Our Message Archive
October 2023
Sunday October 29
The sanctuary during the visitation
Gran's funeral took place yesterday at 2 pm at Grace United Church which Edna and Jack attended for decades and is also where Ann and I were married. There was a visitation in the hour before the service and a light lunch afterwards in one of the church reception rooms. Hannah and young John gave a eulogy together as did Martha and Ann. There were also scripture readings from the Bible and the Quran by James, Katy, Oumar and young John. We estimated that about 50 people would attend but I counted 75 during the visitation. The service was also streamed live and about a dozen people attended that way.
Young John rented a car in Ottawa on Friday and drove Lizz, Morgan and James to Sarnia arriving in the evening. Katy, Ben and the boys also drove down on Friday arriving in the late afternoon. They stayed in the Korpan's house across the street which was kindly offered to us by their daughter Margo. Katy and Ben left this morning and John will head back to Ottawa tomorrow with Lizz, Morgan and James. Ann and I also plan to leave tomorrow morning.
After the service was over, we all congregated at Gran's house and grazed on the copious amounts of food that had been donated by friends and neighbours as well as the leftovers from the lunch. Our friend Nancy came down from Barrie to attend the service and stayed with us overnight.
The obituary is available at the Smith Funeral Home web site.
Hannah and John's Eulogy
Today, John and I will be speaking on behalf of all the grandchildren, we were fortunate to have had so many memories over the years with her and would like to share some of those memories today.
Gran was a very practical, dependable and pragmatic grandmother. She wasn't one for grand displays of emotion and declarations of love but she always showed her love and care for us through her actions. Gran was there for us in so many little ways. She wouldn't hesitate to make us a homemade birthday cakes each year, regardless of the complexity of the grandkids request. Mike can specifically remember one year she made a dinosaur shaped Rice Krispie cake. She also made Jamilah cakes in the shape of Cinderella and Dora the Explorer. While she was usually very health conscious, our birthday cakes were the exception to the rule. She would always cover them with ample amounts of our favourite candy (and some leftover on the side).
Staying over at Gran's house always meant a reliable routine, and we all have fond memories of sleepovers at Gran's. Most of the grandkids can recall that the bedtime routine usually involved a hot bath followed by bedtime stories. Gran could be convinced to read at least two or three stories before we had to sleep; Mike remembers fondly being read the Grand Old Duke York but we also read many different Robert Munsch books and other classics.
The next morning we were usually woken up to the smell of Gran making pancakes and the sound of CBC radio playing in the background. Her pancakes were so delicious that you would try to see how many you could finish in a sitting — Mike's record was 13.
There were also many quiet moments spent with Gran. Some of our most cherished moments were spent in the sunroom or the porch as Gran would call it. We spent many days chatting, playing cards, bird watching, reading the newspaper, doing a sudoku, or just listening to the sound of the rain on the roof. She also shared her love of card games among her grandchildren, teaching us how to play them and could usually be convinced to play a hand or two after a meal. This included hearts, go fish, old maid, solitaire — but we could never match her skill level in bridge.
In adults, dependability is the fruit of maturity; in a child, it is the seed. Whenever we needed her, she was there. If one of the Dent grandchildren would miss the bus or had an after-school activity, Gran didn't mind playing whatever role was needed at the time. This included chauffeur, cook, chaperone or audience member. John remembered that no matter how much notice she had, she would always be excited to see us and have snacks ready. Our impromptu visits never bothered her. Rachel remembers a time where she showed up to Gran's at 11pm with stuff for Gran's freezer because it wouldn't fit in hers. Rachel and Gran had some hot chocolate and visited as if showing up at 11pm wasn't at all odd or inconvenient.
She also supported our independence, making sure that eventually we would be able to stand on our own by guiding us and helping us to prepare for whatever life had in store for us. Whenever a new grandchild was entering university, she would scour the garage sales in the summer, making sure that we had the basics we needed for our first apartment or dorm room. Mike can remember Gran picking him up a vacuum from the Church garage sale, and Lizz still has plates and cookware that Gran got for her.
It was common knowledge how much Rachel loved Gran's cookies, so it was quite funny when Rachel turned 16 and Gran decided Rachel was now old enough to start making her own cookies. So instead of the usual jar of chocolate chip cookies she would make special for Rachel, she gifted Rachel empty cookie tins from then on with a sticky note that Gran would help her make them.
