alef baa' t'a

notes from a Canadian teacher in Cairo

My Photo
Name: Adventuring Angel
Location: Cairo, Egypt

Welcome! I started this blog on August 4, 2006. I'm a retired elementary school teacher from Toronto, Canada. For the next two years, I'll be living and working in Egypt, teaching Kindergarten in a new school near Cairo and living in Heliopolis. The title of this blog (alef, baa', t'a) is the first three letters of the Arabic alphabet. These posts and photos are the story of my adventures in Egypt.

Monday, April 28, 2008

OFF I GO TO MEXICO!!

It has been an amazing experience here in Egypt...so much to see & do..
Trips to nearby India and Nepal; trips to Jerusalem and Bethlehem; Nile cruise; seeing the Pyramids; Khan Kalili Market; Coptic churches....... and so much more.
 
I Love the children I teach and on my Blog you can see their smiling faces and photos of my many adventures....just click on the "My Photos" Link on the left.
 
Enjoyed having my visitors come too.
 
I have just about completed the 2 year contract. I leave here on June 17th for Toronto and on July 27th for Mexico!
web site:
Colegio Americano de Torreón, A.C. Campus Viñedos Paseo del Algodón y Blvd. Carlos López SosaC.P. 27019Fracc. Los Viñedos Torreón, Coahuila
Telephones:(52) (871) 2225-100
http://www.cat.mx
 
Isn't it coincidental that both jobs came to me!
 
I received a phone call in June '06 telling me there was a Pre-Kindergarten Position in Egypt...and I was gone in August.
Family & Friends were shocked when they found out. I hadn't told anyone before June because I didn't know myself.
 
Then, I had been searching for my next new adventure ..another Pre-K class or Special Ed. resource. My Profile was on 2 web sites.
 
Then I get an e-mail inviting me to be Kindergarten Principal in Mexico because I had the qualifications that they needed. ...and the exciting adventure began.
 
I have had a LOT of interaction with the Principal whose position I am filling. She has been so helpful as well as the Director. I got to know the Administration during a Telephone Conference call. They have been so welcoming.
 
A friend said to me today that people are soooo busy with their own lives.
 I wrote back..
Yes, you are correct ...everyone is busy with their own lives ...some don't even want the fun e-mails. Sad isn't it ??...so 2 years ago, I decided to just find my own space. ...and so far so good....I don't really know how long I'm on this planet however I am enjoying what I am doing.
I definitely pace myself ; get lots of rest...luckily I usually sleep very well; exercise occasionally and eat healthy...so all this helps.
 
The younger teachers and some of the older ones are always going on trips..desert; beach..etc
I just do that once in a while. I watch myself in the sun so I don't get wrinkled up like a prune!!  I've done LOTS of traveling while here...and now that my 2- year contract is completed...it's time to move on.
 
I think I would stay longer in Mexico. The contract is for 2 years.
It sounds like I will LOVE my position.
 
With the new position comes a membership to a beautiful golf club & facilities.
Monte Bello in Torreon..(on the web)
Free Spanish lessons too.
 
ADIOS!!
 

Saturday, April 12, 2008

44.....65....Days to go>>>>

It's the Count Down !!!
44...65...Days to go>>>>
 
It's sorting and packing time.
After 2 years I've collected a few! things.
 
Last week I was finishing report cards. This week it is parent Interviews.
 
This weekend as with most weekends, I walk to the Concorde Hotel to the Fitness Centre I belong to....Treadmill - one hour; swimming pool half hour. then walk home.
It is great exercise.
Today I stayed and had lunch there.
 
I enjoyed my Birthday two weeks ago.
I was talked into going to a Greek Restaurant for dinner to celebrate. Ordinarily I love to stay home on the weekends. They had a yummy birthday cake.
It was very good.
9 of us were there.
 
Saturday night...the couple downstairs took me out to the Intercontinental Hotel to "Shogun" for a Japanese Dinner.
It was amazing...Saki to boot!!!
Loved the evening.
 
