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The Squamidian Report – Dec. 21 / 19
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Version From
Beth
Hi All, Tizz the season so they say. And I hope everyone’s is not overly stressful and is reasonably enjoyable. Ever notice that the harder people try to make Christmas be ‘CHRISTMAS’, the worse it ends up for them. Between a constant bombardment from the media on how it should be, and that ever present attempt to regain that perfect experience from a faulty memory, people drive themselves nuts as they try to spend themselves into happiness. Oh well. To add to it all, this is the season for scams. On-line scams, email scams, phone scams. Keep your wits about you and stay alert. There is a slimy dirtbag waiting to snare any and every one. If you do get a phonecall scammer calling, have some fun with it. Waste as much of their time as you can and drive them nuts by pretending to be dumber than dirt. Thats a very satisfying way to get back at them. There was a cartoon printed in the Vancouver paper the other day on this topic worth sharing so I took a picture of it. Both funny and clever.  Many decades ago, when we were kids in our teens, some of us were big fans of a CBC TV show from ‘down east’ called ‘Sing Along Jubilee’. One of the big stars to come out of that TV show was Ann Murray but this isn’t about her. It’s about some other singers who went in a different direction. This would have been in the mid to late 60’s. They did a Christmas special each year they were running the show and put our a Christmas album (no CD’s back then). On that album was this song, done as a duet by Catherine McKenna and Michel Stanbury. The song is ‘Virgin Mary Had One Son’ and Nova Scotia Sus and I used to try to do it as a duet, as best our abilities permitted, way back then. We had learned it by playing the album over and over and were apparently quite impressed by the song. To that end, I sat down at my mic with my guitar and hammered out a quick version of the song. So, here’s to memories Sus, and everyone else who may or may not have been around when we were still struggling with basic guitar chords. Merry
Christmas
Everyone. doug **** From Beth Viv, Jamie and I (and sometimes the boys too) usually spend a long weekend in Toronto sometime in December, depending on when Jamie’s side of the family is having their Christmas get-together. This year, as usual, we stayed at the Sheraton, right across from Nathan Philip's Square. The first day we visited the Christmas market and spent time in the indoor/outdoor hotel pool. On Saturday we visited the St. Lawrence Market and the ROM before heading to the family party. Jamie's family has long held an annual Christmas Carolling and Oyster stew party. The last few years it has been held at Jamie's cousin's home across from Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto. The potluck meal has the table heavy laden with both carnivore and vegetarian fare , as well as a large assortment of scrumptious Christmas cookies and desserts. Once we've had the first part of the meal, Mal ( Jamie's mom, Marigold) plays the keyboard while everyone sings. The usual songs and carols of the season are sung. The favourite seems to be a very robust 'Good King Wenceslas' with the men and women each singing a part. My favourites there are usually 'Joy to the World' and 'Oh Come, All Ye Faithful', lending some harmony where I can. Once the carolling is done, the oyster stew (or veggie soup) is served. It's wonderful to catch up with everyone, and see how much the kids have grown. The following day Mal took Viv and I too see The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre. She has been taking us since Viv was old enough to sit still for such a production. It's a magical ballet, and is one of our favourite traditions. Some more swimming, shopping and site-seeing and it was time to come home. The previous week had also been chock-a-block full of holiday and birthday events. It began with me face painting at a large corporate event, then heading to my work's annual Christmas bazaar where Nick had a booth selling popcorn. After that it was a lantern-lit tour of Doon Heritage Crossroads, a Pioneer village set in 1914. We had a horse drawn wagon ride through the village, then stopped in at several of the buildings to see them decorated for the holidays. It ended at the church (the old Freeport Church, for those of you who know what that is) with carolling and readings. You'd think that was enough for one day, but no. It ended with our street's annual progressive Christmas party, with snacks and beverages at 7 different houses. The following day Viv had her Christmas dance recital! To celebrate Viv and Nick's birthdays, which are 6 days apart, I took them and a friend to see Experience Seuss. It was really neat, putting us into 9 different Dr. Seuss stories. It was very interactive, and a feast for the eyes. Looking ahead we have an ugly Christmas sweater party, a winter solstice celebration, Christmas at the homestead, and Christmas day here at our house with family and friends. Wishing you all the happiest of holidays! Beth    **** From Russ The Reason or the Season. How much did you spend on Christmas this year? The ‘average’ Canadian household is expected to spend $1600.00 on Christmas-related expenses. As usual, I want nothing as I feel I already have everything I need. How could I ever be so ‘gifted’? Everyday is Christmas for me! I’m surrounded by Angels who: Bring me food (soups, main dishes, and desserts) Drive me to my many appointments (medical, groceries, meetings) Clean my eavestroughs, rake leaves, and mow the lawn. Shovel the snow, take out the garbage, and bring in the mail. Clean my ‘wee’ house. And each week I look forward to reading your stories in the Great Squamidian. We owe our thanks to the regular contributors who give freely of their time and talents to bring us a quality family newsletter second to none! Our special thanks to our Editor-in-Chief, Doug for adding the dimensions of photography and music to his already interesting articles. Thank you, Greg for keeping us posted as to what’s happening in Waterloo Region; federal, provincial, and local politics. (Yes, Greg we love to hear you ‘bitch’ about those things that ‘piss you off’ – you say what the rest of us are thinking! And Lorne. What can we possibly say about the ‘stuff’ this man writes!? Right now it’s about an orange, 3-legged monster that’s been crawling around in his yard. Well, ‘crawling’ may not be the best word because it’s dead. Will likely have to be taken to a ‘monster-wrecking yard’. Will somebody kindly tell me, “What was it doing there in the first place?”