Birthdays, plays, fun, friends, goodbyes & chocolate shakes!

April 23/12.

Happy birthday to my fabulous daughter, Kate who is 20-years-old today!

She's a beauty and has a style all her own. Just last week, she got accepted at Ryerson for their Journalism program. Congrats Sweet! I wish you a lifetime of happiness, as that's what have you've given me since the day I first saw you! This shot was taken after Kate and I went shopping at the Eaton Centre to spend a gift card she received from her generous Auntie Carolyn and Uncle Neil for

La Senza. (one of our fave stores!) We had a fun afternoon together,

saw a lot of pigeons on the way to Dundas & Yonge,

ate at the massive Eaton Centre Urban Courtyard and checked out the colourful Froshberg Gelato stand! Sampled the banana flavour.

Then looked at more bright colours when Kate wanted to stop by LUSH

for some sultry scents. (They had vanilla bombs, but I didn't buy one. Not sure how I feel about bombing the bath!)

We also went to several clothing stores including H & M and Forever 21 where I got a kick out of reading the graphic tees! (LOVE this one)

Would have bought this one, (since it's true), but it looked terrible on me.

Right on!

This one? Also very true.

In the end, all I bought was some sexy stuff at La Senza, before heading to pick up a hot Holter monitor (yuck). The cardiologist wants to check out the heart palpitations I've been having. After hearing my story of love and loss, cancer, Intensity Entity and on and on, the Doc told me I'd be able to relax a little more if I would just let go of the past. (he was more of a shrink than a heart doctor! - Or maybe he is psychic!) He happened to hit on the thing I've NEVER been able to do, say goodbye and let go or release the past. He told me if I want to move into the future, I have to do it. Easier said than done, Doc! Maybe they have a pill for this. (I just kept thinking about that hilarious Robin Williams routine,

 
about a drug we all need called "Fukitol!" Sometimes I think I should buy STOCK in that drug, Robin!)

When I wasn't running around getting re-wired for sound (after accidentally cutting one of the wires - see blog entry from April 20th),

had a few other more pleasant events and visits over the past week.

In Orillia, went to a great antique store called Carousel Collectables

They're really into nostalgia in that town! (EMBRACING THE PAST) - antiques, old MM photos,

vintage Richie Rich and Captain America comic books,

and the old Orillia Opera House, built in 1895. (the comedy Born Yesterday was playing there, but no hours available to go see it. Only had time for Jerry Lewis!)

The Opera House is undergoing some renovation, restoration and rebuilding.

Also had a great time this past week seeing my two old Seneca College pals,

Jim Stockley and Rick Dade. (in this pic, they were cracking me up, pretending to be those two old geezers

   

in the TD bank commercial who yak about banking hours being extended!)

Rick and I ended up working together for years at Global TV when I was a reporter there and he was a cameraman. Covering any story with him was always a blast. He has a great attitude and that ever-fab sense of humour.

It was kind of a fluke that we all met. Jim and Rick were a few years older than me. They'd been doing other jobs after high school, but decided to join the radio/TV course at Seneca in their 20s. I was 19 when I met them. They became the campus comedy duo and always had everyone in stitches. We were only together for two semesters, but, it was a life-changing time for me, (and for ALL of us in the late Mike Monty's phenomenal classes. He helped steer us in the right direction). I've always felt very lucky to have met and worked with Jim & Rick,  and man, they SURE made coming to school in the morning a whole lot easier. 

I often think of that unforgettable line Hawkeye says to B.J. in the final episode of M*A*S*H* - (Goodbye, Farewell & Amen), when he tells him. " I can't IMAGINE what this place would've been like if I hadn't found YOU here"! - Same goes for me when I recall the wild comic antics of Rick & Jim. They were the best, led the way and kept us all going.

To my shock, Jim never did enter the world of media. Instead, he became a conductor with CP Rail! This pic was taken outside the Detroit Eatery on the Danforth, (where we all had lunch, including their amazing chocolate milkshakes served in the old-time silver shakers). It was the first time I'd seen Jim in 30 years! He is now a grandfather! Gak. One second before the above pic was shot, I surprised Jim by suddenly ripping his glasses off his face,

so he'd look more like he did three decades ago! - Above photo, taken at the wedding of our friend, John Axelson to Lynda George, back in 1976! (left to right, Jim, me, Axelson)

Here's a cute one of Jim (back in the stubby beer bottle days!) - Photo by Rick Dade!

Jim retired from CP in 2007, after knee replacement surgery. (jumping off trains for decades will do that to you!) -

and I hear it was a great send-off party!

Here's toasting you Jim, (with thick chocolate shakes!) May you always be happy and keep laughing!

As for YOU, Ricky, thanks for arranging the get-together! Always fun to see you. Hope your eye trouble clears up VERY soon. Getting older is tough!

Yesterday, Kate and I went to see a wonderful play called The Exquisite Hour 

at Factory Theatre.

It stars Ted Dykstra (of Two Pianos, Four Hands fame),

and Daniela Vlaskalic,

The show is written by Dora award winning playwright Stewart Lemoine

 and directed by Ron Pederson. Kate and I became fans of his after seeing his very funny performance as "Brad" in the CanStage production of The Rocky Horror Show a few years ago.

The Exquisite Hour sure lives up to its name and had me in tears several times. Thanks to Kate for telling me  we HAD to see this show!!

Afterwards, we paid a visit to Auntie Ray and told her all about the production. She's hanging in there at Christie Gardens and says in some ways, watching the residents there is kinda like witnessing a non-stop, ongoing play every day! Love you Auntie Ray!

