The Squamidian Report – May 1 / 04
100th Addition
For the ‘ON LINE’ version of this newsletter, go to:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/doug_b2/report.htm
Also in this issue:
Gale
North Nova News
Rosemary
Clyde's Pet Peeve
G'day from Melbourne
Growing Up In A Small Town
Vivian
Beth’s Year
A Mother’s 2-Cents Worth
The South Etobican
Carole’s Corner
The Ontarion
Hi All,
Yogi and I have the house all to ourselves this week and next. Sue is in the middle of a two-week road trip.
Hard to believe we’ve reached the 100th issue of the Squamidian, the little newsletter that started out by accident, or maybe by laziness. As you early readers know, I was sending the same stuff to several of you and it just became easier to put it all in one Email and then stick you all together in the ‘Too’ field. While anyone is welcome to read or subscribe, our list is mostly family and friends.
The whole idea behind the Squamidian is to share the adventures of life. After we moved out here to the coast I quickly realized that what would be normal here would be seen as very much non-normal somewhere else. It also became apparent that what would be considered normal life back home would be very interesting from our prospective. We each view our own lives and surroundings through our own eyes and interpretation. That makes everything unique. We live where someone else might come to vacation. They live where we might go to vacation. In fact, I’ve met locals here who have never ‘done the Chief’ or strolled through Stanley Park but have been to the top of the CN Tower in Toronto and to Octoberfest.
Interestingly, through all the years when we were escaping to the west coast for a few brief weeks each summer it never occurred to me that we would end up living near Squamish. It was Vancouver Island that had always been my goal. Cities such as Nanaimo and Courtenay have everything you could want and have the advantage of absolutely nothing up wind for thousands of miles to soil the air. The Island has picturesque valleys with small farms, rustic fishing villages along wind swept shorelines and towering remote mountains.
But it was Sue’s transfer to Pacific Division that would make our re-location possible. That meant she would be working out of Vancouver and therefore we would need to be within commuting distance of Vancouver. Here is where logic clicked in. We certainly did not want to be in the urban sprawl of the GVA, lost in the endless subdivisions. Might just as well be in Mississauga or Cambridge. And the people that do live in the ‘burbs’ of the VGA all have an hour or more commute into the city. So after researching housing and living conditions throughout the lower mainland we focused on Squamish.
We had been there many times but had never given it a second thought. It’s a town sitting at the top end of Howe Sound, an hour north of the city and right in the middle of world-class scenery. It is halfway to Whistler, be that good or bad. The commute into the city from Squamish would be no worse than from somewhere in the GVA but the views from the deck would be postcard caliber. The air would be clean compared to the city and there would be work to be found in the area. The cost of moving kind of dictated that we would be working for a long time to come. And BC is a very expensive province to live in. It used to be at the top of the list of ‘have’ provinces but ten years of NDP government drove it right to the bottom of the list. BC is now a ‘have not’ province, on a par with the worst off of the Maritime Provinces. I digress!
We ended up choosing Squamish because it made sense. By pure coincidence cousin Warren had reached the same conclusion ten years earlier, when they moved from Nova Scotia. While their presence here has certainly made it easier for us to get ‘settled in’, their presence did not influence our decision in any way.
So anyway, I’ve been attempting to share my observations and adventures with whoever will listen. Living here is so very different from back home. The climate is so different, so gentle that it’s almost like being in a different country. And yes, I do like to ‘rub it in’ at times but that’s because I’m so delighted with what I see around me. So far I haven’t run out of things to write. I’ve come close at times but that’s more a reflection of my mood than anything else. I’ll keep narrating life as I see it for as long as anyone is interested in reading the newsletter. But I also encourage any of you to do the same. What you may see as mundane may well be fascinating to someone else. Just look at how interesting Greg’s slant on his life is. And we heard from Sheri when she was in Bosnia. We read about Jen in Berlin and Karin in Australia. We get samples of life in Nova Scotia from Sus. We all have a story (or two or two hundred) to tell.
The whole newsletter thing became a lot more fun when Clyde kicked of the idea of readers responding to something they found interesting. That opened the way to a cyber version of group participation, which works well for a grumpy old anti-social hermit like me.
Everyone has always been welcome to send in an article any time they wanted. For this issue I re-invited any and all to participate. I’m rather overwhelmed by all the responses. I’m also quite impressed by the talent displayed by all you closet writers which of course should make me embarrassed by my own meager attempts except for the fact that as most of you know, I don’t embarrass all that easily. Having said that though, some of these articles are a bit on the personal side but oh well.
