I think I just lost my first post, that's not a good sign.
Here I go again.
Following the examples of the blogs of Tricia and Bjorn I have decided to create this one so people can keep up to date with the progress made for the reunion in August. Here everybody can make known their opinions, ideas, concerns and questions.
The response to my emails has produced the following list of family hoping to attend:
Rob, Bonnie, Nicholas, Jessica, Therese, Mary, Christine, Len, Kelly, Amy, (Campbell), Marty, Karen, Mike, Diane, Lindsey, Luke, Shannon, Christine, Ron, James, Christine, Presley, Chris, Kristin, JJ, Nevan, Lucas, Marcia, Dennis, Shawn, Brant, Julianna, Kahless, Briana, Braden, Ed, Deanie, Heather, Holly, Jamie, Eddie, Mia, Lui, Ellie, Lou, Marie, Tricia, Brandon, Dana, Davis, Jack, Tony, Carol, Sonia, Justin, Jacob, Jordan, Dustin, Kelly, Keenan, Jenalee, Mary-Ellen, Bob, Anne Marie, Mike, Zach, Noah, Jacob, Barbara, David, Emmanuel, Grace Anne, Hannah Lynne, Louise, David, Paul, Alan, Melissa, Bjorn, Vic, Don, Michelle, Mike, Penny, Logan, Geron, Betty Jo, Bob, Louise, Steve and of course Mom. That makes 91.
News to date:
Holy Rosary Cathedral hall has been booked for the gathering Sunday August 26 from 12 to 5. People wishing to do so can invite their own family and close friends.
I ran into Art, the super at mom's building, and asked the capacity of the hospitality suite and he answered 40. The Cathedral hall is booked for a wedding the 25th so I am working on booking the student lounge at Campion College, with Heather's help, and it's looking hopeful.
Dave and Louise's offer to look after the snacks for Saturday is obviously too much to ask of them or any other couple. With ideas from the rest of you we should easily be able to come up with some kind of plan for feeding ourselves. Anybody else who have plans they need help with they need only ask for help.
Tony has answered my call for somebody to look after a budget for our event. Chris has let me know Marty has offered to play, Therese is looking after a performance program, Marcia has a great idea for family photos, Rob is looking after a cake for Sunday, and Vic and Don are looking after a photo and pin. Chris has also asked to let mom know what friends you are inviting. That is a good idea, it will be a little less overwhelming for mom if she knows who is coming.
That is what I have so far, like I said if there is any other news you will be able to post it here or let me know and I can. I am looking forward to seeing all of you. 159 and counting!
1,400 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 1000 of 1400 Newer› Newest»Which means that this is 800!
See you in the morning!
M any
E ntries
L argely
I ncrease
S wiftly
S oaring
A mounts! Well done!
You know you're an Antonini by association when you lose sleep over the blog.
LOL, Louise
Great riddle, Lui! I didn't know the answer but I loved Mike's quick response and Mary-Ellen's added comments. There are stories out there in family land that just need a slight nudge from someone who shared the original experience.
I would have enjoyed Mike's salt 'n vinegar chips and taken a puff of Mary-Ellen's Du Maurier if I, too, had spent money at Chee's.
LOLOL, Louise
Hi, Mary-Ellen, only you could have answered my latest riddle with such style. Grandpa Papa Bob Brockett is as wonderful as the six grandchildren who love him so much.
In fact, if you've ever watched Bob packing up for a day at the beach, searching the house for a lost shoe, checking an injured knee, sharing a sweet treat, or watching a child at play, you might suspect that he retired so that he could spend more time with his grandchildren.
Your own name, "Grandma Papa", shows just how special this grandfather is to Hannah-Lynn, Grace-Anne, Emmanuel, Jacob, Noah and Zachary. With them, we celebrate YOU, Bob!
Marty ...keep watching this blog-spot for another riddle to solve.
Here's one now:
TAKING TIME FROM WORK AND PLAY,
WE HAD IMPORTANT THINGS TO SAY.
Luv, Lucy
Hi, Mom,
Knowing Edward, we are confident that this message will reach you in the Pasqua hospital. We were more than a little frightened when Ed called us here in St. Andrews.
Dad would say that everything happens for a reason. I hope that's true in this case. I do know that you will scrupulously follow whatever advice you receive from the professionals who are presently caring for you. With their help, you may actually begin to feel better than you have been feeling for sometime now. We hope so.
Be good to yourself, Mom! We are praying for your quick recovery, your renewed health and your safe return home.
Lots of love on line,
Louise and David
Good Morning, Holly.
I did not miss the fact that one of your headlines may have referred to part of my own life story. We seldom see in ourselves what others so kindly acknowledge and celebrate. Thank you!
Now, have I got a headline for you!
FAITH ADDS MEANING, INCREASES LOVE, INSPIRES ACTION
Love, Auntie Louise
Louise, are you referring to our sessions as a family when we would get together to say the rosary?
Well, I don't think I would have solved that riddle even if I had been first here. Everyone's going to have to set their alarm now to beat Uncle Lui to the punch!
You might be an Antonini if you set your alarm for 5:00 just so you can be first on the blog. You might be an Antonini BROTHER if you have to set your alarm for 4:30 to give yourself a half hour headstart on typing your message!
You'll have to tell me more about your family rosary since it sounds like such a memorable tradition! Right now we can get only one Hail Mary out of the kids before things start to fall apart, but at least it's a start!
Grandma, on this special feast day Jamie and I will pray for your continued recovery, using the rosary you gave us. We can also bring you the Eucharist to give you some extra strength whenever you need it!
Here is a new headline:
BASEBALL GAME TURNS TO BLOODSHED: 'MORE TO FOLLOW', SAYS VICTIM
Holly, my alarm is set for 5:00 every morning. Unfortunately it's an internal one that can't be shut off, even on weekends!!
Oh, yes, Lui, I am referring to the recitation of the family rosary. For many years this was a daily practice in our home.
In the late 40's and early 50's Family Rosary Crusades were held around the world, using the slogan "The family that prays together, stays together". The rosary was promoted as the ultimate prayer for peace and unity. When the crusade came to Regina, local families made solemn pledges to pray together in this fashion.
Mom and Dad shared their special devotion to Mary with us by making the rosary an integral part of our day. Sometime after supper, they called us all together for about 20 minutes of family prayer. That's about the time it took for us to recite 5 decades of the rosary. I'm not sure when this daily practice ended for us as a group but for Mom, it continues to this day.
The next time you drop by the suite, ask Mom if she'd like to say the rosary with you. She won't turn you down. She'll even provide you with your choice of prayer beads.
It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Mom is sitting up in her hospital bed praying the rosary while I am typing my latest riddle:
LEARNING TOOK US SEPARATE WAYS
BUT NOT TILL AFTER PRIMARY DAYS.
Luv, Lucy
How about the fact that we all went to Sacred Heart School until grade eight and then to the Academy for the girls and Campion for the boys. Later there were other high schools involved.
Hey Lou
Nice work! I think you've got it. I was sitting here trying to figure this one out but I'm just too slow.
When Mary Ellen and Lou are on the watch, all we can do is sit and watch.
Marty
It's funny how the same things can trigger such different memories in people who lived together. I remember Chee's as a very scary place, inhabited by hoods and rough types. Little did I realize that some of those hoods were my own brothers and sisters. I was very much afraid of the 2 sons and once heard one of them laughing to a friend about his father's store being broken into and his father being hurt. (we were all at a bus stop at the time).I only went to the store if I absolutely had to.
I also remember the rosary crusade but only because I was so sick at the time and was unable to go. I started out in the morning but had to be taken home before it got started. I also remember saying the rosary as a family at both 1525 and 1140, but couldn't say when we quit. And did you know that many cultures use beads as a way of praying, and have done so for thousands of years?
Lui,
That internal alarm clock can be a real pain in the ankle, can't it?
Ed,
At least you took a stab at 'kingly papa'. I've been working on it for days and haven't even come up with a weak guess. I'm waiting for Vic to tell you whether yours is correct.
Love, BJ
Confused.....
I was crying the blues this morning 'cause I haven't figured out one of Louise's riddles.
Karen heard me whining and she said... Hey Marty, I have a riddle just for YOU....If you ever go to Paris, you should stay at the Hilton.
...am i missin' somethin'?
Holy Corn Marty I think I solved your riddle!!!
You are talking about Paris Hilton who has been whining and crying lately and is a little confused, right!!!
Holly,
Are you referring to the TIMES your Dad's nose was broken by a baseball? More than once; more than twice. Poor Ed and he wasn't even playing the game!!!
ME # 815
Didn't I tell you guys about Mary Ellen and LOU?...Huh?...Didn't I?... Didn't I?....
You two are way fast.
Call ya later Lou.
Marty
Marty, I forgot to include she has also been missing something lately.
Hey Lou
You don;t miss a thing do you.
I GOT IT!!!!!
If you can't beat'em, join'em.
OKay, here's a good one...
SHE SCREAMED AND SCREAMED
UP THE ROAD LIKE A FOOL.
AND THOUGH IT MAY HAVE BEEN PAINFUL
HE REMAINED RATHER COOL.
MARTUMS
You're correct again, Lui!
Mom and Dad's fourteen children all went to Sacred Heart Elementary School in Regina. Our presence there spanned four decades from the Forties to the Seventies! Betty-Jo led the way and Rob was last to complete Grade 8 - probably in the same, top floor, corner classroom. Right next to the Principal's office!
Some of us made our way to school from 1200 Angus. Others walked the eight blocks from 1525 Retallack. Several made the quick trip from 1140 Garnet. Though the family moved three times, we remained in Sacred Heart Parish and not one of us ever had to change schools in those primary years. Remarkable, eh?
Marty ...keep watching this spot. I knew someone in this family would even be able to solve Karen's riddle for you. As Ed would say, "Good eye, Lou" ...Very good eye, Lou!
BJ, ...you can sure run with the memories once they are stirred. I love those details that come from "being there" and "living the moment".
M-E ...the tough ones don't even phase you. And somehow you are able to provide the emotion that goes with the event. Ouch...poor Ed.
I wonder if anyone remembers this:
DAD WOULD HARDLY WANT IT SAID
HE MADE A BIRD STAND ON ITS HEAD.
LOLOL, Lucy
I think I've got it Marty,
Christine screamed while Ed calmly walked home with a fish hook in the back of his leg.
Lucy
Louise I think I have it. It was at 1525 Retallack and we had a budgie bird I think it was. Well, one day Dad was spraying something in the house and forgot about the bird. If I'm not misstaken, we buried it in a wooden match box in the back yard. I was fairly young then but I do remember.
Karen,
Great riddle! That was very quick thinking on your part.
I'm reminded of the conversation that Paul and his Dad were having about their golf games. Dave said his bifocals were affecting the line of his putt; his scores would be better but for the bunkers; the wind was carrying his drives left; his clubs got wet; etc, etc, etc. Paul finally asked him if he wanted some cheese with his wine.
Dave was caught off guard. He is going to be much consoled by Marty's confusion, too. That won't be until he gets home from his afternoon round of golf, though.
LOL, Lucy
Wow, Lui, you are quick!
Poor Bluebell. Our budgie died more quickly than the mosquitoes and flies after Dad sprayed the front room that summer day. One of the kids said, "Oh look, Bluebell's standing on her head!" In fact, her feet still clung to the perch when her head came to rest on the bottom of her cage.
And yes, we did tuck Bluebell into a large matchbox and we buried her in the back yard. We had quite a funeral service and procession.
Dare I try another riddle?
WHEN THIS SISTER DEAR ARRIVED
TWO SMALL KIDS WERE SLEEP DEPRIVED.
Lucy...riddling on..
marty and lucy - i remember that day, i thought the fish hook was in christines leg. and does any one remember how fast dad used to say the first part of the our father and hail mary, i think we were down to 15 minutes to say the rosary in the later years luce
and holly, the reason your dad kept gettin his nose broken was he had no fear, one time he could'nt reach a line drive with his ball glove so he caught it with his bare hand, and made a double play. ed, i can't remember did that ball break your hand that day?, like i said no fear, and i'm pretty sure he learned it from lui and tony, all three of em were comacausies.
and speakin of baseball, i have a riddle
I SWUNG THE BAT, AND SHE WOULD STAND, BEHIND THE PLATE, WITH BLOOD IN HAND
p.s. dos'nt anyone feel sorry for paris hilton?
luv mike
You guys are amazing
Yes Loiuse, I was there, and I can still see Chris running and screaming with Ed behind her walking up with the biggest fish I have ever seen. It was still kicking too (though not very much).
