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For Gord
May 3, 2009

I am just recently getting back to my usual way of life, which is going to include h2g2 again. Through many trials and tribulations, I just haven't had too much time.

On Feb 9, 2009 I lost my husband to a heart attack. Gord and I had been married 25 years, and he raised my son to be an amazing man. We had a good, solid marriage, lots of good times, and lots of laughs.

I met Gord when we were teenagers, left to join the Canadian Navy when I was 18, and we naturally drifted apart. Nineteen years later we were married, and he took on The Kid.

Throughout our married life we hunted and fished together, camped out, built and flew kites, took up lapidary, enjoyed the same books and movies, and, of course, enjoyed our computer.

Now I am carrying on alone. Gord expected The Kid and I to be strong, and to honour him, that's what we have to be. I'm adjusting to being on my own, which is being a trial, but I'll be just fine. My inner strength is greater than even I realized.

I will always love Gord, and miss him sorely, but I still have a future, and I'm planning for that, and getting on with my life.

Rest well, Dear - know you were always loved.

(No replies)

Its Really Cold in Winnipeg!
Feb 3, 2007

Its the equivalent of -43C in Winnipeg today. We've decided on hibernation for the next 2 days, its just too cold to go out. I'm making a beef stew for supper, we have a supply of movies to watch, and we're just staying in where its warm. I've already refused to go to Tai Chi today, and there's no other reason to go out for the next 2 days. No one needs to tell me *but its a dry cold* - a typical Winnipeg saying. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE - COLD'S COLD. The bears have the right idea - sleep till Spring.

(No replies)

Visiting Grandpa's Grave
Oct 1, 2003

For the first time in my life, Sunday, we went out to Brookside Cemetary to visit my maternal Grandfather's grave. He was Richard Wilkinson, and is buried in the Soldiers' plots, a World War I soldier. Grandpa died before I was born. We found it easily, with a map, and I noted his official number so I can get his military record. I wasn't prepared for how emotional this exercise was. I thought it would be just a nice thing to do, visit the grave, and see that it was taken care of. Its beautiful and peaceful there. Now that I've found the grave, I'll visit again.

(No replies)

November 11/02
Nov 11, 2002

CANNED FANNY

This is a legend I read about in an old Royal Navy text. When tinned foods were first introduced, the Royal Navy got ahold of a canned meat. The introduction of this into the rations, coincided with the death and dismemberment of a child named Fanny, in London, as I remember. Sailors being sailors, and finding nick-names for most things Pusser (belonging to the Navy), named this, aparently horrible delicacy, Canned Fanny. The name was so widely used, it made its way into the text under the title of Navy Expressions.

(4 replies, Latest reply: Nov 12, 2002)

Butter Tarts
Apr 4, 2001

A truly Canadian treat, this recipe is passed down for generations in my family:
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cream or milk
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg well beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat egg well, add brown sugar gradually and beat after each addition. Add milk, raisins, and vanilla and mix well.

Line muffin tins with pastry, fill each shell 2/3 full. Bake 8 min. in 400 degree oven, then reduce to 350 degrees till pastry is delicately brown. This makes roughly 24 tarts.

(1 reply, Latest reply: Nov 8, 2002)