Hi Family

Nice to read all the new entries.Mom the Elmvale Memories remain in my heart forever.The fresh smell of the apples in the shed, cut up oranges, pepsin chicklets, wet straw cow and pig manure.There are many others as well. The creeky old stairs in many of the anglican churches we went to sunday school to, in Elmvale and Hamilton. Yes they are all memories good ones.
On the weekend both Al and I once again had a chance to share some of our own as well as hear other peoples' memories of the 90 towns we showcase.So many memories everyones' different. From it all we wind up creating Looking Back and even now Looking Forward trivets.
Since we were at Georgetown Highschool for 2 days we had a chance to remember our friend Jim Collis who passed away 10 years ago.He lived in Glen Williams just down the road from Ham and Sue. Jim sometimes drove me home from work in the 60's when I worked at Ingrahams, he lived in Ancaster then.
I also remember Sue having a house on Queen St., enjoying a lovely Christmas there as well as all us 4 girls sharing a theater date "Cats" in Toronto, thanks to Ham. Do you remember?
Anyways better get to work ,we have the go ahead on a lot of custom orders form last week as well as new ones from this weekend, which is good.
Glad you all had nice weekends. Ham I tried to play Scrabillicious last nite with you, could not get in. Where did you go? All set to make a move this morning & you were gone.
Anyways this scrabble thing on facebook is new for me, I find it very relaxing playing so many games at once.Learn new words from each game I am playing.Nice break now and then.Al and I play Literati on Yahoo which too is a challenge.
Still learning lots. Take care all.
Love Birgie

Visit

My dear Angie and Jenny!
It was so good to see you.Jenny you are getting a big Girl.After you left I felt a little the blues.
So I got my albums out.Seeing you growing up,first you Angie than Jenny,so good we have those memories.And then I found my album with the beginning here in Canada
55 years is a long long time,but many moments seam like it was yesterday .After I put my memories in the blogger I played a little while Soletair.
Birgit you have a new collection of pictures,set up nicely,thanks.Hope you and Al had an successful weekend.You must be tiered.Now I got to make myself something to eat.We all had a good breakfast.Take care.
Lots of huuugs Mom and Omi

Nice story Mom

Thanks for sharing your story Mom. That is always nice to know to pass it down to the younger generation. Thank you also Mom for your presents for Jenny. She has put everything in place nicely. We are having meatballs tonight! Thanks Mom... you're the best Mom and Omi anyone could ask for xxxxxxxxxxxx We love you very much!

Love
Angie

October 26.o7

Hallo to my dear Family!It came to my mind when I was talking to you Ham,
We are On October 26 ,55 Years in Canada.I remember it so well,I arrived with Birgit and Helmut
by Boat in Quebec,from there we went by train through the night to Toronto.We were in wonder,when we looked out of the window.It was so different,than Germany.Most houses,even shads had a car.(hardly anyone in Germany had one.)It must have been Monday,because
most people had laundry on the line.The hydro poles looked strange "above ground."
You Birgit and Helmut wanted something to drink when we arrived in Toronto.I found a Bar,with hight bar chairs,you liked that.All I could say in English :Milk And Coffee !IoI Gosh I came a long way,don,t you think?Your Dad(Pappi)was told that the train would be late,so we looked and looked.We found a bench to sit down and waited!!!!We all were so happy when we saw his smiling face.Helmut you played with your little car on the floor and looked up and said"PAPPI"
The Farmer had a new car in witch he brought us to the farm,in Elmvale/Barry.
My first impression was:Canada is beautiful!We were welcome with a big heart by the
Family Turner.And there begain our life in Canada
One more thing.When Halloween came,Mrs.Turner dressed you up ,like three little mise,Mary
the oldest daughter was the farmers wife.I needed a lot of explanation,because we had no
Halloween in Germany.And so began the learning in the new country,wich we call HOME
today.I feel at peace.
Love you all.Mom/Omi

Friday yay!

