Thursday, December 16, 2010

Happy "National Anything Chocolate-Covered" Day!!

I don't feel this day requires any descriptions, or anecdotes from my life. Chocolate is fabulous... things are wonderful, therefore things covered in chocolate: bliss. Enough said.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Happy Cat Herders Day

I'm not a cat person. So long as they are not mine, I'll get along well enough with them but my friends have heard me say once or twice before "evil kitty". I prefer dogs; when you leave them they tell you in their special way that they love you, and when you get back their life is complete. Cat's on the other hand, not so much. I heard a comedienne on Just for Laughs describe cats and dogs beautifully. I am paraphrasing, however it went something like this:
"When you leave your house, you dog circles around you as if to say 'you're going to go to work, and I'm going to wait here and when you come back we'll play and I'll love you and you'll feed me, and it'll be great!!'. Cat's aren't like that. A cat looks down at you in the morning and says 'you better get your ass to work.... and don't forget to feed me.' "

Needless to say I have no faith that a cat will let you lead them around, unless they're in the back of the Porsche you're driving at the time. So when I learned that today was Cat Herder Day... I was skeptical. How on earth could this even happen? Have you ever tried to catch/discipline/move a cat in any direction they don't want to go in? It's quite impossible. So how do you herd them? That's exactly the point.

I looked into Cat Herding Day, and that was the main thread. This day sheds light on all those impossible tasks, and shakes the hands of all those who accomplish these impossible tasks on a daily basis. Sometimes it's our job, or our personal life, or perhaps the little things like performing to a crowd or being able to be in a dark room. What ever your breed of "cats", no matter what size they are if you've herded them even in the least, then you've done a good job. You have accomplished something and today is for you!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Happy International Poinsettia Day & Worldwide Candle Lighting Day

I would not hesitate to hazard a guess that in any household celebrating Christmas this year they already have one of the following: a fully decorated Christmas tree, garland, lights, animated Christmas paraphernalia on their front lawn, Christmas applications on their phones, perpetual Christmas music playing, and probably many other ritual I haven't even heard of. (Note: I will never resort to having a Christmas themed, rug-hooked toilet seat cover... apologies if you own one, I'm sure it looks lovely.)

Every year right before Hallowe'en, the same complaints can be heard: "They were playing Christmas music in the store today!" or "the store had Christmas decorations right next to the Hallowe'en ones!" How early is too early? It's good to be prepared, but seriously? I adore Christmas and all that it entails as much as the next Hoo from Hooville but I am a stickler when it comes to putting the tree and decorations up... not before mid-December. After all it is the "12 Days of Christmas" and that encompasses the days leading up to January 6th (Epiphany, by the way... when the wise men made it to the manger) . It's for this reason I try to keep the hype down until mid-month, because technically I should only start "celebrating" on Christmas Eve!! However, all who know me, know I'm organised and an over-planner and must be thinking "but you wont get everything done in a day!" You're correct. And it's for this reason I like to have my cards done early December, and I have my baking and meals planned, plus any gifts I need to make or order are done by now... I am a realist, but that doesn't mean I have to acknowledge it's Christmas. That's my chosen coping mechanism.

As we approached the day I consider it OK to start decorating, I was in the car with Mum and we heard the announcer on the radio (on the 24 hr/day Christmas radio station) tell the listeners about a prize to help them "celebrate Christmas", right after they played "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause" sung for the billionth time by the Jackson 5. Mum then asked "what are people celebrating?" A good question, I thought.

I guess what went through my mind when I read what the observances were for today was linked with Mum's question. For some, Christmas is a dark time: no family, troubles with family, no money, no home, stress, or loneliness. The image of bringing the light of a candle into people's homes is a powerful one. Winter is a dark month, so any extra light: Christmas lights, candles, fireplaces, etc., all help us last through the long dark nights. The poinsettia also marries in well with the candle. Plants are new life that needs nurturing and care. I like to think of plants as an example of how little effort it takes to make a very large impact on the life of another living being. Wouldn't it be nice to take that example and use it in the big world? Make someone your poinsettia over the holidays. Bring them the proverbial light of a candle when you make them visit, or bring them some fruit cake. Christmas isn't all bells and treats for people, so if we are lucky enough to have more than two candles worth of light in your life there's enough to share!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Happy International Aura Awareness Day!!

