This is a continuation of the family blog.
Unfortunately, the solution to archiving comments is not as straightforward as I had hoped. It would involve hacking code and since I'm just not up to snuff on that anymore, it's going to have to be a less elegant solution.
Comments are inseparably linked to their original posts, so I created this new post. You can still access any comments you missed from the original post by clicking on it in the archive to the right of this post.
Each week, I'll create a new post. This should help with the blogging down problem I, and apparently others, have experienced.
Sorry Melissa, it's going to create a little bit of addition work, but I'm sure someone with your inestimable talent with numbers won't have any difficulty.
Thomas (masquerading as Ed).
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600 comments:
1 – 200 of 600 Newer› Newest»Woo hoo! No lag whatsover.
#1354
Is the wall at Campion College big enough for the illustrated family tree? I just got my B.J and Bob's little section of it and it's three pages!
#1355
Hey Ed
Hey Thomas
I made it over
#1357
Woo hoo!
I knew it was only a matter of time.
Is it faster for you?
Hey! What are you guys doing over here?
The wall at Campion will be big enough for the tree and all the other things we're bringing.
Looks like I'm going to have to keep track on this side to.
Ed, I'm hoping people will migrate over here. It's completely selfish, of course, because for those of us who don't have true broadband it takes about five minutes to open 1,300 comments. It's kind of backfired on me though, because now I have to monitor two threads. EEK!
I made it to the other side! We'll just all have to keep an eye on the last week's thread to make sure someone didn't sneak a comment in. We'll get used to it!
You guys are far too accommodating. Most people I know would have said: "Get over it, Barker."
Yes BJ,
Mom, Betty and Barbara became a team of comedians as these three sisters struggled to hear what was going on around them. Luckily, they could laugh at themselves, too. In fact, they often related funny stories about being hard of hearing.
Betty's favourite tale about herself came when she proudly showed a friend a picture of an infant grandchild. The friend commented that the child looked healthy enough to be a Sumo Wrestler. Betty was horrified and told the friend that it was terribly unkind of her to call the baby a sewer rat.
I myself was present for this restaurant conversation:
Waitress: Can I take your order?
Barbara: We're deaf, dear.
Mom: Pardon?
Betty: What did she say?
Barbara: I already told her we're deaf, dear.
Mom: What did she say?
Betty: Pardon?
Barbara: What's today's special, dear?
Waitress: I'll bring the board over for you to read.
Somewhere in her kitchen, Mom has a picture of herself with Betty and Barbara. The three of them are laughing so hard that you have to know the person taking the picture has struggled to get them to hear and behave.
I'm sure that Mom and Barbara won't mind if anyone else has a funny story to tell about them and their dear sister, Betty. They may even have one to add themselves.
HE KEPT AN EYE ON US WITH CARE
THOUGH TITLES WERE HIS FIRST AFFAIR.
LOLOL, Lucy (#1373)
Hi Louise,
I am going to guess Uncle Art as the answer to your riddle. He worked himself up to registrar at the Land Titles Department, and with his one eye he did look out for us when we visited the Coopers or when they visited us.
#1375
Ooops, that should have been #1374.
Someone just added another comment on Ed's original posting. Keeping track could get very tricky. See what you've done now, Thom?
Christine ...welcome! Your remarks just prove that it doesn't matter how long we have to wait for a clarification on a past posting, it registers with us and we appreciate the additional information. You have been busy catching up!
M-E ...so you have arrived in Regina with open arms just as you said you would. Enjoy your stay.
Stephen ...are you still trying to decide whether or not to join us in Regina in August? You know you're an Antonini if a party of 92 won't be complete until you make it 94.
BJ ...thank you for your personal insight into Uncle Clarence along with his poem and limerick. I see Ed has posted an award-winning poem by Clarence as well.
I have run out of steam for tonight. Actually it is after 1:00 am here in St. Andrews. So it's good night from me. I'll blog again tomorrow morning.
Love, Lucy (#1376)
Wow Ed, that was fast!
Yes, the answer to my riddle is Uncle Art Cooper. I think we believed that he loved us like he loved his own kids.
Art and Betty were just part of our family on special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and graduations. We saw them often at other times, too. We were as comfortable in their home as they were in ours.
Uncle Art's one eye fascinated us and he did not mind our having a look behind the frosted lens of the glasses that he wore. Without fanfare, he told us the story of how he lost his eye. We never thought of it as any sort of a disability.
Art did everything that anyone else could do and he gave us the impression that he did it better than most. He was a confident, self-assured, no-nonsense man who always found time to visit and laugh with a bunch of his favorite kids.
Of course, with Uncle Art came Auntie Betty. Together they made us feel special as Mary and Luigi's children and their nieces and nephews.
101 DALMATIANS MAKES A LIVELY STORY
SO DOES THE SAME NUMBER OF CREATURES RATHER GORY.
This really is good-night!
Lucy (#1377)
here i am on part 2 of the blog.... thanks thomas!
i remember Art! If I am correct, we share the same birthday....March 31.... someone correct me if i am wrong. I have been known to be wrong before and then I realized I was mistaken! Go figure - learnt that one from my dad.
Where is my dad anyways? He's not here cutting my lawn. Wonder what project my mother has got him working on?? Oh, yes - I remember....he is at Keenan's helping put in tile in his kitchen!
Len - watch it when you come to my office next.... some "insert really bad words here" threw a rock through my window at work today!
Best go check on the children. I think they are getting ready for football season, running a few drills, WITHOUT EQUIPMENT.
Sonia
#1378
Glad I went back to part 1.
Marty - thanks for the info. Got onto Thomas' site easy! Scary thing though - hope the rest of us don't make links like that. Too many blogs to keep track of...
Sonia
It is funny how these discussions conjure up such vivid memories. I distinctly recall a time sitting at the big dining room table at Garnet Street and Uncle Art and Auntie Betty walked in and I said to my dad "Who's that other Grandma?"
Okay....so this is my favorite MOM and Betty (her sister) story.(all true).
One day when Betty and Mom were visiting, Betty decided to ask Mom what she thought about capitol punishmrnt. It was in the news at the time.
Now keep in mind that when betty mentioned capitol punishment, Mom thought Betty said Captain Crunch.
Betty: So, what do you think of capitol punishment?
Mom: I guess it's okay.
Betty: You guess it's "okay"?
Mom: Yeah...
Betty: Why would you think it's okay?
Mom: Well, I haven't really tried it much.
Betty: WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO TRY IT?!!
Mom: Well it would be the only way I could tell you what I think of it.
Betty; CAPITOL PUNISHMENT?!!!
Mom: Oh... I thought you said Captain Crunch.
Marty
Yes, Luce, I see what I've done and I apologize. However, I'm simply basking in how quickly I can now download the comments. I hope I'm not the only one who is benefiting from this.
If so, let me know and we can go back to the old slow way.
#1386
Marty, I laughed out loud at the capitol punishment story. Although I can understand why Grandma would be confused as to why one would want to punish a building occupied by a state legislature.
Sorry, it's the evil editor in me.
Okay, I just timed it. It takes me a full minute to refresh the old thread and less than three seconds for the new.
Someone sent me this survey by email and I thought I'd throw it out there. If you want to respond just copy and paste it into another post and substitute your answers for mine.
What time is it? 10:29 p.m. Pacific Time.
What's your full name? Thomas Martin Barker.
What are you most afraid of? Fear.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Eight Below (not my fault, I was covering the premiere for the newspaper).
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Curry.
What's your natural hair color? Brown.
Ever been to Alaska? Yes, just last week.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? What the heck is toilet paper rolling.
Been in a car accident? Yes.
Croutons or bacon bits? Neither.
Favorite day of the week? Depends on the week.
Favorite restaurant? Collonade (Ottawa) best pizza in the world.
Favorite Flower? 12-grain.
Favorite sport to watch? Golf especially The Open at St. Andrews.
Favorite drink? Beer.
Disney or Warner Brothers? Warner.
Ever been on a ship? Yes.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? At least once.
What do you do when you are bored? Get over it.
Bedtime? When I'm tired.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Luce, because she's on Scotland time (huge advantage).
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? You never know with this crew, although I'm going to say Mike, just because he's so damn busy selling houses.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Melissa, because I know we're related but I don't know how.
Favorite TV show? Current: Shark
All-time: Law and Order.
Last person you went to dinner with? My beautiful wife, Lorraine.
Your favorite colors? Green and White... Duh!
How many tattoos do you have? Two.
How many pets do you have? Three cats.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? The chicken... no, the egg... no the chicken... wait a second, which chicken are you talking about.
What do you want to do before you die? Live in Italy.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Too many to count.
Time this survey ended 10:37 p.m. Pacific Time.
Thom ...Cut and Paste? I have the scissors and glue here. What do I do next?
Luce (#1390)
Holly ...I love your story about "that other Grandma". In the lead up to Christmas 1948, I gave Auntie Betty my letter to Santa to mail on her way home from our house one wintery night. In the early 1970's, Betty sent the letter back to me with a covering note saying that she had forgotten to mail it and wanted me to have it back. It was a time-worn scrap that made me feel special all over again, the way Auntie Betty always did.
You're right, Holly, "it's funny how these discussions conjure up such vivid memories." Thank you for this one!
Love, Auntie Louise (#1391)
Michele ...the quotation you posted (in Part 1) is perfect for our family blog. Some of us are writing here about people from the past who are unfamiliar to the younger generation but whose traits, skills, talents and achievements evidently "breathe on in them".
As we honour these special people in the present, we can anticipate a time in the future when we, too, will matter to "generations we'll never even meet".
When Len leads his brothers in the song: "All My Life's a Circle..." I get the same feeling of permanence-in-the-midst-of-change that your comment has stirred in me today. Thanks!
Lots of love, Louise (#1392)
Marty ...Can you believe it?...I forgot the discussion Betty and Mom had about capital punishment and Captain Crunch. I hope there are similar stories yet to come. What a hoot!
Sonja ...have you found your dad yet? You know you're an Antonini when you have to book time with your parents.
Thom ...are you really planning to have us "move forward" like this once a week? I've noticed that Part I is still an active posting as we switch over to Part II. By the time August rolls around we could be handing as many as X parts. Yikes! Some of us are still working on our passwords, making links, and cutting and pasting - talk about multi-tasking.
LOLOL, Luce (#1393)
Thom ...You know you're an Antonini when you can't resist the latest blog challenge...(even when you don't know how to cut and paste).
What time is it? 12:52 pm British Summer Time
What's your full name? Louise Barbara Kathleen Butcher (nee: Antonini)
What are you most afraid of? Loss of memory
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (That's the truth!)
Place of birth? Regina, Sask.
Favorite food? Rice Krispie Cake (I had to say that, didn't I?)
What's your natural hair color? grey for as long as I care to remember; briefly blonde.
Ever been to Alaska? Several times - once on my honeymoon.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? If that means looking around too late for something to replace an empty roll - far too often.
Been in a car accident? Yes, but it wasn't my fault, of course.
Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
Favorite day of the week? Monday when everyone else returns to work and I don't.
Favorite restaurant? Victorian Steak House, Port Alice, the Greek chef is a close friend of the family.
Favorite flower? Tiger Lily ...Duh
Favorite sport to watch? Golf, live any day except Sunday on the Old Course, St. Andrews
Favorite drink? Coffee
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney and honeymoon memories of It's A Small World.
Ever been on a ship? Nope, ferries are the closest I have come to ocean travel.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Tan with random coffee spots
How many times did you fail your driver's test? None, but the examiner told me to go home and practice my parallel parking.
What do you do when you are bored? Repair the damage.
Bedtime? any time.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? I will. Competitiveness is in my DNA.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? I didn't send it to anyone but I'm positive David won't be spending time on it. He has already asked me how the survey results will be used.
Who is the person you are most curious to see his/her response? T-bone; he never has a straight answer for anything.
Favorite TV Show? Current: Countdown; All-time: Silent Witness
Last person you went to dinner with? David in the St. Andrews Golf Club overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course.
Your favorite colors? Gold and silver - preferably in jewelry form.
How many tattoos do you have? None, I had trouble spelling the word!
How many pets do you have? None, unless you're talking about peeves, too.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Egg at breakfast time and Chicken for supper.
What do you want to do before you die? REALLY LIVE!
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Twice - the first time, on my honeymoon
Have you been to countries outside Canada? I'm living in one right now.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? None, I have no enemies.
Time this survey ended: 1:21 pm BST
(How did you do this in 19 minutes, Thom?)
Lucy, (#1394)
Thom...
