THANK YOU CHERITH FOR GIVING A NOD TO CANADIANS!

HERE'S A GREAT POST CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Topless at the Whitby Harbour

It was a perfect morning for a long walk at the lake! The bright blue sky and cool breezes beckoned me. As I walked along the path, I marvelled at the caravan of white sailboats heading out of the harbour and into the calm waters of Lake Ontario. What a glorious day! I loved being alone in my thoughts while observing the details of nature around me. That was until...



I came upon this middle-aged man sitting on one of the benches along the path. His chest was exposed for all to see. I realize this is a somewhat normal practice during the summertime. However, this man's toplessness repulsed me! Why? I have no idea. Maybe because he was too old to be sitting around without a top on. And maybe because he was EXTREMELY hairy. (I should mention here that this was at the harbour, not the beach. The beach is actually further down the path, which is where he should have gone!) For some reason it just didn't seem right for him to be sitting on this bench reading his book topless. I know he has every right to bare his hairy, repulsive, chubby chest. But, apparently so do I - except my chest isn't chubby or hairy- or repulsive for that matter!!


Instantly, I was reminded of one of our Canadian laws:


"Topless Laws...
A couple of years ago a university of Guelph student named Gwen Jacobs got annoyed after the police charged her for walking around with her T-shirt off. She went to court and won Canadian women the right to go topless whenever and wherever they want. While the guys down at the bar are waiting for the topless ruling to become compulsory summer behavior, a lot of women are waking up to the fact that rights need to have a basis in common custom, imagination and maybe common sense before they've really been won."



Yup, you read that correctly! We Canadian women can legally go topless in public. I remember when this story broke and could not believe our legal system created this ridiculous law. Do you know something, since this law has been created, I haven't seen one woman walk around topless in public - even on extremely hot summer days. In fact, I have never seen a topless woman on any of the beaches I have frequented!

But, in true Canadian political fashion, our government had a change of heart and created regional dress code restrictions in Ontario ( why they didn't do this in the first place is beyond me!):


"Although women are allowed to be topless in all public places in Ontario, several cities have passed by-laws that restrict female toplessness within their borders. These are probably interim by-laws, as the regions await further clarification from Ottawa, Queen's Park and the courts."

So, I guess that means I can't join the man on the bench in a topless state after all!

I feel the love SITSa's - Thank You!!!

I am overwhelmed! You all have made my day today! All of your comments have been soooo encouraging. Thank you! I promise I will stop by your blogs to say hi, but know it may take me awhile! As I sit reading your comments, more keep pouring in. I had no idea it would be this much fun being a featured blogger!! Wow! Thank you, thank you , thank you! I DEFINITELY feel the love of my bloggy friends! And yes, you can eat pavlova for breakfast!!:) ( it is a type of meringue) I 'm so glad ya'll stopped by! ( I'm sounding like my American bloggy friends, EH?!!!) Looking forward to drop'in by your blogs! Have a great day!

Welcome Sits Sisters ( and apparently Brothers) two days early!

I know I am a wee bit early but couldn't contain my excitement of having visitors stop by my blog tomorrow! WELCOME my SITS sista's and brotha's! Come on in. Put your feet up. Feel the love. Can I get you a drink? coffee, tea, lemonade, iced tea, H2O, milk? I baked some special treats for you! Enjoy this Irish pavlova topped with fresh strawberries and REAL whipped cream!!

Speaking of Ireland, I just returned from an amazing 3 week holiday to Northern Ireland so haven't been blogging as much. I missed my bloggy friends, although I did meet two of them in the flesh while in Northern Ireland!

Please stay for a while and have a look around! My door is always open! See you soon....

I'm Amazed!

I know I am computer illiterate but thought I could figure out how to upload a youtube video for ya'll to watch. But, I couldn't figure it out so you will have to watch it here. Let's hope this link works!

The video is of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing "I'm Amazed." My church choir sang this song in the spring. I LOVED this song and everytime we sang it, I was moved to tears. I hope you take the time to listen to this song!

