2013 A YEAR TO REMEMBER

For a change I did not wait for the new year to begin sorting out what I remember of the previous year.  You can skim through it, even just look at the photos or you can link up to get more details of whatever strikes your fancy.  As usual there is a mix of good and bad.  I will not dwell too much on the bad.  While you read through the obituaries you can look to the left for my favorite highlight.  Starting off with our losses might seem depressing, but we can then better appreciate how much we can be grateful for.

It is sad to think of the people who affected our lives who died.  We lost a number of people important to us.  I would like to remember how they added to our lives.

Ellen "Nel" Drake, mother to good friends Barb and Josie.  I am reminded of her when washing dishes as she knitted some unique dish cloths, but she left much more than that.  At a memorial ceremony where relatives came up from South Carolina I learned a few more things.

Audrey Linke, mother of good friend Debbie and hostess to a few events I remember

Ron Graham, married to Judy Graham (maid of honour at our wedding) and father to two terrific women.

Steve Skerrett, married to Debbie, both of whom were friends since elementary grades of Sharon

                                                   

Eugene Fedak, a retired judge married to Grace, the sister of my late father in law, Boris Olynyk. He was host to a number of Ukrainian Christmases and family functions I enjoyed.  Also very importantly was father to Mark and Catherine.  One other thing I remember is that with some of his brothers in law he was a versatile musician.

Peter Worthington at one time was a hero of mine.  As a newspaper carrier for the Toronto Telegram I often read headline stories following him around the world.    http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/05/peter-worthington-was-boyhood-idol-of.html

Film critic,  Roger Ebert was someone I read every week and valued his judgments.  You can read more at  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/04/a-few-thoughts-on-roger-ebert.html

 

Nelson Mandela, definitely one of the greatest leaders of the past century and a model for all of us.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela.html

 

If you have never had a pet you might not appreciate what a blow it can be to lose one.  You develop an intimate relationship that outsiders can never really appreciate.  Maggie gave us joy every day.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/maggie.html

These are all losses, but also occasions to reflect on what is most important in life and what some people and animals have given us.  It is not possible to do full justice to every person or event and my failings can be at least partially attributed to my poor memory.

Early in the year I discovered the Human Library.  We go to the library to learn things and to be entertained, but really most of it is second hand.  With the Human Library you get a first hand experience meeting with real people who are illuminating role models.  The Hamilton Public Library was one of the participants.  I met a famous author (a Canada Reads winner) and a woman who helped found a horse rehabilitation association.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/01/the-human-library-and-human-carnivore.html

Cuba had provided us with an enjoyable holiday experiences three times previous and although we are always looking for new experiences we went for a 4th time.   We were surprised to be given silver wristbands in recognition of our loyalty.  There are always new experiences.  I discovered some caves with a guided tour.  Hop on buses made going into town a lot easier.  I went sailing for the first time.  Visited Josone Park for the second time, but discovered a few new features.  We had a small problem and ended up with a credit that led to our 2nd vacation http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/03/my-silver-wrist-band-visit-to-cuba.html would recommend Cuba to anyone and although the beaches are great, get out of the resorts to see the real Cuba--Havana is a very positive experience.

Can-Am in new location Orangeville.  They actually underestimated the crowds and had problems the first day providing food and other services.  Most visitors were impressed with the seminars, shows and even us exhibitors.  Met some of my advertisers and a few new prospects.

In March enjoyed Burlington Eagles Gala where they show their appreciation for volunteers and sponsors.  I am pleased to have played a small role in another of their record setting (273,000 pounds) food drive, they call the Gift of Giving Back.

Through my daughter I was aware of Moxie Fruvous and later as a regular CBC listener I was aware of Jian Ghomeshi.   The Hamilton Public Library was able invite Jian for a book promotion.   A wonderful nite out for my wife and me.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/04/a-jian-ghomeshi-encounter.htmlone of my most popular blog posts.

Doors Open Hamilton has become an annual tradition.  This year just walked, but saw a lot of buildings with interesting histories.

David, a nephew married Krista who we had met a few years prior.   The bride and her mother are both wedding planners, so you expect a good time and it was delivered--met a few relatives not seen for awhile.   David surprised Krista with a song--he doesn't have a musical background, but did have a friend who agreed to help him do a particular song.  I work only a few doors away so got to hear the secret rehearsals.  From crude beginnings I could hear it shape up better and better all the time.  His ushers took part in the  presentation.