When Dave and I got married, the airline he was working for (Wien Air Alaska) gave us complimentary tickets for a tri-city trip - Los Angeles,California to Honolulu, Hawaii to Anchorage, Alaska. Your survey took us back to our honeymoon travels of August 1970. Thanks for the memories!
Luce (#1395)
What time is it? 9:46 a.m. Saskatchewan Time.
What's your full name? Holly Suzanne Gustafson (nee Antonini)
What are you most afraid of? Superficially, caterpillars.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Premonition (I loved it, but Heather only thought it was ok)
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? lobster (don't get it much due to my husband's fatal allergy of shellfish...). Also chocolate.
What's your natural hair color? Brown.
Ever been to Alaska? ?I know my parents drove the Alaskan Highway when I was 6 months gestation (and as a result nearly arrived 3 months early...)
Ever been toilet paper rolling? I doubt it.
Been in a car accident? Many, mostly my fault.
Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons.
Favorite day of the week? Wednesday (Mom takes the kids, so it's my day off!)
Favorite restaurant? A restaurant chain in Quebec called Panini which featured a "bread bar" where you grilled your own homemade bread and added toppings like homemade peanut butter or taragon butter. Probably fell victim to the evil low-carb diet of the late 90's.
Favorite Flower? carnation - a humble flower totally under-rated.
Favorite sport to watch? Eddie playing soccer (very entertaining).
Favorite drink? Liptonique (carbonated iced tea).
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney.
Ever been on a ship? No, unless a ferry counts, nor do I intend to (add "open water" to biggest fear).
What color is your bedroom carpet?
Off-white with a large throw-up stain in the doorway from the last round of stomach bug.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? 3 times, all for not being able to parallel park!
What do you do when you are bored?
I don't have time to get bored.
Bedtime? Sometime before 11 if I'm lucky.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? The next person will be...Sonia.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Auntie Chris, because she has too much catching up to do before she gets to this point!
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response?
Sonia, because she's as funny as her dad.
Favorite TV show? THE OFFICE! I have dreams that I'm Pam!
Last person you went to dinner with? If lunch counts, last weekend at the Ikea cafeteria with 4 adults and 6 kids!
Your favorite colors? Chocolate and pink.
How many tattoos do you have? Two.
How many pets do you have? Variable (Sea monkeys reproduce at an alarming rate).
Which came first, the chicken or egg? The chicken?
What do you want to do before you die? Be holier!
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Yes.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? No one, Thomas did the work for me!
Time this survey ended 10:14 a.m. Saskatchewan Time (pretty good considering I nursed a baby and put her to bed in between).
That is so funny you picked me to be next Holly!!
What time is it? 11:01 a.m. Saskatchewan Time (actually official City of Regina (my employer...) time. Ha ha to you City of Regina.
What's your full name? Sonia Gail Banin (nee Antonini)
What are you most afraid of? my children feeling alone
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? making me think here...i think it was a cartoon, it was at the Galaxy, I used my free coupons from the cereal boxes, so it was in May... it was Spiderman 3 (not a cartoon, mistaken yet another time)
Place of birth: Regina, Sask. Grey Nuns Hospital
Favorite Food? Ham & Pineapple Pizza...
What's your natural hair color? Red
Ever been to Alaska? ? nope
Ever been toilet paper rolling? no - but I have rolled UP the toilet paper when the kids or the cats unrolled it for a good time.
Been in a car accident? yes, but it was an accident...
Croutons or bacon bits? Don't often sit down and just munch a bowl of them like I would popcorn, but I like to put them both on caesar salad....
Favorite day of the week? Payday
Favorite restaurant? Red Lobster, gotta love those lobster stuffed mushrooms!
Favorite Flower? Gladiolas - they were my grandma holts fav flower
I also like the flower they use to bake cakes, good stuff.
Favorite sport to watch? Regina Minor Football, just love the sound of the equipment hitting... or the sight of one of the kids making a touchdown, the occasional fumble and a great tackle! and it keeps me in great touch with Len and Kelly
Favorite drink? As Homer would say.....mmmmm beeeeerrrrrr
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney, of course!
Ever been on a ship? does the good ship lollypop count?
What color is your bedroom carpet?
don't have carpet, it is lino (with some great gold speckles in it - i think it may be real gold
How many times did you fail your driver's test? never took the test - oversight on SGI's part. it happens.
What do you do when you are bored?
blog??
Bedtime? late
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? someone has already responded so this question is obsolete. But I would like to guess, I say Louise!
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? I didn't send it, Thomas did.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response?
My mom - I would love to see her get the scissors out to cut and paste and then call keenan to tell him she thinks the computer needs to be fixed! That comment will cost me one less batch of planted flowers in my yard next year.
Favorite TV show? CSI - even though Cory hates it!!
Your favorite colors? Green.
How many tattoos do you have? just one, more to come - sorry mother.
How many pets do you have?
2 cats, 3 children, 1 roommate and the ghost that lives in the house who breaks things and doesn't own up to it.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? that is a naughty question and I can't answer that.
What do you want to do before you die? live
Have you ever been to Hawaii? not yet
Have you been to countries outside Canada? does the US count?
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Thomas already did that!
Time this survey ended 10:23 a.m. still on City time....although I took a couple calls from inquiring minds.
Next!
this is post #1398 by the way....we are creeping up to #1400
who is going to get the spot?
I am going to guess - I say Marty will. (if he is up, or not starring in a movie)
or maybe Holly - just checking to see if I replied or not...
Sonia
OKAY, NOW THAT'S JUST SCARY!!
I'll leave 1400 for Mellisa if she's out there.
Marty
Hahahaha, Sonia, the chances of your children feeling alone are nil to none... the chances of them wanting to feel alone are pretty darn good.
oops, I guess I accidentally scooped the 1400 spot
#1401
I had to go and rescue BJ from Part I of Antonini Reunion 2007. My efforts involved one comment posted twice and deleted once. Oh, for the good old days!
LOL, Luce (#1405)
Okay, you're making me feel really bad now.
Sniff.
Okay, I'm over it.
just checkin in to let you know i've flipped over, how do you do the profile?
mike
It's drawing close to midnight here in St. Andrews and it's time for me to call it a day.
Welcome to "the other side", Mike. Good luck with cutting and pasting the "profile". I hope BJ finds us soon, too.
Thom, if you're okay, we're okay.
Good night, now! Luv, Lucy (#1407)
Hey Thomas
Like, I saw yer mum on the other side and like, you can't hide from her and like, she's rippin' mad and like, she's on her way over here and like,,......RUUUUNNN!!!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Marty
Profile:
1. click on your own name
2. click on the big button "Edit Your Profile"
3. fill in whatever info you want to share, then click save
If you want to post photos
1. at the top of your profile page click on dashboard
2. click on create a blog and follow the instructions
3. once your blog is created, click on new post
4. at the top of the new post window there is a little picture icon, click that and it will give you a new window to upload photos
EASY PEASY
sorry mike, were you talking about the survey or the blog profile
if the survey just highlight it and, hit ctrl "c" to copy and ctrl "v" to paste into a new comment window
EASY PEASY
Marty, thanks for the heads up, but my mom is the nicest person i know... besides, she's 5,000 kilometres away from here
Hey Thomas
Sorry about that. I forgot. She would only beat the crap out of ya if you were her brother.
Mart
Hmmm, I see what you mean, she did threaten to kill me. I have witnesses.
Betty Jo,
Lucy here. I haven't been able to go to sleep knowing that you are lost out there in blog space. Please give me a sign that you are okay. I know how you are feeling about this blogging change but we are adjusting.
Love, Lucy (#1417)
We are even able to keep our running totals going...Lucy (#1418)
Okay now I feel really bad. Keeping people up in Scotland. Losing my mom in blog-space. I promise no more changes even if I have to wait FOREVER to see the new postings.
Funny how times change. I go back to my example of great grandpa playing chess by snail mail. Now here we are communicating in relatively real time and it's TOO SLOW.
Hahahahahahahaha
Enhancing my calm... ohmmmmmmmmmmmm
I finally found out how to cross over, but had to read all the postings on part II before posting my own. I see that Lucy has told me how, but she must have done it while I was reading. Thanks anyway, Lucy. I knew you would tell me. I will just add this new site to my favorites. I am enjoying everyone else so much that I don't have much of my own comments to add.
Love, BJ
PS: Holy cow, I just scrolled down to see what number this is and there are a whole bunch more postings. #1419
14 postings in the time it took me to add my last post. #1420 (maybe)
What time is it? 7:55 Eastern Daylight Time.
What's your full name? Betty Josephine Barker (nee Antonini).
What are you most afraid of? Brain injury or damage.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Monster House. We had planned to see a different one, but they had posted the wrong time so we went to this one instead!
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Popcorn.
What's your natural hair color? Red-gray (looks blonde)
Ever been to Alaska? Yes, just last week.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? ??????
Been in a car accident? No.
Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
Favorite day of the week? Depends on the week.
Favorite restaurant? A little Thai restaurant in Washington DC. Don't know the name of it, but it was just down the street from our hotel.
Favorite Flower? Poppy.
Favorite sport to watch? lacrosse.
Favorite drink? Tonic Water
Disney or Warner Brothers? either.
Ever been on a ship? No.
What color is your bedroom carpet? It is a hardwood floor.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? I passed it the first time. What do you do when you are bored? Bored??!!!Bedtime? 10:00 pm
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Luce, because she's on Scotland time (huge advantage)....and because she can't resist a challenge!
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? THE PERSON WHO GETS LOST OUT IN BLOGLAND BECAUSE SOMEONE CREATED A NEW SITE!
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Tony LOLOLOL
Favorite TV show? Current: Medium
All-time: M*A*S*H
Last person you went to dinner with? Bob.
I tried a new couscous recipe tonight.
Your favorite colors? Teal or aqua.
How many tattoos do you have? None.
How many pets do you have? Just Bob.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? I wish I could remember the really clever answer I once read to this.
What do you want to do before you die? Attend the Albuquerque, New Mexico hot-air balloon festival.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Thomas has done it already. Time this survey ended 8:06 pm EDT.
Oops, forgot to put blog # 1421, which makes this one #1422.
Wow, I'm impressed so many people are answering the survey and I'm learning all kinds of interesting things about them.
I'm surprised nobody has scooped my other clever answer to the chicken and egg.
Which came first the chicken or the egg? The chicken, unless you're reading the question backward.
What time is it?9;00 central Time.
What's your full name? Robert Stephen Paul Antonini What are you most afraid of? Tony
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Pirates of the caribian part 3
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Lots
What's your natural hair color? Brown.
Ever been to Alaska? No Ever been toilet paper rolling? What the heck is toilet paper rolling.
Been in a car accident? Yes.
Croutons or bacon bits? Neither.
Favorite day of the week? Friday Favorite restaurant? Butlers.
Favorite Flower? I don't know
Favorite sport to watch?Football
Favorite drink? Rum
Disney or Warner Brothers? Warner.
Ever been on a ship? Yes.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? once.
What do you do when you are bored? don't get bored to busy
Bedtime? anytime
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Luce, because she's on Scotland time (huge advantage).
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? You never know with this crew, although I'm going to say Mike, just because he's so damn busy selling houses.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Melissa, because I know we're related but I don't know how.
Favorite TV show? Current: Friday night football starts this friday
All-time: Seinfeld
Last person you went to dinner with? My beautiful wife, Bonnie
Your favorite colors? Blue How many tattoos do you have? The one my brother Marty gave me on my forehead for going into his room
How many pets do you have? One dog Which came first, the chicken or egg? The chicken... no, the egg... no the chicken... wait a second, which chicken are you talking about.
What do you want to do before you die? see Jimmy Buffet Live before he dies
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Too many to count.
Time this survey ended 10:37 p.m. Pacific Time.
June 26, 2007 10:48 PM
Louise and David said...
Omigosh - I just made it to the other side! I wondered why the blog was so quiet, then when I got over here, there were 50 new posts - blogtastic!
I'm too tired to do the survey but it was fun reading everyone's responses to date.
I'll leave you with this quote for the night:
"To know someone here or there with whom you can feel there is understanding in spite of distances or thoughts expressed ~ That can make life a garden." -Goethe
What time is it?11:33 pm MST
What's your full name? Tricia Louise Antonini
What are you most afraid of? Running out of time
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Ocean's Thirteen
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Crab
What's your natural hair color? Dark Brown.
Ever been to Alaska? Nope
Ever been toilet paper rolling? No idea
Been in a car accident? Minor.
Croutons or bacon bits? Both if real bacon.
Favorite day of the week? Thursday.