It's been a while since I've posted in celebration of a quirky holiday. Today, I felt inspired and after looking up what day we were celebrating today, was glad to see it was International Aura Awareness Day. Whether you believe in auras, orbs, and spirits or not, everyone has an air about them or a presence in a room. So for the sake of argument, you could celebrate people's "presence".

I looked up "aura" on the internet and it talked about the aura being a person's personal glow, or power. And yes, it also mentioned seeing people's auras when you have a migraine but that's besides the point. I like to think someone's aura as that presence someone has in a group or conversation. For example, have you ever looked at someone and thought there was something about them that made them look especially good that day, or you drew you to them? Or have you looked at a stranger and thought they were very attractive and couldn't quite figure out why? Perhaps apart from their physique, you were seeing their aura, or presence and found it pleasing.

When I read that it was International Aura Awareness Day, the first thing that came to mind for me was looking for that glow in people, and seeing their good side. Appreciating them for the beautiful person they are even if you wouldn't necessarily think they were the most attractive physically; Seeing what makes them shine from the inside.

Take today to look extra hard for that glow in people, and enjoy it. Maybe it'll get passed on to you, you never know!
Snow!!!!

Toady, I am a very happy girl! Though technically not the very first snow fall of the year, I was nonetheless delighted when upon opening my curtains this morning I was greeted with that familiar white glow that only snow can offer; Seeing the flurries whipping through the sky and then feeling the excitement grow when I saw how much had settled on the ground.

Yesterday was technically the first snow fall but there was no settle-age and and attempts to take a photo wouldn't have yielded a very nice image. Today however, the conditions are perfect.

Ever since I was a kid, snow has captivated me. My favourite colour is green, so one would think that having grass all around me would make me happier, but there was always something about snow that I adored. Snow is not just beautiful to look at, but has its uses aswell that you just don't get with grass. For example, have you ever tried building a fort out of grass, or had a grass-ball fight...? I think not. But best of all, snow (except for February in Quebec) looks clean. Not many things come close to the peaceful beauty of a Wintery scene with the roof tops, power lines, and trees covered in a fluffy white duvet. In England, this scene was always paired seamlessly with the smell of a coal fire wafting through the air.

Plus snow, in my mind, always signals the inevitability of Christmas: my favourite season!! Those who know me, know that my inner Martha Stewart and Nigella Lawson are very busy this time of year as I'm wrapping hand made presents and baking cookies as well as mixing my holiday cocktails and eggnog. Yes, I know it's still November and I promise I've only played my Christmas CDs twice so far, but it truely makes me happy... and who could deny me that?

These are a few of the shots I snapped early this morning. Hopefully the first of many!


Our outdoor parking space... now I know there was someone there!! :)

The snowy view of the Bridge

Further view of the Bridge and pedestrian walk way.

Our balcony and Ste. Anne's in the background.

Not quite ready to shovel yet.

Our usual view is somewhat hindered!

Monday, November 08, 2010

Things my Mum Shares with Me...

Though my Mum is still working on how to check her e-mail every day, she has mastered the art of forwarding me funny emails she receives (mostly) from my Godmother, Dorothy. Mum has gotten a few good ones recently, so I feel I need to pass these on and hopefully brighten your day a little.

  • Email One:
Entitled "How to Start a Fight"

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift...

The next year, I didn't buy her a gift. When she asked me why, I replied,
"Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"
And that's how the fight started.....
______________________________

My wife and I were watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said, 'Do you want to have Sex?'
'No,' she answered. I then said,
'Is that your final answer?'
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying, 'Yes..'
So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."
And that's when the fight started...
________________________________

I took my wife to a restaurant.
The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.
"I'll have the sirloin steak, rare, please."
He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?"
"Nah, she can order for herself."
And that's when the fight started.....
________________________________

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she
kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked her, "Do you know him?"
"Yes", she sighed,
"He's my old boyfriend.... I understand he took to drinking right after we
split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
And then the fight started...
________________________________

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the shed, the boat, making beer... Always something more important to me. Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.
When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily
snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for
a short time and then went into the house... I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, "When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway."
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
________________________________

My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, "What's on TV?"
I said, "Dust."
And then the fight started...
________________________________

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and
slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked up the boat up to the van, and
proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed... I cuddled up to my wife's back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible."
My loving wife of 5 years replied, "And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"
And that's how the fight started...
________________________________

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds."
I bought her a bathroom scale.
And then the fight started......
________________________________

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's License to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.
She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she
processed my Social Security application...
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office...
She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'
And then the fight started...
________________________________

My wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She was not happy with what she saw and said to me, "I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
I replied, "Your eyesight's damn near perfect."

