The Beanjar: 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

In the 1960's JR shared apartment 906 in Camelot Towers, Hamilton, ON with Bob Reid, Bob Smyth, Dennis Urquhart and on occasion (when a party lasted too long for him to drive back to Brampton), Stuart Mugford. Chris and Den invited all of them and their spouses to join them for a scrumptious dinner. There was MUCH reminiscing and MUCH hilarity and we have decided to make this an annual event! Thanks zillions Chris and Den!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

FWB Party

The annual Book Club Christmas Party was once again hugely enjoyable with pomegranate martinis, delicious appetizers accompanied by a selection of wines and scrumptious desserts accompanied by a selection of dessert wines, liqueurs and scotches. There was lots of merriment but we did get serious enough to do our gift exchange and to actually discuss the book!

Merry Music

We were delighted to attend Ryan's concert at Ecole St Gerard and Brennen's concert at Haysboro School and also Ryan's piano recital at St Andrew's United Church. All the merry music puts us in the mood of the holiday season.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Christmas Baking

Today Mio and I had a lot of fun making a gingerbread cake.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

I was privileged to attend a variety concert at which Mercat Cross as well as several other groups presented music, song ,dance,and stories of Christmas. Ryan was the newest vocalist with Mercat Cross and he looked and sounded fantastic.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

JR's 70th Birthday

Many family and friends gathered on Dec 01, 2012 to celebrate the event of JR's birth seventy years ago on this date. The surprise arrival of Lee Ann was a highlight. After dinner the five grandchildren present helped blow out the candles on Barbara's special carrot cake and JR enjoyed this and portions of at least four other dessert selections plus a healthy (?) portion of ice cream! Touching words were spoken by Lorisa, Lee Ann, Jim and read by Krystal for Lucinda. Entertainment was provided by Johnny and the grandchildren doing their interpretation of "Gengnam Style" dancing. A good time was had by all and as Lucinda says, we'll see each other again in 10 years for a celebration of his 80th birthday.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Kid's Week-end

We had all five Calgary grandchildren for a sleepover last week-end. Had fun sledding, snowboarding, making snow angels,and bathing in bubbles.

We had a wonderful trip to Prince Albert to visit Mom, Carol and Arvid, Maureen and Robert and all the Guedo cousins.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Entertaining November

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We have seen several interesting movies( Argo, Cloud Atlas, Skyfall, Midnight's Children) this month as well as attending a remarkable concert given my Leonard Cohen and an outstanding performance of Otello by Calgary Opera. Many of these entertainments have been preceded by dinners with friends so it has been a great month in this respect.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Italian Golf Tour

Our Italian golf tour was fantastic. We experienced glorious sunshine, great companions, splendid food and wine, interesting courses, wonderful tours of Rome, Pisa, Florence, Padua, and Venice and then spent a few relaxing days with Pat and Audrey visiting friends we have made in Civitanova, Porto San Gorgio,and Teramo. We ended the trip in Oxford aquainting ourselves with the school and play routines of Bryn and Ellis, sharing tea and chat with Lucinda and Kevin and celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving. iv dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Donna, Lucinda and HRH

By special request this "Henley on Thames Garden Party" photo is being posted

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Apple Harvest

As the apples on our trees ripen, JR has been diligently picking them and making dozens of Apple Crisps and filling dozens of freezer bags with slices for winter use.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Now we number 21

We have a new addition to our family. Pepper belongs to the Norgards and brings our family numbers to 19 persons,1 cat and 1 dog

Idaho Rails to Trails

We and the Balderstons had a wonderful cycle trip along the Hiawatha and Coeur d'Alene trails. The first follows an old rail bed through 10 tunnels and over 7
trestles with breathtaking scenery. The second runs through the historic Silver Valley mining district, along the beautiful Coeur d' Alene river and lakes to the prairie. The easy ride of 208 km over 4 days was punctuated with interesting dining adventures such as the Snake Pit which, in the late 1800's, was full of the demons of liquor, women and gambling.

Innovation

Water and suds provide innovative trampoline play

Country Wanderers

The Country Wanderers spent three days hiking in the Columbia Valley. Easy, moderate and difficult trails were options. A great pot-luck dinner at the Lakehouse and dining at the Radium Resort and Horse Thief Pub with all the associated mixing and mingling were enjoyed by all

Friday, August 17, 2012

Emma Lake 2012

We spent three sunny weeks at Emma with relatives coming and going. At the peak there were 27 of us, with only Karen and the Hakls unable to join us. The new pontoon boat, 3-man tube and paddle boards were a hit. Another first this year was Davin, with Garry's help,filleting a fish catch.The water was as warm as the air and many hours were spent therein, but the hot tub was still well used. Beach activities included paddle board races, football, mini-olympics, digging the "biggest hole ever" and just plain lounging. Activities continued until well after sundown when scrumptious meals, cribbage tournaments, board games,and birthday parties for Johnny and Owen were enjoyed. All of the children, but primarily Mio, loved Winston and Buddy, who were not counted in the 27 tally!

The Beanjar