Hey there everyone!

Sounds like an interesting weekend there Ham.

Our party went really well and it was beautifully decorated and catered with lots of interesting people and conversation along with a Jazz band. I really enjoyed myself more than I thought I would. My boss donated money to Mohawk College... quite a bit for a Bursary (sp?) as well as toward the construction of a new wing that will be named after him. The mayor was there as well as lots of Insurance company people we talk to everyday but don't really see that often and of course clients.

I'm glad it's Friday and tonight we relax before the birthday hulaballoo starts... Talk soon.

Love,
Angie

Good Evening Family;

Well mom, it's nice to see you ever busy. You just keep going-you're our Ever Ready rabbit. I had a nice chat with Jessie tonight and Sue is in Belleville visinting her parents. I'm off to Collingwood to do some training tomorrow and on Saturday night I have been invited to join three other men for ring side seats at the feather weight championship for boxing at Casino Rama. I've never done that before.

It's interesting to see that the immediate family of yours, mom, has probably communicated more in the last few months than ever before. It's good to see. Birgie, if ever I can help to mediate with some of the family stuff that I know is burdensome to you and Al, you need only ask. I'll be there.

I'm off to bed and I wish you all "Good night and Good luck".

Love

Ham

Visit with Hedda and Eva

Yes I had a great time with my friends from the choir.I showed them the Heidehof and they were very impressed.Eva had not seen it.The new craftroom is a showcase,big and light.We had lunch in Heidelberg villa at Mutti,s Resterant,it was cosy and the food is good.
Next Thursday Ina and Klaus Beese want to visit me,looking forward to see them again.
Life is never boring!!!!
Hope all of you are weell.
Love Mom/Omi

Hi you guys

Hope you have fun with Hedda visit Mom... She's a great gal and and great friend :) I'm sure you will have a nice time.

I went to see my friend Amanda quickly today after picking up Jenny at John's. She had brain surgery to remove a mass on Friday and was out of the hospital by Monday. I called her today and she asked if I could call Di to stop over as her hair needed washing and she was afraid of messing with the incision. Yikes you guys.... Poor Amanda looks like a bad Halloween costume with staples in her poor brilliant head. Anyhow... Di managed to be there for her and got her feeling better by washing her hair and dressing her poor wound. Anyhow it gives you perspective when you see that.

Dianne is going to be married again on November 23rd at the Coach and Lantern here in Ancaster. It will be a small gathering and then we are all going to Emma's Back Porch after for a party with more guests arriving for Kareoke fun. She is quite looking forward to it and I'm sure it will be a great night.

Tomorrow night is our 25th anniversary party for the office. Though not as many people as expected have confirmed it should be a great time. Looking forward to it.

Hope you are all well and love you tons.

Love

Angie

All Better

We are much , a little rest is good for all of us.
We are going to see the 10 Tenors from Australia on Thurs. nite at the Avalon Ballroom. Should be a nice break.
Angie pre menopause causes weird sleep patterns.
Most of my early 90's pressed flower cards we created in the very early morning cause I couldn't sleep. Hot sweats too made me very productive. Glad that's all over, I'm still a little nuts though.Who knows if that was the main cause? Lecithin has had a calming affect on me at times.
All is well, see you soon .
Love Birgie

Christmas !

Hi Birgit and Angie and Jenny !
Hope you are feeling better today Birg and Al.The rain will keep you snuggle in bed.Take care.
Of course I am all game to make with my girls Rolladen and Parkerhouse Rolls.We can do the rolls on the diningroom table.I bring my pastryboard,I know Jenny would like to help,great.!!!
I can smell the rolls already IoI?!!!!
I just came from the Handarbeit,we have a beautiful new renovated room.
Hedda is coming tomorrow,I am looking forward to see her.
Love to you all.
Mom/Omi

Parkerhouse Rolls & Rolladen making Party! Woo hoo!