. We just GOT to love you, Lorne. We’d be remiss if we didn’t stop to thank our occasional contributors; Nova Scotia Sue, Carole, Rosie, Wayne, our neighbours from Australia, and to the several others who I’ve not named – ( I’m not well, you know). You are never boring as you don’t write unless you have something important to contribute – and we ALWAYS like to read what you have to tell us. I’ve said a lot about ‘gifts and giving’ in this Special Edition of the Squamidian, but the most blessed gift is God’s Precious Gift to all – His only Son, Jesus the Christ! He’s the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas to all, Uncle Russ. **** From Lorne
Christmases past. About 1933 we lived at 28 Peppler St. ,Waterloo. Where Wayne was born the following spring. We seem to move every time my parents got 3 months behind in the rent. However, my thoughts go back to Christmas eve, '33. All the presents were placed in a bushel basket by Santa somewhere up North, brought down to 28 Peppler by sleigh, then placed on the front porch with a loud knock. I, the oldest, usually got to the door first. (then, not now). Upon opening, I actually paused and listened to the church bells ringing out 'IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR'. and inhaling the sweat toxic smell of all the homes heating with soft coal. Mechano ! It's in the basket and has my name on it ! Wow! Merry Christmas all. Old Crawler '78' has left. But the work is not done. They will be back with a bigger, higher one. Lorne **** From Sus
Its hard to believe Christmas is here already. We found a nice small tree in our back woods. It seems we are getting smaller trees each year. They do take up lots of room once inside. Since our house is quite small and we have two cats to consider we decided to put the tree up on a table. So far the cats spend their time under the table playing with their toys. We have very little snow and may not have much for Christmas. Our temps have been either 10c above or 10c below so its pretty hard to accumulate any amount of snow. Thanks so much to all the Squamidian writers that entertain us every week. Keep up the good work and a Merry Christmas to all.
Sus **** From Carol I just finished making my truffles for handing out at the Homestead Christmas Eve. That means I am very late this year. I’m not sure if anyone but me would care if I stopped this tradition but after all these years it wouldn’t feel right to not create them. I’m starting to train Vivvy for the job so maybe she will eventually take over. I know Gale would love it if the next generation stepped in to do the family calendars she hands out and believe me the calendars would be missed much more then truffles if we ever stopped. While spending the hours making the truffles I couldn’t help but ponder the place of food in all our celebrations. As far back as I can remember good food has always been part of family gatherings and yet I can’t remember what we actually ate on all those past Christmases. Mind you I can’t remember what I ate yesterday either. Many of us, mostly the women, put much time and effort into the food and the results are always delicious but I’m thinking the fact we are sharing this feast with family and friends we love dearly adds much to our enjoyment. So I hope all of you get to share this Christmas with those you love. I also hope you take a moment to acknowledge the fact we are celebrating the birth of a baby more then 2,000 years ago. We may not know his actual birthday but we know he grew up to teach the world that God was about love, joy, grace & hope not vengeance and wrath. So spread that joy, smile at everyone you meet, wish them Merry Christmas and count your blessings for you have one more Christmas with those you love. Merry Christmas and happy birthday to Doug. Carol **** From Sue
As it nears Christmas, it has been our family tradition over the last 5 years to make Peanut Brittle and Fudge treats for the staff at the Sea to Sky Gondola. It all started as our way to thank the great people who work there and who have become friends over the years. After the vandalism at the gondola this summer, we did not know if we would continue the tradition or wait until it formally re-opened. We found out the staff had been talking about our Christmas treats and were looking forward to receiving them again, as we had been attending the Basecamp for coffee regularly. So early this week, I dug out the microwave recipes, gathered all the ingredients and started our production. As there is currently less staff than normal, we made about 25 bags of Peanut Brittle and 73 bags of Fudge. After the treats were complete, we bagged 3.5oz of Brittle in a bag and a total of 3.5oz of fudge made up of 2 Dark Chocolate pieces and 2 Dulce de Leche caramel fudge pieces in each bag. Starting this past Wednesday and continuing until Sunday we will be distributing these treats which are always well received. It is always so much fun to do this… Sue **** THE ONTARION REPORT
