Yuck!

 

My grandson, Chad, turned 14 last week. It was an exciting and eventful week for him, apart from his birthday. He has another school drama under his belt, he performed admirably in an interschool track meet, he turned in an excellent report card, and, we all got to help him eat birthday cake on Sunday.

He loves his mom very much, but he likes to be cool and pretend that this display of affection is not to his liking. Actually it really is.

Canada's Birthday

 

July 1st saw us endure the heat and make our way to the parade route where we witnessed Abbotsford's version of the Canada Day parade. Lest the photos are not self-explanatory, let me comment on each of them and make some general observations.

 

These brass instruments were catching a nice reflection. There were only two bands in the parade this year.

 

BC's own flag.

 

There were no cowboy's in this parade but there were two contingents of cowgirls.

 

A rather old but nicely restored John Deere Tractor. I love the exhaust note on these old tractors.

 

A Korean Drum corps.

 

Two members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club. You have Hell's angels with their beanie helmets and now these fellows with their soft turban helmets, both above the law, apparently.

 

The Sikh mafia. Or so it would seem.

 

My grandson's band, the MEI Screaming Eagles.

 

My grandson in the sunglasses.

 

And again from the back.

 

Two of the second group of cowgirls.

 

I don't know who these were but there was a lot of colour going on here.

 

Being a very warm 33 C day, this old fellow must have been sweltering in his hat/visor.

 

My neigbours, Abhijit and Mita Nayak with their two boys Ishi and Jesse.

 

A cooling down exercise courtesy of the fire dept.

 

Some observations.

The ethnic makeup of our community is rapidly changing and it is so very evident at the parade. We were near the end of the route and the streets were crowded with onlookers. I would give a very generous estimate of 10% -15% had  my skin colour. But, we were all celebrating being Canadians.

 

If it were not for tax payer funded organisations and equipment, the parade would have been about 30% of its size. I am talking about fire trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, SWAT teams, three levels of policing (municipal, RCMP and Sherriff)  and all manner of politicos.

 

The parade is deteriorating. The same 'floats' and same people year after year make it very predictable.

 

I went to see my grandson in the band and was not disappointed. They did great even though it was a very hot day and they had marched for several hours before they got to our location.

 

Parades are definitely for kids. It was great to see so many of them out with their moms and dads, enjoying what for them was something wonderful and new. Makes me wish I was a kid again.  

LXVI

 

Today is April Fool's day so that means I am another year older. The way in which we count birthdays says that I am now 66, but that means that I have completed my 66th year and am now embarking upon my 67th. If that is not depressing enough, if I was Korean, I would be 9 months older because they count from the moment of conception, which in my opinion is the most accurate way of keeping track.

Yes, life is a highway and when you are my age, the highway looks like the one below, cracked and worn and faded.

If birthdays are a time of reflection, it is unfortunate that as we age we are less able to reflect. My reflections, or memories, of my childhood and a bit beyond, are clear and vivid. The middle years are a bit fuzzy already. The most recent past is still OK, but don't ask me what I did two or three years ago. I still remember what I had for breakfast, but that is just today's breakfast, and actually I have the same thing for breakfast everyday so you might say that I am in a bit of trouble on that count.

I am just kidding of course. I believe I am still sharp, but names are a problem, something that has plagued me all my life. I still remember what busylizzy's real name is.

I love jokes about getting older. Some call it 'ageism' but I think it is a marvelous way of coping. Keeping a sense of humour sends the good endorphins coursing through the brain and having anything coursing through the brain has to be a good thing. Once your brain is empty, it is over. Having a birthday on April Fool's Day is even better because everyone has a great line for you, whether it relates to age or not.  

Whether I travel the actual Route 66 or just make it through this year, I hope it will be a good experience, one that I will be able to remember and take comfort in as the numbers keep getting larger.  

Happy Birthday

 

Why is it that when we look at our children, especially on their birthdays, that we see them as they were when they were very young? On their birthday, I go through the old photos and slides (which I wisely scanned a few years ago) and it is very nostalgic for me as the old memories come flooding back. What has happened to the years? I will tell you what happened.

 

Our cute daughter grew into a beautiful woman. As she matured, we slowly discovered who she really was and we were (and are) pleased. She found a wonderful husband, embarked on a career that she loves, and became the mother to three boys, our grandsons. The evolvement of our children and now our grandchildren is a constant delight, at least in our case it most certainly is.

 

A birthday is an occasion to give thanks and take stock. It is a celebration of survival, of progressive development, and a time to hope for a future that will be as much a blessing as the past has been. The greeting "Happy Birthday" is not only a wish, but an acknowledgement that we are happy that you have blessed us for all these years. (note that I am not giving away a woman's age. It is for the sake of self preservation that I do this)  

 

Rachel, may this day be a reminder of God's blessings in your life and a renewal of your commitment to follow Him.

Happy Birthday!  

Shedding a Little Light

 

I was driving past this entrance to a townhouse complex near our home when my attention was arrested by a red glow. It was not a very bright day, but there was red emanating from this dark driveway as if it were a 'red light district'. Shafts of light in the darkness are photogenic and revealing, as are shafts of light in a situation where there is something unknown lurking.

