Sweet Adeline International Report#1: Quartets - ( 48 ) Awesome doesn't begin to describe it. It was UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE! So was seeing Marcia in the International Judges' chair. WOW! Chris sat with Vic & I and gave us some SA insights. We love being together!
Vic & I just got home: I had no idea that we would be Sweet-Adelining from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. That's the routine for the next few days. Yikes!
Marty, If you can't find us at home, we're at the Saddledome! 34 choruses will be competing tomorrow, then the finals begin Friday. Vic and I still haven't figured out when we're supposed to sleep, but we better try to get some now. Report later, ME & VIC xoxoxoxo
Sweet Adeline International Competition Report # 2 Chorus Semi-Finals (34): UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE! Canada has one chorus who made the final 10. From Vancouver, British Columbia, the Lion's Gate Chorus.Today is the Quartet finals. Gotta run so we won't be late.
Thanks for the quick report Mary-Ellen. As the cream comes to the top, the Sweet Adeline sound is bound to get even more more wonderful. Enjoy every note, chord and word of it! We love it that you are there, hearing the music and watching the spectacle.
Yesterday Therese told us about the Vancouver chorus whose goal was to be in the top 10. Now you tell us that they made it! Everything beyond this is extra for them. Congratulations Lion's Gate; we are so proud of our Canadian representative.
We await your next impressions. Your excitement is contagious.
Hi Everyone, I'm back! I haven't been completely away. I have been blurking all along, but this is a particularly busy time of year for me and while I have been on the blog in spirit, I haven't been on it in contributing. We have had a glorious fall. The trees are more wonderful than they have ever been and the weather has been great, too. We have watched with interest all the things happening in the family: Thomas, Imagine returning to your roots after all this time. I am sure you and Lorraine will like living in Sask. It is a great province and the skies alone make it worth residing there. I hope you both enjoy it. Mary-Ellen, Thanks for your play-by-play of the SA competition.It sounds like you and Vic are having a blast. Of course, you may need a holiday when it is over. Either that, or you will be so re-charged that you will be ready to take on the world. Thanks also for your quotes. They are always so appropriate and fun to read. Please keep them coming! Lucy, I know I can always count on you to keep the blog going. And, having spoken to you on the phone a couple of times,you have kept me in touch with the Regina news. BTW, I have added your 'blogapplause' to the Blexicon. Kenneth, I haven't visited the art facts blog yet, but will do so this weekend as I have nothing else planned for a couple of days. I'm looking forward to it. Tricia's Trotters, Well done! Congratulations on your efforts and support. You all deserve blogapplause, especially Tricia who is such an inspiration to us all. Rider Fans, What loyal supporters of our team you all are. And I somehow don't think it is just because everybody wants to win Marty's contest. You are true blue fans--blogapplause to you, too. Edward, To answer your question, here I am! here I am, how do YOU do? Love, BJ
I want to tell you about Mom's latest cake creation, made for Therese's birthday.
Actually Mom, Barbara and I worked together on this one. Mom counted marshmallows and helped mix in the rice krispies. (That's when she puts in the extra ingredients, like love, patience, kindness, joy, peace, humour, etc. Barbara and I added a few of our own positive thoughts, too.)
Mom then formed the rice krispie mix into a bowl of fall flowers with raised leaves throughout the bouquet. Barbara and I took over on the decorating, adding birthday greetings to the base, bright smartie petals on the flowers and green icing on the leaves.
When it came time for Therese to cut the cake, we each simply "picked a flower". Though the bouquet got smaller, it slowly took on different lovely arrangements.
Jenalee and her friend, Rebecca, came by after supper to bring love and roses Mom's way. They, too, got to pick a flower from Theresa's cake.
Later, Ed, joined us in the celebration and, yes, there were still flowers to choose and enjoy.
Yesterday, Therese was able to take home her bowl of three remaining flowers, still pretty and wonderfully delicious.
This birthday cake was no small achievement for Mom at this time. That made it all the more sweet for those of us who were able to share the moment.
Mom, Although we didn't see the cake, Lucy's wonderful description let us all envision and enjoy it. Take a bow and enjoy our blogapplause! Thanks, Lucy, for sharing this with us. Love, BJ
Thom ... I was pretty sure that you'd get regretful well-wishes from the people with whom you have been working and a fine send-off from your friends. Always, the future has to prove itself. Enjoy the adventure!
Marty ... thanks for the heads up on tonight's Heartland program. Mom and I will track you down if at all possible.
Thanks for the summary, Thom ... Grandma and I lost track of the game. We were trying to find out the final score and you came through for us on four counts.
Yeh, Riders
Way to go, Campbell!
And while we are celebrating victories:
Congratulations David Butcher 2007 St. Andrews Golf Club 3rd class monthly medal Champion on the Old Course - Net 69.
Calling all Antonini's It's actually Paul here and since i enjoyed Regina so much I am coming back, this time for a whole week, flying in On November 9th and leaving the 18th.
So....... I was hoping on some help, I would love to go to that Football game and was wondering how I would go about buying a ticket, maybe two if someone wants to join me. Even though I am a Lions fan i still want the Roughies to do well and that is great they will more than likely host a game. it is too bad the two best teams in the league can't meet in the Greycup.
Anyway, let know through MOM (Lucy) or email me at paulbutcher105@hotmail.com
Marty ... Mom and I saw you at the opening of the TV program, Heartland. It's a good thing you told us to watch for you in the opening scene. You are convincingly a mean character in the series but we know better in real life. We were proud to say: "There's my son" and "there's my brother".
Kenneth ... talk about a perfect comeback! What a nice thing for you to say. You encourage us to be less fearful about clicking on and dropping in. We have already discovered that we are rewarded when we do so. Lucy
Nice job on the tunes. That 3rd song rocks man. Nice job on the drums too. You get a great snare and kick sound. The symbals sound real too. Hard to do with simulated drums. Great production Kenneth. I like the versatility of the three tunes. Nice job guys.
Hey Lucy
I'm not sure where I will appear again in "Heartland". I don't know how many episodes they are releasing this fall. I'll keep you posted.
Great-grandma and I looked at your picture this morning. We thought about you during our breakfast and wished you a joyful, family celebration on this, your special day.
May your wish on four bright birthday candles come true for you in every way.
Much love, Great-aunt, Louise and Great-grandma Mary.
This morning Mom received this joke in the mail. She read it aloud to me:
Two elderly couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other."Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?"
"Outstanding," Fred replied. "They taught us all the latest psychological techniques - visualization, association - it made a huge difference for me."
"That's great! What was the name of the clinic?"
Fred went blank. He thought and thought, but couldn't remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked, "What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?"
"You mean a rose?"
"Yes, that's it!" He turned to his wife.... "Rose, what was the name of that clinic?"
Thanks BJ for a very funny rose in your promised shower of roses to mark Mom's 90th October. Keep them coming her way!
Hi All, I never did get back to reporting on the Sweet Adeline Competition. Vic & I slept over at the hotel and so there was no computer for me to blog. Then when it was all over, I was too tired to blog! SO now the Final Report: UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE!!
I must mention that Vancouver's Lion's Gate Chorus came in 3rd, which is remarkable. We had a great time, and for me the highlight of the whole thing was being with my sisters. Wonderful. We slept just a little ( part of the whole experience ), ate a lot of the Saddledome's junk food ( again part of the whole experience ), clapped, cheered, yee-hawed, laughed, cried, and even sang with the 7000 SA's. I'm sure Christine, Marcia, & Vic are now in recovery mode, as I am ( again part of the whole experience ). I'd do it again in a minute!
Marty, You are very good at being bad !! Vic & I watched Heartland and were very excited about seeing you. Pride rode high!
Lucy, Your comments are always very descriptive and enjoyable. Thanks muchly for keeping us informed & entertained.
Ken, Thanks for the link to the pictures of you, Johanne & Tricia. It's nice to see you in your hometown environment and really appreciated seeing Tricia with you.
Thom, I imagine you & Lorraine are up to your eyeballs with packing boxes etc. I hope your move goes smoothly and that you settle in quickly. I have always found moving somewhat difficult - I get a little nauseated every time I see a moving van( until I realize it's not coming for me )!!
Mom, I love the "Rose" joke BJ sent. I imagine you're getting a variety of "Rose" stuff from her, for your 90th October greetings. She is so creative and you are so loved. HAPPY 90th OCTOBER!
The .wma files have been downloaded this many times: - Even After: 37 - Cherish: 24 - It Goes: 27
The blog has had visitors on servers in the following locations:
Canada - Calgary, Alberta - Regina, Saskatchewan - Toronto, Ontario - Gatineau, Quebec - Essex, Ontario - Halifax, Nova Scotia - Sarnia, Ontario - Ottawa, Ontario - Kanata, Ontario - Burnaby, British Columbia - Quebec - Canada
United States - Indianapolis, Indiana - Austin, Texas - Mission Viejo, California - Redford, Michigan - Easton, Maryland - Winston Salem, North Carolina - Elkhart, Indiana - Greenbelt, Maryland - Washington, District of Columbia - Toms River, New Jersey - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
United Arab Emirates - Dubai, Dubayy
Mexico - Ensenada, Baja California
Turkey - Susurluk, Balikesir
Norway - Hommelvik, Sor-Trondelag
UK - Chelmsford, Essex - Doncaster - Airdrie, North Lanarkshire
Hey Ken, You better be careful because your Master Plan may just work! Remember, there are lots & lots of us ( well over 100 )! Thanks Kenneth - Austin would be a great place to visit.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: What is the city, but the people? - William Shakespeare
Thanks for the quote, Auntie Mary Ellen - I'll remember that when it hits -40 here and I wonder "why do I live here again?". Not that it's a bad place to live, Thomas, you're gonna love it, really! Lots of sunshine!!!
Holly, i know i'm going to love it... we also got -40 in Ottawa and Smithers... of course, there's the wind whipping across all that open space (i didn't tell Lorraine about that :-)
Thom and Lorraine ... your home on Echo Lake sounds very inviting ... even at -40 degrees. Congratulations on finding a place in Saskatchewan so quickly.
There's good news over on Tricia's Tides. "Marrow Miracle" is a quick but happy posting. Thanks for keeping us right in step with you on your journey, Tricia.
There are quite a few different words to describe the cold in Saskatchewan. Dry (good one Holly) is just one of the few you may mutter during your first winter here!
I'm serious about the dry cold! After spending a week in Toronto in February, I was so ready to return to the weather back home... and I was living in WINNIPEG at the time! Yes, our eyelashes freeze together, we have to walk with our arms straight down so our winter jackets don't crack at the elbows, and our daily weather report includes the seconds it takes for exposed skin to freeze, but thank goodness we don't have to put up with that humidity!
One year in Ottawa I had some friends from Texas visiting. The Friday February evening was very mild, just under zero, a perfect night for taking in Winterlude festivities.
They asked me what they should do for breakfast in the morning. They were staying downtown just a few blocks from Chinatown so I told them they had to go to Yangtze for dim sum.