And then the fight started........

  • Email Two:

Entitled: "The Nun"

A cabbie picks up a Nun.
She gets into the cab, and notices that the VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She asks him why he is staring.
He replies, 'I have a question to ask but I don't want to offend you.'
She answers, 'My son, you cannot offend me.. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive.'
'Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me.'
She responds, 'Well, let's see what we can do about that: one, you have to be single and two, you must be Catholic.'
The cab driver is very excited and says, 'Yes, I'm single and Catholic!'
'OK' the nun says. 'Pull into the next alley.'
The nun fulfils his fantasy, with a kiss that would make a hooker blush.
But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying.
'My dear child,' says the nun, 'why are you crying?'
'Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish.'
The nun says, 'That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a fancy dress party.’


  • Email Three:
Entitled: "THIS IS A BIT ADDICTIVE"

The driving manual says the average driver's reaction time is:

75 seconds................... or 1 car length for every 10 mph......

Test your average reaction time.

Be very careful this can be addictive.

Click on the blue link below and good luck.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Happy International Chocolate Cupcake Day!!!

Who wouldn't like the sounds of this day? Though not a recognised holiday where we can take a day off to celebrate, I feel this event should be given the spot light for the day regardless.

The origins of ICCD are a bit vague according to my research. I couldn't pin down a time when it started, but I did learn a little something about cupcakes in general. Silly me, I thought the name "cupcake" stemmed from the size of the container in which they're baked (wouldn't you naturally assume that?). No, but that's too far off. Apparently the "cup" in "cupcake" denotes the amount of ingredients going into the batter mixture. Ie: a cup of flour, etc.. This also explains why we call a pound cake "pound cake". Also according to my research, older recipes instructed the baker to bake the cakes in little cups, hence "cupcakes". So while my original assumptions weren't totally off I didn't know why it was. This only covers the history of the cupcake itself, which isn't long on its own having been "invented" around the mid 20th century. Alas the origins of the day set aside to pay homage to the chocolate cupcake remains a mystery to me. If you have heard/read anything shedding light on it, please do share!

Unlike a birthday, where we celebrate with a birthday cake, what can we celebrate with cupcakes? We could of course celebrate cupcakes with.... cupcakes, although this seems a little ouroboros with the snake getting all the cake! I feel I could branch out and put these little baked bite-sized chunks of happiness to better use. Coincidently, today also marks World Menopause Day! How perfect for women to celebrate something with a chocolate cupcake?

During my studies, we learned a lot about the human reproductive system. I learned that we are the only apes to enter the stage of menopause. Only gorillas in captivity get old enough to start the change. However in their natural habitat other ape's lifespans don't accommodate for menopause. Does this make we naked apes special, or mutants? A little of both actually. Now that we have worked out how best to stretch our lifespans into and beyond the realms of what our bodies can deal with we now have a whole new demographic: Age Dore. The non-reproductive, non-working section of society. In terms of evolution, not being able to reproduce puts you in a category where your role is altered. No longer are your genes being passed on to the future generation, so what contributions can you make to society now? Unlike some cultures in the world where if a woman cannot produce offspring, she is considered male (I wont get into the convoluted anthropological discussion of sex vs. gender), the majority of cultures embrace post-menopausal women as 'guardians' for the future generations, ie: the 'Grandmother Hypothesis'. So essentially, our culture has made being a grandparent extremely important. All the more reason to celebrate the awareness of menopause. I am well aware that World Menopause Day is not a day to rejoice if you are experiencing or are post-menopause(al), but more a day to shed light on the effects it has on the woman's life and body and different ways to make the transition easier. Like eating chocolate cupcakes!

