Rogers is Back!

 Saturday July 9 2022

I know I’m not alone in this thinking, but just how dependent have we become on being ‘connected’? The massive Canada-wide Rogers outage of July 8 2022 has driven the point home.

Double that with our lack of available cash – and having ATM machines down as well -what do you have?

For 24 hours I was without internet, but also cell phone usage including text messaging.

If I’d been working from home I wouldn’t have been able to work, and not even been able to call into work to explain. Total loss of internet, phone and text capabilities.

Unable to access bank accounts, cash only at most retail establishments. Thinking of a friend scheduled to fly – how can you check flight status if your cell phone depends on Rogers. Oh, you have a landline? Great – but what does the other end of that call depend upon?

Thank goodness for the small transistor radio in the house, so at least we had access to the limited updates which were available.

And before you think, well, I have Bell, or another internet provider and am not affected. Are you sure about that? What if the business or service you need to connect with runs on the Rogers network, or that email you sent and are anxiously awaiting a reply to, was sent to a user on the Rogers network. The ripple effects reach far and wide.

Would love to hear how your life was impacted - please leave a comment.

Personally, as one half of Jamie Tremain, and with various writing projects on the go, I depend on the internet to keep in touch with my writing partner, but also for research and for writing. We’ve always used Google Drive in order to work collaboratively, but that’s not happening when the network crashes.

But for me, I think it’s being without phone access that is most worrisome. If I were disabled, living alone, and dependent on a cell phone for outside contact... It’s not my reality, yet, but I’m sure it has been today for far too many.

It’s made my husband and I reconsider the idea of not having a landline. Our biggest complaint today? Waiting on deliveries. Being in a highrise, means the drivers either try to call or use the lobby access code – which connects to our cell phone!  Fortunately, we have a view of the parking lot and half an hour ago, saw CanPar pull up in front of the building.  My husband took the elevator down and was in time to be handed the package we’d been waiting for. Perhaps if ‘porch pirating’ wasn’t so epidemic this wouldn’t have been such a big deal. But we’ve lost packages within minutes of them being delivered. First thing I wanted to do Friday morning was check on the status of supplies shipped via Purolator – not sure if its Friday or Saturday for delivery day! Once this is posted, I have to sift through the tsunami of email I now have to find tracking information!

I’m not a news junkie – in fact I tend to avoid it because of its relentless oppressive diet of doom and gloom, but I really felt out of the loop during this unprepared for cut-off.

Finally at 6:30 a.m. July 9, I was back in contact. First thing was to check how the disruption affected life and business. Truly a wake up call as the disruption impacted online payment systems across the country. If Rogers didn’t have a backup plan for such an event they darn well better get their eyes on one now. Even using 911 for emergency calls was not a sure thing!

As in the days when Bell Telephone had the monopoly on telephone usage, so too, Rogers, Bell and a handful of other internet providers have too much control. Another beef of mine over the years. We need more competition and hey, perhaps costs of these services would be more reasonable as well.

So much more I could say, but I have email to check!

Cheers!

Liz

Blog-Letter July 2022

 CANADA DAY!

 

 

 

 

It's Canada's Birthday today.  A fitting time and place for our thoughts on what Canada means to us.

Pam:  

One never forgets where you're born and grew up. My formative years were in Scotland and the memories I shared with my family will always be with me, but as a new immigrant to Canada in the 60s, I loved everything Canada had to offer. Yes, my husband and I were homesick from time to time and we tried to return a few years after we arrived. Nope, not happening. As the saying goes... You can never go home again. 

 

We became Canadian citizens and settled into all things Canadian. Don't get me wrong, the beauty that is Scotland and my hometown of Edinburgh takes a lot to beat. I've been to a few countries in Europe and some states in the US. Texas and Alaska stick in my mind as well as a trip to the Caribbean.

