Greenfield Park and Marty North

�Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong. �

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.�

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.�

A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.�

Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.�

Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads.�

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.�

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.�

You cannot unsay a cruel word.�

Every path has a few puddles.�

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.�

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.�

Don 't judge folks by their relatives.�

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.�

Live a good, honorable life.. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.�

Don 't interfere with somethin' that ain't bothering you none..�

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.�

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.�

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.�

The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.�

Always drink upstream from the herd.�

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.�

Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.�

AND

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around..�

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.�

Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.�

--�

Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight,

he'll just kill you.

And,�

��

Thanks Murray P.

I particularly like the training wheels ???

http://www.wimp.com/ecomobiletests/

Thanks Jim E.

HI MARTY,

WHEN WE LOOK AT OLD PICS SEE THE VICTORIA BRIDGE OR THE MONTRÉAL OBSERVATION CAR, WE DON'T SEE ANY GRAFFITI WHY ???. NOW WE SEE GRAFFITIS ON SIDEWALKS AND LOOK AT THE GIANT ONE JUST DONE ON OUR G.PK. LIBRARY. THIS IS TERRIBLE WE GOT TO STOP THAT IN 2010.

THANKS MARTY

NORMAND SIMARD

PS ((((( BLANK ))))

NOTE WE HAVE TO START GIVEN THE EXAMPLE RIGHT AWAY TO OUR KIDS.

Thanks Normand

HI MARTY,

SORRY TO BOTHER YOU ON CHRISTMAS DAY I HOPE THE TURKEY, STUFFING, TRIMMING ETC.. ARE GOOD, I SAW OUR G.PK. FERAL CAT CORNER VERCHERES AND MARGARET, ON CHRISTMAS EVE SEE PIC, JESUS MURPHY (( NO OFFEND TO YOUR CAT )) OUR G.PK.FERAL CAT LOOKS IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE IMAGINE HE HAS BEEN ALWAYS OUTSIDE FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS AND MORE NOW.

THANKS MARTY, AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK TO GET PARKERS REUNITED AND TO KEEP THEM UNITED.

NORMAND SIMARD

PS. I AM SURE OUR G.PK. FERAL CAT WON'T HAVE ANY TURKEY ON CHRISTMAS, I AM SURE YOUR FAT CATS MURPHY AND WILLIE ARE GIVING SOME LEFTOVERS OF YOUR DELICIOUS TURKEY. NEXT YEAR I THINK I AM GOING TO BRING SOME TURKEY TO OUR FERAL CAT, HE DESERVES IT. ALSO I THINK HE SHOULD BE NAMED G.PK CAT OF THE YEAR 2009 IN G.PK. PARKERS IF YOU THINK YOUR CAT SHOULD BE NAMED G.PK. CAT OF THE YEAR 2009, SEND A PIC OF YOUR CAT TO MARTY AND WHY HE SHOULD BE G.PK. CAT OF THE YEAR , I AM NOT ELIGIBLE I AM ONLY A ((( COPY CAT}}} ALSO AMERICAN FAT CATS ARE NOT ALLOWED SORRY JUST GENUINE REAL G.PK. CATS.

Thanks Normand

I wish you the merriest Christmas and the happiest New Year you have ever known.

An abundance of happiness and health to you and your entire family.

Bernie C.

Thanks Bernie

From our house to your house!!!!

Merry Christmas to One and All.....

Millie and Ralph.

Thanks Ralph

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR AND PEACE ON EARTH. LOUISE AND NORMAND

JOYEUX NOEL , BONNE ANNÉE ET PAIX SUR LA TERRE. LOUISE AND NORMAND

PS. 1 - OUR FINE CHRISTMAS CARD WAS DESIGNED BY RENOWNED ARTIST FATHER BOB HAWKINS. THANK YOU FATHER GREAT ARTISTIC WORK, I SUSPECT ONE DAY YOU ARE GOING TO END UP BEING OUR POPE, I HOPE SO.

PS-2- FATHER BOB, I THINK FATHER MARC MIGNAULT AND YOUR SISTER UPSTAIRS MUST BE VERY PROUD OF YOU.

Thanks Normand

:-))Mary

This gives new meaning to the phrase "Honey would you go outside and warm up the car for me. These were taken in Kenora.

What Love means to a child, ages 4 to 8 ....

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.

So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.

You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6

(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody

You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford..'

Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4

'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry

Thanks Barry & Louise D.

Heber City, Utah

2-8-0 #43 Nevada Northern, Ely , Nevada . New Hope & Ivy land at New Hope

Above & below: At King Road in Owosso , Michigan ,Pere Marquette 1225, a 2-8-4

Berkshire , pours it on with a freight from history next to a Ford Model A pickup

recreating a scene from the good old days.

Steaming down memory lane is Pere Marquette 1225Owosso, Michigan

Southern 2-8-0 #610 at Rock Spring , Georgia ( Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum ..)

Heber City , Utah . Union Pacific 2-8-0 #618 and a 1953 Buick Super. This has to be the classic of classic photos! It defies time itself. When I saw this photo, I was transported back to those wonderful days when life was full of simple pleasures, back when we were satisfied with less and happy to walk instead of ride. This is February 6, 2007 when time and eternity intersect at this crossing. And to think that you and I, and others, once had a stage like this everyday for the greatest performance ever. Oh what the generation of today has missed.

