Doreen Sez http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/ en Copyright 2008 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:37:33 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.23-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Year End Memories It's more than a year since I have visited England but I hope to travel there sometime in 2009. The last time I was there it was a marathon trip around the country with#1 Daughter driving. We stayed at B & B's as well as with relatives. An awesome trip and I will savour all the memories we gathered.

Another set of memories came back to me when I read an article in Globe & Mail travel pages recently, Merry olde Christmas when the writer visited several places in West Sussex with which I am familiar.

After I emigrated to Canada I enjoyed one Christmas visit to England some 45 years later. I planned to be with my mother's only living siblings, two aunts each of whom lived in towns on the south coast. The Portsmouth aunt planned to be in Sussex that year with her daughter and not far from the Hastings aunt. This made a relatively short stopover to see them as well as several cousins easy to plan.

If I was expecting a respite from Ontario snow, I didn't get it. The weather was awful, heavy wet white stuff blanketed the county and wild winds make excursions, even by car, quite an ordeal. I remember having to borrow a warm hat to wear on a brief trek exploring a walking trail near Tenterden. The welcome at my cousin's house was warm, however, and three generations enjoyed the festivities around a big fire - yes with chestnuts roasted the old fashioned way, like my Dad used to do on the fireplace hob

I will always be grateful for my cousin's husband who braved some nasty roads to deliver me to Gatwick airport for the next leg of my journey - Zimbabwe for New Years. And that's another story.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/12/year_end_memories.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/12/year_end_memories.html Family and Misc. Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:37:33 -0500 Saturday Night I'm always kinda sad when Saturday night with WNED Bufffalo is over. It's one of my favourite visits when I am home on my own. Beginning with a trip down memory lane with All Creatures Great and Small, a segment of life with a Yorkshire vet that always delivers a nostalgic look at what once was daily life in northern English village life. Pastoral scenes that take your breath away. Then comes an hour with Balllykissangel and it's assorted Irish folk's amusing combat with the trials and tribulations of daily life several years ago. One of my favourite shows comes next with a mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they delve into a story or fascinating aspects chasing clues all over England. Coming up at 10 is a an episode I have seen of a dramatized version of one of Agatha Christie's celebrated Poirot mysteries. But no matter that the tale is familiar. The snippets of London views and a truly intricate tale of twists and turns make a rerun worthwhile that begin as a seemingly innocuous case that culminates in a bank burglary and murder. Great stuff.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/12/saturday_night.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/12/saturday_night.html Sat, 20 Dec 2008 23:02:33 -0500 I will Remember He came home from one war, injured, but he went when called for the
next. A 28-year army career left him with bad legs from wearing
putties in the trenches, a welt on his neck from a bayonet stab and
who knows what mental damage from vicious conflicts that saw inhumane
actions in far off lands.
You would think he had become hardened to the horrors of his latest war
when the entire female crew of a searchlight emplacement was blown to
pieces minutes after he had left them on his rounds.
But tears were in his eyes as he told us this.
And again later he cried when he arrived on leave after
gathering pieces of infant children, victims of a rocket landing in
their London schoolyard.
He was my Dad.
I honour him as I honour all men and women who served in order that we may live free from oppression.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/11/i_will_remember_1.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/11/i_will_remember_1.html Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:34:08 -0500 Week Ends on an Upnote A tedious morning of mundane errands ended on an upbeat note today when I dropped in to my favourite yarn shop for supplies. Our IODE chapter had been asked to provide knitted helmets, or balaclavas as they are sometimes called, to be worn by our troops in Afghanistan and, I presume, for those training before leaving our frigid shores. We would be supporting our troops in a practical way.
I showed Colleen the pattern requirements and we looked at some wool mixes that were on sale, selecting several balls of suitable colours while she checked to see if there were any more black or charcoal grey, the preferred colours, in a new yarn shipment in the basement.
She had donated yarn oddments to us before for children's garments needed in Canada and abroad. This time I had a budget of $20 to spend but I knew it wouldn't go very far with such good quality yarn.
Imagine my delight with her decision to donate the yarn on sale and charge only for the new yarn. My meagre budget stretched two-fold thanks to Riverside Yarns.
Colleen was somewhat surprised to learn that IODE members have been knitting for others since the Boer War early in the 20th century. I left a card detailing some of the other good works we do hoping a few of her customers may decide to join our team of knitters. Yarn and patterns supplied.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/11/week_ends_on_an_upnote.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/11/week_ends_on_an_upnote.html Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:02:58 -0500 Rude Awakening Waking up to a cold house when outside it is 10ºC is not as bad as it could have been - say -3ºC or so, as we can expect this winter. Still, it is disturbing when the furnace is newly installed and cost a bomb. Something my husband used to say came back to me: increasing functions (read electronic) invariably leads to more stuff to break down. Tell me about it!