Yesterday I bought some new clothes.... they were a great price.
I am very happy with them.
I saw the movie "The Bucket List". It was excellent.
 
All my friends write that it's no fun getting old...aches & pains. 
I find if you pace yourself it makes a huge difference. Exercise is so beneficial.
 
I'm still waiting confirmation as to where I will be next.
Work is fun when you don't really need to.
 
From all reports...all is well back home. I look forward to seeing everyone in July.
 
I will update photos on the weekend of April 25th as we have a holiday so it makes for a long weekend and more time to do this type of thing.
 
That's all for now......
 

Saturday, March 15, 2008

2 years in a Flash!

All is well here.
 
Time is coming to an end in Cairo. It is now March 15th, 2007
and School ends on June 16th...with this coming week = mid term March break.
 
I arrived August 23rd 2006! 2 years in a flash!!
 
Most of what I will be doing during the break is sorting and packing my things.
 
I have been walking to the Concorde Hotel ( 3 miles walk ) and going to the Fitness Club where I am a member. I am on the Treadmill for an hour and then a swim in the outdoor pool...23 o Celsius and 25 o in the pool with desert breezes. I had lunch on the patio at the Hotel today.
 
I plan to go every day this week. I will also shop; take bubble baths, rest and relax.
 
I took my computer in for a check over. It is quite an experience going anywhere as the taxi drivers don't often speak English and I use my limited Arabic. Somehow I get there. The traffic is unbelievable as well as the driving!!!
 
I have enjoyed my stay here....I love my pupils and the parents are terrific!
I spent a weekend in Ain Sukhna with one of my pupils and family.
I have gone to Birthday parties.
 
Last week I was taken out for dinner by another pupil and his parents. It was a huge feast or banquet. Egyptian families often get together...often every weekend with the extended family.
This grandfather owns a wonderful restaurant. The meal was Egyptian and amazing....lamb- my favourite.
During the break I will go out for dinner with another pupil and family.
 
The end of the month I celebrate my Birthday!
Miss Heba..my assistant celebrated her Birthday the beginning of the month...so we had a little party. We have popcorn and the children call it a party and also they don't have a nap on those days...
They love this!
 
My visitors as mentioned before were great to have...my son Kevin & Winston; Marjory;... and Mark's twin brother Neil came twice.
 
Last weekend, I was at a Mais Combined Optimal Match and Technology Conference being held at the school.
The Optimal Match: "Synthesizing Best Practices and Latest Technology."
It was on Friday & Saturday.. our usual week end.
I have learned about Power Point Presentations and how to make one... and Digital Story telling.
I enjoyed this Conference.
 
This past week, the Pre-Kindergarten class-my pupils -had a Mother's Day Tea. This is a very special day here and is held in March. We had 50 people attend!!!!
The children sang 5 songs some with actions and gave 6 gifts..art work they had made... to their mother.
The songs:
Happy Mother's Day to you;
I have a very special friend ( to the tune of B-I-N-G-O )
I love you Mommy ( to the tune of You Are My Sunshine)
Miss Polly
I'm a Little Teapot
 
The parents are surprised at how much they have learned.
 
I had a lovely e-mail from Kevin, my son, today.
I spoke to Karen, my daughter, and all is well there.
I go on MSN with my granddaughter every once in a while.
 
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone. This was a big day for me back home.
Yes, I'm Irish!
 
HAPPY EASTER! too ...as it is next weekend.
 
Before you know it ......SPRING will be here...
 
.......And I will be home !!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, February 29, 2008

Back to Fitness!

Well, I'm back on track!..After taking several months off...I thought the pool was closed...so I didn't go to fitness.
Found out the pool, though outside, is heated enough to use even on cold days...
that is some people would.
 
So, I now am back!. I walked over there and back and did an hour on the treadmill and went swimming.
I also walked to another place so must have walked around 5 miles today.
 
I have been very busy looking on the web for up coming teaching jobs in other countries.
Some schools are getting back to me about positions....so that is good.
 
Went shopping and bought some outfits. The prices are really amazing!
 5 outfits for the price of 1 back home.
 