Great Memories!

Thanks Jim F.

Hello Marty,

Recently I wrote about Dickie Pope. His family lived next door to us on Coursol Street where there were so many children and so many fun times. DIckie and his brother, Jerry, lived downstairs - his grandparents, the Larkins, lived in the upper flat with his Aunt Emma. And I remember his Aunt Babe when she visited from Texas. Dickie and Jerry had a push-peddle car and were the envy of the Street. I never saw him again until we met up at the Fire Fighters' dances in Greenfield Park. What a surprise that was! Now I see his name again on the Blog and am so saddened by the news. I extend sincerest condolences to Beverley and her family.

D.

Thanks Diana J.P.

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

Send this phrase to the people you'll never forget ..

It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in too much of a hurry and that you've probably forgotten your friends.

Take the time!

Wishing you the very best for 2010

Thanks Irene H.

This is long...but worth the read:

GRANDMA'S WORLD-FAMOUS CINNAMON BUNS

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a

kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her. And, on the

way, my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered.

"Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been; but I fled to her

that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma

always told the truth; furthermore, I knew that the truth always went down

a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon

buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to

be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I

told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted . .

"Ridiculous! Don't believe it! That rumor has been going around for

years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second

world-famous" cinnamon bun.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town

that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its

doors Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.

Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it.

I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother,

but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big

and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments, I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar

bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of

everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school,

the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I

suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy

hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's second grade class.

Bobby Decker didn't have a coat.

I knew that because he never went out to

recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note telling the

teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't

have any cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill

with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on

a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he

would like that.

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter

asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied

shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really

needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat

in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out

of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and

ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that

Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby

Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever

officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from

Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by

his front walk.

Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she

whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present

down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the

bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for

the front door to open.

Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years have not dimmed the thrill of those moments spent

shivering, beside my Grandma in Bobby Decker's bushes.

That night, Irealized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma

said they were: "ridiculous"! Santa was alive and well, and we were on

his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside:$19.95.

May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that

care . . . And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Thanks Ellen S.

HI MARTY,

I AM ASKING A SPECIAL FAVOR TO PARKERS ON CHRISTMAS EVE, PLEASE SLOW DOWN ON HUBERT IN G.PK. IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE IT WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, I WILL BUILT A BIG SNOWMAN, AND A BIG PATH FOR SANTA'S SLEIGH TO PARK TONIGHT PLEASE SLOW DOWN PARKERS AND BE VERY CAREFUL.

THANKS MARTY

NORMAND SIMARD

PS. DIRECT TO SANTA . SANTA I LIKE YOU, I WAS A VERY VERY GOOD BOY ALL YEAR, I WAS VERY NICE AND HELPFUL TO LOUISE, PLEASE DON'T FORGET ME .

Thanks Normand

NORMAND SIMARD

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JOYEUX NOEL.

SCROLL DOWN DÉFILEZ VERS LE BAS.

FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD POUR VOTRE CARTE DE NOEL.

How all business phones should be answered!

"Good Morning, welcome to Canada"

"Bonjour, bienvenue au Canada"

Press 1 for English

ou faites le 2 pour le français.

Press '3' to disconnect until

you learn to speak English or French.

And remember there are only

two defining forces that

have ever offered to die

for YOU:

Jesus Christ

And our Canadian Soldiers.

One died for your soul.....

The others for your freedom!!!

If you agree......keep it

going, if not simply hit

the delete button.

PROUD

TO BE CANADIAN!

FIÈRE d'ÊTRE CANADIEN!

Thanks Normand

MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU ALL!!!

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.

Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Thanks Richard W.

This is an article submitted to the "Louisville Sentinel" newspaper contest to find out

who had the wildest Christmas dinners.

It won first prize.

As a joke, my brother Jay used to hang a pair of panty hose over his fireplace before Christmas. He said all he wanted was for Santa to fill them.

What they say about Santa checking the list twice must be true because every Christmas morning, although Jay's kids' stockings overflowed, his poor pantyhose hung sadly empty.

One year I decided to make his dream come true. I put on sunglasses and went in search of an inflatable "love doll". They don't sell those things at "Wal-Mart". I had to go to an adult bookstore downtown.

If you've never been in an X-rated store, don't go. You'll only confuse yourself. I was there an hour saying things like, 'what does this do?' 'You're kidding me!' 'Who would buy that?' Finally, I made it to the inflatable doll section.

I wanted to buy a standard, uncomplicated doll that could also substitute as a passenger in my truck so I could use the car pool lane during rush hour.

Finding what I wanted was difficult. "Love Dolls" come in many different models. The top of the line, according to the side of the box, could do things I'd only seen in a book on animal husbandry. I settled for "Lovable Louise." She was at the bottom of the price scale.

To call Louise a "doll" took a huge leap of imagination.

On Christmas Eve and with the help of an old bicycle pump, Louise came to life.

My sister-in-law was in on the plan and let me in during the wee morning hours. Long after Santa had come and gone, I filled the dangling pantyhose with Louise's pliant legs and bottom. I also ate some cookies and drank what remained of a glass of milk on a nearby tray. I went home, and giggled for a couple of hours.

