London Ontario

cactus

The Secret Life – and Death – of Plants in my Care

When we lived in London (Byron, specifically) we had a huge pear tree in the back yard. One year, we noticed a Kijiji ad asking for pears. A lovely older couple came and harvested them all. We weren’t pear people and in previous years we struggled with fallen fruit and wasps. So many wasps.

Me and Erin Davis at the top of the Palm Springs tramway, close to 10,000 feet above sea level.

We Plan, Airlines Say “Ha!”

It’s tempting to just let go of my recent travel blips. They’re long over and I had a wonderful time with Erin Davis in Palm Springs & Palm Desert. Plenty of people have all sorts of frustrations with air travel that are much worse. But I will pursue refunds and there are a couple of parts of the adventure that still puzzle me.

Miss Sugar splayed out on a quilted furniture cover over a black leather couch

Miss Sugar’s Moving Diary – Entry #8

I love Father more than treats, my bacon toy or kibble. Perhaps you know the history, perhaps you don’t. Mother adopted me on her birthday a few years ago. She waited for me to get well because when we met, I was wearing an ugly cone and experiencing some gastric distress. When I finally came home with her and laid eyes on Father, I knew I’d found my protector and BFF for life. Mother says tiny hearts flew up like sparks between us. But I have to confess that I’ve developed a crush on another man.

Thankful Thursday – Meals on Wheels

Some of the simpler things in life aren’t so simple for many people. Having enough to eat. Being able to look after themselves. People struggle with these things every day. Last week I was asked to help deliver lunches with Meals on Wheels and saw first-hand how important their work is. I’m thankful for the experience. …

Throwback Thursday – Def Jam

Some people have stacks of concert tickets from their teen years. I can count on one hand the number of concerts I saw when I was young. Growing up in rural Ontario, traveling to a live show wasn’t a top priority. Let’s see, there was Triumph, Frank Zappa – I’m already stumped. Apparently I only needed peter pointer and a thumb on one hand. …

bunch of dressed up kids dancing at their prom

Grand Idea

UPDATE: At its meeting Tuesday night, the TVDSB agreed to reinstate its $15,000 funding for Prom Queen. The Board Chair and other members spoke passionately about how the original decision didn’t reflect where they are as an organization. From the Catholic Board: crickets.

People around the world gathered for Women’s Marches on the weekend in protest, and to mark, Donald Trump’s first anniversary as President. They’re fighting social conservatism and a government that values a watered-down version of The Handmaid’s Tale. Hundreds turned out in my city’s downtown. …

House Proud: Mom Cave is an Idea Whose Time has Come – Sept 17, 2014

Everyone is familiar with the Man Cave, that secluded spot where the male head of the household can go alone to watch sports, or invite his buddies and maybe enjoy a stinky cigar without fear of reprisal. But what about the female head of the home? If Dad can have a cave, then Mom should have one too. …

Missing My Best Buddy – Posted Feb 7 2014

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A friend of mine posted this photo on Facebook.  If you’re on the social media site you know you’ll see similar pre-captioned photos like this every week (memes) on topics ranging from illnesses to political issues.  But this one made me burst into tears.  …

TT for Short

A tireless woman I know named Mandi was touring the London Food Bank a few years ago and noticed that in addition to all of the toiletries available, there were no feminine protection items. She decided to do something about it and Tampon Tuesday was born.  …