The Old and the Restless

This year, in early December, we went to the Sebring Winter Bikefest about a 2 hour drive south of Orlando with our friends Carole and Roy Hill from the Toronto Bicycle Network cycling club. We were joined there by Dinsmore, also from TBN, who had first been to Sebring a couple of years ago. Each morning, the cyclists gathered in front of the historic, almost century old, Kenilworth Hotel to start their rides for the day around 8 am. There were two short rides of 10 and 20 miles and 3 longer rides in the 35 mile, 60 mile (100 km) and 100 mile range. Sandra and I started with a 20 mile tuneup and finished with rides of 38 and 36 miles. Carole and Roy started with 38 miles, increased to over 60 miles and finished with the same 36 mile ride as us. Dinsmore took rides of about 60 miles each day. On our second day, we rode to the Highlands Hammock State Park (which was the medium distance 38 mile ride done by most cyclists on their first day). The terrain was interesting; but wild...

Tom and Megan made a police car for Hallowe'en. With all the lights in the dark, it was quite a success. Tom told me that even when they went into the pizza place the woman had a bowl of candy for him. He was surprised that everyone was so friendly.

For our October 2013 bike and barge trip, go to: http://stilloldandrestless.wordpress.com or click on the link on the side bar. The post begins with us in Bamberg as we try to get used to the time change. All of old Bamberg is cobblestoned...except for the numerous bicycle paths which are paved.

Megan arranged to have Tom's 4th birthday party at a local store which caters to events. Waiting for everyone to arrive. Tom was excited to see Annike. "Stop the Music and Freeze" is a lot of fun. They always enjoy playing, "Pass the parcel". Ella's decorated hat is beautiful. Is the cake coming soon? Happy Birthday, Tom. Back at the apartment. Which do I play with first?

On August 10th Joshua was 7 years old. The birthday pie made by Margot. Tom and Ella cutting up. Letting off steam. More sedate?

Brandon brought presents for everyone (adults included). Tom is opening the toy airplane Brandon brought him. This is what you do... With Brendan, who lives next door, we went to Wonderland. Going up the tower. Grandma didn't think she could try even this. This ride is easy... ...but you do get very wet. They were soaked. Nevertheless, they wanted to go on the Leviathan again. It is the roller coaster in the background. Because I bought the quick entry pass, they went on it five times in a row. Feeling rather ill after the repeated rides on the Leviathan, they had a rest in the theatre and watched the acrobatic show before we returned home. Brandon did 3 bike rides during the week. The first was a 32 km ride with a group that I led, the second was a ride I had to check out to lead after he left. We didn't finish it because Paul had a blowout. The above photo was taken just before a Thursday night ride. How to look t...

Brandon was looking forward to fishing with Grandpa; but not to putting worms on the hook! He did, however, learn to cast properly during the week. A 13 inch small mouth bass; but Grandpa said it wasn't big enough for all of us. Trying for more just before sunset. Who's fishing now? At sunset, grandkids would rather watch minnows under the dock! Resting? Guess who caught the catfish. Waiting at the airport to go back to Switzerland. Stylish jeans with holes in the knees.

May 31, 2013 was the 25th anniversary of the passage in the House of Commons of both the Non-Smokers' Health Act and the Tobacco Products Control Act. With these acts, Canada became the first country to legislate smoke-free airplanes, trains, boats, federal office places as well as introduce restrictions on tobacco advertizing. Jack Harris NDP MP who was first elected to Parliament just months before the vote acted as host of the luncheon celebration. Lynn McDonald, former NDP MP was the author of the Non-Smokers' Health bill. Paul was chairman of the PC health caucus and helped organize government supporters for Lynn's bill. Don Boudria (later Liberal House leader under Jean Chrétien) represented the Liberals at the anniversary. Sheila Copps (later Deputy Prime Minister) organized the Liberal vote but was unable to attend the celebration. Lynn McDonald read the "honour roll" of all the MP's who voted for the NSHA. Jack, Paul and Don remin...

To celebrate Grandpa's birthday, the grandchildren brought their bikes. Ella enjoyed the climber. One candle was enough.

Mother's day this year turned unusually cold.  The flowers that Bryn ordered were a cheerful note. Tom likes to bring up the toys from the basement. Megan rented a van so that she and Tom could bring their bikes and we could all go for a ride. Those who came from Barrie felt it was too cold to ride bikes. The rest of us walked instead. (But Grandpa had a sleep) Ella wanted to show the violets and magnolia petals she found. Our walk occurred during the best part of the day. By turns it stormed with rain, hail and sleet after we returned to the house. So that none of the mothers had to cook, we went to the local Chinese restaurant for dinner. I have always wanted to have a big group at this restaurant. Tom was worn out, though. Although the dinner lasted only an hour, he fell asleep during the meal. These pretty flowers were from Margot, Mark, Joshua and Ella. We all went back to the house for blueberry pie which Megan made. Tom woke up for that! ...