She also deeply cared for our health and wellbeing in a way that only a nurse can. From always prioritizing healthy foods in our lunches and snacks, reminding us to eat our fruits instead of drinking them, to making sure we were outside playing instead of in front of the television. When John walked on a broken foot for a week, Gran took the initiative to get me X-rayed and in a cast when no one else would. Gran always led by example with her health. She kept her mind sharp with sudoku and crosswords and her body healthy with aquafit classes and a healthy diet. Gran taught us that your mental and physical health is a lifelong pursuit and her 94 years with us is a testament to that pursuit, and one that we're all deeply grateful for. She maintained her independence and her intellect until the very end and that investment in herself gave us so many amazing years and pristine memories of her including the rare blessing of meeting two of her great-grandkids.
Gran strove to invest in our growth as people and fostered a love of the arts & culture in all of her grandkids. When Katy was old enough to visit by herself, Gran always had a special outing planned. This included visits to Buxton to visit the historic sites, going to Stratford to see a play, or going to London for dinner. Each of grandkids has at least one memory of going to see a play or symphony with Gran — whether at the Sarnia Imperial Theatre, Stratford, or the Petrolia Playhouse. We are all so thankful she took the time to share her appreciation of the arts with us — we hope to carry this tradition on with her in mind. On top of these experiences, Gran always thoughtfully picked out books for us at every birthday and Christmas, even with 10 grandkids she always took the time to consider each of our interests and get us something tailored to us. Gran always wanted us to learn and grow into well-rounded adults with an appreciation for the full spectrum of the human experience including arts, literature, and sports.
Gran also taught us the value of civic duty and modeled public service throughout her life not only in her long career as a public health nurse but also in so many community-oriented endeavours like the Inn of the Good Shepherd and the Church. On some occasions she would take her grandkids with her to the soup kitchen to help serve meals to those in need. It was hard work on a what was supposed to be a day off but I will always cherish the memories and remember how Gran taught me the value of giving back to the community. In addition to her acts of service, she donated to so many charitable causes including Doctors without Borders and the Red Cross.
Now I'd like to thank you all for coming here today, Gran would appreciate that, since friends and family were always extremely important to her. She would be so happy to see all of us gathered together in these hard and sad times, comforting each other, and remembering her. Above all, Gran always believed in celebrating life and she gave us so much life to celebrate. The best way we can honour her memory is by sharing our cherished memories and gathering to celebrate her wonderful, long and deeply meaningful life. From all my heart, thank you all.
Martha and Ann's Eulogy
Thank you all for being here, including those of you joining us on live stream.
"I've had a good life", Mom announced to us often and especially these last few months. Always one to be prepared for the worst but expect the best, mom led by quiet example. She made sure that all her affairs were in order and reviewed them with us regularly. She did this most recently the weekend before her fall. I hope we honour your wishes today Mom.
Born Edna May Stoddart, she was known as Eddie to our father, Aunt Carole, her nieces and nephews, and her colleagues at the Lambton Health Unit. She was Edna to her church friends and neighbours and Edna May when her mother wanted her attention. But to us, she was Mom, Gran and Great Gran.
Mom was born in Walkerville, just outside of Windsor, and raised in Harrow with her younger sister, Louise. She was raised by a mother who was extremely active in politics and social movements, who volunteered as a provincial treasurer for Girl Guides and took on many other community minded projects. Mom learned at a young age that a life of active service brought a lifetime of joy. Her father graduated from the Guelph Agricultural College (now University of Guelph), with a break in his studies to fight oversees in World War I. As a tomato farmer, he was among the first to practice selective breeding with his plants — well ahead of his time. Mom was grateful for having farm fresh food available, especially during the depression.
Mom's stories of her childhood included working and playing on the farm, legally driving a truck (and tractor) at the young age of 15, (although we always heard she was 10 the first time she drove), and lots of stories of the fun she had with her friends. (Riding bikes to visit those who lived outside of town; dances in town; and just "hanging out".) Her best friend was Ruth Walker and Ruth wanted to study nursing. Mom said she hadn't really figured out a career yet, but nursing would be good, especially if she and Ruth could do it together! And that's what Mom did. She was off to Western University for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the young age of 17 with her best friend. We have heard many fun antics from these years. In one, she fell asleep on the beach at Port Stanley so late that her clothes were locked in the change house so she had to take the train back to residence in a bathing suit and towel, to then sneak in undetected! Another story was the choice of going to church on Sunday morning or staying behind to make bandages. The tasks of a nurse in late 1940s and early 1950s did not look the same as today! We've heard stories about washing floors and bedpans along with patient care. And we haven't even mentioned the dress, cap, cape and gloves that were a required part of the uniform! The class of '51 has kept in touch for over 70 years, with 9 classmates still with us and we are grateful that some are here with us today. You were true soulmates with Mom and we know she always valued your friendship and enjoyed the yearly get-togethers before COVID.