Of course, overnight the temperature plummeted to -43. Being from Texas, I guess they didn't think to check the weather or didn't understand what -43 meant and set out to walk to breakfast.
I got an angry phone call.
"What is wrong with you people?" she demanded. "What do you do when it gets so cold?"
"Well, we certainly don't go walking to breakfast," I replied.
Just thought I'd post a little article that was printed in the Calgary Herald on October 5, 2007.
Light the Night Walk raises record funds
Health: A record turnout of 1500 walkers resulted in an unprecedented fundraising total of $450000 from this year's Light the Night Walk.
"We felt just delighted with the community support", said Mary Ann Sanderson, executive director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Alberta chapter.
She said a patient services program started in Calgary this year may have encouraged more people to take part in the Sept.29 event at Eau Claire.About 850 walkers raised $352,000 last year.
The society's mission is to help cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.--- Calgary Herald.
Isn't that amazing? Love you all and love that Miracle Marrow, Tricia.
Me and my dad have been working on putting ceramic tile in my kitchen and dining room.....looks great.
apparently, my mom is coming over tonight to help clean out jacob and jordon's room....... so, if you don't hear anything from me in the next few days something better come check on us. There is something living under their bunkbed I think, it's a creature made of dirty clothes, toys and various other boy trinkets.
Just might find my bank card too! Mike - maybe I will find those keys you lost years ago.
Lorraine and I signed our lease today. We will likely be driving to Sask on Nov. 8 or 9. We will be stopping for the night in Calgary so I wanted to throw it out there to the Calgary branch of the family that we would love a place to stay (bearing in mind we will have three cats with us.
You are welcome to stay with us but we can't have the cats. Keaghan is alergic to them. He can't even hold his guinea pigs. Actually, would you like 3 guinea pigs? they get along great with cats...HAhahahahahaha. Anyway, let me know what you want to do.
I'm using Ed's Edition to let everyone know that Mom, (Grandma, Great-grandma, etc.) is under observation in the General Hospital this morning.
She has had a whole battery of tests that show that she is physically well at 89. Now they want to see what can be done to ease her mind and raise her spirits. She is in good hands.
I'll be visiting Mom this morning and I will blog later with a quick update for you.
Tell Grandma we love her dearly and are hoping she regains her cheer. We'll be by to visit in a couple of weeks and she can meet her newest granddaughter-in-law.
I'm sure Grandma is in good hands at the hospital, and finds comfort in having such care. We've been praying for her spirit to be lifted, so maybe this is the beginning of our prayer being answered.
On another note, for those of you who missed Uncle Marty in Heartland, here is the Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F8nVjuZjGk
I am personally taking your greetings to Mom (Grandma, Great-grandma)in the General Hospital assessment unit. She smiles when she hears your names and your messages to her.
Things are happening quickly as Mom's doctors try to determine how her many medicines might be interacting with one another to cause her some distress. She should be home from the hospital soon.
Each episode of illness and hospitalization takes its toll on Mom's energy and stamina. Recovery gets harder and harder for her. She's definitely slowing down as she approaches 90.
You've already been to Halifax in anticipation of this 30th birthday. You have also had a birthday eve party with your family here in Regina. Now your special day has arrived - October 21, 2007.
You might be an Antonini if you... Use the WORLD WIDE WEB as an answering machine.
Louise, Could you Please give us a call when you have a chance, My work number at the Pets Store is Toll Free 1 877 690 7387 I'm there 10-6 on Monday. Its nothing important just when you get a chance. Thank you.
Ideally, I get a job with the Leader-Post, but, failing that, I establish myself as a freelancer again. Ultimately, we're talking magazines, newspapers, books, fame and fortune.
In the meantime, if anyone knows of, or stumbles across, any kind of writing gig that pays at least 50 cents a word, I'm interested.
Mike .... I loved the reserved seat up in the "nose-bleed" section. I had a spectacular view of Regina and beyond. The colours of the field and the fans amazed me. The Riders? Awesome!
Thom .... I enjoyed the game doubly knowing just how much you'd be cheering for our team from afar. I did feel like a "lucky Rider fan".
Kenneth .... I'm not even going to venture a guess. I'm loving it!
Melissa .... it was nice to speak to you on the phone. Ed's Edition is a good way to get a message to someone on the run.
You're welcome, Marty ... the email you received was rather detailed. I was just getting ready to post a general comment here.
I promised to keep our blogging family up-to-date on Mom, (Grandma, Great-grandma, etc).
A team of doctors is working hard to determine what is happening to Grandma. Her thinking is very confused so they are doing CT Scans, EEG's and other diagnostic tests on her. They are also using new medicines to aid her in her thinking process. They believe Grandma's age is a big factor in her recent and sudden struggle to remember people and events.
Today I was told that Grandma will have to stay in the hospital for a few more days at least. I will continue to take your messages and well wishes to her. Her eyes still light up when she smiles her wonderful, gentle smile.
Condolences to Campbell. His Vancouver Island Raiders came close to making it to the National Championship, but came up three points short against. St. Leonard.
Google Reader is useless. It seems to take hours to get around to our little blog. Does anybody use a feed reader that they like (in particular, one that's more responsive)?
Whoa, hang on there Kbub, you've probably just given half the bloggers on here an aneurism.
A feed reader is kind of like when the mailman used to ring your doorbell to let you know your mail was there. Okay Luce?... Luce? Oh, oh, I think you killed her.
It's probably not your reader, Kbub, probably that UNIX crap you're using. Get yourself a MAC or PC if you want to keep up with the non-academic world.
@ marty antonini: Cool stuff, once again. I like your "A train" story.
Thanks!
Seriously, I always thought the words were "A Street train" and I worried that it would be trite/obvious to quote the A Train melody in the music. It was well after I finished recording that I realized Thomas sings "8th Street train". Makes the quote a lot less obvious. :-D
Hi everyone! I had the chance to spend some quiet time at the church last night (hard to come by for a mother of four littles!) and prayed my rosary for Grandma. When I was finished I was inspired to invite you all to say a daily rosary or decade for Grandma with me. A decade only takes about 4 minutes, so even those of you who live in Regina should be able to fit it in during your morning commute (you big city folk might be able to get through a couple of rosaries)! This way we can all help to hold her up in prayer.
Hi, Its actually Paul Mom (Lucy's) intenet is down till sometime today, she will get back for updates once its up. I know she likes giving them as it makes happy in some of the tought times. take Care all. Love Paul.
Here's an update on grandma...she is at her suite under Lucy's care and will go for her INR bloodtest tomorrow and see Dr. Suri Wednesday. With some luck Lucy's connection will be up soon and she will be able to keep us updated on the Mom.
Thanks for the update Ed, Those of us who are out of town feel pretty helpless. I hope you will let us know if there is anything we can do. In the meantime, we will wait for Lucy's report. Love, BJ
BJ, I think that most of us out of Regina people feel more useless than helpless. We can however, using an old adage from my Mother, 'offer some prayers as that's the only thing I can do!'
Thanks especially to Louise but also those of you in Regina who are keeping the vigil for us all.
stage 1 of the transition is complete, Brandon is currently winging his way to New Brunswick
a week from now Lorraine and I should be in Alberta
our furniture gets picked up on Monday... our friend Bonnie has reserved the honeymoon suite in her hotel for us on Monday night as a going away present and we hit the road Tuesday morning
Keep sending your thoughts and prayers Grandma's way. She is finally back in the hospital getting the care and attention that she needs.
Mom's nurses know about her large and loving family. They tell us that we have taken such good care of her that she is already on the road to recovery - one small step at a time.
So, for tonight, Grandma is finally getting a good, sound sleep. I'll let you know what tomorrow brings.
Thanks, Thom I will take your love and prayers to Grandma in the hospital this afternoon. I believe they will reach her somewhere deep inside.
Therese and I were at that football game between the Argos and the Riders. For obvious reasons, we left before it ended. Let's hope the Riders show up for next Sunday's game!
I have been listening to a couple of my favourite songs on your album this morning. They were just right for me today. Love, Luce
Lucy again, Grandma still needs lots of prayers. The nurses tell me that we have to be patient but that we could see some improvement by the middle of next week.
I whisper your messages of love and encouragement in Grandma's good ear. Please believe, along with me, that she can hear you!
Thanks from me also, for all you've done. I think I speak for everyone else when I say how much we appreciate knowing The Mom's condition as she is cared for.
Speaking of football...
Those of you who picked B.C. and Toronto for the West and East finals have scored 2 pts for each.
Here are the stats so far:
(4 points each): Amy, Betjorian, Ed, Holly, Lorraine,luigi Pinzanno, Mike and Paladora
(2 points each): BT walker, BJ, Bootlejoose, Campbell, Dave, Jack, Len, Livenza, Louise, Luigi Jr., Lyndsey, Marcia, Mary Ellen, Melissa, Nessie, Sonia, Thomas.
I hope you visit the family blog site today because I did not get your annual card in the mail for November 2007. I know you'll understand.
Anyway, Tony, we are thinking of you as you celebrate your 61st birthday today. We hope you are feeling well. We toast your good health and happiness in the coming year.
You might be an Antonini if you have the same birth date as someone else in the family.
Have a great birthday celebration with family and friends. Jack and Davis should have double the fun helping you blow out your candles and eating your cake.
Congratulations on making Century 21's Top Producers list for the month of October. I spotted your picture in Saturday's paper. Well done!!
Every month, Mom watches the paper for your picture. She would have been so proud to see you there on November 3rd. I have cut out the ad for her to enjoy when she is feeling better.
In the meantime, I'll tell Mom about your latest achievement. She'll hear me.
November 6th, 2007 must not draw to a close on the family blog site without mention of Mom (Grandma, Great Grandma, Great-great Grandma, etc.)
This morning, at 10:40, Mom died in the General Hospital here in Regina. She had been very sick lately and she was struggling to keep going. She just couldn't do it anymore. Her sister, Barbara, and I were with her when her generous heart stopped beating today.
Grandma's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 9 at 10:00 am in St. Cecilia Church. Her 14 children and many more relatives and friends will be there for the occasion.
Thank you for the thoughts you have been sending Grandma's way. I made sure that she received all your messages of love and support.
Today, your prayers on her behalf have been answered. Lots of love, Louise
I don't even know what to say or how to start this comment... Other than Grandma is back with Grandpa. Let us remember the good times and the Rice Crispy cakes, Her Love, Her Big Heart and all the things that make us remember Her, and the Great Weekend We all had together in August. Yes, She may be gone but She will never be forgotten. I have to go there is lots of stuff in my eyes and I cant see the keyboard
A few years ago, Betty Jo decided to create a special day just for Mom. She chose November 7.
Mom would receive an Ottawa package of interesting items to enjoy and to share with others.
When I went to the fridge this morning, I spotted a couple of magnetic sevens that made me think of Mom and the fun she used to have on this, her special day in November.