I love the way music reaches the core of our being and speaks an unique language to our soul. It is able to reach into the depths where nothing nor anyone else is able to go - except Jesus. I love the way music inspires us to action of some sort. I love the way music triggers locked away or long forgotten memories. I admire those artists who have this incredible gift of vulnerably creating lyrics and sounds from their life journey that reaches out to the human race.

"I'm Amazed" has played a significant role in my journey of faith recently. Ya'll know I had - yes I said had- this fear of flying AND of driving on the 401. ( our extremely busy Trans Canada highway) Well, I am happy to report I have conquered both of these fears in the last 3 weeks! YAY! It was only through the prayers of my friends and family and of actively "casting all my anxiety on Jesus because He cares for me!" And "the peace of God which transcends all understanding guarded my heart and my mind..." 1 Peter 5:7 and Phil. 4

As I was driving home from Ottawa/Kingston ( I made a pit stop overnight in Kingston to part -tay with my sista's there!) , I popped in my Brooklyn Tab cd. As I feared, I encountered an INTENSE rain/lightening storm where I wasn't able to see out my window. This is one of the reasons I hate driving the 401 between my home and Kingston - there is usually unsettled weather. BUT, God was good. I was only 1 km( 2.2 miles for my American friends!) from Belleville so I was able to pull off the highway and shop at Walmart for about a half hour until the storm passed by. During that long 1 km, "I'm Amazed" was playing and God's peace completely surrounded me. I was calm and not in panic mode! Tears streamed down my face as I reflected on how amazing God really is...I'm amazed that He cares enough for me to listen to my feeble, insignificant prayers about my driving and flying issues. He cares. He provides ways to help conquer those fears. I AM AMAZED that He loves me! I AM AMAZED that He cares. What an incredible gift!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..." Isaiah41:10

Summertime Frolicking - Thematic Photographic: Monochrome

While in Kingston over the weekend, I went walking along the beach with my friend. It was a brilliant day! I couldn't resist taking this pic of these children having fun in Lake Ontario. As soon as I pressed the shutter though, the two children standing on the rock jumped into the water and are no where to be seen in my photo! I wasn't quick enough! This photo encapsulates summertime for me! If you want to see more black and white photography or participate yourself, go to Carmi's blog!

Holiday Photos Complete Volumes 1 and 2

I finally have my holiday photos posted on my web album. You can check the complete volumes of Northern Ireland June 29 to July 18, 2009 out here.

Let's Try again ...no fancy colours or fonts this time...My mantra story is now readable!

Okay. So, here's the thing. I had to come up with a new mantra today. Are you ready? For you parents out there, this mantra will not surprise you. But for moi, a woman with no children, this is a mantra I need to repeat over and over again while "supervising" my teenage niece. Did I mention she is a TEENAGER? Here goes......

IT IS NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!!

Did I also mention I offered to drive the boyfriend home ( about 20 minutes west of my niece's house) last night well past my bedtime? Well, the said boyfriend didn't know his way home via the car because he always takes the bus. Thus, we got lost. And I don't know Ottawa well at all so I was of little help except I knew when we saw a sign for Stittsville, we had gone too far. Yup. Lost in the middle of nowhere, no cars, no gas stations in sight, in the pouring rain. I made him call his mom and wake her up to help us out. We FINALLY arrived at his house.

The adventure didn't end there. My niece directed me home except we got lost again. I should have learned my lesson the first time we got lost. I should have asked the boyfriend's mom how to get home! So, I made my niece wake up the boyfriend's mom again. We made it safely home - an hour and a half later.

Did I ALSO mention that morning my niece woke me up EXTREMELY early with all her banging of doors and the dog barking, etc? SO, I was so looking forward to sleeping in this morning. Yup. You guessed correctly. It didn't happen. Thus, my mantra was formed:

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!

I was in a deep sleep dreaming of George Clooney when I was startled by the dog barking loudly and a frantic rapping at my bedroom door. Yup. You guessed it. My niece. She was in a tither because she locked herself out of her bedroom. Why they have locks on the door is beyond me. Anyways, she was crying and was requesting my help to get the door open. She needed her books for school and needed to be on time or apparently she wouldn't be able to write her exam tomorrow.

