Dress up, dress down

May 13/12.

Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoyed a good one with my daughter, Kate and son, Max at Bubie and Zaidy's condo.

Quite a delectable spread from Pickle Barrel, courtesy of my generous sister-in-law, Carolyn and bro-in-law, Neil.

Fab food, (and I ALWAYS enjoy a meal I don't have to cook)!

My niece, Robin, will celebrate her birthday next week, but since she won't be in town, the family sang her an early happy birthday. It was, quite possibly, the worst version I've ever heard. (and apparently, Robin agreed)! But, guess it's the THOUGHT that counts. Hope it's a good one for you anyway Robbie!


Besides Robin, four more of the 8 grandchildren were there to celebrate all the Mums in the fam.
(left to right) Adam, Justin, Kate & Max.

My beautiful Mum-in-law, Jean Bornstein, was very glad to have everyone there. She's never happier than when her kids and grandkids can be together.

Afterwards, I drove by my late Mum's old house to say hello. Ya, I KNOW she's not there anymore, but the house brings back lots of good memories. Happy Mother's Day Mum, - where EVER you are!

Also said hi to Hank Chestnut, the little tree in her front yard which she named after her old highschool pal (since it's a chestnut tree)! Getting bigger, slowly but SURELY!!

Thank you Dr. Rumack!

Later, Max & I stopped at my cousin, Kevan's place to drop off some Mother's Day flowers for his wife. But who should answer the door when we rang the bell? Carole Pope! Time for a Rough Trade reunion/photo-op right on the front porch! Carole is visiting from L.A. She took part in a youth songwriting workshop in Toronto the other day and is heading to Vancouver to play the Media Club this coming Thursday featuring songs from her latest album,

Landfall (co-produced by Carole), featuring a guest performance by Rufus Wainwright and a co-write by Hawksley Workman. The album is available through iTunes and Amazon.

Click here to buy Carole's new CD!

Meanwhile, I went from dressed-up-&-decked-out-for-Mother's Day mode, to running attire

for Riverdale Park. Yesterday, I was FINALLY able to complete over 2,000 metres (5 laps), which translates to more than 1.2 old-fashioned miles. But today, in the morning, paid for it! Couldn't even get past 3 laps due to leg pain. (I really need new and better shoes)! Went back later in the afternoon to try again, but could only do one lap. Opted for some walking and other exercises instead. All of this lovely parkland

is right next to the DVP and all that traffic. That's city life in T.O.!

Had another dress up/dress down day on Friday. It was my sister, Carrie's birthday. We celebrated with a lunch time visit to the great Auntie Ray in the dining room of her condo. Carrie had a chocolate eclair (with birthday candles). Auntie Ray got early Mother's Day cards from us.

We took Auntie Ray up to the building's computer room to show her some videos from Carrie's Facebook page.

Where she seemed quite duly impressed by Carrie's singing of Bach music, among other things she saw and
heard.

 
You can listen to Carrie's beautiful Bach work (performing all 3 parts!) in episode 11 of her Stella the Squirrel video here. The singing begins at :07. Stunning stuff!

After Carrie's mini-party, once again, I went from birthday bash apparel, (new t-shirt dress from H & M)

back to running gear (and being Cinderella) again. (man, with all his quick-change work, I could use a dresser or a stylist!) Ha ha!

Car keys, Passover, red hair, General Hospital and James Franco!

April 9/12.

The other day, I wrote about losing my car & house keys while at a screening of Titanic in 3D. Such a drag. Despite a thorough theatre search, Kate & I turned up nothing. Left my name and number with someone at the box office, but no call all weekend. I was SO mad at myself for somehow misplacing them, since the cost to replace the key and the electronic gadget thingy to open the doors was going to be about $150. Just what I need. (not)

Then, minutes before I was about to head to the car leasing dealership to order the key, I got a call on my new iPhone from the manager at The Beach theatre. The keys had been found!! YAY!! Thank you to Eric,  who returned the keys to me and took this pic! He doesn't know where or how they were found, only that someone turned them in. Just SO happy to have them back, and at no cost! And yep, that's my new jacket, made in Nepal.

Last week, I saw this jacket in the window of Alchemy on the Danforth. The store was closed. I went back on Easter Sunday to try it on, but the one in mauve was only available in extra large. They had one medium jacket in turquoise. The only one in small was red (not usually my colour), but I love the wild style, so, bought it! As an extra incentive, the owner gave me a deal - knocked a few bucks off the cost. Very nice of him, and now, I have a coat of many colours!

The second seder at my parents-in-law's place was every bit as good as the first one. Mum B really outdid herself again with another massive feast.

Here's a little story about my Dad-in-law, Ben Bornstein, which is kinda funny. It has to do with the Afikoman. I looked it up online so I could explain it properly.