Mom's final year of nursing included a scholarship from VON with the understanding that they decided where she would work her first year after graduation. Mom was sent to Sarnia and one of her nursing friends, Mary McCart, knew two friends that were teachers who needed a roommate. Audrey, June and Mom lived above a furniture store in downtown Sarnia that year. We never heard much about the nursing stories from that year, but we did hear a lot about the fun they had! Audrey's boyfriend, John McEachran, bought a television for them and all the "boys" came over to watch the fights. Mom also told us how she used her first paycheque to buy a sewing machine and then sewed netting to go behind the baseball diamond so they could charge admission to the games that John McEachran and Jack George managed. Dad was still part of the picture as he and Mom continued to date and he would often drive up from Merlin to join in the fun. These lifelong friendships would play an important part in all of our lives over the years.
We've only hinted at that early relationship that Mom and Dad had. They first met as teenagers at Kenesserie United Church camp on Lake Erie. They kept in touch while Mom attended Western in London and Dad attended Canadian Business College in Chatham. After working a year in Sarnia, Mom and Dad were married in 1952, 8 years after they first met. They were fortunate to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary the summer of 2014, just prior to Dad's death in 2015.
Life with Dad took Mom to Merlin, Dad's birthplace and where we grew up. Summer weekends were spent at the Dent family cottage at "the O" (Erieau) as well as many family visits to Harrow. It was here where we developed memories of small-town living and a strong sense of family, community and accountability. When they were first married, Dad thought Mom should stay at home, as that was the norm in the 1950s, but Mom missed working. By January, Dad supported her choice to work outside the home and Mom started working as a Public Health Nurse with Chatham-Kent. Upon my arrival in 1958, Mom stayed home with us for 10 years, returning to work when Martha started grade one. Mom's accounts of rural home visits, lice checks, immunization clinics in the schools and new mom visits were among the stories that always interested us.
Mom knew that living in a small town also meant you supported businesses in the town. It also included preparing dozens of deviled eggs for the Rotary BBQ (which always plugged up the garbarator!), baking pies and making minced ham and pickle sandwiches for church events or the canning of seasonal fruits and vegetables — all on top of working! As kids, I know we didn't appreciate all that she did for us, for extended family and for the community.
By the 1970s, small towns were getting smaller and the Garage and Ford dealership that our father ran was no longer a viable business. The opportunity came to move to Sarnia and for Dad to work as office manager and bookkeeper at McCart, McEachran and George law firm. After many years working as a Public Health Nurse for Chatham-Kent, Mom began to work as a Public Health Nurse for Lambton County.
Mom's work friends and colleagues have described her as a "genuine lady balanced with a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh", commenting on "her depth of knowledge and her kindness to clients as an example for all." Another described mom as "exemplifying the best in being a nurse, accepting people as they are, sincere and a giver." We've had the privilege of growing up with these friends around, going to school with their children, and I'm happy to say that some of these friendships lasted until her final days.
We made sure to let the nurses in the hospital know that Mom was a retired nurse and their respect for Mom was evident. The younger nurses listened to her stories about nursing in the 1950s to 1980s and how it has changed. When asked what she enjoyed the most in her nursing career, mom told them doing the new mom visits and teaching prenatal classes were her favourite. I recall being introduced to many new moms and their infants when out shopping as Mom's "baby" well into my 20s. I was never embarrassed, but proud to see my mom, their nurse, who they looked at with fondness.
It was hard to embarrass us. There were no topics off-limits in our house. You reached a certain age, and there were pamphlets and products about menstruation. I think the smoking and drinking pamphlets came next, and then information about birth control and condoms. I remember my grade 5 classmates (the girls) all telling me to ask my mother where babies came from, knowing that I would get a factual and truthful answer that I could relay the next day at school! We didn't have Google then!