Hey Luce... will you please enter a riddle sometime tonight while LaLa and Lou are sleeping?
Love,
Marty
P.S. You'll have to excuse me but I have tears in my eyes right now, because I just thought of one of the most touching and memorable events in my life:
I was a very young boy, when my sister came home on a cold winter's night. When she came through the front door she was crying and she fell down. I remember vividly how she walked on her ankles because she was so weak. It affected me so profoundly, the image has never left me.
Dad picked her up and took her to her bed. I needed to see her and KNOW that she was okay. She smiled
at me and assured me that she would live.
I found out that she had become so weak because she had given blood that day, had taken the bus and barely made it home with nobody's help. I cried myself to sleep that night as I fell deeply in love with her.
You could be an Antonini... if you know what I am talking about.
Love,
Your little brother,
Marty
Oh my goodness, Marty, now you have made me cry, too.
I remember that day like it just happened. I had no idea that my situation had such a profound effect on you. I have to admit that I was pretty scared myself. I had started to feel faint on the bus ride home but I was determined to keep going. I had given blood several times in the past and nothing like this had ever happened before.
The walk from my stop to the house was just half a block but the intense cold hit me as I crossed 5th Avenue. From there on in, every step was a supreme effort. As soon as Dad picked me up I knew I was going to be okay. From what I can tell, your anxiety began in my moment of relief. I'm sorry!
This is the first time I have heard the story from your perspective. After all is said and done, we were both traumatized that day - you at 10 years of age far more than I at 25. Thanks for loving me so much, little brother.
I luv U 2, Louise
Hey Louise
I'll give this one a shot.
Was that baby, you?
I have no idea but maybe this baby cried a lot and BJ and Vic got no sleep...colic maybe?
I'm probably way off but I have to get one of these riddles.
You know, if I can recall, one of the things that really affected me about that incident was- When dad was trying to understand your slurring, you mentioned that you had asked someone to help you and they thought you were drunk. Instantly, I envisioned that, and it hurt. It really hurt.
Love,
Marty
Now you guys have me crying! I hope my kids love each other as much as you guys do - right now it's hard to imagine when they're fighting over markers or Mia's crying because "Eddie's looking out my window!" in the truck.
As for the fish hook story, we were just laughing about that at brunch today. Dad said Auntie Christine screamed like her hand was being cut off! I know my dad, so it's pretty easy to imagine him walking calmly back to the cabin with a fish hook hanging out of his leg!
And yes, Auntie Mary Ellen, I was referring to the TIMES my Dad had his nose broken, but also to his constant retelling of the story! When it comes up Heather I and always wait for the "three times in six weeks!" part! This blog has been great because I get to hear so many new stories that I haven't heard before, but I must say, Heather and I get as much enjoyment out of hearing the same old stories told with typical Antonini enthusiasm - they never ever get old!
Here's a new headline:
ROUGHRIDER RESCUES ABANDONED CHILD
Well Marty, I'll give you this much. I was the SISTER who arrived but this arrival happened several years after I was born.
Confused yet?
Mike ...sounds like you hit someone in the face with a bat...now, the question is ...who was standing behind you that day?
Holly ...and which child was left behind this time?
Lucy, riddled with wonder until tomorrow morning. Good night.
Wow - just got back from camping with the boys....this blog went crazy!! The worst part about it was, that they actually had wireless internet there?? at a campground?? i was just distressed thinking you mean i could have brought my laptop??? (i mean keenan and mine's laptop...)
Sonia
Somebody should really write a book.
Hmmmm... probably be a best seller just from the family sales.
That Fish hook story put me in mind of my own kids. We were camping at Lac Phillipe, in the Gatineaus, about 30 minutes from Ottawa.
There was a stream that ran into the lake, which was prime frog capturing territory. Bryen was probably about four. He came running up the hill a bullforg firmly clenched in each little fist.
"Look Daddy, frogs," he proudly exclaimed.
After heaping the obligatory parental approval on him, I noticed something odd.
"What are those black things on your legs, Bryen," I asked.
He looked down and immediately dropped his catch.
"COOL! LEACHES!"
That kid had no fear.
I want to know if anyone can tell me what I am talking about in the story that follows:
We were out at the lake for a weekend vacation and we had just finished Rob's song. Kim MacDougall had called and said he was going to bring fish and chips from Butler's and we hoped he would be coming soon. We heard someone outside and with each footstep we heard, our mouths began to water. Unfortunately it wasn't Kim but the next door neighbour who said 'Hey Len, I hope you don't mind but an old lover of mine and I are down by your fire pit in the back yard.' Len replied with the same old face he uses when telling jokes, 'that's ok, I understand these emotions but when our fish and chips arrive you guys will have to slide on over and make room for the rest of us because we're coming back there to sing some songs by the campfire.'
What happened? There was an explosion on the blog while I was
gone. It's taken me all day to catch up.
A week's gone by since my latest blog note.
The entries are worthy of this praise - bon mot!
There's Big Lui's tribute to bro Marty's talent.
Thom @bigdog, our scribe's comments, most salient.
Mary-Ellen's there as our go-to to feel good.
Done in that inimitable way only she could.
Betty-Jo's wit shows in her repartee.
Holly touches our hearts talking 'bout three Luis.
Tone keeps us laughing whenever he's on.
He knows all too well we are easy to con.
Sonia, we say you take after him
With comments re kids, jackjack and kin.
By the way, we're impressed with your raquetball win!
Therese, she's the girl with compliments supreme.
Rob welcomes newbies to our blogging team.
Eddie charms with talk of his Papa Ed
And promises us drawings of monsters, most dread.
Lucy, our Lucy, LOVE shines in your verse
Filled with memories of high jinks, nostalgia and mirth.
Marcia visits to catch up and cheer us
Her humor and goodwill? - an absolute clear PLUS!
Ed's our blogmaster, both funny and clever.
His love for us all shows in every endeavor.
Marty's there, then he's gone in a hurry
To rub elbows with Swayze, Nielson and Curry.
Lui's amazing, his humor intact
He's an ace in our lives, now that's a fact.
Melissa's stats are the kind that don't lie.
Mike keeps us posted on days to go by
'Til we're all together with our little Mother
Of her love and her like, we know there's no other. ILTB, LTA, Vic
Vic - that was great!!
The talent in this family never ceases to amaze me - but the best talent of all is the warmth, humor love and laughter of this insane blog - this is entry #834 already!!!
I think I need to cut my lawn now - I vaguely remember me telling my mom I was doing that today.....or was that last week?
Blog on!
Sonia
You know what I'd really like to see on here (and would be incredibly impressed if someone could actually pull it off) is a list (complete with relationships) of all Mary's kids, grands and great-grands (including spouses/sundry hangers-on).
A family bush, if you're so inclined, but in a blog-friendly format.
There's a challenge for someone.
You might be an Antonini (even if you're a Barker) if you can't name all your first cousins.
I can name all the original 14, might be a bit shaky on order of birth, however.
Here's my shot (at the risk of grave personal embarrassment) at it.
1. BJ
2. Vic
3. Luce
4. Tone (Thank God, finally a boy)
5. Loo
6. MEEEEE
7. Ed
8. Christine
9. Mikey
10. Marcia
11. Len
12. Mar-TAY
13. Therese
and
14. Uncle Robert
Apologies if I've made anyone older than they are, but having just passed the 44 mark myself, my memory ain't what it used to be.
I know BJ and Mary, "How do you think I feel, I have a son/grandson who is 44."
By the way, I see the green and white are going to be here in "The best place on earth" this weekend to kickoff the 2007 CFL season.
All I can say is:
GO RIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a followup to "The best place on earth" comment.
Lorraine and I were just discussing how everything is extreme in B.C. Even that, the provincial slogan.
Where else can you go from a Social Credit to NDP government in one election.
Why doesn't the Conservative Party have a provincial arm? Because they've got the B.C. "Liberals."
I live in a town where if you're not cutting down a tree, you've got yourself chained to it to stop the other guy from cutting it down.
You know what I'm talking about, Marcia, feel free to chime in.
WOW!
I've been gone less than three days, and Christine just asked me if I was STILL catching up on the blog.
Lucy,
That kid with blood in her hand was me! The scar I have is right above my eye, so you can imagine what must have run through Mom's mind when she first saw me.
This is a very vivid memory for me because they didn't freeze the area as it was too close to my eye. It was stitched unfrozen, and hurt way more than the original thrown bat did!
When I got home, my three big brothers had gone to the store and bought me caramels to ease my pain.
This weekend, Chris, Marcia and I got a great visit in, and laughed so hard that our sides hurt over another scar that I have. I won't even try to reproduce Marcia's telling of it - I could never do it justice.
We didn't get around to reviewing the clues for Vic's POW's, but I wondered about Father of the Pride for Royal Papa.
I got a good visit in with Mom after we returned today. She feels like she is being taken care of really well, and when I asked the nurse if she was behaving herself, Mom said, "I am an excellent patient." The nurse agreed wholeheartedly. With her blood sugar registering at a normal level now, her white blood cell count returning to normal, and the fluid draining from her system, both she and the nurse spoke confidently of her eventual return to her own home. For the next couple of days they will monitor her heart in the cardiac surveillance unit, and then assess her on a day to day basis to follow her progress on the diabetes and infection fronts. She told Chris and I that she feels peaceful right now, ate a good portion of her supper, and when I left her, asked me to find the crossword puzzle in the newspaper for her. She is certainly herself!
Therese
Hi Therese
Great news about Mom. Thanks for the info - I was going to phone you tonight to ask how your visit went but you answered all my questions. By the way, way to go on the Kingly Papa - it is, as you guessed, Father of the Pride(Father of the Bride). ILTB, LTA, Vic
Vic,
Is no frills transportation Plain trains and automobiles. from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
BJ
Ok, here's my try:
1. BJ
2. Vic
3. Louise
4. ME
5. Tony
6. Lui
7. Ed
8. Marcia
9. Mike
10. Christine
11. Len
12. Marty
13. Therese
14. Rob
I'm pretty sure 1-8 are right, at #10 I started guessing!
BJ, if that isn't the right answer, it should be!!! That's goood!
Hi B.J.
Checking the blog for old news/ new news and found you have Plain Trains and Automobiles(Planes, Trains and Automobiles)for no frills transportation and The Sod Couple(The Odd Couple)for Lawn laying duo. Way to go Sis! To keep you guessing here's the next two:
Sensible Royalty.
The Best Play On Words.
Ed - I loved you Pacino Royale guess - it not only got a smile but an out and out laugh. ILTB, LTA, Vic
Ok, once again I have to show my blog history ignorance.
Hi Vic (who by the by turned me on to the blog), what the heck is ILTB, LTA?
Hahahahahaha, Holly.
Thank goodness someone else is guessing too. I know my 1,2,3 and 12, 13, 14 are right, it's all those "middle children" who are so confusing.
Thomas,
I guess it is up to me to give you the correct order of Siblings:
BJ
Vic
Lucy
Mary-Ellen
Tony
Lui
Edward
Marcia
Christine
Michael
Marty
Len
Therese and
Rob
I thought I had taught you better.
Mom
Hi Mom,
I'm sure you did teach me better, but I also can't remember how many feet there are in a mile.
It was a long time ago.
Anyway, now I know... until tomorrow.
Vic,
How about Top Pun for Top Gun BJ
Thomas,
5280 feet (1760 yards) in a mile, but then that isn't as important (I am sure you are only thinking in metre and kilometres by now anyway) as the order of siblings. Mom
Vic,
And how about Sane King for Rain King.
BJ
An explanation of the "Uncle Robert" reference.
****Disclaimer: The ages of the people in this story have been changed to protect the guilty.*****
When I was 21 and Rob was 19 (wink, wink, say no more), I was in Regina. Rob took me out drinking with his buddies. I thought it was hilarious (granted, it was rather juvenile) to keep calling him Uncle Robert despite the fact he was younger than I.
He was not amused... but his friends were.
That same summer, I visited great-grandma, who was 92 at the time. It was, and remains to this day, a seminal moment in my life.
Visiting a person, as a young adult, who I only really remembered vaguely for the hard candies and odd smells of the cottage at Regina Beach, was a bit intimidating.
She had seen the previous century change, and could remember it. She told me she read a magazine as a youth that talked about pictures being transmitted through the air from one place to the other, people flying around the skies and man walking on the moon. She threw that magazine in the trash in disgust, then proceeded to see it all come true.