 

But you can't beat the east coast of Canada and I was not out west long enough to give an opinion, but I'll go back. It's coming home to Ontario and especially to the Greater Golden Horseshoe area where I live where I am most comfortable living. My children and grandchildren were all born here and are proud to call Canada home.

Happy Birthday Canada

Liz:

The older I become the more I appreciate this beautiful country I am blessed to call home. Is it perfect? No, and nowhere is. The tragedies finally revealed with our history of residential schools sickened and grieved me. Would I rather live anywhere else? Absolutely not. Don't get me wrong - there are places I have travelled to that I love, Virginia in America is one, and the appeal of a small English seaside town has never gone away, but this amazing country is home.

With ten provinces and three territories, our land extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north to the Arctic Ocean - that's about 9.98 million square kilometres. Our diverse population of just over 38 million people speaks to our strengths. Without immigrants, Canada would not be the country she is. My mother was an immigrant, and although my father was born here, he wasn't far removed from his immigrant ancestors either.

From hockey to Tim Horton's, to maple syrup. Celine Dion to Sandra Oh, to Donald Sutherland. And that's just scratching the surface. Accomplishments? The Canadarm, IMAX, insulin, Joe Shuster's contribution to the creation of Superman, Instant Replays (first used during a Maple Leaf Hockey game in 1955), Plexiglass, and Java computer language. 

So much to be proud of!  No list of Canadian accomplishments would be complete in Jamie Tremain's world of books without noting: Louise Penny, Thomas King, Robert Munsch, Farley Mowat.  L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables,  and Margaret Atwood's  The Handmaid's Tale continue to be "must-read books".  Read more on 100 Must-Read Books by Canadian Authors.

So Happy Birthday, Canada - I am proud to be Canadian!

 

 

Although I love this country, I sadly haven't seen a lot of it, but as for my home province of Ontario, I get around. I believe Pam has seen more of Canada than I have. On my bucket list is the East Coast - Cape Breton specifically.  And on the West - why a cruise up the coast of British Columbia to Alaska don't you know.

 

Niagara Falls in the Winter

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

A local Zehr's Canada Day Spirit in Guelph

Toronto Night Lights

Lake Huron

Cottage Life, Sparrow Lake

 

 

Before we go, an educational moment brought to you by Jamie Tremain

 

Confusing Canadian Words you may have heard and what they mean:

 

Ogopogo - Canada's Loch Ness Monster

Poutine - Addictive concoction of fries, gravy and cheese curds

Chinook -A unseasonably warm wind that descends from the Rockies

Kerfuffle - A scuffle or commotion

Trawno - A large city in Ontario  :-)

 

 

We hope, wherever you are, you enjoy a Happy, and safe, Canada Day!  The summer stretches ahead and we will be back next month with book reviews, Jamie Tremain news and more!

 

Cheers!

 

Pam & Liz

 

 

Blog-Letter June 2022

 June 1, 2022

Well hello, June!

June - still feels like the end of a school year, holding the anticipation of summer-long freedom from books and exams. Birds chirp the loudest, the greenery is lush and the days are longer. The fragrance of  freshly mowed grass is a welcome return. (Apologies to those with allergies) Maybe a summer vacation to anticipate adds to the joy of June. And winter seems so far away!

Liz's Book Reviews - Two this month!

From Chevy Stevens  - Still Missing

One of my favourite authors! I read "That Night" several years ago and was thoroughly engaged by her style of writing. So, I recently downloaded "Still Missing", not realizing it was her debut novel. What a non-stop read!  I was hooked from the very first page and went along for the ride with Annie O'Sullivan as she relived her abduction and captivity at the hands of a psychopathic monster. A brilliant tale, which I read in two sittings. It was so hard to put down.

 

How the abduction affected not only Annie but her family and friends make this a book that touches base on all our human emotions. No wonder Chevy Stevens is a New York Times Bestseller!