After phoning for service and fishing out the book of words left for me, I tried several things, such as lowering thermostat and checking for gas leaks, etc. but on removing the cover figured I should leave this electronic monstrosity to the experts.
Gas stove is working so after a couple of cups of tea I decided to move into basement and curl up with some sewing in front of my, also fairly new, gas fireplace.
No pilot is lit! Ouch! I remembered that the pilot was shut off during our heat wave! Heat wave? You remember, that 20 minutes we had in August?
So down I knelt and pretended I was in front of the propane furnace in our RV. Several tries later, I gave up and as it was well into the day by now, called my neighbour, who had only just returned from an out of town trip, to ask him if he could light it for me. The gas to it was shut off - and I hadn't checked that lever. Thankfully, he got it going and set the thermostat to a comfortable range. If it came to a pinch, this would heat the house, or at least enough of it to suffice until help arrived.
Then we discovered a wall switch at the door to furnace room had been inadvertently switched off! Despite it having been taped over to prevent such an occurrence. I could have kicked myself for not checking this; it had happened before when my cleaning lady was new to the house. May I claim my brain was not properly functioning at 7:30am? Canceling the service call I apologized to a machine for disturbing someone's Sunday.
I was not meant to sing at a special service across town this morning and my choir gown, carefully packed, will go back to my home church at next practice. My penance will be to work on church related items after I have told you, my dear reader, of my lessons learned this morning.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/10/rude_awakening_1.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/10/rude_awakening_1.html Sun, 26 Oct 2008 11:39:02 -0500 Trial Run Doing a blog on an iPhone is a challenge!
My dogs are barking after five hours trudging around the Sewing Show.
The warm fuzzy feeling I have after browsing among some magnificent creations, and buying some awesome patterns and kits makes up for weariness that is even now abating somewhat.
I look forward to a satisfyingly creative winter.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/10/post.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/10/post.html Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:39:40 -0500 He's Only a Litte Boy It's always disconcerting hearing about impending surgery for someone and it's even more so when it involves a small child. Although I do not know the family personally, the age of the child is close to my grandson who will be four years old in February.
This boy, who lives in the US, has spastic cerebral palsy and doctors believe that a procedure known as selective dorsal rhizotomy will help. The daughter of an old friend asked me to say a prayer for him and his family for Tuesday.
This hasn't been a good week as I learned a family member has been diagnosed with cancer and another friend, who is childless, has to leave her home and move some distance away, because of multiple medical problems.
As I sit here in the comfort of my home listening to my favourite music over Jazz FM91, can't help feeling a bit helpless. It's getting to be a long list for prayers at church these days. But I have been grateful for other's
caring when I needed their prayers.
Blessings everyone.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/hes_only_a_litte_boy.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/hes_only_a_litte_boy.html Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:28:29 -0500 Busy Saturday I traded a broccoli quiche today for two nice zucchini, picked from a friend's garden. With all the produce from the market also crowding my refrigerator, I need to organize cooking projects immediately.
The large bunch of beets brought for me on Wednesday is partially prepared; greens are cooked and frozen and some of the bigger roots are ready for pickling. Reluctantly I declined to accompany daughter Lynda to a farm auction after our market foray as I knew she would make better time getting around and seeing interesting items listed. As she drove away, I cautioned her about buying a Percheron!
My feet are still a bit sore from yesterday morning's 3km ramble around an Inglis Falls loop. Just can't pass up joining my Sydenham BTA friends in case I miss some of the stories of long ago. Seems as though all the trails around here have seen at least one scout or cub adventure. Yesterday's involved a day long challenge for older boys who were charged with locating a "crashed airplane" by map. This time the leader had placed objects to substitute for wreckage. A bedraggled but triumphant troop emerged at the end of the day, dragging toboggans taken as a precaution in case one of them needed a ride. No mobile phones in those days.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/busy_saturday.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/busy_saturday.html Family and Misc. Sat, 27 Sep 2008 10:36:23 -0500 On The Trail At Last I finally got out on a short blue loop of the Bruce Trail today.. As it has been quite awhile since I have walked the trail, a good friend agreed to accompany me.

She turned up at the trail head with four other Sydenham Club members, one with a dog. They had heard about our plan and decided to join us. Perfect weather and a dry route made for a delightfully easy walk for us humans and gave Zephyr, the dog, a lovely outing as well. It has been several years since I have been in the area of this trail. The sun filtering through the trees triggered a memory for me; when he visited from England, a cousin joined me for a brief excursion to see Jones Falls.

I wasn't the only hiker who remembered these woods. A senior member, 93 on October 3, pointed out interesting fungi and named a few of the flowers along the two km ramble. Another senior member, 87, reminisced with him about cub scout outings in the same woods.

"Remember the time we took the cubs on a bear hunt?" said the younger walker.

