The Moonshine Cafe

Sunday afternoon at the Moonshine Cafe, Kerr Village in Oakville was the venue for the launch of Vicki Delany’s new mystery More Than Sorrow. Vicki read from her book, a modern Gothic suspense while the audience ate pizza and samosas and quaffed G & T’s or your libation of choice. Books were for sale along with a cheery note from the author. A good time was had by all.

Vicki telling us not to have too many G & T's.

Vicki reading from More than Sorrow.

Vicki and Pam

Michelle Patterson, Pam Blance, Liz Lindsay and 

Susan Agnew

Yes, There was a fire sale on glasses with dark frames!! Only Susan is young enough to go without.

The lovely Linda Simmons

And last but not least is Jamie Tremain

AKA as Pam Blance and Liz Lindsay

Its been another glorious w/e although cooler. This is much to my liking. The trees are slowly turning a lovely golden colour and should be in full autumn glory by the time my friend arrives from Scotland on Oct 2nd for a visit.  I will endevour to keep to my writing schedule as we have a deadline of the first week in December for THE BOOK to got to market. Enjoy this beautiful time of year and if you need a good book pick up Vicki Delany's More than Sorrow. I know what I will be reading tonight.

Talk soon,
Slainte

Pam

Cruising the Grand

What a beautiful day to spend a few hours slowly cruising up and down a small section of the Grand River near Caledonia Ontario.   We arrived just before 11:00 a.m. and enjoyed a coffee and muffin, then viewed a video presentation of the history of the Grand River in Southwestern Ontario - from its humble beginnings in the highlands of Dufferin County to its entrance into Lake Erie, almost 300 kilometres from start to finish.    Then we were treated to a live performance from The Blazing Fiddles – an energetic and enthusiastic group, playing violins, cello and piano.  My favourite was a medley from The Sound of Music and when Edelweiss was being played it wasn’t long before a gentle undercurrent of voices from the two hundred or so folks in the room softly joined the strings’ refrain.   Fortunately the group have just released a new CD, which was later played in the car on the way home.   Take a moment to view their website and if you’re a fan of violins I'm sure you’ll enjoy their music.

Then it was time to board our vessel – The Grand River Princess. One of a fleet of three boats owned and operated by Grand River Dinner Cruises. The theme song from Gilligan’s Island greeted us.   If I remember correctly the boat was approximately sixty feet in length and about twenty two across.  We were served a full roast beef dinner and could either sit inside or enjoy the view from outside on the promenade deck.  If you’re looking for something a little different and live in or visit this part of Ontario it’s worth the drive.  And I look forward to a return trip next year.

The only downer to the day was discovering my camera was not working and most of the photos are useless.  I’d really wanted one or two to post with this blog.  Although the trees haven't yet started showing their fall colours, there were herons and even a pair of egrets to capture digitally.  Beautiful willows and other trees hanging at the river’s edge, their roots like elongated toes dipping so daintily into the water.  Mostly blue skies with a scattering of small clouds meant enjoying the warmth of the sun when sitting on the deck.  Our captain/tour guide provided commentary when needed, but mostly it was very peaceful as we drifted slowly along the river.  Now that the height of summer has passed, water traffic has diminished, but no doubt a few weeks ago it was a much noisier place.   One or two solitary fishermen dotted the shoreline at times and a Labrador retriever was enjoying a swim as his master waited on shore.

All in all a lovely start to a week’s vacation and I’ll not complain that the higher temperatures have moved on – love the cooler nights and being able to snuggle under covers while enjoying the fresh air.

On a side note, I’m finally enjoying the third instalment in the Millenium series – The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.  And as it’s a read I’m finding hard to put down, that’s where I’m headed now. 

Cheers!

Liz

Labour Day Weekend

Or as we usually think of it...the end of summer!

Never mind January 1, I still find myself in a New Year frame of mind when Labour Day rolls around again. Who knew those few years spent in the school system would leave such a lasting impression? So its more than appropriate that I find myself ready, and even somewhat anxious, to get back in the writing mode again.   As Pam mentioned we took a short breather - at my request.  So feeling refreshed, and with a new sense of purpose I feel more in the write frame of mind than a few weeks ago.

Yesterday found me strolling around the Paris (Ontario) Fairgrounds.  Love watching the horses – such beautiful noble creatures.  Wandered around a display of poultry for a while.  Wow, I never realized the diversity and size of chickens which abound.  I have to admit not being able to distinguish a Bantam from a Leghorn, but certainly admired the display of size and feather colourings.  The clucking and crowing was non-stop – and then the fowl started up as well.  Ducks and geese were also on view.  And that other mainstay of agricultural fairs – the crafts and homemade foods and preserves, along with an assortment of unique vegetables rounded out the displays.  The Fair looked to be well attended, no doubt the beautiful sunny day helped.

My sister and her husband have made the move from downtown Toronto to Oakville which makes me happy and more inclined to go for visits.  I’ll drive any highway, but downtown Toronto makes me shudder!  Their new location is an easy stop on the way home from work and not far from where Pam lives.  Pam and I are planning to take her with us to Vicki Delany’s book launch – More Than Sorrow -  later this month in Oakville as well.

This weekend also means the good news learned of an old friend moving into the neighbourhood.  I was delighted to learn (through Facebook – where else?) that a former co-worker and friend whom I’d lost touch with several years ago is moving into the complex where I live.  Welcome to the neighbourhood, Lori!   I'm looking forward to hooking up with her and catch up on what’s been happening with our lives over the past years.  We used to attend a reading group together as well and share a love of reading.

Earlier this month I consulted with my doctor over concerns that I’ve had with my sleeping, or lack of.  Tired of being tired, and based on comments from those who’ve heard – or been subjected to - my sleeping, I decided it was time to see if I’ve got a sleep disorder.  So an evening with the sleep clinic has been arranged and I’ll give your more details on that after it’s done.  Pam, there’s hope yet that I may regain energy to pick up the pace on writing J

So that’s what’s been happening with this half of Jamie Tremain.  Did some revising earlier today and sent to Pam for review – I’ve made a commitment to Pam (and myself) for a minimum time spent on writing throughout the week.  But for now, it’s time to enjoy the remainder of this Labour Day weekend.

Cheers!

Liz