This month I also reviewed "The Pure World Comes" by Rami Ungar

When I was a teenager I loved gothic horror stories. The creepier the better. And I hoped this one would deliver, but sadly, I think it fell short. While there was gothic terror combined with daring science and technology of 1894 England, in my opinion, it lacked substance.

The protagonist is a young housemaid, Shirley Dobbins, employed with the Avondale family. Content enough with her station in life, her world quickly changes when she finds herself working at The Hunting Lodge, an estate outside of London, England after a family tragedy renders the Avondale heirs orphans. A mysterious uncle, Sir Joseph Hunting, comes to take his niece and nephew to live with him at his estate - Hunting Lodge. Shirley accompanies them.

She becomes involved with the baronet’s mysterious scientific project, while at the same time contending with romantic interest from Griffin Avondale.  Terrifying visions and apparitions haunt the Lodge and Shirley must put the pieces of the puzzle together to save herself and others.

During the story, Shirley’s ties with Jack the Ripper add another layer to the ghastly and gruesome events unfolding at Hunting Lodge.

The story premise is good, but it felt rushed, with not enough time spent building the gloomy, eerie suspense I had hoped for.

Still, if you like hideous scenes of gore, and an underlying awkward romance this might be for you.

    

                                                           

Pam's thoughts on June                     

"June is bustin' out all over."

 I loved singing this song at the top of my lungs. From the Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical -Carousel . I was with an amateur theatre group in my teens and this was one of my favourites as we attempted to put on the musical. 

June is certainly bustin' out in the garden and it feels long overdue. The Magnolia and other tree blossoms are superb this year. Rhododendrons and all manner of green popping up. 

I married in June and arrived in Canada in June to see the world, but here I've lived for the last fifty-six years. Stop doing the math!

June 2007 is also a significant year. Liz and I started on our collaborative journey as Jamie Tremain that year. So what do we have in store for this June to celebrate our fifteen years of working together?

We were still blondes when we started out!

A patio for lunch overlooking Lake Ontario and making plans to publish book #6. The third in our Grant's Crossing series. Editing, rewriting, beta readers' input and formatting our new baby - Acting Off-Script - A Grant's Crossing Story. We'll also decide on a book cover design with our designer extraordinaire, Jennifer Gibson.

Stay tuned for  updates on the publication date.

May 24th-28th

I attended the virtual Maple Leaf Mystery Conference last week. Liz had other plans so we'll watch the recordings together. Always eager to learn new things and listen to my fellow authors from Crime Writers of Canada.

It was great to see both old friends from past live conferences and new authors participating. There was something for everyone so kudos to the organizers of this event. I saw many familiar faces amongst the moderators and interviewers.

 A star-studded lineup shared their writing life. Maureen Jennings of  Murdoch Mysteries fame and Ian Rankin, who hails from my hometown of Edinburgh. I'm a big fan of his REBUS books and his favourite pub the Oxford bar. That's Rebus's favourite bar, I'm not sure about Ian.

Saturday afternoon was our very own Canadian maestro, Vicki Delany, the prolific author of 40 books.  Listening to her speak about her writing process was fascinating, but daunting. Very good interview.

Check their web pages and links for more information.

As awesome as this virtual platform is my hope is for a live conference in the future.

Chat in July.

Last Word from Liz:

And only because it's June, here's an appropriately themed quick and easy recipe - and oh..one which will NEVER be served at any Jamie Tremain function! However, if you might be a fan, do let us know!

SAUTEED JUNE BUGS

Ingredients:

• 12 (that's one dozen) live June Bugs
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Chili Powder

Easy Peasy Directions:

• Add the olive oil to a skillet and heat until the oil shimmers (is it afraid of the live bugs about to descend into it?)
• Toss in the June Bugs (because they are NOT going voluntarily)
• Saute for about 5 minutes, or until the screaming stops - mine not theirs
• Sprinkle with salt and chilli powder
• Garnish with fresh parsley
  
• Serve immediately (I suggest copious amounts of a good Cabernet Sauvignon as a wine pairing)

 

 

Honestly, this is a serious recipe but I couldn't resist some commentary.