At the beginning of the seder, the middle of three matzot (plural for matzah) is broken with the larger piece tucked away for later - this piece is called The Afikoman.

Children over the years have been kept awake during the seder by playing a game of hide-and-go-seek with this "dessert." The person leading the seder will hide the Afikoman and at the appropriate time ask all the kids to go find it. Since the seder cannot come to a conclusion without eating this Afikoman, children will get toys or other gifts as a reward for finding it.

Every year that I've been in the Bornstein fam, (almost 30 years), my Dad-in-law "hides" the Afikoman and one of the kids has to find it. Then he gives money to each grandchild. (a tradition they naturally love)!

This year, Ben didn't feel like looking for a good hiding place, so he stuck the piece of matzah in his shirt pocket. (Adore this pic. He still has the mischief in the eyes). All the grandkids knew where it was, so when it came time to try and "find" it, my son, Max (17) and his cousin, Justin, (16), cooked up a scheme together.

Max suddenly announced to his Zaidy that he was thinking of dyeing his hair bright red again. (this pic was taken back in June 2009).

This unexpected (but fake) revelation, distracted and shocked Ben long enough that Justin could sneakily swipe the Afikoman from his Zaidy's pocket! Hoo haw!

After that, all the grandkids (and their significant others) were able to collect their generous reward of 10 bucks each! (left to right - Robyn, Max, Kate, Damian & Justin). Thanks Zaidy!! You da man!

After dinner with Damian (who is not only brilliant and funny, but has been extremely helpful to me with all my current computer challenges, frustrations & woes - which are never-ending), and my beautiful daughter, Kate.

Cut, print, moving on!

On Tuesday afternoon, I'm all excited about finally rejoining "the land of the living" (i.e. - the START to getting back to some form of work!) I'm attending a media screening of the James Franco documentary Francophrenia - (part of the Hot Docs festival later this month). The film chronicles his experience as an actor on the soap opera General Hospital (my fave show for over 30 years!)

Here are some of his earliest scenes on GH.

 
He played the menacing & maniacal psychotic crime scene/graffiti artist, "Franco"! (who else?) He was fantastic on the show, (and even got to work with the great Tony Geary! ("Luke") - Loved their scenes together. ("Stand back Picasso!")  It's quite clear Tony was having a blast working with James - (especially 6:11 to 7:45). And to top it off, James also crossed paths with marvellous Maurice Benard (murderous mob man "Sonny Corinthos") - 8:23 to 9:15. Great material. Too damn bad they killed Franco off. (or DID they???????????)  Really hope I get to interview James when he's in town! - Once a soap fan, always a soap fan. (at least when it comes to GH). I KNOW as a GH addict, I'm the one to interview him! (too bad nobody else knows it)!

Home alone!

September 4/11

Cue Rod Serling voice.

"Join me tonight for a portrait. A portrait of a woman who has lost it. Gone round-the-bend. A woman who could be called "Mother-of-the-year." (NOT!)

Here's the story of my wild & wacky Saturday. Some of it isn't pretty, lemme tell ya.

I was already freaking about using the new GPS system for the first time, (given to me as a gift from Sam,) so I won't get lost. (which I do, constantly, if I have to drive anywhere further than Yonge & Finch).

We were on our way to a family celebration at the home of Sam's brother, Neil, and his wife, Carolyn, in Newmarket, for my Mum-in-law's birthday.

Jean Bornstein (my Mum-in-law), looking smashing at her birthday bash!

My Dad-in-law, Ben Bornstein, watches in appreciation of his lovely wife, (He says he will take her out to dinner on her REAL birthday on Monday night)!

Sam was on his way to pick up his parents in HIS car, while I was preparing, in terror, to drive MY car to Newmarket, with my daughter, Kate, as navigator and GPS watcher/listener. Earlier in the week, I told my son, Max, he would be going in the car with his Dad and grandparents and we'd all hook up in Newmarket, (assuming I didn't end up in Timbuktu).

I HATE driving highways. Started shaking and going into panic mode. (Again, in the infamous words of Woody Allen, "Somebody should just throw a blanket over me.") But, I sucked it up, did the whole shower/hair/makeup routine, got in the car with Kate, she fired up the GPS and off we went. Surprisingly, we GOT there - to the right street, the right house, the right party! I felt weak as I stepped out of the car, but I DID it!!

But then, when we were greeted at the door, and everyone congratulated me on this great feat of overcoming my directionally-challenged ways, Sam walked up to Kate and I and asked, "Where's Max?"

I laughed and said, "What do you MEAN where's Max? He was with YOU!"

Sam responded, "I didn't bring him!" At this point, I nearly passed out and was on the verge of hysterical tears. Great. I make it to the bash, but forgot my son at home!

