The Real John Davidson: 2025 a year to remember

Looking Back on 2025

Every year brings new memories. That is mainly what we are: memories. So we should enjoy them.

A new member joined our family, Gracie Pearl born on June 8th. Here she is with her grandmother Nanny Lorri and auntie Sharon.

The year started off with a wedding we were waiting for. We watched it on Zoom starting about 11:30 pm Friday, January 24th while it happened about 5:30 pm on Saturday, January 25th near Auckland, New Zealand. Freezing outside for us, but beautiful summer day by the ocean in New Zealand. So we gained a beautiful daughter in law, Gherelyne. Past students, Dodgeball athletes and Gherlyne's friends were present for their vows. The best line came from the bride For video check https://www.facebook.com/groups/1293912541849289
.

In the Dead of Winter at Merit Brewery is enjoyed again thanks

to Heather and Laura.

This year we decided to combine our anniversary with Valentine's Day--beside I am scheduled for laser eye surgery just after our anniversary.

Jack turns one and can't believe he can eat the cake by hand.

We enjoyed "Blue Birds" at Burlington Little Theatre with a star Jennifer Graham, a friend of ours.

Starting in March I started procedures for cataract surgery and before the end of May I had new vision. Colors are more vivid and my range of viewing has widened. The photo illustrates that I can now better appreciate nature's art. I don't need glasses for walking about, sometimes I forget to wear them and other times I grab them when I don't need them. Sunglasses actually cause problems as my glasses take care of the sun. I would like to thank Dr. Brian J. Chan for his skill and Dresden Vision for setting me up. After our first snowfall I can say snow sparkles.

In May we went on a Jane's Walk around the Whitehern mansion.

part of a luxurious complex build for the McQuesten family

Father's Day at Pintoh

Festitalia mural

Anthony Nino Lane Band

Canada Day at a Blue Jays game

Canadian Air Force Jet flyover

Blue Jays beat the Yankees--first Canada Day victory in several years.

We missed the wedding (except for Zoom), but were able to give a reception for the bride and groom.

Visited the Ed Mirvish Theatre with Michael & Gherelyne who bought tickets for "Beetlejuice" Two restaurants rounded out the day.

Visiting Heather and Laura and Fenway.

Jack couldn't believe he could eat the whole cake without a spoon or fork

In April we saw "Fully Committed atTheatre Aquarius

A trip to Port Dover. Used to be a regular thing before Covid. We loved the Lighthouse Theatre and the plays of Norm Foster. In late July we made a day of it. Two plays by Norm Foster; "My Narrator" and "The Death of Me" see more: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/09/norm-foster-bard-of-cottage-country.html A few other details fell in place.

Shai Gilgeus-Alexander had a great year in the NBA as top scorer, regular season MVP and Playoff MVP. He is very pleased to thank Hamilton. Here he is at a rally with Ron Foxcroft, the inventor of the Fox 40 Whistle and Mayor Andrea Horvath. Basketball has been a big part of my life. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/my-60-year-love-affair-with-basketball.html

One day we noticed a group (gaggle) of Canadian geese walking across James Street, stopping traffic and going along the path by the park on Strachan Street. We didn't quite understand what they were doing, but they marched there most days. Then we noticed there is an apple tree in the park. They have developed a taste for apples.

Supercrawl was bigger than ever.

Our neighbor Luke, head of Born Ruffians showed us another side of him we had not seen. Very enjoyable.

A new mural at Wilson and James. See more at: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/more-murals-in-hamilton-ontario-2025.html


Mural over old Eaton Centre

Special treat outside Henry's

Ismaila Alfa was at the CBC booth. He had interviewed me a few years ago. A story I remembered was when he came from Nigeria to Canada he was enrolled in a hockey league and for a traditional father-son game his father had ever skated so his mother substituted and scored the only goal.

The Time Capsule seen at Theatre Aquarius.

Hamilton Day with Bill King walk

Terry Fallis appeared at the Hamilton Public Library. I had read his most recent book http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/10/the-marionette.html

Traditional birthday celebration at Mandarin chosen by Emma.

In November I got a chance to make a presentation to our local M.P., Aslama Rana for electoral reform on behalf of Fair Vote Canada

Traditionally we have ended our year with a party. The origins of this tradition goes back a few decades. As a younger couple we spent New Years Eve going to some sort of party and that inevitably involved drinking and driving. Then we decided it might be in our selfish best interest to host a party. Sharon loves to bake, cook and plan social gatherings and she is as good as a professional. Waiting for the count down we ate, drank, talked and played a version of Pictionary. For the drinking we have been offering non alcoholic choices and they car pool and have a designated driver. For me it is a good time to get together with some friends and I especially like my sister, Rebecca to come all the way from Brossard, Quebec.and help set up the party.

The hostess, Sharon.

One last bit about traditions. It was my daughter Heather who encouraged me to start a blog and after a bit she gifted me a book about time management that suggested if you wanted to have positive outcomes you should focus on your good moments. 2025 had more than a few good moments.

People I will miss who have provided good moments in my past.

Chuck Mangione.

I stumbled on him playing with the radio dial in my twenties and hit a Rochester, New York station. Was lucky enough to attend some concerts and bought a few albums. Very much still enjoy listening to his music.

Bill Moyer was known from his tv. shows where he always seemed the calmest news commentator. His views were not only similar to mine but were a guidance.

Graham Greene Noted Canadian actor.

Ken Dryden was a noted hockey goalie including for the Montreal Canadians who won several Stanley Cups with him in the goal and Team Canada. He then went on to become a lawyer, a politician and a spokesman for many progressive causes. A personal connection was that I delivered the Etobicoke Guardian to his family home and met his father.

Dr. Jane Goodall was best known as an animal lover and an environmentalist see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/10/jane-goodall-and-her-famous-last-words.html

Rob Reiner was one of a few Hollywood celebrities that died in 2025, but his brutal death stands out. I watched "All in the Family" and his character seemed like a lazy liberal. Surprised to see his name associated with some good movies. Not so surprised to see he was very much a fair minded liberal, but not lazy.

Restaurants are still one of the joys of life. We enjoyed Pintoh, Scadabush (Toronto), Caro, Seasoned, Mikaela's Kitchen, Charred (recently re-opened after a fire), Eem Khao, Mesa, 211 Main St. (Port Dover), Bonito's Pizzeria and Gelato, May Coffee and Cakes, Electric Diner, Mulberry Cafe, Mandarin

My readings for 2025: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/books-read-for-2025.html

English speaking films seen in 2025, some of which you may seen http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/english-speaking-films-seen-in-2025.html

Foreign films seen in 2025 with a lot of treasures: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/foreign-language-films-for-2025.html

My second most popular blog: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/05/abundance.html

My third most popular blog: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/the-anxious-generation.html

Check last year, 2024 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/2024.html