Fast forward to 1987 and the first time I brought Thom to Sarnia. Mom was waiting for us, so I hopped in the front seat and Thom in the back. I saw him looking around at the sex ed pamphlets, condoms and demonstration penis strewn across the back seat. I'm not sure exactly what he thought, but he didn't go running! It just became one of the many stories about Mom's work and our comfort level with any topic!
The 1980s brought a new daughter-in-law and two new sons-in-law to the family. Mom embraced Dave, Halima and Thom like they were always part of the family, and our expanded family quickly grew to include 10 grandchildren, their partners and now 2 great-grandchildren. Halima's brother Oumar also became part of the family after arriving in Sarnia. There was always room for one more at the table and in her heart.
After retirement Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling with Elder Hostels and a few notable trips with Doug Greenough on the Footprints of St. Paul in Turkey, to Israel and to the Oberammergau in Germany. Their travels allowed Mom and Dad to finally take time for themselves and they loved those years. Recently Mom said their Turkey trip was her favourite.
When Dad became too unwell to travel, Mom turned to local pleasures. She loved her garden, her bridge groups, her retired nurses' luncheons at Olives, her service at the church with soup lunches and other mission projects and her work with the Inn of the Good Shepherd. Not yet ready to slow down, mom canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada as well as taking orders for the Observer Magazine at the church for many years. As with most things Mom did, she also quietly volunteered in the area of women's reproductive rights at a time when we weren't permitted to tell anyone. We were proud of her convictions and her commitment to serving others.
Mom also had a passion for cooking that allowed her creativity and love for family to be intertwined into moments of warmth and laughter for those that gathered at her table. She continued to host Christmas until the end, always happy that she remained in the family home that allowed enough room for us all to stay with her. Even during COVID, Mom continued to cook and share meals with neighbours, and was fortunate to have neighbours that always thought of her and sent food, called, and had outdoor visits with her. She could not have remained in her home without the support of John who took over her shopping and home maintenance, especially during COVID; wonderful neighbours who socially brought her much joy, but who would also keep a watchful eye on her and assist when the weather was bad or be a phone call away when needed; and friends that would call and send her funny email and updates. Mom was always a very social being, and the COVID restrictions eliminated church, bridge, lunches and so much more. The love and support of family, friends and neighbours became even more important during this time, and we want to thank you for being there for Mom.
Mom was also not one to be left behind with the advancements in technology. She took computer classes at the college and at the church. Later she learned how to use an iPad where she read online newspapers, navigated a Facebook page, completed daily Wordle and Sudoku, and played online bridge games. She even mastered sending iMessages with her grandchildren and emailing them interesting articles or videos she had seen. Despite being in the hospital and on pain medication that didn't always allow her to think clearly, she was attempting to command google to tell her the weather or trying to scroll on the hospital TV monitor. She was very frustrated that the technology she had long embraced was no longer available to her.
Mom's fall on Oct. 3rd brought the reality of imminent change and the threat of immobility. She did not want to lose her independence and she let us know. The decision was made for us when she wasn't medically stable enough to try hip-replacement surgery and was deemed palliative. It was a tough 19 days, but, in our hearts, we knew it was an outcome she was not afraid of. She felt she had lived a wonderful and full life, was able to live at home until the age of 94, and enjoyed watching all her children have successful careers and retire, and then watch her grandchildren begin to find their way in life. I still remember the joy on her face as she held Andrew, her first great-grandchild.
Mom taught us by example that family, community, and service to others are important pillars of how to live a meaningful and joyful life. She said last week that Dad had come to see her in her hospital room and wondered if I had seen him too. I said no, but to tell him that we love him and we miss him!
Mom, please give Dad a big hug from all of us. Your love will live on in all of us, even as we struggle to fill the void you have left behind.
Tuesday October 24
Edna May Dent
May 13, 1929 – Oct. 22, 2023
1945
At her retirement party
Ann's mother passed away peacefully at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. Ann and I had both been to sit with her during the evening but I left at around 10 p.m. to go back to the house while Ann got the cot ready to spend the night at the hospital. She had just crawled into bed when she noticed that it was abnormally quiet, Gran's breathing having been laboured for the previous three or four days. She summoned the nurse and it was confirmed that she had passed away. Ann immediately phoned me and I returned along with Martha and Thom; John and Halima arrived a short time later.
For the previous couple of days, Gran had been sleeping almost continuously. Martha, Thom, Ann and John continued to take turns sitting in the room with her with Ann taking most of the night shifts (she was able to sleep better on the cot than the others).
