Toronto’s Christmas night

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Before being pre-empted by my Christmas eve wanderings, the plan had been to wander the downtown core on Christmas evening (Dec 25th, to avoid confusion).

Memories new and old

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With nothing to do on Christmas Eve and no family to prepare for, I decided to visit my grandparents, who currently reside in the ultimate retirement village: St. John’s Norway Cemetery. And, of course, what is a family get-together without pictures.

 

Be aware of the dangers of having Canadian friends

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Who knew the Toronto Marlies had such reach

Ned's Blog's avatarNed's Blog

imageI have several good blogger friends who are Canadians. I realize that many of you are now slowly shaking your head with that “I told you so” expression.

But I really try not to judge people or their cultures, no matter how strange or foreign they seem to me.

For the record, I have friends from southern California, too.

But let’s get back to Canada, where my friend and humour (see how I spelled that?) blogger Randall Willis resides. In Toronto, Ontario actually. I’d give you his exact address but it resembles the coordinates for a Space Shuttle landing. I’m not sure why Canadians use all those numbers and letters, but I’m guessing it has something to do with the metric system. All I know is it would take me longer to put the address into my car’s GPS system than it would to drive aimlessly until I found him by…

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12 Days of Gratitude – Honourable Mentions

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13 days

I have the great fortune to be surrounded by love and support from a variety of sources. But with that boon comes the curse of trying to select only 12 people for whom I am grateful.

And I failed…because I now present you with the handful of souls who didn’t make the original list but who I cannot NOT thank and honour. You all mean the world to me.

Mike & Lee

Mike & Lee: Truly devoted friends who ask nothing and offer everything.

Victoria

Victoria: Always quick with a supportive smile, heart-warming giggle and welcoming spirit.

Marlies

Marlies family: Collective chaos and maniacal wit with as many facets as faces. (not all members shown here)

Asmara

Asmara: A glowing spirit who befriends all.

Mike & Nana

Mike: The buddy for when you need to bury a body, no questions asked. Devoted friend, father, husband.

agah

Agah: Debate master and brother-man from another motherland, all packaged with devotion and dedication

12 Days of Gratitude – Leela

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Leela

This is Leela, a woman who could easily have occupied all 12 slots in this countdown.

A woman of many passions and indecisions, she easily ranks as my best friend, my confidante, and likely the only one who truly understands my soul…probably better than I do. No matter what I accomplish in life, in times of my greatest darkness, or when I simply need a soothing voice, Leela is the person to whom I turn first. And I hope I offer even a smidgen of the same to her.

It can take some effort to get to truly know Leela, but the rewards of doing so make any effort seem insignificant.

 

(Part Twelve of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)

12 Days of Gratitude – Me

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I’d like to introduce you to…well…me. I’m a true Renaissance man…and by that, I mean someone who under the best of conditions feels about 500 years old.

I’m a writer, scientist, photographer, comedian, puppeteer and hockey fanatic; and yet, despite having a lot in common with me, I have not always been my biggest fan. No matter how well I succeeded in life, I always thought I could do better, or that I would be discovered and shunned as a fraud. Well, screw me!

Now, I recommend that as many of you get to know me as possible…I’m pretty damned cool!

 

(Part Eleven of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)

12 Days of Gratitude – Alayna

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Alayna

This is my friend Alayna. For every reason that I told you Ned was a good man, Alayna defines what it is to be a good woman.

Friend, mother, wife, educator, nut-bar, science nerd: all qualities that make Alayna a very special woman, someone who blesses my life with every witticism and wise-crack. Buried behind a veneer of sarcasm is a passionate soul who is both demanding of and deeply dedicated to others.

To know Alayna is to have your life enriched, your mind expanded and your passions empowered (and sometimes your ass kicked).

 

(Part Ten of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)

12 Days of Gratitude – Kevin (different one)

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Kevin

I’d like to introduce you to my friend Kevin…no, not Sweetums from a couple of days ago…this is a different Kevin, although just as loving and sweet.

Despite not knowing each other for more than a handful of years, Kevin has welcomed me into his life, opening his heart to me in a beautiful sign of trust. Playmate, jokester, nerd-boy, gentle crusader; Kevin’s gifts know no bounds.

It is well worth trying to get to know this gentle soul who offers so much love and understanding to an oft hardened world.

P.S. If Kevin is reading this, he just raised an eyebrow and smiled.

 

(Part Nine of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)

12 Days of Gratitude – Nicholas

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Nicholas

This is my friend and soul mate Nicholas, a man who is more of a character than the puppets he brings to life.

From the moment of our first meeting, Nicholas and I have been kindred spirits, finishing each other’s sentences, flubbing each other’s jokes. When Nicholas embraces you into his heart, you know that you are loved and that you will never have to face any challenge alone.

Make the effort to meet the many faces of Nicholas and experience the true definition of kindness.

P.S. You can also learn more about Nicholas’ strange afflictions on his web site: Lemon Productions Inc.

(Part Eight of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)

12 Days of Gratitude – Derek

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Derek

I’d like you to meet my friend Derek (the tall one), although the word “friend” seems too small, while buddy, pal and fellow-reprobate don’t quite fit either.

Although Derek and I have no blood ties, he is easily a brother to me, a constant companion for the last 20 years or so; a man who enjoys a good laugh, a quick pint (or several) and a jovial nod and wink.

If you ever get the chance, come say hello to Derek and see how quickly he invites you to the perpetual party that is his life.

 

(Part Seven of my 12 Days of Gratitude…because the rest of the news sucks)