Next Summer ...?

After a couple of little road trips this summer,
I am thinking that maybe SWEETBEE (my Camaro)
and I might take to the open road next summer
and perhaps head out to visit family and friends
in Saskatoon & Winnipeg. 

[If I can resist the temptation of escaping
somewhere warm this winter ;-) ]

photographs and memories

Recently Janice and I created a "Friends and Family" photo gallery on a wall here at our place. We'ed been meaning to do it for a while, and finally rounded up the pictures and mounted them.

It's nice to have a gallery, in a prominent place where we can be reminded of people in our lives, past and present. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, my step daughters, nieces, nephews, close friends and even a few reminders of ourselves from years ago.

Snapshots of special moments, and celebrations ... now every time we go upstairs, or come downstairs, these pictures bring us warmth and smiles. As time passes these captured moments become more precious.

We will add to the gallery as time goes on ... there is always room for more happy moments.

gone but not forgotten

This past week brought with it sad news. I received an email informing me that Joanna Burns had died suddenly.

I'd been fortunate enough to get to know Joanna through her partner Norm back in Winnipeg. It was unexpected and she will be missed.

Joanna was intelligent and graceful. On several occasions, we had enjoyed pot luck dinners together with friends, and she was always welcoming and a wonderful conversationalist.

Good partnerships can sometimes be easy to spot. Norm and Joanna complimented each other, and it was a pleasure to be with them. I know she was good for Norm, and I hope he will find a way to recover.

I've never been able to pinpoint exactly why death made me uncomfortable, but I suspect I'm not alone. It might be because it reminds us that we too will not live forever. It could be because I feel awkward, knowing that mere words may likely be of very little consolation.

I will phone Norm in the next day or two ... not really knowing what I'll say, but I want to touch base ... to at least let him know that he is in our thoughts.

I will remember Joanna fondly, and be happy that our paths crossed.

Rest in Peace Joanna.

old friends

Today I will be having coffee with an old friend who happens to be in town for a short time.

I am different person today than I was 30 years ago. With the passage of time we evolve. We learn from mistakes, experience life's bumps and bruises, make adjustments and change. The things we've done and the places we've been help make us who we are today. Our roots are a reflection of parts of us.

I have many happy memories from my youth, and some not so happy. I was blessed to have made some great friends back then. They added so much to my world, and I am glad to have spent those years with them.

I don't live in the past ... anyone who does robs time from the present, but it's nice to spend time with old friends once in a while. It's comforting in a way to be reminded that there are people on this earth that you have that special shared past with.

Most of us want to feel connected. Thank goodness for old friends, and the happy memories that can come from seeing them.

good bye Winnipeg

It's been my home for many years. Anywhere I go in this town, I have memories of events and people. It's been a wonderful place to live and I've been lucky enough to forge some wonderful friendships here.

Tonight my brother and a few friends came out to say good bye, and it was real nice. We shared some memories and smiled about times past ... there is nothing like old friends to remind you about who you are, where you've been and why life is worth living.

I enjoyed a few Fort Garry Darks as we had a some laughs and reminisced ... I'll have to research the watering holes out there to try and find a worthy replacement.

On my way to the gathering, I couldn't help but drive by my high school and through the neighbourhood where many of my fondest memories come from.

I leave behind a wonderful place, but take with me a Winnipeg Warmth, and know that I have people here who I share memories with. They call it Friendly Manitoba for a reason ...


I look forward to making many new memories in Ottawa with Janice, and we will be back in the 'peg from time to time for visits ...