Favorite restaurant? Elaine's
Favorite Flower? Many I never know their names, not a green thumb
Favorite sport to watch? Football
Favorite drink? Cosmo
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney
Ever been on a ship? Does a ferry count?
What color is your bedroom carpet? Cream shag
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Zippo - number of golf balls rolling around in the front seat around the feet of the tester during my test - 3, # in the trunk rolling every corner I took - 12.
What do you do when you are bored? Doesn't happen often but drive somewhere
Bedtime? Yes! Please!
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Thomas b/c he started it!
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Len
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Len
b/c he's hilarious
Favorite TV show? Survivor b/c I'm in a pool.
Last person you went to dinner with? My mom
Your favorite colors? Blue
How many tattoos do you have? No thanks
How many pets do you have? One family dog Daisy Doodle
Which came first, the chicken or egg? Same exact time
What do you want to do before you die? I have a long list...see, do and be many many things
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Three glorious times
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Just US and Cayman Islands
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? No idea how big we are now!
Time this survey ended 11:49 pm MST
Sorry I forgot to log #1426 which makes this #1427
ILTBVVM
Woo hoo! I love the fact people are answering the survey.
It's all so instructive... not to mention entertaining.
Uncle Robert, you crack me up!
Speaking of football, did I mention: GO RIDERS!!!!!!!!!
Wow! I was going to do the survey, but I just read Trish's, and for some reason I have to go and do a painting.
Maybe I'll be back in an hour or so.
Martin #1428
Oh yeah and "Get 'em in the backfield!"
#1430
THOMAS!!! you're awake!
My kind o' guy.
Marty # 1430
I hear ya, Marty. Tricia's choked me up too.
Also my mom's and Luce's, I suppose we'll all be thinking about those kind of things eventually. In the meantime I stick to my original answer.
Our greatest fear is fear itself... or something like that. Better to be motivated by love.
Duh! it's only 11:30 here on the left coast (or close enough).
Funny story. B.J. would tell it much better, but apparently even when I was a baby I was a night owl. She says she would hear noises in the night. She would be worried and come check on me and I'd be sitting in my crib writing novels or something like that.
be right back
gotta go write a love song
I came back while my first wash coat is drying.
Thomas, I have to say that reading everyone's survey is so much fun.
This blog is magical.
It truly is a drug.
I'll be back too
maybe #1437
What time is it? 11:52 Regina time
What's your full name? Edward Francis Peter Antonini
What are you most afraid of? Women. Anyone who wants to drop down to being equal to men are scary.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Surf’s Up with Eddie, Mia, Holly and Jamie
Place of birth: Grey Nuns Hospital
Favorite Food? Gniocchi
What's your natural hair color? Hair…What’s that?
Ever been to Alaska? You mean North to Alaska, where the rush was on…no
Ever been toilet paper rolling? Every time I go I roll it around my hand and arm right up to my elbow, can’t be too careful you know.
Been in a car accident? Many, that’s why I became a D.D.
Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
Favorite day of the week? Saturday, Lucy knows why.
Favorite restaurant? Dizzy Monk…the owners were like sons to me.
Favorite Flower? Sunflower, especially in fields of.
Favorite sport to watch? Golf, if a major.
Favorite drink? Pepsi
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney
Ever been on a ship? No
What color is your bedroom carpet? Ash, no pile, just ash.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? It’s the only thing I didn’t fail
What do you do when you are bored? Juggle.
Bedtime? Yeah, it is but I have to finish this stupid survey.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Lucy, because she already did.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? I didn’t send it, who said I sent it, no, no, it wasn’t me.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Curiousity killed the cat, see those accidents up there I only have one life left.
Favorite TV show? Current: NYPD Blue
All-time: M.A.S.H.
Last person you went to dinner with? Geralbline Avidontine
Your favorite colors? Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet
How many tattoos do you have? None.
How many pets do you have? None.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? I heard that some fish evolved into a chicken that laid an egg.
What do you want to do before you die? Gain the kingdom
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No, but I was on Oahu twice.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Not me, who said I'm sending it? no, no, not me.
Time this survey ended 12:26 Regina time, bedtime.
#1438 I think.
My fault.
Sorry, that was 1439 making this 1440.
Whew!
Marty, it is a drug.
Hello, name is Thom B and I am a blogoholic.
It started out very innocently. My Godmother (Vic) told me about the blog. I politely told her I would look into it, but I wasn't really interested. I watched other people blog and I thought that would be the end of it.
Then my Mom (BJ) told me there was a post by Uncle Lui that I should really check out. I thought, it can't hurt to just read it, but I'm not going to try it myself.
Well, wouldn't you know, it started to intrigue me. Everybody was doing it, how bad could it be? I was nervous, but I made my first post.
It was blissful, but I resisted getting seriously involved. I saw how it had consumed Lucy's life and I didn't know if I could handle it.
Nevertheless, I was drawn back. I resolved to make an occasional post. Before I knew it I was blogging every day.
Now, I can't stop.
Does anybody remember the number to Sonia's Blog Rehab Centre?
Hey Thomas
Get in Line!
Everybody wants the number.
#1442
Gnocchi! I wish I had thought of that.
It's not actually my favourite food, but a great answer and it brings back many wonderful memories.
I haven't made it for a while, but it has spanned yet another generation and gone a long way. When Bryen (my son) was 15 or 16 he went on one of those youth work programs to Prince Edward Island. One night I got a call. It was his turn to make supper for the camp and he wanted to make gandpa's gnocchi. I gave him the recipe and apparently it was a big hit.
Mmmmm, gnocchi
sorry
1444
how's the painting coming?
1445
What time is it? 1:30 am
What's your full name? Martin Silvano Paul Antonini
What are you most afraid of? Bears.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee.
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Alaskan King Crab.
What's your natural hair color? Red
Ever been to Alaska? No, but I've been walking distance away.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? Probably
Been in a car accident? Yes.
Croutons or bacon bits? Yes.
Favorite day of the week? Sunday
Favorite restaurant? Harbor City Restaurant, Calgary (Chinese)
Favorite Flower? The rose.
Favorite sport to watch? Tie between golf and football.
Favorite drink? Pure Pomegranate juice.mmmmmmm
Disney or Warner Brothers? Cooool!
Ever been on a ship? The One and Only Ship: Dad's Cabin Cruiser.
What color is your bedroom carpet? hardwood floor.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Once.
What do you do when you are bored? Yeah Right.
Bedtime? 3am weekdays,4am weekends.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Lucy. I love hearing her comments about anything.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Len.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Vic.
Favorite TV show? The Sopranos
Last person you went to dinner with? Karen
Your favorite colors? Orange and Alizarin Crimson.
How many tattoos do you have? What's a tattoo?
How many pets do you have? Three guinea pigs.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? All I know is, The first chicken that ever crossed the road, found an egg on the other side.
What do you want to do before you die? Give all my stuff away.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? 1140
Time this survey ended 2:00am
goodnight....
Almost done.
I will email it to you if you like, when I am done.
Ah, only an artiste would come up with an answer like Alizarin Crimson. Personally, I like Prussian Blue.
please! mazerall@telus.net
YOU STILL UP?!!!
Ah man...I meant to say Prussian Blue. You know it, my little nephew.
Is it late?
And I meant to say give all my stuff away. Maybe I'll have to do the survey over again. Some of the answers have been a lot funnier than mine. I know I can do better.
And I'm not that little anymore, big uncle.
Hahahahaha
You are too much.
I just finished: "Inspired By Trish". It's a mess, but even I like it. I'm going to email it to you now and then I'm going to bed. I think maybe we should refrain from using the blog as our chat room.
See ya on the other side.
Marty
Lucy here...
Anytime this family doesn't jump on a riddle, I know that I have recalled a non-event. Still, I am sure that some of my brothers and sisters will recall the day that we went frog catching at Regina Beach.
I'm not sure what the purpose of the activity was. Maybe that's what kids do when they are bored. Our creative game might be compared to Sonja's bunch deciding to play football with no equipment. Kids will be kids.
Anyway, one or two frogs hopping along the open road can be cute. One hundred and one of them crammed into a cardboard box in various stages of frog-panic is scary - at least for the sqeamish. I don't remember who caught the bullfrog that was 20 times the size of any other creature in the box but he was a brute. He may have been the reason for the frenzy of activity that made the frog-box itself jump around on the ground.
Of course, we were told that we had to release our catch. Those frogs exploded off in all directions, much to our delight. Our fun continued as we teased one another with old wives' tales about frogs - warts and all.
Here's a better memory to recall:
SAVOURED SINCE WE WERE JUST TOTS,
OATS WITH DATES BRING HAPPY THOUGHTS.
LOLOL, Lucy
Hi Louise,
The answer to this riddle is the date squares or matrimonial cake mom used to make and Mary-Ellen for one does a great job on.
Your last riddle was not a non-event I remember it but I thought T-Bone or Lou would hop on it. I believe they did most of the catching.
#1454 I believe
BJ ...I fell asleep last night not knowing whether you had found us over here on Part II. First thing this morning, I checked and was amazed at how far I had to backtrack to locate you. Well done!
Lucy (#1455)
Oh yes, Edward
Matrimonial cake is not simply a thick spread of cooked dates between two sweetened layers of rolled oats and baked to perfection; it is a family tradition. Tradition is the ingredient that makes these squares indescribably delicious.
Over the years, Grandma Antonini served them to us at Knick-Knack-Knook, in our grandparents' Regina homes and at their Dewdney Avenue suite. Mom often made them for us, as well as for church bazaars, CWL gatherings and CFM meetings. Mary-Ellen prepares the same date squares for family parties and for sisters' and brothers' reunions. If her recipe isn't an original, it is close enough to satisfy both taste and tradition.
When we bite into a single piece of matrimonial cake, we bite into several slices of our family history. There is nothing quite like the experience.
Mary-Ellen, how many bite-sized pieces can you cut your matrimonial squares into for a tiny reunion taste of this traditional cake? Please bring the recipe along, too.
I hope the strains of this riddle will also strike a familiar chord:
LOVE BRINGS LIFE TO SOLID STONE
BUT PROOF IS IN THE ROSE ALONE.
Luv, Lucy (#1456)
In a quaint old shadow garden...
Lucy, Believe it or not, Mom was just singing my guess to your riddle the other day. I think it's finally too rangy for her!
Here's my survey response:
What time is it? 9:38 am MT
What's your full name? Thérèse Irene Antonini
What are you most afraid of? Wrongful imprisonment
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Night at the Museum
Place of birth: Regina, Sask
Favorite Food? Red peppers
What's your natural hair color? Gray/brown
Ever been to Alaska? No
Ever been toilet paper rolling? No. I’m not sure what it is, but my use of toilet paper has been pretty standard.
Been in a car accident? Yes
Croutons or bacon bits? Croutons
Favorite day of the week? today
Favorite restaurant? Right now it’s the Novia Café – they know me there and have a great grilled cheese sandwich. It’s halfway between Chris’s office and mine, so we can meet for a quick coffee or lunch. Sometimes I just I take a book, sit alone and read while I eat – delightful!
Favorite Flower? Pansies – they remind of how Grandma used to carpet the gournd with them at Nick Nack Nook. I always think of her when I see them.
Favorite sport to watch? Football – I can still hear Dad yelling ‘Get ‘em in the backfield’ – Oh wait, maybe that was Thom.
Favorite drink? Iced Chai Tea
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney – Warner Brothers never gave my Dad permission to do anything.
Ever been on a ship? When I went to help Marcia after Shawn was born, we went onto Dennis’s ship and had supper with him. I remember small hallways, little doors, and a delicious steak.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Dark gray
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Once
What do you do when you are bored? Puzzles
Bedtime? When I get tired – usually just after midnight
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? The first is easy peasy – especially after the fact – Lucy. Next? Lou.
Who is the person least likely respond? Len
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Lou – he has learned so much about the true meaning and value of life, and tells AWESOME stories.
Favorite TV show? Now – I like Law and Order, but I must admit that I love watching Lawrence Welk with Mom because of how happy she is when she watches it – she sings along and talks about how Dad used to sing her some of the songs or how they used to dance to them.
All Time – Again Law and Order enters the pictures but I’ll have to go with The Flintstones – because of my memories of how much Rob loved it – he phoned the TV station and protested when they took it off the air
Last person you went to dinner with? Christine, my daughter (as opposed to Christine my sister – I know how Len feels with that Kelly thing, but mine is self-inflicted)
Your favorite colors? Green – don’t know if it’s the Riders or the myriad of hues in nature, or both, but I see life more deeply in this colour than any other.
How many tattoos do you have? None, but did you know that Regina’s Fraser Pipe Band competed in the World Pipe Band Championship competition in Glasgow in 2000? They finished 7th in the world in their grade, and got to watch the Edinburgh Tattoo.