Case in point. I was at a 60th birthday party for a friend last night and because I am older than him by a few years, I thought I would shed some light on what his future held in terms of aging. Free advice is a service I provide frequently. I suggested that there is little difference between 55 and 60, but when you hit 63, the slide downward takes an accelerated leap forward. This is based on my own experience and was not meant to be a prediction. He was incensed and confided that his last few years were bad enough and thanks for the encouragement.

Good thing there was cake because that was my cue to head straight for it.

Happy Canada Day

 

I am proud of my country and proud to be a Canadian. Four generations ago, my forefathers had the foresight to come to this land. They sensed trouble brewing in their country of origin and left friends and family at home to start out in a new land. It was not easy for them, but with time and hard work and unlimited opportunity, they thrived and today their progeny are mostly all here, still.

May we continue to be a great country, may we see the dangers and opportunities that lie ahead and have the wisdom to elect leaders who will keep us going in the right direction.

There really is no other place on earth I would rather live.

The Birthday That Keeps on Giving

Yesterday's post was all about the surprise birthday breakfast that Lis and Keith pulled off. Here we are later that evening at the Greek Islands Restaurant. I look like I am bagged and have had too much sun. That would be exactly right. busylizzy is looking her usual beautiful perky self so just look at her. 

It was these four (these three plus busylizzy) wonderful people who treated me to this dinner. It was delicious as usual. This is one of my favourite places to eat other than busylizzy's or Rachel's  kitchen. 

The dishes were cleared away and I was presented with a card in a fat envelope. If busylizzy looks like the cat that swallowed the canary, that would be about right. She struggled to keep a secret for more than a month and she just about burst. At this point, it is just a mushy card from her. (for my eyes only) 

Then I started reading the note attached to some documents and this photo kind of captures my reaction. Stunned and speechless. 

So what was it? An all expense paid 5 day trip, leaving Monday morning for Las Vegas, a prearranged rental SUV and a trip to Bryce Canyon. For those of you who do not know, I love photography, especially nature photography. I have always wanted to go there, in April, which is the best time of year to go. My work has always been busiest in the spring time, so this has always been out of the question. My work schedule was somewhat manipulated by my partner, my son, so the urgent job we had booked for next week turns out to a big lie. I like this kind of lie. 

As if all this was not enough, my sweet daughter invited us to her home where she had made this amazing birthday cake. Yes, it was as good as it looks. Amazing, really. You must click on this photo to enlarge it. You must. Do it! Now wipe up your drool. 

I must say, in retrospect, that having a 65th birthday is actually not bad at all. At least mine wasn't. 

Surprise Birthday Breakfast

My son-in-law and grandsons invited me out for breakfast. I jumped at the invitation, but little did I know that lurking in the private room at the back of the restaurant were most of my very best friends. They all had their heads buried in newspapers when I walked in, and when I recognized one of them from the back, the gig was up. But I was truly taken by surprise, and was absolutely delighted. Above is the whole group less my cousin who had to leave early, plus our excellent waitress

Frank, Bill, Henry, and Lanny.

Ron, Randy, and Ken.

Frank, Bill, and Henry.

Keith, Liam, Chad, and the old guy. Andrew, my son, was the photographer. 

Lanny retiring my old work shirt and presenting me with 4 new ones. He is my supplier for my business and this was a strong hint that I cannot retire as it would produce a strong downturn in his business. 

The old guy contemplating the huge free dessert that one gets when having a birthday meal at this restaurant. My grandson Chad ended up eating the whole thing. 

Great service from the friendliest waitress in town. Me wondering how I am going to get rid of that free dessert. 

Final group photo. We had a great time, roasting, toasting, and telling stories. I love these guys. 

I am now officially a working senior. 

Grandson Delight

The Grandson's parents are away for a much needed holiday and we  have the delightful task of  keeping them out of trouble. Nathan's 15th birthday happened to fall on Spring Break right when mom and dad were gone. We didn't miss a beat and had a party anyway. 

With the table piled high with gifts and cake, Nathan dug right in. 

He has a flare for the dramatic. Mmm. Years of acting in the theater may have been the origin of this. Or maybe the other way around. 

Mom and Dad left him a big Care Package/Gift Package and his eyes really lit up when he found this jar of  peanut butter/jam all in one. It should cut school sandwich making time in half. 

In this climate, one can always use a new Hoodie. 

Even though he is fifteen, he still has a little trouble dressing himself. 

Not to be left out, Chad got the consolation gift. Give him Chocolate and he is happy. 

A badminton set from the Grands, to balance off the electronics. "Keep 'em fit," we say.

Liam loves parties. In fact he is a little party animal. I snuck in a photo of him before he got wind of the camera. 

He loves to 'ham it up' in front of the camera. Even more so, apparently, than eating Black Forest Birthday Cake. 

He is definitely on his way to the 'School for the Gifted'.  :)  

Happy Birthday Lis

90th Birthday Celebration

We didn't quite get the whole family out, but there were certainly enough of us in attendance to sing "Happy Birthday" and eat a huge slab of Tuxedo Cake. There were only three of my dad's grandchildren, and their little families, that could not make it. We had a big BBQ on Saturday at my youngest sister's farm and on Sunday we met at the old folks home and give my dad a little thrill. He had not seen some of these people for a very long time.

He has not been doing well in the last few weeks so we were fortunate that he was able to spend enough time out of bed to come and greet us all.

In the above photo, I am with two of my sisters, both from Victoria.

Below is the whole gang at the BBQ.