Louise, I've been thinking about the same thing all day. I remember my mother putting together packages to send for the Special Day. I don't remember when it started, but it seems like a long time ago. I always think of November 7th as "Grandma Day".
So Happy Grandma Day to everybody.
It's a long way from Austin to Regina, but the love I'm sending all of you can cover the distance, I think.
Thank you, Auntie Louise, for the beautiful write up for Grandma yesterday. I dreamed last night that grandpa was waiting for grandma with his big, open arms and they waltzed and waltzed until I woke up.
Grandma's celebration calendar reminds us that this is your special day.
Not so long ago, she was admiring the family picture that you sent her in August - of you, Stephen, Alexander and Emily. In its unique, colourful frame, the photo pleased her very much.
Of course, here in Regina were all very busy remembering Grandma today and celebrating her exceptional life. In the midst of it all, though, we thought of you, in Ottawa marking your birthday, probably thinking of us, too.
We toast your health and happiness today and in the coming year. Cheers! Louise and David
I am wearing a green jersey and a Rider hat and am quite exhausted after riding the game roller coaster!
Michele asked me to send this or post it, so I thought I'd put it here, where anyone can find it if they would like to...for those who weren't able to be in Regina last Friday, this was a simple tribute to grandma's devotion to the rosary, agreed by the 14 children as the most appropriate, which I said just after the communion prayer...
As one of her many many proud grandchildren, I would love to speak about the remarkable impact grandma had on her family, friends and others. However, that is not what she wished, so I'll instead reflect on her lifelong devotion to Our Lady and the rosary.
Great Aunt Jo introduced grandma to the rosary and novena many many years ago. Her dedication to Mary and the rosary extended to each of the fourteen children she and grandpa raised - she called them her novena babies, as she had said a novena for each. They would gather the children to pray the family rosary, with the attitude that "the family that prays together stays together".
Grandma also shared the rosary on a wider scale by handcrafting and praying on 551 fimo rosaries, now cherished by people spread around the world.
I think one of the most recent visual demonstrations of grandma's connection to the rosary was just over 2 months ago, when her entire family gathered to celebrate her upcoming 90th birthday. It was her sweet dimpled smile and bright blue eyes when she caught sight of a giant edible rosary, with rice krispie cake beads and licorice string.
Looking in front of me today, it is obvious that the family that prayed together stayed together. As grandma shares a long-awaited dance with grandpa, I'm sure her sweet dimples are showing as she smiles at her Novena babies and their families here together, closer than ever, continuing on her prayers.
So the greatest tribute to grandma would be for us to say a Hail Mary together, meditating today on the 1st glorious mystery, the resurrection. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Aunt Barbara asked what you had said about Mom during the Mass. Now I can give her a copy of your tribute to read and to keep.
Your moment about Mom was a highlight of the November 9th celebration of her life. When all else is forgotten, we will recall your words and loving manner.
Today we celebrate your artistry, in the rose you gifted to Grandma. It hung in the living room of her suite and she enjoyed its beauty and simplicity.
We toast your health and happiness as you mark this special day.
Just the other day, we were looking through Grandma Michele's photo book of Theresa, her proud parents and her very proud grandparents. At 5 months of age, Tess is a bit too young to celebrate your 2007 birthday with you but I'm sure she's still your greatest gift ever.
We wish you good health and lots of happiness in the coming year.
Tricia, Thank you for both your eulogy at the funeral and your posting of it on the blog. It was a wonderful tribute and a fitting end to the ceremony. MARTY: Where is Bob in your latest contest update? I refer you to the September 8 blog 7:42 am. He posted his guesses on that one and is threatening to start court proceedings if you don't include him in your next update. I figure he has 12 points. Can you confirm? Love, BJ
What a wonderful compliment it is when someone is willing to take me to court because they want one of my paintings. I am going to paint you one of my warriors for that reason alone.
I have in my records:
Bob Barker:
East final- Montreal vs Winnipeg West final- Sask vs Calgary Grey cup- Sask 23 Winnipeg 17
Actual results (so far):
East final- Toronto vs Winnipeg West final- Sask vs BC
Bob's score- 4 points 2 pts for Winnipeg 2 pts for Sask
* There are no points scored for East and West semi-final games.
I have also posted Bob's score on the following dates:
Sorry, Marty, I thought there were points for the semi-final games. Please disregard my rant of yesterday! I stand corrected. No need to make any adjustments. Love, BJ
We hope your November 19th birthday has been a happy one for you.
Our greeting is a bit late but you have been in our thoughts all day. Great-great Grandma, Mary, had a picture of you with Sadie, Dehlia and Piper on display in your halloween costumes. We spotted you there and toasted your happiness today.
This is pretty pathetic, only 35 posts since Nov. 4. That's an average of only two a day. It only took me twenty minutes to catch up (and I was taking notes). In the heyday of the blog it used to take that long to catch up if you got up to get a cup of coffee.
I feel a blogburst coming on, but I'm going to do it USA Today rather than Globe and Mail
First, Grandma's funeral. In a word... beautiful. Thankfully, we got to Regina in time. She died just about the exact time we were leaving the hotel in Smithers. It was quite a shock to pick up the Leader-Post on Thursday and see her picture on the obits page.
Unfortunately, the Regina newspaper rejected my pitch yesterday to write a piece similar to my Ottawa Citizen article about Grandpa for the 2004 Grey Cup.
Thanks to Tricia for resharing her eulogy on the blog. I cried again but this time managed to get through Hail Mary without choking on the words.
And many, many thanks to the original 14 for giving the grandsons the privilege of carrying Grandma's coffin. It was, without reservation, the greatest honour of my life.
Lorraine and I stopped by the suite last night and visited with Louise and David. I scooped up the porcelain Mary figure my Grandma Barker made for my Grandma Antonini back in 1969. Lorraine added another angel to her collection, the one that was attached to the corner of the coffin. Both will enjoy places of honour in our beautiful new home on Echo Lake.
Big ol' Kudos to Luce. Incredible that through everything, she has managed to keep up with the greetings for significant dates and happenings. In her honour, Happy belated Birthday to Toe-knee, Mona, Dana, Johanne, Carmen and Jamie. Happy belated anniversay Tony and Carol and congrats to Mike on that real estate thang.
I just wanted to add to what Thomas shared about Grandma's funeral and say a big thank you to Auntie Marcia for praying the "God Bless mommy and daddy" prayer at Grandma and Grandpa's gravesides.
Every night we have a brief family prayer time, where we try to read a bible story and pray a (quick and slightly distracted) decade of the rosary. Now we finish our prayer time with "God bless mommy and daddy". Mom told me that Grandma made that prayer up to pray with all of the kids at bedtime. We are happy to carry it on with our own. Thanks Grandma.
God bless Mommy and Daddy, God bless all of us children, May we all live holy, happy useful lives, May we all die happy deaths, May we all fulfill the purpose for which we were made, And thank you for everything.
We're going to have our home-warming party on Saturday Dec. 1. starting anytime after 1 p.m. until... whenever. Everyone is welcome.
Please pass along info to those who may not be blogging or blurking.
It will be a byo beverage affair and we have lots of space for people to crash if the beverage of choice is copious amounts of alcohol.
Directions from Regina: Take Hwy 110 to Fort Qu'appelle. At the Shell Station, turn left (Bay Street). Turn Left at Broadway Ave. (main street). Follow the lake until you get to the B-Say-Tah Bed and Breakfast (Grove St.). Turn Right and stay to the right all the way to the point. We're number 44.
Directions from Calgary, Ottawa, Texas and points elsewhere: Get to Regina then follow above directions.
Thomas, I agree--your parents are absolutely shameless. Greedy, too, considering I already have 2 miniatures (for which I did nothing to deserve). But listen, some things are worth whining for--and an MSA miniature is definitely in that category. So since I'm no longer in the running for the contest and since whining and cheating (all those alien contestants) didn't work, I guess I will just have to rely on my good looks, an early inheritance or the artist's whim. Sigh... Marcia, Thanks for posting the prayer. It was an inspired and spontaneous gesture at the funeral and we are all grateful to you for it. Happy Thanksgiving to all our relatives in the States, the Pinvidics in CA, the Barkers in Colorado and Kenneth and Johanne in TX. Love, BJ (and Mom)
Happy American Thanksgiving everyone!! I told Martin that he needs to go shopping in Houston tomorrow.. apparently it's the biggest shopping day of the year in the US on Friday? Interesting tidbit. Hugs to all of you.
I have decided to do one more small painting for the final (Grey Cup) game.
I have been painting small thumbnail sketches for the stampede that I use for ideas for larger paintings, and some of them sell better that the larger ones so I am in "the zone" right now.
So.... One more prize for...
The closest final score of the Grey Cup game. The scores you have all chosen for the East and West will count no matter who is playing. I will post the painting on Thomas' blog in the next couple of days.
Here again are the scores:
Name West East
Amy Sask 30 Wpg 16 B T Walker Cal 39 Wpg 36 Betjorian BC 21 Wpg 20 BJ Sask 24 Mon 14 Bob Barker Sask 23 Wpg 17 Boootlejoose BC 33 Mon 31 Campbell Wpg 35 Cal 28 Desp Dan Cal 35 Wpg 31 Dave Wpg 22 BC 18 Ed Sask 27 Wpg 22 Holly Sask 24 Wpg 22 Jack Sask 32 Wpg 24 Kelly Sask 32 Wpg 24 Len BC 35 Wpg 28 Livenza Wpg 32 BC 19 Lorraine Cal 24 Wpg 20 Louise Sask 31 Mon 19 Lui.jr. Sask 29 Wpg 14 Luigi Pinz Sask 31 Wpg 18 Luke Sask 24 Wpg 20 Lyndsey Sask 33 Wpg28 Marcia Sask 38 Wpg24 Mary Ellen Sask 21 Wpg 19 Melissa Cal 24 Mon 21 Mike Sask 29 Tor 14 Nessie BC 32 Wpg 27 Paladora Sask 29 Wpg 27 Sonia Sask 24 Mon 20 Spirit Mon 29 Cal 14 Stephen Sask 45 Mon 42 Thomas Sask 39 Mon 18 Tricia Sask 30 Wpg 20
I hope this will make watching the game more fun.
I felt inspired to do this while talking to my sister Marcia on the phone today about the Mom. I guess she just has that effect on me.
Hey Barbara, If Martin isn't already in a line-up for the bargains tomorrow, he's too late. To say that is the biggest shopping day is an understatement. There were people lined up at Best Buy (electronics) last night. Their families are bringing them turkey dinner in the line-up. The deals are unbelievable - laptops for $250 as an example. So we're all back in the big game -good news - thanks Marty. See ya' Marcia
Oh man.. Auntie Marcia, I had no idea of that shopping situation from way up here in the Great White North!! Good grief.. dinner in the lineup.. I bet in Texas they are popping those turkeys in the deep fryers, bagging them up and eating them on the go! Wow! Neat facts about 'merica. Enjoy!
I'm full of turkey and thanks and back home from our gracious hosts' Thanksgiving party (dinner at 2pm, that's living).