That's an awesome idea Birgie... We would love that and I know Jenny would too. She really enjoys trying to cook and we frequently watch cooking shows on the food network together. Plus more hands make less work they always say so it would be nice to share that work with you guys.

I hope you both feel better tomorrow... with the weird weather these things happen eh? Chicken Soup for those aches and pains should help... I hope so.

I woke up at 3:00 am and could not for the life of me fall back asleep. I hate it when that happens as I think stupid things at that time of day. Like... if I die right now there is all this laundry that still needs to be done! LOL.... Now how crazy is that. So tonight I have been doing laundry... haha. But alas my eyes are weary and I have a busier than usual schedule for the next little bit. So off to bed I go... nighty night and I hope everyone is feeling better tomorrow!

Love
Angie

Parkerhouse Rolls

Nice to hear from you all yesterday. Today Al and I are both under the weather, particularily Al. He slept most of the day, a flu bug. Myself I made homemade chicken soups, eventually too to get that achy nausea feeling. This weather can do that.It was a busy weekend working , but we did well considering we'd never been there. Once again new kids on the block.

Angie & mom perhaps we can have a Rolladen and Parkerhouse roll making get together here before xmas.That could be fun?
As far as the trifle is concerned sounds good to me. Haven't heard back from anyone about this get together yet?
Anyways as Angie says we'll just go with the flow.
A winter in Florida holiday or Vancouver sounds so good Ham, maybe next year?
Hope you are all well and do look forward to seeing some of you that we haven't seen in a while.

Love Birgie

Hey All

Nice to hear from you too Ham.... Our party actually is this Wednesday and the office is closing early so we can all be at the convention centre at 5:00 to greet our guests. I have a mamogram the same day at 11:15 am and can't wear deoderant... what is a girl to do...lol.

That place you visited Ham sounds awesome. I really can't wait for the day I can visit the west coast. For me right now priorities are here but one day I hope to get out there and see that beauty. If I lose some more weight... no I should say "when" I lose some more weight maybe I can fit in your luggage Ham... hahaha.

Of course I think of all of you everyday and now with Sue having pending surgery on her hip I totally understand that her healing is of utmost priority and that Christmas is "iffy" for you guys. It's best that she opt out for now and anything other than that will be a bonus :). One thing I have learned through the years is to go with the flow and though things aren't always the same anytime spent with family is worth it with whoever can be there. As I mentioned Birgie on the phone Jenny and I will certainly be there to celebrate the holiday. May we attempt Mom's recipe of Parker House rolls to bring with us and I would like to bring Trifle as well?

Well I have a bunch of stuff to do before Jenny gets home... the weekend goes too fast! I hope you are all well and enjoying this beautiful weather. I'm posting the picture of Josh, Mom and Ben since it is so awesome.... Look at those three cuties :)

Love you all

Angie

Well the Sunday morning Omi conversation has gotten back to this medium of communication. If it works, then we should use it. And looking at the different messages, there is an appetitie to keep it going.

So I'm on board. Birgie and Al, it sounds like the crazy Christmas season is upon you and business is brisk. Angie, your big party is now over I reckon. Was it as exhilerating as expected??

I was off in Montreal and Vancouver last week and had time to take a sea plane to Salt Spring Island for a day to visit with one of my Toronto clients who also owns a house there. Stunning view where he lives and I must say it seems like Ganges (the town) got stuck in the summer of love, albeit with a lot more dollars to the average person. Very artsy community there, so maybe Birgie you want to retire there!! I hear Robert Bateman owns five or six properties there.

Work carries on as always and it looks like it may slow down slightly in November, especially as we prepare for Sus' operation on December 13. Like Birgie, we'll have to prepare the house for her recuperation. Then she'll hibernate in West Palm Beach for the winter. I'll try to develop my business further while I spend some time down there as well.

We'll have to think about Christmas for us and I'll keep you posted as we get closer to the date of the operation.