 

New Zealand was not a place I ever fantasized about, but my son Michael had a fascination with it and when between teaching jobs really took a chance and without knowing anyone he traveled there and applied for a job.  I can now appreciate that he made a very good choice.  For Sharon and I it was literally a trip of a lifetime, not just because of what we saw, but because of the family nature of it.  It has been many years since we dragged Michael and his sister Heather on our idea of a vacation, but this time we shared in Michael's idea.  Not that we didn't have a lot of freedom to pursue our own fancies, but that once he understood our interests he helped direct us and very often took us.  We met Laura his girl friend and she was very supportive of our vacation, driving us on her own to several locations while Michael worked.  On our second week, the four of us took a 1600 kilometer trip around the North Island that has left a lot of memories.

I have written a lot about many aspects of the trip and would like to point to my blogs for those who like reading about far away places and how they connect to what they are familiar with.  Our time in Auckland at http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/07/new-zealand-part-1.html  our 1600 kilometer trip around the North Island http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/07/new-zealand-part-2.html and for my most popular blog of the year, with a summary and comparisons with Canada http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/07/new-zealand-odds-ends.html

Peter married my mother in law, Florence some 15 years ago and has really added something to the family.  We celebrated his 90th birthday with friends and relatives.  More about Peter:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/06/peter-is-still-kicking-at-90.html

I was familiar with the Fringe Festival, but had never attended one. This year Heather got involved with her friend Stephanie Lampman.  For me a weird topic -Zombies.  When we handed in our tickets we bought a plastic rain coat.  We had been warned that blood would be spurting into the audience.  The play actually won an award.  --after this I became aware I had met with Heather's friend, Stephanie years ago at a networking meeting.

The Art Crawl held the second Friday of each month is an event I managed to attend most months.  It is expanding in exhibitors, music and restaurants.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/08/james-st-north-art-crawl-is-progressing.html

The Supercrawl has been getting better and better every year.  Within easy walking distance.  --each year progresses in one way or another  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/09/hamiltons-fifth-supercrawl.html

I spend a lot of time reading.  This year I shifted to a greater emphasis on fiction books  I love finding a book that really engages me.  That is a very personal process, but you might enjoy going over my list of favorites to explore some possibilities.  Many of my choices came from investigating various lists and listening to suggestions by others. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/books-that-impacted-me-in-2013.html

Movies are condensed stories with special effects.  We are all a little different in what we enjoy, but often are limited by what we are aware of.  Again I have benefited from the ideas of others and offer my experience for you to consider for your own pursuit of enjoyment.  From over 246 movies here is my year end review, http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/movies-worth-sharing-from-2013.html

As I get older I appreciate the arts more and consider food as art.  Some satisfying and memoroable restaurant visits were to Sokratis, 2 picks by Heather,  Rapscallion and Memphis Fire BBQ, Wild Orchid, Acclamation, Jack and Lois, Culantro Peruvian Cookery, Ben Thanh.   In New Zealand Beijing Duck and Delicious in Auckland, Thai Restaurant in Rotorua, Kristi's Cafe in Whanganui, in Shannon.  In Cuba restaurants, a few of the fixed menu restaurants were noteworthy, Natura and La Galena.  A few new discoveries were Kiwi meat pies, Turkish, Maylaysian,  and lamb on our trip to New Zealand.

Christmas holidays were special as Michael came from New Zealand.  Went to a Raptor game and they won scoring over 100 points (i.e. free pizza slice).  We went to Wayne Gretzky's restaurant, one of the few restaurants where you can order perogies and curried lamb burger (both were delicious).

OKD had another good year.   The Rider made progress and appears to be getting set for the inter net future.

I finished my high school education in Haliburton, a cottage area. Heather discovered cottages as did Lexie.

I posted 70 blogs, got a few comments from all over the world.  Plan to do better this year.

All in all lots of wonderful memories.  Looking forward to 2014.

going back to 2012 with a spectacular photo at the top:
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/01/2012-in-hindsight.html

THE HUMAN LIBRARY AND HUMAN CARNIVORE EXPERIENCE

My past Saturday may be of interest if my experiences were brand new for you or may not be of interest if they are old hat to you or you don't care if you ever do such things.

Cheating a little bit I did have a preview of the Human Library and wrote a little bit about it in a newsletter.  The Human Library was given a promotional run at the most recent art crawl.  It was a strange concept, but I realized that it had a lot of potential.

What is a Human Library?  Think about why do you go to the library in the first place.  To gain some knowledge and some enjoyment.  You pass by interesting people every day, but you are pressed for time and a little inhibited from stopping them to have a little chat.  The Human Library is really a conversation with an interesting person with admittedly a time limit (it goes too fast).  The conversation can go in different directions, but you can initiate your own questions based on your own curiosity.  Sounds like a good reason to visit the library.

