The Old and the Restless

Maureen and Ramsay came from Atlanta to stay with us for a few days. At first the weather was nice enough for a visit to Green Springs Park and then a picnic lunch at Gemini springs. The sulphuric green spring pictured, is 72 feet (22 metres) deep and was once part of a 19th century health resort. Now it is a park that we visit yearly on a cycling trail. Apparently it varies in colour according to the time of year, appearing more turquoise in the summer. The next day was cloudy and cold. Paul thought it would rain. Even so we went to Blue Springs to see the manatee. Because the day was so overcast, there was no line-up to get in but because of the cool weather it was the perfect day to see the manatee. I have never seen so many in the spring, so close to where we were viewing. Even the sun began to shine through. Back at the beach, though, it was still windy and cloudy. The next day was cloudy with a rough ocean and high tide at the beach again b...

Reflecting on Christmas 2019 This was a Christmas that highlighted dogs. Brandon is holding a Shiba Inu, a Japanese breed. Brandon's girlfriend, Karem is feeding "Sushi" (the dog). As Paul and I were cycling in Florida yesterday, I stopped when I saw a man with a small dog that had the face of a fox. I asked him what kind of dog this was. Sure enough it was a Shiba Inu. He said that she was very easy to train ( I think he meant housetrain). A Shiba Inu is very smart. When I asked if she came when called, he replied, "Only if she wants to". Tryskel, a springer spaniel, a new addition to the Maire family in Switzerland. Alicia teaching Tryskel to turn.  Zucco is watching. A Triskele or Triskelion is an ancient Celtic symbol. it dates back to the Neolithic era. Margot came with Mark, Joshua and Ella and made dinner on my birthday. She made a beautiful cake which I finished by the end of the week. I gained five pounds. Molly, ...

Margot and Mark had Thanksgiving dinner at their house this year. Mark's parents, Megan, Paul N. and Tom, plus Paul and Sandra drove to Barrie for the occasion. Of course we had to have a before dinner concert. Margot accompanied Ella singing. Unfortunately, the light was not right for Ella's part of the photo An attempted game of chess. Home-made rolls by Delores and traditional potatoes by Sandra are on the table. Dinner must be ready. After dinner Megan and Paul tried to set up Tom's complicated Dr. Who game that he got for his birthday. The turkey was delicious. Thanks, Margot.

September 30, 2019

Summer is almost over. Besides biking in France in June, we have done a lot of biking with the Toronto Bicycle Network, Alicia came to stay with us for 12 days in July and we looked after Maggie for 1 week in August. With Alicia and Ella we went to Niagara Falls. On the "Hornblower". The "Maid of the Mist" is now on the American side. After staying overnight with a view of the falls so that we could see the fireworks we drove the next day past the whirlpool. Highjinx at Fort George. After "learning" about the war of 1812 we visited Daryl and Jane for lunch. Back in Toronto Ella, Alicia and Sandra took the GO train to visit the aquarium. A visit to Barrie for two days. the first item of business was to get a permanent. On Sunday we met Megan, Paul N. and Tom for a bike ride on Toronto Island. Above is the trip back on the ferry. All that was left was a trip to the zoo. Maggie's Visit While Megan, Tom and Paul...

On Sunday December 30, Megan and Paul invited us for dinner. Who is taller? Cutting up in the kitchen Family photo Time for a game Mahalia chose to stay downstairs.

This year Margot and Mark had Christmas dinner at their new house. A drink before dinner. Ella and Joshua working on their craft boxes While Mark carved the turkey, Kai watched hopefully Kai is allowed on this part of the couch Mark, Dolores and Bob. Dishes done (by Mark and Bob). Resting.