The next morning my brother called to say that Santa had been to his house and left a present that had made him VERY happy, but had left the dog confused. She would bark, start to walk away, then come back and bark some more.

We all agreed that Louise should remain in her pantyhose so the rest of the family could admire her when they came over for the traditional Christmas dinner.

My grandmother noticed Louise the moment she walked in the door.

'What the hell is that?' she asked.

My brother quickly explained, "It's a doll. "

"Who would play with something like that?" Granny snapped.

I kept my mouth shut.

"Where are her clothes?" Granny continued.

"Boy, that turkey sure smells nice, Gran," Jay said, to steer her into the dining room.

But Granny was relentless. "Why doesn't she have any teeth?"

Again, I could have answered, but why would I? It was Christmas and no one wanted to ride in the back of the ambulance saying, "Hang on Granny, hang on!"

My grandfather, a delightful old man with poor eyesight, sidled up to me and said, "Hey, who's the naked gal by the fireplace?" I told him she was Jay's friend.

A few minutes later I noticed Grandpa by the mantel, talking to Louise. Not just talking, but actually flirting.

It was then that we realized this might be Grandpa's last Christmas at home.

The dinner went well. We made the usual small talk about who had died, who was dying, and who should be killed, when suddenly Louise made a noise like my father in the bathroom in the morning. Then she lurched from the mantel, flew around the room twice, and fell in a heap in front of the sofa. The cat screamed. I passed cranberry sauce through my nose, and Grandpa ran across the room, fell to his knees, and began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

My brother fell back over his chair and wet his pants.

Granny threw down her napkin, stomped out of the room, and sat in the car.

It was indeed a Christmas to treasure and remember.

Later in my brother's garage, we conducted a thorough examination to decide the cause of Louise's collapse.

We discovered that Louise had suffered from a hot ember to the back of her right thigh.

Fortunately, thanks to a wonder drug called duct tape, we restored her to perfect health.

I can't wait until next Christmas.

Thanks Barry & Louise D.

It took me all weekend, but I finally got my tree up!

Thanks Richard W.

Larry and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Thought you might like to see what I do in my spare time. Yup that's me, Heather as Rudolph, and to quote my husband Larry, "It figures"!!!!. As you can see, I did my husband and kids proud. The red nose actually flashed.

A group I am affiliated with called the Chantry Island Chambettes carry out volunteer and fund raising activities with the monies going back to community betterment. One of our regular events is the local Santa Claus parade, needless to say, the towns folk anxiously await to see what antics this group of middle-aged crazies will come up with every year. We work hard but we have so much fun as you can see, somehow I always manage to get pulled into the roles like Rudolph, did not know until I arrived I would be pulling the sleigh. Efforts were not in vain, we managed to win 1st prize in our category, but had to promise Santa that we would not upstage him this year. We actually had over 30 floats in our parade, this is a community with a lot of spirit and participation.

Heather Hubbard Cooper

Thanks Heather

Hello Marston and Bob !!

Dick Pope was a resident of Greenfield Park and many of us were lucky to be able to

Call him our friend,,,Dick was a positive and energetic person and was a member of the

G.P.F.D. , and the Firemen's Association for many years. He was a graphic artist , and

Many couples have him to thank for their beautiful wedding pictures.

We offer Bev and all the Pope Family our most sincere condolences, and wish them Peace.

Click Here to Print This Obituary

View/Sign Guest Book

John Richard (Dick) Pope

POPE, John Richard (Dick) 1940-2009 Passed away suddenly on Sunday December 20, 2009 at the age of sixty-nine in the ICU of the Montreal General Hospital. Devoted and cherished husband of Beverley (Choppin) Pope of 44 years. He leaves behind his children Marty, Andy (Judy), Daniel (Stacey) and Dale (Eric). He was the cherished "Papa" of 10 grandchildren, Stevie, A.J., Caitlin, Robin, Cory, Michael, Jarod, Shannon, Brianna and Mackenzie. He was the oldest of four brothers, Gerald (Judy), Alan (Lucy), Mike (Ruth) and brother-in-law to Margaret DeLinden and Nora Kudrenecky. He will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews and dearest friends. Many thanks to the ICU and seventh floor staff of the Montreal General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Research. As per Dick's wishes a memorial service will be held at the 3955 Cote-de-Liesse, Ville St-Laurent, on Wednesday December 23 from 11 a.m. To 12 p.m. Followed by service and burial.

Published in the Montreal Gazette on 12/22/2009

Today's Montreal Gazette obituaries

Questions about obituaries or Guest Books?

Contact Legacy.com

Thanks John G.