Love

Ham

The blooger is alive again !!!!

It was so good to read the letter from you Birgit and Angie.
I hope Birgit and Al,you had successful day.To bad you did,t get to see Josh Jen and Ben.
It was so wonderful to hold and cuddle little Ben,He even stopped crying for a while,when I had him in my arm,so rewarding for me,what a sweetie.
Now to you Angie! I am looking forward seeing you and Jenny next weekend,let me know when.
Hope you have a great time tonight,new dress,new coat,wow!!!!See ,I told you when you loose weight you can reward you self with new cloth.Your words of wisdom are wonderful.You all can say it with so many more words than I in my simple englisch.But I try my best.
I like the blogger,this way I can live with all of you throught your life,s journey.
Helmut,You are back from your big trip from east to west in Canada,you must be tiered.
It was so wonderful to see Josh Jen And Ben,what a cuty.Josh installed my speakers and brought my computer up to date.Fantastic!!!Maybe I have to learn a few new things.
I talked to Angie on MSN,that was fun.Tonight is Bingo.
For today hugs a lot for all
Mom/ Omi

Hiya Everyone

Birgie it's always great to hear about your creativity and enthusiasm for your work. That is the most valuable thing I think than even money can offer because the satisfaction that you are sharing part of yourself with others cannot be bought. I sense that from each one of us in our family that when we are passionate about what we do we are doing well and that's awesome.

I look forward to hearing about Janine's CD release as I believe that the process would very hard work to complete just as any work of art is. It's hard I imagine to finish it and say "Its done" with no more touch ups... just lay it out for all to enjoy. As Birgie has expressed with painting sometimes its hard to not go past a certain point. As life is all about learning and experience I can appreciate when the time comes to smile and say "Here it is" and let it be a product of all the time you have invested in it.

We have our 25th anniversary "do" this week so I went out and did some shopping today. I found myself a nice glittery top and some pants though they need hemming... :( . Thank goodness for alteration shops as I don't have that knack like my Mom to do these things (though God knows she did her best to teach me!). I also bought an awesome 4 in 1 winter coat and got 25% off. I'm glad that I have lost some weight as it is nicer to fit into a smaller size though it is still a big size better than what it was.

Jenny is quickly approaching her 11th birthday... I can't believe how time has flown!!!! Mom if you are reading I will call you so that we can come and visit next weekend since I will have her then and you can give her a birthday hug. We are going to see our new little Benjamin on the 29th in the evening so that will be a great birthday present for Jen to hold her little cousin once removed and see Josh and Jen (not to mention it will be nice for me too :)

Soon it will be little Sophie's first birthday too... though with all that gorgeous hair she looks much older. I am hoping that we will be able to get together at some point before Christmas to celebrate these Fall birthdays (Jenny T, Ham & Sophie & Ben) and Jason's as well since he always misses out on birthday hugs being at the end of August. Maybe we should have quarterly birthday parties according to season to celebrate everyone and no-one gets left out. (Winter) Me, Aiden and Jessie... (Spring) Janine, Al, Jenny P, Mom, Sue, Josh, Tania (Summer) Birgie and Jason (Fall) Jenny T, Ham, Ben, Sophie .... Hmmm that Spring team is still winning... hahaha. Just a thought as we were talking a bit about it at Thanksgiving. Any time is good to get together with everyone though and not sure when Mattie's birthday is... I think spring? Can't forget that cutie pie!