An amazing woman, who I'm sure, if she were still alive would be blogging right along with us.
I carried on to hitchhike out to B.C. When I contacted Vic and Don several weeks later she was gone.
I remember Vic being extremely worried about me having not heard from me. There had been a hitchhiker murdered in Northern B.C. That was 1982. Now that I think about it, it's rather fascinating. For the last two years, I have written extensively about the "Highway of tears," the stretch of the Yellowhead between Prince George and Prince Rupert, where possibly as many as 30 women have gone missing or been killed since the late 70s.
I have to wonder if this job is one of those full-circle kind of experiences.
50+ entries in less than 24 hours this family is NUTS!
I can't keep up any more!
Melissa,
DON'T GIVE UP!
It's only going to get worse.
Hey Thom
I like the way you write. You are quite an artist indeed.
And by the way...don't feel bad about missing a few of the 14. Even your mother missed a couple.
Here's the real order:
BJ
Vic
Louise
ME
Tony
Luigi
Edward
Marcia
Christine
Michael
Leonard
Therese
Martin
Robert
Ciao,
Your youngcle Marty
Hi b@bigdog
Since I am so economical(Hahahaha)
I'm trying to save space on the blog by using ILTB fo I love this blog, LTA for Love to all.
Keep blogging - it's great.
B.J. You got that Top Pun(Top Gun) pretty fast. Here's another:
A very small step.
ILTB,LTA, Vic.
Mar-TAY,
Hahahahahahahaha
Nobody really knows the true order. Guess we'll have to check the hospital records.
damn, i missed a day on the blog, I'll try to catch up.
first of all... 5th Ave Tea Room was Chee's?...jees
Melissa...great job at getting 800!
Are some of you losing sleep over the blog.Tsk,tsk.
When anyone accuses me of being an overly obsessive grandpa I refer to Bob to get a sane ranking.
I missed a crack at the family rosary, I remember kneely slouched over the couch in the living room, and yes I still say it with mom when she asks.
I agree with Marty that if ME and Lou are on we don't have much chance, I just think he forgot to mention Therese and BJ as well.
I'm glad my swing at Kingly Papa gave Vic a laugh at least it wasn't a total miss.
Hey Marty, Deanie used the same riddle as Karen when I was complaining she never brings my meals to the computer table.
We are confirmed Marty, Mary-Ellen got Holly's riddle about my nose. I remember it well, my nose was broken by a baseball hit by one of the upper graders, it made it all the way to the school wall where I was standing minding my own business, the nun thought my shirt must of snagged on one of the bricks because it didn't knock me over. When I finished counting the little stars on the underside of my eyelids I saw a crowd of kids crying and screaming at me, some of them were even fainting.I just thought "what in the world is wrong with those kids?" I looked down to see my shirt full of blood, it didn't bother me of course, if you're a 5 year old Antonini fainting at the sight of blood you're going to be unconscious most of the time.
Oh yeah...the fish hook in the leg. I think my exact words to Chris were "Listen, don't panic but I got a fish hook caught in my le" that's right I didn't even finish the sentence.
Mike...does any one feel sorry for Paris who?
Marty I remember that day Louise came home from giving blood, I kept playing it over in my mind trying to figure out a way I could have been at the end of the block to carry her home myself. damn! It never worked.
Thomas...leaches you say, are you sure your kid wasn't called Calvin and carry a tiger around with him.
Lou...I think the story you're talking about happened ONE AUGUST NIGHT.
Vic...ILYP
I drove by Sonia's the other day from a distance it looked like she had a great sprinkler system, then I realized it was just the grass seeding out.
That blog friendly family bush is a big order Thom, we did something with 65 a while back and I had to use my last two excuses to get off work and one all nighter. I think you gained points with ME and Marcia with your list.
Therese, thanks for Father of the Pride, I can take a break now.
Hey Marty, I repeat, you forgot Therese and BJ.
Holly!!! It looks like you started guessing at #9
Marty...your order of family members is very interesting, but challenging Betty Jo on facts...you're nuts.
Vic...I don't have a clue.
I'm done
Edward #858
Holy Cow,
Talk about getting facts wrong. All the time Mary-Ellen and Mike were talking about 5th Ave Tea Room, I was thinking of that little place on Dewdney between Rae and Retallack. Hello!
And after all the lists of siblings posted, probably no one will be able to get them in the right order again.
Love, BJ
Where's Auntie Louise?! Who has the answer to her last riddle?! Where is the new one?!
Dear BJ
You are right! I must make things right or I could confuse people.
Anyone out there who wants to know the true order of the 14...Of course BJ not only knows them all, but I have never heard anyone recite them faster.
Ed
I would never forget Therese and BJ when it comes to intelligence, wit and quick retort.
Lou
I think I may be onto your clue:
After that August night I visited a house on Fleet Street, sat on the Front Porch, found I needed one more clue, so I went to the Back Porch, tripped over a California Log Roll and was saved by a cool looking Thom cat singing all of his songs.
Marty
Nice try Ed, although it sounds like something that happened One August Night, it has to do with another album entirely. Marty, you seem to be hitting close but I actually wrote the story on my way back from Regent Street not Fleet Street. I used everything from the front porch and everything from the back porch except a California road log, not log roll. Now, if that particular cat you were talking about would go back to my original entry he would probably find everything else I picked up from the porches and used in my story. In fact, if his mother would take another look, she may figure out what the heck I was getting at before he does.
Hi all
I'm doing another update on my POWs
because I'm getting confused(go figure)! Here's the list of the solved ones with the solvee, followed by the ones not solved yet.
B.J.
1.Lawman With a Walking aid - Starsky and Crutch.
2.Soundless Dancing - Silence of the Gams.
3.Scary royalty - Prince Alarming.
4.American Treat - Yankee Doodle Candy.
5.Nerd in Athens - Zorba, the Geek.
6.Lawn Laying Duo - The Sod Couple.
7.No frills transportation - Plain Trains and Automobiles.
8.The Best Play On Words - Top Pun.
Lucy
9. Authentic Englishman - True Brit.
10. Blonde With Liberated Companions - Goldilocks & The Free Bears.
11. Garbage in The Trees - Forrest Dump.
12. Delightful Accomplishment - Happy Feat.
13. Angry Sportsman - The Mad Batter.
Therese
14. Where Gangters' Women Might Dwell - The Valley of the Molls(by email).
15. No Singing Allowed - The Music
Ban.
16. Kingly Papa - Father of the Pride.
Somewhere in Blogland
17. Metropolis of Another Color.
18. This Conveyance is Not Yours.
19. Sensible Royalty.
20. A Very Small Step.
Hope you're having fun! I'm having a ball. ILTB, LTA, Vic
Hey Vic
I have to give this a shot:
A very small step:
The Little Prints
Did I get it? Did I? Did I?
Love,
Marty
Lui,
Your story sounds like something no mother should hear, doesn't need to hear and doesn't want to hear. When my kids start reminiscing I sometimes figure that they are exaggerating to get a reaction, but secretly I fear that they are minimizing it to protect me.
Vic,
Thanks for the update. I have printed it up so I can keep track of the clues AND the solved ones. I had even forgotten which ones I solved. I'll keep trying.
Marty,
I notice no one gets the order of the first sibling wrong. No way I can hide my age!
Lucy,
I know you are in a different time zone, but you are usually on the blog by now. Have you disappeared into the twilight zone? Sign in, please.
love, BJ
Oops, that first sentence should have read "a mother should NOT hear."
BJ
Hey Lou
Have you read what BJ just wrote?
I think she knows more than she's letting us know. Whoa...way deep.
Lucy here,
Sorry folks. I slept in. I had one of those "night brain" sessions that Bob Brockett describes as time "behind enemy lines". I couldn't sleep when I should have been lost in slumberland.
Luckily, I am retired, so when the sun came up and my eyes finally closed, I got the sleep I needed. The advantage may be that I'm on your time now! Yahoo!
Lucy, more lively now
Lucy,
Welcome back. That 'enemy lines' line of Bob Brockett's is one of my all time favorites--and ain't it the truth? We defeat ourselves. Check out Vic's latest POWs and see if you can solve some; they are driving me nuts.
Love, BJ
p.s. Vic,
Is Brown Town for Down Town, the metropolis of another color?
BJ
Thanks, BJ, I'm just looking back over the latest 30 or so entries now. Perhaps I should have stayed up!
I don't know about the rest of you but....right next to my dictionary, thesaurus, atlas and other reference books... I have a five-page spread-sheet entitled: "Descendants of Luigi Silvano Antonini and Mary Clark Wilson" (minus the photos that are currently in the works.) This is a user-friendly, finger-tip reference that answers all your questions regarding family connections. I have used it so often that I'm starting to internalize some of the details. What do you want to know?
LOLOL, Lucy
BJ - I think the place on Dewdney was the Utopia...
There was lots to catch up on since I got back from Vancouver. It was a great time with Therese and Chris and if we laugh that much at the reunion, we'll all go home with broken ribs.
Well, it may have been a bit of hysteria brought on by our Mother's latest adventure.
It so good to have all of you to "talk" to - we are so lucky.
I got to thinking about Mom's little books that she has in the apartment, and how people write a little something when they visit. It's kind of a low tech blog...
Have we solved the riddle about the 'dear sister' who arrived?
Lucy, it was you, but was it when you came home for a visit from the convent - did someone have to give up their bed and sleep together?
Since y'all have the family tree out, why not help me write a verse for everyone who might go to the quarter master's store.
"There was Kahless, Kahless,
Hoping he would pay less...
at the store...."
We can sing it at the reunion, right after 99 bottles of beer on the wall... ha ha, just kidding.
LTA - Marcia
Well, Lui,
After reading your log of June 10 a couple more times, I seem to recognize a lot of lines from songs that Thomas wrote.Do you have his CD? Is that what you were referring to. I have had 3 different women tell me he wrote one of the songs for her. I think they recognize themselves and I don't really know if he wrote it for any of them. (by the way, Lui, you are absolutely AWESOME when it comes to music!!)
Marcia,
I think The Utopia was between Retallack and Cameron. The place I am thinking of was between Rae and Retallack. Maybe Ed or one of the Regina crowd can figure it out.And hey, even if we don't have time to sing them, maybe you could have a blog contest for thinking up 'there was' verses. WHAT AM I SAYING?!!! like we really need another contest!
Love, BJ
Yes, Marcia, you've named the occasion. I can provide the details.
I left for Toronto in July 1961 and returned to Regina for my first visit in August 1964. My train was late getting into Regina. Mom and Dad met me at the station and we still had to drive out to the beach. I was told that Therese (now 4) and Leonard (5) were excitedly waiting up to meet their "Sister sister".
When we got to the cabin Therese and Leonard were nowhere to be seen. We found them sound asleep on the bed in Mom and Dad's back room. I still have a picture of the two of them, stopped in their tracks by exhaustion. I got the impression that they may have jumped into the air awake and landed fast asleep.
I recall my own astonishment at the changes in the baby and toddler I had left behind 3 years before. I didn't know them any more than they knew me! Evidently my memory of that day is more vivid than anyone else's.
Holly ...one riddle down...another to go:
A SPORTING BUSINESS BUILT FOR PLAY
ENGAGED THE FAMILY, IN ITS DAY.
Luv, Lucy
Could that be Regina Racquet Courts North???
I think that is what it was called....I was hardly ever there!
Yes BJ you are correct.
On the weekend I got my old tape (I'm not sure they had CD's in 1991) of Thomas'. The name of the album is Regent Street and rather than Side 1 and Side 2, Thomas referred to them as the front porch and the back porch.
The songs that I included in my story were as follows:
Weekend vacation
Rob's song
Coming soon
Each footstep
Lover of mine
Down by your fire
Same old face
These emotions
Slide on over
That's nine songs and there were ten on the album. The one I didn't use was called 'California road log' which was on the back porch. I indicated that in my second entry after Ed's One August Night guess and Marty's entry that was filled with intentional errors and inuendos to try and spark some interest so you or Thomas would go back for a second look.
I thought it would be fun to see if you or Thomas would spot the names of his songs, which I think are all originals.
In any case, I have my copy of Regent Street and incidentally it is autographed by Thomas!!
Sonia,
How appropriate that you would get the answer to Lucy's latest riddle. And very funny that you were "hardly ever there" hee hee.