HI MARTY,

IT IS ASHAME, OUR GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC S.A.Q, IN GREENFIELD PARK, OUR EXCLUSIVE NO COMPETITION BOOZE SELLER IN QUEBEC DON'T RECYCLE. LOOK AT THE PICS THIS IS TERRIBLE THEY SHOULD GIVE THE EXAMPLE. I TOOK PICS ON DEC 2 2009 AND DEC 22 2009. THEY WHERE TOLD BY THE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL, NOT TO DO THAT, THE JOURNAL EVEN DID AN ARTICLE LAST YEAR, I SENT PICS IN DECEMBER TO THE JOURNAL AND THEY STILL DO IT. MAYBE WE SHOULD INVITE IN G.PK. TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON, THE FAT CATS THAT RUN THE S.A.Q. JUST BEFORE THEY GET THEIR MILLION DOLLAR ((((((( PERFORMANCE))))))) BONUSES $$$$$$ EVERY YEAR. DON'T FORGET THEY DON'T HAVE REAL COMPETITION WITH A MARK UP OF ABOUT 50 PERCENT OH BOY. I WISH I HAD A COMPANY LIKE THAT.

THANKS MARTY

NORMAND SIMARD

PS PARKERS WHEN YOU GO AT G.PK. S.A,Q. GO AND SEE IN THE BACK, AND MAYBE TELL THE MANAGER, WHAT IS GOING ON. IN THE G.PK STORE. THEY BRAG A LOT HOW THEY ARE SO GREEN AND ALSO WHEN YOU BUY A GREEN BAG, THEY WILL REPLACE IT ANYTIME FREE. VERY GOOD BOYS ????

Thanks Normand

Hi Marty,

(1)For any of you subscribers that are interested the Paul Reid Christmas show will be broadcast Dec 24th 6-9 pm and Dec 25th 5-8 pm. The website address is www.cjad.com.

(2) I know that it is a little early but I want to congratulate you and say thank you for the four years that the southbros blog has been in operation-- It doesn't seem that long ago since that original phone conversation but then the old homily -- time flies when you're having fun-- was never more apt.

(3) Attached is a copy of a christmas story which I used a couple of years ago for the audio Christmas card that I produce to send to family and a few friends.

(4) And last but not least, following the lead of my good buddy Winston Swinwood, I want to wish you,your family, and each and everyone of your subscribers a very Merry Christmas (x3), a family and friend-filled holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2010. JMcC

As I begin to prepare for the Christmas season each year my thoughts occasionally stray to an event that had a significant impact on my life even though it happened some 56 years ago.

My Dad was killed in a traffic accident in 1952 and although she tried to keep all four of us McConachie brothers together at our home on Murray Ave my mother was just not able to manage it financially.

Finally in 1953 the two youngest boys (Keith and Ken) went to stay at a child’s home in Rosemere which was run by the Order of the Eastern Star and Jim and I became residents of Weredale House in Montreal.

To this day I still get the odd question as to what it was like in “The Home”. First off , our integration was relatively smooth because of three friends from Greenfield Park who had become residents of Weredale the year before although I didn’t know it until Jim and I had checked in.

Herbie Simons and brothers Gerald and Ralph Robertson who were foster children and lived with the Saunders family on Parker Ave, with a year under their belts made sure that we learned the ropes while letting it be known that Jim and I were under their protective wing.

While the reason for our situation including the fact that we were only able to visit our mother and relatives on weekends only was not the best possible , life itself on the inside was not as bad as some might envision. Although much more regimented than life had been in Greenfield Park, if one were to work within the system, there were a number of opportunities for advancement and self-improvement.

As a personal example I soon became a Patrol leader in the scout troop that was in place there, I was selected to be a hut leader for the first two years at our summer camp and successively a Counsellor –in –training and then Counsellor the following two seasons respectively.

During the winter, I was also chosen to be a monitor on duty at the front desk once a week in the main office after regular business hours. Of particular note was that one of our duties as monitor was to go up Atwater Ave to the Montreal Forum to get the early

(bulldog) edition of the Montreal Gazette( which hit the streets at approximately 9:00 pm) for the head man at the Home.Fortunately or unfortunately I was on duty the night of the infamous Richard Riot and although I was not able to get the paper I did have a bird’s eye view of that memorable event.

But I digress. Normally our weekend free time ran roughly from 12:30 to 8:30 pm each Saturday and Sunday but on Christmas Day we were allowed to leave as soon as we had had breakfast. Our first two Christmases in Weredale were perhaps the most difficult as my mother was working as a waitress and we did not get to see her until app 2:00 in the afternoon. Fortunately most of our relatives lived in Pointe St Charles , a short 20 min bus ride from The Home and so we were able to be with extended family until our mother got off work and we could celebrate Christmas with her.

For the remaining two Christmases that I was at Weredale we continued to visit the relatives but spent less time there and then headed off to the South Shore where my mother had returned to the family home. I have always been one to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty and so while there were many rules and regulations including the threat of being sent to the infamous boys farm at Shawbridge in the Laurentians( a much tougher place than Weredale) if we got out of line, there were, in hindsight, some benefits as well.

Two such come to mind quite readily. The first was the fact that most of us residents were fortunate to have two Christmases each year. One with our family and one sponsored by Weredale. On the Sunday before Christmas after compulsory Chapel service, Santa Claus appeared on stage in the main auditorium and everyone of the residents received a few gifts , usually very practical pieces of clothing, socks, pyjamas, a vest sweater with a diamond pattern etc and some candy, usually red and white striped candy canes, and for the younger residents, a toy of some sort..

