International Arrivals

   Buddy waits patiently as I check for our prearranged taxi ride. We have come to spend a couple of weeks at our daughters to play with our grandgirl.
   The wee one is 17 months and already talks a lot and she has a mind of her own. With yes and no she selects what she wears and eats. She is so well coordinated that she can balance well on a tiny stool. I was quite surprised at the speed of  her development.
   Great news ; next grandbaby is arriving in June.
   We continue to try to keep up with all of you by reading and commenting. If we missed you lately please give us a nudge in the comment section.

OKTOBERFEST

the third week of September was one of unusually high tepmeratures. It was hotter than mosr of our July,August was this year. And since we wanted to enjoy the moment we set our for Wonderland on Sarurday September 23 where they had the theme of Oktoberfest.

Buddy was enjoying a tukey knockwurst with sauerkraut while trying to stay cool in the shahe as it was 38C. We managed to get on a log ride and were completely soaked. How refreshing.

 The evening came fast and we enjoyed our day trip. It has been years since we did a Wonderland visit.

  We love this season and are new to white pumpkins that are appearing this year. I hope your fall is as nice as ours so far.
  We do pray for help to the many less fortunate and try to send a bit of help and lots of positive vibes.
There are some very uprooted people on the globe at this time. We care.

Glimpses of Clouds

Soaring in the atmosphere brings us closers to cloud formations and sometines they appeal to our senses with awe. During my recent jouney while Irma, Jose and Maria cloud formations were toturing massive expanses below them the clouds surrounding our planes created a palette of art for the eyes to feast on.

Ursula

   She wanted to be home. She wanted to move on. Today her wish came true as she drew her last breath in her bed in her home. She had a long and very active life dating back to,1921. She will be missed. I was blessed to be at her side in Hannover. May she rest peacefully now.

Ursula is the little one on the left beside her mother Gertrud and her big sister, Marianne, my mother. I assume the photo dates back to about 1923 when Ursula would have been two.

For Compassionate's Sake

   I left by plane on September 12th and arrived in Hannover on the 13th. I just had to make this unplanned flight. My 96 year old auntie was ready to pass on. Her wish was just that and I needed to see her and hold her hand and stroke her forhead as she had done for me many years ago wben I was seven and in her care while my parents had left to forge out a new life for us in Canada. Auntie took me to many places including school back in the 50's. She is my Mother's sister, Ursula.
  Today she lies semi concious in her apartment. It is her wish to pass on there. She no longer wants to eat or drink. She wants to move on but it takes time before her body will shut down.
   In a couple of hours I'll go back into her flat to sit and hold her hand while classical music floats around us from the radio. I might talk a bit about out days spent together. It is what I care to do for both of us. I 'm in a guest flat close by.

From my chair beside her this is the view. There are some plants on the window sill that daughter and I gave her 17 years ago when I brought  her to meet her great auntie. Tomorrow daughter will arrive from UK with baby who will meet great great auntie. That is family life. We come together for compassionate's sake. 

We love her. 

Buddy too.

Harbour Front

The rope ladders look like one could climb into the heavens.

This is a view to the island where Billy Bishop Airport is situated. Seeing the planes not far off and birds all around makes me wonder how safe the captains feel about their take off. Beyond the island on a clear day one can see the Niagara Falls area.

I love how highlites of our city, the Roger Centre and the CN Tower were captured with the tall ship in the for ground. It even seems like the tower is sticking out from the condo. I wonder if the mother and  her two little tots live in a highrise close by. They are not visible. Only her bag and two strollers are. She is off chasing them somewhere behind the tree.

SPIDER-MAN Homecoming

   We went to the 3:15 matinee at the VIP Theatre yesterday, opening day of the newest Spiderman film in 3D. Buddy has always been a fan and couldn't wait to see it. He received a movie pass as an early BD gift so it made sense to get in on the action. 
   It was a challenge to book online. Each time I master one account things have to change. I had to start with adding a new account that would then merge with my original one so my points would remain. It took me a whole hour and at the end I was instructed to print my bar code to take to the movie theatre where real tickets would have to be printed at a kiosk. No more print at home option. 
   That was weird but I went to the actual ticket counter. Kiosks are a visual challenge with intructions and buttons to get right. We had reserved seats. I got that all wrong. They have the screen in reverse position to most live theatres so I chose seats too far from the screen during the online bookimg. As the usher took us way up we asked to change and as we were in a rather empty room changing to seats closer to,the screen was no issue. 
   Nicely seated in comfy chairs we ordered our meal and drinks and settled in for the show to begin. There were at least 20 minutes of commercials before the movie began. (Wish the extra fee for VIP could get rid of that.) The lights went out for the main feature and we watched with delight.
   A newbie Spiderman in the making was worth all the effort because the movie was fun. It was less dark and more appealing to our taste.  Buddy left smiling. I left happy too.
   Now we have a new option to use our ticket stub to buy a digital film at a reduced rate of $19.99 on the new account I had to create.  Is that really a bargain price? 
   More challening will be getting it done correctly online. I am curious to give it a try but wonder about how it links all we did that day together. The stub carries a lot of information. 

