Tempus Fugit

Latin (tem-pu̇s-ˈfü-git): Time Flies

Category: Family

  • Grandkids and Kleenex

    Last night as we’re watching TV downstairs, Shirley asks me to pass her a Kleenex.

    Quite a normal request and there is normally one or two Kleenex boxes on the tables where we sit in the basement. We look around and there are none to be found. Not a problem, Shirley gets another box from the storage area and we don’t give it another thought. Later I remember that when the family was over on Sunday, there was some talk about kleenexes by one of the grandkids but things sounded “OK”.

    On Sunday, all 4 grandsons were over for a family brunch. Nowadays when this happens and all 4 of them get together they make a beeline to the basement to play. Usually, with Lego or the Snapcircuit or just inventing games and making “forts”. The adults hang around upstairs and as long as there is no serious screaming or crying the grandkids are left unsupervised. This might not be the best plan.

    This morning I’m in the downstairs office and just finishing up some reading etc. and as I’m getting out of my chair I see this in the corner of the office behind my chair.

    Kleenex box in the corner

    I think this is a little odd and as I pick it up to put it back in a more normal location I notice that quite a few have been pulled out and then stuffed back in the box. Hmmmm. Next on my agenda is to ride my bike on the trainer and as I’m getting ready I notice something unusual under the sofa.

    White stuff under the sofa?

    This needs further investigation so I flip up the sofa and…

    Apparently more that one box of Kleenex was involved in their little bit of mischief! I’m thinking that at one point there where kleenexes everywhere, but before any adults came downstairs they were all gathered up an “hidden” under the sofa! Apparently, somebody knew that this might not be the best thing to do! Well, I hope they had fun, after all it was only a $2.00 box of Kleenex and I did rescue some of it.

  • Paper Bag Princess with the Grandsons

    Today we took all four Grandsons to the PTE performance of Robert Munch’s Paper Bag Princess. The boys were dropped off by the parents at Portage Place and once they were all together they were having so much fun with each other that we almost didn’t exist, except for corralling them to go in the correct direction.

    Best Buddies

    Things went well for the first few minutes until we went up the first escalator and Clark fell near the top and hit his knee on the sharp edge of one of the steps. There was that long agonizing silent look on his face, and then the crying began. “I want my mommy”, which was not possible as they had left them with us. Grandad (me) tried to console for a while, but no go. Over to Nana who had to work every trick in the book and still that was barely enough to calm him and slow down the “I want my Mommy!” cries. Eventually, things settled down and we entered the theatre, but only after there was a 4 boy bathroom stop. Such excitement.

    They seemed to enjoy the performance and mostly paid attention to the actors, especially when the dragon came through the audience in the row right behind us. Lots of kids in the audience making all kinds of noise etc. and our crew was quite well behaved.

    Post-show we’re in the mall food court for a snack. Somehow we forgot that soft drinks are to be a rarity or avoided I go and get four A&W root beers, 2 French fries and 2 onion rings for the crew. Shortly after this Easton announces that they are not allowed root beer until they are 15 yrs old. Oops, sorry parents.

    Made some memories with the guys.

    “I wonder what’s going on over there…”
    “I’ve got this”
    “Root beer is pretty good”
    “I ate eight onion rings”
    Escalator Fun

  • The iPhone photo year in review – long version

  • Kneeboarding

    The next generation is starting to master many lake activities that Eric and Scott enjoyed. This August long weekend Parker (7) and Dane (4) took their first of many spins around the bay on the kneeboard. I’m sure water skis & wakeboards won’t be far behind.

    Good time at the lake with family. The best!

  • Day 10: Science & Birthday

    This is not rocket science, it’s Shirley’s birthday!

    Make a wish!

    But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before we get to the birthday part we’re lounging around at Leslie’s having breakfast and of course a lot of coffee.

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    In keeping with today’s birthday/gift theme we surprise Les with a couple of hostess gifts for being so generous and gracious in having us at the house all week.

    Today we’re off to the Ontario Science Centre, just a short drive but once again on the freeways, yahoo! Lots to see and do and being the weekend, there are lots of kids and lots of noise.

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    Crazy Rube Goldburg rolling ball maze
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    Garry
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    Crocus coming up
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    Cancelling – Biggest Canadian mistake ever!
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    Shirley
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    Finally figured out what all the blockchain hype is about

    After the Science Centre we get ready for the big birthday party and we head off to Ajax where Dorte & Ron live and a nearby Keg restaurant. Bob & Linda have driven in from Orrilia for the celebration and we have a great time around the table with some great food to.