Cheers?

Pam's having the last word...Yuck and more Yuck!

Blog-Letter May 2022

 May 1, 2022

Welcome to our new subscribers this month! We hope you'll enjoy keeping in touch with Jamie Tremain.

We are curious to know if any of the books highlighted in our Special Edition blog have been read? Would love to have comments!

Jamie Tremain enjoyed a super day at a local Bazaar and Craft Event yesterday. It's been more than 2 years since we were able to meet friends and new readers. We shared table time with fellow authors, Gloria Ferris and Donna Warner.  Good times and we look forward to more to come.  We were pleasantly surprised to have visits from friends not seen in far too long and it truly made the day a success.

Post event, the four of us enjoyed a lovely meal at the Breadalbane Inn in Fergus. The weather was perfect and we ended the day tired but happy.

                        

 

 

           

 

Liz's Thoughts on the Merry Merry Month of May

May can be a temperamental month. At times more like winter than spring or full-on summer heat. I can remember, as a child, heavy snowfall on Mother's Day. The snow weighed down the branches of the fruit trees in our yard, which were in full blossom. But by early afternoon, all traces of snow had disappeared.

And what's a new month without some fun facts.  Did you know:

May had a very different name in Old English. In days of yore May was referred to as the "month of three milkings". So, yes, go ahead and see if you can milk those cows thrice a day in May.

Along with being considered a bad month in which to be married, there's the Cornish superstition that buying a new broom in May is unlucky and neither should you wash your blankets either.

A personal favourite is, of course, the day that comes after May 3, or as I like to say, "May the 4th be with you."

Historically, May has been a good month for US Presidents. No President has apparently ever died in May (but I stand to be corrected).

Emeralds! The birthstone for May. Typically this stone ranges from a deep-sea green colour to lighter shades. Yellow and blue are also the colour of some emeralds.  Emeralds are symbols of fertility and rebirth. **Special note for Gloria Ferris

And of course, May celebrates Cinco de Mayo on May 5th and in North America we celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. (So this Blog-Letter should come to you in plenty of time not to forget!)

Pam's Thoughts

Pam's not thinking of anything but warmer weather. I don't mean tropical, but days where the sun on your face makes you feel good. A walk outside without a parka and boots. Why has this winter seemed so long and dreary? We've had worse winters to contend with but because of the circumstances where we've had to stay home for the good of our health and if we did go out it was with a mask. Yes, the Times are a-changing.

So, with all this time on my hands means my writing has tripled. Right? No, that's not the case. Slow and steady wins the race. But Jamie Tremain is chugging along on the third book in our Grant's Crossing series. The title is tentatively called, "Death Acts Out".

A wonderful day in the lovely town of Fergus at the Canadian Legion yesterday. The Women's Auxiliary held a Craft Bazaar - their first in more than two years.

 

 

Donna Warner   Gloria Ferris  Liz Lindsay  Pam Blance

Post Event Debriefing at the Breadalbane Inn

I love the town of Fergus, Ontario with the Grand River running through it and I will be back in August for the Scottish/Fergus Highland games. 

   

Nearly kilt in 2017  :-)

August 12 - 14 2022

 It's only an hour's drive from Toronto so hope to see you there.

JT News - 

What are we doing right now? Well, as noted by Pam, we are nearing the end of the first draft for the third book in our Grant's Crossing Series. And for fans of Dorothy Dennehy, ideas are taking shape for a new book in that series.

We're also looking forward to an in-person get-together with our Genre5 Writing Group later this month. Plans are afoot for a possible writer's retreat as a sequel to last August's fun time in cottage country. 

 

We'd love to hear your summer plans. Travel has picked up. What favourite travel destination are you longing to revisit?

Cheers!

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