Hello everyone Well, here we are at the 2019 Christmas issue of the Squamidian and it means we’re almost at the end of another year. Oh well, that’s just the way it goes every year since Doug started this fine newsletter. I was listening to 570 Talk Radio today and their weather specialist said that we’re in for a green Christmas this year. The temperature is supposed to be above 0 starting Monday and continuing until Boxing Day. I hope that’s the end of the cold weather until spring! LOL! Not a chance for sure but I wouldn’t miss the winter at all this year if it did happen that way. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what it turns out like after the Christmas warm spell. Speaking of Christmas I had a nice experience on Wednesday of this week. As you all may remember, I had spent about three months of last winter in my workshop making wooden toys that all had wheels on them. I was thinking I’d have a driveway sale of these toy vehicles and perhaps make some money back so I could continue my new hobby over this winter. However, I never did manage to organize that driveway sale over this past summer. Consequently I had a large plastic tub filled with 100 wooden toys sitting on my workbench in the basement. I was wondering what to do with them and Carole came up with the suggestion that I donate them to the Children’s ward at the hospital. What a great idea! So, after letting them sit in the tub for a couple more months after her suggestion, I decided to finally make the move to donate them. I wasn’t sure if one of the local hospitals had a children’s ward or not so I phoned St Mary’s Hospital first since they were the people that literally saved my life two years ago and continue to monitor my health and condition since. When I called their switchboard I was told that they don’t have a children’s ward but that Grand River Hospital on King St does have one. So on Wednesday I phoned Grand River and asked if they would take my donation for their sick kids. The nurse I talked to in the pediatric ward told me that they have a person that looks after donations to the hospital and she transferred my call to that person who is named Jessie. He was quite surprised at my request to donate the 100 toys to their kids. I suggested that they might give a toy to each of the children that came in for a stay until the supply was depleted. He asked me when I would be available to deliver the toys to his office. I said that I could make the delivery within the next half hour and he offered to meet me out in front of his office building which is attached to the east end of the hospital. So, I loaded the toys into two large cardboard boxes and placed them in the back of the Jeep. 20 minutes later I arrived at his office and he was waiting for me in the doorway. He helped me carry the boxes into his office and asked me to show him the toys. As I opened the boxes he was like a kid in a candy store! His eyes popped wide open with amazement and he could only say “WOW! These are amazing indeed!” Even his reaction was heartwarming and made the whole project worthwhile! As I pulled each toy out of the box his smile grew from ear to ear and he kept expressing his gratitude. He asked if they could let the kids take a toy home or did I want the toys to stay in the ward. I said “Sure, if the kids want to take them home, that’s ok with me!” I figured when they’re gone they’re gone. I said there were enough toys in the boxes that I was sure they would last longer than just over Christmas but that he could give them out as long as they lasted. Then a woman came into his office and said that she was working with Jessie and wanted to see the toys too. She was equally happy with my donation and thought the toys were beautiful. I think they both shook my hand a half dozen times while thanking me over and over. It really made me feel good, knowing how much they appreciated the donation. In the boxes, there were tractors, model A cars, model T cars, race cars, mini vans, school buses complete with little red drivers and passengers, fire trucks with red lights on top and of course red drivers in each vehicle and the red people were all loose and could be removed to play with. There were also polar bears and seals with a red ball on their nose. I also had several army style Jeeps and little pickup trucks. There was also a half dozen flat bed trucks and several VW beetles. I had left the bodies of the vehicles in natural wood but had painted all of the wheels red with “hobby” paint that was of course non-toxic! Thinking of all the children that will get to appreciate my hard but fun work really made me feel as if I had shown my share of the Christmas Spirit by making the donation to what could be a scary hospital stay not only over Christmas but well into the New Year. Jessie said that he knows the children will love the toys since they will take their mind off the reason for their stay in the Hospital at least for a while. I’d love to visit the children’s ward to see the kids selecting a toy to play with and watch their reactions. I may call Jessie and ask how it’s going once they start using the toys! I actually felt like Santa for a moment as we stood in Jessie’s office looking at the toys. What a great suggestion Carole gave me and I may just start making more toys over the next few months and do it all again! I’ve attached the few photos so you can see what I’ve just been telling you in this week’s Ontarion. The young person with the long hair in the one photo is Jessie and he’s a very likable person and really seems to care about the children that have to be in the hospital for a stay! He is the manager of all donations to the Hospital and he assured me that he’d personally oversee the toy distribution! I have to say, if nothing else nice happens to me over this Christmas, I’ll be a happy man due to this one event! At this point, I want to wish each and every one of our Squamidian members a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year! My personal thanks to all of you for helping to keep our newsletter going all these years. It’s been a pleasure to contribute to this fun weekly and I’ll be here each week for the coming year as well! Please feel free to sit down and compose a contribution of your own any time you feel the urge! I look forward to hearing from any and all of you whenever! * That’s
about
it for this week folks! Sincerely … Greg PS:
Something
To Think About>     **** Have
a
good one.. |