The other positive event was the annual Christmas dinner at the Venerable Mount Royal Hotel. Both the Montreal and Westmount Rotary Clubs were sponsors of Weredale. In the summer they would each show up at our summer camp on separate occasions with a multitude of prizes for the winners of field and water sport competitions organized for that day.

In the winter we would be their guests for Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner for us was a grand affair and immediately after school on the special day we got all dressed up in our best bib and tucker and were taken by Uncle Harry’s School bus from the corner of Dorchester and Atwater to the Mount Royal on Peel Street.

There we had the full treatment of appetizer, tomato juice , Turkey dinner with all the trimmings and apple pie and ice cream for dessert. The real benefit however was the special training we would receive each year in preparation for the big day. Again, following chapel service on the two Sundays preceding the dinner downtown , Mrs. Craig, the Head Lady at the home responsible for all health, food,clothing and Laundry operations would take us through all of the proper rules of etiquette for such a grand night.

She was determined that despite our situation there would be no reason for us to be ignorant of which fork to use for each part of the meal ,which side our bread plate and water glass were on, what to do with the napkin etc.

We were taught all the rules and then were required to practice at our regular Sunday roast beef dinner until we would know our way around the table as correctly as any one of our Rotarian hosts. As I sit here writing this greeting I can visualize Mrs. Craig ,hair tightly curled , not a strand out of place, in her crisp starched nurses’ uniform taking us through, in her Scottish brogue, the list of table do’s and don’ts 50 plus years ago.

I obviously didn’t realize way back then ,that those important lessons would stand me in good stead for the rest of my life but at some very special occasions that I attended over the years I have thought of and been truly grateful to a tiny gracious lady who taught me that regardless of one’s situation there was no reason whatsoever for her Weredale Boys, as she called us, to be bereft of good manners and proper etiquette.

And so, not a Christmas dinner goes by that I do not, in my mind’s eye, raise my glass to Mrs. Craig and wish her Merry Christmas in sincere appreciation of what she taught us and likewise from our house to yours I wish you Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas , Merry Christmas and as Mrs. Craig would admonish “ Mind your manners”.

Thanks John McC.

HI

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYFUL MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A PROSPEROUS AND FULFILLING HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

D'ANITA-KAY AND JOHN

Thanks D’Anita & John

Crazy Woodpecker

I’d say “determined” or “persistent” rather than “crazy”.

This is a Pileated Woodpecker, a very large species of woodpecker.

Most likely, the bird has lost its young to the arboreal predator.

TAIWAN 's THSR

KOREA 's KTX

JAPAN 's SHINKANZEN

SPAIN 's AVE

UK 's EUROSTAR

FRANCE ' TGV

DUBAI 's METRO

And now the Best!

INDIAN 's ALL ABOARD

and

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Pakistan!!!!!

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Sorry

Train is Late

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O, Finally it made it in.......

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little. ( Edmund Burke )

There is nothing more wonderful than animals!!!

A lady in Harrisburg has a cat who has a special friend that visits every morning. She finally took pics.

OMG you have to watch/listen to this!! It is the Best!!!! It is Clean!!!

Click here: YouTube - Jeanne Robertson "Don't bungee jump naked."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_W0LCHwK4&feature=email

Thanks Ellen S.

This is a beautiful legend of

The candy cane. As you watch

Do not click on anything

(except "Start")

as it will automatically flip for you.

Http://www.angelrays.com/Fla/legend.HTML

Have a Merry Christmas.

Thanks Ellen S.

WHAT CAN I SAY?? - I THINK THIS SAYS IT ALL!!............................Merry Christmas everyone!!

Top photo is teachers Isabelle Proulx & Laurette Perot with their volunteer students from Ecole secondaire participative l'Agora (old Royal George School)all prepared to make delivery of the Christmas Baskets. Bottom photo: Bob Demick & Ross Morley "on the road" delivering the Christmas Baskets with students from Agora School.

Thanks Marlene & Ross M.

Photos #1 & #2: Volunteers loading the delivery vans.

#3. LtoR Andy Walter, President of the GPK Christmas Basket Assn. with volunteers Bob Demick, Doug Paquette & Otto Kraus.

#4 Debbie Munn Clark, Director of the toys & gift section of the association.

Thanks Marlene & Ross M.

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of their "Spotlight on the Home" series that highlighted creative and fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Pass this along to everybody you know who is looking for better and safer ways to solve life's everyday problems.

Photo #1: Bob King, volunteer with prepared toiletries & cereal ready for distribution.

#2 Bob Kiernon (Transportation volunteer) verifying load before delivery

#3 John Riley of the GPK Historical Society loading van for delivery

#4 Charlie Clark (centre)in charge of distribution, checking delivery cards with Finance Director Archie Cameron to the right & Bernard Constantini, volunteer to the left.

Thanks Marlene & Ross M.

HI MARTY,

I WONDER IF ANYBODY REMEMBERS FATHER MARC MIGNAULT , HE WAS AT G.PK. ST-MARY'S PARISH 1988 TO 1996 . HE IS A VERY ARTICULATE ANGLOPHONE PRIEST, HE GREW UP IN ROSEMONT. THERE WAS A NICE ARTICLE ON HIM IN THE GAZETTE YESTERDAY. HE IS NOW 62.