Love, BJ
Lui,
I knew the songs were from Regent Street, but couldn't find my copy of it. And you are right, it was a tape. He made 2 tapes, Regent Street and Planet for Sale. His CD is called The Forest for the Trees and he and Kenneth are working on another one. And it was the California log that you mentioned on the second entry that really got me looking at the first one. Well done, you are amazing.
Love, BJ
Hey Luce
I woulda got RRCN. I woulda... I woulda... Darn... just missed it.
That's it!!! All my careers are over. I am now a full time blogger.
I am moving the couch out of the den and into the computer room, where I will sit and watch for riddles for the rest of my June.
HAV GUNN IF
Marty
Yes, Sonia! How fitting it is that our own Canadian Womens' Racquetball Singles Champion should answer this riddle for us! Congratulations!
Regina Racquet Courts North provided employment, recreation, entertainment, exercise and training for several family members over the years. In small and large groups, we gathered there for classes, competitions, Christmas parties, family reunions and other celebrations.
With family backing, support and assistance, Len kept the business going for as long as possible; his leadership was dynamic and agressive. Eventually the facility was sold, but its presence in our family history is far-reaching and permanent.
Lou ...how do you write those cryptic paragraphs that stand on their own, combine lines from songs and have a clever meaning on an altogether different level? As M-E says: DOOM UNREADY GO!
And BJ ...how do you catch on? DOOM UNREADY GO, too!
There's nothing too deep here; it's just another memory. Good luck Marty!
AT THE WHISTLE, SMOKE IN VIEW
CHILDREN RAN TO GREET THE CREW.
Luv, Lucy
THE TRAIN IS COMING!!! THE TRAIN IS COMING!!!
I won, I won!! I actually got a riddle....Deanie - are you going to make me an Easter Basket for winning?
Yippee!!
ahhhhh - i feel as though i have accomplished so much today. It's only 4pm too. Wow. Didn't cut the lawn yesterday - but this makes up for that.
Signed the latest riddle winner.
Funny thing - this should last only for about 5 more minutes as there is an unanswered riddle out in blogland.
See - look at that! Marty snuck an answer in....
you guys are good.
YahOO!!
I got one Whew.....
I can rest.
Hey luce
Thanks for giving me a good one and easy one too.
Thoses were the days.
We would be goofin' off somewhere close to the cottage when someone would hear that faint whistle. Sometimes you could see it across the lake before it hit Little Arm.
We'd all bolt for the tracks and stand on the hill waiting....The rumble, The vibration, the heat, and of course, the horn. It was scary powerful and you would unconsciously back up a bit as it approached. To this day, I think the engineer would know were we and he would slow down a bit for many reasons. We would wave and smile and then as soon as he didnt see us anymore we would pummel the cars with stones. No harm done.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS!
Thanks Louise,
I needed that
Marty
I meant to say:
The engineer would know we were there and I think he would slow down for us.
mart
After missing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I resolved that I would catch up before going to bed Sunday night. Bad decision!!!!
When Carol called me for what I thought was ‘to come to bed’ late in the night, I found out it was not that, but it was to ‘turn the damn alarm clock off’.
She said to me, “You must have fallen out of a stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down”.
Actually, I believe we all fell out of the tree of obsession and hit every branch on the way down.
At the risk of adding more fun to peoples’ already busy schedules, I am about to add my own challenge to the growing list.
This challenge is called MOM, Mary’s Outrageous Memories.
It is an unusual challenge because nobody has to be first, nobody will win but everyone will win. Nobody has to log on before their morning coffee, or set their alarms before Therese and Ed,and nobody has to move their highchair (I mean couch) into the computer room to monitor what's going on.
While it may look restricted to the 14 of us, I have heard Mom’s memories extended beyond these limitations, and invite stories from all venus. But, they must be Mom's recollections of events, accidents, etc etc.
Here are the rules:
Step 1 – Pick an outrageous story that Mom holds dear (that includes all stories, by the way) and that she has related to you about an event in your life.
Step 2 – Relate the story as if Mom were speaking. You don’t have to use her works exactly, but please stick to the facts. Some of you will obviously embellish the story with descriptive writing, and that is not only okay, but is encouraged.
Step 3 – (Optional) – If you think Mom is mistaken or stretching the truth, tell us your version of what happened.
The following may help as it is a manifestation of my expectations:
Step 1:
“I was walking back home from church on Sunday morning and had just finished the Apostle’s Creed, when I turned the corner of the Dewdney Pool building. I looked up and saw smoke rising in the East…………………..” Nah, I don’t think this one lights any fires for me.
“I had dropped my rosary in the living room, and when I went to pick it up, I noticed a small red-headed boy coming up the front walk with blood running down his chin and onto the front of his shirt………………………….” Nah, this one leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
“You had scaled Dresser Mountain by the time you were two years old. You had mastered the progressive drawer opening technique that is usually more commonly seen in five or six year olds. I had just finished the fourth decade…………… “ Nah, this one gives me a headache.
AHA!!!!
Step 2:
“I had only just made the sign of the cross, when I heard a knock on the front door. I rushed to the door to find a construction-type man in orange coveralls with an ink-stained pocket full of fountain pens, and a name tag that said Ready-Mix. He held the shoulder of a tiny red-headed boy whose freckles stood out like polka dots against his ghostly white face. ‘This your kid?’ he began. Before I could answer, he continued: ‘Well, he was laying in front of my cement truck, and when I told him to get off the street or he might get run over, he told me “that’s okay, I’ve been run over before”
Step 3 (Optional - ideal step for liers and those who wish to exagerate the truth)
Here’s my optional version of what happened:
I had been playing in the snow on the sidewalk with a couple of neighborhood friends (the invisible type). We had been trying to throw a snow ball across Retallack Street and hadn’t had much success. I dug down deep into my little athlete heart and managed to get one over to the other side. During my pursuing celebrations I lost my balance and fell out into the centre of the road. I fell flat on my back. By the time I had regained consciousness, a big truck had turned the corner and a mean man was yelling at me “Get off the street or you might get one over!!” I told him I had already got one over, and he got even madder.
The prizes associated with this challenge are mostly for the 15 of us, and particularly for a woman who may not be a world traveler, a corporate executive, or an independent business woman, but who excells in the undaunted pursuit of her own annunciation as a teacher, doctor, advisor, counselor and countless other professions, as our mother. Love, admiration and respect are only three of the emotions that grow for this woman who knows and lives the real purpose of life.
I have something in both eyes, and it looks like I am veiwing the monitor through an aquarium.
T-bone
By the way:
I just came from the hospital, and Mike and Chris and I had a blast. I have not seen mom 'in the zone' for quite some time. She is feeling goooooooooood. Although the sun was shining on the way home, I thought it was raining cats and dogs.
One more comment:
You might be an Antonini if you have ever driven 60 miles and 5 hours to find a kite.
Tone
T-Bone,
You have got to be kidding! Who can possibly top the story you just told. If I can stop laughing long enough to send you my story will you do one for me.
Love, BJ
Right on, Marty!
You sure captured our excitement at seeing the train in the distance, hearing its whistle and feeling its force as it wound its way towards us.
Nine times out of ten, we didn't have any shoes on our feet. We'd bolt out of the cottage, hit the road running and gingerly try to miss the stones underfoot. All that mattered was being as close as possible to that train as it went by. We'd wave at the engineer, count the box cars and then watch the caboose disappear around the next bend. The passing of that Regina Beach train was a highlight of a summer's day.
Tony ...now my monitor is all blurry, too. Thanks for your side-splitting stories, your tribute to Mom and for your latest news about her in the hospital.
It's coming up to midnight here in St. Andrews. I'm heading off to bed now. I'm going to leave you with this riddle, just for the fun of it:
OUR ROOTS ARE PLANTED IN A BAY
AND WHERE A MOOSE MIGHT LIKE TO PLAY.
See you tomorrow! Lucy
Hi Louise,
I'm thinking you are referring to North Bay, Ontario. I believe this is where dad was born. The motto of North Bay is "Just North Enough to be Perfect.
Ed # 891
Hey tone
Wow!! You are amazing!!
Hey Sonja
Are you really that good at racquetball?
Hey Luce
I forgot about dodgin' the stones underfoot. Cooool.
Sounds like the next clue has to do with the mom and her birthplace, Moose Jaw. It is nice to hear she is doing well. I was thinking of going to visit her tomorrow. I'll check some flights.
LYA
Marty
I'm wondering...perfect for what?
T-Bone...great version of your story, I tend to believe you, after all how good can a cement truck driver's hearing be.
I may have to get Keenan over my tears of laughter have shorted out my keyboard.
T-Bone's brother. He's always been my hero. #892
Whoa!!
Marty punched one in on me but I think together we did better than we did on our own.
Marty's brother, I always figured we made a good team.
#894
dad - that was awesome....you rule.
can you cut my lawn? i keep telling mom that i cut it - she is going to catch on....
my mower won't start. no wait - that is last year's excuse. my mower is too powerful!!! the neighbours all come out and watch me mow my lawn with envy, wishing they had such a great mower.......it is so embarassing.
i know - i am making a vow right now - i can't blog again until i cut my lawn. ah.....bribery is awesome.
oh, no. jordon has soccer in 20 minutes. bloggin is taking over my children's activities now.
gotta go. soccer, mow lawn. no wait. soccer, slurpee, then mow lawn, then blog more.
running out the door, jordon can get dressed in the van.
Melissa,
Where are you. If you wait till bedtime you might be too late for #900.
BJ
Wow, Ed and Marty,
Is that the first joint effort on one of Lucy's riddles? You're right-- you are better together.
Love, BJ
898
Melissa
899 melissa
900!!!!
Melissa
Hey Melissa
You go girl
Hey Eddie
Whoa. Now that's just scary.
You gonna be around this week?
Can I borrow your computer?
If my 7 sisters ever started a band they would have to be called:
"THE SUPREMES"
SYIR
Marty
I can't believe I totally missed Lui's entry.
I'm not sure why, must be too much blogging going on, or I could have been just looking at that same old face again.
I'm gratified people remember that old country thing, but I'd rather be moving on to the new.
Anyway, better take off, I hear Lorraine. I think she's leaving now for Cuba, but I know she'll be coming home real soon. If I know me, I'll be missing her even for the brief time she's gone because she makes me feel like I can see the forest for the trees when she's around.
Thanks
Uncle Marty!
He called me at 6:15pm and left a message my machine saying the blog on 895, try and get the 900 spot.
at 8:30pm I checked the messages and I laughed as a walked down the hall to go on line and see 898 and I then laughed again and wrote too 900!
Mike I think your guess of 1000 will be off and even mine using Thom's math of 1413 will also be wrong does anyone else wanna guess the " # of Jelly Beans" ???
Al came in the computer room looking for me quite often i will say be back in a minute and an hour later I come back and we got talking about the blog and I'm trying to bring him up to speed while still writing my entry. so I will close this and talk to you all later.
900+ this is now beyond out of control if that possible
Hey Luce, nice sister story.
Have you, or anyone else for that matter, ever read Nuns Don't Cry?
It's a charming little memoirs by a former nun published by a tiny press somewhere on Vancouver Island Aydy Press.
If you check it out you'll note they've used quotes from a review I wrote on the cover and their Web site.
Highly recommended.
Sorry, author is Geraldine Graber. Fascinating woman.
this is really annoying, my web links aren't working
trying again: Aydy Press
That's better. This site is really finicky.
Even I remember the train at Regina Beach, despite the fact we left Saskatchewan in 1969. Sometimes I think I have more memories from zero to six than I do from seven to 44.
Hey Thomas, nice rebuttal with the songs from your second album 'The forest for the Trees'. I recognized 'I'd Rather Be' which, if I'm not mistaken, once put you in the company of Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Rush and Arlo Guthrie among others. It was on CJLY in Nelson BC 93.5 around the turn of the century and the show ended with a 22 minute updated version of Alice's Restaurant. I'm not sure you even know you were on that particular show.
I must say, 'Hey folks, that's my nephew'.
Here's to ya!!!
Dum de dum de dum... looks like the Pacific time zone is sorely under-represented.
Wish I had a Grandma story.
I do have a headline. I've been hesitating to post it, but it had a profound effect on me. I even wrote a short story about it.
Better go get a tissue before you read on.
LITTLE HEARTS FALL AS BIG HEART BREAKS
I'd answer that Thom but I have something in both my eyes.
Thom's uncle...the kid can write!!!
#910
Thomas Barker
You are amazing
I am so happy to get this riddle.
Many have probably got this one and they may beat me to it but I will take my time reguardless.
