When we got older, my brother and I would make the trip to Barwick to visit with Grandma. I remember one visit when she asked me when my boyfriend was going to propose (he’s now my husband). I told her that we were planning on moving in together. Grandma’s response, “Why buy the cow when …
a visit to see Grandma Ina.
A visit to see Grandma Ina meant that my brother and I could pick out any treat in the store. We would sit at her old chrome table, slurping chocolate milk and eating Hickory Sticks, as she talked at length about local gossip. Mom always did her best to show an interest. This person …
hometown. my 30 day project.
Home is where the heart is. I'm ready for mine to feel whole. I've realized that I've been stuck between two places for 20 years. Home is Emo, Ontario (the small town where I grew up) and home is Toronto, Ontario (where Eric, the kids and I have a home and currently live). It was …
Grandma must be rich.
I remember the old Mine Centre Store that used to sit along the side of the Trans-Canada Highway. With the closest town being 68 km away, The Mine Centre Store was your one-stop-shop for gas, bait, booze, snacks, and odds and ends. Without the blue metal MINE CENTRE sign you might not realize that you …
Stories about Auntie Carolyn.
Every summer our family spends time together up at the lake. Mom. Dad. Eric, and I, and the kids. Uncle Bill and Mary. Laurie, Dennis, and the kids. Troy, Blair, and the kids. There’s endless eating, swimming, and campfires, and we share stories of Auntie Carolyn. It wouldn’t be the same if we didn't; maybe …
Dryden.
When I grew up I wanted to live in Dryden. Dryden is a town in Northwestern Ontario. It wasn’t much bigger than Emo. Population 2,024. They had a McDonald’s There was a large arena with two ice surfaces There were stores for shopping and restaurants to choose from. Going to Dryden to visit Auntie Carolyn …
My Auntie Lyd used to buy the best presents.
She always knew what I loved. One year, I don’t remember if it was for Christmas or my birthday, but her and Uncle Kel bought me an art set. It was incredible, especially to a 12 year old me who loved anything crafty. Upon releasing the small snap along the side, the black plastic case …
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Grandma Beatrice’s House
Do you remember your grandparents' house? Can you picture each room and what was inside? It's funny the little details that stick with us years later. Just drawing this simple floor plan of my grandma's house brought up so many memories. There were stories from each room. I'll give you a tour... Kitchen …
Recipe Cards as Thoughtful Gifts
It was a way to see familiar faces and a bit of home when I was 19 hours away. When I left home for university, my Mom gave me a set of recipe cards she had made. Each had a photo of family members or friends, along with a favourite recipe from my childhood. It …