How many pets do you have? None – sadly my daughter Christine’s hamster died at the old age of 3½ years. He was bald, emaciated, and I think blind by the time he died. I’m sure the last year or so he was living exclusively on her love.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? In the dictionary – the chicken.
What do you want to do before you die? Learn to speak Italian – I’m registering in the fall.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? In reality, no – but when Tricia was home she shared a story about lying on the beach there – so vicariously yes.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes, and Chris and I are heading to the US in a couple of weeks – passports in hand, of course.
How many people are you sending this to? I’m just putting it out there into the universe – so I guess about 6.5 billion humans and anyone else who might be watching.
Time this survey ended 10:10 am MT
Thérèse (#1457)
Lucy,
I love all your riddles, but I think the latest is your best-crafted one. I love the words, the rhyme, the sentiment. It's perfect.
Therese,
I think it is actually "In a quaint old chateau garden" I first discovered that when I went to a Scott collegiate drama night where the students acted it out. It was one of the best high school performances I have ever seen.
Love, BJ
BJ - that makes a lot more sense!
TIA
Ok - Thomas, that was hilarious!! i couldn't find the phone number for BA, but I did find this....I made changes to it when necessary. That is sort of plagerism i believe.
Pretend David Letterman is doing this "Top 10 Signs you are Blog Addicted" drumroll please.....
10. You check your blog stats a LOT. You occasionally get up in the middle of the night and sneak a peak.
9. Your significant other suspects you are having an affair with your blog. Even when you’re alone with your special person, you do find yourself thinking what your blog might be doing right then…
8. You “mental blog” while driving or on the train, and sometimes even when you are alone in the shower. (i do this - now i don't feel so alone...)
7. You filter everything through your post-writing. You can’t watch a movie, see a play, read an article, or share a sweet moment with your child without thinking of whether it’s blog-worthy.
6. You suffer from “blog envy” when another blogger posts something juicy before you do. You suffer “comment envy” when said post gets 40-something comments – the jerk!
5. You “binge blog” 3 or 4 posts at once—only to feel guilty and empty afterward. hmmmm - there are some relatives that do this. Marty, Thomas, are you paying attention?
4. You ditched all your real friends for blog friends, because, well, “they understand.” or you feel you don't need to go and visit your family members as much, because are learning more about them on the blog.... OR - you are starting to realize how much you miss all your relatives and then count the days down to the reunion. again.
3. You think, “I can stop at any time.”
2. Your lunch hour has become your “blog hour.” You keep a few posts tucked in your desk in case you need them during the day. Or you just blog on "work time". for those who can't access the blog (or don't because you are working too hard) - sucks to be you! you have to drive home in rush hour, run into the house and start blogging - supper can wait.
1. After 5 minutes of meeting someone really interesting you ask, “So - do you blog?”
Thomas - I do believe you are correct about the kids WANTING to be left alone sometimes. Quite often my oldest will ask me "aren't you going out?" or "you can stay out later, i am responsible and will watch the TV, I mean the kids" or my favorite one "why are you still here - I thought you left an hour ago?"
Better get back to work....!
Forgot what post this is, be right back.
ok, this is #1461.
keep up the good work.
#1462
SONIA, THAT WAS HILARIOUS!
Okay, Sonia you totally outdid me... jerk!
I laughed out loud, people in the office looked at me funny.
On the multiple post thing, guilty as charged... with an explanation. You'll notice the other worst offender is Luce. I submit that because we are the blog bookends (or blogends) if you prefer, it is only natural that we end up blogging alone.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Marty I got your 1400 message warning on Thursday afternoon, Thanks but Thomas took it. That's OK I don't mind. I cant even begin to read all the posts that I'm behind but I will work on tallying in new entry totals. back in a few posts.
I also loved Therese's answers to the survey, especially "today" for favourite day of the week. We should all be so centred.
Welcome back Melissa. Sorry about 1400. I wasn't paying attention. If I had I would have held off.
HAhahahahah!
Sonia, that was funny.
Hey wait a minute....
binge blogging??...
Hey...I RE...semble that remark!
love, Marty
Hey, Martin, you should post your painting...
of if you want, i can post it on my profile
Sonia, Thomas, Marty,
Laughing Out Loud!!
Love, BJ (Mom to some of you).
hello - i'm about 60 entries behind but i wanted to send the survey
What time is it? 12:42 p.m.
What's your full name? michael john joseph antonini
What are you most afraid of? bees wasps and hornets
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? oceans 13, better than 12, not as good as 11
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? speghetti and meat
What's your natural hair color? Brown.
Ever been to Alaska? no
Ever been toilet paper rolling? no
Been in a car accident? lotsa
Croutons or bacon bits? about the same
Favorite day of the week? the lords day
Favorite restaurant? smittys
Favorite Flower? roses (remind me of my mom)
Favorite sport to watch? football
Favorite drink? slurpees, i like em better than ed and heather do
Disney or Warner Brothers? walt disney is the best
Ever been on a ship? yes, in mexico
What color is your bedroom carpet? beige
How many times did you fail your driver's test? once
What do you do when you are bored? hobbys or t.v.
Bedtime? midnight
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? tony
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? my sister christine
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? tony, cause he's so darn funny
Favorite TV show? current: i like some of the realty shows
All-time: sanford and son, just the way old fred walked made me laugh
Last person you went to dinner with? my wife diane
Your favorite colors? Green and red
How many tattoos do you have? none
How many pets do you have? none now, but i've had an old english sheep dog named blue, a collie named brandy and a cat named scooter
Which came first, the chicken or egg? i can't figure out the answer to this
What do you want to do before you die? have some grandchildren (luke and lindsey are you reading this)
Have you ever been to Hawaii? yes, its beautiful
Have you been to countries outside Canada? u.s and mexico
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? i'll have to check with melissa
Time this survey ended 1:04 p.m.
taxi!!!
Hey Thomas
I would be honored if you would post my painting on your profile, since you were part of the inspiration for it. Maybe I'll raffle it off at the reunion.
Oh, and I did ckeck with the Blog Hog Squad and the rule is:
You can only binge blog if you have incredibly interesting ideas to submit.
That leaves me out...take the ball Thom...you're our man.
Marty
Yes, Therese
Mom sang some very special songs to us when we were growing up. When she chose this one, we knew we were in for a romantic treat:
In a quaint old Chateau garden
Stands a shepherdess of carven stone;
While over by a sleeping fountain
Is a little shepherd all alone.
But when moonlight floods the alley
And the nightingale sings all night through
They waken and they meet together
In a sentimental rendezvous.
"Ah, ma Belle, at last we meet!"
"Oh, Shepherd mine, speak lower, I entreat."
"There's none to hear, my own, my Sweet.
How the nightingale above
Is singing, Dearest, singing of our love.
Will you dance with me, my Dove?"
Softly plays the moonlit fountain
Making music in that lonely spot.
While shepherdess and shepherd linger
In the paces of an old gavotte.
And the little, old, marble Cupid
Smiles to see the lovers dancing so;
And keeping to the quaint old measure,
He is beating on his broken bow.
At last, the night is still,
The fountain waivers into silence,
The birds have ceased their trill
And shepherd friends may whisper what they will.
When 12 o'clock is tolled
Their hour of magic life is over
Their arms must now unfold
And shepherd love grow marble cold.
Through the garden steps the shepherd,
Stepping ever where the shadows fall;
The shepherdess is left all lonely
On her little marble pedestal.
And the gardener in the morning
Passes by the two and never knows
The little shepherd now is holding fast
The shepherdess's marble rose.
And all this from the same mother who put us to sleep to the rhythm of Nina Nana!
Well, look, here comes someone very dear to her:
A WOMAN GREAT,(THOUGH BORN SO.O.O SMALL)
WITH FAITH UNMOVED AND LOVE FOR ALL.
Lots of love, Louise (#1471)
BJ ...thanks for your compliment on the riddle about the rose. Unfortunately, the pleasure I felt in reading that, suggests that I am showing signs of blog addiction.
Sonia ...that's about the funniest blog passage so far. Despite the humour intended, we bloggers recognize ourselves on several points. How many "yeses" indicate possible addiction? You should be a stand-up comedienne.
Thom ...so you and I are blogends, living as we do in the two extreme time zones. I like the image, if not the isolation. Those bloggers bunched in the middle can really get on a roll. Come to think of it, when do you sleep?
Marty ...let us know if your latest painting "Inspired by Trish" becomes available for viewing. We are getting quite good about clicking on to satellite sites and finding our way back home again.
Therese ...I believe that Mom's song was always "too rangy" for her but that never seemed to matter very much to us. Aren't you lucky to have heard her sing it so recently?
Those survey replies are such fun to read. I hope that I am not the only one who had to retype the whole thing because I didn't know how to cut and paste.
LOLOL, Lucy (#1472)
i beleive you are talking about auntie barb luce. your description of her is right on, she is a very loving and humble person.
i thought your talk of 101 frogs was about the time len, marty and i put them in a coke carton, closed and sealed it, stuck it in one of the holes . in the stone wall of the patio, and closed the hole with a rock just in case they made there way out of the coke carton, the morning after we imprisoned them we went out, lifted the rock and to our suprise the coke top was open and they were all gone, it took me years to figure out that either dad or one of my older brother or sisters let them out, lenny and i were scratchin our heads that day trying to figure out how those frogs had outsmarted us.
i want to change my favorite food to gniocchi, and my favorite restaurant to butlers.
mike
Luce, there's plenty of time for sleeping (and blogging) at work. I'm still waiting for B.J. to tell the story about my late-night crib activities.
I will post Marty's painting tonight when I get home.
Mom - I think I found something else to wear to Dustin and Kelly's thing.
don't be mad.
i'll cut my lawn everyday for the rest of the summer. ok, every other day, let's be realistic here.
i had to use the blog for this one. that way she can't be mad. and i asked her to watch the kids after work today, so - I had to use the blog to break it to her, I mean you. Love you mom.
gotta go.
oops this is #1476
Good eye, Mike
It's never difficult to spot Auntie Barbara, is it? What a remarkable person she is.
I have had a change to talk to Barbara about faith. She has told me in no uncertain terms that, no matter what, her faith in God has never waivered. In that respect, she reminds me of Dad. Because she trusts God, Barbara is able to keep going with abandon to God's plan and with confidence in His care for her and for the people she loves.
Auntie Barbara is very close to Mom, too. Mom has loved Barbara from the time her wee sister was a tiny infant wrapped in cotton in a dresser drawer. Barbara has loved Mom through to the present day when they pray together over the telephone and spend weekly time together.
Barbara greets Mom's daughters and sons with the same love that she has for her own children. In fact, Barbara does not have a bad word to say about anyone in her life. She cannot imagine what an inspiration she is to us as we, too, try to live with faith, in hope and activated by love.
So, Auntie Barbara, we didicate this 1477 blog entry to you with thanks for your presence in our lives.
As I sign off on this 28th day of June, 2007, I leave you with yet another riddle:
CHILD AND MOTHER'S TERMS WERE DONE!
FIRST A DAUGHTER, THEN A SON.
Lots of love, Lucy
Uncle Marty, what is your e-mail address? I would like to talk to you about a painting swap (one of yours for one of mine (clearly I am getting the better deal!)).
oooooooo...I love Lucy
Hey I think I might have this one:
Is it the birth of Louise Barker
and then Robert Antonini.
I forget what happened.
Did Mom agree to let BJ go first?
Can't wait to hear.
Marty
Oh Yeah!!!
That's a deal Holly!
martyant@telus.net
Crap, I finally had one, but Marty beat me to it. My little sister then his little brother.
Now that I think about it, I have this memory of Grandma staying with me when BJ was in the hospital with Louise, but that couldn't be. I wonder who it was. Anyone know?
1481
Holly, send it to me too, and I'll post it with Marty's (and maybe one of my own, too).
thomas.barker@interior-news.com
What time is it? 10:53 p.m.
What's your full name? Michele Frances Kimmett
What are you most afraid of? someone I love dying
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? It's been so long, I can't remember
Place of birth: Ottawa
Favorite Food? Cheese - Balderson, cream, cottage, cheddar, mozarella, goat, feta, parmesan... mmm time for a snack!
What's your natural hair color? Dirty blonde
Ever been to Alaska? no, but there's still time
Ever been toilet paper rolling? Gonna have to take the 5th here
Been in a car accident? Yes
Croutons or bacon bits? Can't I have both?