My hero was on his way to Bible Class and he decided to take a short cut. He was equipped with numerous hearts so when he got to where he was going he didn't have to even knock to get in.
Eddie
I will never forget when you said to me... I can't feel any weight. I want to feel his weight. I said... Take the corner of the casket that I have been carrying. You did. Afterwards you said: Thanks Marty. THAT was heavy.
Thanks Thomas
Your only uncle younger than you
I saw Colonel Forsyth last night. He knew they had more weapons, where were the Winchesters and Henrys, he had to search them all. He didn't fire first, I swear to almighty God he did not fire first.
#912
Alright you guys, enough with the accolades. It's going to go to my head (as if it's (my head, that is(don't you love nested parenthesis)) not big enough already).
However, if you felt so inclined, you might hook me up with some of your Hollywood buddies. I've got a screenplay in the works right now.
Kind of an Erin Brokowich meets Office Space kind of vehicle.
AH HA!!!
I figured you had ulterior motives.
Tried the ol' con him with the ol' hit him in the soft spot trick eh?
Well, I've got news for you.....it worked.
The fact is, you don't need my help. If you want to, you could be accepting an oscar for the best Screenplay anytime.
Sounds good... I'd like to read your script.
Hey Ed
Is that show coming on again? I need a copy of it for my reel.
What kinda TV you got anyways.
By the way, It did help that those hearts were made by an Angel.
Love
Martin Silvano Antonini
I have it on VHS. If you come to town yer welcome to it.
Ed 915
AH HA!
The old soft shoe slide... I like it. Very slick.
Whew! After catching up on last night's postings, I have to take a break. I have gone from laughter to tears so fast that I don't know what I'm feeling now.
You might be an Antonini if you've ever taken a ride on rollercoaster emotions.
Lucy loves every one of U!
Okay, I'm back now. My giggles and grief are on the long, easy run into the gate.
I'm pleased that my two-part riddle got a two-part answer. Good eyes, Ed and Marty!
Yes, Ed, Dad was born in North Bay, Ontario. I don't know how perfect a place it is but we sure hold one of its native sons in high regard.
And Marty, you picked up on the Moose Jaw reference. This Saskatchewan city, with its underground tunnels and Mafia connections, gave birth to our dear, sweet mother, who wouldn't dream of breaking any law never mind running rum.
This family is living proof that Mom and Dad put down roots in Regina and gave rise to a mighty tree which is, today, magnificent in many ways.
And ...if you think I'm running out of riddles, guess again!
CARES, COOKS, STAGES WITH NO TROUBLE;
PUTS LIFE'S WORRIES IN A BUBBLE!
LOL, Lucy
Post Scripts:
Sonia ...if you'd like an Easter Basket for your riddle prize, I could make you one. ....on second thought, I could hire Deanie to make me an Easter Basket to give to you! ...then again, if Deanie assembles it, I might want to keep it for myself. Oh dear...what to do? what to do?
Tony ...I don't think I've got the gist of your latest challenge. Could you give us another example of a MOM (Mary's Outrageous Memory)? Please be patient with us, T-bone, this may need a few more illustrations from you.
Thom ...Holly was right...you did have a headline for us! It told the whole story with clarity and force. It's a good thing you gave us time to track down a tissue.
Lucy, back-tracking on the blog
Another PS:
Thom, your links from the blog site aren't working for me but I did track down the Aydy Press website. "Nuns Don't Cry" is available from them. They are definitely using the review quote from Interior Press to spark interest. Besides learning about Graber's life, I got to read the first chapter of her book online. Thanks for letting me know about this gem.
Luce
I have just added "tissues" to my shopping list. For some reason, we have run out.
You might be an Antonini if your toilet paper also serves as kleenex.
LOLOL, Lucy
Calling all blogsters
Had to catch up again - you guys are awesome, more than a little nuts, but still awesome!
Marty - I'm finding that Louise is right. This family can beat you at your own game. Your guess of The Little Prints is one of the best I've had on my POWs and very close to my version of A Very Small Step. If you've given up all your other endeavors to concentrate on the blog, we all know we're in for a real treat. Blog on Bro, blog on.
Lui - how to you do that? Your musical knowledge is stunning. By the way, I see a sign on my way out to Martinsville saying Future Home of Adessa. Is the company opening an branch here?
B.J. - Brown Town is not the right color for my Metropolis but keep guessing. Love your quips and wit.
Marcia -glad to see you blogging, girl. Good job on Lucy's riddle re her visit home and the two sleepyheads. We'll all let you start the 99 bottles song! You'll be more popular than you are now, if that's possible.
Melissa - good eye! I don't know how you keep track of us the way you do. Veeeery impressive.
Lucy - your rhymes are magic. We all love them. Blog on sis - you're great!
T-bone - I'm hurt that you would suggest that any of us and especially youself(you're such a straight-shooter) would even think of embellishing a story from our lives.
Blogmaster Ed - you're right, the kid(Thom, my godchild)can write. I've contracted the same eye ailment you have. It happens whenever I'm on this site. Weird, eh?
Thom - Your Uncle Ed and I(along with many others, as you can see) agree on your writing prowess. I loved your headline, although it looked blurry for some reason. Also your comment about missing Lorraine. Ahhh... LOVE!
Sonia - is your lawn cut? IA(absolutely)LTB, LTA, Vic
I can't continue reading, I have to get this one or I'll never hear the end of it.
That's my own sweet life saver...Deanie.
I want to thank Betty Jo for giving me time to answer Louise's latest riddle, and Louise for reminding me of what I live for.
Deanie comes from a family as tight as ours and the love they share is ( damn, my screen is starting to blur) amazing. When I asked her to be my wife her dad shook my hand and said, "I'm really glad it's you Ed" her mom hugged me and never let me go. (Give me a minute please)
(or more)
Talk about being behind enemy lines. I've been there so often they think I'm one of them. There's just this bubble that keeps floating me out.
Whew!
I gotta get another roll of toilet paper.
Vic,
Is the Metropolis of Another Color 'Blue York, Blue York'?
Lucy,
I loved your last riddle (I love them all (your riddles and the answers)(I love Thom's nested parentheses, too)). Deanie came to the hospital with Ed last night. She's as loving to Mom as any of us, and shares her many talents with generosity and grace. She also has a great sense of humour. One night at Mom's she was talking about a kangaroo walking, and just thinking of that picture made me laugh. As if our clan weren't lucky enough to celebrate spectacular siblings, we get to include inspirational in-laws.
Thérèse
Hi Vic,
Yes - I did cut my lawn! I am bloggin once again.
Happy Tuesday!
Therese - did grandma eat all her peas last night? or did she put them in her pocket...? If you need a ride/tour back to work at lunch, just let me know. Tours of Downtown Regina - I could start my own little business. Always lookin for a new venture! (in case everyone thinks i am crazy....i drove therese back to work yesterday, but took the "long cut" instead of the normal route) oh, and i am crazy.
Sonia
....what time is it?....
Melissa, hurry, you don't want to miss 900.....zzzzzzzzz......
Hey Guys
Wow! You guys get a lot done through the night.
ILTB!!!
Heading off to Regina. I will be blogging from there, probably from many sources.
Oh, and I hope to see The MOM too.
Love,
Marty
Vic, ADESA has auctions in 54 different locations including Saskatoon. What you saw was the new location for ADESA Saskatoon. Don't feel bad, lots of people put an extra s in our name.
The name is an acronym that is not used much anymore because ADESA started out as an auction that sold excess cars that dealers had, to other dealers who needed them. It stood for ' Automotive Dealers Exchange Services of America.
As the company developed, more of the vehicles being sold were owned by the manufacturers, financial institutions and fleet companies and the original meaning got shuffled under the rug.
In 2006, the 54 auctions collectively sold 1,750,000 vehicles and Calgary was 26th largest with 24,200 sold. In the first 5 months of 2006 we have sold just over 806,000 vehicles in total with Calgary moving up to 19th spot with 13,100 sold.
Saskatoon normally sits in about 50th spot.
Vic, Here's a guess for sensible royalty. The Know Queen instead of The Snow Queen.
Thèrèse
we welcome you to regina with open arms marty
tony - i'm workin on your latest your latest mom project
this blog is too much!!
mike
Whoa.... you people are a tough act to follow. There is so much good stuff in the 28 or so entries since I last looked that I'm overwhelmed.
Lucy,
Thank goodness you haven't run out of riddles. I was a little worried when I read (way back somewhere) your comment "one down, one to go" I thought maybe you meant there was only one left. Keep em' coming please.
T-bone,
I just love the nicknames that have appeared on this blog. And I agree completely with Lucy that we need a lot more examples of your latest challenge before we will be able to tackle it ourselves!
Ed,
Good thing you got THAT riddle correct, but in answering it did you have to make us cry?
Therese,
Ditto from me on our great in-laws! We really lucked out, didn't we?
Vic,
I loved your latest blog. There's more than one writer in this family. Visit us more often.
Marcia,
Here's a verse for your Quartermaster's store.
There was Thom, Thom,
Bloggin on and on
In the Store.....
I think he is trying to beat my number of entries.
Thomas,
Wow Lui is good. I think he really gotcha on his Alice's Restaurant item.
Sonia,
Thank goodness you mowed that damn lawn!!
Love, BJ
Hey Lou
I didn't know all that about Adesa.
Now I do. By the way, Lou (CPA)miscalculated. He actually has
54,678,237 cars in his lot out there. I know...I counted them.
My flight is later than I thought so I will contemplate Vic's POWs
Right on Therese,
If your Know Queen isn't correct it sure should be. I wish I had said it!
Lui,
What spot does the ottawa Adesa sit in? I know the facility is in Vars, but that is part of Ottawa. There is an auction there today.
BJ
WOW!!!!
BJ
You have to be the fastest gun in the West...uh..East rather.
Yes, Ed, Deanie is the answer to my latest riddle. Your reply is more than I had bargained for, though. ....I hardly know what to say.
Therese's follow-up posting provides a different perspective that gets a unanimous "seconding" from the rest of the family.
I DO want to expand a bit on Deanie's strategy for dealing with the pointless exercise called "worrying". In brief, she consciously gathers up her worries, packs them into a "bubble" and releases them into the air. She pushes them away and does not allow them to have a negative effect on her spirit.
Deanie admits that it's not always as easy as it sounds but at least she tries to take charge of her "worrisome" thoughts rather than letting them overwhelm her. So, Deanie, it is with light, unburdened hearts that dedicate this 936th blog entry to you.
While I go back and blog-surf over today's most recent comments, riddle solvers can ponder this:
FOR US THE VIEW WAS SOMETHING RARE,
THOUGH KINGS AND QUEENS DID NOT LIVE THERE.
I'll be back soon, Lucy
Hi Lucy
Just happened to check the blog and caught your latest riddle. Your reference must be Madam Morency's(sp)castle(was there really such a person and did she ever really live there?) that occupied some of view from the cottage at Regina Beach. It was at times a scary place and as we got older, mysterious and intriguing. I always wanted to see the inside, but never did. IALTB, LTA, Vic
Marcia ...BJ has inspired me to add my own verse to the Quartermaster's Store:
There's Louise, Louise, riddling with ease, in the store......
Vic ...I have just two words for you after all that you wrote: DITTO and THANKS!
Therese ...you are on a roll with Vic's POW's. (I love Blue York, Blue York) ...now we have to wait to see if you are also on Vic's wave length.
Mike ...having read your previous blog entries, I'm confident that your MOM story will fit all of T-Bone's criteria. How's it coming? Should we send a taxi to pick it up?
Sonia ...good job on the lawn! I can say that without even seeing it because any cut is better than no cut at all.
Marty ...happy trails to you! Your arrival in Regina will go a long way to putting Mom back in the saddle again.
Lui ...that ADESA info was interesting stuff for David and me to digest. With fewer than 12,000 people living on North Vancouver Island, a figure like 850,000 cars seems like science fiction.
Lucy, trying to keep up.
How did that happen, Vic? You have already correctly answered my latest riddle. At the risk of over-quoting Mary-Ellen, I say: YEARN DUD GO MOO!
Madam Morency's castle is gone from view now but we won't soon forget that mysterious palace nor its elusive royal owner. Occasionally, a small black-haired lady did come for a brief and private stay; but most of the time the castle was empty.
When we felt really brave, we would explore the cactus-covered grounds and try get a glimpse inside that turreted home. I don't think any of us saw very much of the interior. What we imagined was probably better than reality, anyway.