Tomorrow, Several teachers are going on a walking tour of Zamalek (a part of Cairo).
 
The weather is getting warmer and we have sunny days.
 
I hear of all the snow back home.
 
In a little while I will go on the web cam with my Grand-daughter.
A surprise telephone call from my son Kevin!....made my day!...and night!
 
Happy Leap Year!

Monday, February 04, 2008

A month flew by!!

Almost another month gone!
 
 Just 5 months left and only 4 1/2 months of teaching.
I have started the packing process.
Then I will be home again and "what next" has not  been decided.
I will certainly miss the children in my 2 years of teaching here. The parents are wonderful too.
 
Started back on Jan.13th.. It's amazing how much the children have grown . ..
and HOW MUCH THEY HAVE LEARNED!
 
Spent the weekend at Ein Souhkna at the Chalet of one of my pupils. They are also building a Villa. It was cold and windy because of the time of year however it was still a great change.
Ate delicious Egyptian meals.
We missed the hail storm and rain downpour back in Cairo.
 
Cairo has seen more rain than they can remember and the weather is colder than usual. I feel the warmer weather is on its way...and back home in Canada they have snowstorms.
 
There was a staff Pot luck party on Thursday night. This happens quite often throughout the year.
 
I still relax having a bubble bath and sometimes sleep 10 hours each night on the weekend.
 
Yesterday 6 of the teachers including myself went leather coat shopping.
I ended up with 2 jackets and 1 long coat made of BEAUTIFUL soft leather ...
ALL cost only $250.00 US!!
 
Last night I went out for dinner with the couple downstairs in my building. A cute little restaurant that serves almost everything. I had Malibu Spaghetti.... delicious!
 
A note of thanks to my many friends who are regular e-mailers.
It is always great to hear from you and keep in touch.
If you want me to bring anything back from Egypt.. let me know know..
 
Wow! My son just called. What a WONDEFUL SURPRISE!
The called ended after a couple of seconds as the Middle East has had problems with the Internet 
for the last week due to the accident of 2 submarines in the Middle East cutting cables for the Internet. Looks like another week before it will be fixed. 
.....and a letter today from my daughter!!!!!! I am blessed.
 
Take a look at my updated photos.
Just click on the link.."My Photos"
Look under set"my shining stars" for my pupils
Look under set "Egypt" for Ein Souhkna photos
Leave a comment if you wish.
 
Bye for now!
 
 
 

Saturday, January 12, 2008

January to June and then...another adventure?????

Here I am back in Cairo, Egypt after a wonderful Christmas vacation with Family & Friends...from Dec. 20th '07 to Jan. 11 '08.
 
Three weeks of special moments; terrific weather and delicious meals.
 
Mark met me at the airport with balloons and hugs!
 
I spent several days with my daughter Karen; grandaughter Samantha (who surprises me each time as to how much she is growing ). Saw Vince too.
 
Attended an amazing M.C.C.T. Christmas Eve service at Roy Thompson Hall.
 
My son Kevin and Winston served the scrumptous Christmas turkey dinner
with all the trimmings. On another occasion, Kevin cooked a tasty lamb dinner (my favourite); and we went out for a Thai dinner.
 
Visited my sister Ronnie several times. She is keeping well so that makes me happy.
Spoke long distance to Geraldine & Allan....also Norma & Rob...and Roni.
 
Breakfast with Bea was great!
 
Special times were spent with Marjory; Cherie;  Mark; Jerry & Hilda (his mother); Judy; Sharon; Jill, Frank and family; Judi & Ed; Cheryl & Ian; Matthew; Edna;
Grant & Andre;& Jeff; Glenda, Steve & Naiema;Shirley; Maureen & Mary; Jonathan & Jennifer; Mike B; Elaine; Betty; Douglas .....
 
Winston took care of me and saw me off at the airport.
 
Now back to teaching the lovely 3 year old children in my class.
They are delightful!
 
A few new photos are posted.....
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL!
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 15, 2007

5 Days to Go!!!>>>>>>

Our Christmas Concert went well with over 30 parents; grandparents... there.
 