Favorite day of the week? Friday night - with the whole weekend stretching out ahead of me
Favorite restaurant? Carrabba's in Florida, John's Prime Rib in Saskatoon
Favorite Flower? Tulips (first bouquet Brian gave me)
Favorite sport to watch? sorry guys - figure skating!
Favorite drink? Margarita!
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney
Ever been on a ship? Yes
What color is your bedroom carpet? Cream
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Never - but I can count on one hand the # of times I've parallel parked since
What do you do when you are bored? Sudokou - even sprained my ankle once doing Sudoko - long story
Bedtime? Varies - I'm a night owl
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Good question
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Another good question
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? everyone who hasn't responded yet
Favorite TV show? current: So you think you can dance
All-time: All in the family
Last person you went to dinner with? Brian
Your favorite colors? Blue (i mean periwinkle to be specific)
How many tattoos do you have? No permanent ones but the temporary kind are fun!
How many pets do you have? 2 cats - brothers - Tigger & Taz
Which came first, the chicken or egg? To be or not to be - isn't that really the question?
What do you want to do before you die? Take a hot air balloon ride, visit Australia and be a grandma (oh wait - I think that last one is approaching fast!)
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Yes - over New Year's - Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
Have you been to countries outside Canada? US, Mexico and Venezuala
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Everyone on the blog!
Time this survey ended 11:10 p.m.
Thom - let us know when you have posted Marty's, Holly's and your own paintings and remind us how to find them!
#1483
Ooops wrong # - this is 1485!
As promised, Marty's "Inspired by Trish", 2007... looks like acrylic on board and My "Tsunami", 2001, acrylic on canvass are now posted.
Just click on my name, then click on my "Barking at the Big Blog" at the bottom of the page.
Unfortunately, I didn't get Holly's. But hopefully she'll send it to: mazerall@telus.net.
Anyone else who wants to post art (or photos) can email them to me at that address and I will post them.
Good eye, Marty
Your answer to my latest riddle is correct. BJ's second child, Louise, was born on March 20, 1965 and Mom's last child, Robert, was born on March 28, 1965.
Lots of interesting facts emerge from this event:
Mother and daughter were each expecting a baby during the same nine month period.
They were in the hospital together where they gave birth to their children just 8 days apart.
By the time Robert was born, he was already twice an uncle.
Louise and her brother, Thomas, are both older than their Uncle Robert.
Mom was twice a grandmother before she had her last child.
BJ had two children of her own before her youngest brother was born.
It seems that no matter how you look at it, this event in our family history is interesting and noteworthy. Congratulations to all concerned as we recall March 1965 here in blog entry number 1487.
Still more memories come to mind. Personal perilous stories may be sparked by this riddle:
THIS SPAN WE DARED TO WALK ACROSS,
FEELING BRAVE, WITH STONES TO TOSS.
Lots of love, Louise
Hi, Mom
We hear that you are in the hospital again. I'm sure that fimo rosaries across Canada (and a luminous one in Scotland) were being prayed on as soon as we received word of this most recent setback for you. You are in our prayers constantly.
I am confident that Edward will convey our get-well message to you, one way or another. We know that you will receive good care in the hospital and we look forward to hearing word of your speedy return home.
If all goes as planned, I will be spending time with you very soon, myself. In the meantime, I'm going to steal Marcia's line and promise to "hold you in my heart until I can hold you in my arms".
Love and prayers, Louise and Dave
(#1488)
Hi Louise,
I'm going to guess the railway bridge, we referred to as the Trestle at 'Little Arm', for the answer to your latest riddle. It was a long way down to the water's surface and there was always the danger the train would come along while you were on it, leaving you with the decision to either try to run to the end or be stuck on a little perch with a 50 gallon drum as the giant cars thundered past just a few feet away. I could feel the bridge shake as it roared by...or maybe the bridge was solid and it was me that was shaking.
Whoa! What a rush!
1489
Mary-Ellen has done a great job with mom, she stayed with her until they put mom to bed last night. I met Mary-Ellen at the suite when she arrived home and she is also doing well.
Mom is very calm in her hospital setting, she will have a steady dose of visitors during her stay. I will make it up myself shortly after work today and continue to take her a copy of the blog.
1490
A most heartfelt thanks to all the people in Regina who are taking such good care of Mom.
My love to you all. BJ
#1491
i saw mom 1st thing this morning and shes doing really good, the doctor said its a good thing mary ellen took her up there, she's in very good spirits, she sang a bit of the little chateau garden for me when i told her someone put it on the blog, but cut it short because for some reason she had down by the station in her head since she woke up, we may have to do it at the reunion. ( a slower version i hope). she was also delighted that louise had put the riddle about barb on the blog, and proceeded to say many of the things you had said lucy.
i am late for another appointment
love mike
What time is it? 10:32am
What's your full name? Lindsey Elizabeth Mary Antonini
What are you most afraid of? Losing my main confidant... my Dad.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Shooter
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Cereal
What's your natural hair color? Dark Brown
Ever been to Alaska? No
Ever been toilet paper rolling? Doubtful
Been in a car accident? Does being in the car when Luke got into accidents count?
Croutons or bacon bits? My new found love for bacon out rules my old love of bread.
Favorite day of the week? Monday. A fresh start to a new week.
Favorite restaurant? Bon Guornos (Calgary) Best pasta in the city.
Favorite Flower? Orchids
Favorite sport to watch? Hockey! Go Flames Go!
Favorite drink? Red Wine (Valpolicella is my fav)
Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney, especially anything with a princess in it.
Ever been on a ship? yes although I threw up.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Hardwood
How many times did you fail your driver's test? 1 time and I still can't parallel park.
What do you do when you are bored? Read novels, currently reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Bedtime? Weekdays, 10:00. Weekends, very late.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? I think everyone else already did it.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Everyone will.
Favorite TV show? Presently: Don't laugh, but I love American Inventor All Time: Sanford in Son or Grey's Anatomy
Last person you went to dinner with? My best friend Lauren.
Your favorite colors? Purple
How many tattoos do you have? None and never will have one.
How many pet do you have? One. The million dollar cat, Squintz. (full name: Michael Squintz Palladoris.... my Dad proudly named him)
Which came first, the chicken or egg? Eggs for breakfast, chicken for dinner....
What do you want to do before you die? Travel the world.
Ever been to Hawaii? Yes
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes, US, Mexico, Europe, Costa Rica... I love Costa Rica.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Too many
Time this survey ended 10:49am
Grandma, you have lots of love and prayers coming from out west. We all love you so much and wish you a speedy recovery. I had a really great time seeing you on the weekend, I love spending time with you. xoxoxo
Love Lindsey
Ed, you're correct on the latest riddle. I myself have stood beside that 50 gallon drum while the train thundered by, close enough to make my hair stand on end.
When you think of it, we had to travel a long way to Little Arm before we could venture out onto the trestle. There were three ways to get there: by country road, by rail or by lake. I tried them all, once using an old raft for the water route. In the end, I preferred to follow the tracks themselves because they led right out onto the trestle.
It was on that trestle that I first discovered "weak knees". The open spaces between the measured railway ties looked straight down to the valley floor. After a few faltering steps I would find myself down on all fours, crawling my way to safety on the other side.
The return trip was just as scary. Because we didn't know the schedule, we always imagined that a train could come along at any time. That possibility added to the fear and excitement.
You may ask....why? At 64 years of age, I don't have an answer to that question. Perhaps I had lots of good reasons on a hot August day in the summer of... say......1954?
Then again, maybe Ed's "Whoa, what a rush!" says it all.
Here's yet another riddle for you to solve:
SHE PREFERRED TO SHRINK FROM FAME
WHEN RADIO REGINA HAILED HER NAME.
LOLOL, Lucy (#1494)
The answer to the latest riddle would be mom, I'm not sure why she was on but I remember seeing a picture of her standing by a CKCK microphone that was almost as big a she was.
1495
on my way to see mom, I'll ask her about it.
Ed ...we are encouraged by your news of Mom and of the special TLC that Mary-Ellen has been providing there in Regina. You guys are absolutely wonderful.
Mary-Ellen ...I just have to say it: MONEY OUR DOG ADO!
Mike ...your picture of Mom singing old songs in her hospital bed is a consolation to those of us who can hear those familiar tunes running in our memories. For her, we might be persuaded to do a shortened version of Down By the Station...but only for her and only at our August reunion. (Is that a carrot, or a threat?)
BJ ...thanks for your phone call and your e-mail. Such connections are so important at times like this.
Lindsey ...I enjoyed reading your survey answers. The expression of your greatest fear brought tears to my eyes.
Thom ...Thanks for posting the paintings on Blogging at the Big Blog. At a heart and gut level, I like both Marty's "Inspired by Trish" and your "Tsunami". In time I hope to be able to understand and express my reactions to the pieces as well.
Lots of love, Lucy (#1496)
Hello everyone!
I've been a blog lurker for a while (reading and not posting)trying to catch up with it all, but I had to post today and send love to Grandma in the hospital!! Grandma, hope you are feeling well today and please everyone in Regina tell my mom (Mary-Ellen) to give Grandma lots of hugs for the kids, Dave and I!
It is so wonderful to read the posts and laugh and cry with all of you through the memories and anecdotes! As an aside, Grace-Anne and Hannah-Lynn ask for mommy to sing "In a quaint old" every time I put them to bed! It always takes me back to mom rocking me on her knee and singing grandma's song! Thanks mom and Grandma.
Love to everyone!
Cousin Barbara
I too would like to express my best wishes to Grandma (our favourite clown) for a speedy recovery. I'm sure she'll be back in her red nose and reindeer horns before we know it.
We had an interesting little visitor in our office this morning. You can check out the pix on my Barking at the Big Blog page.
Yes, Ed,
That was Mom hiding behind the CKCK microphone in the picture you recall. By now she has probably told you, with some measure of embarrassment, that she was chosen as CKCK's Mother of the Year in 195?? something.
Mom tried her utmost to convince them that the award should go to someone else but they insisted that she was their choice that year. Her picture was taken, she received flowers and gifts, and she was interviewed by the radio station.
I don't remember many details of the broadcast but I know that Mom came across as the most humble mother of the year. When asked what advice she would give to other mothers she said that she was not in a position to give anyone else advice about raising children.
In a family interview, each child was encouraged to say something into the microphone as a moderator asked questions like "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I believe the recording closed with the recitation of a decade of the family rosary.
Mom truly felt unworthy of this recognition but Dad was proud of her that day. Of course, we thought we had the best Mom in the world never mind in CKCK's broadcasting area. However they wanted to honour our mother, we were all for it.
Ed, I'll be interested to hear what Mom had to say about this riddle. She probably wishes I had forgotten this event in our family history.
I've got a riddle that will shift her mind from one discomfort to another:
A TWO-HOLE MODEL WAY OUT BACK...
APPEARING HERE MAY CAUSE SOME FLAK.
LOLOL, Lucy (#1500)
Wow, 1500. I just did a word count. We've collectively blogged more than 146,700 words.
That's the equivalent of 587 newspaper articles.
That's almost my entire production for a year.
1501
Louise, is that the outhouse at the beach?
I saw Mom tonight after she had had visits from Mary Ellen, Mike, Tony, Chris, Ron, Ed, Jessica, Nicholas (Mom didn't mention which of their parents was with them), Lou, Marie and Tricia - and those are just the ones I know of!
She was looking better and more like herself tonight than she has for quite some time, and I think it might be the love transfusion all those visitors bring with them - talk about a miracle drug!
I met her night nurse and she was so nice to Mom, chatting with her about the exquisite bubble bath she was given this morning (I'm afraid my humble showers will be disappointing to her from now on), asking her if she needed anything, and encouraging her to call at anytime during the night that she does. My daughter Christine and I tucked her in before we left her trying to solve a 'find the differences' puzzle. I suspect she probably fell asleep not too much later though - she had a big day!
Thérèse
I smell Grey Cup!
16-7 Riders v. Montreal
Rider pride! Go green and white!
Thank you for that Therese.
I can see grandma doing that puzzle, Therese. Funny the things that stick with you.
Thérèse... hahahaha figured out the accents.
Oh yes, Therese, my latest riddle focused on the outhouse at the beach but merely as a symbol of the "roughing it" side of summer living.
For many years, cottage living meant just that - no indoor toilet, no running water, and few of the conveniences of city living.
Young children hardly notice such stuff when they are having fun, but grown ups deal with these practical considerations every minute of the day.
Each year, as summer approached, Mom had to weigh the loss of home conveniences against a summer of fun for her kids. The scales always tipped heavily in our favour and Mom and Dad found creative ways to deal with laundry for 8-10 people, morning face-washes before Sunday Mass, meal preparation, dishes, slop pails, ice-box and water supplies, and stocking up on groceries.