Stop this Train! (not)

November 17/11.

Good grief, I'm blog-bedraggled, belated and behind! How'd THAT happen?

It's like a couple of days suddenly just dropped out of my life. - No way to get them back, - except to write!

And to top it off, Friday is Regis Philbin's LAST day on LIVE! - after 28 and a half years! - WHAT?? I don't know about KELLY, but I'M outta con-TROL!!!! (actually, to tell the truth, was addicted to the show for years in the Kathie Lee days, but haven't watched in a long time. Still, was always good to know he was there if I needed a Regis fix)! - Now, at age 80, Reege is clearing the deck for Jerry Seinfeld, who's scheduled to fill in as guest host for a couple of days next week. After that, who knows?

Unless they bring in Howard Stern as co-host, doubt I'll be watching.

(Please don't let it be Kelly's hubby, Mark Consuelos. The man bores me to tears - Gak)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, (as my old Seneca College professor Mike Monty always used to say when we got off track), - let's wrap up Auntie Ray's 92nd birthday bash at our place!

We all had a blast celebrating the wonder that is Ray! Here's the diningroom table, done up with lace tablecloth, tealights (love them!), plates, fancy wine goblets, (inherited from Mum), a gorgeous arrangement of flowers brought by Mary Spence-Thomas for Ray, and some sweet, bright, colourful flowers she brought for US!

Working in the kitchen, waiting for dinner to be delivered. (no cooking tonight!! Yay)!

The chinese food arrived just after 6, from Pearl Court for a dozen guests. Wow!

Then, the parade of friends and relatives. Seen here? (left to right) Mary, Carrie, Auntie Ray, Kev behind Ray, Max and Paul behind Kev. Come on in! The gang's all here!

The birthday girl with her beloved son, Kev. Funny, how their colours match so perfectly! She raised him right!

My daughter, Kate (in yellow), son, Max and his girlfriend, Robyn, enjoying the buffet at the diningroom table.

Cute couple!

The delectable dessert table, complete with Auntie Ray's lifelong fave - a massive, decadent cake with plenty of pink icing!!

I can testify to the fact that it was VERY good!!! (As for the fresh fruit salad? I made it).

Kate, Carrie and Kev watch as Auntie Ray blows out her candles.

Mary, Robyn, Paul & Sam watch from the other side!

Auntie Ray, determined to blow out the candles, 9 + 2, = 92!!

Kate shows off some of her artwork to lifelong artist, Auntie Ray, (who was impressed).

One of Carrie's gifts to Auntie Ray was this thing-a-ma-jig that you can draw on, like an Etch-a-Sketch.

The picture remains on the screen for about a minute, but then, disappears. This is what Ray drew.

Artist Paul tries HIS hand at the art gizmo. Nice work!

Meanwhile, Kev's card to his Mum made me laugh. Martinis are one of my faves.

The INSIDE of the card was just as funny,

as Auntie Ray is a HUGE
Johnny Depp fan! - (who ISN'T??)

My kids, Max & Kate, provided some musical entertainment, including their incredible version of Stop This Train, which makes me cry, every time.

Kevan, ("Mr. Rough Trade") is a huge fan of Kate & Max's music.

He's helped both of them in many ways with his support, ideas and encouragement. Means the world to me.

(and to Kate & Max).

Carrie and her boyfriend, Paul, are also big supporters!

Love this shot of my son, Max. SO cute! And what a guitarist!

As for Robyn? (perhaps Max's BIGGEST fan)! - Gorgeous! Talented! Sweet! (what's not to like)??

And Tru? You might not be able to tell from her expression here, but she LOVES company in the house! The more the merrier!

Overall, I was extremely happy with the party! SO much fun. I have an amazing family! (why does this outfit make me want to pour a big glass of Welch's grape juice??)

And Auntie Ray? As you see, was in her glory!

OK! - Cut! Print! Moving on!

The NEXT night, my sister, Carrie,

arranged something special for us.

She got five fab tickets to attend the unbelievably terrific production of Two Pianos, Four Hands at the Panasonic Theatre in the Bloor/Yonge area.

She and her son, Lee, plus me and my kids, Kate & Max, got together for a delicious dinner at Focaccia before the show. Yes, the food was important.

But so were the drinks! - Carrie with her Caesar, and I with my Martini, -soon led us to know we had nothing to dread!

Our waiter (the ONLY server in the entire restaurant), was LARRY. I introduced LARRY to CARRIE when she arrived, and then, to Lee, (whom he called, "SIR Lee" for the rest of the evening). Larry turned out to be not only a great waiter, but also, a very funny entertainer! - Comedy reigns supreme, ALWAYS, in MY book!

Sadly, the "Larry-photo" had a bit too much red-eye, - (and HE wasn't even DRINKING)!

Onward! - A very brief walk from the restaurant to The Panasonic.

ANY night out with my kids, is a good one. But this one, was spectacular! All music, all the time. As musicians themselves, they appreciated every second.

Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt - Ab Fab!!!!

Carrie couldn't resist a Häagen-Dazs on a stick at intermission! (Lee, the athelete, had water).

All in all? A night which FLOODED my memory with thoughts of the unforgettable musicians in our family. And yep. Brought tears to my eyes. Cayr, thank you, for pulling this off. We won't forget it!

Weird, but the ceiling of the Panasonic is covered in tiny screens! Coolio!

Good tymz!
Next up??????????????
You got it!
Fabulous Friiiiiiiiiiiidayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!
(Bring it on)!