Inner Journey: September 2014

It has been quite a spectacular summer for watching nature right in our backyard. Just yesterday I spotted an Osprey in a tree on the other side of the river, Suddenly she swooped down and sploosh, dove into the water talons first, emerging with a small fish and flew away with it clutched with her feet! Sorry no photo.

The herons have been back this year in spades. One day I saw as many as 3 at the same time in our little cove. Also spotted a green heron about half the size or less of the great blue.

Lots of ducks, geese, the odd white eagle, beavers, not as many river otters. A great summer for swimming. I figure I swam 10 times, 10 laps a time, plus spent more time just floating around in the beautiful Madawaska water. Last time in was Sept 17 and it was real warm!

Highlight of the summer: A doe and two fawns climbed the rock embankment right behind our house, emerging they stood not 20 feet away and could not decide to go right or left to escape. One fawn took the lead and started walking straight ahead between our houses and mom and other soon followed. Mom took the lead again. Last I saw them they were walking right down the middle of the street headed back in the direction they had most likely come from.

A related highlight. One morning a doe walked by in our backyard heading for Mike and Marilyn's garden 4 houses over. A fawn soon emerged too but saw me through the window 20 ft away. Startled in turned back and scampered behind Rita's shed. Soon after I saw the fawn swimming across the inlet where I swim. It clambered up Gene's bank and ran off in the direction of Mike and Marilyn's knowing exactly where it's mother was likely to be. Through all this the doe never appeared or seemed alarmed its fawn was not with it.

Of course I have some pics to show you.

Goldeneyes feeding in the Spring:

Geese walking on water (ice):

The swimming fawn:

The neighbourhood escapade:

Herons in spades:

A tiny salad eating diving duck:

This is where I live and swim:

A storm approaches:

Beaver:

Wow, what a day:

A storm arrives:

I'm back:

It has been a summer of celebrations: 1 family get together, 3 weddings, 2 anniversaries and 1 memorial service. We have enjoyed them all.

In May, my cousin Wendy hosted a family get together at her beautiful house near Perth. It was great chatting with all the cousins. Of course the food and drink were awesome. Thank you Wendy for hosting us all.

Wendy's Home

Another Great Day

Cousins Wendy and Brian

Cousins Larry, Tom, Cheryl and Sister Kim

Cousin Barbara

Cousins Bob, Brian and Larry

Cheryl and Wendy

Tom and his Wife

On July 6 we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We had a mass and dinner at Galilee with 24 friends. Fr. Tom Riopelle was our Celebrant. We adjourned for a party at our house. A great time was had by all.

July 6, 1984

July 6, 2014

Fr. Tom

Galilee Hospitality

With Friends

Kitchen Party

Our Happy Day

Next we attended Gerry and Jane's wedding in Braeside with the reception at St. John Chrysostom hall in Arnprior. It was a deeply religious affair as both Gerry and Jane who lost their first spouses to death, are deeply spiritual people.

At Our Lady of Perpetual Hope

Sharron, Christine and Marie

Gerry and Jane

Then it was down East for the wedding of Marie's nephew Andrew to Samantha in St. John's. They were married at Corpus Christi Church followed by a large reception at t.he Holiday Inn. It was a very happy wedding with lot's of smiling, good feelings and shooters!

Saying Their Vows

Party Bus is Ready

The Happy Couple Arrives

Cheers to a Happy Marriage

Head Table Fun

Next we were invited to Ron and Joan's 50th Wedding Anniversary back in Ottawa. It was a classy affair staring with Mass at St. Patrick's Basilica. We then enjoyed a scrumptious catered meal in their backyard by the pool. It was a wonderful celebration with their friends and family. Thanks for inviting us!

At St. Patrick's

It was Allan G. the Chef

Congrats Ron and Joan

Poolside Party

A wonderful wedding of my step niece Ashley and Andrew followed. They are teachers and had spent several years abroad in London and Tokyo teaching overseas before returning to Ottawa. Sadly, Ashley's dad, my step brother Alan, passed away in the Spring from pancreatic cancer. Alan had given his approval and was very present in the service. His memory caused quite a few tear ups during the speeches.

Ashley was given away by her god father, retired fireman Bruce Foster. Cindy, Allan's widow, held up very well through it all. We had a great reception at Strathmere not far from Michelle and Tim's in North Gower. Ashely nd Andrew were married at the Church of the Ascension in Ottawa. Thanks for including us in your special day.

Ashley and Bruce

The Handsome Couple

Ashley and Andrew

Michelle, Jackson, Wyatt and Jordan

Cindy on the Right

Their Wedding Dance (Cindy on right again)

Ashley's sister Suzanne, Ashley and Andrew's sister

Al was a great Man

Thanks for Watching Over us Brother Al

Finally, we were invited to attend the memorial service for Gerry, the husband of our neighbour Kay's sister Lorraine. It was a big extended family celebration that went on for a week. We met people there from Vancouver Island to Florida to Newfoundland. It was another memorable time. Thanks Gene, Kay and Lorraine for your hospitality.

It was a wonderful setting