Soon I'll be in the air again heading for Toronto, Canada.
 
Sunday & Monday ~school; Tuesday a holiday that was just added
as Muslim holidays are not firmly set.
 
Thursday, Dec.20th I leave Egypt at 5:20 am and arrive in Toronto around 3:40 pm. ...with the change of time and a stop over in Frankfurt.
 
Arrive back Jan. 12th. Start school on Jan 13th... and with 1/3 January gone and 1/3 June gone +
mid-term break in March...There is only about 5 months left...
and I will be saying "Good Bye" to Egypt...and back to Toronto.
 
I will REALLY miss the Children.
They have been delightful....and I know the parents will miss me.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ONE & ALL!
 
SEE YOU IN 2008 !
 
 

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

FINALLY...DECISION MADE!!!!!

It took me a long time and a lot of thought to make my decision...even though I had started packing a couple of weeks ago!!! So, deep inside, I must have known the answer.

I know parents will be sad...some even wanted me to teach their other child in September '08.

I love the little children I have been teaching and the parents are wonderful.

I had seriously thought about teaching in another country, to visit new horizons, however my age won't allow this as many countries discriminate when it comes to age.

The year I left Canada, (4 months later) the law was passed that no person could be discriminated against- according to age.

I will be home for the Christmas holidays. I am sure the 3 weeks will fly by.

I am looking forward to Christmas dinner at Winston and Kevin's place and a special dinner at Karen and Samantha's.

Then almost less than 5 months and I will be back in Toronto.

Haven't quite decided what the next step will be.

There must be a plan out there somewhere!!!!!

C U Soon.............

Sunday, November 18, 2007

ONLY 32 & 13 !!!!!

ONLY 32 more days and I will be HOME in Toronto, Canada for Christmas.
 
ONLY 13 more days and I have to say if I am coming back another year...
 
or going elsewhere...Maybe home !!!!  ????

Having FUN at school! >>>>

Today was pretending day and did we have fun !!
 
Ms. Marilyn's friend in Toronto, Canada gave her these special clothes that we have on.
 
They are from a Theatre Store. We were pretending we were famous.
 
Some photos show us at reading time. We sit quietly and look at books.
 
After Ms. Marilyn will read us a story. School is Fun !
 
My Mommy went to see Ms. Marilyn last week about my report card.
 
Good News!

Friday, November 09, 2007

I can't believe it..It is over a month since my last entry!!!!

Yes!!! Time Flies!!!
 
Life is never dull....
 
It was so cute to see the children...mostly Egyptian.. dressed up
 
for Halloween. Even at 3 years of age they enjoyed the
 
experience. Some were cats; some spiderman; some princess;
 
some Pharoh's ...etc
 
Halloween is not a custom here however being an American
 
school we celebrate it. We had a parade through the Elementary
 
part of the school. In the afternoon the children went to various
 
classes for activities and to several offices to "Trick or Treat".
 
Then a party and art work to take home.
 
No time for nap today!....I took some great photos.
 
 
My two sons Kevin & Winston came from Canada to visit. We
 
had a great time going to see the Museum; the Pyramids and
 
Sphinx at Giza and Step Pyramids at Seqqara. Lunch at the
 
Mena House... Dinner at Barry's...off to the Tailors to make
 
hand-made shirts.....Coptic Cairo... Khan Khalili...dinner at
 
Naguib Mahfouz....Silver shopping; Galabyea shopping...
 
Dinner at the Concorde Hotel...A Day trip to Alexandria...dinner
 
at a famous Fish place..... and "order in" dinner at my place.
 
 
Then Kevin & Winston were off on a Nile cruise. 
 
Safe return back to Canada.
 
I thanked the person who arranged the Cruise and said I
 
thought it was the highlight of their trip.  Kevin wrote back that
 
"seeing me was the highlight of their trip".!
 
Well, didn't my heart skip a beat !!!
 
 
Just a week ago I was given another assistant rather than a
 
helper which I needed.  It lightens the load.
 