I am going to copy and paste something I read today and hope you will enjoy it. It brings a lot into perspective. Also... Janine had sent me a Youtube video about Climate Change that I thought was very interesting (sorry Mom we need to get you sound) It's a very intelligent analysis of where we are heading. Please take a look and think about it. The first step is always awareness and then you can start incorporating solutions into your daily life style. Its something to think about because it affects not only ourselves but the future of our planet. Thanks Janine for sending it and if you haven't seen it take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watchv=bDsIFspVzfI

"Bless you! That's what a lot of us will say when someone sneezes. But there's a good reason to get into the habit of "blessing" things and people as you go about your day. It draws the negative charge from an annoyance or frustrating incident or person and instead puts a positive spin on things. Saying "bless it" or "bless him/her" when something upsetting happens or someone bothers you helps you put things into perspective and return to a state of balance and calm.
I like to remember the words from the early 20th century metaphysician, Emmet Fox. People still read his books today. He said, "Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you. If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it."
Goodness knows, it's easy enough to start to obsess over the many little things that can go wrong in a day. Like a dripping faucet, being caught in traffic, breaking a heel on your shoe, or being subject to someone's else bad mood. And that's not to mention those larger problems or issues that we may have in our lives. Instead of trying to deny the problem or worrying over it, try "blessing" it. It will give you the space to react less emotionally and start to deal with it more constructively.
And don't forget, many of those things we at first view as problems turn out to be blessings in disguise!

Love you all

Angie

Weekend is here......

Hi All,

Hope everyone had a great week? All the Stoll' back to realty? We're off to Welland to nite to set up for a 2 day craft show at Welland Centennial Highschool . Next week end Georgetown District High School for 2 days as well.Both these are new venues for us, tried to get in for years, finally made it.

Last week we took in a movie Across the Universe, we both enjoyed it. Based on the 60's, bit concerned that Al would like it. He did though, very well done! Rented quite a few videos for a change, which we also enjoyed.

One of my art groups had an early xmas bbq at Stonechurch Winery at Niagara on the Lake, that was really enjoyable.

All in all we've been producing like crazy to refill our inventory, it's always fun to do that, tomorrow we sell, then produce more stuff next week.

I think of you all and hope everyones' doing what they like best. Now that the weekend is hear I'm sure you all will be. Love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

Love Birgie

The BLogger

It would be sad if the blogger will stop.I am so happy to be in touch with you all.
I understand time is hard to find.
I think the weight challenge has to get going again.
My dear Janine ,it would be so nice to hear from you,about your trip to the OLD Country!!!
The pictures from Disneyworld are wonderful,you all look so happy.
I am still doing fine,haven't gained any weight.To day I go again to a school with 2 other lady's
We teach a class of 7 year old girls and boys how to knit.It's fun and interesting,thy have so much to tell.Wednesday A little Bus will take us into the country to see the fall colors.Still enjoy
Rummy cub and Eucher and Knitting at the Crafthour.
Jess and Matt your picture is so sweet.Happy to hear that you had a good time at the October fest.The pictures show it.
Love to you all Mom/Omi

Busy people looks like to me

I hope we can all keep this up, but yes, life is busy for all of u! :) Do what we can I guess. My weekend was a lot of fun. Spent it with good highschool friends in Guelph and went to Oktoberfest two nights - though felt like I was back in highschool as that is the crowd it draws. I thought it would be nice to celebrate my German culture, but it was just one heck of a party. Though I loved the polka bands! haha They were great. Visiting with my friends was really nice too. They both have kids, so it was fun to help them out with the wee ones over the weekend.

I am feeling a bit like a cold is coming on. I sure hope not. Headed to work now. Hope you are all well. See you on here if you find the time.

Love and love and love, Jess

Well you guys I guess this blogger isn't of interest to many family members anymore.... seems like it has gone by the wayside. Thanks to everyone who participated but I think that I can communciate in other ways as well. Take care and see you somewhere else.

Love
Angie

Hi All

Hi Everyone

There was a mix of apples (I think) Birgie, however I did try to include the very special Honey Crisp apple which is 0ne of the biggest selling apples in the world. If you look it up on a Google Search they will explain why. They are more expensive and not a lot of orchards have them. We picked that kind as well as Empire and Courtland so I gave you a bit of each. It's hard to tell the Empire and Courtlands apart. The Honey Crisp apples are a bit more red than the others. So that's the apple lesson for today...lol.