The last couple of days have been spent arranging the funeral, to take place on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Gran's church, Grace United where Ann and I were married, and letting people know.
I had relocated to Sarnia from Renfrew on Friday because Ann had phoned on Thursday to say that Gran had taken another turn for the worse. I made the long drive alone via Bracebridge where Simon and Linda gave me lunch. From there I took Yonge street to Barrie, then headed across country to Grand Bend and down the shore road to Sarnia.
My week at Katy and Ben's was much the same as the week before with me being left to my own devices until Andrew and Alex got back from school and daycare. I went on a couple of rides and finished a couple of books. When Alex got home on Monday, he and I made banana muffins to use up the black bananas on the kitchen counter. On Wednesday, Katy, Alex and I took Andrew to his gymnastics lesson, which does not allow spectators, so we went for a coffee (Katy and I) and a chocolate ball (Alex) at Ottawa Valley Coffee while we waited. And on Thursday, Katy and I went to watch Andrew's second skating lesson. He is still very unsteady on his skates but is making definite progress being able to go for some distance before falling, then being able to get back up again on his own.
On Sunday afternoon, Ann and I went for a ride along the trail as far as Mandaumin Road in Brights Grove and I went again yesterday while Ann, John and Martha were at the funeral home. It was nice to stretch the legs a bit after several days of mostly sitting.
Sunday October 15
Ashdad
I am still hanging out in Renfrew with Katy, Ben, Andrew and Alex while Ann stays in Sarnia with her Mum (in the hospital) and Martha and Thom. During the week it was very quiet here. I have been left to my own devices while Katy and Ben work, Andrew is in school and Alex is in day-care. On Friday, I took the opportunity for a very nice bike ride along the back roads to Ashdad then down the K&P Trail to Norway Lake (just north of Calabogie). I returned by the trail which has been improved quite a lot over the past couple of years but is still quite rough in places.
Meanwhile, in Sarnia, things are progressing more or less as expected. Gran is showing signs of decline but it is still not clear how long she has left. Ann, John, Martha and Thom are taking turns, sometimes in tandem, sitting with her. Ann insists on taking the night shift because she can sleep better anywhere than the others. Also Gran's fleecy blanket (the one with its pumpkin theme from Halima and John) has the superpower to make a hospital cot comfy cosy — Ann.
Mona and Alex enjoy a Thomas the Tank Engine story
Ben's parents Mona and Kevin arrived on Friday afternoon so, at present, the house is awash with grandparents (including two Grandads). We all spent Saturday morning cleaning up the back yard: a lot of leaf raking followed by jumping in leaf piles. Most of the leaves have been moved beyond the back fence to the copse of trees behind the house but there is still one large pile left in case it is needed for more jumping (not today, though, as it is cold and drizzly). Ben and Kevin also put the pool to bed for the winter.
In the afternoon, Alex, Katy and I constructed a large train track in Alex's bedroom then spent quite a while playing with it. It was sufficiently large that there wasn't enough room to move around it easily so we were constantly knocking over bits of it and having to reconstruct it.
With the lousy weather today, we have stayed inside and played with toys. In the afternoon some of us watched My Little Pony: The Movie (2017; not to be confused with movies of the same name released in 2021 and 2023). Alex got tired of it early on and went to play with his toys; Andrew lasted through the whole thing but found it very scary and was quite upset after it was over even though there was a happy ending.
Wednesday October 11
Alex opens a birthday present
Last Thursday, Ann and I set out on the long drive to Ontario leaving David at home to look after Louie. We stayed in Montmagny that night then headed to Ottawa the next day. The original plan was to spend Thanksgiving weekend with Katy, Ben, Andrew and Alex in Renfrew then drive to Sarnia the following week to spend some time with Ann's Mum. However, on the Tuesday before we left she fell and broke her hip so we immediately changed plans and drove directly to Sarnia after picking up Morgan in Ottawa. James got a ride down with his cousins John and Lizz the same day and Katy, Ben and the boys also drove down independently. Ann, Morgan and I arrived late Friday evening and went straight to the hospital where Martha was keeping her Mum company. At first we assumed she would be having a hip replacement and that was, indeed, scheduled for Thursday afternoon. However, after she had been prepped for the operation, Gran complained of pains in her chest so they first ran an EKG and discovered that she had had a mild heart attack. That was enough to cancel any chance of an operation and she was immediately transferred to palliative care. After visiting, Morgan and I went to unpack at Gran's house leaving Ann to keep her company for the night.