This newsletter has been my way of keeping in touch with back home and sharing this adventure with everyone. Heck, I’m in contact with more of you guys now than I ever would have been had we not moved. And best of all, I get to play with my computer every time I put this thing together. So grab your reading glasses and sit back and enjoy hearing from some of the other names on the Squamidian list.
You might want to grab a coffee or something as well, this baby is 18 pages long.
****
Most of you know that Jamie's birthday is on May 1 but you are
probably not aware of the role that Doug played in that auspicious event.
Once upon a time Doug owned a jeepish type of vehicle. I am not interested in cars so I have no idea what kind it was but I can tell you it was red and rather uncomfortable. Anyway, on a chilly May 1st. 26 years ago when Doug was out tooting around in that contraption, he noticed Ewan and I waiting at the local bus stop on our way to a doctor's appointment - I was about 9 1/2 months pregnant. Being the total gentleman that he pretends not to be, Doug gallantly offered us a ride to the doctor's office. We were very greatful for the lift but, as I mentioned, that vehicle was not particularly comfortable and so we bounced and bumped our way to Waterloo half the time being air-born. However, that shaking did the trick because Jamie was born shortly after with only about 10 minutes "work" needed on my part. His approach to mid-wifing might be considered a little unorthodox but it sure worked - keep it mind Tara!
There are other little stories involving that vehicle of Doug's but this one seems the most appropriate for this May 1st. anniversary addition.
****
North Nova News
Congratulations to Doug on his 100th edition of the Squamidian!!
Until the Squamidian I was computer shy of getting involved with an email group but with family and friends contributing weekly it felt right. Of course with Doug at the helm, where could we go wrong? For the past 100 issues I have looked forward to my weekly interaction with all of you, learning about everything from soup to nuts. Also thanks to Greg for his stories of life in Kitchener, past and present. And Doug, you’ve made the west coast so inviting I’m surprised you haven’t a house full of people all the time.
We had another sign of spring on Friday. A squirrel decided to build a nest in our fireplace. I came home to discover our two cats guarding the fireplace with great interest. A chirping sound was coming from behind the glass doors and I thought we had a bird trapped inside. When I opened the doors two beady eyes peered at me through the fire screen. A squirrel is never a welcome addition to a house. I waited till Peter came home to see how to handle this. Meanwhile I was hoping it would go back up the chimney where it must have come in. Peter and I checked carefully with a flashlight and it appeared the intruder had gone so I decided it would be a good time to clean out all the ashes that had accumulated from many a fire over the winter. Wrong!!! I was nearly done when out of the corner of my eye I spied fur about two inches from my face. I screamed, fell backwards (shovel and all) and the squirrel made his getaway onto the mantel and into the spare bedroom, which is directly behind the fireplace. Peter ran into the room armed with a ski pole. I heard banging and thumping and then all went silent. Who had won? I called out “are you alright?” Peter replied, “Get me another ski pole”. He had the squirrel cornered and with the second pole killed it. Doug will remember another incident with a nest of squirrels in our sunroom before the room was finished. We couldn’t believe Peter’s agility at doing away with squirrels. Maybe he should be in pest control.
I shouldn’t take up too much room this week; I expect this edition to be a big one. Thanks for listening.
Until next time,
****
It is worthy indeed to celebrate the 100th edition of the Squamidian. I have been thinking about celebrations lately. Mention has been made in the Squamidian of my mother's 90th birthday party. That was certainly cause for celebration! I walked into the festivities that day with a cousin of Mom's who said, "This is really nice. I'm so tired of going to funerals." It was a poignant remark, because I had been determined to have a celebration for my mother that she could participate in. How wonderful for her to hear all those many words of love and friendship. Had we not had the party, the words would still have been said at some point in the future, but in the form of a eulogy.
So my message to everyone is: Say those nice things to your loved ones while they are still around to hear them. It will make them happy (and you too). Happy 100th to the Squamidian with special thanks to Doug, Greg, Karin, and Sus.
(I was intending to write something light and funny. Oh well.)
****
Well I was thinking about the things that bother me ... pet peeves if you will but actually since I'm retired from working that really threw a lot of issues out the door; like affirmative action, brown-nosers, welfare people (just some of them)...