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!!

All kidding aside for one moment... I did have to say a prayer to God. I prayed for strength to help me NOT be frustrated with my niece even though I wanted to scream! I prayed that I would be able to let my needs go and focus on my niece. I rarely get to see her so I wanted to be able to help her in a constructive way. I also didn't want her to see me grumpy. I am here for her not me. I have the whole summer to sleep in! Finally, I prayed we would get the door open before panic set in...well, it had already set in and thus her dog was in a panic too! Yikes!

First, I got her to put the dog outside and that seemed to calm the situation. Next, I asked her to get me a coat hanger. What was I thinking? I am no thief and have no idea how to pick a lock. I tried the credit card thing too. I guess I watch too many movies. Mission failed. Of course. Then I got a brilliant idea....

Call the parents. Apparently there was a spare key hidden away somewhere. So, after my sister-in-law revealed the secret location to me ONLY, I managed to open her bedroom door. She was eternally grateful and was able to collect her belongings and make it to school on time! Whew! A close call!!

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!

I'm glad I made that choice this morning. And, I am so glad I am single! I like being a bit selfish!

CAUTION: Large print ahead. Something went terribly wrong!

I can't seem to fix this post.
I apologize for the oversized font. I have tried to change it but my efforts have failed every time. For those over 70 reading my blog, you will appreciate the large print! Enjoy the story anyway!

Thematic Photographic - Monochrome

I was excited to explore the black and white setting on my digital camera as I did some sightseeing today in downtown Ottawa. If you want to know more about today's theme or see more amazing photography, check out Carmi's blog here.

Here are my contributions from my adventure in the rain....

The famous Rideau Canal with the Parliament Buildings in the background.

The spiral staircase ( apparently also known as the "druggie" staircase) at the Pont Mackenzie King bridge.

Rocky Mountain Candy Company in the Byward Market. Candy apples are one of my favourite treats!

Byward Market in the rain.

Parliament Hill

The locks on the Rideau Canal.

The locks from a different perspective.

Entertainment under the canal.

The National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Confederation Square. For more info check it out here.

Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

My new mantra for the day!

Okay. So, here's the thing. I had to come up with a new mantra today. Are you ready? For you parents out there, this mantra will not surprise you. But for moi, a woman with no children, this is a mantra I need to repeat over and over again while "supervising" my teenage niece. Did I mention she is a TEENAGER? Here goes......

IT IS NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!!

Did I also mention I offered to drive the boyfriend home ( about 20 minutes west of my niece's house) last night well past my bedtime? Well, the said boyfriend didn't know his way home via the car because he always takes the bus. Thus, we got lost. And I don't know Ottawa well at all so I was of little help except I knew when we saw a sign for Stittsville, we had gone too far. Yup. Lost in the middle of nowhere, no cars, no gas stations in sight, in the pouring rain. I made him call his mom and wake her up to help us out. We FINALLY arrived at his house.

The adventure didn't end there. My niece directed me home except we got lost again. I should have learned my lesson the first time we got lost. I should have asked the boyfriend's mom how to get home! So, I made my niece wake up the boyfriend's mom again. We made it safely home - an hour and a half later.

Did I ALSO mention that morning my niece woke me up EXTREMELY early with all her banging of doors and the dog barking, etc? SO, I was so looking forward to sleeping in this morning. Yup. You guessed correctly. It didn't happen. Thus, my mantra was formed:

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!!!!

I was in a deep sleep dreaming of George Clooney when I was startled by the dog barking loudly and a frantic rapping at my bedroom door. Yup. You guessed it. My niece. She was in a tither because she locked herself out of her bedroom. Why they have locks on the door is beyond me. Anyways, she was crying and was requesting my help to get the door open. She needed her books for school and needed to be on time or apparently she wouldn't be able to write her exam tomorrow.

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!!!

All kidding aside for one moment... I did have to say a prayer to God. I prayed for strength to help me NOT be frustrated with my niece even though I wanted to scream! I prayed that I would be able to let my needs go and focus on my niece. I rarely get to see her so I wanted to be able to help her in a constructive way. I also didn't want her to see me grumpy. I am here for her not me. I have the whole summer to sleep in! Finally, I prayed we would get the door open before panic set in...well, it had already set in and thus her dog was in a panic too! Yikes!