So, today, neatly sort (don't dig) through your Mother's or Grandmother's old recipe books and find a good looking recipe for chocolate cupcakes. Make the cupcakes putting love in every one, and give them to someone whom you think needs their very own personal cake. Enjoy, repeat as necessary.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Happy Sweetest Day

I blogged about this 5 years ago in my first year of University, and today I received a card from my best friend saying Happy Sweetest Day! Sadly, I couldn't remember what my first posting said, so I looked it up. This is what I wrote.
I now see it in a slightly different light. It makes me think of a quote on my sister's Facebook wall: "Be kinder than necessary - everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". In other words you never know what someone is feeling, or whether or not they're just having a bad day. That woman who pushes her way in front of you on the metro, or the car that cuts you off, or the woman with the screaming kids assaulting your ear drums in the grocery store; maybe they're just having off days. A day that started with one man giving gifts to those less fortunate than himself, in my mind, translates as that moment of patiences you wouldn't otherwise give to someone you don't know. Because no matter the situation, when you see someone for one short moment- give them the best impression of you, you can give. Show them kindness, and you never know, they may just feel better because of it. As my Mother is always saying to us: "be sweet, Sandra", a family members of hers', and we should be. Especially on a day like Sweetest Day, we should be sweet. En lieu of chocolate give the gift of kindness to someone. If anything, you may just feel better about yourself. I for one will always accept kindness in chocolate form... just so you know...

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

National Moment of Frustration Scream Day (IMFSD)

Today's little celebration brings light to a problem 99% of the population has. That moment when your cool over heats, your calm vamooses and any ounce of civility left 5 minutes ago. That moment you snap, and say that bad word, or shout at your child when you didn't mean to, or turn the air blue as that thing you've been trying to do for hours fails.

Ironically IMFSD is paired with Free Thought Day and National Face Your Fears Day. Does that mean our choice to paint the air around us blue colours, is just part of the National Free Thought day, and our yelling at someone who is trying our patients part of the National Face your Fears Day? I personally would evoke my right on Free Thought Day to chose which suited me best.

If I were to try to amalgamate the three together, I would probably decide of my own free will to confront someone I was fearful of by throwing something at them in a fit of rage... or something like that. However failing that, we could use today to get a few things off our chest, and not bottle everything up. Have you got something that needs to come off your chest, or have you been shying away from something for a while and want to get up the courage to take it on? Today's that day!

Monday, October 11, 2010

National Kick Butt Day

My latest little project I'm taking on is to look into little known holidays that pass us by everyday, and give them some of the recognition I think they should have. I am one of those people who sends cards to celebrate the banal along side the big events in life; I remember people's anniversaries and birthdays, which in an age when Facebook has to remind us when our best friend's birthdays are coming up, leads people to think my remembering these events is something special. But I like looking at all the cards in the shops that say "Happy Grandparent's Day", "Happy Hallowe'en" or "Congratulations!", and realize that there is so much more that can go on a card. And I'm not just thinking of grand events like weddings and baptisms, but even those other little events in life.

So why not explore a new avenue of banality to celebrate? When things get complicated, sometimes doing something simple restores faith in the big picture. I.e.: a bubble bath. How often after a busy, stressful, tear inducing day at work do people come home and say "I need a bath"? The act itself is simple but the benefits can be spectacular.

Today's celebration isn't focused on relaxing baths though, it looks at celebrating Kicking Butt. No, we're not looking to boost the self esteem of bullies, we're looking to celebrate when you give yourself a kick in the butt to do something you've been wanting to do for a long time but haven't bothered yourself to get on and do it. Imagine all those New Year's Resolutions you made 9 months ago to paint your whole house using the laws of feng-shui, re-landscape your garden, change your job, or take up yoga. Now imagine all those not-so-valid excuses that kept getting in the way. Today is the day to really "pull your finger out" and get on with it. What have you been saying to yourself "I really should do that"? Or what keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the every growing To-Do list? Or maybe it's that pile of papers that stairs at you menacingly from the floor when you sit in your favourite chair. What ever it is use the rest of today to put an honest effort into tackling it. I decided to take a walk today and finally photograph all the Fall foliage that's around. Because that I would keep sitting around saying "I really should get out and take photos of the leaves" until the day every last leave had been deciduously discarded and I still hadn't taken any photos.

Happy National Kick Butt Day!!