I surely don't mind helping someone that can't help themselves. Then I got thinking about teachers and what a bunch of greedy snivellers they've turn out to be (again not all of them). People who hog the left lane use to bother me but since I'm no longer in a rush... who cares? Arrogant people like Brian Mulrooney still bother me but since that greedy thief is out of public office why waste the time thinking about him? Ya, remember Mila Mulrooney trying to steal the furniture that we own on their way out the door? Oh well c'est la vie.. we expect politicians to be lieing stealers. Just when you think it can't get worse...look at Martin and his band of gypsy bandits. No I can't let those low life's get me down. Complainers with no tolerance use to bother me almost as much as people that gossip but why waste your time thinking about boring little no-life losers? People that borrow things and don't return them are just inconsiderate and not worthy of my time.
Immigration is a topic that usually gets people fired up specially when people come here and have more rights than we do; like the turban-wearing RCMP and the Pakistani women who have a right to wear their berka for their driver's license photo. Ya, but I don't think I'll tough that topic since I'm sure almost everyone is going to write about that. I'm not stupid enough to bring up women drivers or for that matter any women issues cause that's not worth the pain. Ya, women sure know how to get even with men...they marry us! Anyway, sorry for even bringing that thought up. I know people that drive and talk on cell phones while their eating a Tim Horton's muffin and slurping hot coffee and then throwing the whole thing out the window when they are done use to bother me but what the heck they'll probably kill themselves anyway for being so self-absorbed and stupid...just as long as they don't take anyone with them... that's what I say. Parents who don't seat belt their kids in the car and then light up a smoke are just bumbling idiots and shouldn't have rug rats anyhow!!! It use to bother me when Barbara would leave her razor on the ledge in the shower and it would fall on the floor and I would step on it when my face was full of soap while I was being blasted with hot water because she just started the dish washer. People who don't call when they are going to be late and for that matter people who "pop in" really use to piss me off because most of the time it was when I was painting in my pyjamas and hadn't brushed my teeth yet or had a shower because I was going to get dirty anyway.... You gotta love the telephone solicitor just as much as the sales people at the door because they interrupt my painting as well and I usually trip over the can and spill it in my haste to answer. No don't get me started there!!! Let's not even think about little old men who wear hats and can't even see over the steering wheel while they hog the passing lane because I think I've already gone there. I absolutely hate bad breath on people specially if they smoke. Smokers are just about as bad as people who bet and then welch on paying off!! Since I don't hang with smokers and I personally don't gamble there's no beef there. I know that the oil companies with their gas gouging will probably be discussed so I won't go there either. I don't want to discuss rapists or for that matter pedophiles because I'll just get all hot and bothered and probably upset you all as well so let's assume that we all feel the same on that one. Besides I once worked with a guy who turned out to be such a low-life then he only did about four months in a white-collared institution where he probably continued to drop the soap. No I don't want to talk about that! Why don't I just get to it. The one thing that really rots my socks!!!! And it's not people who park in a handicapped spot and aren't one. No it's not that or even cats (because I'm so deathly allergic to them). I'm sure I'd really have a lot of people at my throat if I opened up that can of worms...besides dogs are cooler. I did notice one thing though; when I use to do house visits for welfare and two gay guys opened the door I could always use the cats as the reason not to come in. Gays love their cats!! Not that there's anything wrong with that!!! Martha Stewart is right up there with wife-beaters, people who are cruel to animals, kids who swear in front of old people in public, nose pickers, drunk drivers, racists, people who don't vote and then complain about the government, rappers who pressure young girls into having sex, people who are against George Bush because Texas has executed a lot of Death Row inmates. No that's not what irks me. This is it folks!!!!!! It's not Reality Shows on TV its Cheap People!!! You know who you are if you are out there. Are you one of them? Of course not! However, I knew the cheapest person on this planet. Only a few of you will know who I am talking about and since I severed the friendship and told him to his face why I don't think I'm gossiping. Rather than going on and on because I hate when people do that; I'm just going to tell you the last thing that this guy did to finally be the last straw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had introduced him to a friend of mine (for that matter all my friends became his) just more people to use... anyway Gil was owner of Sam the Record Man in Waterloo and this person became quite a good friend because he could buy CDs then tape them to cassette and then return them for his money saying it skipped. Well, what happened was Gil gave him two CDs at no charge because he felt badly that this person had just gone through a serious operation. Well what did he do? He had his wife return the CDs to the store and she got a full cash refund from one of Gil's young cashiers. Gil watched the whole thing on one of his TV monitors. So he was not only out the money he refunded... that's not what he pays. I was out-raged when I heard this and immediately phoned this person to discuss this. He said frankly it was none of my business. The friendship was over. Thank heavens I only knew him four years!!! So there it is! I'm sure that I've probably managed to peeve a few people if not all off. You can thank Greg for that. He suggested that we write in our pet peeves. So...why not just read something that is funny instead?
