Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Dark Roast Peanut Butter. Finally!

My FreshCo has been out of stock for months, but today I got lucky. This was one of the last two left! Yes!!!

Friday, November 11, 2022

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear…” JD #LestWeForget

"I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind."
—John Diefenbaker

My Class Picture from 1969 at Bessborough School, Leaside

Best as I recall, this was one of my first class pictures. I missed much of kindergarten, and skipped most of grade one as well. Later years were a bit hit and miss. I did better with hockey team pictures.
I'm one of the delinquents in the back row…just look for the one being a goof.

Monday, October 24, 2022

Listening to Graham J Williams Music on @Bandcamp

Graham is also on Apple Music and Spotify but I like Bandcamp, especially for following local (GTA) Canadian artists.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Fall Colours

Not sure what kind they are but these flowers don't seem too bothered by this Fall weather.

Monday, September 26, 2022

Five Little Indians

Excellent book! One review said it was "Wounding and powerful…Haunting and profound". It was all of that and so much more. If you can get your hands on a copy it is time well spent. I borrowed this copy from @oshawalibraries 
-
#fivelittleindians #michellegood

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

One of my favourite foods just got better




















Chapman Ice Cream just brought out this new  flavour of ice cream combining coffee and chocolate… doesn't get any better than that 😁

Saturday, July 30, 2022

My two eldest girls with me around 1990

Hard to believe this picture was taken more than 30 years ago. Time just gets faster every day.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Sleeping With the Past, Elton John

Lucked out at the 2nd hand shop yesterday. Came across this cassette tape of Elton John's 'Sleeping with the Past' that I'd never listened to before - other than the radio playing the title track and Sacrifice — which, believe it or not, was Elton's first ever hit single in the UK.
Apple says it's genre is Pop, but it has some really strong soul and bluesy overtones I really like. The album was released in 1989 and dedicated to Bernie Taupin

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Theresa & Patrick: a Beautiful Couple, a Beautiful Wedding — Lasalle Park, Burlington

As the father-of-the-bride I had the absolute pleasure of spending this past weekend enjoying the celebration of the marriage between my daughter and son-in-law, Tee & Pat. It was two full days of pure joy capped off with a wedding reception that, like the entire weekend, could not have been more perfect. The happy couple planned and orchestrated the entire event on their own and it was beautiful, and flawless — much like their lives together have been up to this point. I look forward to watching and celebrating their many accomplishments/milestones that will undoubtedly follow. Theresa and Patrick, I couldn't love you both any more than I do. Congratulations!

Thursday, June 30, 2022

I’ll be Celebrating Canada Day by Caring for 18 Pets

With Oshawa Dog Club I'll have Nine dogs this Canada Day weekend, three past our maximum. Additionally, I'm home alone this week so I'll also be caring for a pig, two goats, four chickens, and two bunnies. Thankfully, it's supposed to be perfect weather.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

I Wonder How Many @HarveysCanada Burgers I’ve Had Since the 70s?

I don't get off the ranch much these days but when I do, I like to get my Original Combo at Harvey's. Pictured here is a stock photo but my usual is an original, no cheese, with mustard, relish, pickles, onions — which was half gone before I thought to take a pic, hence this stock photo. In the 70s I'd order either my usual, or my other favourite they don't have anymore — steak on a bun with frings. Regardless of how many burgers I've had over the years, Harvey's has been my go to place for almost 50 years. In the 70s the usual location was the one in Scarborough on Sheppard at Brimley. Harvey's, a good meal every time!

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

The Flame: Leonard Cohen’s Final Book

Picked this up a few days ago and am loving it! I highly recommend it and, if you do get yourself a copy, be sure to read both the Forward and the Editorial Note — only a few pages but there are interesting tidbits in both. After those there is no further preamble, next page starts right into the first poem and right from the first stanza (below) you know this book is quintessentially Cohen.

I was always working steady
But never called it art
I was funding my depression 
Meeting Jesus reading Marx
Sure it failed my little fire
But it's bright the dying spark
Go tell the young Messiah
What happens to the heart

Friday, June 17, 2022

Custom Logo T-Shirts using Heat Transfer Paper

Haven't done any custom t-shirts for a long while but these turned out really good. Just a black logo on some blue and white T-shirts for Oshawa Dog Club

Monday, June 13, 2022

Finally Purchased My @OSCC55plus Membership

Stopped in at the Delpark Homes Centre for a quick lunch at the Oshawa Seniors Centre. Decided it was time I signed up. Not sure how involved I can get while still working full time but regardless, it's a good organization and deserves to be supported.

My Latest Pickup at @OshawaLibraries

I do use their digital service as well, but something about reading an actual ink-on-paper book that I just love!

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Can’t See the Forest for the Tree

Some days you can't see the forest for the tree. Some days you don't want to.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Obscured by Clouds - My Favourite @PinkFloyd album turns 50 today

Obscured by Clouds was the music from the film "The Valley". I didn't know that until decades later, I simply just loved the album for itself. Still do, and I still haven't seen the film.