By Saturday, close to a full contingent of Dents, Hallys and Brunets had congregated at Gran's house. We went to visit her in small groups throughout the weekend and her sister-in-law Carole also came from Merlin for a visit along with a couple of Gran's nephews their wives.
On Sunday, John and Morgan cooked Thanksgiving dinner for us all: turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes, squash, creamed parsnips, creamed onions, pumpkin pie and apple pie.
Monday was Alex's second birthday so Morgan and I made pancakes for breakfast after which he opened some of his presents (some had been left back in Renfrew). Afterwards, Morgan, James and I headed back to Ottawa stopping in for a visit with my brother Nick, his wife Annette, their golden retrievers Rosie and Cider, and numerous cats. After dropping off Morgan and James in Ottawa, I continued on to Renfrew where Katy, Ben and the boys had already arrived home.
For the last couple of days I have been hanging out in Renfrew, helping Andrew with Lego and riding on the local trails. Ann has continued to spend the nights with Gran while Martha, John and Thom share the days. Yesterday, Gran was moved from the operations ward to the palliative ward which is much more comfortable for the visitors. Ann now gets to sleep in a cot rather than in the armchair in the old room.
Where things go from here is still up in the air since it is not clear how much time Gran has left. Our original plan was to return the week after next but whether we will still do so is unclear.
Sunday October 1
The Gaspereau River
We have had a busy couple of weeks what with trying to stay active, entertained and healthy. Each of the last two Mondays we rode with the Railers from the start of the Salt Marsh Trail to the end of the Atlantic View Trail and back, a distance of around 38 kms, and this Thursday we went on the Halifax ride along the BLT Trail to the Bike & Bean. Last Saturday we also went on the Ramblers annual tour of the wineries in the Annapolis and Gaspereau Valleys. This year we started in Grand Pré and visited L'Acadie, Gaspereau and Luckett's Vineyards. Domain de Grand Pré was also on the original route but we all decided to give it a miss. Ann and I also skipped Luckett's as it is up a longish steep hill and we knew that there was another big hill to come. After the ride, we popped back to Gaspereau Vineyards to pick up a few bottles and then joined some of the other Ramblers at Just Us! Coffee before returning home.
Yesterday we were out with the Ramblers again, this time for a ride from Blockhouse (just north of Lunenburg) to Indian Falls Park. It was quite foggy during the drive down but by the time we started, while there was still fog, it was sufficiently light that it was not too hazardous to be biking (we all have very bright clothing and lights on our bikes so drivers can see us easily). By the time we got to the falls it has lifted completely.
Indian Falls
We found out a few months ago that the radon levels in our house are a bit higher than they should be which is not uncommon in our neighbourhood. Everything is fine in the summer when the windows are open and there is good circulation but when the weather is colder the radon builds up. A week ago Wednesday, we had a radon mitigation system installed. It is essentially a pump located under the basement floor which draws stagnant air from beneath the floor and vents it to the outside. It seems to be working as it should since the levels have been very low despite us keeping the windows closed for several days while we were testing it.
For the past few weeks I have been working on a new garden project to add some flower beds to the back yard and to make a circular seating area in the middle of the yard which will surround a fire pit. So far two flower beds have been dug out and are ready to be planted with bulbs, already purchased, at the end of October. I'm still working on the fire pit. We expect that there will be further modifications next summer.
Last Sunday we went to ViewPoint Gallery to attend our friend Roxanne's talk about her photography exhibit (you may recall that I attended the opening night a few weeks ago) which explores what you cannot see in a photograph. She explained each of the five triptychs in the exhibition and how she went about constructing them.
Last Monday, Ann hosted the ABC Book Club in our living room: that is to say that they met here but Pat was actually the host for the evening (the one who chooses the book and leads the discussion). This month they read A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
On Thursday, we went to Kim and Glen's for a take-away dinner from 7 Peppers Grill before going to see The Play That Goes Wrong at Neptune. It is a farce about the staging of a whodunit play in which nothing goes according to script. The set, which looks immaculate that the start, is completely destroyed by the end. We both enjoyed it.
The following evening we were out again, this time to see Natalie MacMaster playing with Symphony Nova Scotia. The pieces were arranged by Scott MacMillan who I used to know back in the 80s when I was more connected to the local traditional music scene.