This past Saturday the Hamilton Public Library organized over 10 humans at each of 4 branches.    I had lots of interesting choices and wished I had more time.  Picture sitting down on two chairs around a table surrounded by other readers and human books.  Well, it doesn't have to be that way.  You can walk around the library and find a more private place which I and many others did.

Because I work with The Rider I chose one woman who although disabled had ridden horses.  My ignorance of riding is profound although I talk to riders almost every day trying to squeeze an ad out of them.  Disabled riding is part of The Rider's coverage and I had a vague idea about it, but my human resource gave me a better understanding.  For starters there are a variety of disabling situations.  My contact had a form of rheumatoid arthritis at an early age, by which time she had already formed an intense involvement with horses.  A good thing too, because to maintain her involvement she had to overcome obstacles and eventually she shared her interest and her education with others to help form a group offering riding as a therapy for disabled people in her area.  I learned that adults as well as youngsters who have become disabled are welcome for equine disabled rehabilitation therapy and it can have benefits at any age.

Many of them had no background with riding but came to understand it had a lot of benefits.  One was the simple ability to improve their balance because of the demands of merely staying on a horse.  My information source pointed out that as they practice, their self esteem was boosted because although they have had trouble moving around, they now are able to control a thousand pound horse.

Our conversation veered in other directions.   I know people who have had knee replacements, but I learned a few more details.  We actually got into library concerns and again I got an interesting perspective.

My next human book turned out to be a famous author.  At least famous to me as I had actually bought one of his books (usually I read library or borrowed books).  We didn't talk so much about the inspiration for books as how publishing contracts work and books are promoted.  After a struggling author (who usually has a day job) finally gets acceptance enough to get a book published they then seek out a contract.  One point my source emphasized was that there is always a deadline.  One of his books (the one that I had bought) was given a lot of slowly developing interest through book clubs.  Book clubs come in all shapes and sizes (I will be checking this out), some very formal and others just a group of book reading housewives that just like to discuss what books are worth reading.  This is the true word of mouth and my writer contact with earlier books had gone this route and learned that it paid off for later books.

What is he up to now?  He is working on a novel, a non fiction book and also on a screen play for the book I had read.  The screen play will be in the form of a mini series which as we both agreed is a much better way to adapt a book than a two hour movie.  Something not to be  missed

Our conversation got into inter-racial and inter-ethnic relations and I admit there was a bit of self examination on my part.  A few general exchanges that gave me a better idea of a man who writes books I enjoy.  I will be reading more.

Going back to my preview experience with an older woman Human resource who did disclose her age which was enough to have had a long interesting life.  She had been an entertainer for many decades and had crossed paths of some very interesting people including Richard Nixon and Frankie Laine (someone a college colleague greatly admired).  We got off on different topics.  I was very impressed with her poise.  She told me of her personal life that was interesting as well.


The same night as the Human Library my daughter Heather steered my wife and I to Rapscallion,  It is uniquely for meat lovers.  I may not quite qualify as a heavy meat eater, but it was fascinating the wide variety of meat products offered.  In fact it was pointed out that I ate more than my fair share and I plead guilty.

We had many helpful explanations of what we could choose.  They believe in experimenting and changing their menu.

We started off with a chacuterie which included a sampling of 7 different meats with some bread and pickled hors d'oeuvres.   I learned that they make their own bread and condiments which added to the enjoyment.

For our entrees we chose tongue n cheek, Korean beef and roasted bone marrow.

I chose the roasted  bone marrow as it had been spoken of on a radio show I had listened to.  It had a very rich taste softened a little by the accompanying bread.  It was served in the form of vertical bones with a utensil to scoop out the marrow and bread, salt and grainy mustard.

They weren't kidding they like to experiment and I found myself being a guinea pig.   One day after Robbie Burns day where my only celebration had been to wear a tartan tie I felt obligated to try the haggis.  My experience with Haggis is very limited, but their version was easy to take even on an already full stomach.  After my verdict they offered it on a chalk board which is how they introduce new menu items.

You are often advised to leave room for dessert and in truth it sounded so unique I stretched the point a little.  Our choice was  a croissant with maple, chocolate and  chunks of bacon. As was emphasized this is a place for meat lovers.  It was too good to miss.

I decided to order wine and they gave me 3 choices of house wines.  I chose a Malbec and now I will be looking for this particular brand as it was well chosen on their part.

New experiences are a way of celebrating life





The top photo is one I took at the preview during the art crawl.  The other photos are from Heather that includes the Korean beef, tongue n cheek, the roasted marrow bone and the haggis.  The logo with the pig is from Rapscallion, in Hamilton  (John St S) and for meat lovers only I highly recommend it.