THANKS MARTY

NORMAND SIMARD

Thanks Normand

Dining out in the World (This is fun)

This is a quiz.

Click on "Dining Out In The World" below,

Then select your answer by clicking on the twirling utensil.

It will give you the correct answer,

Then move to the next country.

http://www.fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf

Thanks Ellen S.

Hi Marston,

I have just heard that Linda Harrison (sister of Judy and Brenda) passed away yesterday in Winnipeg after a long illness. She was married to the late Kenny Johnston and had two sons.

If anyone is interested in sending a card to the family, they can get in touch with me and I will give them Judy's address.

Such sad news, especially at this time of the year. People will remember Linda as being a lovely, quiet, kind girl.

Janet Watson (Allen)

Thanks Janet

Hello Marty,

Global warming? this is the vieuw from my kitchen window. Yesterday we had a bad snowstorm (unusuall) road and train movement came to a halt. Schiphol airport was a campingsite with thousends of stranded passengers.

For you and your loved ones HAPPY DAYS AND A HEALTHY 2010.

Thanks Ruud

1 cup of water

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup or brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup nuts

2 cups of dried fruit

1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl,

check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality,

pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter

in a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point

it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another

cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup

of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor..

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry

it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves

a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can

find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall

over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the

Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

Cherry Mistmas !

Thanks Murray P.

I guess they are much like the Jack Daniels Cookies LOL

TIS THE SEASON FOR THE GIFT OF GIVING FOR THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

THE SIMPLE WHITE ENVELOPE

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas --oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma --the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't

think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended.

Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against another team sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat...

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church.. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree,the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition --one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas . It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the

tree for their dad.. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.

Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.

May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

God Bless! -- pass this along to those friends and loved ones who you know are the givers who understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Thanks Penny F.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR

Richard W.

Thanks Richard

THIS is my kind of cooking! Woo Hoo!

Jack Daniel's Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup or brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup nuts

2 cups of dried fruit

1 bottle Jack Daniel's Whiskey.

Sample the Jack to check quality. Take a large bowl,

Check the Jack again, to be sure it is of the highest quality,

Pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter

In a large fluffy bowl.

Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point

it's best to make sure the whiskey is still ok, try another

Cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup

Of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry

It loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Jack to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geeves

A sheet. Check the Jack Daniel's. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can

Find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall

Over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the

Dack Janiel's and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

Cherry Mistmas !

Thanks Jim E.

Hi Marty;

The attached obituary appeared in the Ottawa Citizen on 18 Dec. Rev Duquette was the minister at the Greenfield Park United Church for a few years in the late 50's /early 60's if I remember correctly. He was a real gentleman and I am sure that he is fondly remembered by many who attended the United Church at that time.

John P.

Thanks John

Hi Marty:

My husband George was in the Charles Lemoyne Hospital

for a week and they have just found out that he has an

aneurysm on his arota.

They are transferring him tomorrow to the Royal Vic. Hospital to have a heart specialist look at him there

and see what they are going to do.

When I know more I will update you.

Barb H.

Thanks Barb

Pls keep us posted and I wish George a speedy recovery.

This is a picture of an event during Sundays game during a timeout at the Texans/Jaguars game this past Sunday.

I think it is self explanatory.

Thanks Jim E.

HI MARTY,

WELL WE HAD NICE VISITORS ON CHURCHILL YESTERDAY I TOOK A PIC OF THEM IN JOHN GERAGHTY LONG LONG TRUCK, IT IS SHEILA ( TEDD)) GERAGHTY'S MOTHER AND SISTER FROM CALGARY, SHE SAYS SHE GOES ON THE BLOG EVERY DAY I INCLUDED A PIC OF SHEILA'S MOTHER AND FATHER 63 YEARS AGO, YOU KNOW SHE HAS NOT CHANGED THAT MUCH, STILL LOOKS BEAUTIFUL, LIKE HER DAUGHTERS,

NOW FOR OUR DEAR G.PK. CHARLES-LEMOYNE HOSPITAL, BARB H. WAS RIGHT ON THE BLOG 3 DAYS AGO THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM AT THE HOSPITAL, WITH THE CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE. THEY ARE CLEANING UP THE WHOLE HOSPITAL. LATELY I HAVE SEEN 2 HOSPITALS PIERRE-BOUCHER IN LONGUEUIL AND OUR G.PK. CHARLES-LEMOYNE. I WOULD SUGGEST IF YOU HAVE THE CHOICE OF HOSPITAL FOR YOU AND PEOPLE YOU KNOW ,FOR NOW, GO TO PIERRE-BOUCHER WITHOUT HESITATION BELIEVE ME. YOU KNOW WHEN YOU CALL AN AMBULANCE YOU CAN SAY ,YOU WANT TO GO TO PIERRE BOUCHER, AND THEY WILL TAKE YOU THERE IT IS NOT THAT FAR AWAY FROM G.PK. AND IT IS BETTER THAN HAVING THE CHANCE TO CATCH THE C- DIFFICILE BACTERIA BELIEVE ME.

THANKS MARTY

NORMAND SIMARD.

Thanks Normand

> 1. You need to warm your car before starting out in cold weather: FALSE.