Generally, we looked forward to our two-month summer holiday at the beach. We had so much more freedom and fun there than we had in the city.
Life was not as idyllic for some of us as we got older and had to participate more actively in the "down-side" of country living. Still, friends who spent their summers in the city had good reason to envy us. We certainly have an abundance of happy memories of time spent at Regina Beach.
Years later, we have to applaud a mother who chose this annual shift from home to cottage and a dad who commuted to and from work on weekdays because they both wanted what they thought was best for their kids - outhouse and all.
Thanks for the memories, Mom and Dad!
Here's another delicious thought to savour:
A TRADITION LOST: THESE ORBS SO SWEET!
BAZAARS RAN OUT OF THIS ROUND TREAT.
LOLOL, Lucy (#1506)
Thom ...what a happy thought...Mom feeling well enough again to don her reindeer horns and red nose. Go, Mom!
Please do whatever you can to keep those winning Riders' scores coming, too. Go, Riders!
Your latest stats on our collective word-production are also very impressive. Do you realize that also means that we have each READ that many words, too. Go, Bloggers!
Blogging at the Big Blog is getting to be another favorite site for us to visit. It's easy peasy to get there, too. Who brought the kitten into the newsroom?
Luv, Luce (#1507)
Therese ...your latest news on Mom is such a treat to read. She seems to be making the best of her hospital stay despite this most recent health scare.
From what you tell us, Mom is a popular patient with the people who are looking after her and with family and friends who are dropping in on her. We get the impression that Mom is exactly where she needs to be right now.
Though we're praying for Mom's speedy recovery, we hope the doctors don't release her before she is truly ready to go home and improve with each new day.
We'll watch for more updates here on the blog as you are able to provide them.
Lots of love, Louise (#1508)
Hi Barbara ...that grandmother of yours (and mother of mine)brings out the best in all of us, doesn't she? She encouraged you to go from a blog-lurker to blog-writer just by needing special hugs from you and your family.
It didn't take you long to get the rest of us crying, either, with mention of Grace-Anne and Hannah-Lynn requesting Grandma's bedtime song. You sure caught on fast to what moves us to strong emotion. As your own mother would say, MOO DAY RUG DONE! (If you know what I mean.)
Drop in again, Barbara. In the meantime, we will know that you are lurking out there in Blogland; you told us so yourself.
Love, Louise (#1509)
#1510
Boy! What a loss that tradition is, there is not another popcorn ball anywhere that tastes as good as those mom and the ladies made for the bazaar. They always sold out. One of my brother-in-laws is Rose Agopsowicz's son. Rose joins The Matlock family for special occasions like Christmas and Easter. Rose quite often relates stories of her and mom making those popcorn balls. She told me that dad would give her a $50 dollar bill every year before the bazaar to pay for the supplies. Last Easter Holly and Jamie put the feast on at their house, Rose was there with Deanie's mom and they were both delighted when we brought mom in to join us and the three of them were like little kids coloring eggs and giggling and clowning around for the rest of us to enjoy. It was one of the best days Dean's mom had before her passing. It was a Master card ad:
Easter meal and fixings....$50.00
Chocolate bunnies..........$10.00
3 dozen eggs............... $5.00
Easter egg coloring kit.....$4.00
3 mothers...264 years of love...priceless
ed, i love your master card ad.
i just came from the hospital, mary ellen was there and the first thing she said to me was "look at mom mike, she looks like herself" her color in her face is back, she's very happy, loves the baths they give her, but had to buzz the nurses because her back and head started slipping down and says she could of drowned, she had us all in stitches again. i believe she has her appetite back as well.
love mike
#1512
Thanks to all of you who are keeping us up to date on Mom's condition and progress. It helps to know that she is feeling better and that there are lots of people there with her.
Love, BJ
Luce, I have a picture somewhere of her with the nose and horns. If I can find it I'll post it.
Kerry Joseph was in fine form for the roughies on Friday. It was a very defensive game. Montreal was all over our offence, but Joseph kept scrambling to keep the ball moving. Our defence "got 'em in the backfield" five times. Last year, Saskatchewan was second only to B.C. in sacks.
I'm glad you're enjoying Barking at the Big Blog. I'm in the process of figuring out how to upload audio, so with a little luck I'll post a preview of songs from my new album by the end of the day (that would be the end of my day, not necessarily the end of your Scottish day.
Mike, very good news from the hospital. Looking forward to seeing everyone in August. Still no definitive word from Stephen, but I understand his lovely (I don't know how some people get so lucky) wife is working on him.
Wow, Ed,
That's a terrific answer to my latest riddle ...sweeter than the long-ago popcorn balls that Mom and other women from Sacred Heart Parish made to sell at the annual church bazaar.
I do wish that someone had kept that recipe, though. There are four things that I remember about those special popcorn balls:
...the candy used to pour over the popcorn was clear and flavoured with vanilla.
...the balls themselves were quickly formed in agile hands and very lightly packed.
...the candy holding the kernels together remained soft and stringy; it never hardened.
...the eating experience was airy, sweet and easy.
You're right, Ed, this popular item sold quickly and there were never enough popcorn balls to satisfy buyers at the church bazaar.
Thanks for telling the Easter story to accompany your response to this riddle. Your closing ad is ....... priceless!
I wonder, if will someone will give that kind of life to this riddle, too:
FOR WISHES FORMED IN HEART AND HEAD
PETITION'S FIRST, THEN "THANKS" IS SAID.
Lots of love, Louise (#1515)
BJ ...I second your vote of thanks to those who are providing us with first-hand updates on Mom in the hospital.
Mike ...if Mom has recaptured some of the colour in her cheeks, kept her sense of humour and regained her appetite, she's doing exceptionally well.
Thom ...we'll watch for your "cheer-up" picture of Mom with her red nose and reindeer antlers. If you also manage to link us to your latest music album, we'll have you in print, picture, video and sound. I admire your versatility in making the computer work for you; I am still trying to figure out how to cut and paste. (It's not as easy peasy as you think.)
We're planning an early night here. Dave has two rounds of golf scheduled for tomorrow. He needs his rest for the busy day ahead of him.
So, it's good-night from me. Blog on until tomorrow!
Luv, Lucy (#1516)
Post Script:
The nick name that you have given me is sticking. Today, I received a lovely gift from my next-door neighbour. Peggy does work in pewter and she made me a hand-crafted oval-shaped pin with "Lucy" printed in the pewter surface. You can bet that I will be wearing it at the Reunion weekend. Nice, eh!
Lucy (#1517)
Is it the rosary navina louise?
Wow, I remember those popcorn balls.
As promised, I now have five songs from my upcoming CD on Barking at the Big Blog.
As a reminder to those who are, ahem, digitally challenged: Just click on my screen name, go to the bottom of my profile page, then click on Barking at the Big Blog. The songs are listed at the top left.
Enjoy!
By the way, I should give credit where credit is due:
Thom Barker - acoustic guitar, vocals, mandolin
Ken Barker - bass, keyboards, harmony, percussion, engineering
Chris Chenier - electric guitar
1520
Happy Canada Day everybody.
Thanks Thom,
Your Canada Day greetings are very special to us this morning. They are probably the only ones we will receive here in Scotland where July 1st is just the beginning of another new month.
Have a Happy Canada Day, yourself!
Luce (#1523)
Yes, Robert,
The answer to my latest riddle is the rosary novena that Mom has been praying ever since Auntie Jo gave her a copy of the novena booklet, around about the time that Mom and Dad were married.
We are all Mom's "Novena Babies" and over some 65-plus years others have also benefited from this special series of prayers. Many of Mom's "personal intentions" are known only to her (and to God, of course).
Usually a novena is a set of prayers said over a period of nine consecutive days. The novena that Mom prays requires 27 five-decade rosaries prayed in petition for an intention, followed by 27 five-decade rosaries prayed in thanksgiving for that intention, whether or not the request has been granted.
(As an aside: if you chose to recite the fifteen-decade rosary of Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries all in one day, the novena could be prayed in 9 days of petition and 9 days of thanksgiving.)**
If you ever have the opportunity to pray Mom's novena rosary with her, you will discover that she knows by heart the meditation prayers that are said before each of the 15 mysteries, the short prayer at the end of each decade and the prayers recited before and after the rosary itself.
For Mom, the importance of the rosary in general and of this novena in particular, cannot be overstated. When she tells us that all she can do for us now is pray for us, she really means it!
Oh, my, here's another riddle that fits perfectly in this very spot:
SO CLOSE AT HAND, THIS CONSTANT FRIEND
A NEIGHBOUR'S KINDNESS DOES EXTEND.
Lots of love, Louise (#1524)
** Pope John Paul II's Luminous Mysteries are too new to be part of this novena but they are familiar to Mom, of course, and have also been incorporated into her prayer life.
Thom,
First thing this morning, Dave and I transferred over to Barking at the Big Blog and listened to your album. We especially enjoyed "Even After All This Time" and "Life is a Circle" but you entertained us royally with all five selections.
It was a great way for us to start Canada Day in Scotland, with our own Canadian recording artist.
Thanks, Luce (#1525 - with happy memories of Retallack Street)
#1526
Happy Canada Day from the Nation's Capital. July 1 is a big day here in Ottawa. Although we have participated in the many celebrations over the years, we now stay home and watch them on TV.
Love, BJ
Vic,
Is the answer to Huge Hulk Brute for Klute?
BJ
Happy Canada Day from 14 Wilkie Road. Wascana Park will be crowded with people for activities throughout the day and night until the evening when the Albert Street bridge is closed to traffic and fireworks are set off from Willow Island. At Eddie's first experience of fireworks he told me they were painting the sky.
1528
1529
Louise,
I am thinking the answer to your riddle is Auntie Jo MacDougall, she is always there for mom, she visits mom every week and brings mom's "ladies" with her. Auntie Jo, auntie Barbara and May Mcfee join mom for a tea party and if you're lucky enough to be invited to join them you will be treated to a very enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.
Auntie Jo keeps in close touch with mom and will often make the short walk from her own suite in the sister building next store to visit when mom has visitors who wish to see her.
She is a link to our own grandma and grandpa, auntie Vic and dad, and it is very interesting when she relates a story about them. I am always excited to see her.
Since I haven't got a chance of ever catching up, I will post a comment without reading the previous one hundred or so. Like Chris, I may have to read a few a day just to stay within striking distance.
Here is my completed survey:
What time is it? Almost morning, time to quit blogging.
What's your full name? Anthony Joseph Antonini.
What are you most afraid of? Needles (ie running out of them).
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? LTR The Return of the King.
Place of birth: Regina, Sask.
Favorite Food? Anything but a renal diet. (In 1997, I asked my doctor what was on a renal diet, and he told me, “if it tastes good, don’t eat it!!”)
What's your natural hair color? Fleshy red.
Ever been to Alaska? In my dreams.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? Give me a break.
Been in a car accident? One, two, buckle my shoe…………...
Croutons or bacon bits? I don’t look like either, but I feel a little like bacon bits.
Favorite day of the week? The one that ends in the letters..d-a-y.
Favorite restaurant? Used to be Luiggi’s, now it’s The Wok Box.
Favorite Flower? Robin Hood, but Safeway brand works in a pinch. (or is that salt)
Favorite sport to watch? 9 ball (particularly if Lou’s playing).
Favorite drink? Mine.
Disney or Warner Brothers? Nope. Antonini Brothers
Ever been on a ship? Been on lots of friendships. Still am, as a matter of fact.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Wood.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Do I need one?
What do you do when you are bored? Carol looks after that one, if I’m bored she finds something for me to do..
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? What a dumb question.
Who is the person that will least likely respond to this survey? Carol.
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Cory, Dustin and Keenan; in that order.
Favorite TV show? Current: Simpsons reruns.
All-time: Dragnet.
Last person you went to dinner with? My beautiful wife, Irene.
Your favorite colors? Green and White, and greeny-white.
How many tattoos do you have? None.
How many pets do you have? I’ve had 15 cats in the last 20 years but 13 have mysteriously disappeared or died.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? Does it really matter?
What do you want to do before you die? Finish my breakfast, finish reading the bible, and finish reading the blog; not in any particular order.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? No.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes.
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Not applicable.
Time this survey ended: Now.
T-Bone
happy canada everybody!!!
ed - i feel the same as you about auntie joe.
i luv lucy, i luv your riddles.
tony - your survey was funnier than i thought it would be.
b.j. your son thomas is absolutley crazy
love mike
So far on the survey the most common answer to the question, "Who is the person you are most curious to see their response?" has been Tony (or Tone or T-Bone or my dad).
