Greetings from the Colder Climes

Beautiful Cottage Country

My dear mother remained in hospital for close on two months with a variety of ailments including pneumonia.  During this time, Pat my sister, had been running back and forth visiting each and every day which prompted me to return to offer a little moral support. Once Mom was released, she remained too weak to move around adequately so we helped out by running errands and cooking her meals as well as just keeping her company.  Sadly, she continues to feel weak and to lose weight which is a major concern.  If only a reason could be found for her continued ill health and weight loss but, to date, she's constantly told how well she looks despite feeling quite the opposite.

 

From the moment I arrived, Spring put on a magnificent display of tulips, daffodils, crocus, pansies and Scilla to mention just a few of the flowers and these were then followed by a huge variety of blossoming trees, namely magnolia, cherry, crab apple and lilac.  I'd forgotten how beautiful it can be with all this and then the fresh green of the new leaves everywhere.  Spectacular!










I took time out to travel into Toronto to meet up with a long-time school friend, Sue, who I'd not seen for many a year.  She spoiled me rotten and I honestly don't know how to thank her enough.  It was my birthday coming up so she treated me to an all-time first (at least it was for me); a fabulous hour-long facial followed by a very professional hair cut (my home hacking was in dire need of some help).  My goodness, such luxury!  She also prepared dinner for another couple of school friends, Lorne and his wife Judy, which offered an entire evening of nattering about old times and memories and having many a good laugh in the process.  So great to touch sides again.  

Sue (L) with her sister, Sandra (left) and Lorne, Judy & I at dinner

The following morning, she drove us up to cottage country to spend a few days just chilling out in what is definitely a particularly beautiful part of the world.  Again, I'd forgotten how magnificent Canada can be with all her forests and lakes.  We were especially blessed with unseasonably warm weather to the point that we were still sitting outside drinking sundowners at 9 o'clock in the evening watching the setting sun over the lake.  Magnificent, I loved it!  Sue, thank you so very very much, it was a wonderful time and get together.  I hope it won't be so long 'til next time.

My next treat was a visit with another long-time friend, Lynn, who came down from Ottawa to see me.  She and I met during our "hippie" years a thousand years ago while backpacking and living in caves in Crete.  We subsequently shared a flat in Montreal prior to Paul & I getting married.  We hadn't seen each other for over a dozen years but managed to carry on from where we left off, having a thoroughly fabulous day together along with her son who lives in Toronto.  Another big thank you to you, Lynn, for taking the time to come down, it was great to see you again and to relive some of those ridiculously fun old times!






As always, it was so nice to spend time with family.  I stayed with Pat and Bill who played wonderful hosts, chauffeurs, entertainment coordinators, shopping advisers, you name it, as well as their two 'kids' and partners.  It's been tremendous spending time with them again. Our lives have been so separate for so many years and I really appreciate these moments. My only regret is that Paul wasn't here to share it all with me.

Pat & I having Mother's Day Tea

At this stage, my time is running out before I return to Indonesia but not before I stop off in London on my way back to see our daughter.  For this, I'm just ever so excited as I haven't seen her for far too long!  

Meanwhile, back in Indonesia, Paul has really got stuck into Calypso's makeover.  I think I'm going to be noticing some major changes upon my return.  I didn't leave him with an easy task!

PHOTO GALLERY:

BLOSSOMS:

FRIENDS:

School friend, Lorne & I

 

 

Lynn & I

 

AT THE COTTAGE WITH SUE:

 

Trilliums (Ontario's Provincial Flower)

 

My first sighting of a loon

FAMILY:

My Mom & I

Pat & Bill

TORONTO:

Toronto's City Hall

The Old & the New

Toronto is one of the few cities still using street cars

CN Tower