It's been a fast week. I'm glad its Friday tomorrow. Saturday night we are going to see Cats at Theatre Aquarius for free which is cool. The Theatre gave our office 40 tickets so there will be a lot of people from the office there. Should be fun.

My friend Amanda was scheduled for Brain Surgery today, however after waiting for four hours was advised that they didn't have a post op bed for her.... so she had to go home. She was partly relieved and partly peeved as she said. She was scared of the operation yet also needs it done. Anyhow it's re-scheduled for next Friday.

I'm off to bed after the laundry is done and in the dryer.

Night night and beautiful Happiness poem Birgie... thanks

Love
Angie

Happiness

Great Apples

Angie,
Just tried one those great apples you gave us. What kind was it? My goodness it was good to the last bite, simply delicious! Thanks so much for bringing them! Hope all your weeks are going well?
We are busily creating readying for our next shows. We've already booked one for Virgil at the end of April next year, now that's planning ahead.
Took inventory, lots of things to still reproduce. It's fun!
Love Birgie

Thanks Ham and Sue

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving Ham and Sue! Thanks as always for your warm hospitality enjoyed being with you all. So happy to see all the precious pictures of Ben and the whole family, howhappy it makes us all.Takes me back to the thrill we had when our Aiden came into this world. Hard to believe that's nearly 3 years now. Haven't seen too much of my kids due to my surgery so I'm still feeling down at times.Looking forward seeing them after their trip.
I thank you for all your words of encouragement to help me understand things a bit clearer. Life is what I make it not what others think it should be. Think wine makes me winey in the best of times.
Today we played tourist and walked around Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, Canada, lots of people, hot out. Was inspired to paint by some of the paintings in one of the galleries at Niagara on the Lake. Back to work now, looking forward to creating some new stuff.
I am focusing on getting my weight to go in the downhill fashion, now that Thanksgiving is over. We'll enjoy the leftover turkey for supper I'm sure. Thanks for giving us a doggy bag.
Love Birgie

To my great family a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
We have to be thankful for so many thing 's but most of all that we try to stay in good health and harmony.
Welcome to little Benjamin into our family!
Cheers to all!!!
Mom Omi Karin and Great Grand Mother,with lots of love

Happy Thanksgiving!

That's a beautiful picture of little Ben Jessie.... We will miss you very much. Love you Jess xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Huggs and Kissses

Thanksgiving (By Jess)

Welcome Benjamin! Oct 5th/07, 1247, 7lbs9oz, Key-ute as pie! hehehe
Proud to be a first time auntie and really excited to be the best auntie I can be!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I will miss you dearly tomorrow but hope you all have a really nice visit! :) Sending my love and hugs your way.

I am giving thanks for the most precious thing ever - family.

Love, Jess

Welcome Ben

Hi All... yes what a happy day it is! Ben is a little cutie ... awesome pictures. Congratulations to you too Mom for becoming a Great Grandmother for the third time. Now we have another special little person to cuddle.... Welcome little Ben!

Ben

Hallo,hallo Sue and Helmut!
I am thrilled to see the pictures of my little Great Grand Son.Benjamin
He looks gorges,so healthy.And thanks for taking the pictures of the three generation.What a day it must have bin for Jen and Josh,After the long wait.
All is well.We can be very thankful.
Love you Mom

Grand Son

Dear Lorna!
Congratulation !Your first Grandchild little Benjamin is there.
What a joy for all.Cant wait to see his picture and than hold him in my arm.
I am a very proud GREAT GRAND MOTHER of THREE!!
Love Omi Karin

One of my Favorites

Thanks for entering Desirato to the blog, it's very good food for thought, one of favorites. We'll see you Sunday at Ham & Sues'. Looking forward to it!

Desiderata (something desired as essential)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember
what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle to yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars and you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
--Max Ehrmann, 1927. © Robert L. Bell