Shortly after we came up over the Regina Beach hill chanting, "I see the water", we would round the bend on Green Avenue and start in again with, "I see the castle". And I think we still do.
Oh look, another riddle:
REGINA! WHAT WE SANG IS TRUE
AS WE COME STRAYING BACK TO YOU.
Luv, Lucy
Vic,
I'm not sure this is by the rules, but building on Marty's guess is a very small step The Little Prance?
Louise,
Is this the song 'Highways are Happy Ways (When They Lead the Way to Home)?
Thérèse
highways are happy ways, i forgot about that song, does anybody remember the word?
mike
words?
This is how I remember it:
Highways are happy ways,
when they lead the way to home
And highways bring happy days
To the weary hearts that roam
And as we travel along those ribbons of gray,
they all unravel as homeward we stray,
Oh, highways are happy ways
when they lead the way to home.
Any spelling errors are due to something I have in my eye.
Thérèse
That must be some kind of record, Therese. Your correct answer came just 3 minutes after the posting of my latest riddle.
Of course, we had lots of songs from which to choose as we traveled back and forth between Regina and the beach. We would move from one tune to the next with enjoyment and ease. Sometimes a familiar landmark called for a particular song.
Lumsden always triggered "Down in the Valley" and the Regina skyline prompted "Highways are happy ways when they lead the way to home". No matter where HOME is for each of us today, that song and Regina are forever linked in our minds.
Thanks for providing the words, too, Therese. I'm sure more than a few of us are singing along, for old times' sake.
Lucky me! Tonight I get to leave the blog with childhood memories of music and song.
Oh, yes, and another riddle:
SHOWS TO SEE AND TIME TO SPEND
WITH HER DAUGHTER - HER BEST FRIEND!
Lots of love, Louise
Ah Louise I am having more trouble with Tricia's situation each day. I find my heart in my throat quite often and just did again. Marie and Tricia will be in New York until next Sunday and I miss them dearly. I have spoken to them daily and they are having a wonderful time. They have shows and dinners planned and are definately best friends.
Thanks for thinking of them.
Hey Lou
Nice work on getting the riddle. That was a tough one.....
NOT!!!....
There was a man,
now please take note.
There was a man,
Who had a goat.
He loved that goat.
Indeed he did.
He loved that goat,
just like a kid.
One day that goat,
felt frisk and fine.
Tore three red shirts,
from off the line.
The man he took,
him by the back.
and he tied him to,
the railroad track.
And when the train,
came into sight,
that goat grew pale,
and wan with fright.
He made a sign,
as if in pain.
Coughed up those shirts,
and flagged the train.
..and...flagged...the...train.
See ya in Regina tomorrow guys.
Love,
Marty
Hi all
Love all the blogging that is filling these pages and our lives with humor, memories and love. Therese your guesses re A Very Small Step, Metropolis of Another Color and Sensible Royalty are all inspired but don't match my solutions yet. Good work on our highway song.
Lui - thanks for the info re ADESA. I'm not surprised I had it wrong because after trying more than one spelling, none of them looked quite right. I'm glad to hear that mother and daughter are having a wonderful time in New York and know that you can hardly wait until they're back.
B.J. - thanks for the compliment.
Ed - If you didn't know before now how much we love your own sweet life saver, you'll know it now.
Marty - I still once in awhile sing about the man with the foolish but in-the-end smart enough goat for Geron and Logan.
Sonia - way to go girl. Now that the yard work is done, you can blog to your heart's content - just don't forget to go to work, look after kids, run errands etc.etc. As if. IALTB, M(Much)LTA, Vic
Hi Lucy
How do you do that? Come up with those wonderful couplets. I had the same reaction as BJ did when you wrote something about another riddle down and one to go and thought, "oh no - that's sounds like Lucy is finished writing her riddles". I was very happy to see them go on and now every time I see another one has been solved, I await your explanation. Thanks from your second big sister. IALTB, MLTA, Vic
Phew, just got back from a Town council meeting. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians (even small town ones) are able to gloss over a major issue (disapproval by the provincial government to tender first phase of the airport runway extension -- the Town's number 1 priority) and endlessly debate a benign non-issue (where to plant a tree in Veterens Park).
What a way to end an otherwise perfectly crappy day.
Hey, I realize this blog is not intended to be a bitch fest, but I just know that if I relate some of this stuff, my ever-so-loving family will quickly respond with an entire virtual string section of the world's teeniest violins.
I went to work this morning knowing I've got a tough week ahead, shortened by the fact my best man (also my boss) and the entire editorial staff is kidnapping me on Thursday night to go to Prince George for my "groom shower." On top of that, of course, Lorraine and I have to do all the last minute preparation for our wedding, which is now a mere eight days hence.
I figure I'll get all my Web site maintenance done in the morning, then write news stories all afternoon.
Two o-clock rolls around. I'm still not done with the Web site and its time to go get our marriage licence.
While we're down at the B.C. (get this, they call it) "Access" Centre, I notice I haven't changed the address on my driver's licence.
"No problem," the friendly clerk says, "We can fix that in a jiffy."
Except, she notices, my licence has expired. I received no renewal notice. "No problem," she says.
Actually, there is a little bit of a problem. A couple of outstanding tickets that bring the tally to nearly $400, which I, of course, beng a man about to marry don't have.
Thank goodness for profit-sharing. I may be walking until payday (or at least trying to avoid the cops, most of whom I know and all of whom are dying to arrest me for going into flood-restricted areas trying to do my job), but at least I can get it taken care of then.
Not so fast, young (I'm sticking to that) man. No sooner do I get back to the office than the publisher announces our profit-sharing cheque is going to be delayed until the 29th because of a change in the pay cycle that took place at the end of last fiscal, in April.
I finally get the Web stuff done just in time to rush home for 6:30 to help Lorraine's friend move a piano before dashing back out to council. I had also arranged to have one of my co-workers drive into town to help.
Only the friend decides not to show.
At least I didn't have to move the piano, but I could have spent that extra time bashing out a couple of stories for the next edition and Ryan could have saved himself a trip into town if the friend would have had the courtesy to let us know.
Anyway, looking forward to all y'alls laughter and ridicule.
After all, what are families for.
If, however, anyone can find anything in this story that isn't my own damned fault, please let me know, I'm dying to salvage at least a shred of indignance out of it.
So, I'm in the office until 11 p.m. (Pacific time (where are you Luce, playing the old course? (there are those lovely nested parantheses again))).
But the truck shows up with tomorrow's newspaper. Sweet! And it's a good one.
I walk (yeah, that's the ticket) home thinking everyone will be in bed (as much as you love them, sometimes you just need some Thommy Time). They're not.
But eventually do, except the cats, who proceed to tear around the house knocking stuff off the counter and breaking it.
What the... ?
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow...
BTW, BJ, I am neither sugar-coating nor embellishing for your benefit. Just telling it like it is, something for which I've developed quite a substantial fan club in this little mountain town.
Yes, Lui, your own Marie is the answer to my latest riddle. How is it that your blog-timing was so immediate and your response so perfect?
You picked up on the SHOWS that Marie and Tricia are currently attending in New York, the wonderful TIME they are having together, and the BEST FRIEND relationship that has always existed between this mother and daughter. Their unique bond caught the family's attention years ago. It seems that if they hadn't been related, they would still have been best friends.
Luckily, we, too, can have connections with Marie and Tricia while they are in New York. The latest posting on Tricia's Tides mentions that they were on their way to the Tony Awards on Sunday night. They are busy toasting life at every turn.
To us it seems that Marie must be a young-at-heart, understanding and totally accepting person to be able to have so much fun with her adventurous daughter. So, here on the 951st blog posting, we toast you, Marie - cheers to you!
Now, is it really time for another riddle?
GIVING UP A FAVOURITE THING
SERVED TO DRAG TIME OUT TILL SPRING.
Lots of love, Louise
Evolution versus Creationism.
Insomniacs of the world unite. Sitting here Sleepless near Seattle (at least in a global sense) I decided to finally go back and investigate a little blog history, thinking it probably evolved slowly into insanity.
In the first few weeks, sometimes days went by without any posts. Leading up until the end of April it got steady, but still mostly logistics, planning etc.
From there: EXPLOSION
Prophetic moment:
"The blog was a great idea. I will make sure to visit it more often and leave an OCCASIONAL comment." BJ, April 1.
That was from the now (check this for me stats girl) leading (appropriately perhaps, nobody disagrees who the eldest is) blog addict.
Ultimately my conclusion is, despite a sputtering beginning, this blog came fully formed into existence, an act of creation rather than evolution.
That being said, it does continue to evolve.
I'm sure my answer of Lent probably has something to do with the latest riddle but is also probably completely inadequate. I did give up sleeping in on Sunday mornings, but that seems to have lasted long past Lent.
Luce, here, Thom ...just back from a round on the Old Course ...NOT!
(Last Thursday afternoon, Dave scored a 90 on those famous links; he's going to try to do even better tomorrow.(Are you jealous enough to make an airline booking yet?).) By the way, how DO you punctuate with nested parentheses?
You're not going to be happy with our response to your "perfectly crappy day". Dave read about it first and said, "Oh, this is good!" Then I sat down and laughed my way through your day's events without reserve. I'm afraid the two of us agreed that a reporter like you should have more of those days to put into print.
I have to admit that for one blog moment I wished my name were Thom so that I could use the expression "Thommy time". I wondered what would go with Luce, Lucy or Louise to signal that I, too, should probably be left alone to regroup. Then I thought, "Oh heck, 'Thommy time' already says it all". I won't be the least bit surprised if this becomes another favourite family expression.
From one extreme time zone dweller to another, don't stop blogging when you get no prompt response. Eventually someone will make a connection that will knock your socks off.
LOLOL, Luce
Oh, yes, Thom, your answer to the latest riddle says it all - LENT, the only four-letter word that Catholic children are actually encouraged to use.
I must say that most of us entered the Lenten season with innocent enthusiasm and good intentions. From Ash Wednesday to the first Sunday of Lent was easy. Sundays didn't count, so we got to relax and enjoy whatever our lenten observance was denying us on the other days of the week.
The second week was tough. Having enjoyed a sampling of forbidden food or fun, we seemed to hanker all the more for what we were missing. And so the cycle went until Easter morning dawned. Then self-denial disappeared as quickly as you can say "chocolate bunny".
I've often thought that if I could have done something good that "added to" my lenten days instead of "taking away" from them, that long stretch of time might not have been such a tough go.
We are going out for lunch now. When I return, I'll look for an answer to this:
TOP HAT, LONG CAPE, SWORD AND TAILS -
FINEST IN THIS GROUP OF MALES!
Lucy, lunching away from the blog
Louise, you must be referring to Dad in is Knights of Columbus regalia. We were all amazed at how that top hat never lost its spring from us popping it up and down.
BJ,
It's funny you asked about ADESA Ottawa. The GM there is Joanne Marzsin and she came up through the financial side like I did. She was the Controller in Ottawa when I was the Controller in Calgary although I advanced to the General Manager position a couple years before she did.
ADESA Ottawa and ADESA Calgary have a special connection in that we have a friendly rivalry on an annual basis because our sales are so close. In fact last year Ottawa ended up in 25th spot with 24,316 and we were in 26th with 24,215. As loser I was required to fly the GM and Ops Mngr out from Ottawa for one of our sales and I was to wear an Ottawa Senators jersey for the day. Fortunately, we couldn't find an appropriate date and we settled on some ADESA Calgary promotional items (Golf bags, shirts, coffee mugs etc) for the staff of ADESA Ottawa which saved me the embarrassment that their bragging rights would have caused me.
This year to the end of June we are up 25% in the first 5 months having sold 13,107 compared to 10,465 last year and we have moved up to 19th spot from 26th.
Of course, Ottawa won't say die and have sold 12,407 compared to 9,810 last year and have moved to 21st. BUT WE ARE AHEAD!
Needless to say, we are two of the fastest growing auctions in the company. And the race is on!.
In any case, both Joanne and her Ops Manager, Tim Willette are very close friends and if you were to drop in at the auction, ask for Joanne or Tim and tell them who you are, you would be greeted like family. Enough said.
I agree with Auntie Vic: IALTB! Actually, at first I wrote that I agreed with my ANUTIE Vic - I might have to start calling you Anutie Lucy, Auntie Louise! Here is a new contest for those people who had or still have the name Antonini - what's the worst spelling/mispronunciation you've ever come across? Well, actually, the contest has already been won by MY MOM: I don't think anyone can beat "Geralbline Avodontine".