I finished my report cards and this coming week is parent
 
interviews.  Photo day was yesterday.
 
I am in the second year of a two year contract and by December
 
1st ..I need to let the school know if I will return. We are going to
 
learn about incentives to encourage us to stay!
 
Only 40 more days and I will be home for Christmas so I am
 
already making plans.
 
Well, I am enjoying my weekend of extra rest..bubble bath and
 
relaxing.  Sending hugs your way!
 
 

Friday, October 05, 2007

!!! 16 !!! 3 year olds!!...some still 2

That's the count...Last year 7...This year 16 !!!
children in my Pre-Kindergarten class.   16... 3year olds!!!...in fact some are still 2 !!!
 
This Sunday is a holiday...Fabulous!! and next week the end of Ramadan so 4 days off...Whew....Just what I need.
 
Getting ready for my 2 visitors from Canada.
 
Hope all my friends and Family got the BEAUTIFUL Thanksgiving
e-mail from me.
 
The school is having an IFTAR meal at one of the Hotels and the whole staff is invited.
In November, there is a Canadian / American Thanksgiving Dinner...turkey and all.
 
ENJOY the weekend!
 
 

Saturday, September 29, 2007

and another month flew by!!!

....It's the end of September already.!!!! Time sure does fly when you're busy.
 
2 1/2 months and I will be home for Christmas.
 
....Looking forward to the 3 week holiday. 
 
....I have been told that if I get 1 more pupil...I will get another
 
Helper. That will save the day!
 
I am adding some more photos of the pupils tonight.
 
Right now we are in Ramadan so the pupils are busy making Lanterns.
 
 
....Looking forward to Kevin and Winston's visit the end of October.
 
They will be going on a Nile cruise....and other sightseeing.
 
....I'm back to my weight before the summer of ..07 with over
 
60 lunches / dinners.  ...That makes me feel good.
 
Take care......
 
 
 

Saturday, September 08, 2007

14........no!!!.....15 .....Three year olds.......Cute!!

Yes! That's how many little ones in my class.
More than double last year.
 
Tears on some, yet don't want to leave when mommy comes to get them...having too good a time.
 
So much to learn...how to get in a straight line...how to listen...
How to take turns..... how to clean up......Life is a challenge even for a 3 year old.!!!!!
 
Just keep track of what's going on by the photos and updates..
must go and do some planning. Thank goodness I have Miss Heba my assistant. She saves the day!

Saturday, September 01, 2007

WOW! ..I DID IT! all 42 +More!!!!


WOW! I DID IT !!!!  All 42 dinner and luncheon engagements (Which I planned before I left Egypt)

PLUS MORE giving a total of more than 60 !!!!!!

 

Of course, now it's DIET & Fitness time, however it was well worth the weight.

 

Family and Friends are so important and I was with many.

Nearly all of you will find your photo somewhere in my list under the set "Summer '07"

Or I am still looking for it on my computer!

Let me know if you don't find it.

 

June 18th, I was met at the airport by Mark…balloons …et al....the plane was an hour and a half late

so we waited to go out for lunch till a later date.

I started out staying at my son's, Kevin & Winston's and ended up my holiday with them enjoying their hospitality.

Saw Bea the day I arrived and the night before I left Toronto I had a wonderful dinner at her place. Sean & Vena were there too.

 

Spent a week and a half at my daughter's Karen and Samantha's and saw Vince.

Samantha arrived with Balloons and a huge hand-made sign "Welcome home Grandma"!

Went Bowling with Samantha; shopping and also grocery shopping. Had a steak dinner with them that night. Mmmm.

Also went back to celebrate Samantha's 12th Birthday, August 16th.

 

My sister Geraldine and Allan from Vancouver were in town and together with my sister Ronnie we went out for lunch at the Golden Griddle.

Attended an important "Personal Support Plan" meeting at Participation House.

I visited Ronnie several times.  I got her the things she needed…Clothes; Jewelry and shoes.

 

Kevin & Winston's 11th Anniversary was on Sunday June 24th. What a happy couple!