First, I got her to put the dog outside and that seemed to calm the situation. Next, I asked her to get me a coat hanger. What was I thinking? I am no thief and have no idea how to pick a lock. I tried the credit card thing too. I guess I watch too many movies. Mission failed. Of course. Then I got a brilliant idea....

Call the parents. Apparently there was a spare key hidden away somewhere. So, after my sister-in-law revealed the secret location to me ONLY, I managed to open her bedroom door. She was eternally grateful and was able to collect her belongings and make it to school on time! Whew! A close call!!

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!

I'm glad I made that choice this morning. And, I am so glad I am single! I like being a bit selfish!

"Supervising" my teenage niece!

Here I am in our Nation's capital - Ottawa. My brother asked me to stay with my 17 year old niece this week while he and the rest of his family are at the cottage. I rarely get to see my niece so I am glad for this opportunity.

However, there are two things I did NOT count on:

1) They have a crazy dog that won't come near me and

2) My niece has a boyfriend.

In fact, he is over at this very moment. Unfortunately we can't find the code to unlock the wireless network so I can't use my laptop. I am left using their computer which is conveniently located in the "love nest" - also known as the basement!! I am trying to be discreet and pretending I am not watching them, but I think they may be on to me!! I am in a dilemma. I need to carry out my brother's wishes but don't want to play the parent! Hey, I'm not a parent so I don't have to play! What a relief! She knows the rules so I am praying she won't play me! I did actually say in a sweet "auntie" way that he needs to go home when I go to bed. In fact, I offered to drive him home - what a good plan!:) I can't believe I am on the other side of this teenage angst...it is fun and I must remember how I felt when I was in her shoes back in the day! They just left to go upstairs...maybe that is my cue. So good night and wish me well!

PS I just finished watching "So You Think You Can Dance." I sooooo love that show. This will sound crazy, but seeing those dancers dance does something in my spirit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the creativity of the choreographers and it excites me to the core to see how it is played out on the stage...just beautiful and moving!

Update on "Encounter with Liz"

Remember Liz? Finally, six months after our encounter with Liz at Jack Astor's, my friend San was able to figure out how to download this pic from her mobile phone!
Sweet memories from that cold, wintry night where laughter was freely flowing - gums and all!

Thematic Photographic - "Animals" I captured while on the farm in Northern Ireland!

I'm safely back on Canadian soil! I had a brilliant holiday and will blog more about it later, but first wanted to post my "animal" entries this week. I have missed participating in my thematic photographic. If you have no idea what I am talking about then go check out Carmi's blog here. It was difficult to find the time to blog my last two weeks of holidays, so I am bursting with stories to share!

Life on the farm in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, through the eyes of the unsung heroes....

Sam, the resident "guard" dog, greeted me every morning while I slowly sipped my coffee.

Polo, the resident pony, in desperate need of a haircut!

The hens who freely gave us fresh eggs every morning!

Mama hen laying on her eggs in hopes of producing more chicks for the flock or is it herd! No chicks were born...poor mama!

Benji, the pet lamb , who greeted me every morning with a loud "b-a-a-a", while I meditatively relaxed in the soothing tub of aromatherapy bubbles! Definitely an experience I never had living in the city!

An unusual breed of a sheep we stumbled upon while hiking in Co. Donegal....

...his friend....

...this is the mother of the lamb. As we hiked along the mountain path, we heard the mother calling out to her lamb across the road, but couldn't see her. As I turned around, this is what I saw. .. the sheep standing on the edge of the cliff calling her lamb. It is difficult to see the ocean in the background as it was a bit hazy and overcast that day. But, it was an incredible sight...breathtaking really. Unfortunately, my camera didn't capture it the way I wished.

Rush hour in Co. Fermanagh! Seriously, this is a common sight...the cattle being "turned in" for milking- moving them from the field to the milking parlour...

I even got in on the action, helping to turn in the cattle!

Ernest, my cousin, thanking the driver for waiting ...

