The Old and the Restless

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.