Kick Butt Pictures, Images and Photos

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

As soon as the leaves turn their golden and bright colours and the air freshens up as the temperature drops, I can tell that Thanksgiving is getting closer. Memories instantly return of huge family gatherings with 15 or so people gathered around the table with all 4 of its leaves put in to fit us all round. Mum will have had laid the table, and prepared the veg while Dad was on wine duty and took care of the bird. His two tasks combined nicely as the bird was often fed the same alcoholic beverage that we were! His ritual of carefully basting the bird together with a combination of steaming and roasting always resulted in a succulent roast with crispy skin and killer gravy; writing down every step and time as he went along. After the veg and meat, we'd stuff any remaining space in our tummies with Mum's pumpkin and sugar pie with copious amounts of whipped cream.

Although the dynamics have changed around here a bit, I still carry on with roasting rituals but now I've taken on the veg as well. Good practice I call it. But it's the family getting together again, relaxing, and spending good quality time together that always matters the most. So Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and I hope you have a wonderful time no matter whether you're spending it with given or chosen family.

This was the best pictures I could find to represent our family gatherings. All you keen observers will notice that that is an Advent wreath, and you are quite right. It was taken at Christmas in 1985, but this is what it would have looked like.

Friday, August 20, 2010

August Hamilton Visit

Time for another visit with my not-so-little nieces and my sister, Allie. This time the girls weren't in school so we could go see and do lots of things! The weather was perfect for the week, not too too hot but at the same time still feeling like Summer. When I got off the train, I was greeted by two running girls, racing towards me! Talk about a warm welcome. Allie had packed a lunch so we had a pick-nick in a lovely park in The Beach which also had an "awesome" park as the girls were describing it. This park was pretty awesome though- it had a wooden maze, a pirate ship, slides galore; everything to make a kid (or a big kid) feel like playing.

Our next outing was to Valens Beach with Allie's friend Laura who brought her two kids Lily and Peter. Heading out early was definitely a good thing. We arrived and there was barely anybody there! We got a great spot under a tree to hang out, keep on eye on the small humans and also have our lunch. The girls had a great time, swimming and running in the grass. The fresh air gave us all a calm buzz.

I also had the pleasure of seeing both Morgan and Ella at Karate class. Morgan had her first green belt class as well while I was there, she was so focused on her new techniques. Both she and Ella and made Allie and me so proud!

Paige also had another soccer game while I was there. This was her last, so it was extra special. Paige really showed off what she could do and proved that she is going to be awesome when she starts Winter soccer this year! I couldn't help cheering her on every time she came near the ball and showed the rest of the players that she was not backing down! After the game, Laura and her family came over to Allie's and we had a great night chatting away about randomness, and enjoying eachother's company into the wee hours of the morning.

Allie took advantage of the great weather and planned a few outdoor events. We went for a hike in Dundas Valley, taking along Paige's friend Lily. The girls were such troupers hiking the whole time even running up and down hills. Everyone took turns walking the dogs also. Another day we headed out to the woods of the RBC to hand feed chickadees. This was so awesome, because all you have to do is hold out your hand with some feed on it and they come to you. Ella found this a little hard because no matter how much she wanted them to land on her hand, when they did it was a bit of a shock. Still, all the girls get to feed the chipmunk!

But for sure the piece de resistance was our day outing to the CNE for the opening day of Toronto's Ex! The whole week I was there the girls were so looking forward to going on the GO train to get to the Ex, and all the things that they were going to see while there, and of course the cotton candy they were going to eat! I couldn't believe all the rides, games and exhibitors they had there. No matter what you thought was fun they catered to you. They had crafts, animals, clothes, cleaning products, and other events like watching teddy bears going down a zip-line and a dog show. All the girls had a great time and love their rice-in-a-bottle necklaces Allie bought for them, and Allie loves the map that Mum bought her...

Allie and I also found some time for ourselves and went to go see Eat Pray Love. Both of us have read the book so felt we should see the movie (naturally). I loved the book and I loved the movie, it spoke to me and Allie and I are ready to book our tickets to Bali any day now!

Such an awesome visit!! I left feeling big love for my family, and looking forward to the next visit!!
The whole group


Ella have fun in the water.

The girls running away in Dundas...

The whole gang.

An old ruin along the trail at Dundas.

Ella heading along the tracks to the train.