Tomorrow is known as "Black Friday". Some stores open as "early" as midnight for the sales. I'll be vigorously sitting on my couch at home, watching football of course... Hook 'em Horns!
Welcome back dog. Thanks for posting the new address.
The album blog continues and I need your journal entries.
Here are the the blog posts since the last time I linked: http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-6-dont-try.html http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-7-quiet-in-us.html http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-8-what-will-you-do.html
Sorry, folks that's Hwy 10 to get to Fort Qu'appelle (as if you couldn't figure that out).
Hwy 210 is an alternate (and faster) route, however. Take 210 (left at Echo Valley Provincial Park) off 10 and follow it to B-Say-Tah (right turn just before Echo Beach), then left at Grove Street instead of right and follow it to the point.
Btw, we'd appreciate if you could RSVP by blog, email or phone so I'll know how much chili and cornbread to make.
We wish we could be there next Saturday, too. We would love to return some of the surprise and enjoyment of your recent visit with us in Grandma's Regina suite.
Instead, we will be on a plane to Kelowna that very afternoon! However, you can be sure we'll be "warming up" over a toast to you and your guests as you celebrate being at home in Saskatchewan. Cheers!
Greetings Rider Nation! It's been a bad sports weekend so far in Tommytown with the Senators going down to Pittsburgh, the Longhorns trounced by (ick) the Aggies and Manitoba winning the Vanier Cup.
Today, though, it's all about the Roughriders. Don't know what the heck I'm going to do to kill the next four hours, the anticipation is intense.
It's Game day and we are doing our bit to cheer on the Riders. Our Sask flag is bravely flying out front showing our colors to all the Eastern Canada supporters around us. Go Riders!! love, BJ
447 comments:
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hey holly, what's your phone #
Lorraine got her job offer today, looks like we're on our way to Saskatchewan in November.
Help! We need a place to live.
i'll do some more checking thomas.
uncle mike
thanks mike
Welcome Thomas and Lorraine!
306.525.5779, and Jamie's cell is 529-0186. Let us know how we can help on the home search, Thomas and Uncle Mike.
Sweet Adeline International
Report#1: Quartets - ( 48 ) Awesome doesn't begin to describe it. It was UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE! So was seeing Marcia in the International Judges' chair. WOW!
Chris sat with Vic & I and gave us some SA insights. We love being together!
Vic & I just got home: I had no idea that we would be Sweet-Adelining from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. That's the routine for the next few days. Yikes!
Marty,
If you can't find us at home, we're at the Saddledome! 34 choruses will be competing tomorrow, then the finals begin Friday. Vic and I still haven't figured out when we're supposed to sleep, but we better try to get some now.
Report later,
ME & VIC xoxoxoxo
Cooooooooool.....
Love,
Marty
I'm getting the vibe that Mary-Ellen is just a wee bit excited. Try to get some sleep ME. Looking forward to your reports.
Hey. Where's Betty Jo?
Happy Birthday, Therese!
I hope you can hear the music through the excited spirits of our wonderful sisters.
Have a great day at work. We'll eat cake with you later.
Lots of love, Louise
i'll let you know holly - thanks
anyone know where echo lake is?
nevermind, i found it, just outside of fort qu'appelle
Sweet Adeline International Competition
Report # 2 Chorus Semi-Finals (34):
UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE!
Canada has one chorus who made the final 10. From Vancouver, British Columbia, the Lion's Gate Chorus.Today is the Quartet finals. Gotta run so we won't be late.
Loving those SAs
ME xoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for the quick report Mary-Ellen. As the cream comes to the top, the Sweet Adeline sound is bound to get even more more wonderful. Enjoy every note, chord and word of it! We love it that you are there, hearing the music and watching the spectacle.
Yesterday Therese told us about the Vancouver chorus whose goal was to be in the top 10. Now you tell us that they made it! Everything beyond this is extra for them. Congratulations Lion's Gate; we are so proud of our Canadian representative.
We await your next impressions. Your excitement is contagious.
Love, Lucy
Hi Everyone,
I'm back! I haven't been completely away. I have been blurking all along, but this is a particularly busy time of year for me and while I have been on the blog in spirit, I haven't been on it in contributing.
We have had a glorious fall. The trees are more wonderful than they have ever been and the weather has been great, too.
We have watched with interest all the things happening in the family:
Thomas,
Imagine returning to your roots after all this time. I am sure you and Lorraine will like living in Sask. It is a great province and the skies alone make it worth residing there. I hope you both enjoy it.
Mary-Ellen,
Thanks for your play-by-play of the SA competition.It sounds like you and Vic are having a blast. Of course, you may need a holiday when it is over. Either that, or you will be so re-charged that you will be ready to take on the world. Thanks also for your quotes. They are always so appropriate and fun to read. Please keep them coming!
Lucy,
I know I can always count on you to keep the blog going. And, having spoken to you on the phone a couple of times,you have kept me in touch with the Regina news. BTW, I have added your 'blogapplause' to the Blexicon.
Kenneth,
I haven't visited the art facts blog yet, but will do so this weekend as I have nothing else planned for a couple of days. I'm looking forward to it.
Tricia's Trotters,
Well done! Congratulations on your efforts and support. You all deserve blogapplause, especially Tricia who is such an inspiration to us all.
Rider Fans,
What loyal supporters of our team you all are. And I somehow don't think it is just because everybody wants to win Marty's contest. You are true blue fans--blogapplause to you, too.
Edward,
To answer your question, here I am! here I am, how do YOU do?
Love, BJ
Lucy here,
I want to tell you about Mom's latest cake creation, made for Therese's birthday.
Actually Mom, Barbara and I worked together on this one. Mom counted marshmallows and helped mix in the rice krispies. (That's when she puts in the extra ingredients, like love, patience, kindness, joy, peace, humour, etc. Barbara and I added a few of our own positive thoughts, too.)
Mom then formed the rice krispie mix into a bowl of fall flowers with raised leaves throughout the bouquet. Barbara and I took over on the decorating, adding birthday greetings to the base, bright smartie petals on the flowers and green icing on the leaves.
When it came time for Therese to cut the cake, we each simply "picked a flower". Though the bouquet got smaller, it slowly took on different lovely arrangements.
Jenalee and her friend, Rebecca, came by after supper to bring love and roses Mom's way. They, too, got to pick a flower from Theresa's cake.
Later, Ed, joined us in the celebration and, yes, there were still flowers to choose and enjoy.
Yesterday, Therese was able to take home her bowl of three remaining flowers, still pretty and wonderfully delicious.
This birthday cake was no small achievement for Mom at this time. That made it all the more sweet for those of us who were able to share the moment.
Now it is yours to savor as well!
Love, Louise
Mom,
Although we didn't see the cake, Lucy's wonderful description let us all envision and enjoy it. Take a bow and enjoy our blogapplause!
Thanks, Lucy, for sharing this with us.
Love, BJ
Well, it's starting to sink in a little bit. I tendered my resignation and Todd has already hired my replacement.
Lorraine starts her new job on Nov. 13. Look out Saskatchewan, you're not going to know what hit you!
Oh my gosh, Thom, talk about moving on without fanfare! BC's loss is definitely Saskatchewan's gain.
Welcome to the Land of Living Skies! Let the fireworks begin.
Luce
It's kind of a pattern, Luce. History will determine whether it's a good one.
But, don't worry, there will be fanfare!
Hi Guys
Just in case anyone is interested,
I am starring in a movie tonight on CBC at 7pm mountain time.
It is called, "Heartland".
You won't like me. I'm a bad guy.
I'm in the first scene, I think, and it is a recurring role.
Marty
Lucy here,
Thom ... I was pretty sure that you'd get regretful well-wishes from the people with whom you have been working and a fine send-off from your friends. Always, the future has to prove itself. Enjoy the adventure!
Marty ... thanks for the heads up on tonight's Heartland program. Mom and I will track you down if at all possible.
Go Riders! 14 - 10 with three quarters to go.
clean sweep!
Texas 56 Iowa State 3
Saskatchewan 39 Hamilton 25
Green Bay 17 Washington 14 (sorry Stephen)
oh yeah, lest we forget last weekend's BCFC semi-final:
V.I. Raiders 53 Surrey Rams 0 (way to go Campbell
Thanks for the summary, Thom ... Grandma and I lost track of the game. We were trying to find out the final score and you came through for us on four counts.
Yeh, Riders
Way to go, Campbell!
And while we are celebrating victories:
Congratulations David Butcher 2007 St. Andrews Golf Club 3rd class monthly medal Champion on the Old Course - Net 69.
LOL, Lucy
oh and btw, the BCFC final is on as we speak 17-10 Raiders at the half
Calling all Antonini's
It's actually Paul here and since i enjoyed Regina so much I am coming back, this time for a whole week, flying in On November 9th and leaving the 18th.
So....... I was hoping on some help, I would love to go to that Football game and was wondering how I would go about buying a ticket, maybe two if someone wants to join me. Even though I am a Lions fan i still want the Roughies to do well and that is great they will more than likely host a game. it is too bad the two best teams in the league can't meet in the Greycup.
Anyway, let know through MOM (Lucy) or email me at paulbutcher105@hotmail.com
Interception and that's it, Campbell and the Raiders are going to Montreal
Final: 33-27
Mar-tay, congrats, we'll be watching at 6 p.m. Pacific.
hey marty, where'd you go?
Way to go Marty. You sure do make a good bad guy. We look forward to seeing you in future episodes.
Love, BJ
Hello family.
Johanne and I got to spend the afternoon with Tricia, who's here in Austin for Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Challenge. We had a fantastic time!
Irrefutable proof here:
http://permanart.com/pix/familypix.html
You're right, Uncle Marty... I didn't like you.
I agree, Holly, but I wanted to see more of his evil-ness. Now I'm committed to the whole series... d'oh!
kbub... cool
i don't know if you can call it irrefutable, though, amazing things can be done with photoshop
Paul, Lorraine and I want to go to that game too, if only we knew someone in Regina...
Kenneth ... Mom and I clicked onto your family pix site to catch a glimpse of Tricia during her Austin visit with Johanne and you.
Thank you for letting us know about the afternoon visit and for letting us see the three of you enjoying one another's company.
We are amazed at a technology that gives us such immediate feedback on family happenings.
Lucy and Grandma in Regina
Marty ... Mom and I saw you at the opening of the TV program, Heartland. It's a good thing you told us to watch for you in the opening scene. You are convincingly a mean character in the series but we know better in real life. We were proud to say: "There's my son" and "there's my brother".
When will we see you in film again?
Lucy
b@bigdog: i don't know if you can call it irrefutable, though, amazing things can be done with photoshop
Come on. If I were going to photoshop it, don't you think I would have done something about my ridiculous haircut? Honestly.
Louise and David: We are amazed at a technology that gives us such immediate feedback on family happenings.
And I'm amazed at a family that gives us such wonderful purpose for modern technology.
