Word Puzzle

How about an old-school form of entertainment?

Until we figure out how to get this in an iPad app, here's a little something to print and keep you occupied during slow periods.

Get out your trusty pencil.  Be daring and confident - use a pen.
 

Thanks to http://www.worksheetworks.com.  

Enjoy!

T

Deep Freeze and Family Traditions

January has been one roller coaster of a ride weather-wise. 

Just weeks ago we were in the middle of the January Thaw and now we're into a deep freeze.

If you're in Ottawa and the weather is finally stabilized by next weekend, do drop by one or two of the Winterlude events.  One of my favourite Winterlude traditions is to visit the ice sculptures with my young folk after a dining experience somewhere in downtown Ottawa.  

My "children" no longer like to go on the Rideau Canal, in the crowds of other skaters.  If I suggest we go for a walk to say that we were actually on the canal, they are not fully prepared because not all are sensible enough to wear boots.  

 

Only a couple still enjoy the tasty messiness of BeaverTails pastries and hot chocolate after we have toured the ice sculpture exhibits.  If you are curious, I recommend to go at night when the sculptures are enhanced by colourful lights. 

The video below was created by two young ladies.  It looks like one is trying a BeaverTail for the first time.  

Oh, well.  You can't hold onto all of the favourite activities with a maturing family.  You can at least take photographs, videos and hold onto the memories.

Traditions.  

Do you have family traditions that you enjoy, helping to break up the long winter months and get your kids outside? 

I tried downhill skiing once and did not enjoy it at all. I have fond memories of snowshoeing around forests and small lakes near Georgian Bay.  I also recall winning a snowshoe race at a Parish Picnic when I was about 12 or 13 years old.  

Traditions.

Permit me to lead you to some excerpts from The Year of the Rabbit.  

• One shares the tradition of Sunday lunch at the Red Hare restaurant.  
• Another touches on the Winter Carnival tradition of Seguin Sound, the fictitious town in the novel.  
• If you wish to warm up, read about Father Giovanni and Sera Fletcher at the summer Parish Picnic. 

If you enjoy the excerpts, you can download a portion the ebook version from Smashwords for free. 
 
See what others have offered after reading this bittersweet tale. 
 
Thanks for dropping by.  Stay warm and dry. 

T
 

January Thaw

As I look outside the window and recall recent outings, I can agree that we have reached a January thaw.  Quite frankly, I find it messy and depressing!

The Ottawa Valley experienced a record high yesterday and will receive more rain today.  One consolation is that maple syrup will start running soon, and people can get out to local sugar shacks and related activities. 

I hope temperatures fall soon in preparation for a successful and enjoyable Winterlude 2013. 

Permit me to offer you a winter carnival excerpt from The Year of the Rabbit, a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.   

Before you read the entire excerpt, glance at the image below, enjoy the snowy scenery and imagine walking in a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay. 

Embrace your inner child and catch a few snowflakes on your tongue.  

Ready?  Begin reading. 

If you enjoy the excerpt, you can read more within the blog or download a portion the ebook version from Smashwords for free. 

See what others have offered after reading this bittersweet tale. 

Thanks for dropping by.  Stay warm and dry.

Those Irreverent Catholics

I have met some French Canadian, Irish and Italian Catholics who have a love-hate relationship with the Church.

This is reflected in the novel although names have been changed to protect the innocent - or the guilty.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and experience a local pub that was well decorated yet seemed a little irreverent towards the church and its many accoutrements.

 
 You can see more pictures in this other blog post.  

The Year of the Rabbit - a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness contains a lot of reference to the Roman Catholic Church.  One of the main characters is an Italian-Canadian priest.  The other is his biological daughter.  Do I have your attention now?


When you purchase the ebook version through Smashwords, you get to set the price.  How does that grab you?

Thanks for dropping by.

T