Ella with her new belt!

Morgan, showing off her green belt!

Focus...

Paige working on her paper dolls.

Paige at her soccer game.

Paige at the ready.

Everyone waiting for a Chickadee!

"feed me"

Allie got one!!

Not a chickadee, but really cute nonetheless.

Ella all tuckered out.

On the GO train!!

At the window seat.

Ready for the zip line

My 3 beautiful nieces :)

Dog show!!

So this is how a Great Dane dances!

Looking at the baby turkeys.

Sheep!

Adorable little piglets.

Mummy and Baby Llamas

Eying up the emus

Bye bye Ex!

Morgan

Paige

and Ella!

plus sugar....

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

I still feel the importance of acknowledging this special day, because I still know lots of great Dads worth celebrating. In honour of my own wonderful, late Father Mum and I dined on a juicy T-bone steak with fried onions and red peppers. As Mum sat down to her portion the first thing the said was "he would approve". Esteemed praise considering his great love and appreciation for a well cooked steak (or any other form of meat).

It's still a bitter sweet day as I watched family taking out their Dads or showering them with lawnmowers and power tools, and feeling like I'm missing out on something wonderful. My best course of action to brighten the day is to make sure that every Dad I see gets a smile and a "Happy Father's Day!"... you'd be amused to see how surprised most of them are.

Daddy with his three girls c. 1989/90

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Canoe Restoration

The old family canoe is among the many things I have inherited from my dear old Dad. A piece of equipment that was enveloped in a certain amount of intrigue and respect on my part. We had two canoes growing up, the "ancestral" canoe (as I've come to call it), and the Sponson. The Sponson seemed a little more durable and was able to withstand the trials small humans learning how to paddle in it. Meanwhile, the elusive ancestral canoe remained at home. It was almost epic; hanging in the garage, never coming down from it's ropey hammock, gathering dust and staying just out of reach. I can remember when Dad said he was taking it down from its resting place on a Summer's afternoon when I was 14, as he and I were planning a trip to Algonquin Park and he wanted to take the ancestral canoe his feeling being that the Sponson was too heavy. He ran several tests, putting the canoe in water to test its sea-worthiness. First test revealed it needed a bit of patch work... and by "a bit" I mean almost re-canvasing. It must be said that the ancestral canoe deserved to need a bit of repair, after all it was rough 90 years old at the time.

As I can remember being told as a kid, the canoe was made around the same time my Grand Dad was born, 1914. I now know that it arrived in the Conway family when it was presented to Grand Dad as a thank you from the Montreal tanning company in the 1950's. After being carted up to Algonquin several times with the Conway boys, and eventually making its way back to Montreal to be with our family, it continued its journey heading over the Atlantic to live in the Vicarage's garage in another ropey hammock and again to Bloxham, and finally coming back home where it's being kindly looked after by my Uncle Paul.

After Dad made it adequately sea worthy when he and I took it up to Algonquin, we put it through its paces; tracking and chuting rapids, going on a 25km portage in Dad's old stomping ground, bringing the epoxy with us as needed. The evidence of this trip is still visible on the body where the grey epoxy scars rest on the scraped forest green paint. Seeing these scars, and watching the gunwale wood slowly rot made me sad knowing how much care Dad took to make it sea worthy 10 years ago. Now that it's safely ensconced on this side of the ocean, I've decided it's time to restore it to its original state. Therefore I have taken on the epic task of repairing the rotten wood, stripping the old canvas and replacing it with new and giving it a new coat of green paint. With the loving help of my Uncle I've set out on a symbolic journey; Every moment I'm spending with the ancestral canoe, is a wonderful reminder of the trip with my dear old Dad and
how much he loved Algonquin park and everything it stood for.

These are a few photos of how this journey started and I will post more as more progress is made.

Uncle Paul strapping down the canoe for its journey into Ontario.

All ready to go!

On the "operating table"

The Algonquin scars...

The rotting wood I'm facing.

Removal of the gunwales, thwarts and rusty screws...

...therefore exposing the rotting ribs.

Once the gunwales have been removed, the canoe want to become a "wooden door mat". So in order to prevent this, we keep it held together with webbed strapping.

Stripping back the canvas revealing the cedar planking underneath, which luckily is in pretty good shape!

Tools of the trade.