The tale unfolded: the seven year olds were told they were going on a bear hunt and had spent some time fashioning bows and arrows for the safari. Both leaders had placed black cardboard bears at strategic locations along the trail before the snows so that they would look realistic on the hunt. On the hunt, each boy who spotted a 'bear' would have first shot at it, then others took their turn. Both men chuckled as they pointed out escarpment rocks where the hunt took place so long ago.
I wonder if those boys remember the occasion. They would be about 45 years old today, I was told.

We made a date for next week and plan a slightly longer walk. Sure hope I can keep up with those young 'uns.


]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/on_the_trail_at_last.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/on_the_trail_at_last.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:39:44 -0500 Out To Lunch Lynda Sez she's going to blog more often now September is here. This reminded me that it has been awhile since I have blogged so here goes.
An interesting drive home from Meaford today took us around a few new roads, thanks to Roy's GPS which, although we knew where we were heading, took an alternate route including a detour that afforded us the privilege of seeing two hawks and a fox and hardly any traffic. Views from hilltops tended to be spectacular and I made a mental note to return during leaf turning season.
After a delightful lunch at Walter's Falls Inn, I left Roy admiring the view on the deck while I scouted a short stretch of Bruce Trail that winds around beside this busy place. Lynda and I had tried to get some lunch there last Saturday after an art show but a wedding party had completely taken over dining room and kitchen. Our waitress told us that weddings are booked for each Saturday at least for some time so be warned.
On one of our return trips from Meaford we discovered the Coffin Hill Winery, enjoying the vintner's lunch of cheeses, paté and artisan bread, accompanied by a glass of their refreshing Resurrection Rosé. The owners have leaned heavily on the area name for their wine list. They were sold out of Back from the Dead Red. As this detour led us on the north side of Highway 26, we returned by way of Annan stopping to show Roy the Leith Church and for lookouts across the Sound on the shoreline road
I'm almost regretful that the weekly Meaford trips for physiotherapy are coming to an end - but not quite.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/out_to_lunch.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/09/out_to_lunch.html Family and Misc. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:11:36 -0500 What are the odds? 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.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/08/what_are_the_odds_1.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/08/what_are_the_odds_1.html Family and Misc. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:45:48 -0500 A Fond Farewell 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.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/08/a_fond_farewell.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/08/a_fond_farewell.html Family and Misc. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:11:20 -0500 HICKTech was the place to be Who wouldn't thoroughly enjoy a whole day of intense learning if it was presented as Emma Jane Hogbin did at this year's HICKTech, ( How Internet Connects Knowledge through Technology)?

Billed as a rural and modern technology forum the hour-long sessions, keynote speakers and panel discussions were geared to those who thirst for knowledge. Emma also catered to those who thirst for good wholesome food and local beer.

Yesterday convinced me that lifelong learning can be fun and works well when speakers are lined up with solid backgrounds and know how to deliver a presentation. Information gleaned sent so many ideas bubbling up in my head, I shall need the CD made of each presentation to refresh my notes.

At the end of the day I watched as many animated conversations continued well past the scheduled go-home time. And Bobby Dean Blackburn provided his unique rhythm and blues entertainment in the background. As we trundled out lugging goodie bags with useful stuff many of us had gained more than fodder for production, we had made several friends.

Must get back to my follow-up notes now and reconnect with Jane Zhang, program coordinator for Partnership Platform, who is going to help me with improving our church web site. That's as well as Anne Finlay Stewart, who had already made a suggestion that she is willing to work on with me.

Then there's Linda Wright who is working on e-channel delivery of a wide range of learning through Sioux Hudson Literary Council. When we discussed IODE's involvement, shipping needed materials to northern Ontario schools, we knew we had something in common.

Not to mention a local artisan who, needing some help with her web site content, hired me on the spot.

How cool is that?

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/05/hicktech_was_the_place_to_be.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/05/hicktech_was_the_place_to_be.html Family and Misc. Thu, 01 May 2008 16:08:40 -0500 April 23 - St. George's Day Happy St. Georges Day everyone!
Some people think I am soppy to cling to memories of the land of my birth after living more than 50 years in Canada.
It's not that I don't consider myself Canadian and subscribe to the laws and tenets of society here - even though I sometimes disagree with government.
But really, it's the people in both England and Canada who remain important to me wherever I am. And especially those who have left this earth, leaving me with memories I cherish.
Today I listen to music from the old sod, particularly the marches and classical pieces I learned as school. Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance wound up a St. George's hour on CBC Two as I remember my father whose taped collection of marches I inherited.

