Old Grand Trunk Railway Building

Old Grand Trunk Railway Building, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This building (dating from 1900) recently underwent a face lift - copper was replaced and the exterior was cleaned. It was once the headquarters of the Grand Trunk Railway, but is now a government building



Since the railway disaster in Lac Mégantic, people have become much more aware of the dangers of moving certain substances through populated areas. Though the Grand Trunk Railway does not exist anymore, its tracks do (now used by CN). Just today in the newspaper there was a letter to the editor talking about the use of their tracks in Point St. Charles as shunting yards - with who knows what is in the cars in a populated area. Too often safety is overlooked in the name of economics.



It is such false economy - just ask the people of Lac Mégantic. How much will it cost to rebuild the buildings and decontaminate the region? And how much will it cost to put peoples' lives back together after such enormous human losses?

Sam Jam

Sam Jam, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Every year (this is the tenth) a street hockey tournament takes place in memory of Sam Lazarus. It is officially the 5 Hole Sam Street Hockey Jamboree, now known as Sam Jam. He, his brother and friends liked to play street hockey. When Sam was 25 he went to Ghana as a volunteer to work with children in a kindergarten. There he contracted malaria and died. Since then, this tournament has been held in his memory. It has been raising money form underprivileged children to go to Kamp Kanawana, the YMCA camp in the Laurentians where Sam had been first a camper and later a counsellor.



Both my children spent many summers there. My son played street hockey with the Lazarus brothers. He played today (and has played in 8 of the 10 tournaments). Over the years the funds raised have sent increasing numbers of children to camp. The spirit of the place is strong and it is great to see so many former campers and counsellors coming together to have fun and give back to enable others to be part of the Kanawana family.

Old Cans

Old Cans, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I had never been to Finnegan's Market in Hudson, so off we went to explore. There were endless booths displaying their wares. After all the things I disposed of before my move, I wondered if I would come across one of my former possessions! I did not, but I did see many items that I remembered from my past. It made me feel positively vintage.



Do you know what these were for? I have seen a hand drill used, but I cannot identify many of these.



Food, handicrafts, used items, antiques, clothing... whatever suits your fancy!



This kiosque keeper took a break to strum on his guitar - a little music to add to the lively atmosphere. The sun beat down as we strolled through the site. I was glad to be able to escape. I'm glad I went, but won't be rushing back to a flea market soon. The last thing I need is more stuff!

Flower Clock

Flower Clock, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

As long as I can remember this clock has been planted every year in front of Victoria Hall. It is a little hard to read from close up, but I also wonder how many of the younger generation can still read clocks with digital time pieces being so prevalent.

It's when I reflect back on changes that I realize I have lived quite a while. I had my hair trimmed today and reminisced about my mother going to the "beauty parlour" every week. There were no home hair dryers and hair-dos required a more professional touch. I thought about those first hair dryers which fit over the head like a puffy shower cap. The woman who cut my hair could not imagine how we managed without hair dryers. It did not seem like a hardship to me as a youngster, but I don't think my mother enjoyed sleeping in metal rollers so she could meet the expectations of women in the 1950s.

View from Mount Royal I

View from Mount Royal I, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I love to walk on Mont-Royal. Each section has different charms. No matter how often I go, I am drawn to the belvedere to see the view of the city and beyond. The air was clear and everything had a fresh-washed look.






An artificial pond, Beaver Lake, is another icon of the park. Last summer it was completely dug up. The water had become choked with weeds. We stopped to admire the newly created "lake". The pristine water sparkled in the sunlight. I think one of the things I love about the park is that there is something for everyone. We walked through the woods feeling as if we were in the country, while in the middle of our city. Other people enjoyed sitting in the sun on the hillside, picnicking at one of many available picnic tables. Children played on the park equipment. Walking you here many languages spoken as all take advantage of this Montreal treasure.

Repercussion Theatre Set

Repercussion Theatre Set, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: August 2, 2013

After cancellations due to major thunderstorms, we finally got to a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream by Repercussion Theatre, performed in a nearby park. What a treat to sit outside on a nice summer evening watching a delightful piece of theatre. People bring lawn chairs (there are also chairs available for rent) or blankets and settle in for Shakespeare.

The nice thing about outdoor theatre is that it is accessible to families (the cost of attending is a voluntary donation). There is nothing stodgy - people picnic before the show, bring snacks and munch away during the action.

Lots of laughter, plenty of enjoyment, a shared delight. A great way to spend a summer's evening.