Anyways, I think this blog should be made into a book:
"When Ed created a blog site to organize the upcoming family reunion with his 13 siblings, he had no idea what they all had in store! Through tears and laughter, the family journeys together toward a reunion that began months ago. With the help of sister Lucy, whose riddles lead the blog members onto lost paths of family history, they create a virtual reunion that lasts far longer than the August weekend they each anticipate."
Advance reviews for "The Reunion":
"A wonderful book! It makes you want to have 13 siblings!"
"I laughed, I cried.... You know you're an Antonini if...you love this book!"
If only we had a writer in our family!!! Thomas, you could make a fortune, as Anutie [sic] Vic says, family sales alone would put it on the best sellers list! It would be the next "With Love, Uncle Ambrogio".
PS: I think we will start using the expression "Thommy Time" around here as well, though it's pretty hard to come by!
Holly,
It's funny you mentioned a book, because one night when I was talking to your Dad, I said we should write a science fiction/fantasy one entitled 'Lost in the Blog'.
It's about poor unwitting souls who wander unprepared into a world of the unknown, struggle with usernames and passwords, and must solve diabolical puzzles to survive. Their families stand by helplessly as their loved ones are drawn into an irresistable vortex and can only wait patiently for them to come out the other side.
I definitely cannot beat the spelling of your Mom's name, but one fellow I was working with once covered key letters in my name plate and the title on my cubicle read ' HERES A NINI'.
I have a Mom story, and although it doesn't follow Tony's formula, you might find it amusing.
Yesterday when I was visiting her in the hospital, the nurse came in to test her blood. She and Mom were teasing each other back and forth and when she said that she had to keep on testing her, Mom replied 'I'm not pregnant, you know.'
The nurse then proceeded to give Mom her meds, explaining, 'This one's for your blood sugar, this one's to regulate your heart rate, this one's for your infection.' Mom in her quick-witted fashion then said,'This one's to make me younger'. To which the clever nurse replied, 'It looks like you've already taken that one.' The nurses have been so good to Mom, and say she is their favourite patient - who can blame them?
Anutie Thérèse
Hi Holly and Therese
Just had to blog that I love each of your last entries. There is something in them for everyone. Have to head out to Martensville to pick Geron and Logan up for our weekly lunch date. Be back to blog some more later. IALTB, MLTA, Auntie Vic in the first case, second big sister in the next.
Holly,
Well, that's one contest that's over before it begins. It would be pretty difficult to beat either 'Geralbline Avodontine' or 'HERES A NINI'
Thomas,
I may have been the leading blog hog at one time, but I am sure I lost that status quite a while ago. Not that anybody would be willing to wade through this swamp to bother counting. Even Melissa has given up on trying to keep track. Too bad about your licence. Hope today is a better one for you.
Vic,
I haven't quit working on your POWs. I am trying to look at them from a different angle. Keep the faith, eventually one of us will guess them.
Thanks for the Adesa info Lui. If I am ever out that way I will definitely drop in and say hello.
Lucy,
Your rhymes are fantastic. I hope you never run out.
Therese,
Thanks for the update on Mom. It sounds like she hasn't lost her sense of humor.
Love, BJ
Yes again, Lui,
Didn't Dad look magnificent when he put on his formal suit, draped the satin-lined cape over his broad shoulders, slid the sword into its sheath and donned his top hat as a Knight of Columbus? I can still picture him standing at the foot of the the stairs in our home on Garnet Street. He was definitely larger than life in his regalia.
In truth, we played with Dad's top hat more often than he wore it; but it never lost its spring. We brandished his sword more often than he hung it at his side; but it remained shiny. We turned his red-lined cape inside out to become superheroes; but it still swung in even folds whenever he stood on guard as a Knight of Columbus.
Members of the Order of the Knights of Columbus are dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Dad always lived by those principles himself and he must have been a valued member of this Catholic brotherhood.
Who knows where the hat, tails, cape and sword are today? Does it really matter?
This seems like as good a time as any for another riddle:
NEATEST MOTHER...ALERT WIFE...
HOME AND GARDENS FILL HER LIFE.
Luv, Lucy
Is this Auntie Carol?
Great riddle, Louise, but I'll leave it for someone more appropriate to solve.
Vic,
I could use another clue. Are the remaining POW's all movie names?
Thérèse
I guessed her, because I know she's neat (I've heard a story about her raking my little footprints out of her shag carpeting (yes, I'm dating myself (and using nested parentheses!))when we were visiting one evening) and I know she's alert (I've heard stories of Uncle Tony finishing the food off his plate while she was carrying it to the sink) and I know home and gardens fill her life (I've heard stories of her harassing her daughter until she cut her lawn). I hope I'm right - if not, it should be an alternate solution!
Now if only I could somehow borrow some of her energy and will, I might actually be able to get something done around here! Definitely a wife and mother to look up to!
Post Scripts:
Holly ...even if "The Reunion" is never published, your promo and reviews make us all feel like winners. What author would be foolish enough to tackle a saga of this magnitude? For him or her, Thommy time would be absolutely out of the question.
Therese ...the plot of your science fiction book is not fantastic enough. In fact, it is closer to reality than many of us would like to admit.
Mom ...you're becoming so popular in the hospital that they may not want discharge you. You are also adding stories to the family blog with your most recent antics. Keep them coming!
LOL, A(Luce)nutie!
Ah yes, Carol is neat, but the alert wife part? That's because of her care (and feeding) of our dear brother Tony. There are more than a few times when Carol's alertness kept him with us!
I know where Dad's cape is - I've had it for years.
There is always so much to comment on when sending these messages.
More later,
Marcia
PS: Can't beat Deannie's spelling example, but Dennis and I used to call our kids
"Pin-a-nini's".
Hey Tony, do you remeber Chuck ?? (The moth). He used to call me Louchual Agostini. However, I think it may have been on purpose.
I also remember someone explaining to someone else how to pronounce Tony's name. They said just remember 'toe knee and toe knee knee '
I am just home from the hospital. Mom was tired and had been dozing off so I encouraged her to go to sleep until supper so she would be rested for her visitors tonight. No, I did not tell her that I was going to rush home and try to get caught up on the blog. Can you imagine, taking the afternoon off to visit your mother in the hospital and ending up on the blog?
I also ran into a guy in the corridor who looked like my brother Marty who threatened me that he might be taking up my challenge, and he had that look in his eye.
I have some more training materials for BJ and Lucy, but I am inclined to wait and see. Perhaps after supper. I have an old GOLLY story - Grampa's Outrageous Likable Lies about You.
I told Sonia this story (and may have related it to some of you as well. Sorry but it illustrates my challenge).
Here’s Grampa T’s story:
“Jacob and I were playing nine-ball when I noticed him watching me intently. I turned to him. ‘What!’, I commented.
‘I sure like your cue, Grampa! I wish I had one like it.’
‘Well, I’ll tell you what Jacob. I’ve had this cue a long time and I’m going to will it to you.”
‘What does that mean Grampa?”
‘It means when I die this cue will be yours Jacob’
‘Oh Grampa, I don’t want you to die!!!!!!!!!!!!!’
Jacob thought this over for a minute or two, had another close look at my cue, and said, ‘Grampa…..Do you think it would be okay if I picked it up on my way home from the funeral?”
Sonia’s version might be:
Jacob and Dad were playing nine ball and Jacob was watching him intently. When Jacob asked Dad if he could use his pool cue, Dad said, “Of course you can……… after I finish my run!!!”
Getting the idea?
T-Bone
Yes, Holly, as your dad would say, "good eye"! I know that your Auntie Carol will enjoy your witty explanation of how you recognised her in this latest riddle. We all know that a sense of humour runs in Carol and Tony's family.
When I chose the word NEATEST to describe Carol, I knew her tidy house would leap into everyone's mind. How could it be otherwise? In Carol's case, NEAT also means clever and fun-to-be-with. Her orderly house is a lively family home.
Holly, you picked up on the watchful part of the word ALERT. Not a detail escapes Carol's attention. That same vigilance has given Carol the perception she has needed to protect and love Tony over the years. Marcia got that right, for sure.
Yes, Carol is definitely a wife and mother to look up to. So...this 971st posting is for you, Carol, with our love and thanks.
It's already after midnight and I can hear Dave snoring. It really is time for me to call it a day.
Good night and happy solving:
BAKING GOES BACK GENERATIONS.
AYE...AND WEE CAKE DECORATIONS.
Lots of love, Louise
Lucy,
Grandpa Wilson (Mom's father) was a baker as was her brother Jim. When Mom was young she used to help Grandpa decorate the wedding cakes. She claims that his were more delicate and decorative than anyone else's. He also made the most wonderful Eccles cakes (my favorite.
Tony,
Your challenge is becoming a little bit clearer. I should be able to answer it after a few more examples.
love, BJ
lou i love your toe knee and toe knee knee
my grade eight teacher called me mike
antonininininini
okay t-bone heres my stab at your contest
MOM SAID:
michael remember when you used to pester dad about him buying you a car in high school? he said if you'd get your marks up, clean your room, help around the house and get your hair cut he'd buy you a car.
i remember you did'nt get your marks up, you did'nt clean your room, you did'nt help around the house and you never got a hair cut.
did you really expect dad to buy you a car?
now here's what really happened
i did get my marks up (1% i think)
i did clean my room (once or twice i think)
i could'nt help around the house(because i had seven sisters and there was a maid)
but i could'nt get my hair cut, and i kept explaining to dad the reasons why, like, everyone has long hair dad, if i got it cut i'd lose all my friend, or, i told him there were only 3 guys in the whole high school that had short hair - ruben rodriques, he was from mexico and hamilton berger (we called him hamberger), his dad was in the military, and dominico sisliano, he went bald at age 15. but then i figured out, the best way to get to dad, to get my new car, with out getting my haircut, was to tell him.
i got my marks up, i cleaned my room, i helped around the house, but i should'nt have to get my hair cut, because jesus had long hair. and without hesitation dad responded
YEAH, AND HE WALKED EVERYWHERE HE WENT!!!
i never did get that car
taxi!!!!
BJ:
Okay, I may not be that gullible, but I do enjoy a good story. Unlike a GOLLY, a MOM must be based on a true story:
"Dad and I were driving east on 14th Avenue when I noticed a great deal of activity in a window of the General Hospital, later to be identified as that of the room to which two little freckle-faced, red-headed boys had been confined. I stopped in the middle of a Hail Mary when I saw a red head bouncing up and down on what looked like a trampoline, but what was in fact a hospital bed.
Our prayers had been answered! You and Joe, who had been deathly ill with scarlet fever only 24 hours or so earlier, were now raising havoc with the nurses and orderlies. You were not only using the bed as a trampoline, but we later discovered that you had used the shoe box that we had delivered your new slippers in, as a toilet. And, you had hidden it in the closet for some unknown reason. Not a pretty sight; or smell!”
My version:
What can I say!
Mike and Marty: Wherefore art thou?
Tone
Okay Mike, I'm not surprised you snuck one in.
T Bone
Lou and BJ:
Since you left a story unfinish I feel obligated to present the 'rest of the story':
"He had been seriously injured in an accident two years earlier, but he could still outrun and out jump the two red-headed pirates and the one who was known as 'little'. He knew that if he could reach the buried treasure without being seen he would have time to scrape away the surface dirt, grab the booty and escape to his own land across the gorge known as the 'alley'.
He inched forward under the cover of the caraganas hoping that the tinder-dry pods would not snap and expose him to the wrath of the solemn group not more than twenty feet away.
His plan went off without a hitch. He was in and out and nobody saw the little thief grab the treasure chest and disappear."
You’ve heard my little tale of intrigue, in a minute you’ll hear the rest of the story.
T Bone
And now for the rest of the story:
"Earlier that day Mickey watched carefully as the procession moved quietly from the big three story house with the small red-headed girl carrying a treasure chest, and two other girls and his three buddies trailing behind, and an invisible girl bringing up the rear. He wanted that treasure. He would wait until they buried it in the corner under the caraganas, and come back for it later.
The treasure was in a box with the name of a future Antonini baby on it and that mysterious fact worried him a bit. But the show must go on.
Later when Mickey inspected his trophy, he realized there was nothing in the box but a dead creature and he ran home in rage, on his three and one-half legs angered by his own stupidity."
Tone
Hi again everybody.
Jacob has a GOLLY, now Jordon needs one too:
Jordon had been taking swimming lessons for about a month when he came over one day quite proud of the progress he had been making.
