotten and then Jane and I headed to Chapters to meet up with our friend Sherri.
After browsing the cook book and magazine sections and paying for my purchases...yes Lyndon, I do need more cookbooks...we relaxed in Starbucks and waited for Sherri. She soon arrived with Lisette and her neice and we enjoyed a nice visit which as it turned out was the only visit I would have with Sherri this time around so I am so glad we got that chance to connect.
Now it was time to head back to Brantford, hit the shower and get ready for round 2 of the eating fest for the day. Kristie and Greg had invited me for supper and I was anxious to see my girl again!
Beer can chicken!! Mmmmm. The aroma alone made my mouth water as Kristie and I kept an eye on the barbeque while Greg was busy. It was so nice to spend that time with Kristie, it felt like I had never left and it dawned on me that the next stage of our relationship had begun. I am no longer just her mom but friend as well and I'm happy that we are so comfortable together. I also had the pleasure of meeting Greg's youngest daughter, Jenna. She's a real pill and a going concern, full of life and a little chatter box. Kristie even let us play a video game which I am sad to say Jenna was better at than me and had to explain the game to me on a number of occasions. Later on Jenna was passed out on the couch and Greg was struggling to stay awake as well, Kristie gave me a ride back to Jane's. We stopped at Walmart on the way back so I could pick up a few small items for the kids and then home to bed. Day two was over and I was happily exhausted again. Tomorrow is another day.

The Trip Home...Day One

It figures! Just as my plane touched down in Hamilton the snow started to fall. I wondered to myself who would be the first to put the blame on my shoulders for the dreaded change in weather, as it turns out, it was Kristie! What a treat it was to lay eyes first on my friend Jane who (even though she had a beloved cat missing in action), left her house to come pick me up at the airport and then to get that welcoming hug from Kristie! Standing outside of the roped off luggage retreival area I spotted this guy watching me, his facial expression was one of unease, like he was expecting me to bolt at him and wrestle him to the ground. Right away I knew this must be Greg, Kristie's boyfriend whom I heard was terrified to meet me. Hoping to put him at ease I greeted him with a friendly handshake and then went off to pick up my luggage.
Kristie and Greg left in their truck and Jane and I headed to Hagersville to suprise my parents. Dad and mom were expecting Kristie and Greg to be stopping by to drop off a birthday card so when Dad opened the door to Jane and I he was a little confused at first. I could see in his eyes that he was thinking something wasn't right. I got the usual "Come on in", and then he looked a little closer and shock took the place of confusion and he just blurted out, "What the hell!!!" It was a good shock as he hollered out to mom, "Mother, get out here, it's Peg! Peg's here!" It was worth the wait and luckily the shock did no medical harm to either of them.
We had a good visit and even Brooke showed up to wish Grandpa a happy birthday and welcome me home. It was a nice evening and my heart felt full. I was starting to feel weary having been up since 4 am and knew that Jane was anxious to find her missing cat so we left mom and dad's around 10pm, dropped Brooke off in Jarvis then headed off to Brantford to unpack and settle in.
We found the missing cat and I got settled into my room. Sleep was another welcomed friend to greet me and Friday was to be another busy day.

Out for a Drive

It was just too nice of a day to stay inside so Lyndon and I decided to take a drive around the area. Just outside the village of Lake Utopia is a beautiful scenic route. The streams were bubbling with life,breaking away the snow and ice it seems in the anticipation of Spring. Deer were also out enjoying the sunny day, lazily walking across the road and into the forrest.

Last night we also went for a drive down and around the Back Bay area to what I believe is a place called Green's Corner where there is an old lighthouse. We just caught the tail end of the setting sun over the water. It was quite pretty.

Happy Memories

Do I really need a picture
When my memory’s so clear
Of all the happy times I spent
With ones I hold so dear

A picture cannot answer
When mom hollers, “Suppers on”
It can’t smell like the cutting
Of an early summer lawn

A picture doesn’t justify
The work my parents did
From dawn to dusk they toiled
Trying to raise their lively kids

A photograph can’t capture
The essence of a life
The trials and tribulations
Of a husband and a wife

The memories most treasured
Are the ones in which we share
By passing down the stories
To the ones for whom we care

If a memory can be triggered
By a picture in a frame
Why can it not be triggered
By the flicker of a flame?