Well, his answer is in and the survey SAYS, he did not disappoint.
However, I must say everyone has been quite clever and entertaining. I have been quire surprised how many people have answered (i.e., the level of blog addiction everyone is suffering).
Nevertheless, I've really enjoyed getting to know you all a little better.
Hopefully, we haven't seen the last of them.
So far, it's an even 14 (hmmmm, where have I seen that number before?)
b@bigdog
louise and david
cousin holly
sonia
bj
robert
tricia antonini
ed
marty antonini
thérèse
mike antonini
michele
lindsey elizabeth
carol and tony
Most popular answer to who is least likely to respond has been Len.
Mike, I am not crazy... okay, maybe a little, but not absolutely... okay maybe absolutely, but I've got an excuse... okay, I got nuthin', but... nevermind
OH! OH! OH!
I wanna change my favorite sport, to watch:
9-ball (when Lou is playing),
9-ball (when Tone is playing),
Hockey (when Mike is playing),
Football (when Len is playing),
Drums (when Rob is playing),
Karate (when Ed is playing),
Mixed Martial Arts (when Mary Ellen is playing).
Piano,(world's greatest),(when BJ is playing),
Flute, singing (when Vic is playing),
Piano, flute, oboe, clarinet,
saxaphone, tuba, etc.(when Therese is playing).
Piano, guitar, vocals, conducting, kitchen utensils(ouch),(when Chris is playing).
Piano, vocals, conducting and anything else she tries.(when Marcia is playing).
and last but not least:
Singing,Championship Blogminton. (when Louise is playing).
Marty, that reminds me of the pool table in the basement of 1140 Garnet. When I was a little kid, that basement was like an adventure waiting to happen... I especially remember the pantry (how could anyone have that much food?) and the shower (all those little multi-coloured tiles).
Once again, Ed, you have answered my riddle correctly and beautifully. Your description of Auntie Jo fits her perfectly.
When we were growing up, Jo and Mac were raising five children of their own. During the summer holidays some of us were lucky enough to form friendships with cousins who were close to us in age - David, Donald, Penny, Kim and Lee.
In those days we mostly knew Jo as our aunt and Dad's sister. In our adult years we have also come to see her as Mom's best friend.
I once spoke to Jo about how much we appreciate all that she does for Mom. She made it quite clear to me that Mom does as much for her in a friendship that has lasted a life-time. Their relationship goes back to their teenage years.
As you point out, Ed, Jo is also our link to remembrances of Grandma and Grandpa Antonini and of Auntie Vic. She can also connect us to Eric and Norma and to Joan and Jerry - Dad's side of the family.
So, Auntie Jo this 1536th blog entry celebrates you in our lives. Cheers!
And here is yet more cause for celebration:
YOUNGEST STAR AND STILL IN TRAINING,
USING ALL THE SKILLS SHE'S GAINING.
Lots of love, Louise
Hi T-Bone,
As stated in my own answers, I was waiting for your survey. I knew it would be funny but I really didn't know how you would pull it off. As Mary-Ellen would say... and I'm going to say it outright: DAMN YOU'RE GOOD! and comical,
too.
Love, Luce (#1537)
Marty ...I love your multiple answers to your favourite sport. Who would have thought that a survey could be so much fun? I appreciate your acknowledgement of my skills at Blogminton. As you can see, I try hard!
Love, Lucy (#1538)
Mike ...thanks for the kudos on my riddles. I count 18 different people who have given correct answers to these mysteries. Thom is running a close second on his surveys. That's an amazing response on both counts, don't you think so, too?
Lucy loves U 2! (#1539)
#1540
Tone,
Your survey was worth waiting for. I knew I would love your answer, and I did!
Lucy,
You are right about Jo. When I thanked her for being so good to Mom she said "Your Mom has been my friend longer than she's been your mother and I've known her longer than you have." She was more than an aunt to me--she is one of my lifetime heroes.
Mike,
If Thomas is crazy, you know whose fault that is. "When all else fails, blame it on the mother."
Marty,
I agree, Lucy is the Blogminton champ. Applause, applause!
Love, BJ
Hi all,
Have read many of the wonderful comments on this Part II blog but want to post before our company arrives today. The big news here is that Jamie had her baby - Theresa(for Brian's Mom)Briane(for Brian) Robinson arrived on Canada Day at 12:28 a.m. weighing 8 lbs 2 oz. Michele and Brian say Jamie is fine and the baby is healthy...and beautiful! We are happy for all of them and as Michele reminded us, we are great-grandparents now. I have been working on a primer for those of you in blogland who are still a bit confused about our(the fourteen)order of birth but I'll post it separate from this post so you can skip it if you're a sib(unless you're confused too)or already know the scoop. Blog later. IALTB, MLTA Vic
Lindsay, since reading novels is your favourite thing to do when bored, I have to recommend to you my favourite ones. They are, in fact, a trilogy: "The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B", "Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe", and "The Last Great Dance on Earth". It is the fictional diary of Josephine Bonaparte (Napoleone's wife) based on historical facts. I'm not a history buff at all, nor had I the least interest in 18th Century France, but still loved the books!!! The only negative is that they are written in short diary entries, so you may fall behind on keeping up on the blog because, if you are like me, you will keep saying "One more entry, then I'll put it down" until you finally say "Well, I'm almost done the book now, I might as well keep reading!" I loved the books so much I wanted to make them last longer so I said that I would wait 2 weeks between each book: I couldn't do it, and read them all back to back in a few days!!! I couldn't put them down - I'd set the book up behind the sink as I did dishes so I could keep reading! Well, before I build them up so much that you are utterly disappointed when you read them (not possible), I'll stop - but you must go to the library or book store and pick them up (get all three at once - you will need to keep reading...).
As for the survey, Mom came by the other day with a big vase of peonies from her garden, and I suddenly remembered that they are my favourite flower, so I'm changing my answer. Also, the last movie I saw in the theatre was Surf's Up with Dad, Jamie and the kids (before that was Premonition with Heather). Also, my fears really are open water (I cannot swim to save my life, but am planning on taking an adult learn-to-swim class now that the kids are getting in the water), and all bugs, but particularly caterpillars (when I see one, I can actually HEAR the fear - it must be blood rushing to my ears or something!), but since everyone has been so candid, my real fear is being my kids being separated from me in a variety of way of which I care not to think. I've got my apron string tied pretty tight!
Welcome Theresa Briane Robinson at 8 pounds and 2 ounces on Canada Day, 2007. That's even better than 07/07/07 when we were expecting word of your arrival.
Congratulations to you, your parents, your grandparents and your great-grandparents on this very special Canada Day! We have been praying for your safe arrival. Oh, happy day"!
Lots of love, Louise and David
hi
Kelly and I finally got to the cottage last night, June 30 might be the latest ever. I worked at the firehall all day and when I got out to the beach there was grass up to my ass (no alligators Lou). I used a whipper snipper to cut grass and then cleaned the deck until about 9:30 pm. I was a flipping mess. I decided to go to the little beach for a swim. Many things have changed in life, but the lake and the little beach are the same. The lake was like glass and my swim was awesome, and although I swam under water for only 11 seconds, didn't wear a skin colored bathing cap, ear plugs or a nose plug, I reminded myself of dad. I realized how much he must have enjoyed his swim in the lake after a long hard day working in Regina. I miss him.
Len
For those up-in-the-air on our order of birth
This primer's for you, for what it's worth.
BJ's the first-born and our smallest one.
She's a pianist with flair, writer, extraordinaire.
No wonder she has a newsworthy son.
We'd say he takes after his Mom.
And his dad too, when all's said and done.
Just look at the accolades that he has won.
VJ's the second, she nursed, farmed and ran
Two companies as well with Don, Mike and Michele.
Now retired, she spends time as she can
With her grandkids, she's their biggest fan.
We hope soon that she'll get her man.....to retire, that is!
Lucy's third sister, she's our gentlest star.
Taught school, raised two kids. Helped Dave with his bids.
Drove limousine, truck, cab and car.
Lives in Scotland now, land from afar.
Hey Dave, are you shooting closer to par?
Nephews and nieces love her to pieces.
Didn't Brant say "Aunt Louise is the sweetest!"
Mary-Ellen is fourth, cheerleader and teacher.
Loving Grandma to six, boys and girls in the mix.
You know that she'll always be there in your bleacher.
Just pick up the phone if you need to reach her.
There's a life guarantee," man-oh-man"
That she'll make you feel better as only she can
And as she and Bob do with their immediate clan.
Tony comes in at fifth, as the senior bro.
He's one to emulate, that we all know.
Whatever he does, it's done like a pro.
Think that you're smart enough
to see through his next bluff?
You're kidding yourself, don't
you know......unless your name is Carol, Sonia, Corey, Dustin, Keenan or Jenalee! Surely they have his number!
As a Father, Husband, Granddad or Friend
On his strength and advice we can always depend.
Lui's at sixth spot, his constant strength awes.
Champion of family, leading man to Marie.
We admire their courage that's been without pause.
With Brandon, Tricia and Dana too
This family grew fast with the addition of two.
An expert at numbers and music, by
choice.
We're amazed what he tells us in that sonorous voice.....and at his and Marie's humor. Don says he never realized Marie was so funny!
Ed's seventh, devoted son comes to mind.
Kids, Grandkids and Wife shine bright in his life.
He's laid foundations of more than one kind.
Mom looks for her Monday night treat.
That's Ed's visit to her suite retreat.
Deannie's often there with mouthwatering fare.
This twosome's a team hard to beat.
Marcia's eighth, comedy one of her arts.
Ever since she was small, she charmed us all
Playing Superman and other "parts".
Businesswoman and Mother.
She's unique, there's no other
Can replace her as Queen of Our Hearts.
She's "the redhead" to her husband, Den
Grandma to Kahless, Brianna, Braden.
Mother to Brant, Julianna and Shawn.
Hero to all for what she has done.....now she wears a real superman cape.
Christine, now that's nine, she's a Sweet Adeline.
Organizing her way through the busiest day.
Wearing more than one hat suits her fine.
There's her family of youngsters
shared with the cleverest of punsters.
Her chorus of Gold? Proves their director is bold.
Add her job at SaskTel
She's oft going pell-mell.
Yet the whole enchilada's done well!
Mike, our fourth bro, arrived as the tenth.
Real Estate's his career, he holds family most dear.
Visits to our little Mother? frequent!
We'd say that his faith is his greatest strength.
Diane is his Rock, we all do agree
And with their two children, Luke and Lindsey
This family, we love to the "nth" degree.
Marty's eleventh, an artist, so rare.
For mastering the piano, acting with gusto,
You'll not find his like anywhere.
Wherever he is, we want to be there.
Karen's a presence in her serene way
In his life full of music, acting and art,
The leading lady role is her very best "part".
No wonder we liked her when we met her the day
She came to the Beach with our brother Mar-tay.
Lenny as twelfth child, fills us with joy.
He's a real wysiwyg, real life rescue's his gig.
We remember him upbeat since he was a boy.
His smile is contagious.
Practical jokes? They're outrageous!
He plays them for laughs and not to annoy.
With Kelly, his wife, their emphasis lies
On kids first, then work, then community ties.
Therese? she's thirteenth, our youngest Sis.
Talented and clever at every endeavor.
Not to mention her family, we'd be remiss.
First there's Mary with her magic feet.
Then Christine Louise, the budding athlete.
To get what they wish for? That would be sweet......and if hard work works, they will!
Robert, seventh brother, completes this family ring.
No one can compare to his Bonnie, so fair.
Do you recall his ballad at their Autumn wedding?
Mike W. said, "Robert really can sing."
We love his exuberance and welcoming smile
(This kid brother, now grown
with kids of his own.)
When we "big" kids come home to stay for awhile.
I love you all, IALTB, Vic
WOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!!
Vic,
How do you do THAT? It's amazing. You've captured us all. (And you got us in the right order too). As Marty says WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, BJ
Whoever said the blog was a refuge, ditto for me.
thank you all
Edward
1549
Unbelievable VIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This blog has become the most incredible gift to the Antonini family that could be conceived.
The contribution that everyone is making to the 2007 Antonini Renunion Blog is beyond expression in words!!!
For those of you that don't know, Dad has 'shown up' at every Brothers' Reunion. I'm convinced he has inspired us all!!! And Mom's recollects have added fuel to the fire.
I discussed a MOM with Lou earlier today to ensure my facts were right, before sticking my neck out.
Mom said, "You parked the Envoy (Mom's car) across the street from our house, and when Lui went to work in the morning he backed out of the driveway and hit the front door of my car. He came back in the house and scolded you for parking the car across from the driveway." (Obviously Dad needed more room to maneuver his car around hidden objects).