http://members.rogers.com/clydeascope/clydeascope/band.htm
Or for that matter here's a guy with more to say than I ever could:
http://members.rogers.com/clydeascope/clydeascope/tedn.htm
Cheers,
P.S. Thanks to all the great writers out there and specially you Doug for getting this whole thing started.
****
G'day everyone !
Well, it is indeed a special occasion: It's the 100th issue of the Sqamidian.
This is so cool ! Congratulations, Doug! And thanks so much for inviting me and my family to participate as readers as well as occasional writers of your worthy newsletter. It's been fun reading your weekly reports, and also very educational.
Your weekly column has meant so much to me, especially. You've brought Carol, Beth and Jackie and the rest of the Brubacher clan back into our lives, after many years of having only occasional contact.
I also got to know many really nice people through this column. I only know these people through their regular or occasional columns, or from the discussions and comments which are often follow when one of the topics strikes a chord with the readers. This is another bonus of being part of the Squamidian.
It's kind of like being part of a club. I must say it's been great, and I hope it will continue another 10 years (or more).
One of the things I like about the Squamidian, is that it allows a glimpse into real people's lives. The other thing is the diversity of these people's lives. These are ordinary people like me, but they often tell extraordinary stories or tell of extraordinary experiences. But even the everyday, ordinary things you often write about are interesting reading to me, especially now that I live far from "Home".
I also want to encourage the reminiscing about the past. Greg you have often written about your childhood, and some of the experiences you had growing up in Kitchener, and what it was like in the 50's. I love those stories, so I hope you and others will write more about the good old days.
I will keep it brief for today, since I'm assuming everyone else is going to write a column for this special 100th issue. Perhaps for the 101st column I could write about one of my pet peeves, as Greg suggested. (there are so many, where do I begin....)
Thanks again, Doug, Greg, Sus, and everyone else. Hope to hear from all of the readers in the future.
Greetings from Melbourne...
****
Growing
Up In A Small Town
When brother Doug asked for contributions for the 100th edition of the Squamidian, Carol suggested I should add something. As I have no siblings so I have adopted Carol’s and I still think Doug should be nationally syndicated & receive praise and recognition for his efforts.
My parents separated when I was an early age and it was thought would be best for me to be raised by my grandparents, Harry & Marion Gibbons. The town that they lived in at this time was Wiarton, the gateway to the Bruce Peninsula. Little did a 5-year-old boy know of what great adventures were ahead of him. My education started at W.D.P.S. where A.J.V. (Red) Leeder was principal. He ruled with an iron hand & a black strap – both of which I came to have intimate knowledge of. At times I have considered him a bully and a tyrant but as I look back now I realize a lot of today’s kids would benefit from his methods!
Summers in Wiarton were never ending with countless things to do. These included hiking (poison ivy every year), softball, cowboys & Indians (we had real Indians!) and swimming. Although we had a whole bay of (very cold) water, we preferred to travel to Olyphant (warm water) or Sauble beach (great waves). It was too far to bicycle so naturally we had to hitchhike. Try that today! The summers also included wonderful times at our cottages. There were several family owned dwellings – I wish we had one left. These were located on the east side of Colpoy’s Bay in an area known as Oxenden. Great fishing from the dock & Oxenden Creek (smelt in the spring). My grandfather’s & uncle’s dogs used to get sprayed by skunk and punctured by porcupine quills every year. I commented to my grandmother that they didn’t seem very smart & she replied “at least they don’t get poison ivy”.
One thing that stand out in my memory is the ritual of opening up the cottage. Gran had a cast on her leg that one year and Harry, my mother & I were talking to her at the rear of the cottage when along came “Timmy”, my grandfather’s aging Dalmatian. He decided that “Gran’s stump” would be a great place to relieve himself – so he calmly raised his leg and went about his business. To this day I have never heard such howls of out-rage or threats of mortal damage. The 3 of us were doubled over laughing & I don’t think this did anything to placate her!