> Idling isn't an effective way to warm up your car in the winter -- driving away is. Today's engine and fluid technology is designed to start working as soon as you turn the key (or at lease once your windshield is defrosted). Not only does idling waste gas and cause pollution, it can actually cause damage to your vehicle.

>

> If you're faced with severe winter conditions, you may want to consider a block heater, which warms the engine, or a battery warmer. A battery loses power as the temperature goes down, so warming it gives it that extra boost.

>

> 2. All-season tires are as good as winter tires: FALSE.

> In the old days, winter tires were knobby things with coarse textured treads. You'd put them on the back two wheels of your rear-wheel-drive car and they would help get you started. Today's high-tech snow tires offer greater control, stability and braking capabilities, so putting winter tires on all four wheels gives you more control when starting, stopping and taking corners.

>

> "Winter tires for ice and snow performance are far superior than all-seasons," says Ralph Warner, director of operations of the Rubber Association of Canada. "With the new rubber technologies and compounds, winter tire compounds have a much better gripping capability in colder temperatures."

>

> 3. Restarting your engine is harder on the engine and uses more fuel than idling: FALSE.

> Starting and stopping your engine has little impact on the starter motor or battery of today's vehicles. "Today's cars have pretty strong starters and good electrical systems," says Armour. "We need to think of gas mileage and the environment."

>

> According to Natural Resources Canada, or NRC, component wear caused by restarting is estimated to add $10 per year to the cost of driving -- far less than what sitting still costs you in gas. In fact, the NRC recommends that if you're going to be stopped for 10 seconds or longer (except in traffic), it's best to turn your car off. Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it.

>

>

> 4. Filling your tires with nitrogen is better than using plain air: MAYBE.

> Some studies have shown that filling your tires with nitrogen reduces gas consumption and improves tire life by maintaining an even tire pressure. Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules so they don't leak through the tire walls as readily. Underinflated tires wear out faster, cost more money in gas and are a safety hazard.

>

> But this added convenience will cost you between $5 and $10 to have each tire filled with nitrogen. Not every service station offers nitrogen and topping up with air negates the benefits.

>

> So unless you're a racecar driver, you might want to stick to old-fashioned air. "I think it's one of those unnecessary things," says Kerr. "Spend your money on it if you really want to keep your tire pressure accurate. You're better off buying a good gauge."

>

> Use that gauge to check your tire pressure once a month and keep tires filled according to the optimum pressure (not the maximum, which is the number found on the sidewall of the tire).

>Thanks Richard W.

Hi Marty

Congratulations on another Blog anniversary - you are doing a wonderful job and thank you.

Aren't the Can-structions amazing - and delightful? Have they ever appeared in Montreal? In any case, the photos bring back another co-incidence in my life:

About 5 years ago we went to see this event in Vancouver and met the lady who was in charge of the Food Bank (where all those cans of food are donated).

She asked if we enjoyed the show and we told her what a fantastic show it was - especially the "Snoopy" one (which I think won first prize). We told her we were

from Quebec and she said she was, too. I told her we lived in Greenfield Park - she said her son-in-law also lived in Greenfield Park. His name? Dickie Pope.

I told her that we also used to live next door to him on Coursol Street in Montreal. Small World!

Continued Blog success and God's Blessings to you and your family throughout the New Year - Peace, Joy and Good Health.

Merry Christmas all!

D.

Thanks Diana J.P.

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard....

..to listen to his son whine about being bored.

....to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.

to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.

...to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.

..to be silent when people pray to God for a new car.

...to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.

..to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.

....to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they're afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.

....to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.

....to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.

....to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.

....to be civil to people who complain about their jobs.

....to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.

....to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

The only thing harder than being a Soldier..

Is loving one.

I was asked to pass this on and I will gladly do so,

Will you???

Thanks Murray P.

HI MARTY,

WELL TODAY DEC. 18TH IS THE BIG DAY, IT IS THE DELIVERY DAY OF OVER 200 G.PK. CHRISTMAS BASKETS, WORTH OVER $400.00 EACH. WE SEE PICS OF SOME VOLUNTEERS, THEY ARE ABOUT 20. BELIEVE ME IT IS LOT'S OF WORK. BRAVO AND BRAVO TO THEM, WHAT A NICE AND CHARITABLE LITTLE TOWN WE HAVE, IT IS THE PEOPLE THAT ALWAYS MADE TTHE DIFFERENCE.

THANKS MARTY

PS NO PS SORRY I HAVE NO TIME I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE OVAL EXCUSE ME THE ROUND OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, I FORGOT LOUISE'S PICTURE ON THE U.S. PRESIDENT'S DESK. I DON'T WANT MY LOUISE TO GET MAD, I WANT TO SEE THE HOCKEY GAME TONIGHT ON T.V.

