Saturday, March 28, 2009

Memories

Four Kids, Four Perspectives

Lorne and I almost got around to talking about Dad the week before last, but between small kids and logistics, we didn't much. We did play some guitar together...much the same way as Dad and I used to do, almost in lieu of conversation. I understand that better now than I used to when Dad would say, "Let's get out the guitars..." It was just an easy way of being together that somehow touched a common chord that was deeper than conversation could usually ever reach.

(And I'm really enjoying the blues guitar lessons -- his guitar is very sweet indeed, and lovely to handle and hear. This week's lesson really brought together the stuff I was finding hard to practice last week. Anyway, the timing was perfect -- it just seemed like the right time to begin to play again. Funny how life it sometimes.)

In reflecting on all that, it really seems at times as though each of us remembers a different person. Each of us had a very different relationship with Dad, understood him differently and he us. We each had our own special moments with him, special stories that none of the others shared, as well as unique exasperations, frustrations or disappointments...and he with us, too. In some ways, he's a hard person to remember as a group.

All of which ends up being a reminder that life is short. The strongest emotion I remember from a year ago remains:

With anyone, friend or family, if you've got issues or unresolved conflicts, fix them while you have the chance. In the end, everything else is just stuff.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

9:15 AM


9:15 AM.
Right on time for Mass...

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

WLB + 1 year.

A good father who always done the best he could,
Somewhere he rests at peace, content.
Probably on a lounge chair in the warm sun,
Taking it all in.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

First Anniversary Eve

Hi Dear Judy, Lorne, Karen, David and families,

Diana and I visited your Dad's final resting place this evening. The trees we planted in the fall have survived the winter quite nicely. The potted tulips from Lorne and family, should hold until they can be planted soon. The Gerbera Daisy I took is lemon yellow; a nice touch on such a gloomy end of day. A large settlement of leaves is at the gravesite to "keep Grandpa, Grandma, and your Dad warm"....as Diana observed. Tomorrow will be challenging day for us. Love and kindness to each and every one of you. Aunt Ann XO

Saturday, March 14, 2009

New Blue(s) Horizons

Listen in on Judy's First Blues Guitar Lesson...

Here's the link...

Instructor is Gary Prince, friend introduced to me by Meredith Denning...

Friday, March 13, 2009

Sea Lions!



We took a mini-vacation up to the West Edmonton Mall last weekend. I got sick, but London Drugs sells all sorts of pharmacuticals to get one throught. We went to the water park, which was very good, although we didn't knwo that they only open 4 of the water slides prior to 4:00 pm.

and we went to the Sea Lion show, and the kids each got pix with the sea lions. Natalie even got a kiss!


Monday, March 09, 2009

A long year but it still seems like yesterday.

A little clip from a year ago today.
To answer the question, yes he is pretty much always like that with her.
:-)

Friday, March 06, 2009

SOLD


Sold the house in 3 weeks. Not bad at all!
(now to answer the question, I put the sold sticker there rather than over the 'for sale' because it covers up my cell phone number on the sign. )

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

A time to post

Not much posting going on these days. Aunt Ann asked me to post these memories on the blog as the first anniversary approaches. Enjoy.

A hockey Game with Ann


With Chloe not yet a year old.



From Holy Seplchure at the tree planting in October.

Monday, March 02, 2009

zzzzzzzzzz






Fiona's 7th birthday party happened on Friday and Saturday. It was her first sleepover party. There were 12 girls (11 made it through the night) and lots of fun. Invites featured a girl in a sleeping bag. Cake was Fiona in bed.
Party hats were nite caps - matching Fiona's custom PJ's for the party.
I borrowed a bouncie castle - whew - good choice to get them tired out.
They were pretty much all asleep by 10:30 and awake by 7.
they had pancakes for breakfast and then we did crazy hair and face painting with a puppet show tossed in for fun.
Fiona loved it and so did all the friends. I slept most of the afternoon saturday and sunday. shoulder paying me back now for over activity.
we'll be in Brampton this weekend when Grandad takes her to a LEAF's game.
otherwise a quiet week.
I hope!