Falls were great in Wiarton, clear crisp air & the scent of burning leaves along the side streets. I was accused many times of lighting some of the fires but I deny it venomously! Also this was the time of shortening days spent playing ball hockey on the street until the 9:00p.m. town bell rang; God help any kid who wasn’t home within 10 minutes.
Winters were another season all together. I remember once we snowballed the safety patrol boy and “Red” was not impressed al all! Snow sledding and tobogganing were great fun. I received my first sutures after falling off the “Royal Bump” at Greenley’s Hill. This was followed by a blast of “I told you not to go out tonight.” Of course what winter was really all about was HOCKEY! We played on streets, shoveled off the bay & spent every possible moment in the arena. I never had a great deal of talent, just enough to make the “out-of-town” teams. However I liked to make my presence known on the ice. This led to time in the “sin bin” (penalty box) & several people suggest this is why I have a great affiliation with the “Philadelphia Flyers”.
All in all a boy could not have asked for a better location to be raised in. I also was the beneficiary of loving people including Glen & Irene McGlaughlin who boarded me in the winter when Harry and Gran went to Florida. (they took me one year when I had whooping cough but that is another adventure). I sort of got carried away here so as Nicky would say THE END.
****
Doug was born on Christmas Day. I guess he didn’t want to wait until December 26th as he wouldn’t want to share it with Gale. It was a cold and stormy day and I was very pregnant and very homesick so I managed to convince Lorne that we needed to go to my parents for Christmas as the baby couldn’t come yet as he had over 3 weeks to go.
We picked up my sister and brother-in-law & my nieces Sandra (who also has a birthday on December 26th – she turned 4 that year) and Denise, 2 ½ and headed north. My parents had a farm 2 concessions north of Cedarville. They had neither hydro, running water nor telephone.
As I said it was a stormy day and between Elmira and Elma we got stuck in a snow bank. They wouldn’t let me get out and push so I had to drive until we got through that snow bank. In Alma we stopped at the garage (which back then stayed open every day) and by the time we got going again we were all thoroughly chilled. That didn’t stop us and we did make it to Cedarville. We went into a friendly home and phoned my uncle. My father was there with his model A Ford with chains on the tires and he came to Cedarville and led the way home as his car broke the tract. By the time we got to the farmhouse I had a very strong feeling that things weren’t going as expected. Lorne & my dad went to the side road (about 2 miles) where the nearest phone lines ran. They tried to get a doctor but there was none available in Mount Forest or Dundalk. The hospital in Mount Forest said they would send an ambulance but by the time it arrived they wouldn’t try to go back as the storm had gotten worse and so had the roads. At 10:30 that evening with my mother in charge, assisted by my sister & sister-in-law, Doug made his own decision and got in on Christmas also. By that time there were 42 people in the house, not counting Doug. Thank goodness he was a nice healthy baby and everything went well. That was one family Christmas reunion no one ever forgot.
The doctor from Dundalk got to the farm about 1:00a.m. because he had a 4-wheel drive Jeep and was able to get through. He sewed me up (without anaesthetics) and came to the house every day to look after the baby and I. Incidentally Dr. Lindsey became and stayed their family doctor for the rest of their lives – another 31 years.
(In the family we always joke about Doug missing the stable by about 300 yards that Christmas. Perhaps that is why he liked the Marty Python movie about the guy Brian who was born the same day as Jesus but picked the wrong stable – he empathises. Carol)
****
OK....so the pressure is on to
come up with something to write about for the big 100th edition. Hmmmmmmm
(blank stare at screen for 3 mins)
OK
Here goes
The last year (or so) of my life, by Beth
January 2003....had the flu, weekend in TO with the family, otherwise uneventful
February....my uncle got married, i got separated (between the service and the reception), had the flu
March.....my friend and her kids moved in, had the flu....AGAIN! (If you are looking to avoid illnesses DON'T work in the develpmental services field),
April....spent long hours chatting online, started hanging out with some gal pals at a little country bar (hadn't done that in ages), had a date
May.... more dates (you'd think I'd know what I'd be a little more confident at this point ....but no....felt like a teenager)..it didn't amount to much, but it had me whistling 'back in the saddle again' Sang at a wedding
June....school's out for Nicky, diagnosis (FINALLY!) from the pediatrician is Autism Spectrum Disorder, some relief at that, some sadness, some grieving. Sang at another wedding....was MC too.