In the afternoon, I attended Karen's church. Later that evening we went to Swiss Chalet for dinner.

Monday June 25th I shopped at Niagara Falls Mall Outlet. Saw one of the teachers from Egypt shopping in the same store!

 

Had a lovely lunch at Judi & Ed's place in St. Catharines.

That evening went to a PFLAG meeting and then on to Marjory's home where I spent most of my "sleeps".

She and I went out to Kelsey's for dinner that night. Thanks to Marjory for her generous hospitality.

Last March I enjoyed her visit here in Egypt. We went on a Nile cruise then.

 

Took my car in for service.

Met Kevin and David (from San Diego) for dinner at "Crush". Excellent food!

 

Had Brunch with Mike B…..he first told me about teaching abroad and guided me along the path.

He will most likely be coming to Egypt in December.

 

Dinner with Kenneth at a Thai restaurant. Terrific!

Went to inspect my Condo that had been rented out….Does it need cleaning!!

 

Enjoyed lunch at United Bakery with Steve, Jill & Alexy…Really great!

 

Diego helped me with my computer problems.

 

Margaret kindly took me out for a delicious Thai dinner on Bloor near Royal York.

 

Sunday, July 1st had Brunch with my cousin Douglas; visited my sister Ronnie and then

had a huge welcome dinner at Mary Jane & Sara Jane's with their family….great reception!

July 2ndHoliday Monday was enjoyed with Marjory's son Earl and family.

Big BBQ ..beautiful weather.

 

Lunch with Judy (CIBC) and then on to Peggie to say "hello".

 

July 4th had Swiss Chalet with Jill, Frank, Emily & Michael. What a lovely family!

Dinner at Grant's…our usual...Lasagna-the best!  Jeff came too.

 

July 5th had lunch with Cherie at Merlot…..wonderful! (I've known Cherie for 54 years)!!

 

Met Cheryl and Ian at Mildred Pierce for dinner.

Cheryl is the one who gave me the Farewell gift of my BLOG. 

Ian took me to see the CRYSTAL at the Museum.

 

July 6th drove up with Mary to Maureen & Orly's million dollar cottage in Georgian Bay, the Muskoka's.

Went out for dinner at Rawley's …an amazing restaurant. Stayed overnight. (I taught with Maureen and Mary in the '70s!)

 

Dinner on the 7th with Kevin, Winston, Bea & Vena to celebrate Sean's Birthday

 at the upscale Cru Restaurant on Bloor West.

 

Sunday, July 8th did the Reading (Lector) at MCCT.

 

July 9th= appointments…Dr; Dentist; Medical; Eye Dr.

Had a massage at The King Edward Hotel. soothing

 

Lunch with Kenneth….visit Ronnie…Hair appointment

 

Brunch at Alice K. with Sandra. Lovely…

Evening of July 12th met Cherie again this time at Byzantium..

Wow, what a meal!

 

Next day brunch at Holt's Café (Very Swishy) with Neil.

In the evening went to pick up Marjory, at the airport, who had been down to visit her daughter Jenni in Halifax.

 

July 14th, met Kenneth for lunch at the Swiss Chalet.

In the evening went with Betty to the Bayview Country Club for dinner.

The next day went to a movie "Away from her" and then to dinner at Anthony's with Betty.

 

Mark & I had scrumptious lunch at the Lobster Trap.

Later that evening we went to a Fundraiser & Auction at the Tarragon Theatre for a little boy who is struggling to stay alive.

 

Went for dinner with Jerry at the Japanese Sushi Diner on Bloor St… Great!

 

Ordered a new Nissan 2007 Altima. Will trade my old one in.

 

July 18th Formal Afternoon Tea at Bea's ..including homemade scones;

miniature sandwiches and strawberries dipped in Chocolate.

 

July 19th…Ronnie and I went to have our teeth checked.

In the evening went to Shirley's for a lovely dinner.. Spoke to her grandchildren

 

July 20th, met Glenda & Steve at Holt's Café for lunch. As always a fun time.