So when I light my candle
I’ll remember you this way
Visiting and laughing
Making memories today

Happy 80th Birthday Dad!

The Best Book You Will Never Read

The book was captivating. The stories seemed endless, so many in one book it was hard to fathom. I couldn't read the words but I could listen to them. Tales of a time before I was born even thought of really. Accounts of a depression when money was scarce but friends and family were plentiful.

I could picture in my mind, the young boy riding his horse to the cobbler's house with a sack of grain balanced across the saddle in front of him to pay the cobbler for mending his worn shoes and the tune he was whistling whispered in my ears as I heard the story being told to me. Tears welled in my eyes when I heard the story of the young boy of only 9 years being left by the side of the river when his mother decided to abandon him, taking his younger brother with her and left for the U.S. never to be heard from again. The chronicle of a young girl and her brother going to neighbor's houses to sing songs for them, anxious to receive the payment of a penny to spend on candy at the village store reminded me of another young girl I know that liked to sing and it made my heart happy. I often recount the story of the baby born so small that his head fit inside a teacup. He was born at home in the farmhouse and had to be kept inside the warming compartment of the wood fired kitchen stove in place of an incubator. What a fighter he was though, a real survivor able to overcome the odds stacked against him.

How I wish I could have this book read to me today. All of the stories will one day be lost and no one will be the wiser. I can't have the book though, because you see it was only kept in one place. It was written on the heart of my grandparents, now long passed. My parents know some of the stories and still tell them to me on occasion but in time those stories too will be heard no more. There were so many lessons to be learned, messages of love and hope, words not only of wisdom but experience and inspiration.

Every family has a book like mine and you may still have time to find yours. The most unfortunate thing about this book is that unless you ask, you will never hear the stories repeated. The narrator's will believe the volumes to be insignificant to anyone these days. For you to think so would be a mistake. For you must understand that who you are today is a direct result of all of those stories. The traits that you thought came from your parents didn't just start with them. The way you laugh, your talents, how you handle difficult situations, your strength and determination; they are all in the book. Your history and your roots can help you develop your present and your future.

If you are lucky enough to still have grandparents, cherish them. Call them, visit, or write to them. Do whatever it is that you have to do to find the book then listen to it and enjoy the experience.

Country Market, St. George, NB... A unique and delicious country shopping experience!

The Country Market in St. George, NB is a gem for all to discover when they come to town. Walking on the original creaking wood floors and seeing the shelves lined with jars full of spices and candies behind the counter is like taking a nostalgic trip back in time to a simpler life. The personal service you receive as a customer is heads above what you will get in a big name grocery store. Mary Craig (owner) keeps the store filled to the brim with all your baking needs as well as a large variety or organic products. Fresh Java Moose coffee beans are available for purchase as well as too many different types of loose leaf teas to mention. The coffee pot is always filled and I personally like it better than the other popular coffee shop in town...you know there are no additives in the coffee as the beans are fresh ground! Every day there is a different fresh homemade muffin or coffee cake to enjoy with your coffee as well.

If you are looking for a gift, Mary's got you covered. Anything from china plates and mug sets to jewelry and Bert's Bees products. I've been working at the Country Market for five months and I know I still haven't seen everything in the store!

Every day boasts a different fresh lunch such as lasagna, homemade baked beans, turkey pot pies, soups, sandwiches and panini's depending on the day...all served with homemade bread baked fresh daily.

The bread schedule changes but the types that are available are:

White, Whole Wheat, Brown, Brown with Raisin, Cheese, Flax, Oatmeal Flax, Omega Grain, Honey Oatmeal, Sourdough and on occasion, Potatoe Rosemary and Foccacia.

Pies of all sorts are also made daily.

Lemon Meringue, Chocolate, Butterscotch, Banana Cream, Coconut Cream, Cherry, Apple, Blueberry, Berry Berry, Apple Cranberry, Apple Crisp and more!

A large variety of cookies and squares, just like mom would make are also on the shelves daily.

So, when you are in town be sure to stop in and have a look around...you won't be sorry you did!