Tuesday 30 December 2014

Dora

I should warn you that this may not be your typical memorial with a great deal of decorum. We do not always display a great deal of that at our table of cards.

This does not mean that Dora was not a seriously accomplished person who could whip a meeting into shape according to Robert's Rules of Order in ten seconds flat. But I primarily knew Dora from playing cards and there were very few rules there. Except don't call anyone a cheater. Never do that. Ever. It is not worth your life.

I have very few pictures of a sedate Dora like this:

And a whole lot more where we were being silly like this:

Dora was a hisser when displeased. It meant you'd better watch your step. But it also meant she liked you. And usually that you were winning.

You can experience her hissyness first hand here.

Dora was a devout Christian and would not join our gambling-for-nickels ways. Besides, she would say, I lose too much to throw money after it too.

Dora did her first (and last) confession a few years ago. She was trying to behave before hand so we tormented her mercilessly, pushing every button we knew how till she jumped up and down in her chair and came up with creative ways not to swear at us. Such fun!

She could sing like an angel and spoke like one too, if by angel you mean sailor. Eg Alice's birthday second verse here.

Dora was loving and kind and tremendously funny but she brooked no BS. I once saw a man she didn't care for try to kiss her hand. He is fortunate that he retained all his digits.

But her massage therapist Vassily? He engendered this look when she spoke of him.

Bringing up his name was a great way to throw her off her game.

Dora loved her friends and family very much but she was ready to head on out and while I will miss the fire out of her that makes it a lot less painful.

So long friend, I will miss waving at your window as I round the building. Give'm hell in heaven.

Monday 29 December 2014

A very minion Christmas

We had a really good family Christmas yesterday.

Anne brought one of the turkeys.

Phones!

Cooper's dad Chris and big brother Noah:

Breaking down Emily's gingerbread house.

Melissa was working on a sugar pie quest this week and we were the beneficiaries. I'll tell you our sugar pie story when I finally show you our Quebec City pictures.

Jim is perfecting his chocolate mousse cheesecake. It is even more amazing frozen!

Big dessert smiles!

Annette crocheted minion hats for all the kids!

Cooper was not feeling well and was not into hats at the moment.

Caleb received a Gru inspired hat. We put him in charge of the whole gang of minions.

This picture reminded me...

of this from the photo booth at the wedding this summer.

Trust me Dana is a super empathetic mom she just has what it takes to roll with a toddler with humour and grace. What is the point of sweating this stuff?

And look a little smile :-)

And today the hat was a go!

We got Sean the shiniest hat we could find.

We were happy to welcome Erik's girlfriend Kaitlyn sp? I asked for a picture then was really excited when my camera refused to focus for a long time because that wasn't awkward at all!

We had some time to honour ML.

Then we honored her by playing games. Something she loved doing.

Sean came over to watch us play Greed.

Mary doesn't play a lot of games but she plays this one with glee.

Not sure she will sit across from me and my camera again but I hope so!

Sean enjoyed some "brown pop." You can't see Annette's face in this picture but you can tell how she is looking at him.

We could not be more excited about Sean's improved vision. No one knows yet what the changes are but we know there are changes. Hoping the redness in his eyes goes away though.

Bye Sean we love you.

Anne appreciating the sis ornament from her church.

The master shuffler:

The poker game came down to these two.

It is to be continued New Year's Eve so we needed a chip count.

Emily had a special card that she designed for each family.

So cool!

This is how I had found Harry in the morning. I asked him if he knew the people were coming.

He's more relaxed tonight.

&

I don't feel so bad walking a cat now.