    Let’s get this party started!

    After a great dinner is was back to Ron & Dorte’s for coffee and dessert. Les & Dorte both provided Shirley’s favourite, cheesecake! Not sure how we fit it in but I think most had a piece of each!

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    After all that food and fun we rolled into the car for the drive back to Les’s.

    Another day in the bag. Tomorrow we hit the road for Chicago.

    Goodnight!

  • Day 9: Family Day – Part 2

    Time for a confession. I’m writing this on August 26 so some of the details are not so clear or fresh from here on out about the road trip, but I’ll do my best.

    Today is about and extended visit with my Uncle Stan and more of the cousins and their families so after a late breakfast we head over to Mississauga for the afternoon.

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    Cousin Wendy and husband Roman host the gathering at their home. and between Wendy & Cathy they have rounded up the troops and we are made to feel exceptionally welcome.

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    Uncle Stan is there and we spend some time chatting about family etc., and just hanging out.

    Garry, Patti, Shirley, Wendy, Kathy, Zoe & Hazel

    During the afternoon we took a lot of photos and several group shots, but somehow not everyone was included. Wendy’s son was there with his children Zoe & Hazel, Wendy’s grandaughters. However, his wife was working and unable to make it. Lots of pictures of Zoe & Hazel (being held), none of dad 🙁

    Patti (standing left) was there and so was husband David, but somehow there were no David pictures!

    Dean was also there and somehow avoided getting in any pictures. His wife Gillian was returning from Scotland so was not available. I think the grandkids stole the show and somehow they seem to be in almost all the photos!

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    The Gathering

    We had a very special afternoon re-connecting with family. It was a very precious time and we were made to feel so special, honoured and loved. We basked in the memories for several days afterwards and will alway treasure the memories of this visit.

    After we left Wendy’s we explored nearby Port Credit and stopped off for a “small” snack.

    Nacho Grande!

    From Port Carling we’re back to our Toronto “home” base at Leslie’s for dinner and a relaxing evening reflecting on the day.

    Link to all the days pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmGDkZG9

  • Day 6: Family Day – Part 1

    The highlight of today and of the trip is to see my Uncle Stan, and cousins Wendy and Kathy for an afternoon visit and then dinner with Leslie, Carol & Mel

    Around noon, after a leisurely morning of many cups of coffee and then breakfast, we head off to Oakville to where Uncle Stan and Kathy live.

    We spend an enjoyable afternoon chatting with everyone and having lunch. My uncle shows us his art work which is amazing! He has a teacher that comes to the house and he has produced an significant body of work using many different styles and mediums, very impressive. We’re so wrapped up in the conversations that I don’t that any photos, so I’ve “borrowed” a couple from later in the week for this post.

    Kathy holding Zoe and Wendy
    Uncle Stan

    After our visit we drive over to Port Carling since we’re in the neighbourhood and stop of for a “small” snack before heading home for the day

    Super Nachos for 4-6 people!

    After driving back to Leslie’s, a mere 1.5hrs on the freeway, we get together with Carol and Mel for a lovely home cooked dinner, thanks Leslie! Home cooking is especially good after a week of restaurants on the road. 🙂

    Mel, Leslie, Carol and I

  • Weekend with Grandkids

    We had Easton and Clark for the weekend, which was a lot of fun. Part of the weekend was a “guys” trip to Fort Whyte Alive for some outdoor activities on a very warm and sunny Saturday afternoon.

    I was interested in the geese, but the boys were way more interested in the ice, water puddles and sticks.

    Trying to break through
    Trying to break through the ice
    Always need to have a stick when you’re out on a walk.

    The geese were quite accommodating to a photo or two and allowed some quite close approaches before flying off all the while honking loudly at this guy who was disturbing them.

    Take Off eh?
    The Canada Geese are back in town.

  • Lake Thoughts

    As it starts to warm up a bit lots of the family are starting to think of the lake. Apparently so is Apple photos.

    A memory video cooked up by Apple

  • On the road again

    Just like the Willie Nelson song, we’re on the road again, this time with Parker & Easton and heading out for a day adventure to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre. Similar to the trip with their brothers Dane and Clark, I’ve produced a short video of the event.

    “Bruce” is waiting for you!