Now if only CBC would join us in the 21st century and put their shows online, I'd be able to watch Evil Marty.
Not believing it even for a minute...
Kenneth
For those of you following it...
Part 3 of the album blog is now up at:
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/10/2x-3-it-goes-on.html
And in case you missed it, the story starts here:
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/09/twice-usual.html
</blogjack>
Kenneth ... talk about a perfect comeback! What a nice thing for you to say. You encourage us to be less fearful about clicking on and dropping in. We have already discovered that we are rewarded when we do so.
Lucy
Hey Kenneth and Thomas
Nice job on the tunes. That 3rd song rocks man. Nice job on the drums too. You get a great snare and kick sound. The symbals sound real too. Hard to do with simulated drums. Great production Kenneth. I like the versatility of the three tunes.
Nice job guys.
Hey Lucy
I'm not sure where I will appear again in "Heartland". I don't know how many episodes they are releasing this fall. I'll keep you posted.
Love,
Marty
Happy birthday, Briana!
Great-grandma and I looked at your picture this morning. We thought about you during our breakfast and wished you a joyful, family celebration on this, your special day.
May your wish on four bright birthday candles come true for you in every way.
Much love,
Great-aunt, Louise and Great-grandma Mary.
Lucy here,
This morning Mom received this joke in the mail. She read it aloud to me:
Two elderly couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other."Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?"
"Outstanding," Fred replied. "They taught us all the latest psychological techniques - visualization, association - it made a huge difference for me."
"That's great! What was the name of the clinic?"
Fred went blank. He thought and thought, but couldn't remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked, "What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?"
"You mean a rose?"
"Yes, that's it!" He turned to his wife.... "Rose, what was the name of that clinic?"
Thanks BJ for a very funny rose in your promised shower of roses to mark Mom's 90th October. Keep them coming her way!
LOLOL, Lucy
good one luce, pretty funny for a clean joke
thanks for the kudos, marty, means a lot coming from you
funny, there doesn't seem to have been a lot of activity on the blog recently, but here we are already at 44 comments in part 6
that's a rate of more than 7 a day, in case anyone is still interested in stats
Hi All,
I never did get back to reporting on the Sweet Adeline Competition. Vic & I slept over at the hotel and so there was no computer for me to blog. Then when it was all over, I was too tired to blog! SO now the Final Report:
UN-FRIGGING-BELIEVABLE!!
I must mention that Vancouver's Lion's Gate Chorus came in 3rd, which is remarkable. We had a great time, and for me the highlight of the whole thing was being with my sisters. Wonderful. We slept just a little ( part of the whole experience ), ate a lot of the Saddledome's junk food ( again part of the whole experience ), clapped, cheered, yee-hawed, laughed, cried, and even sang with the 7000 SA's. I'm sure Christine, Marcia, & Vic are now in recovery mode, as I am ( again part of the whole experience ). I'd do it again in a minute!
Marty,
You are very good at being bad !! Vic & I watched Heartland and were very excited about seeing you. Pride rode high!
Lucy,
Your comments are always very descriptive and enjoyable. Thanks muchly for keeping us informed & entertained.
Ken,
Thanks for the link to the pictures of you, Johanne & Tricia. It's nice to see you in your hometown environment and really appreciated seeing Tricia with you.
Thom,
I imagine you & Lorraine are up to your eyeballs with packing boxes etc. I hope your move goes smoothly and that you settle in quickly. I have always found moving somewhat difficult - I get a little nauseated every time I see a moving van( until I realize it's not coming for me )!!
Mom,
I love the "Rose" joke BJ sent. I imagine you're getting a variety of "Rose" stuff from her, for your 90th October greetings. She is so creative and you are so loved. HAPPY 90th OCTOBER!
That's All, Folks!
Love,
ME xoxoxoxo
mary ellen: Thanks for the link to the pictures of you, Johanne & Tricia.
It's all part of my master plan to show people having so much fun in Austin that the rest of you can no longer resist the urge to come visit.
Just got these stats from Kbub.
Since he posted the Twice the Usual blog:
The .wma files have been downloaded this many times:
- Even After: 37
- Cherish: 24
- It Goes: 27
The blog has had visitors on servers in the following locations:
Canada
- Calgary, Alberta
- Regina, Saskatchewan
- Toronto, Ontario
- Gatineau, Quebec
- Essex, Ontario
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Sarnia, Ontario
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Kanata, Ontario
- Burnaby, British Columbia
- Quebec
- Canada
United States
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Austin, Texas
- Mission Viejo, California
- Redford, Michigan
- Easton, Maryland
- Winston Salem, North Carolina
- Elkhart, Indiana
- Greenbelt, Maryland
- Washington, District of Columbia
- Toms River, New Jersey
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
United Arab Emirates
- Dubai, Dubayy
Mexico
- Ensenada, Baja California
Turkey
- Susurluk, Balikesir
Norway
- Hommelvik, Sor-Trondelag
UK
- Chelmsford, Essex
- Doncaster
- Airdrie, North Lanarkshire
WOW Thom,
Those are great stats. Thanks.
Hey Ken,
You better be careful because your Master Plan may just work! Remember, there are lots & lots of us ( well over 100 )! Thanks Kenneth - Austin would be a great place to visit.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
What is the city, but the people?
- William Shakespeare
Love,
ME xoxoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for the quote, Auntie Mary Ellen - I'll remember that when it hits -40 here and I wonder "why do I live here again?". Not that it's a bad place to live, Thomas, you're gonna love it, really! Lots of sunshine!!!
looks like lorraine and i may have found a place to live... a nice little two bedroom, two car garage cottage right on Echo Lake
Holly, i know i'm going to love it... we also got -40 in Ottawa and Smithers... of course, there's the wind whipping across all that open space (i didn't tell Lorraine about that :-)
What. You mean there's a minus 40? That can't be good.
But remember, Thomas, it's a DRY cold...
hahahahahahahahahaha
dry cold, that's good
we have a home
woo hoo!
in saskatchewan that is
Thom and Lorraine ... your home on Echo Lake sounds very inviting ... even at -40 degrees. Congratulations on finding a place in Saskatchewan so quickly.
Lucy again,
There's good news over on Tricia's Tides. "Marrow Miracle" is a quick but happy posting. Thanks for keeping us right in step with you on your journey, Tricia.
That place sounds great, Thomas, and a beautiful part of the province!
The place sounds great Thomas!
There are quite a few different words to describe the cold in Saskatchewan. Dry (good one Holly) is just one of the few you may mutter during your first winter here!
Gotta love Saskatchewan. Welcome!!
Sonia
I'm serious about the dry cold! After spending a week in Toronto in February, I was so ready to return to the weather back home... and I was living in WINNIPEG at the time! Yes, our eyelashes freeze together, we have to walk with our arms straight down so our winter jackets don't crack at the elbows, and our daily weather report includes the seconds it takes for exposed skin to freeze, but thank goodness we don't have to put up with that humidity!
Funny story.
One year in Ottawa I had some friends from Texas visiting. The Friday February evening was very mild, just under zero, a perfect night for taking in Winterlude festivities.
They asked me what they should do for breakfast in the morning. They were staying downtown just a few blocks from Chinatown so I told them they had to go to Yangtze for dim sum.
Of course, overnight the temperature plummeted to -43. Being from Texas, I guess they didn't think to check the weather or didn't understand what -43 meant and set out to walk to breakfast.
I got an angry phone call.
"What is wrong with you people?" she demanded.
"What do you do when it gets so cold?"
"Well, we certainly don't go walking to breakfast," I replied.
Moral of the story: common sense is contextual.
Hi everyone,
Just thought I'd post a little article that was printed in the Calgary Herald on October 5, 2007.
Light the Night Walk raises record funds
Health: A record turnout of 1500 walkers resulted in an unprecedented fundraising total of $450000 from this year's Light the Night Walk.
"We felt just delighted with the community support", said Mary Ann Sanderson, executive director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, Alberta chapter.
She said a patient services program started in Calgary this year may have encouraged more people to take part in the Sept.29 event at Eau Claire.About 850 walkers raised $352,000 last year.
The society's mission is to help cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.--- Calgary Herald.
Isn't that amazing? Love you all and love that Miracle Marrow, Tricia.
Cousin Barbara
I better post something for Oct 18 here!!
Me and my dad have been working on putting ceramic tile in my kitchen and dining room.....looks great.
apparently, my mom is coming over tonight to help clean out jacob and jordon's room....... so, if you don't hear anything from me in the next few days something better come check on us. There is something living under their bunkbed I think, it's a creature made of dirty clothes, toys and various other boy trinkets.
Just might find my bank card too! Mike - maybe I will find those keys you lost years ago.
Sonia
Sonia, I wouldn't want you to feel lonely,
Lorraine and I signed our lease today. We will likely be driving to Sask on Nov. 8 or 9. We will be stopping for the night in Calgary so I wanted to throw it out there to the Calgary branch of the family that we would love a place to stay (bearing in mind we will have three cats with us.
wow, quiet day on the old blog yesterday
GO RIDERS!
And GO RAIDERS! Good Luck Campbell on Saturday against the St. Leonard Cougars.
Hey Thomas
You are welcome to stay with us but we can't have the cats. Keaghan is alergic to them. He can't even hold his guinea pigs.
Actually, would you like 3 guinea pigs? they get along great with cats...HAhahahahahaha.
Anyway, let me know what you want to do.
Marty
Hey Marty,
I knew the cats would probably be a liability, but that is our reality.
I'm sure our cats would love your guinea pigs (mmmm, dee-lish).
And with that Calgary loss tonight, we are guaranteed a home playoff game. Woo hoo!
Who's working on tickets?
Lucy here,
I'm using Ed's Edition to let everyone know that Mom, (Grandma, Great-grandma, etc.) is under observation in the General Hospital this morning.
She has had a whole battery of tests that show that she is physically well at 89. Now they want to see what can be done to ease her mind and raise her spirits. She is in good hands.
I'll be visiting Mom this morning and I will blog later with a quick update for you.
Lots of love, Louise
Happy 29th Birthday, Dustin!
The sun has come up bright and warm on your special day. Have a good one! We toast your health and happiness .... cheers!
Louise (in Regina) and David (in Scotland)
Dear Auntie Louise,
Thanks for the update on Grandma. Please send her love, hugs, and prayers from all of us.
Love,
Barbara and family
Thanks for the update, Louise.
It's good to hear that Grandma's physically fit. There ought to be some way to harness the blogpower to send her some cheer....
Thanks, Luce
Tell Grandma we love her dearly and are hoping she regains her cheer. We'll be by to visit in a couple of weeks and she can meet her newest granddaughter-in-law.
I'm sure Grandma is in good hands at the hospital, and finds comfort in having such care. We've been praying for her spirit to be lifted, so maybe this is the beginning of our prayer being answered.
On another note, for those of you who missed Uncle Marty in Heartland, here is the Youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F8nVjuZjGk
Cousin Holly, that's awesome! Believe it or not, I don't get CBC here in Texas. Now I can see "Evil Marty" for myself.