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOO! HOME ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suddenly, I turned into Catherine O'Hara, before my very eyes.

"Where's Kevin?????" (er, I mean, MAX!!!)

Now, instead of being the butt of the lost-all-over-the-city jokes, I was officially Mother-of-the-year. I could have SWORN that Max was scheduled to travel to this party with his Dad, but nope. Wrong again Lain. I called Max on his cell. He was sleeping in his bedroom. Didn't even realize we had all left. I felt horrible. Contemplated driving back to get him, but by the time I would do that and return to Newmarket, the party would be over. Only thing left to do, carry on without him and bring party food home to him later. Max was so disappointed. So was I. So was everyone. I am such a loser.

(Just another Ka-BOOM moment, brought to you by Lain).

But, we partied on and had a lot of fun, though everyone missed Max. I asked to have my pic taken with all the young students (sans Max), at the party, who will be starting back to school after Labour Day.

(left to right) - Extended family member,- beautiful Jessie, age 11, about to enter grade 7, my incredibly talented nephew, Adam Bornstein (19), heading back to Western for 2nd year in MIT (Media Information Technology), me, my brilliant navigator daughter, Kate, 19, about to start Ryerson in Arts & Contemporary Studies, and my highly entertaining nephew, Justin, 15, who begins grade 10 soon in Port Perry. May you ALL have a very successful school year. Love you and will be rooting for you!!

You may know from a previous blog entry, that the Tuesday after Labour Day has been my lifelong LEAST favourite day of the year. As I grew up, it represented fear, apprehension, nervousness and a bitter hatred of the loss of freedom brought about by the end of summer. But THESE kids are SO much better adjusted than I ever was, and are actually looking FORWARD to getting back to school, work and friends.

Carolyn served TWO fabulous cakes, one strawberry shortcake and one dark, sinfully rich chocolate. She gave me a generous slab of chocolate cake to bring back for Max, along with a couple of burgers for dinner. (which he really appreciated).

Thanks Carolyn and Neil for such a great party! (Next time, I'll be sure to bring Max)!

After Kate and I made it back to the city, we stopped at a Tim Hortons to pick up a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee for Kevan. Dropped Kate off at home and picked up Max to go see his Uncle Kev for a visit at Bridgepoint Rehab.

Had a great time together out in the hot and humid courtyard, filled with trees, flowers, birds - and lots of other poor souls in wheelchairs. Kev is da bomb, as always. I would like to bottle his upbeat, easy-going nature.

We talked about music, family, pretty girls, all the important things of life. Kev says, after his accident, he has a new appreciation about the IMPORTANT things, and that when it comes to the rest of the crap, - take a chill pill. As of Sunday, Kev's family will be in Malta, so I'll be doing what I can to help him during this rough time at Bridgepoint where he needs to recover. He also wants to continue to get to his studio as often as possible to compose and record his new music assignment. Getting to the studio and back with two fractured ankles and in a wheelchair, isn't easy!

Meanwhile, my sister, Carrie, was having a very different day from mine.

She and her son, Lee, were involved in a baseball tournament in Oakville, where our Dad (Rex Loring) lives. Carrie invited Dad to come and watch some of the game, and he DID! A rare get together!!

I was SO moved to see these photos Carrie sent from the baseball diamond. We're close to Dad, in spirit and on the phone, but don't get to see him often, so these pics are oh-so-special.

To quote a baseball term, Dad has "stepped up to the plate" a lot these days, since the loss of our Mum. We are SO happy to have one parent around who cares, is still here to love us and be proud of his grandchildren.

To make things even better, GARTH was in town. Lee's Dad, (Garth Mosbaugh, of The Nylons), was visiting from B.C. and able to be there for the tournament too. This photo particularly got to me, since this unusual "son-in-law/father-in-law" team can rarely get together.

Garth just looks so happy here - (Dad does too), and the pic SO reminds me of old times and the fun they had together. GREAT shot Carrie!

Garth, Lee, Dad, Carrie - What a team!

Carrie says this was the final game EVER for this particular team. She was happy our Dad saw her in this light and got a glimpse into "her world" of yelling at players and doing the "baseball-Mom" thing. I will quote her here, as she says it better than I ever could!

Carrie says:
"When they lost the game, it was dramatic. They all had to say goodbye. Some members will be back, but Lee will be gone, as will a few others, and the coaching staff will change also. I overheard a bit of Sticks' (the coach's) speech.......all about commitment, and having mentors, and being happy and staying determined, being crazy sometimes, thanking your parents, going the distance, trying MORE than your best........I didn't cry, but I had to hold back my tears. It's been a great year, baseball-wise"!

Carrie, her 6-foot-tall son Lee, and our Dad - (Rex Loring!!)

