Tuesday, August 26, 2014

We DO Pick Our Friends

We've all heard the old adage “You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.” Well, luckily my family is a great one so I have no regrets there.
Friends are the family you choose - Jess C. Scott
Best buds in high school and Dad Westman
Reunion after 34 years
Friends come and go. Naturally, with the number of times I've re-located, I've lost touch with many. Generally, I don't miss most of them, but there are others with whom I feel regret that our lives went separate ways.



3 Musketeers from high school
Ruth, Bonnie and I
Barb Bester (Becker) from Elmwood in 1964
"Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Do't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus
Bruce Currie, Lucan in the 70's




Gail Pellow, met in 1983
 Facebook, although many grumble about its disadvantages and annoyances, is a great tool for me to find and keep in touch with my friends of the past. I have not been successful in finding all I want to find, but a few of the closest bff's at least. I may never see them again in person, but I can still remain associated as long as they'll let me.
Met Bob and Marian in 1976
Reunion at my 50th in 2004



The close friendships I've made in my life will simply carry on, should I bump into those wonderful people again today. Nothing more is expected than a good time chatting for an afternoon. We had many things in common then, chances are we will share them again.
Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that. - Ally Condie


I have a strong belief that the special friendships I am making today, will follow me through my old age. I may not see them all on a regular basis, but we will remain connected. I also look forward to meeting many new people when we are retired and travelling on the road full time, apparently there is no end to the social life, if that is what you wish!


Derrick and Kathy
Colin, Charmaine, Selina, Samantha
Each friend brings uniqueness to my life. Some are the total opposite of me, some like a twin in how we think and what makes us laugh, some bring out the best in me, others even challenge the worst! All of my closest friends like me for who I am and don't try to change that. I feel the same about them. If I can't go somewhere with my bff when she asks or simply don't feel I want to, I can say so without any judgement on her part, no hurt feelings. That is what a true friend provides me. Honesty, comfort-ability and understanding.


George and Suzie, fellow bloggers, 2014
Brenda and I
"True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable." - David Tyson Gentry



You may find yourself here in the photos and you may not. It doesn't mean we aren't bosom buddies. Not everyone could be named, and perhaps I didn't have a picture of you to post. Anyway, I plan on keeping the circuit lines open so I can continue to add new acquaintances to my friends' list. If I don't know you and you are reading this, I hope to say "It's a pleasure!" one day down the road. It is possible, the Best is Yet to Come!

 And one lasting thought about friendship:
Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. - Oprah Winfrey

Let's not forget about my lifelong friend, he's my best friend, my right hand man, my side kick, my sweetheart, my comedian, my comfort zone, my heart...........he's Bill!

Take care, my friends and thanks for joining me for a read today.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Our Grandchildren

Since I mentioned 9 grandchildren in my last post, I thought I would write a bit about our Brady Bunch family and those special young'uns.
My children, all 'growed' up

Bill brought 4 girls into our relationship and I brought a daughter and son.

They lead such busy lives that it is hard to get them all in the same room at the same time so these pictures are a few years dated.
Bill's young ladies



















Bridgette, my oldest, is following in my footsteps in the 'couples' department, sadly, with a couple of relationships gone sour.
Adorable in knitted vests Gr. Grandma made
The best thing is that she has given me 2 wonderful, handsome, smart, talented grandsons!
Bridgette and her boys


 Bridgette is the Operations Manager of Regency Fireplace Products in London. She is a very independent young lady and has bought herself a beautiful home in a small town west of London.

I think she should be a social director with the life she leads! Ha ha (she'll get a kick out of that)



Taylor, 19 yrs. old, 2014
Our charmer
Jake, 16 yrs. old, 2014
Our musician

Patrick, Chaela, Nate, 2013
My son, Patrick married Chaela and started their family in their early 30's so Nathan is quite a few years younger than my other two.

Garden helper, 2013, 3 yrs. old


Patrick is a countertop/cabinet/delivery man and installer for Rycor Products in London. I think they need to pay him more with all those titles!
Chaela is a Pharmaceudical Technician at the main hospital in our city.


Yvonne & Dennis
Bill's oldest, Yvonne has 4 boys, the youngest two are twins, almost enough for ice play! Yvonne works in a nursing home in Tavistock and Dennis is in agriculture sales/service.
Braeden, Connor, Carter, Zach
Our sport compliment
Charlotte & Cory



Chelsea and Olivia

 Charlotte, an EA for our school board, is the second oldest and so far has provided us with the only granddaughters of the bunch.
Cory works as a Financial Adjuster for London Life.






Krystal, 3rd oldest, is single and living and working at the Credit Union in a small town east of Stratford. She is also an independent young lady.





Jess, the youngest at 25, lives at home with her mother in London. She works in the before and after school program during the school season. Jess has always been quite active in the sport field, soccer, hockey and softball. I believe she still plays ball during the summer.

Jess, graduation in 2010


Bill and I are not into sports, dare I say AT ALL? so it is hard to express an interest beyond attending a few hockey games for the grandsons. We are happy they are all doing what it is they love to do since we are only going around once in this life.

That sums up the family as far as children and grandchildren. I didn't include their pets, since there is only one dog of any importance in our mind and he lives with us!

Thank you again for stopping in!