I learned quickly that cattle are inquisitive creatures. They knew I was a strange voice in their milking parlour!
I was fascinated by the whole milking operation...Hanging out in the yard after milking....gorgeous scenery!The majority of houses in the country have these grates at the end of their driveway. I learned they are for keeping the wandering, inquisitive cows out of their yard or garden as the Irish say!

Sampling of more holiday photos from Northern Ireland. It was hard to decide which ones to post, but I will eventually post all pics on my web album!

Welcome to Beverly Hills - Bangor, Northern Ireland that is!! I stayed here with my 90 year old cousin. She is in good form and we had a lovely time. I have fond childhood memories staying here with her and her husband, Billy( Billy was a headmaster!). So, I was glad to have the opportunity to go back and relive some of those memories - minus swimming in the freezing cold sea! Margie's husband Billy used to swim in the sea here at Ballyhome everyday, even in winter and up until he was 90 years old too!

The view of the sea in the distance from Margie's house

Margie is on the left, sitting with Audrey and Ernest ( my"kissing cousins" down in Fermanagh at the farm. Audrey is Ernest's mom) in my favourite room of Margie's house that overlooks her garden! ( or backyard as we North Americans call it!) We are having tea of course! I have fond memories of sitting in this room with Billy watching cricket matches. Billy explained the rules of cricket to me, but I never caught on!! We would eat our lovely meals in this room at their antique oak table in front of the bay window. My spot would be on the chaise lounge chair that Ernest is sitting on...I LOVED that antique chaise lounge! I'm so glad she still has it!
Margie and I...doesn't' she look well for 90 years old! She is still living on her own in her house in Bangor. Bangor is a beautiful seaside town....one of my favourites in Northern Ireland. Margie was a great hostess. She wouldn't even let me help her cook our meals! She keeps her mind sharp by doing crosswords. In fact, she was my inspiration to start doing crosswords! We sat by the fire in the evenings doing crosswords together and chatting and of course stopping to watch Coronation Street!

Donagahdee Harbour and lighthouse. This is another seaside town near Bangor where Billy and I would swim!

Shells on the beach at Ballyhome, Bangor.

Sea foam and seaweed on the beach at Ballyhome. You all know I LOVE the sea so I was in my element here in Bangor!

My shadow! Can you tell it is me? Hint: orange!

More of the beach at Ballyhome...the tide was out!

A road trip around the Ards Peninsula. Here we are in Kearny.

A fishing cottage in Kearny, now a holiday cottage...I LOVE the doors in Northern Ireland!

Back to Bangor...the terraced homes overlooking the sea...most are converted into guest homes now!

A sample of one of the bright colours of the home!

More of the beach at Ballyhome

Down in Fermanagh now...this is how most farms heat their homes...coal fires!

The coal bin at Audrey's farm house!

Fresh farm eggs! Can you see the blue one? Ernest and Gail's son, Adam raises hens/chickens, so we have fresh eggs every morning! ( and fresh milk from the cows - really!!)

Look what I found again...another Timmy's in a Spar shop in Augher, a wee village in Fermanagh!

Back up in Kearny...

Back in Fermanagh at the Prentice dairy farm. I took this pic from the bathroom. In the distance you can see the milking parlour and if you look close you can see the cows lined up, ready to go and be milked!

There I am on the tractor...they still use this tractor!! The weather hasn't been great...a bit cold and rainy. But, the great thing about Ireland is you wait an hour and the sun will come out! I think I need to buy some woollies though as I only packed clothes for hot weather!

Here is Ernest and Benji, the new lamb on the farm!

One of the farm buildings...they were built in the 1800's. The solid white stone walls are about 20 inches thick!

Gail walking with Sam, their black lab, down the road in front of the farm. I'm not sure if you can tell how narrow the roads are over here in this photo...also, most of the older homes are built right on the edge of the road. Usually there is a small stone wall between!
I am having a fabulous time in this beautiful country. I feel so refreshed. The weather is great for the skin! I think some of my wrinkles have disappeared! I look forward to sharing some of my adventures here on my blog when I return to Canada! Cheerio!