"I'm so happy for Lee to be moving on up to The Rangers (starting Tuesday!!), but saying goodbye to this team is killing me............weeping here as I write. Lee has grown so much under the mentorship of Sticks and Dan. I will miss this team so much".

Proud parents, Carrie & Garth, with baseball star Lee.
(at least HE didn't get left Home Alone!!)

Oh, and Carrie reports, the team loss was a heart-breaker 6-5, but a great game! Now, Carrie is off for a week-long Tafelmusik tour in Montreal while, in another rare family opportunity, Garth will play "single Dad," stay with Lee and help launch into a new school year in grade 11. New beginnings all around.

Now THAT was one crazy Saturday!

Contents sale over!

July 1/11.

Happy Canada Day!

Got to sleep around 4 a.m., back up at 6:30 a.m. (gak) to get ready for the second sale at Mum's. The last one was the estate sale. This one, contents. We're trying to clear out everything possible so the furniture bank won't have so much to take. (They charge a lot to haul it away).

What do you think of my "sale attire"? (it's been a helluva long time since I wore an apron!!) The dog belongs to a customer who left him outside.

We had a string of special guests at the sale! Carrie answered the door to THIS guy!

Introducing musician extraordinaire Mark Kersey! He's not only a fabulous pianist (playing the piano we're inheriting), but is also a Canadian yo-yo champion, a children's performer (who used to appear on Mr. Dressup as "Mark the repairman"), and worked with Carrie for years in Performers for Literacy. He plays gigs all over the city and is in high demand. Mark sat down, pounded out a couple of beyond phenomenal numbers and managed to knock the socks off the customers in the house. (Luckily for them, we had lots of socks for sale!)

I took Carrie's picture with Mark and his lovely wife, Bonita! (not only is this Canada Day, but it's also Bonita's birthday AND Mark & Bonita's 27-year anniversary! - Have a great day you two!)

Next special guest? My friend, Pam Deacon-Pickard. We met a few years back at Fern Resort in Orillia and became pals immediately. It was great to see her and catch up, (and we even ended up roping her into helping to wrap glassware and china for a couple of buyers!) Thanks Pam!

For her trouble, we told her to choose some books to take home. Among her picks - two Young & Restless anniversary books! (one for her, one for her Mother!)

(My Mum was a huge Y & R fan too and would love to know someone else will enjoy these special commemorative books). Too bad Victor Newman didn't drop by to autograph them!

Carrie's son, Lee, the hard-working garage sale king, was back in action with us again, lugging things here, there and everywhere, helping anyone who needed to get heavy items to their car.

Two MORE special guests! My sister-in-law, Debbie and her handsome son, Justin surprised us by dropping by! We told them to take what they like from the sale at the "family rate," (free!) - and Justin was also asked to cart some heavy boxes to my car. Team work!

Next? A visit from Tien, the gardener. She and her husband, John, have been taking care of Mum's lawn, and garden for years. They always did a wonderful job!

Carrie borrowed Tien's hat for this shot! - Thanks Tien and John for all your hard work. We'll miss you!

The above special guest is Hank. He is a chestnut tree! (Mum named him Hank after a guy she went to school with named Hank Chestnut!) Years ago, Mum's huge, beautiful front yard tree was hit by lightening and destroyed! The city had to cut it up into pieces and take it away. Later, they returned and planted a tiny chestnut tree to replace the big one. Mum fretted away over that little tree for years, because it never grew very much, but this year - (after Mum's passing), he suddenly decided to flourish! Now, he's taller than Carrie!

And our final special guests made their way out of a massive plastic bag of stuffed animals. These two puppets, (appropriately named "Giraffe" and "Panda") were part of Lee's old collection.

As a master of puppetry and voice work, (after so many years on Polka Dot Door), Carrie spent countless hours doing funny voices for Lee when he was a little boy. She's always been quite the entertaining Mum who has an amazing way of making little kids laugh with her crazy puppet antics! She wanted to say one more goodbye to these two little characters. Adios Amigos! Thanks for the memories!

Once the sale wrapped up, we put more stuff on the lawn for the taking. The rest has been boxed up for Goodwill and other charities. Will be back again on Saturday and Sunday to continue the never-ending process of cleaning out and closing down the house.

In the meantime, Carrie met the new owner of Mum's place! He stopped by the day before the sale to take some house measurements. His name is Dang!

I wasn't there when he arrived, but Carrie was, and took his picture for the blog! (he must have wondered what the heck was going on!)

Welcome to the neighbourhood Dang! Hope you'll be as happy in this lovely house as Mum was for nearly 30 years!

(So, wait, hang on, just a cotton-pickin' minute. Lemme get this straight Dang. - YOU'RE taking over the hidey hole????????? - Yikes! - Gak - Egad!)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! - It can't BEEEEEEEEEE! I will have no life!!!!!!!!