Thanks!
Lucy here...
I am personally taking your greetings to Mom (Grandma, Great-grandma)in the General Hospital assessment unit. She smiles when she hears your names and your messages to her.
Things are happening quickly as Mom's doctors try to determine how her many medicines might be interacting with one another to cause her some distress. She should be home from the hospital soon.
Each episode of illness and hospitalization takes its toll on Mom's energy and stamina. Recovery gets harder and harder for her. She's definitely slowing down as she approaches 90.
I'll blog again tomorrow with another update.
A bit of a mix up over a football ticket to a Roughrider game has handed me a reserved seat at tomorrow's game against Hamilton. I'll be there, Mike!
Go Riders, Go!
Lucy
Woo hoo, Luce, you lucky Rider Fan!
Happy Birthday, Heather!
You've already been to Halifax in anticipation of this 30th birthday. You have also had a birthday eve party with your family here in Regina. Now your special day has arrived - October 21, 2007.
Enjoy today! Cheers to you at 30!
Love, Louise and David
Good morning blogland.
Part 4 of the album blog is now up. It's Life Is A Circle, which some of you know (now featuring acoustic cat toy).
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/10/2x-4-life-is-circle.html
You get one guess for who has the most blog comments over there. :-)
Way to go Mikey!
What an exciting battle between Weir and Hensby all day!
I vote we bring back an Old Game!
You might be an Antonini if you...
Use the WORLD WIDE WEB as an answering machine.
Louise,
Could you Please give us a call when you have a chance, My work number at the Pets Store is Toll Free 1 877 690 7387 I'm there 10-6 on Monday. Its nothing important just when you get a chance.
Thank you.
Ah, a beautiful trifecta
Mikey wins
The Riders win
The Bosox win
Okay, so here's my plan.
Ideally, I get a job with the Leader-Post, but, failing that, I establish myself as a freelancer again. Ultimately, we're talking magazines, newspapers, books, fame and fortune.
In the meantime, if anyone knows of, or stumbles across, any kind of writing gig that pays at least 50 cents a word, I'm interested.
Just thought I'd put it out there, just in case.
Lucy here,
Mike .... I loved the reserved seat up in the "nose-bleed" section. I had a spectacular view of Regina and beyond. The colours of the field and the fans amazed me. The Riders? Awesome!
Thom .... I enjoyed the game doubly knowing just how much you'd be cheering for our team from afar. I did feel like a "lucky Rider fan".
Kenneth .... I'm not even going to venture a guess. I'm loving it!
Melissa .... it was nice to speak to you on the phone. Ed's Edition is a good way to get a message to someone on the run.
Dear Louise
Thank you so much for the wonderful update on the Mom.
It's so good to know what's happening.
Love,Marty xoxoxoxoxoxo
You're welcome, Marty ... the email you received was rather detailed. I was just getting ready to post a general comment here.
I promised to keep our blogging family up-to-date on Mom, (Grandma, Great-grandma, etc).
A team of doctors is working hard to determine what is happening to Grandma. Her thinking is very confused so they are doing CT Scans, EEG's and other diagnostic tests on her. They are also using new medicines to aid her in her thinking process. They believe Grandma's age is a big factor in her recent and sudden struggle to remember people and events.
Today I was told that Grandma will have to stay in the hospital for a few more days at least. I will continue to take your messages and well wishes to her. Her eyes still light up when she smiles her wonderful, gentle smile.
Lots of love, Louise
Condolences to Campbell. His Vancouver Island Raiders came close to making it to the National Championship, but came up three points short against. St. Leonard.
wow, you can practically hear the crickets chirping on this blog
hello... ello.. llo... lo
qui appelle?
We're averaging less than four comments a day over the last week...
Google Reader is useless. It seems to take hours to get around to our little blog. Does anybody use a feed reader that they like (in particular, one that's more responsive)?
Whoa, hang on there Kbub, you've probably just given half the bloggers on here an aneurism.
A feed reader is kind of like when the mailman used to ring your doorbell to let you know your mail was there. Okay Luce?... Luce? Oh, oh, I think you killed her.
It's probably not your reader, Kbub, probably that UNIX crap you're using. Get yourself a MAC or PC if you want to keep up with the non-academic world.
What browser are you using NCSA Mosaic 1.0?
I just assumed Lucy had a great feed reader... how else does she know before everybody else that blogs have been updated?
I'll not dignify the Unix jab (and Mac is t3h svxx0r7!!1!!1onelone).
Firefox 2.0.0.8 (4Dohze)
Oh man, this is scary. Just after I posted, Google Reader updated with the last four comments. Google heard me badmouthing it! Where's my tinfoil?
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
You guys are funny.
I have no idea what you are talking about but you are funny.
Marty
Yeah, I know what you mean, google is worse that the CIA, their tentacles are in everything
I did not make the rules, but I must abide by them.
Unless the rules say something about not changing tempo in a song. In that case I broke the heck out of the rules.
Album blog part 5 is posted:
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/10/2x-5-body-of-mine.html
Kenneth and Thomas
Cool stuff, once again.
I like your "A train" story.
Marty
@ marty antonini: Cool stuff, once again. I like your "A train" story.
Thanks!
Seriously, I always thought the words were "A Street train" and I worried that it would be trite/obvious to quote the A Train melody in the music. It was well after I finished recording that I realized Thomas sings "8th Street train". Makes the quote a lot less obvious. :-D
Yes, it is, in fact, 8th Street train.
And the reason I didn't catch the quote is I am unfamiliar with the tune.
Hi everyone! I had the chance to spend some quiet time at the church last night (hard to come by for a mother of four littles!) and prayed my rosary for Grandma. When I was finished I was inspired to invite you all to say a daily rosary or decade for Grandma with me. A decade only takes about 4 minutes, so even those of you who live in Regina should be able to fit it in during your morning commute (you big city folk might be able to get through a couple of rosaries)! This way we can all help to hold her up in prayer.
thanks holly
un-frikkin-believable!!!!!
i thought that game was out of reach, but i BELIEVED it was not
a. kent austin is a genius
b. our defence kicks ass
c. thank God for Crandell
d. GO RIDERS
it's been a while since i've said it, but... I SMELL GREY
just keeping it alive
unless marcia decides to log on in the last 20 minutes, i'm the last defence against a blogless day
i won't be able to do this anymore in two weeks when we're no longer pacific time
I haven't been on here for ages...hi to all
Holly I'm taking you up on your invitation for grandma...I was already doing some informal decades but will build it into my daily routine.
Whoever does see grandma please send her my love and energy...
Welcome back Trish.
A Grandma update would be nice. We continue to keep her in our hearts.
Hi,
Its actually Paul Mom (Lucy's) intenet is down till sometime today, she will get back for updates once its up. I know she likes giving them as it makes happy in some of the tought times. take Care all.
Love Paul.
Hello bloggers,
Here's an update on grandma...she is at her suite under Lucy's care and will go for her INR bloodtest tomorrow and see Dr. Suri Wednesday. With some luck Lucy's connection will be up soon and she will be able to keep us updated on the Mom.
Thanks for the update Ed, Those of us who are out of town feel pretty helpless. I hope you will let us know if there is anything we can do. In the meantime, we will wait for Lucy's report.
Love, BJ
BJ, I think that most of us out of Regina people feel more useless than helpless. We can however, using an old adage from my Mother, 'offer some prayers as that's the only thing I can do!'
Thanks especially to Louise but also those of you in Regina who are keeping the vigil for us all.
Lots of love,
Lui
Lui,
I have something in my Eye, What you said is very TRUE and I share the same thoughts!
Lucy,
When you are online again Please Give Grandma our Love and a special kiss from Bjorn. We have been thinking of her!
stage 1 of the transition is complete, Brandon is currently winging his way to New Brunswick
a week from now Lorraine and I should be in Alberta
our furniture gets picked up on Monday... our friend Bonnie has reserved the honeymoon suite in her hotel for us on Monday night as a going away present and we hit the road Tuesday morning
Sask here we come
Wow, no post for Halloween. That is a scary day anyways.
Happy November!
Sonia
Lucy here ...
How did that happen? Is it really November 1st today?
Happy Birthday, Michael! We hope Penny, Logan and Geron made this 40th birthday celebration a very special one for you.
Cheers from us as well!
Louise and Dave
Okay, that just sucks. Michael? 40?
Crap, you're making me feel old.
Happy Birthday, dude.
Keep sending your thoughts and prayers Grandma's way. She is finally back in the hospital getting the care and attention that she needs.
Mom's nurses know about her large and loving family. They tell us that we have taken such good care of her that she is already on the road to recovery - one small step at a time.
So, for tonight, Grandma is finally getting a good, sound sleep. I'll let you know what tomorrow brings.
Love, Lucy
Auntie Louise, I'm glad to hear Grandma's getting the care she needs, starting with a good night's sleep! I continue my daily decade vigil for her!
Go Riders!
Happy Birthday, Michele
Grandma may not be able to send wishes herself but I know that she would want me to add her love to our greeting.
Your Halloween card will be among the first pieces of mail that Grandma opens when she's able to do so. Thanks!
Best wishes on your special day!
Cheers and lots of love,
Louise and David
Happy Birthday, Michelle
And thanks to Luce for keeping us all up to date on the various birthdays, anniversaries etc...
And what the heck was that thing today at Taylor Field? It certainly wasn't a football game.
Only four more days and we'll be in Saskatchewan.
Love and prayers to Grandma.
Thanks, Thom
I will take your love and prayers to Grandma in the hospital this afternoon. I believe they will reach her somewhere deep inside.
Therese and I were at that football game between the Argos and the Riders. For obvious reasons, we left before it ended. Let's hope the Riders show up for next Sunday's game!
I have been listening to a couple of my favourite songs on your album this morning. They were just right for me today.
Love, Luce
Lucy again,
Grandma still needs lots of prayers. The nurses tell me that we have to be patient but that we could see some improvement by the middle of next week.
I whisper your messages of love and encouragement in Grandma's good ear. Please believe, along with me, that she can hear you!
Lots of love, Louise
Thanks, Lucy,
We really appreciate your up-dates. We think of you every time we think of Mom.
Love, BJ
Hey Luce
Thanks from me also, for all you've done. I think I speak for everyone else when I say how much we appreciate knowing The Mom's condition as she is cared for.
Speaking of football...
Those of you who picked B.C. and Toronto for the West and East finals have scored 2 pts for each.
Here are the stats so far:
(4 points each):
Amy, Betjorian, Ed, Holly, Lorraine,luigi Pinzanno, Mike and Paladora
(2 points each):
BT walker, BJ, Bootlejoose, Campbell, Dave, Jack, Len, Livenza, Louise, Luigi Jr., Lyndsey, Marcia, Mary Ellen, Melissa, Nessie, Sonia, Thomas.
Marty
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONY
I hope you visit the family blog site today because I did not get your annual card in the mail for November 2007. I know you'll understand.