July...holidays! Nicky and I spend some time at my friend Sandra's trailer...which he just LOVED. I think I want to get one. I KNOW I want to get a cottage someday..but I'd settle for a trailer. They finally install air conditioning at work! Freeloading 'friend' moves out...leaving a bunch of stuff in my basement for free storage...grrrrrr...and 2 months behind in rent. Would have been celebrating my 8th anniversary....mini meltdown....even though I know I made the right decision it takes a while to come to terms with it all
August...work work work...date date date...party party party....it's fun to be single in the summer time!! I know I'm not 18 anymore, though.....one all nighter and it took me 4 days to recover!!! Another trip to the trailer.
September....back to school for Nicky...full days this time (harder on mommy than Nicky!) Work gets back to normal routine
October....happy birthday to me! 30, 31 and 32 didn't bug me....but 33 sure did! Took the day off to have a pity party for one. I got a pair of tires (thanks Al and Grandma!) and a scarf (thanks Sylvia)!
November...5 Oaks retreat for work ( I chaired the organizing committe....it was fun.....ish) Nicky had his 6th birthday party at McDonalds. I vowed never to do that, but what the heck? no real prep, no clean up, done in two hours and my house was still intact afterwards! My 'friend' finally moves her junk out of my basement...woohooo! Another friend adopts my couch.
December....Sprained my ankle while supervising a dance at work, spent Christmas Eve with the family...always nice, Christmas day was spent with friends.
January 2004....spent New Year's Eve with a really nice fella at a party in Toronto ..had a few more dates with same fella
Feb...'officially' dating Jamie (aforesaid nice fella), got my braces off ...woohoooo!!! no more slot machine!!! My friend finds another couch to occupy
March...I'm an aunt! My half sister Josy had a little girl. I had a wicked ear infection. Painted my bedroom
April.... Nicky's feet seem to have grown overnight! I've been asked to play and sing at a wedding in July...ALL the music! yikes! Non musical people do not realize the work that goes into this. The music (and the bazillion hours I spend practicing )IS my gift, ya dig? Broke for the first time in years...where's that income tax return?!?!?!?!
May....I'm
spending the weekend with Jamie in Toronto. Who knows what comes next? Life is
full of all kinds of ups and downs...but that's what makes it a fun ride.
****
Happy 100th Doug. You are a great writer but I think you have some competition – Al Stephenson being his name.
Now for my 2-cents worth ( with inflation is that worth more now?) As you may know my son Peter is in Winnipeg serving with the Princess Patricia regiment – P.P.C.C.I. Lately he has become disheartened. Because of lack of funding they are not training. They put their hours in mostly by sitting around, playing cards. This is not what Peter signed up for. Prior to joining he thought it out carefully, charted a plan for himself (back when he was 17) and was eager to forge ahead. Peter is a young man who at a young age sometimes has the wisdom of someone much older. Peter is not lazy – willing to work hard, academically has done well. In fact he has enrolled for a computer science course at the University of Manitoba. Peter is someone that says what he is going to do and does what he said – a young man with the right attitude – one that would serve us well in times of crisis. Right now Peter is feeling discouraged, disheartened. We will loose young men & women like Peter from our military and be left with the ones who do not mind putting in time just sitting around. We need to start taking our military more seriously; respecting what they do for our country. We need to supply them with whatever they need to ensure that they are well equipped and trained – so when the time comes for them to serve they will be ready.
As a mother naturally I worry for my son – but he has chosen the military as his career so I fully support him and am very proud of him. As a mother I need to know that my son has the best possible training and is equipped with the best possible – giving him a better chance at surviving when placed in a was zone. First we need to decide wither we need or want a military. We either support a strong, vibrant, well-equipped, well trained military or none at all. The middle ground does not work in this case. I want to send a letter to government officials. If you agree with me, may I forward your names along with mine?
p.s. – If you ever have a chance to attend a military graduation or ceremony please do. It will evoke an emotional response and you too will walk away blood tingling proud of our young people who are serving our great country.
****
Hello
from South Etobicoke and congratulations to Doug for 100 editions of great
reading! It's hard to believe we've been enjoying the Squamidian for 100 weeks
already. Congratulations also to Greg and all the Squids who have contributed
to this fine publication. It's been great getting to know you all.
For my
contribution today, I'll update you on the happenings in my little piece of the
world. The big thing going on with Jim and I right now is we've purchased a
duplex in Orillia, taking possession in July. It's a great property in a super
location with loads of potential for appreciation. We're also working on a deal
for a fourplex in Oshawa. This one we're doing with a partner and there are
still many details to sort out and due diligence to work through.