Dad 'borrowed his brother's birth certificate to join the British army which he served in for 28 years. Even though he missed action of the First World War, there was plenty of fighting going on. A dangerous mission to Turkey sent him home with a bayonet wound in his neck. He never spoke about it and when questioned about the scar, would laugh and say he fell over and bit it!
He did tell us about happenings while on guard duty at Buckingham Palace. One story lends insight to Queen Mary when she admonished her granddaughter, the present queen, as she skipped down the stairs boasting she was growing up to be queen! Queen Mary's retort is touted as being: "First, you must grow up to be a lady"
We loved to listen to anecdotes like these.
When he died here in Canada, a local branch of the Coldstream Guards Association formed an honour guard beside his flag-draped coffin. Gone but not forgotten. Luv u Dad.

]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/04/april_23_st_georges_day.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/04/april_23_st_georges_day.html Family and Misc. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:57:05 -0500 Wake Up England! I've been thinking about my Dad some lately. Can often hear his voice in my ear.
If I was day-dreaming instead of getting on with chores, he would say with a chuckle "Wake up England".

It has been awhile since I posted anything here mainly because I have been so absorbed with my problems and feeling sorry for myself. O.K. Dad, I hear you. Today the sun is shining and spring is definitely in the garden with green shoots and songbirds to herald the imminent new season.

The morning after a first time visit to a new jazz venue, Sweetwater Restaurant, I feel like looking ahead to one of the best problems - how to decide where to go and listen to great jazz. Not for a long time has this been the case in my home town but tonight there are two places I would like to be. One to listen to a new love or, two, to an old one. I'll try to get to hear both.

In the meantime, for those who want to look further ahead, here's my take on the upcoming Jazzmania weekend later this month. This article will appear in the April edition of Mosaic.

Doreen Sez

Georgian Sound weekend is coming up soon at Thornbury, Ontario and most jazz fans know that means three days of great jazz, April 25 to 27, 2008.

Tickets for Friday night's Jazzmania usually sell out so I bought ours early and also booked for dinner at the location hosting my brother's favourite group. Since he comes to Owen Sound from Ottawa for the occasion, I am happy to oblige.

We will start off our evening at Piper's Restaurant who are hosting the Figleaf Jazz Band, affectionately known as "Figgies", a rowdy bunch of musicians who lark about on stage as well as deliver toe-tapping Dixieland-style music. They have been playing for more than 30 years now and are house band for Simcoe Jazz Society based in Barrie.

Where we go next will depend on where we can get in as sometimes a band is so popular, no one wants to leave. A free shuttle bus runs around picking up and dropping off ticket holders. If I had my druthers, I would set off to hear Louis Lefaive at Largo Restaurant & Bar on Harbour Street, a new venue for Jazzmania. This may be dodgy as on at least one occasions it was standing room only for this group.

Louis LeFaive & Kings of Swing is another fun band like Figgies who play in area. If we don't get in to see them we can look forward to seeing them at Jazz by the Bay, also in Thornbury, on July 13. As this date is close to my birthday, I know my brother will also be staying with me at that time. The Sunday evening free concerts draw big crowds who bring chairs and spend a pleasant evening beside the bay, perhaps after enjoying a picnic.

Jazzmania poses a problem: do we try to see a group we know and enjoy or do we check out one of the newer ones. Always a predicament.

As there are 10 bands participating at Jazzmania during the relatively short time frame of 8:00 p.m. to midnight, it's a bit of a scramble for anyone to get to as many as possible. I think we made it to four one year. Best to get tickets early and make reservations where possible. Check out website for details: www.festival.georgiansound.ca/jazzmania.cfm

Here's the full of the lineup:

Fig Leaf Jazz Band at Piper's Restaurant & Tavern www.piperstavern.com
Heart & Soul at The Dam Pub www.thedampub.com
Shawn Mei Trio at Sisi on Main www.sisionmain.com
Lisa Hutchinson Trio at Sterio's Steak & Seafood www.sterios.georgian.net
Regal Jazz Street Band at Marsh Street, Centre, Clarksburg. www.marshstreetcentre.ca
Fred Parsons Trio at L.E.Shore Memorial Library BVO Java Jazz, email: bvo@bmts.com
Charlie Bell Trio at Loft Gallery www.loftgallery.ca
Dr.Jazz North at Mill Café www.themillcafe.com
Shelaugh Hart Trio at Bridges Tavern

Big Band Saturday offers two concerts, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, Thornbury. Three Big Bands are on the bill for both sessions.

Jazz Brunch at the Raven Grill, Lora Bay Golf Club on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. showcases Bourbon Street Buskers.

Gospelfest also on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Beaver Valley Community Centre features a faith Chorale and GBSS Jazz Ensemble round out the weekend of jazz.

For details of all the weekend events go to http:www.festival.georgiansound.ca
For jazz events in the area go to http:www.jazzbythebay.ca


]]> http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/04/wake_up_england_1.html http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/2008/04/wake_up_england_1.html All That Jazz Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:40:31 -0500