The Old and the Restless

The book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, provided a focus for part of our tour of Savannah. The book describes some of the eccentric personalities in Savannah and, in particular, deals with the story of Jim Williams an antiques collector and restorationist who shot his (rumored to be bisexual and definitely volatile) assistant, Danny Hansford. Williams is the only person in Georgia to be tried four times for the same alleged murder (the first three were guilty verdicts reversed on appeal) before he was finally acquitted. At the time, Williams was living in Mercer House, one of over 50 houses he had restored in Savannah. This house had been built for Civil War General Hugh W. Mercer, the great-grandfather of the well-known songwriter, Johnny Mercer. The historic houses of Savannah, including the Mercer House, formed the core of our visit. Both the book and the movie (loosely based) on the book also feature scenes in two Savannah cemeteries. It was in these two ...

On our way to Florida we had a much anticipated visit with Maureen and Ramsay. Since his retirement, Ramsay has taken an interest in cooking. This developed from a conversation he had a few years ago with a fellow traveller on one of their trips. Ramsay was advised to get Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. He did, not realizing that Maureen already had the original books. A French dinner must have the requisite baguette to accompany it. Ramsay has been perfecting Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguignon which we are about to try. He noticed that the recipe can vary. The one from the television series (which he rented) is slightly different from the one in the book. Here, he is concentrating on the last touches. Lots of mushrooms in this Bourguignon. Ready to enjoy a delicious repast. And it was! This is Maureen's "Thanksgiving" Cactus. American Thanksgiving is next week. Thanksgiving dinner will be at Geoff and Lakey's with the timing geare...

I couldn't get the smile that Megan got in the video on her Blog. However, when I showed the movie on my camera to Joshua and Ella, they really liked the movie of the baby. Paul and I went to babysit on Saturday but Joshua was very upset that Mark and Margot were going out. He said that he wanted to "go to work" too and insisted on wearing his jacket. After a while he calmed down but kept his jacket on. Ella thought that was a good idea and wanted to wear her jacket too. I tried to get them to sing while I shot the video but they kept crawling towards me so that they could see the picture on my camera. In the following video they finally stayed still... but I did most of the singing.

This weekend there was a baby and toddler show at the Molson Centre in Barrie. Barrie is booming in babies! There were a lot of people who came with their children in strollers to see the exhibits. As part of the marketing for her music studio, Margot had a booth in the show. I went in the afternoon so that Margot could get some lunch and so that I could look after her booth while she was on stage giving a Kindermusik demo. Margot in her exhibitor's booth. She gave out bags with her flyer, a fridge magnet, and a $5.00 off coupon for Kindermusik. In addition she had a box for a lucky draw which would give $25.00 off a Kindermusik class. This is the poster for Margot's music studio. Music and movement encourages development of the whole body. The display has photos from the classes that Margot teaches. Margot is explaining the benefits of Kindermusik. Come in! While I looked after the booth, Margot gave a demo on the stage.

Thanksgiving Dinner took place in our renovated house at noon both so that the Hamilton grandchildren could have afternoon naps and so Margot could go to her choir practice at night. That meant getting up early to put on the turkey, which I tried to cook on high heat. It was a little too well done, but still moist. Margot and I both made cakes for dessert which were served with whipped cream and the season's last fresh raspberries from our garden. Ella and Joshua arrived early enough to play with the three sets of Fisher Price toys. Where should Big Bird go? "Ella, no!" Margot, Sharon, and one of the two tall, good looking guys she brought with her. Both her husband, Joe, and Margot's husband, Mark, were home with colds. We had a blind tasting of sparkling wine. The Canadian one from 13th Street Winery beat the 5 star Spanish Cava. Has Jake become a skinhead? Thomas is nestled quite well in his arms. As I gave Thomas to Nick to hold, he said, in a panic that he didn...

Thomas came home Friday, October 2nd when he was three days old. Today, October 3rd., Thomas is four days old. Margot came with Ella to see Thomas. Joshua had a cold. Ella liked trying out the rocking chair. Still sleeping.

Born September 30 2009... 9 pounds, 1.7 ounces Here he is, same day, 11 hours old. Michael was able to sleep at the hospital on the pull-out chair. Apparently fathers are encouraged to stay. Thomas likes to suck his fist. Megan, Thomas and Michael went home today. (October 2nd).