I asked him, "How far can you swim without stopping for a rest?"
"I don't know how far Grampa." He replied.
"Well, Can you swim from the house across the street to my house?" (a distance of about 30 yards) I asked.
"No." was his reply.
"How about from the tree in my front yard to the front door?"
Slightly irritated, he said, "No!"
I pressed on, "How about from the window to the chair where I am sitting?"
Even more irritated he answered once more, "No!!!"
"I thought you said you were getting real good at swimming, and now you tell me you can't even swim ten feet across the room." I scolded.
"Grampa, can't you see there is no water here!!!!!!"
Grampa T.
Yes, Betty Jo,
Aren't we lucky to have memories of Grandpa Wilson's baked goods? I don't remember the Eccles cakes but I recall carrying oven-fresh loaves of bread home from the bakery. He always cautioned us not to eat the bread while it was still warm. (We did anyway; no harm done.)
Even experts have disasters and Grandpa was no exception. The morning that he discovered a wayward baking tray left overnight in the huge bakery oven, he shared his oversight with us. We were amazed as we inspected that solid block of black charcoal shaped like a loaf of bread. Talk about something being burned to a crisp!
Mom sometimes speaks about her Dad's beautiful wedding cakes and her own part in forming the flowers that were used to decorate them. Those of us who succeed in trying our hand at this edible art, might well have inherited some of our talents from Peter Wilson.
It is likely that Grandpa's flour-laden work place contributed to the emphysema he developed in later years. Mom describes him as a man who worked very hard all his life.
Whenever Dave and I land in Glasgow, I think of Grandpa Wilson and his two sisters, Aunt Annie and Aunt Barbara. Will we ever forget their visit to Regina Beach on that "bragh, moon-licht, nicht" so long ago?
I just happen to have a riddle that belongs here:
SCULPTURE ARTISTS OFTEN PUTTER
BUT SELDOM DO THEY WORK WITH BUTTER.
Luv Lucy, a little late today
Tony, I am ready to try a hand at one of your MOM stories. The name of my friend has been changed to Rachel - "to protect the innocent".
MOM:
I had just announced "The Descent of the Holy Ghost Upon the Apostles" when there was a knock at the cottage door. Before I could say "hello", the distraught mother of your friend and playmate quipped, "What has your zealous daughter been up to now?"
I already had four of those, so I asked, "Which one?"
"Louise, of course, Rachel's supposed friend." I clung to my rosary more tightly as she continued, "The two of them were swimming this afternoon and...
I shouted, "Louise, did you challenge Rachel to another game of who-can-stay-underwater-longest?"
Rachel's mom exclaimed, "This time it's nothing as innocent as that!" (I said an extra Hail Mary under my breath.) "Louise used lake water to baptize Rachel today. My Jewish daughter believes that she is now a Christian and a Roman Catholic!"
I tucked my rosary into my apron pocket and invited Rachel's mother into the kitchen. I quickly cleared away an unfinished bowl of macaroni and cheese and the tail end of a kite-shaped rice krispie cake.
Together Rachel's mother and I calmly went over a bit of Catholic Theology. By the time she left, I had reassured her that although you often practised being a priest, you weren't ordained yet and the lake-side baptism would not have taken.
However, to avoid further traumatic parental encounters, we did agree that you and Rachel should see less of one another for the rest of the summer.
LOUISE: I had just spent a week at school learning about how a "conditional baptism" could be performed by any baptized Catholic in an emergency situation.
The thought that I might have to spend an eternity in heaven without my best friend was emergency enough for me. With a whole lake at my disposal and with Rachel's consent, I took the opportunity to baptize her.
My zeal may have spoiled our summer friendship but at least I know that I'm going to meet Rachel in heaven some day.
LOLOL, Louise
Tone!
I remember Mickey! I also recall our burial procession. I know, too, that the "casket" we placed in the ground that day mysteriously disappeared. I always thought that a couple of red-headed boys went back later to check on the condition of the deceased.
So Mickey was the culprit; or are you pulling my leg, Tony? With you, I can never tell.
Luv, Lucy
Tony,
I am probably going to be sorry I asked this question but my curiosity is clouding my better judgement.
What was the name on the box we buried - that of a future Antonini baby?
Lucy, sticking my neck out...
Aghhhh....it just came to me! Of course.... EDDY'S MATCHES I knew I should have used my better judgement.
Hi Lucy
We must be on the same wave length, although we are not in the same time zone. I also have decided to try my hand at Tony's challenge. I loved your(I mean Mom's) story even though it made me cry. What a wonderful expression of your love for your friend and no more than I would have expected of you.
This is Mom talking-
"One day just after the kids and I had returned home from visiting Mama, she phoned me and said she thought that Vicky had her little Bible. Now, Mama had this minature Bible that she had gotten from the exhibition. You couldn't read it without a magnifying glass, the printing was that small. Vicky had been fascinated by it, spending the whole visit carrying it around and eventually carrying it off. Instead of trying to hide her holy lucre, when I asked Vicky if she had her Grandma's Bible, she readily admitted that she did."
Vic - Hey, I was a thief not a liar.
Mom again - "Down she went to Mama's to give the Bible back. You'd think she would have learned from that incident that crime does not pay. However, she went from Grandma to innocent babies when she stole the milk money. I guess after having a nickel for her allowance, that much money just sitting there must have looked like a really big bag of candy, because that's what she bought with it. The owner of the store phoned me and this time I was waiting for her. Down she went to the store to return the candy. I think she would have preferred a spanking over that second trip to the store to get the milk money back. I think it puzzled her that the informant would take back an opened bag of candy(of course, she had eaten some of her ill-gotten goods on the way home) but of course Lui and I had arranged the payback. You'd think she would have learned a lesson from this(like, I'm not very good at this) but the next incident really took the cake - she bought a newspaper home for Lui. She was so pleased with herself until Dad asked her where she got the money to pay for it. She said "oh, I didn't pay for it - it's the Winnipeg Free Press". The thing was the kiosk she took the paper from was owned by a blind man!! Down she went with her Dad who explained the situation to the very amused gentleman. It's funny, of the three thefts, this accidental one ended her career as a petty thief and taught her a valuable lesson."
Vic(e) again - the lesson I learned was this - Mom and Dad knew the best way to teach me right from wrong was with a mix of humor and love. I mean I was such a maroon. Thanks Mom and Dad(I know you're there). IALTB, LTA, Vic
Here’s a bit of a twist on Tony’s challenge. This one is one where I was the one with the story confused.
My story:
One night when both Marty and I were still living at home, I came home late, and when I got in, I heard Mom shout down from her bedroom, ‘Who’s that?’
I answered, ‘It’s Therese’.
Dad then called out, ‘Who is that?’
Thinking they must not have heard me, I called a little louder, ‘It’s Therese’.
Much to my frustration, Mom then yelled again, ‘Is that Marty?’
‘No,’ I yelled back, somewhat insulted that they couldn't even tell my female voice apart from Marty's male one, ‘it’s Therese!’
Then I heard them both starting to sing, ‘Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice…’
How Mom would tell it,
‘One night Daddy and I were listening to the family tape with our double earphones and started singing along.’
Thérèse
Ha ha - I am enjoying these entries so much! Unfortunately though, I don't have the answer to Lucy's riddle - did Grandma sculpt roses out of butter? (If not, it's a valiant guess!)
Just had to say that Uncle Bob Barker sent back the family tree with all the pictures I sent him and it looks great! Definitely send him your pictures if you can!
Auntie Marcia, we call ourselves the "Gustaninis". As a Gustafson I do get a lot of mispronunciations: The Guftasons is a favourite. Jamie's maternal Grandma never did get it right and usually said The Gunnersons or called him by HER maiden name! His nickname growing up was Gust of Wind. However, the worst pronunciation we recently heard was The Gunderponds. I certainly do miss my maiden name and the inevitable comment that followed any introduction: "Oh, are you related to (insert Antonini relative here)?"
Sincerely, Holly Avodontine-Gunderpond (this is precisely why I decided NOT to hyphenate our names when we got married!)
Hi again
Therese - In answer to your question - the remaining POWs are all from movie titles but at least one was adapted from a very famous book.
Holly - I love the skewed spellings and pronunciations of the Antonini name -great idea! I can't beat the ones out there right now but I remember some kids who, when they wanted to get us riled up, called us Antonpiggies.
Wohlberg is a pretty good name to misspell. Most people get the pronunciation right, although not always. Just thought I'd throw in the worst - a teacher introduced me to a visitor as Vicky Wolfenganger. I have no idea where he dug that up but I was with a German friend at the time and she went into hysterics and hysterics being contagious, I followed suit. The poor man must have gone home and looked up my name because at our next class he must have said Vicky Wohlberg correctly about four times. I think everyone in the class wondered at the formality. IALTB, MLTA, Vic
Oh yes, Holly
Not only DID Grandma sculpt roses in butter, she still does. If you take her a small plate of butter at room temperature and put an ordinary kitchen knife in her hand, she will work her magic for you.
Later you can put your buttery rose in the refrigerator to set. Don't be reluctant to use it on the breakfast toast or at your next family meal. Be assured that the memory of that rose will never melt like the butter in which it was carved.
Vic ...I believe I was with you when you lifted the Winnipeg Free Press from the blind man's kiosk. What were we to think after all? What a silly name for a newpaper that costs money!
Therese ...now you've made me cry!
I had better post another riddle here and take a coffee break:
WIFE OR FRIEND??? NOW PLEASE BE CLEAR.
SHE'S BOTH AND MORE; THERE'S NONE MORE DEAR.
Lucy, logging off
You will often hear Len say "Kelly, my wife". And I agree, what great friends they are.
We miss you on the blog, Len, and you and Kelly are in our thoughts a lot right now.
Once again I have spent the morning reading the blog, laughing and crying alternately.
Can hardly wait for this torture to continue in person...
...in about 70 days?
Love, Marcia
i love the torture too marc, this blog goes on and on and on
mike
marce
Tone,
I love your Golly stories, and to my surprise, your latest examples actually did inspire some of my siblings to come up with an answer to your challenge--note the offerings of Lucy, the priest; Vic, the thief and Therese the bass. Well done, guys.
And all you people with such difficult names--I'm lucky to have such an easy one--NOT. We seldom get Barker, we are known as Baker, Parker and in one case even Arker. Go figure.
Vic,
Two stabs at your POWs:
Green Streets for Mean Streets and Walking Small for Walking Tall??
Love, BJ
Yes, Marcia, the answer to my latest riddle is Kelly. Len also has a close friend whose name is Kelly. In conversation he often has to distinquish whether he is referring to "Kelly, my wife" or "Kelly my friend".
In truth, we know that Kelly, Len's wife, is also his best friend. When they are together they are relaxed, natural and witty. They have the same interests and their proudest moments are the ones they share with their kids. Theirs is a family of friends.
It is clear to us that Kelly can stay right in step with this dynamic brother of ours and that she loves him without reserve. So, we dedicate this 993rd blog posting to you, Kelly. We know who you are and we love you, too!
This memory goes too far back for many to recall but it's a vivid one for some:
A WARNING SIGN UPON A PIN
KEPT CALLERS OUT AND CHILDREN IN.
Lots of love, Louise
Louise, I'm just guessing from some vague memory. Was it when we had chicken pox? I vaguely remember Dad staying away except to deliver stuff like groceries etc to the house.
BJ
Dave wants me to tell you that we've socialized with a few Butchers, met lots of Bakers but haven't yet been enlightened by a Candlestick Maker.
As straightforward as our last name is, people can't seem to believe that it is Butcher. They try to make it more elegant by pronouncing it Booshay but Dave just says, "No, it's Butcher - like cuts meat!"
LOLOL, Lucy
Just thought I'd let you all know that I just got back from a visit with Grandma and took her communion. She is looking great! She was visiting with Jo and Barbara, who insisted I check out Grandma's skinny little feet and ankles - WOW!
Grandma mentioned that it is her 69th wedding anniversary coming up and she was sort of hoping Grandpa would come get her on that day. Unfortunately (for her, but fortunately for us!) her caregivers think she'll be around a bit longer!
Lucy,
Is the answer to your latest riddle the polio vaccine campaign of 1954? The polio vaccine was given to thousands of children and each child was given a polio pioneer pin and card for taking part in the campaign.
And I guess there is no simple name when it comes to spelling and pronouncing it.
Love, BJ
#997
#998
#999
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