Anyway, Tony, we are thinking of you as you celebrate your 61st birthday today. We hope you are feeling well. We toast your good health and happiness in the coming year.
Cheers and lots of love,
Louise and David
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, TOO, DANA!!
You might be an Antonini if you have the same birth date as someone else in the family.
Have a great birthday celebration with family and friends. Jack and Davis should have double the fun helping you blow out your candles and eating your cake.
May your birthday wish come true.
Cheers and lots of love,
Louise and David
Mike....
Congratulations on making Century 21's Top Producers list for the month of October. I spotted your picture in Saturday's paper. Well done!!
Every month, Mom watches the paper for your picture. She would have been so proud to see you there on November 3rd. I have cut out the ad for her to enjoy when she is feeling better.
In the meantime, I'll tell Mom about your latest achievement. She'll hear me.
Much love, Louise
thanks lucy,
love mike
Thanks Lucy.
Love Marty
P.S. How DO you do it?
November 6th, 2007 must not draw to a close on the family blog site without mention of Mom (Grandma, Great Grandma, Great-great Grandma, etc.)
This morning, at 10:40, Mom died in the General Hospital here in Regina. She had been very sick lately and she was struggling to keep going. She just couldn't do it anymore. Her sister, Barbara, and I were with her when her generous heart stopped beating today.
Grandma's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 9 at 10:00 am in St. Cecilia Church. Her 14 children and many more relatives and friends will be there for the occasion.
Thank you for the thoughts you have been sending Grandma's way. I made sure that she received all your messages of love and support.
Today, your prayers on her behalf have been answered.
Lots of love, Louise
I don't even know what to say or how to start this comment...
Other than Grandma is back with Grandpa. Let us remember the good times and the Rice Crispy cakes, Her Love, Her Big Heart and all the things that make us remember Her, and the Great Weekend We all had together in August.
Yes, She may be gone but She will never be forgotten.
I have to go there is lots of stuff in my eyes and I cant see the keyboard
We LOVE you Grandma, Great Grandma!
Lucy here,
A few years ago, Betty Jo decided to create a special day just for Mom. She chose November 7.
Mom would receive an Ottawa package of interesting items to enjoy and to share with others.
When I went to the fridge this morning, I spotted a couple of magnetic sevens that made me think of Mom and the fun she used to have on this, her special day in November.
Thanks for the memories, BJ!
Louise, I've been thinking about the same thing all day. I remember my mother putting together packages to send for the Special Day. I don't remember when it started, but it seems like a long time ago. I always think of November 7th as "Grandma Day".
So Happy Grandma Day to everybody.
It's a long way from Austin to Regina, but the love I'm sending all of you can cover the distance, I think.
Thank you, Auntie Louise, for the beautiful write up for Grandma yesterday. I dreamed last night that grandpa was waiting for grandma with his big, open arms and they waltzed and waltzed until I woke up.
Hugs and love and prayers to everyone.
Cousin Barbara and family
Lucy here,
Today is "moving day" in the city of Regina. We are steadily gathering here for one another in this time of our bereavement.
Melissa, we appreciate your kind words of remembrance.
Barbara, your light and happy dream makes our spirits dance, too.
And, yes, Kenneth, the love you are sending from Austin IS covering the distance.
In fact, affection is pouring into our lives from across Canada, the USA and the UK. Thank you, family and friends everywhere!
I assure you that, whether you are nearby or far away, you are here with us today as we remember our gentle, humble matriarch and celebrate her life.
Much love, Louise
Tony and Carol,
We may be caught up in the events of the last few days but we have not forgotten that it is your 38th Wedding Anniversary today.
We wish you a day of good memories, close family connections and lots of love.
Congratulations!
Love Louise and David
Birthday Greetings, Mona
Grandma's celebration calendar reminds us that this is your special day.
Not so long ago, she was admiring the family picture that you sent her in August - of you, Stephen, Alexander and Emily. In its unique, colourful frame, the photo pleased her very much.
Of course, here in Regina were all very busy remembering Grandma today and celebrating her exceptional life. In the midst of it all, though, we thought of you, in Ottawa marking your birthday, probably thinking of us, too.
We toast your health and happiness today and in the coming year.
Cheers!
Louise and David
Lucy here....
Lest we forget.....
Remembering Remembrance Day 2007
with honour and gratitude.
Go, Riders, Go!
You are looking good in the second quarter at 13 - 0. Regina is definitely the place to be today.
Lucy
Lucy again,
22 to 17 .... uh, oh, things are getting tight with one quarter to play.
GO, RIDERS, GO!
Okay Riders .... 26 to 24
....but that was too close!
BC .... here we come!
Lucy
Football contest update:
Contestants with 20 points(so far):
Amy, Betjorian, Ed, Holly, Luigi Pinzano, Luke, Mike and paladora
Other Noteables:
12 points:
BJ, Bootlejoose, Jack, Len, Lorraine, Louise, Lui Jr, Lyndsey, Marcia, Mary Ellen, Nessie, Sonia and Thomas
10 points:
Benjee Tall Walker
Marty xoxoxoxoxo
I am wearing a green jersey and a Rider hat and am quite exhausted after riding the game roller coaster!
Michele asked me to send this or post it, so I thought I'd put it here, where anyone can find it if they would like to...for those who weren't able to be in Regina last Friday, this was a simple tribute to grandma's devotion to the rosary, agreed by the 14 children as the most appropriate, which I said just after the communion prayer...
As one of her many many proud grandchildren, I would love to speak about the remarkable impact grandma had on her family, friends and others. However, that is not what she wished, so I'll instead reflect on her lifelong devotion to Our Lady and the rosary.
Great Aunt Jo introduced grandma to the rosary and novena many many years ago. Her dedication to Mary and the rosary extended to each of the fourteen children she and grandpa raised - she called them her novena babies, as she had said a novena for each. They would gather the children to pray the family rosary, with the attitude that "the family that prays together stays together".
Grandma also shared the rosary on a wider scale by handcrafting and praying on 551 fimo rosaries, now cherished by people spread around the world.
I think one of the most recent visual demonstrations of grandma's connection to the rosary was just over 2 months ago, when her entire family gathered to celebrate her upcoming 90th birthday. It was her sweet dimpled smile and bright blue eyes when she caught sight of a giant edible rosary, with rice krispie cake beads and licorice string.
Looking in front of me today, it is obvious that the family that prayed together stayed together. As grandma shares a long-awaited dance with grandpa, I'm sure her sweet dimples are showing as she smiles at her Novena babies and their families here together, closer than ever, continuing on her prayers.
So the greatest tribute to grandma would be for us to say a Hail Mary together, meditating today on the 1st glorious mystery, the resurrection. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Thank you so much Tricia, for posting your beautiful tribute to grandma and her rosaries. Thank you grandma for loving us and praying for us all.
Hugs to everyone tonight! Go Riders! Hooray!
Cousin Barbara
Thank you, Tricia
Aunt Barbara asked what you had said about Mom during the Mass. Now I can give her a copy of your tribute to read and to keep.
Your moment about Mom was a highlight of the November 9th celebration of her life. When all else is forgotten, we will recall your words and loving manner.
Much love, Louise
Hello to everyone
sorry for being a stranger. i'll try to blog more often
rob
Happy Birthday, Johanne!
Today we celebrate your artistry, in the rose you gifted to Grandma. It hung in the living room of her suite and she enjoyed its beauty and simplicity.
We toast your health and happiness as you mark this special day.
Cheers, Louise and David
Happy Birthday to you, too, Jamie!
Just the other day, we were looking through Grandma Michele's photo book of Theresa, her proud parents and her very proud grandparents. At 5 months of age, Tess is a bit too young to celebrate your 2007 birthday with you but I'm sure she's still your greatest gift ever.
We wish you good health and lots of happiness in the coming year.
Cheers! Louise and David
Tricia,
Thank you for both your eulogy at the funeral and your posting of it on the blog. It was a wonderful tribute and a fitting end to the ceremony.
MARTY:
Where is Bob in your latest contest update? I refer you to the September 8 blog 7:42 am. He posted his guesses on that one and is threatening to start court proceedings if you don't include him in your next update. I figure he has 12 points. Can you confirm?
Love, BJ
Thanks Louise and Tricia for the updates from Regina. I'd really love to hear more impressions from those who were there.
Kenneth
Hey BJ and Bob
What a wonderful compliment it is when someone is willing to take me to court because they want one of my paintings. I am going to paint you one of my warriors for that reason alone.
I have in my records:
Bob Barker:
East final- Montreal vs Winnipeg
West final- Sask vs Calgary
Grey cup- Sask 23 Winnipeg 17
Actual results (so far):
East final- Toronto vs Winnipeg
West final- Sask vs BC
Bob's score- 4 points
2 pts for Winnipeg
2 pts for Sask
* There are no points scored for East and West semi-final games.
I have also posted Bob's score on the following dates:
Sept 23 9:41 am
Nov 12 11:59 pm
Love, Martyxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Football contest update:
Bob Barker has 4 points so far but he and his wife win an MSA original warrior painting because they are both so darn good looking.
Love,
Marty
Sorry, Marty,
I thought there were points for the semi-final games. Please disregard my rant of yesterday! I stand corrected. No need to make any adjustments.
Love, BJ
Hey b@bigdog. Please send us your new email address.
Almost 2 days with Nothing!... Wow!
Hello Family, Hope that everyone is doing well!
Until Next post!
...
What's appening!!!
I can't believe I am the first to say,
Yahoo, we're goin' to Grey Cup
Go Riders Go!!!!
Football contest results:
Here are the finalists for the Grey Cup Game with their scores:
Amy- Sask 30 Wpg 16
Ed - Sask 27 Wpg 22
Holly- Sask 24 Wpg 22
Luigi P.- Sask 31 Wpg 18
Luke- Sask 24 Wpg 20
Paladora- Sask 29 Wpg 27
Since you all picked the same winner(Sask)--- The 1st, 2nd and
3rd places will be determined by the outcome of the final score.
(somehow....)
Remember: Luigi and Paladora are not eligible for "Main Prizes".
Marty
I'm adding a big huge "wohooo" to the blog tonight too..GO RIDERS. Grey Cup is just WAITING for them to claim it next week.
Hugs and love to all.
Cousin Barbara
Woohoo!
I smell an MSA orginal...
Go Riders!
Party like it's 1989!
The blogging has definitely tapered off recently! We miss you, Thomas!
Hi, two-year-old Carmen!
We hope your November 19th birthday has been a happy one for you.
Our greeting is a bit late but you have been in our thoughts all day. Great-great Grandma, Mary, had a picture of you with Sadie, Dehlia and Piper on display in your halloween costumes. We spotted you there and toasted your happiness today.
Cheers, Louise and David
I'M BAAA-AAACK
Welcome back.......your dreams were your ticket out!
Hey that sounds like a good line for a song!!!