My version:
It must have been Lou that parked the car there, because I knew better. Dad drove over three of my bikes that I left behind his car when I was in grade six!!!!
Toe Knee
1551
Sometimes the blog moves so fast entries are overlooked. I believe Louise's latest riddle would be Therese's little Mary. She's in Toronto honing her already abundant skills and with a heart as big as her skills she is already a success. As the Beatles would say "Something in the way she moves".
Vic, with that kind of press, I doubt the order really matters, but I think I've got it now. Nevertheless, I made myself a little mnemonic to help me remember:
Be Joyful, you are
Very
Lucky to
Make Everyday
Truly
Loving,
Enjoying
Much
Care and
Magical
Merriment with a
Legacy of
Truth and
Reverence
1552
orry.
My previous post was 1550 and this might be 1552.
T Bone
I diud say might, and very nice Thom.
T Bone
It must be getting pretty close to fireworks time for those of you in the east. So what is everybody doing to celebrate Canada Day. I'm watching Canada getting their butts handed to them by Chile in the U20 World Cup in Toronto. I don't think we have fireworks in Smithers because it never quite gets dark enough at this time of year (not that the Town coucnil is cheap).
You might be an Antonini if you use a national holiday to catch up on the blog...
You might be an Antonini if you have 3 bunkbeds and they're all in the same room.
1556
Hi Thom@bigdog
Nice to know that I'm right when I say you're proficient.
You're "right on" with birth order.
Your mnemonic? Magnificent!
IALTB, MLTA, Vic
It was your inspiration, Vic. Add muse to your already prolific talents.
Marty,
I'm doing this survey especially for you.
What time is it? how would I know? -I live in Saskatchewan.
What's your full name? Vittoria Jean Wohlberg(that's Scandahoovian),nee Antonini.
What are you most afraid of? When I was younger, public speaking, now, not being able to speak.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Spiderman III - please don't tell me there's IV.
Place of birth: hey, did you forget who I am? We are not amused! We were born in the Queen city.
Favorite Food? Absolutely, cheddar cheese, absolutely.
What's your natural hair color? Eh?
Ever been to Alaska? No, but I'll be in Anchorage this month.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? This would not amuse us.
Been in a car accident? Twice. The first time, a rollover, totally not my fault, the second, I don't want to talk about, other than to say it was totally my fault,I was driving someone else's car, and that person had just had major surgery and the car I rearended was driven by a woman taking her elderly mother home from the hospital but that's all I'll say because I really don't want to talk about it...
Croutons or bacon bits? Depends on the greens.
Favorite day of the week? Absolutely Friday, with the weekend ahead, absolutely.
Favorite restaurant? John's in S'toon. Even Philadelphians agree, just ask me!
Favorite Flower? As Holly said, the Carnation, an under-rated flower, for it's fragrance, delicacy and longevity.
Favorite sport to watch? Golf! perhaps for a moment you forgot who I'm married to.
Favorite drink? White wine is divine.
Disney or Warner Brothers? Do I have to choose?.
Ever been on a ship? First, I looked up the definition of ship. That didn't clear things up so I'll just say I've been in a vessel on the water.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Beige, like the rest of our house.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Twice. Once for going too fast and the other for ending up in the wrong lane (the day before I was married). Oops!
What do you do when you are bored? Take on a really big project(like clearing out the accumulations of the last ten years in one day) - that's a guarantee for shedding the blahs and bringing on angst, but boredom -that's held at bay!
Bedtime? Depends whose visiting.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? Luce, because she's on Scotland time (huge advantage).
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? What do you mean? Is this one of those chain letteres? I'm outta here if it is!
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? My son-in-law Brian because I'm hoping I'll get some ideas about what to buy him for his birthday this month.
Favorite TV show? Current: Criminal Minds(because of Mandy Patikinan from The Princess Bride).All-time: Gagney and Lacey(a couple of tough women cops who've morphed to a couple of tough old broads).
Last person you went to dinner with? My KISA*, Don, at Boston Pizza.
Your favorite colors? Pink(as in sweetheart roses), Blue(as in Tricia's eyes), black and orange(Logan and Geron's favorite colors)'cause I love to dress up for Hallowe'en.
How many tattoos do you have? At the moment - one fake butterfly.
How many pets do you have? None, although if Geron had his way I'd have a dog that he could look after. After owning two horses, four cats and one over-friendly dog(I drew the line at cattle) I've been cured.
Which came first, the chicken or egg? I'll be darned if I know. What I do know is together they make a mighty fine pot-pie.
What do you want to do before you die? The same thing I wanted thirty years ago(just ask BJ) - to become a truly Christian person.
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Yes and I ate the flower in a drink I ordered because it was so expensive I was darned if I was going to leave a shred of anything behind.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? YesX4(USA,Ireland,Scotland and England).
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? You're kidding, aren't you?
Time this survey ended according to one of the six clocks in my house 12:53 a.m. Saskatchewan Time (we have our very own zone). #KISA - knight in shining armor.
IALTB, MLTA Vic
Okay, Vic wins for the most detailed (verbose) response and rivals T-Bone, Tone, Toe-Knee etc... for witty. Then again, thinking back, Thérèse, Mar-tay and many others also had me in stitches. Oh, darn, I just can't choose. Don't worry though, I've compiled them all and I'll print them out for the reunion.
DON'T BE LEFT OUT! POST YOUR RESPONSE NOW!
Still trying to beat Luce's response ratio. There's nothing wrong with being competitive.
1560
Yes, Ed
Mary Emily Antonini is the answer to my latest riddle. She is currently in her third term at Randolph's Academy of Performing Arts in Toronto.
At 18 years of age, Mary is our youngest and most promising star. (She'll be 19 in August). Her credits go back years to film performances, TV ads and dancing awards. She has won a number of scholarships that have allowed her to travel to places like Saskatoon, Winnipeg and even New York to hone her developing skills.
In high school Mary choreographed productions for public performances by herself and others. She directed and starred in drama and variety shows. Her Regina dance teachers employed her as an instructor and tutor for other students taking courses from them.
The people in Toronto who work closely with Mary recognize that, besides demonstrating the talent, skills and stamina needed to excel in dance, drama and song, Mary has the soul of an artist. She is already a star.
So Mary Emily, we dedicate this 1561st blog entry to you. All of us look forward to seeing you in action during our August reunion.
The answer to this riddle may not be so apparent. But, then again, maybe it will. Let's see:
GONE TOO SOON - FEW HOLD IN MIND
THIS HUMBLE WOMAN, THOUGHTFUL, KIND.
Lots of love, Louise
Len,
You don't appear on the blog very often but when you do, you really make a splash.
When you described yourself at the little beach, going for a swim and staying underwater for 11 seconds, you reminded ME of Dad, too,(even without the bathing cap, ear plugs and nose clip).
I remember watching the water, waiting for Dad to reappear several yards ahead of where he first went under. I sometimes held my own breath and found myself gasping for air long before I spotted Dad again. He would surface - just as a bit of panic began to rise in me.
Thanks for the memory, Len, in spite of the fact that it tugged at my heart strings.
Luv, Lucy (#1562)
Vic,
You dropped a blog-hint or two about some kind of PRIMER that you were preparing to help people keep our birth order straight. What you wrote is a TRACT.
I enjoyed reading about each of my sisters and brothers. I know from experience that you have to be able to "play with" what you know about a person in order to describe him or her in six to ten lines of verse. And you did it for all 14 of us!
My own verse is packed with highlights of my life, lots of love and a bit of folklore. You are too kind!
Your July First birth order primer is a keeper.
Lucy applauds and thanks you!
(#1563)
#1563
Lucy,
Is the answer to your riddle, Mom's sister Jean? She was all you say plus more. She was a wonderful writer, both witty and wise. She saw things long before others did and was extremely intelligent. I was kind of in awe of her, but also loved her dearly.
Vic,
Your response to the survey was absolutely hilarious, absolutely!
Len,
Welcome back. Please visit more often.
Mary-Ellen,
Now that you are back in Calgary I hope to see you also back on the blog.
Thomas,
I see you still don't sleep at night. When you were a baby you were up all night--and happy all the time. When you were a teen-ager you sometimes stayed out all night. The first time it happened I stayed up all night worrying. After that, I figured why should I stay up when you were out having fun. You woke Grandma up at 3:30 one morning to come out and see the stars.
Hey, you said you were waiting for a story from me. Be careful what you ask for.
Love BJ (Mom to some).
Oops. I can't type fast enough to keep up with the blog. I guess I was really #188.
Now #189 Maybe
Oops, I meant #1565 now 1566
Thom ...your mnemonic is also a keeper, especially for its spirit, sentiment and emotion.
Unfortunately, it is not so easily memorized for quick recall of sibling birth order. (As in Roy G. Biv for the colours of the rainbow). I tried to commit the mnemonic to memory and found myself relying on my knowledge of birth order to figure out what came next. Maybe I'm at a disadvantage in knowing too much in this case.
Anyway, nice stuff, Thom!
Luce (#1564)
Ooops that should have been 1567. I didn't see you there, BJ. Good morning!
Lucy (#1568)
Lucy,
You didn't mention whether my answer to your latest riddle is correct. Maybe you didn't see it.
Love, BJ
#1569
Hi guys
This blog is not only a runaway train...it has many engineers,countless cars and I still can't see the caboose... How delightful.
Like BJ says: I would love to comment on so many entries, but just keeping up with the reading is a full time job.
It is nice to see Vic comin' in for a nice big splash.
For the record: The difference between a boat and a ship?...
...You can put a boat in a ship, but you can't put a ship in a boat.
I will go now and have breakfast, then I will come back and read #
1571 to 1580.
#1570
marty
Hey Marty,
....what time is it,,,,? How come you're up so early. Couldn't wait to read the blog, I'll bet.
I'll start you off with...
#1571
Love, BJ
What time is it? Time for me to do this survey.
What's your full name? Marcia Joan Theresa Pinvidic (nee: Ant-toe-nee-nee)
What are you most afraid of? Breaking a finger nail.
What is the most recent movie you have seen in a Theatre? Are there still theatres?
Place of birth: Regina, Saskatchewan.
Favorite Food? Gnocchi
What's your natural hair color? Red - what about it????
Ever been to Alaska? Yes, it's cold.
Ever been toilet paper rolling? What IS that?
Been in a car accident? Yes, but it was never my fault. Ask Len about the black licorice.
Croutons or bacon bits? None of the above, but I order them so Dennis can have double.
Favorite day of the week? Thursday, because then there's only one more day until Saturday.
Favorite restaurant? Are there still restaurants?
Favorite Flower? Tulips, locally grown, of course.
Favorite sport to watch? Golf, followed closely by tennis!
Favorite drink? Uh...well, I DON'T like scotch.
Disney or Warner Brothers? Antonini brothers.
Ever been on a ship? Yes, and I drank the Navy's rum, too.
What color is your bedroom carpet? Light beige, when it's clean. Dark beige right now.
How many times did you fail your driver's test? Once. Apparently you cannot hit another car and pass.
What do you do when you are bored? Read the Blog!
Bedtime? As soon as Dennis turns off the TV and turns on the radio.
Who will respond to this survey the quickest? I'm still waiting to find out.
Who is the person you sent this to that will least likely respond? Len - why buck the trend?
Who is the person you are most curious to see their response? Len (I want to know if he's been to Alaska)
Favorite TV show? Current: Canadian Idol
All-time: Lassie
Last person you went to dinner with? Dennis, at the golf course (I had to golf first and it was actually lunch - does that count?)
Your favorite colors? Green and white, even after 36 years in Lion country.
How many tattoos do you have? 13
How many pets do you have? Are we allowed pets now?
Which came first, the chicken or egg? The chicken of course, because she had to lay the egg. Duh!?
What do you want to do before you die? Have great-great-great grandchildren. Great....
Have you ever been to Hawaii? Yes, it's hot.
Have you been to countries outside Canada? Yes, USA, Mexico, England, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Alaska (duh - as already mentioned, by the way!!)
How many people are you sending this e-mail to? None, besides this family - I LIKE my friends.
Time this survey ended: 10:05 am in the time zone that counts.
Quick blog for BJ
I finally caught up on the blog and noticed you had made a guess on Huge Husk - Brute for Klute is funny but not my solution. Blog more later. IALTB, MLTA, Vic
#1573
Marcia,
Your survey--love it, love it, love it. LOL
BJ
#1575
Vic snuck one in on me.
Back from breakfast.....
now...where was I?...
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
...that was good.
#1576
Marty
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