Saturday, March 24, 2007

DNTW: Definitely Not The Waltons

Doris Isabella Molson (nee Gauthier) 1923-2007.
My granny died on Tuesday night in Ottawa. I flew home on Thursday, got here on Friday and attended her funeral service this morning in Pembroke. Though it's sad to come home under these particular circumstances, it is nonetheless good to be home. It was nice to see family that I hadn't for some time at the service and hear stories about my gran that I hadn't heard before. Like the one when gran was young and rode her bike over to a friend's house. She rode the thing in through the back door, through the dining room and into the living room. Her friend just looked at her and said 'Well Doris, I'm glad you didn't come on a horse.' The woman who told the story was my gran's bridesmaid back in 1945. There were a lot of people there and the service was nice; I think she would have liked it.
I'm only here for a few days but have already whizzed around town visiting friends and family. Tomorrow I'll help my pa at the sugar bush. The sap is running and he's already produced several liters of maple syrup. The weather was warm (sunny and 15 degrees Celsius) when I arrived (I was totally bundled up and getting strange looks at the Ottawa airport with all my Alaska gear on) but now it's snowing like crazy. I must have brought it with me. Sorry about that.
Back on the home front, the dogs have been behaving badly for Sam, I hear. Sneaky Pete (I named him that for a reason) has gotten out of the pen at least four times, bringing some of the other dogs with him. Yesterday, Sam arrived home from work to find Sneaky Pete and Raven in the wheelbarrow where I keep their raw meat, gorging themselves on chicken and salmon parts. He says it's all under control now, however.
Tonight I went to Sherwood Park Manor to visit Gramma Rogers (dad's mum). I named Hazel after her because both are full of spunk and vitality. We kicked it for a while and then went for tea when her friend Inger arrived. Inger left and we had a game of mahjong on the computer. I'm constantly amazed by her quick wit and sense of humour...that's where I must get it!
I really miss Canada and being here makes me realize it even more. The Tim Horton's coffee, the 54-40 and Tragically Hip on the radio, the bad drivers on the 416...I miss it all! Photos to follow of tomorrow's adventure at Ye Old Sugar Bush.
Peace

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss Jill! Both Christine and I send our condolences to you and your family. *HUG* We both lost our grandparents in the last few months and when we read your post it really hit home.
Too bad your visit is short or I would have you over to our house in Ottawa…I know Canada missed you too *SMILE* Hope your stay is filled with fun and family and you have a safe trip back!
Sincerely,
Your friends Shaun, Christine and *woof woof* Mikey (he is a big fan of your blog too *SMILE*)

Anonymous said...

Hey Jill..Sorry to hear about your grandmother..I hope you are doing well...Glad to hear you're having a great time back home...Brockville is changing so much..Take Care and Have a Safe trip back North!
Claudia

BarefootBeat said...

My condolences for your loss. You don't know me but I am a friend of Christine's here in Ottawa and she got me onto your site. I am enjoying watching you work with your dogs. Again, sorry for your loss.