Willie Nelson: Just Breathe

Willie and his son Lucas Nelson

In Memoriam Reta Kimber 1920-2013

Bill's mother, our dear Reta Kimber, died last week, peacefully in her sleep at home. Her family celebrated her life today and laid her ashes to rest in Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St Catharines. Most of all we remember Reta's elegance, independence and delightful sense of humour. Bill and I love her and we  miss her.

KIMBER, Reta Pauline (nee Storin) - Passed away quietly at Niagara Gardens Retirement Manor on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Earl Kimber (1999). Dear mother of Leonard (deceased) and his wife Merla, William and his partner John Elmslie, Kathleen and her husband Brian Gagnon, and Theodore (deceased). Loving grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held at HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church St. (905-684-6346). Cremation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com

Ferry to Centre Island

 On Thanksgiving afternoon John and I boarded the Centre Island ferry to go visit our friend, Q. 

We weren't the only people who thought an afternoon on the Toronto Islands would be a good idea on such a lovely day.

After the ferry docked we hopped on our bikes and pedalled off in the general direction of Ward's Island. I lead John into the Far Enough Farm petting zoo where he was soon surrounded by some of the locals.

It seemed treats were on their minds.

As soon as they realized we had nothing to share they waddled off on their way. 

We had to cross this elegant little bridge to get to the path to Ward's Island.

Along the way we found ourselves stopping every 20 feet to take a picture. John posed in front of St Andrew-by-the-lake Anglican Church (1884).

The docks and boat houses along the Algonquin Island shoreline were lively and picturesque.

 I went up to the shore to take a picture of the City of Toronto skyline. 

One last glance before we rode off to visit Q at her new home.

Thanksgiving on the Island

A friend of ours recently moved to Toronto's Ward's Island. At Thanksgiving this year she opened her house to the people who had helped her move. 

Bill and I arrived first and got a tour of the house. Sitting area already set up. 

 Plumbing hooked up in the bathroom.

 Ikea kitchen sink and countertops installed.

We were thrilled to see a pumpkin pie cooling on the table.

We were even more thrilled to see our hostess, who we shall call Q, stirring her roasting root vegetables, which already smelled heavenly. Garlic and rosemary?

Bill and Q went outside while I wandered around enjoying details.

 I looked out the front window,

 Then went out to rejoin the group on the front lawn.

 Tom, a neighbour, dropped over for a drink and chat.

 Stephen and Bill

 We all brought something for the feast. On the left we find Nancy's eggplant/chard casserole, in the middle Bill's apple salad and on the right Q's root vegetables. Above are Cathy's birds.

 Q told me she likes to cut her vegetables into interesting shapes.

Cathy carved her birds, 

Then Nancy sliced her casserole. 

 The seating area certainly works.

 Bill took a picture of his plate.

 I love the sight of freshly washed dishes, in this case by Stephen.

 After dinner, we relaxed over dessert.

 Cathy took this picture of the Tomatoes From Canada. We were on our bikes and wanted to get back before dark so with the greatest reluctance we left the still happening party.

The view from the top of the street. What a view!