Jocelyn Graduates from Grade 8

 Jocelyn looking a tad older than her 13 years---don't you think?

Uncle Cameron, the Graduate and Mom

Jocelyn had a pool party the day after graduation and here is the class she has been with since Grade 1 at Holland Marsh District Christian School.

Wasn't Jocelyn just five-years-old yesterday? What happened that she grew up so fast, became so pretty and now, towers over Grandma?  (You'll notice that Grandma is not in the second photo but preferred to take it rather than being a dwarf among giants--well, sort of.)

Celebrating Chuck's BIG Birthday!

 Ready to celebrate!

The day before Chuck's birthday Alexandra, Emilie and Grandma went to Party City to pick up some decorations.  We wanted to have a theme and decided it should have something related to dogs. (Everyone knows how much Chuck loves  our little Oscar.)  We found a balloon that had the face of a dog on it; then, we had it filled with helium.  It was a hit!

Chuck had a very Happy Birthday!

The girls blew up each balloon and put them all into the pool.  We couldn't find a package of balloons that said Chuck so we settled for the name Charles.
Anyway, we thought Charles sounded more distinguished and more in keeping with a gentleman of his age.

Birds of a Feather and a Fair Weather Dog

I have a thing about birds.  I enjoy watching the lithesome movement of their wings as each one takes flight.   

The wood stork in this photo seems to be shunning his neighbor to the right of him.  We are to love our neighbor!  What's wrong with him? 

               

   Our Furry Fair Weather Friend

A dog ever faithful, a dog ever true

 Except when he loves someone other than you

He can be kind of fickle but always comes back

 Lots of love to go 'round if you offer a snack.

   Melinda managed a smile through chattering teeth.  

                              Just so you won't be sad that you're not in Florida.  Look at that grey sky!

 

The different species of birds seem quite content to share the banks of the lakes together.  They keep each other warm on cool days such as this one.  I think they're engaging in 'happy talk'--at least that's what it looks like.

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, ALEXANDRA!

 

A new outfit for Alexandra' birthday. 

 

Cousin, Jocelyn, more than pleased to be invited to celebrate Alexandra's birthday on the BIG DAY - February 19.  Alexandra had been celebrating since the previous Saturday having a birthday party with school friends and then a special dinner with her other grandparents. 

 

We went to Montana's in Newmarket for a birthday dinner after shopping for her present at the Upper Canada Mall.  The waiters appeared at the end of the meal giving a snappy rendition of "Happy Birthday."  Not sure why they put the horns on Alexandra's head but I'm sure they are of great significance.  If anyone knows why, please feel free to let me know.

OSCAR'S LAMENT

The Little Dog

 

The little dog so sad he be

My folks are leavin' won't take me

Their bags are packed

And ready to go

I like the airplane

Don't they know?"

 

If I whine, they're sure to hear

They'll pick me up  take me there

Oh, they're walking out the door

I will see them nevermore.

The Great White Egret

The great white egret heard above
 Fills the air with songs of love

While resting on a rock he waits

 For soon replies his nesting mate.

Extended wings arising high
 No longer viewed up in the sky
And on the branch, the birds express
 The sweet sounds of their happiness.

A day of Golfing and Seeing the Wonders of God's Creatures

This was one fascinating dude.  The most interesting turtle I have ever laid eyes on.  My golf partner and I  were on the golf course when it began walking (in turtle-like agonizingly slow fashion) across the golf path.  The good news was he seemed to be used to the likes of the  "paparazzi"  and gave me several angles from which to shoot photos of him.  Hadn't a clue what type of turtle he was but good old Google had the answer

"Apalone species of the North American Soft-Shell Turtle.  Soft-shell turtles are believed to breathe anally and pharyngeally as well as "normally".  This means that there is direct oxygen transfer through the turtle's throat and anus."  Who could have guessed?