Members playing at Oshawa Dog Club


via IFTTT

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

First Suit in More than a Decade from @MooresClothing

Toronto Voyageurs Hockey Club • MTHL 1971

Not sure of the exact year. Could be 1970 or 1972. But that's me in the 2nd row, 2nd in from the right. My Dad (John Rodkin) coached, he's in the back row far left. The C is Denny Byers. The A on the left is John Frizzel — or maybe Johnny is 2nd row, 3rd from left...not sure. The A on the right I think was Vince, and his Dad is back row far right. Don't recall any other names right now but if anyone recognizes someone please let me know so I can add the name.
-

Monday, May 30, 2022

The Toronto Telegram ceased Publication in 1971

My parents had the telegram delivered daily. I was nearly 11 when it ceased publishing so I don't know why, 50 years later, I remote it so fondly…but I do.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Double Dog

Riley looks on as Frankie poses

Frankie, Riley, and Stanley

Frankie, and Riley are hanging out with their friend Stanley in the shade by the creek on this sunny Summer afternoon.

Monday, May 16, 2022

It Ain’t Easy. John Baldry on Vinyl

It Ain't Easy, by John Baldry. One of my favourite albums produced in 1971 by Elton John and Rod Stewart and featuring so many more. Very cool 😎

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Frank Sinatra Vinyl from the 1950s

Although not usually my go to genre, I do like Frank. Especially his earlier recordings. So when a friend offered these to me before she put them in a donation bin, I happily accepted. From 1955, 1958, and 1959. All in pristine condition. Sometimes you just get lucky 😎

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Did You Win the Day or Lose it?

Is anybody happier, because you passed their way?
Does anyone remember, that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over and its toiling time is through
Is there anyone to utter now, a grateful word of you?

As you take a glance back over, the day that's slipping fast.
Did you help a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing, over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?

Did you win the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God would say?
You have earned one more tomorrow, by the good you did today.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

One of My Fave Songs/Prayers — Leonard Cohen, Come Healing

O, gather up the brokenness
Bring it to me now
The fragrance of those promises
You never dared to vow
The splinters that you carried
The cross you left behind
Come healing of the body
Come healing of the mind
And let the heavens hear it
The penitential hymn
Come healing of the spirit
Come healing of the limb
Behold the gates of mercy
In arbitrary space
And none of us deserving
Of cruelty or the grace
O, solitude of longing
Where love has been confined
Come healing of the body
Come healing of the mind
O, see the darkness yielding
That tore the light apart
Come healing of the reason
Come healing of the heart
O, troubledness concealing
An undivided love
The heart beneath is teaching
To the broken heart above
And let the heavens falter
Let the earth proclaim
Come healing of the altar
Come healing of the name
O, longing of the branches
To lift the little bud
O, longing of the arteries
To purify the blood
And let the heavens hear it
The penitential hymn
Come healing of the spirit
Come healing of the limb
O let the heavens hear it
The penitential hymn
Come healing of the spirit
Come healing of the limb

Monday, May 2, 2022

The Beard is Coming Back

Probably not going back to the really long hair, it was becoming too much of a pain in the ass. But I do miss the beard so it's on its way back!

Friday, April 29, 2022

Guinness. It’s good for you.

Didn't know it was possible to like Guinness even more but meet my new friend…"Guinness". 😎

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Toshiba TMC-7560 Vintage Stereo

Isn't this awesome!!!
Just picked it up today. Fully restored and working perfectly. #Toshiba TMC-7560 Stereo Receiver with cassette deck.

Friday, April 22, 2022

Guinness Cold Brew Coffee Beer in Canada?

My two biggest loves; coffee and Guinness.
Guinness… please bring this to Canada.

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Chung Moi Restaurant

Enjoyed a delicious Easter dinner near the old neighbourhood with my youngest daughter.
Excellent choice Al πŸ˜‹πŸ₯°

Saturday, April 9, 2022

An Early Easter Gift

Enjoying these delicious baked goods from a happy customer πŸ˜‹

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Groceries from @AmazonCa

This is a box of groceries delivered by/from Amazon Canada. Everything ordered was simply dumped into one big box. Crackers, cereal, granola bars, pretzels all at the top and canned goods made their way to the bottom- but not without crushing a few things on the way. Moral of the story? You get what you pay for… and a good argument for #ShopLocal

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Recommend AcerTree.ca in Durham Region

These folks are removing about a dozen trees from the property, as requested by the City of Oshawa, and they are doing a fantastic job! Highly recommended!!!

Sweet Maria’s Coffee

I think I'm going to try this. Seems like an affordable way to try my hand at roasting my own coffee beans.

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Toronto Voyageurs Hockey Club • MTHL 1971

Not sure of the exact year. Could be 1970 or 1972. But that's me in the 2nd row, 2nd in from the right. My Dad (John Rodkin) coached, he...

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