My niece, Barbara, arrived today to spend the weekend, much to her father's delight as well as mine. It hasn't been so long since I have seen her, having visited her in Ottawa last month with my brother, Roy who is staying with me for the summer.
This is the first time, however, she has visited my home in Owen Sound, even though I have lived here more than 20 years. Our busy lives often do this to families. No matter, it is a pleasure to have her and Roy and I plan some events for her enjoyment, including a barbecue and rare performance by special jazz favourites, Bobby Dean Blackburn and his four sons.
Being a Globe and Mail reader, she clipped an article from today's edition - page A2 - as there was a mention of a person from Owen Sound noted in it. The article is a report on winners of a writing contest, somewhat of a back-handed compliment as the contest is for worst opening line to an imaginary novel.
The 26th annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest lists several contestants including one 'from Canada' who is someone I know about. She is the daughter of my former dentist and his wife!!
Congratulations Sarah Totton.

Posted by doreen at 05:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Memories of our winters spent in Florida came rushing back when I learned of the death of a good friend yesterday.
Devere Newberry was a consummate gentlemen, a dying breed, who would treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Any conversation I had with him was given kind consideration as he would give his full attention to whatever we were discussing. And he never talked down to women, or men for that matter, despite his obvious superior knowledge about many subjects.
It was always a pleasure to be summoned for an afternoon libation at his and Dorothy's comfortable porch. We would all, about eight or ten of us, discuss music and the fun things that had happened to us. Seldom did we argue, even though some had differing backgrounds.
Devere's talent as a singer and entertainer contributed considerably to the annual talent show, held each year in the rec hall of Sanlan Campground. We shared the stage several times performing a comic duet. His script, polished in rehearsals, was crafted to make the most out of each laugh. Hilarious song parodies included "Give me a home where the buffalo roam --- and I'll show you a dirty house!! And his impression of Jimmy Durante always brought the house down.
Goodbye dear old friend and thanks so much for the memories.

Posted by doreen at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)