Thelma Oddi died in March and reminded me of some pleasant experiences. She was not directly related to my wife's family, but often was our hostess when we visited Watertown, New York. Her husband Lefty had become a good friend of my father in law Boris Olynyk. My wife and I became friends with her son John and daughter in law Joan.

Shawn's unexpected death reminds me of an earlier one that I also don't want to forget. I met Martin Weber in university and we hit it off, although we were different in many ways. We were drinking and talking buddies, and shared much of life. I had met his brother and two sisters (and one of their boyfriends). I visited him at home in Clarkson (part of Mississauga). He was an usher at my wedding, and he had asked me to be the master of ceremonies for his. After university he got some financing and decided to be a blueberry farmer where I picked a few baskets. After awhile we drifted apart--he lived in St Williams, but after a few years I had an occasion to visit the area and dropped by his farm and was shocked that he and his wife had both died leaving two youngsters. As with Shawn this brief writing doesn't do him justice, but I don't want to forget.
Ken Taylor the Canadian ambassador to Iran at the time of the hostage taking. He was a real hero, not just a Hollywood footnote. A movie came out after "Argo" to set the story straight and restore Canadians to their real role. Ken has appeared on many tv shows and in this movie and with the extras you see what type of person he was.
In January I checked off one bucket list item--a Fado nite--at Ventura's Restaurant. For you non Portuguese a Fado night is listening to a unique style of singing. At first annoyed because the entertainment didn't start until after we had eaten our main course. However it turned out to be a good idea to more thoroughly enjoy the concert after a wonderful meal. A fairly intimate setting for the entertainment--we were two tables away from three instrumentalists and two singers. Understood very little of the words except through the emotions of the music. An enjoyable unique experience.
In March I manned a booth at the Can-Am Equine show at a new facility in Markham.--parking improvement, no big guests. I met a few customers, prospects and other booth exhibitors I drove Glenda Fordham who originally came from Perth Australia. She has a lot of experience promoting artists and musicians.
Pan Am Games in part came to Hamilton and I enjoyed one sporting event live and a bunch more on tv. see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/07/the-pan-american-games-come-to-ontario.html

My youngest sister, Jennifer got married to Charles Deal in Cambridge. Every wedding has uniqueness and this one certainly did. Starting with the minister there was a lot of humor. My Muslim sister Rebecca was allowed to make a reading which was well received. My brother Marshall took photos (except for the one to the left that he is in). Sharon made the wedding cake. The food was potluck and it turned out pretty good with an excellent variety not often found at a wedding. Many guests I did not know Lots of hugs
I went on my 8th Superwalk for Parkinson's. A bit embarrassing because I had not really pushed for donations and had my worst contribution. Walking through Gage Park I was reminded of an old friend, Don Theroux who died a year ago, but had encouraged us into a fundraiser for Gage Park. For the first time in years the fountain was flowing, partly thanks to Don's efforts.
The Royal Winter Fair is when the country meets the city. I went mainly to support selling ads for The Rider., but also as a perk of the job. Saw a few of my advertisers and learned of some future prospects. The country seems to be losing out to the city. watched part of a show with the Mounted Equine Games that showed some of the excitement horses can bring. As the announcer said the horses love to run.
Fortunately I hang out with a number of couples as they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversaries. This year we gathered to celebrate that anniversary for Rob Land and Barbara Drake. Although they went to the same high school, M.M. Robinson they didn't really get to know one another until they were thrown together during an European vacation. A lot of interesting stories were told with some great food and wine.
Technology has made it both easier and harder to save old favorite music. I am sure any of you older than about 40 can identify with my dilemma. This year made still another transition. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/02/pondering-whatever-happened-to-my-old.html
One of the enjoyable things in life is eating out. We live near James St. N and are constantly tempted. Thai Memories, Culantro Peruvian Cookery, Saltlick Smoke House, Acclamation, Wild Orchid, Ventura's, the Butcher and Vegan (mural by a favourite artist Lester Coloma). Romano's, and Limoncello were two other Hamilton restaurants I had to drive to. An old favourite, Mex-i-can was forced to re-locate, but the chef started Mesa Mexican restaurant that my Halal eating sister and I really enjoyed on James St N. While in Philadelphia we would recommend Maggiano's.
At the end of the year we like to get together with a few good friends. Talk, wine, music, tooting horns a bit.
Movies are one of my indulgences and I saw many enjoyable ones.
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/12/films-that-l-appreciated-in-2015.html
Books are another of my cravings and I was fortunate enough to read a few. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/12/my-best-reads-during-2015.html
I wrote a lot of blogs and was surprised to learn which were my top 2 blogs for 2015. Hispanic films you can read here: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/07/hispanic-cinema-spans-globe.html Basketball was such a big part of my life that I wrote a two parter and it turned out the second part got a lot of attention: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/02/my-basketball-projects-part-one.html
I hope you have pleasant memories of your past year (remember them when things aren't always so smooth). Share them and you will remember them better.
Read about the previous year here: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/01/looking-back-on-2014.html
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