Glass Concert Hall

  On June 21 the three of us took  public transit into downtown to attend a concert. Karl Orff"s Carmina Burana was being put on as part of the TSO collection for the celebration of Canada's 150 years of Confederation on July 1st.
   We were a bit early so we walked around the area and were amazed at the many new glass high rise buildings that had sprung up around the concert hall that opened 35 years ago. 
   Glass as a building material has had me wondering for many years. While it appears to look so glamorous I wonder if it can stand the test of future weather changes or time.
The concert itself while composed in the 1930's was a stark contrast to modernity as it was made up of many vocal pieces all written in latin about secular peasant life around Bavaria at about 1300 A.D. The information had come to Karl from notes from a monestary and he found a superb way to tell it. It was a thrill to hear it.
     Grand child turned today. Buddy will be 44. I move up a notch too.
           Happy 4th of July to many American friends.
P.S.  Carina Burana may be found on Youtube if you want to hear it. Many of you will recognize the opening.

Gitfed Moments

I love when flowers are given to me by hubby. He still thinks of doing this.

Buddy is happy too at those special moments yet they are now fewer.

And sadly hubby forgets when he brought them at times by asking how they came to our table.

We just cherish good moments now no matter how brief.

There is a huge downside to memory loss. It is the anger and frustration that the afflicted is filled with. Fear too.

We focus on gifted moments whenever we can.

CELEBRATING MILESTONES

She wasn't even born this time last year

and already she's standing at the bookshelf 

finding something that appeals to her tender age 

of 10 months at the local library. I cannot get 

over the speed at which an infant moves from 

helpless to one of curiosity and testing all that

is around. My daughter is a most patient Mom.

Buddy, like all of us, is smitten by this tiny person. 

We are all excited that the family is visiting again soon.

They will be back for 

Canada's Big Bash 

celebrating 

150 years as a nation as she turns 1!

Time passes fast so it won't be long from now that 

we'll be together again.

              She uses her right tippy toe to balance herself on the floor and 

                   places her left hand on the shelf for firm support. Standing        alone has developed. Walking support free will come soon.

                   

Special Times

Spring has arrived late and after a snowy beginning of April by today we  finally have a bit sunshine and a bit of warmth so a planter of the season has been put in place by our front steps.

Buddy wanted the indoor of our home to show a bit of Easter so we decorated. In the kitchen he placed a little chick and small yellow bunny on the table. We are showing a photo of what he put on the dining room table. The bunnies are for his sis and BIL.

 Grandbaby and parents arrived last night from UK just for the weekend as we have a family wedding on Saturday. 

Today we have my sister and some family over for lunch.

This is truly a special time to share with family and friends. Where ever you are and whatever you are celebrating we wish you joy and peace.

Unusual Tulips

It was NewYear's eve when hubby made a kind gesture by arriving home with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. White tulips, a very unusual flower for this time of yer. I was thrilled for my Mom passed on a tradition that one should have fresh flowers to go into the new year. Tulips were one of her favourite flowers. Earlier in the day Buddy and I had tried to pick up cut flowers at our local grocers but nothing worthy was left so we just brought home a few delicacies for our threesome to enjoy later that eve. 

Buddy had asked for a party. I assured him we would have fun. He went down to the basement and brought up the hats and goodies that go with the tradition just before hubby came home.

Hubby still manages to head to his office though he gets very little done. At the moment we don't want to take that from him until becomes absolutely necessary since it is one aspect of his daily routine that helps his sense of self worth and identity. He believes he is fine.

Since by now many major clients as well as his trusted long employee have left him because of his behaviour that lead to huge arguments and disagreements it seems okay. His ability to be precise as their accountant is likely compromised as his dementia increases. No clients currently are at risk. He still has a few small trusted clients willing to hang in for now knowing things are changing.

It has been two weeks that the tulips came to our home and today they are still upright. I have never had tulips last so long. It is truly an unusual bunch. I smile when I see them.