Thanks Normand

FUNERAL FOR FOUR HEROES

TODAY IN TACOMA AN UNPRECEDENTED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF POLICE OFFICERS FROM ALL OVER THE USA, CANADA, AND OVERSEAS SHOWED UP FOR THE FUNERAL FOR THE 4 SLAIN POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE TACOMA SUBURB OF LAKEWOOD. OVER 20,000 POLICE OFFICERS ARRIVED FOR THE FUNERAL. 1,000 ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE OFFICERS DRESSED IN THEIR RED UNIFORMS FORMED A MASSIVE SEA OF RED. OVER 100 OFFICERS ATTENDED FROM NEW YORK, AND ANOTHER 100 FROM BOSTON. ALL HOTELS IN TACOMA WERE BOOKED FULL AND THE OVERFLOW OFFICERS WERE INVITED INTO THE HOMES OF LOCAL OFFICERS. MC CHORD AIR FORCE BASE OFFERED THEIR BASE AS A STAGING AREA FOR OVER 1,000 POLICE VEHICLES THAT WOULD FORM A PROCESSION FROM LAKEWOOD TO THE TACOMA DOME. AN AMAZING 3,000 VEHICLES SHOWED UP FROM ALL OVER THE USA AND THE PROCESSION TOOK 4 HOURS TO WIND THEIR WAY TO THE TACOMA DOME WITH THE STREETS LINED WITH THOUSANDS OF FOLKS WAVING AMERICAN FLAGS ALONG THE WAY...ALL IN WEATHER THAT WAS SUNNY BUT AROUND 20F DEGREES. THE ABOVE PICTURE SHOWS THE PROCESSION AS THEY PICKED UP THE 4 WHITE HEARSES IN LAKEWOOD. I'LL GIVE YOU THE REST OF THE REPORT IN PICTURES AS FOLLOWS...

3,000 POLICE VEHICLES STAGED AT MC CHORD

AIR FORCE BASE AS THE PROCESSION STARTS

THE LOCAL TV COVERAGE OF THE FUNERAL LASTED

FOR OVER 6 HOURS.

NOTICE THE FACES AS THE OFFICERS PASSED BY...

THE FUNERAL PROCESSION WAS 10 MILES LONG AND TOOK 4 HOURS

TO GET ALL THE VEHICLES TO THE TACOMA DOME

ARRIVING AT THE TACOMA DOME

MOVING THE CASKETS INSIDE

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE MARCH

FROM THE PARKING AREA IN A SEA OF RED

AT EASE BEFORE THE START OF THE MARCH

INSIDE THE TACOMA DOME

POLICE OFFICER PATCHES LEFT FROM ALL OVER THE USA

INSIDE ~ THANK YOU CANADA FOR YOUR RESPECT, AND ALSO

TO ALL THE OTHER OFFICERS FROM OVER 275 CITIES WHO

ATTENDED FROM ALL OVER THE USA ~ THANK YOU

THE 3 COURAGEOUS CHILDREN OF SLAIN OFFICER,

GREG RICHARDS, SPEAK IN HIS MEMORY.

GAVIN(10), JAMI-MAE(15), AUSTIN(17)

THIS WAS A FUNERAL THAT NOT ONLY HONORED THE MEMORY AND

COURAGE OF THE 4 FALLEN OFFICERS, BUT HONORED ALL LAW

ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, FIREMEN, PARAMEDICS, AND

MILITARY POLICE FROM THE WHOLE USA WHO

SERVE TO PROTECT US.

YOU AND GOD BLESS.

Thanks Win S.

Gale and Bruno & of course BEAR too!!

I will be making a conscious effort to wish everyone

a Merry Christmas this year ...

My way of saying that I am celebrating

the birth Of Jesus Christ.

So, I am asking my email buddies,

if you agree with me,

to please do the same.

And if you'll pass this on to

your email buddies, and so on...

maybe we can prevent one more Christian

tradition from being lost in the sea of

"Political Correctness".

To One and All ! ! ! ! !

Thanks Gale & Bruno S

DON'T WORRY,

I TOLD SANTA I WANTED A GOOD FRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS!

SEND THIS TO 10 PEOPLE, INCLUDING ME

IF I'M YOUR FRIEND.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thanks Dave W.

Hi, all you animal lovers!

This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today!

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

AGAIN, PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

Thanks Jim F.

ARGUE, Allan

Argue, Allan 1931 - 2009 Décédé à l'hôpital Notre-Dame, le 11 décembre 2009, à l'âge de 78 ans. Il laisse dans le deuil, son épouse bien-aimée Gaby Leblanc, ses enfants Steven (Sylvie) et Gail, ses petits-enfants Valérie, Justin et Jenna, ses soeurs Doris, Evelyn, ses frères Jimmy (Shirley), le feu Richard (Théresa), nièces, neveux et plusieurs amis. Les visitations auront lieu à la: Maison Darche 7679, Boul. Taschereau, Brossard, Qc le samedi 19 décembre 2009 de 13 à 17 h. S.V.P. aucune fleurs

( 2009-12-17 dans La Presse )

ARGUE Allan

ARGUE, Allan Passed away at the Notre Dame Hospital, on December 11, 2009, at the age of

seventy-eight years. Beloved husband of Gaby Leblanc. Loving father of Steven (Sylvie) and Gail.

Dear grandfather of Valerie, Justin and Jenna. Brother of Doris, Evelyn, Jimmy (Shirley) and the

late Richard (Theresa). He will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews and many friends.

A visitation will take place at La Maison Darche funeral home, 7679 boul. Taschereau, Brossard,

on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 1 to 5 p.m. No flowers by family request.

( The Gazette 2009-12-17 )

Thanks Fred G.