Also on a
real estate note, a few months ago I started a networking group for women
investors. We've had three meetings to date, the most recent one was last
weekend at my house. There were 13 of us women plus two babies--a 4 week old
and an 8 week old. I guess I could've been happy as a Mennonite because I
really enjoy these afternoons with just the ladies. We get a lot of work done
and make these meetings productive, but we do it in a way that's so different
from the co-ed events Jim and I attend. The men at these events are much more
straight-to-business, here's-the-deal, are-you-interested-no?-okay-next. Whereas,
when we women get together we talk about how real estate fits into our
workdays, our relationships, our lives. We have a great time and although the
meetings are scheduled from 2:00 - 5:00, they have yet to wrap up before 8:30
at night. As a bonus, I get to indulge in my other passion: I baked up a storm
of goodies to serve--with lots of chocolate, of course.
The other
venture we're enjoying is our website, "Shopping-EH.ca". Big thank
you to everyone who contributed to the the site. You don't know how much we
appreciate the booster to get this going. Thank you also to those of you who
took the time to check it out and share your feedback. If you haven't visited
yet, please do so, and if you have, go check out the new stuff. I've posted an
article about my addiction to all things kitchen. It's so neat to see myself
"published". We keep quite busy working on the site but it's fun and
we're learning a lot.
Speaking
of things that take up time, we've also been busy on our house. We had our roof
reshingled and we finally had new windows installed. Our house is about 70
years old and I think the windows were original to the house. If we wanted
screens in the summer, we had to haul out the ladder, take down the storm
windows and replace them with the screens. And of course, we had to do the
reverse in the fall. That was just for the windows that opened, which not all
of them did. Now I can have nice cross-breezes through the whole house this
summer. The new roof and windows mean the rest of the exterior of the house
looks extra shabby. So we'll be replacing our shutters and painting our doors
and garage door this summer. Not sure yet what we'll do with the porch. It's
concrete and starting to fall apart.
Other
than that, Jim and I are still working out regularly and trying to stay in
shape. We both signed up for the 10k run for Mt. Sinai Hospital and the Marvel
Koeffler Breast Cancer Centre. The run is at the end of June so we have just
seven weeks left to prepare. My goal is to beat my time from last year. The problem
is, this year I know how difficult it is to run 10k. Last year was my first run
and I didn't realize just how far 10 kilometres really is. I kept thinking
"I must be just about done, I'll give it a final push". Hopefully I
can fool myself into sustaining that "final push" throughout the
race. If anyone would like to sponsor us, just let me know.
That
about does it for me. I'm really looking forward to reading this 100th edition
of the Squamidian and to many more weeks of great insights, updates, rants and
strolls down memory lane. Hey, here's an idea. Why don't we all celebrate the
200th edition with a party at Doug and Sue's in the place that started it
all...the land of Squamidia!
Have a great week folks,
****
CAROLE’S CORNER
Happy 100th
Anniversary……………… May 1st,
2004
Hi everyone….this is Greg’s “better
half” CarolE.
I have met some of you at Doug’s Mum and Dad’s and the rest of you I only know by name. Maybe some day we will meet in person.
I really enjoy the Squamidian and the other
reports each week.
I know Greg can tell a “great” story but
I am in awe each week when I read his column. He really does have the gift of
the gab.
I think all of you are doing a great job
with your articles.
It is really great to hear what is going
on in the different parts of the world. It sometimes feels like I am right
there with you.
I feel like I have been sailing in Nova
Scotia with Peter and Sus and along side of Karin when she goes on her long
walks in Australia. I have walked up the Chief many times with Doug. It is
always fun to lose myself in the Squamidian stories every week. Sunday morning
we sit here in the office with our cups of tea while Greg reads the report to
me.
Keep up the good work and keep those
stories coming.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 100
weeks. Where does the time go? I look forward to 100 more……
Happy 100th Anniversary.
CarolE with an E.