In the evening, Marjory, Ian, Rene and myself went to "Wasabi" for dinner at a HUGE Chinese Buffet in Markham.

 

July 21st…Marjory, Rosalie, Susan and I went for dinner and the Jazz festival at the Distillery.

 

Sunday, July 22nd..I did the Reading (Lector) at MCCT. Spoke with Mike R.

 

Went for Brunch with Sheila and Marjory at "Sarah's" and a walk along the boardwalk….

in the evening Marjory and I watched the DVD.. "Under the Tuscan Sun".

 

Monday 23 July, Ronnie, Ginny, Jo and I went to Bluestone restaurant for a wonderful lunch.

Ginny and Jo are precious angels at Participation House.

 

Tuesday July 24th Edna and I left for St. Jacob's to visit me favourite store "Crème Décor".

We were hosted for lunch by the owner, Nancy, and Tricia, the buyer was there too. Back to the store to shop!

That evening Marjory and I watched "Pursuit of Happiness".

 

Wednesday, I had breakfast with Jerry at "Johnny G's".

.then off for a massage at The King Edward….Eugene is the best!

 

July 26th,Thursday …Senior's 20% off at Shoppers…planned for this event.

Then went to Muriel's for brunch and a swim with her grandchildren.

At night watched the movie "Dreamgirls" on DVD with Marjory..

 

Friday, ..lunch with Elaine S. at a Pub in Unionville.

Evening dinner at "The Grill" with Jerry and his mother Hilda…to celebrate her 60th Birthday!

 

Saturday, July 28th, I picked up my new car.

Mark & Terry drove Pauline and I to a party in Madriviere hosted by Marie & Neil….A Beautiful day!

 

Sunday, July 29th, I did the Reading (Lector) at MCCT.

After had lunch at "Sambuca" on Church St. with Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Barbara, Bruce and Paul.

 A wonderful get-together.

Later saw Diego about my Computer.

 

Monday July 30th, I met Alice O. for a cup of coffee and then left to visit my girlfriend  Roni in Sudbury for 4 days.

She had fresh flowers in every room. I shopped at "Jay Set"…Roni waited so patiently!!

Then we had dinner at "The Fish House". Next day went to The "Teacher's Store" for their "Teacher Appreciation Day".

Then the 2 of us went for a manicure & pedicure….then  Thai dinner mmm and The slots!

Thursday, We went to Kathy's "Rennaisance Spa" where I bought  jewelry

for Ronnie, my sister. In the afternoon I went to "Variance" to get a really great color and haircut.

 

After a wonderful visit with Roni, at 8:30 a.m. I left for home. A great time with a special friend.

 

 

After I arrived home… in the afternoon went to the Oral Surgeon for a Consultation….

picked up my Computer from Diego…..and in the evening..went to Edna's for dinner with Marjory & Susan…Lovely!

 

Saturday, August 4th (Time is running out!) went for my last massage this trip….after, bought shoes for Ronnie

Sunday, met Kenneth at the Swiss Chalet…for brunch.

Later Marjory cooked a delicious salmon dinner.

 

Monday, August 6th, I visited Ronnie and brought her the beautiful jewelry.

In the afternoon, I went to Kevin & Winston's to discuss their upcoming trip to Egypt.

We sat in their lovely backyard and had a great East Indian dinner.

 

 

Tuesday, August 7th, I met Dorothy at Tim Horton's for a coffee.

 Then I left for the "Roberts Resort" in Lyndhurst near Gananonque and visited Norma and Rod. 

 Upon arrival the Champagne bottle was opened! Then it was a great time from one minute to the next.

We went to The Playhouse and saw the play "Ann & Gilbert"…Fabulous!....

.went to "Smuggler's Inn" for full course appetizers! You can watch the boats leave for the "Thousand Island's" here.

Had wonderful breakfasts and dinners at their place.

 Ended up my visit with Breakfast at "Anthony's" on the Main St. ……Great Visit!

 

Dinner that evening in Toronto with Jerry at the newly renovated Japanese Restaurant

topped off with Chai Latte at Starbucks!