Monday, February 27, 2017

Closing the cottage Fall 2016

Starting to put things away for the winter (Sept 25)

Just a wee bit of laundry to do:

This is the second load like this and there's still about one more load up there to go get.







The wharf is secured for the winter, the chairs, kayaks and BBQ's are all stored and the water is drained and closed...sad time of year despite the beauty.




My handrangea





The colors are stunning this year.

Putting away Mom's Tiki Bar, too.





Sunday, February 26, 2017

The Tragically Hip



OMG!!! But OMG at the same time.

I am going to see my favorite band, but most likely for the last time. In December Gord Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Like I said, OMG.

The full message from the band: An Important Message from The Band

How will Gord and the band be come August? Will Gord still be healthy and be able to perform? It's kind of strange to feel such strong emotions for a man I don't even know. I feel like I do know him though. I have listened to his voice, his words, his poetry and music for so many years, tgrough so many ups and downs. I have studied the band for school projects and for my own interest. I actually took a bit of interest in history because I wanted to know all the things they refer to in their lyrics. So, yeah, I do know him and he's been an important and fun influence in my life. I respect what this man does with the power he has due to his fame and fortune. He sticks up for those who cannot speak out for themselves and I respect that. I wish him well and I will truly miss him when his time comes.




August 18, 2016: My last Tragically Hip concert. Ever.


Great show, heartfelt, bittersweet. 


Tragically Tragic. Despite a teleprompter Gord forgot some lyrics and/or was too overcome with emotion to sing. Scary, sad, yet inspirational.


A great moment.






Watching the final concert live stream with friends around a fire...how very Canadian for a very Canadian band. 


Gord signing his heart out via my ipad. 



My aunt took this picture for me as The Hip have a great song called Three Pistols

You will forever be Tragically Hip, Gord. Rock on. 

 Since the tour ended Gord has been focusing his influence to help victim of residential school in Canada.


He gave this interview in October 2016 (2 months after the tour ended) to Peter Mansbridge: http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/gord-downie-exclusive-interview-1.3804422

R.I.P. Gord 10-17-2017


October 18, 2017
Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
Gord knew this day was coming – his response was to spend this precious time as he always had – making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss… on the lips.
Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.
We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.
Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years – those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.
Love you forever Gord.
The Downie Family

I looked up to the Gord above and said, "Hey man, thanks."