walking

Yesterday, Ron and I went to the Scottish Croft in Sidney, BC, to join in the booklaunch of Matthew Shaw's latest book:
"Great Scots! -- How The Scots Created Canada".

Scottish Croft, Sidney, BC
Published by Heartland Associates Inc., out of Winnipeg, this latest follows in their tradition of publishing first class books recording Canadian history.

It was a pleasure to meet the Countess, Barbara Huck, once again

Countess of Orkney, Barbara Huck, (left, in blue)
Joan Ferguson, owner Scottish Croft, at right
Additional photos: Author and Coffee Bar

We first had the pleasure of meeting the Countess and Lord Orkney at the Cormie's wedding where Peter presided over the ceremonies in marrying my niece to Barbara's' nephew, Matthew.

Lord Orkney, Dr. Peter St. John and Irvine

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Friday, November 21, 2003 11:03 a.m.
Call me irresponsible, but here's Friday's update: the highlight was lunch with my friend Ron; also, this was the day we recorded Victoria's first snowfall of the coming winter

Not much, but hey, thank god for small blessings!

. . . come to think about it, that was about it for Friday . . . o.k., let's move on to Saturday

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Saturday, November 22, 2003 9:04 a.m.
Saturday Bernice got to go out with her son, Cameron -- he's a good lad. Cameron came over and wheeled her right out of here.

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Sunday, November 23, 2003 10:13 a.m.
We invited a few friends over for dinner on Sunday. Everyone claims to have had a good time and the barbecued steak dinner proved to be a big hit. Because they are 'special' friends, we got out the good stuff (all gold -- solid gold) place and table settings.

Solid Gold setting for Solid Gold Friends Click image to view larger

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Monday, November 24, 2003 11:03 a.m.
Tickets for the New Year's Celebration went on sale at the CPO's Mess today so we were over there bright and early to queued up. George arrived after me and Marilyn arrived even later. We did, however, manage to get the best seats in the house: right on the dance floor across from the bandstand. Happy New Year, everyone!

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I walked Cedar Hill again today and in the evening participated in an honour guard to welcome the premier of British Columbia to the Union Club of BC. It was good to be with my Saltire colleagues again; other than that, what can I say?

Bern's still on the mend but sister Sylvia says she will fill-in if my Lady cannot make it. Either way I'll be there and someone will be sitting beside me. Thanks to sister Sylv for this; it's a big night we've been planning for over one-and-a-half years so it's got to go as planned.

It's great to see so many leaves still on the trees. Here it is November and it looks like October. The snow has started flying at the higher elevations and was reported on the Malahat the very day Jay and Joan left for their California home (that be Tuesday last).

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We heard today bro Gerry's prognosis is not good but we're thankful he's getting the best treatment in Bankok Hospital. We're also thankful he did not get sick in British Columbia. One can just imagine what treatment he could expect to receive here. As we say out west: " . . . don't get sick in British Columbia!"

On a lighter note:

Walked over the mountain again this morning

I walked over Mt. Tolmie on Friday then had lunch with Sam and Lawrence at the Wardroom.

Our friend Lawrence at the Wardroom (Lawrence is the one in the jacket)

Bernice's foot continues to improve but it's sure curtailed our social life.

Saturday, I drove to Chemainus British Columbia to pick up my Highland Dress accoutrements. This includes a belted plaid which will be worn the night of Saltire's 50th Anniversary Banquet at the Union Club of BC when the Lt.Gov. of BC will be our guest of honour.

Close-up of belted plaid on Prince Charlie jacket
It's named 'belted' because it hangs down one's back and sweeps up under the jacket and waistcoat to tie around one's waist with a belt. Sure hope they have the thermostat turned down at the Club December 6th ;-)

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Labels: scots, siblings, tolmie

Ger in Bankok, Thailand hospital(click to view larger image)


It's good to hear bro Gerry is getting good treatment in hospital and we hope everything is o.k. after the results of the biopsy are in.

Bern visited her surgeon yesterday and everything looks o.k. with the toes but the steel pins must remain in for another two weeks. That's a bummer as we will miss being with our friends today as we remember the veterans who served Canada.

Irene and Sam dropped in yesterday with beautiful flowers and a cheery greeting. How thoughtful of them. Thank you. We will be celebrating another New Year's Eve with them again this year -- God willing and we're still alive.

Bill, Bernice, Irene and Sam

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This morning I took a walk over Mount Tolmie
View looking north (magnetic)

Crow in the tree P.S. the picture of the crow in the tree was taken thru the open roof in my car.

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Yesterday Bern got out with me in her wheelchair for the first time since her foot surgery. We drove to Sidney and had lunch at Rumrunner. We noticed it's owned by the same businessman who owns SouthBay on Selkirk Waters.
Anyway, I told you this already. today our friends Jay and Joan arrive from Tarzana, CA to spend ten days at their Malahat vacation home. Jay and I get to do a few things together while they're here and here's pics from our sojourns to the Stone House.

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Posted by: Bill / 11:01 AM