This is pretty pathetic, only 35 posts since Nov. 4. That's an average of only two a day. It only took me twenty minutes to catch up (and I was taking notes). In the heyday of the blog it used to take that long to catch up if you got up to get a cup of coffee.
I feel a blogburst coming on, but I'm going to do it USA Today rather than Globe and Mail
First, Grandma's funeral. In a word... beautiful. Thankfully, we got to Regina in time. She died just about the exact time we were leaving the hotel in Smithers. It was quite a shock to pick up the Leader-Post on Thursday and see her picture on the obits page.
Unfortunately, the Regina newspaper rejected my pitch yesterday to write a piece similar to my Ottawa Citizen article about Grandpa for the 2004 Grey Cup.
Thanks to Tricia for resharing her eulogy on the blog. I cried again but this time managed to get through Hail Mary without choking on the words.
And many, many thanks to the original 14 for giving the grandsons the privilege of carrying Grandma's coffin. It was, without reservation, the greatest honour of my life.
Lorraine and I stopped by the suite last night and visited with Louise and David. I scooped up the porcelain Mary figure my Grandma Barker made for my Grandma Antonini back in 1969. Lorraine added another angel to her collection, the one that was attached to the corner of the coffin. Both will enjoy places of honour in our beautiful new home on Echo Lake.
Although I am sadly resigned to the fact I am apparently out of the running for an MSA, what can I say?
I smell Grey!!!!!
It is most gratifying to be here, where I inherited my green and white blood, on this auspicious occasion.
Go Riders!!!!!
BTW, since when does whining warrant a painting. My parents are shameless.
Wah, wah, wah... ah, nevermind, I'll paint my own darn CD cover.
Big ol' Kudos to Luce. Incredible that through everything, she has managed to keep up with the greetings for significant dates and happenings. In her honour, Happy belated Birthday to Toe-knee, Mona, Dana, Johanne, Carmen and Jamie. Happy belated anniversay Tony and Carol and congrats to Mike on that real estate thang.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to add to what Thomas shared about Grandma's funeral and say a big thank you to Auntie Marcia for praying the "God Bless mommy and daddy" prayer at Grandma and Grandpa's gravesides.
Every night we have a brief family prayer time, where we try to read a bible story and pray a (quick and slightly distracted) decade of the rosary. Now we finish our prayer time with "God bless mommy and daddy". Mom told me that Grandma made that prayer up to pray with all of the kids at bedtime. We are happy to carry it on with our own. Thanks Grandma.
Love to all.
Cousin Barbara
Thanks Barb for reminding me about the God Bless Mommy and Daddy graveside moment, it was the most touching moment of the day.
Would somebody please post the words of the prayer?
Happy American Thanksgiving, everyone. Bloggle, bloggle.
Man, I have a lot to be thankful for. This could take all day.
God bless Mommy and Daddy,
God bless all of us children,
May we all live holy, happy useful lives,
May we all die happy deaths,
May we all fulfill the purpose for which we were made,
And thank you for everything.
About covers it, doesn't it?
Happy American Thanksgiving from California too.
Hope everyone is doing OK - go Riders!
Marcia
new email (omit spaces, just trying to fool the data miners):
thombarker @ sasktel.net
We're going to have our home-warming party on Saturday Dec. 1. starting anytime after 1 p.m. until... whenever. Everyone is welcome.
Please pass along info to those who may not be blogging or blurking.
It will be a byo beverage affair and we have lots of space for people to crash if the beverage of choice is copious amounts of alcohol.
Directions from Regina: Take Hwy 110 to Fort Qu'appelle. At the Shell Station, turn left (Bay Street). Turn Left at Broadway Ave. (main street). Follow the lake until you get to the B-Say-Tah Bed and Breakfast (Grove St.). Turn Right and stay to the right all the way to the point. We're number 44.
Directions from Calgary, Ottawa, Texas and points elsewhere: Get to Regina then follow above directions.
Phone: 306 332 4556
Thomas,
I agree--your parents are absolutely shameless. Greedy, too, considering I already have 2 miniatures (for which I did nothing to deserve). But listen, some things are worth whining for--and an MSA miniature is definitely in that category. So since I'm no longer in the running for the contest and since whining and cheating (all those alien contestants) didn't work, I guess I will just have to rely on my good looks, an early inheritance or the artist's whim. Sigh...
Marcia,
Thanks for posting the prayer. It was an inspired and spontaneous gesture at the funeral and we are all grateful to you for it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all our relatives in the States, the Pinvidics in CA, the Barkers in Colorado and Kenneth and Johanne in TX.
Love, BJ (and Mom)
Happy American Thanksgiving everyone!! I told Martin that he needs to go shopping in Houston tomorrow.. apparently it's the biggest shopping day of the year in the US on Friday? Interesting tidbit. Hugs to all of you.
Cousin Barb
How could I forget the Brockett in Houston. Happy Thanksgiving, Martin.Any other relative out there in the US that I have forgotten.
Love, BJ
Attention All Football Contestants!
I have decided to do one more small painting for the final (Grey Cup) game.
I have been painting small thumbnail sketches for the stampede that I use for ideas for larger paintings, and some of them sell better that the larger ones
so I am in "the zone" right now.
So.... One more prize for...
The closest final score of the Grey Cup game. The scores you have all chosen for the East and West will count no matter who is playing.
I will post the painting on Thomas'
blog in the next couple of days.
Here again are the scores:
Name West East
Amy Sask 30 Wpg 16
B T Walker Cal 39 Wpg 36
Betjorian BC 21 Wpg 20
BJ Sask 24 Mon 14
Bob Barker Sask 23 Wpg 17
Boootlejoose BC 33 Mon 31
Campbell Wpg 35 Cal 28
Desp Dan Cal 35 Wpg 31
Dave Wpg 22 BC 18
Ed Sask 27 Wpg 22
Holly Sask 24 Wpg 22
Jack Sask 32 Wpg 24
Kelly Sask 32 Wpg 24
Len BC 35 Wpg 28
Livenza Wpg 32 BC 19
Lorraine Cal 24 Wpg 20
Louise Sask 31 Mon 19
Lui.jr. Sask 29 Wpg 14
Luigi Pinz Sask 31 Wpg 18
Luke Sask 24 Wpg 20
Lyndsey Sask 33 Wpg28
Marcia Sask 38 Wpg24
Mary Ellen Sask 21 Wpg 19
Melissa Cal 24 Mon 21
Mike Sask 29 Tor 14
Nessie BC 32 Wpg 27
Paladora Sask 29 Wpg 27
Sonia Sask 24 Mon 20
Spirit Mon 29 Cal 14
Stephen Sask 45 Mon 42
Thomas Sask 39 Mon 18
Tricia Sask 30 Wpg 20
I hope this will make watching the game more fun.
I felt inspired to do this while talking to my sister Marcia on the phone today about the Mom. I guess she just has that effect on me.
GO RIDERS!!!!!!!!!
Love, Marty
WOOOOOOW!!!!!
Holy Twilight Zone BJ!!!!!
You are back in the Running
Love, Martyxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
You sweet, sweet man, Marty! Another chance to win a painting. The G C game should be a lot of fun for everyone. Thank you.
Love, BJ
Hey Barbara, If Martin isn't already in a line-up for the bargains tomorrow, he's too late. To say that is the biggest shopping day is an understatement.
There were people lined up at Best Buy (electronics) last night. Their families are bringing them turkey dinner in the line-up. The deals are unbelievable - laptops for $250 as an example.
So we're all back in the big game -good news - thanks Marty.
See ya'
Marcia
Oh man.. Auntie Marcia, I had no idea of that shopping situation from way up here in the Great White North!! Good grief.. dinner in the lineup.. I bet in Texas they are popping those turkeys in the deep fryers, bagging them up and eating them on the go! Wow! Neat facts about 'merica. Enjoy!
Barbara
H e l l o b l o g.
S l e e p y. S o s l e e p y.
I'm full of turkey and thanks and back home from our gracious hosts' Thanksgiving party (dinner at 2pm, that's living).
Tomorrow is known as "Black Friday". Some stores open as "early" as midnight for the sales. I'll be vigorously sitting on my couch at home, watching football of course... Hook 'em Horns!
\m/
Welcome back dog. Thanks for posting the new address.
The album blog continues and I need your journal entries.
Here are the the blog posts since the last time I linked:
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-6-dont-try.html
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-7-quiet-in-us.html
http://art-facts.blogspot.com/2007/11/2x-8-what-will-you-do.html
bub, i'll get right on the blog entries
btw, need to talk
call me 306 332 4556
Sorry, folks that's Hwy 10 to get to Fort Qu'appelle (as if you couldn't figure that out).
Hwy 210 is an alternate (and faster) route, however. Take 210 (left at Echo Valley Provincial Park) off 10 and follow it to B-Say-Tah (right turn just before Echo Beach), then left at Grove Street instead of right and follow it to the point.
Btw, we'd appreciate if you could RSVP by blog, email or phone so I'll know how much chili and cornbread to make.
Phone: 306 332 4556
Oh yeah, and...
GO RIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy 23rd Wedding Anniversary on the 24th,
Kelly and Len!
24 - 23 sounds like it could even be a winning score on this Grey Cup Weekend!
A wee dram of single-malt scotch will go down well as we toast your good health and continued happiness.
Cheers and lots of love!
Louise and David
GO, RIDERS, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Thomas and Lorraine
You can expect Deanie and I at your house warming Dec. 1
Thanks for the invite
Lorraine and Thom,
We wish we could be there next Saturday, too. We would love to return some of the surprise and enjoyment of your recent visit with us in Grandma's Regina suite.
Instead, we will be on a plane to Kelowna that very afternoon! However, you can be sure we'll be "warming up" over a toast to you and your guests as you celebrate being at home in Saskatchewan. Cheers!
Lots of love,
Louise and David
Happy Birthday, Luke
28 on the 24th. That sounds like another winning score in football - Riders 28, Bombers 24.
Let's hope that our Green and White team gives you all the more reason to celebrate this special day.
Whatever happens in today's Grey Cup game, we raise a toast to you, Luke, for happiness on your 28th birthday and throughout the coming year.
Much love and loads of good cheer,
Louise and David
Happy Birthday to you, too, Veronica!
Grandma Antonini's calendar shows that you, too, are celebrating a special day today. Bob Barker's family tree gives us the year of your birth - 1967.
Congratulations as you mark the BIG FOUR ... OH! The decade of life ahead of you is a rich and promising one. Enjoy the ride!
Cheers and love across the miles,
Louise and David
Greetings Rider Nation! It's been a bad sports weekend so far in Tommytown with the Senators going down to Pittsburgh, the Longhorns trounced by (ick) the Aggies and Manitoba winning the Vanier Cup.
Today, though, it's all about the Roughriders. Don't know what the heck I'm going to do to kill the next four hours, the anticipation is intense.
Go Green and White!
It's Game day and we are doing our bit to cheer on the Riders. Our Sask flag is bravely flying out front showing our colors to all the Eastern Canada supporters around us.
Go Riders!!
love, BJ
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