July 5, 2005

• We’re back! The old hound and I spent the weekend up north to attend his niece’s baptism. It was a delightful, relaxing time and as always everyone made me feel very welcome.

  
  

  We had been a little concerned about the ride up north because of the Live 8 concert taking place in Barrie on the Saturday. Since I am now in Oshawa I planned a route that would bypass Barrie completely and take us right to highway 69 away from the crowds. Well…..it didn’t quite work out that way. One wrong turn and we ended up travelling along the 400 headed towards Barrie and Toronto - the wrong direction! Of course I had been warned ahead of time about the menfolk in the old hound’s family propensity for having no sense of direction. The fact that my own is somewhat lacking didn’t help! Some frustration and delay and turning around got us back on track.

  
  

  

  
  

  A graphic example of how misslill and the old hound navigate!!

  
  

  We stopped for a much needed coffee (for misslill!  ) and then continued onward. The rest of the ride was uneventful except for the brain damage suffered by the old hound who was foolish enough to pop a Supremes cassette into his stereo. misslill cannot resist singing loudly and expressively to this kind of music and proceeded to do so until we arrived at our destination.

  
  

  

  
  

  A graphic example of misslill’s singing ability!!

  
  

  The old hound’s lovely mother and equally lovely sister were there waiting for us. So was a delicious meal of stuffed peppers, pasta with (of course!) home made sauce and pineapple cheesecake. His baby brother, his wife and their daughter came over for supper so it was a nice family gathering. Stomachs replenished we retired to the backyard where there was just enough daylight and energy left to weed the onion patch. Winding, twirling weeds were choking the life out of them, but didn’t stand a chance once I got to them. It was funny, I rarely wear nail polish and had done my nails special for the baptism and here I was shoving my hands in the dirt!  I love gardening though, and enjoy getting my hands dirty. We worked until the mosquitoes chased us inside. It was a good thing it was onions we were tending because we used one to rub on the old hound’s mosquito bites. (it takes away the itch).  I escaped with just a couple on my wrist as I cleverly opted for long pants and sleeves. (wise misslill knows the wilderness  ).

  
  

  The next morning was baptism day. After breakfast I accompanied the old hound’s sister to pick up the cake and buns and cookies from the Italian bakery. It was a fascinating store full of goodies that I would like to revisit and spend more time in someday.

  
  

  We arrived at the church just as the mass was finishing. Although I am not a christian I always enjoy churches and the sense of peace and camaradarie I feel when I attend. All the worshippers filing out were so pleasant and happy and there was a real feeling of closeness among them.

  
  

  The old hound’s mother had told us she was going to tell the priest to keep the ceremony short and sweet – and she did!! He laughingly told us he had been warned!! The baby was so well behaved and really has the sweetest temperment. It was a truly joyful occasion with everyone celebrating her special day. The ceremony was very touching.

  
  

  After a lunch of  sandwiches (which they call pannini (sp?) ) and fruit – I  tried my first fig!(not sure if I liked it or not). we headed to the old hound’s older brothers place for a post baptism party. They have a lovely property on a lake with scenery to die for. On the way we saw a fox which was a nice treat.

  
  

  I shan’t list all who were there as it gets cumbersome saying the old hound’s this and that and the old hound’s baby brothers wife’s etc. etc. all the time. Lots of family and it was great. They will all have to assign themselves blog-names!

  
  

  More Food!! Lots of wine! Great lasagna, salad, chicken and a wonderful fruit plate for dessert. The cake was wonderful – made even more so by the site of the beautiful baby girl digging into her piece with her hands and proceeding to get it almost everywhere but in her mouth. She was having a thoroughly grand time with it – nothing is more fun than making a mess!

  
  

  The old hound went for a swim in the lake with his brothers and nieces while the ladies “bonded” with good company and red red wine. It’s always sad when it is time to leave, I always feel so welcome with them. Truly nice people, so genuine and kind.

  
  

  My “wine lips” and myself toddled into bed and slept very soundly.  (that is what you get when you drink red wine).

  
  

  The next morning we cleaned out the garage a bit for his mom and then sadly, it was time to head back to Toronto. I was glad to have had time to spend with the old hound’s sister whom I had only met once before. A woman of quiet strength and dignity who reminds me very much of her mother. His mother is as always an inspiration. Her joy and the way she embraces life no matter what obstacles she has to overcome can serve as a lesson to everyone. His brothers, their wives, their children – all have such a strong sense of family and fairness and honour. It makes me smile when I realize that they have no idea just how truly remarkable they all are. So talented and yet humble and always so generous and kind.

  
  

  The drive to Oshawa was long. Construction stopped us dead on the highway several times for extended periods. Miles of cars not moving, people just getting out and sitting on the side of the road to stay cool. The old hound’s baby brother and his wife were actually ahead of us  on the road and he walked back to deliver us some much appreciated cans of pop. It was hilarious to see him come walking down the highway with them. The old hound later reciprocated and walked up the highway to deliver a “pannini”.  Not much you can do in a situation like that except try to laugh about it, but it must have been a terrible journey for them with the baby to care for.

  
  

  

  
  

  misslill poking her head out of the old hound’s crown vic!

  
  

  

  
  

  nobody going nowhere fast!

  
  

  

  
  

  Ditto!

  
  

  Heavy rain started to fall when we hit Orillia, but it later cleared. We missed our exit again (and I was driving this time! – maybe I can blame the rain!) but soon turned around and found it. I find it confusing when they put two highway numbers on one sign. The rest of the ride was uneventful except for one incident. As we hit Scugog what do you think was walking along the side of the road?  Can’t guess??  Two bright blue peacocks!! One was a male with full plumage, the other a pea hen. I can’t imagine how they got there or where they were headed to.

  
  

  

  
  

  We stopped at Sinatra’s Hot Italian Sandwiches (yes, more Italian food!) for a bite, gassed up at the station because it was cheap and we were on E! (it was 79 somethng a litre) and then finally pulled up into our driveway – home at last!

  
  

  I didn’t even bother to unpack, just stretched out on the bed and slept for a few hours. Got back up later and then slept soundly the rest of the night. Had to say goodbye to the old hound this afternoon  but hopefully will see him later this week.

  
  

  He bought a ukelele and has been serenading me in the back yard which has been very nice. I feel spoiled because I never go to see him perform and rarely get to hear him play anything.

  
  

  Back to the real world now and work. My car isn’t ready yet, maybe tomorrow. I am looking forward to having it back – but not the repair bill! Still, what’s done is done! I am all relaxed and geared up for my next renovating onslaught – finish the kitchen and tile that hallway floor!!

  • 10:51 pm
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