Gordon and Gertrude dance the night away 

Mom would have been 90 years old this week.

Mom and my birthday's were always within a week of each other with Al's following close behind. Mom's - Jan. 25th, Anne's - 29th and Al's - 31st. I just realized that this would have been Mom's 90th this year. Even though she's not with us anymore, it's a milestone to be remembered. We would have had a big party and Mom would have loved all the attention. Any excuse to have a "Do" that would bring family and friends together, Mom was right in the middle of it.
As the Matriarch of the Childerhouse clan, oldest sister at that, she was always classy, loving and an inspiration to us all. I feel that the highest compliment that I can be paid is for someone to say that I am just like my Mom.
She was very smart, alway with an opinion on politics, religion and life in general. I remember during the "OJ Simpson" trial, she never left the TV set and would debate with anyone with an opinion. As it turned out, she agreed with the jury and felt he was innocent. (I wasn't brave enough to disagree.). Mom usually felt comfortable letting you know if she felt that you were "in the wrong". Now this may not have meant she would come right out and say it. It was more likely that you would feel a "chill" eminating from her. A cold shoulder, to be exact. It was up to you to figure out what you did. I have also heard, from more than one family member, that Mom had "a look", that would freeze you in your tracks, chill you to the bone and let you know that you were in big trouble. You had stepped over the line and had better get back in line quick. I personally have experienced "the look" several times. My husband, Rob, says he's been on the receiving end as well. The curious thing is that, it appears that I have now developed the same type of "look" without even trying....What Power!!!
Mom loved her family. They meant the world to her and she was so proud to see it grow with the addition of grandchildren, great grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews as well. The more of us the better. Mom always said that one of her favourite sounds was that of a crying baby. It meant life to her and more often than not, she could calm that cry with a soothing voice and peaceful countanance. Babies could sense that from her. She always had time for us.
As a tribute to my Mom, who was my inspiration in life, I wanted to mark her 90th birthday with loving thoughts and caring words. Mom, I miss you every moment of every day. You made me the person that I am today.

Some participates relaxing after a great meal. 

Would you trust these men with fire? 

We're getting warm now! 

Just getting started. 

Men preparing to go into the cold - Dana, Rob and Mark 

Tree Burning Party '05

Last night was the Tree Burning party for our neighbourhood. This was the 11th annual party and, as usual, a great time was had by all. Around 45 trees were burned in a bonfire that, at time must have reached 14 feet into the air. Rob is one of the "pyrotechnicians" who hangs around the fire and tosses the trees. I'm more of the kitchen help, who spread out all the great dishes that arrive from every corner of the neighbourhood. As you can imagine, due to the cold, extra amounts of alcoholic beverages are required to maintain warmth among those outside and in.
For many people, we only see each other once a year, so there is lots of catching up to do. Great friends, great people, great food, good drinks...what more could you ask for.

Rob coming down the run. 

Norm getting cozy by the fire. 

Long way down, narrow run. 

Rob and Steven all bundled up. 

We finally get some snow.

Rob, Norm Seely and Steven Smith didn't work on Friday....instead they ventured up the Crabbe Mountain to check out the skiing. We got a great dump of snow on Thursday, so this seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. The only drawback was that the temp. was around -21 C with a windchill factor that made it feel -35C. A bit chilly, even for dedicated ski buffs. They managed to fill the day with some great runs but took the rest of the evening, (and a few beer) to warm up. We got some pictures to prove how rugged they are.

Heather, our Christmas elf 

Christmas and New Years appreviated

Christmas was great except for the fact that we all missed Jessica terribly. She is such a large part of the family that her absence causes a big hole for us all. We sent her a great "care package" for the holidays and she seemed to enjoy it. We spoke to her on Christmas day when she called to say that she was on her way to teach a snowboarding lesson at Mount Norquay. (Yes, people really do snowboard on Christmas morning!)
Keltie worked the afternoon of the 25th so we didn't eat until later in the evening. Rob got a big screen TV for his Christmas present so we spent the day watching movies and relaxing. It was great.
Heather was a Christmas elf. - see the picture.
We did visit with the Seely's on Christmas eve, a wonderful new tradition.
Boxing day was spent at Al and Norma's for a great family dinner.

New Year's Eve was spent with the Seely's and other's. Dinner at the Snooty Fox then the countdown at Norm and Trish's. Home by 1:30 am. Heather was in Saint John.
New Year's day, we went to Saint John to celebrate Mac Lawson's 90th Birthday at John and Sandra Lawson's home. Great time and it was wonderful to see all the "Lawson clan".

So far January has been really cold, not enough snow to ski so it's a damn good thing we have a new TV because that's all we have been doing lately is watching movies.

Sorry I've been away so long

It has been over two months since I've posted anything on my blog. What a slacker I have been. I just looked at the calender and it's only about 4 more months until we can open up the camp and begin another "Ragged Point" season. I drove down there a couple of weeks ago and it looks so dismal in the winter time. The cove was covered in ice, the trees are bare and the wind was whistling. Well, I just wanted to post a small piece, just to make sure the blog still worked. I'll post some pictures, and info. in the next day or two.
Annie