New Year"s Concert 2017

This concert was put together in the style of a Viennese New Year's Concert with music from the 1700, 1800 and 1900 hundreds. Waltzes from the Strausses were familiar to most and then there were bits from Lehar that were less well known but perfect for the event.

We were so fortunate to be right at the front so Buddy and I could enjoy the details on the dancers costumes as they lept around the front of the stage. The arias were also captivating, even enchanting.

The entire performance was full of joy and had us laughing and clapping along as requested by the Kappelmeister.  The dancers dazzled us with period costumes in most of their dances.

At intermission there were tables set up filled with big slices of Black Forest cake or huge portions of Strudel with any amount of whipped cream as desired for one to enjoy with a coffee or a tea or whatever else one would prefer.

The second part of the concert was over almost too soon. However, the Kappelmeister stretched out the ending by adding a couple of fun polkas before the finale.

It was definitely a very uplifting afternoon. As we headed home we knew there would be a family gathering of kids and cousins to join us for dinner and we were definitely already in a festive mood thanks too the concert, Salute to Vienna held at Roy Thomson Hall.

Have you ever had that Viennese traditional concert experience?

Christmas 2016

 Merry Christmas 
Seasons Greetings 
It has been a very long time since anything was posted. As you know at my place just like many of yours much can happen and distract us from the blogging world.
Hubby went through a bad memory loss spell that brought much anger with our inability to communicate effectively in our household. He is on a new med and has improved enough to bring back some smiles.
Baby grandaughter and parents are here from UK for the holidays. 
Buddy is delighted but he too is showing changes in his love for social interactions. He is way too quiet of late while amongst family or friends. 
However, he did show his usual excitement for tree decorating, shopping for presents, gift wrapping and a quick word with his pal, Santa. 
He waHe very patiently listening to the live performance of Handel's Messiah last eve and while sitting in the car heading home through a light snowfall that coated all things around us he uttered that it was all so fantastic.

This is Buddy's tree for this year. We got a new star that sparkles. It 

makes our hearts feel joyful.

May you all feel special too.

'Tis the season.

Bromley Fun

   We are enjoying time in UK together . I am able to post photos again but now I have issues with font styles and other choices. I guess we are all challenged by the fast changes in technology sent our way almost weekly.
    Prior to our departure I managed to get us relocated into our newst rental home. The move was a challenge but we were back to normal by our departure date in early September. And we are comfortable and happy in our surroundings. The back garden is much nicer than any we've had for some time. The lovely deck encouraged us to have several nice BBQ's during August.
   We only had time for one local event a fair on September 4th the CNE. Buddy loves going each year. This year we even went on two rides; the huge ferris wheel and Mouse Trap, a mini rail/coaster type of a ride. We laughed a lot. I bought a candy apple and somehow it stayed in my bag and made it onto our flight and all the way to my room in Bromley.
   On the 6th we headed to the airport for a pleasant flight to London though none of us slept much. A cab was arranged to bring us from the airport to Bromley where we had booked a hotel room and where our daughter and gran greeted us. The hotel is near to her house and close to some nice parks. Buddy and hubby wanted to sleep there and I went to her house to be with the little one. My SIL works away from home during the week so it is nice to be around to help with the gran who is now 10 weeks old and a lot of fun.
   Our visit has been blessed with awesome weather so far and we are just spending family time with little side trips to eat out or shop. We all needed this quiet time to unwind.
In a few days fall begins and today there's a harvest moon out there.
We are blessed and thankful for this lovely journey.

Horniman Museum

On June 24 I had a chance to visit the HORNIMAN MUSEUM located on London Road in Frorest Hill , London. It is one of the oldest places to be opened for viewing artifacts of the Hornimam family collection. The indoor exhibits I loved best were the stuffed animal including a giant walrus from Canada, the area of a huge collection of old instrument of all categories including a few newer ones and finally the outdoor herb and food gardens. One area was set up for Brazilian festivites for the up coming Games. The area showed assorted recipes along with all the plants one would harvest to create it. I thought it was very creative in concept. There were of course other areas showing many less familiar plants like the pomegranate one along side local ones like red currant plants. I love eating the fruits of both.

There is also a big groomed park area with benches where people can enjoy being in a green place and a gorgeous conservatory that may be book for weddings.

The added aquarium area and a dinosaur one I opted out from as they are more fun with Buddy around.

I left for you to google the history of the place. The Horiman family ran the largest tea business in the mid 1800's. 

