WHERE IS MY BLOG?

This little bird sat long enough beside me to take it's picture.

My poor old blog has really been neglected lately, and I'm afraid, I'm gradually losing interest in keeping it up. It's a ton of work and it's not like I'm even very busy, but interests come and go and this one is dwindling.

I doubt anyone out there is  reaching for a kleenex either!

But, I'll tell you about my fantastic, wonderful trip back to Ontario and post some pictures that I took of many special times. This blog may continue over a few days, as I took nearly 700 pictures of many of the highlights.

I spent two days in Toronto with my long time best friend that I hadn't seen in nearly 20 years. What a special time it was, but not nearly long enough! We've decided that because time is passing by so quickly that we'll make this a 4 day event every summer. Our tongues never stopped wagging and the laughter and giggling kept on going!

 Meet Janet from Manitoulin Island and flew in from Sudbury, Ontario, and I came from Vancouver and we arrived at our hotel 5 minutes apart from each other ! Great timing eh?

We've been friends since we we're very young, went through marriages, raising children, divorces, ups and downs and all the things in life that makes friends close.

She always had the ability to sense when something was going wrong in my life and she's either call or travel to see me in an instant for consoling, and bringing me back to my old mischief self in a hurry.

Now we have free phone calling and the internet so chat with each other a few times a week.

However, you will notice the little halo is only above MY head in the picture below!!!

Isn't she beautiful!!

This was a wonderful little find of a hotel, right downtown, called, "The Strathcona Hotel". Right across from the Royal York and Union Station, and easy access to the Subway. The price was VERY reasonable and comfortable and very clean. 

We'll be back next year for sure!

 This poor fellow looked sad and we tried to cheer him out!

 However, even acting sill, wouldn't cheer him up! Not a giggle out of him, but quite a few from us!!

Great restaurant beside our hotel, great food, good chats! 

 Back in Belleville

 Back with family!

Matthew, my oldest Grandson, a little tired after a HOT day at work!

 Beautiful Lisa, my oldest daughter.

 Bradley, my youngest Grandson.

 Mike (Lisa's other half) Mike gave me his car to use while I was home and also drove me to the airport, for which I'm VERY grateful!!

Trixie (watching the fish in the water)

 Barney (a Lapadoodle)

 Erica (Matt's cute girlfriend)

 Erin (my youngest beautiful daughter)

 Erin, Sarah, my youngest Granddaughter and Erica, my oldest Granddaughter!

 This is Gizmo, a very unique pet! They have a cat and a bird as well.

 This is the whole family in the Pipeband they all play in. It was Canada Day and HOT! (I didn't do a good job on my exposure's when taking pictures, they are all so dark!)

 Cute, aren't they!!!

Well, that's it with SOME of my family.Tomorrow, I'll  show you FRIENDS, MORE FAMILY and EVENTS and SCENES AROUND BELLEVILLE.

IT IS FINALLY SUMMER TIME

At least, according to the calendar, June 21's was the beginning of summer. Here in Vancouver, it feels like the beginning of spring!  Our weather this year just hasn't been anything to brag about! Yesterday and today, the sun came out and there sure are many people in shorts with very white legs! Me included!

Here, sadly are the last picture's of the swans with their babies, and then I'll tell you the sad news.

I went down to take them some cracked corn and seed yesterday and NO babies in sight! I asked a city worker where the babies had gone, and he said, they had taken them away from the parents last night. They had their wings clipped, making them fodder for predators like racoons, and skunks, plus, as they grow, the lagoon isn't large enough for that many swans, plus they breed like crazy!

He admitted it seemed cruel, but better for the babies, and sadly it's sad to see the parents  doing nothing but constantly circling the Lagoon searching for their children.

(I've searched here 5 times now and I can't find them!)

(Maybe they are hiding in the brambles? Hellooooo!)

( Has anyone seen our babies?)

I had tears in my eyes watching them search! SO SAD!


A big heron was in the water at the Lagoon as well. I love this place, and could sit here all day long, just watching what happens next. I wish I had a new digital camera with a HUGE zoom!

More pictures along my walk! 

Father's Day!
Three generations here! Father Tom, Son, Martin and Bryron, Great Grandson and Grandson!
Bryron gave his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, a gift of a plane, so they could all fly them together!

Tom's daughter Meredith and husband Dave (almost hidden behind the plant.) They made a delicious lunch for everyone.

 

Ed with his niece Taya. Ed is Toms's grandson, and Taya is his Great-Grandaughter.

Taya, who is the sweetest little girl, who is ALWAY'S smiling!!

 Tom with his children, Martin and Meredith.

I LOVE this picture of my husband!

Three Father's. Dave is Meredith's husband and his children(two daughters, hadn't arrived yet.) 

Another morning walk!
If I don't see the swans, I watch the dog in the park, romping and playing like children. It's a little early this morning for the dog walkers, but a few dogs had a playtime.

I keep trying to get a picture of these herons in flight, but haven't been successful yet!

Another mom and her babies! 


Whew!! Made it here, and heading for a coffee now before heading home!

It's a lovely walk and I do enjoy it very much and so glad it's become a habit and has helped me to be healthier.
The seawall twists and turns, and there is always so much to see and many familiar faces along the way who always greet with a cheerful "Good Morning!"

Today's picture's

For Auntie Irene
Gertrude and Heathcliff
(Heathcliff, why do we Seagulls fly over the Sea?)
(Gertrude.. because if we fly over the bay, we'd be called Bagels!)


Sorry Auntie, best I could come up with!!
Love you!

My next blog will be about my vacation to Toronto, to spend two days with a very special best friend of mine of about 40 or so years. We haven't seen each other in over 20 years although we talk on the phone many times in a week. I'm so excited to talk and laugh (which we do constantly) with each other.

Then, I'm heading to Belleville, Ontario to visit with my family and I'm SUPER excited to see them all and have fun with all the activities they have planned!!

I'll have many stories and pictures to share with you!!!