****
SQUAMIDIAN
100TH ANNIVERSARY
EDITION
WOW! Here we are everyone, May 1st 2004 and celebrating Doug’s 100th Squamidian edition. It’s an amazing feat for sure to produce an interesting column week after week and try not to repeat oneself. Congratulations to Doug on this special occasion! As Karin and others have pointed out over the past 2 years, Doug has an interesting way of looking at the world. Not to mention his manner of expressing these observations in print. I’ve grown to appreciate the beauty of British Columbia through Doug’s eyes and will make a point of seeing it in person one day. Thanks Doug for opening my eyes to the incredible beauty we have right here in our own country. Carole and I have traveled to the Caribbean, many US states, the British Isles and parts of Quebec and Ontario. Although it’s interesting to see other lands and cultures, Canadian’s should realize the extensive wonders we have in our own land. I guess we tend to take our surroundings for granted and imagine the intrigue of far away places to be more adventuresome and mysterious.
However if we take a look around and do a little investigating right here in Canada I’m sure we’ll find a wealth of interesting, intriguing and historical places to visit. Carole and I have decided to do just that this summer and take a few days at a time to visit Ontario’s hot spots. No reason to be bored with our humdrum Canadian existence when Ontario’s full of adventure. I look forward to our impromptu excursions and will include our adventures in “The Ontarion” for sure.
I just took a few minutes to add up the total “Ontarion” reports that I’ve produced and this “Anniversary” report is #62. I can appreciate what Doug goes through writing the Squamidian since joining him each week. I thank him for the invitation to get involved. It’s been an interesting endeavor and I look forward to continuing my writing. So far I haven’t had any problem coming up with something to write about. Although my ramblings may be boring (or at least not real interesting) to some of our group, I appreciate the comments I have received over the past year and a half. They say criticism makes one stronger! Well, I can feel myself getting weaker every week because I’ve had nothing but positive support from our readers. Not that I’m looking for critics mind you but I said to Carole the other day that I haven’t had one person criticize my writings.
Maybe the Brubacher Clan is just too polite to speak up when they disagree with me! LOL! Haahahaa! I guess I should be (and most certainly am) thankful for your continued support. I really have found this to be a therapeutic challenge. I’ve been told many times in my life that I talk too much and The Ontarion gives me an opportunity to vent my “gift of the gab” as Carole calls it! So thank you one and all for your patience, interest and loyal following. I truly do enjoy contributing each week.
**************************
I look forward to reading all of the submissions to this very special 100th edition. If you just didn’t have time to write something up this week, no worries (as Karen would say) there is always next week or the one after. I myself find that no matter what one writes about, there is something interesting contained in each essay. It’s true that we really do learn something every day and I’ve learned a great deal from the writings of the weekly report. Peter and Sus have a very interesting lifestyle and have shared their adventures and stories with us. I wish them continued success with their sailing business and congratulate them for living their dream.
Carole and I look forward to hearing from Sus every week that she has time to write. The Maritime Provinces are a lovely part of this country and Peter and Sus are right in the heart of them.
Doug and Sue are also enjoying the benefits of living in “Mountain” country on the beautiful west coast. Not only do they have the world’s most spectacular views in every direction, they have some of the cleanest air in the world to breathe. As Doug has stated the natural benefits of living in such a wonderland are immeasurable. His lungs are clearer, his allergies are mostly gone and he gets to have the world’s best excuse for not attending most family functions, birthday parties, christenings, stags, family garage sales, Christmas and Easter gatherings, not to mention church bazaars and bake sales etc etc etc! Deep down in I’m sure he misses all of these functions and the people that he’d share them with. He just likes to play the “anti social” role so we’ll all feel sorry for him and coax him to come back to attend. After all, it’s just a matter of asking Sue to cash in some of her “air miles” for a ticket home and he’s on his way. You’d think by now he’d miss us more than he shows. Hmmmmm I guess maybe he has contact enough with us through the Squamidian after all!
There is something to be said for absence making the heart grow fonder but it doesn’t make the wallet grow any fatter. Regardless of “air miles” points, it is a costly venture to crisscross the continent. I guess we’ll have to be content with seeing the “West Coast” Brubachers a couple of times a year. Heck, I feel like I’m out there on a weekly basis anyway, just by reading The Squamidian. Thanks again Doug for all the great weeklies and keep ‘em coming!
That’s about it for this week folks!
Thanks again for tuning in and I’ll talk to you all next time in “The Ontarion”.
Bye for now…..GREG.
PS: Something to Think About>
I don’t know what the future holds but I know who holds the future!
****
For low speed dial-up connections, just the basics:
http://members.shaw.ca/doug_b2/
For high-speed connections, a little more fancy:
http://members.shaw.ca/doug_b/
Have a good one..
the
doug
All offers void where
prohibited by law and in the Province of Quebec!