P.S. No more iPad app for blogger from Apple has many in the teaching field very upset. I can say I too do not get why Apple withdrew this very useful app. It was great for oldtimers not just teachers and students. Apple will loose followers and revenue from such unfounded decisions claiming it was not used much. The whole field of education that opted to use iPads for classrooms was overlooked. And many seniors loved this app with its ease of use. I thought seniors had some marketing power with their ability to spend and invest in their Apple products. Nope ! News tha Apple is

now trailling may be because they wear blinders when it comes to payimg attention to all their faithful customers. The new music app really was not needed!! Give us back our blogger app. I would even pay to have it. After all it is about making money as well as satisfied folloers.

Maggie

I cannot post any photos here with my iPad so I thought I'd share a movie experience. I have always admired Maggie Smith since her role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Yesterday I watched her in Lady in the Van and found it very touching. I was surprised that it was based on a mostly true event. The movie won quite a few awards yet I had missed hearing of it. I'm so happy I watched it. I was touched by it. Aging is difficult. This movie shows it in a dramatic yet at times humorous .I hope to watch it see it a second time to capture it more intensely.

The Event

At the moment I am in the London area in UK . I am hoping to be around to see my first grandchild.
It is unusual for me to be away from the rest of my family. It has not happened in 7 years. I am using my latest iPad to post and read blogs. I still haven't figured out how to get photos back on this site. But I have time now so maybe I 'll figure it out?

Happy Times

   It's been a while since I opted to write a blog though I try to visit and read many friends' posts when I can manage it. I am encouraged by your kind words whenever I appear hear. Thank you.
   We had an ice storm for Good Friday and after the green Christmas it just seemed inevitable. However it was short and only a few thousand lost power though some for many hours.
   Today the sun is out and the temperature is rising. We quickly put that ice into the past. We shall have a small family gathering for dinner. Buddy and I colour a few eggs and got some little Easter goodies to share with all. It will be the last one in our present home. Once again the landlord wishes to sell so we are on the move again. More on that some other time.
Have a very HAPPY EASTer or SPRINGIEST or just a SUPER SUNDAY!

A December Journey

  On December 1st Buddy , hubby and I flew over to UK to meet up with our daughter. I had not been well all summer long so I was a bit worried but my old body decided to allow me this pleasure. we stayed at her tiny cosy home. On December 8th she sent hubby and I on a three day visit to Vienna, a dream come true for us. Buddy stayed with her.
  EasyJet got us there by 11 am and our Best Western Tigra hotel room was ready for us upon arrival. Once our bags were in our room we set off to the town hall Christmas Market right around the corner. We sipped Glühwein and downed a wiener on a bun followed by yummy apple strudel with whipped cream. Next we headed to the Palais  Auersperg for a  Mozart and Schubert concert that was fun. It incorporated some ballet and arias to add to the amusement. 
Not being far from the Market we bought a few goodies and walked back to our room to retire.
  The next day started with the most elaborate buffet breakfast included in our room price that we'd ever experienced!! Everything was fresh and the variety was out of this world. 
  The hotel being in the heart of old city we saw their fabulous old churches and even sat in on a Mass just for the love of it. We took a horse carriage tour on the cobble stone roads and also a cab tour of the city. Walking around the parliament buildings gave me the shivers of pure joy. One of my ancestors was an architect who was involved in it's creation way back in the early 1800's.
  The late afternoon was spent at the Opera House for an early performance of Tosca. We were lucky to get box seats right up front. Hubby was so thrilled. The performance ended at 7 giving us time for a lovely dinner of Schnitzels and little noodles along with a local wine.
   The following morning after another super breakfast we headed on foot to see more of the inner city area, the streets full of shops and more Christmas Markets. All was so delightful and our flight back to UK came too soon that evening.
   On Dec 11th it was time to fly with Buddy to Hannover Germany to see my 94 year old auntie at her residence where we had a small apartment of our own.
Hubby and  Buddy had not visited Germany in many years so we did some touring by cab of the many places of interest . There too were many Christmas markets and we stopped to take in some sights. tea time and supper were spent at the cafe with auntie.
   On Dec 14 we drove to Celle, a very old city with buildings from the 1500's. Buddy and hubby loved it. 
   On Dec 15 we headed back to UK to prepare for our trip home on the 16th. It was a smooth flight but we missed our relatives.
   We have rushed to get ready for today with the tree up and turkey bought. Tonight we shall celebrate the eve as usual.

There are many pics but my laptop was not willing to let me post them. I need to solve that issue but today there's no time.

We wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

PS The link to my other blog under the header will take you to a time in December when our travels led us to Saudi in 2010. It's An Unusual Christmas in 8 parts.