Twenty-one-year-old Sapper Etienne Gonthier died during a road-clearing operation in Afghanistan. Two others were injured in the blast. Gonthier, a combat engineer born in Quebec City, was based in Valcartier, Que., with the 5ieme Regiement du Genie de Combat. He is the 78th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since the Canadian mission began in 2002.

For those who don't know, the "Highway of Heroes" is the stretch of Highway 401 from CFB Trenton to Toronto (172 Kilometres). It earned its name because it is the route fallen troops take to the Centre for Forensic Sciences before they are returned to their families.

Since 2002 thousands have stood on overpasses wearing red and holding signs or flags, waiting for the the motorcade to pass. It lets the families of the fallen know that we're thinking of them and hopefully it means something to them. For the crowd, they feel connected to the family for a few seconds.

I stood in the crowd this afternoon at Whites Road overpass as Etienne Gonthier's body followed behind his family and officials, to downtown Toronto.

Fire workers and policemen were at every overpass in the final stretch, signalling to traffic the cavalcade is about to pass. I pulled up and parked behind the fire truck leaving my flashers on. There was a handful of people when I arrived but the crowd grew steadily; there were about one hundred on the overpass within minutes. We waited in sad silence as cars and trucks below flashed their lights or waved or sounded their horns in tribute to our young hero. Then the procession passed. The firemen removed their hats. I welled up with tears as I am sure the others did. Then we left quietly.

I park behind the firetruck on Whites Road overpass

The cavalcade will pass here

People begin to gather on the overpass to pay their respects to Etienne Gonthier and connect for a moment with his family.

Trucks and cars flash lights, wave or sound horns to acknowlege a fallen soldier

In the distance, people arriving on foot. Making time in their Sunday afternoon to pay respects to Etienne Gonthier.

People begin to assemble at Whites Road overpass. A man asks the fireman how soon the cavalcade is expected.

Police cars appear in the collector lanes...the cavalcade begins

Police cars head the procession, family and officials behind, then the body of Etienne Gonthier

Toronto Courthouse (Old City Hall) with clock tower and gargoyles. This beautiful old building is a landmark situated in the hub of Toronto, one block from the Eaton Center at Queen and Bay Streets. I took this photo last summer when I spent a Saturday morning downtown.

I know I am supposed to post only one picture but ...I need to show you another so you get the flavour of the area...this street musician was playing such beautiful music outside the Eaton Center, adding warmth and enjoyment to a busy morning in a big bustling city...a typical scene in downtown Toronto.

I think this post is too late to enter in Picture Perfect but I do have a love / hate relationship with this city and just wanted to share the photos anyway.

Where do you blog from? Sometimes I sneak a post at the office. If I am not too busy, I prepare it first then quickly open Multiply and paste it and quickly sneak away...but mostly I blog from my home office because I am not wireless yet. When I get my new laptop I look forward to posting while watching television. I don't feel comfortable sitting in front of the television doing nothing while I watch. I suppose I prefer to do nothing in duplicate.

Please answer the question and I will chart the results.

Where is your favourite place to blog from?

I have added this blog for my own reference since I have downloaded Gimp but not achieved much with it. I need a new laptop before I can install Photoshop because the cd device no longer recognizes cds, therefore I can't install. While going through some of the tutorials, I noticed they were using a different version of Gimp so I have now updated my version. As far as I can see, there are not too many changes but they have added some new tools and filters. Come hell or highwater, I am going to figure this program out. If anyone wants to download Gimp, go to http://www.gimp.org/ You can download the user manual at this page also.

I know, the weather these days shouldn't have me thinking about sailing. I have been following the building of Spirit of Canada and anything I can find on its skipper, Derek Hatfield. Was able to find a few of his videos for this playlist--the others are just great shots of sailing. He is an inspiring keynote speaker when he is not sailing--funds go towards financing the race. His single-handed race around the world will be this year. I have been to visit the building site, about a 45 minute drive from my home.

I saw it first on Laurel's blog then went searching for a way to do it. I often to check out the videos at YouTube but have not spent much time on the home page...where I found the Custom Player information.

. . . so now you know!

Boy oh boy...it just keeps getting worse, doesn't it. They sink to new and deeper depths every season.

It is unbelievable how they spend so much time on talentless people, just for the sake of ridicule. Ridicule is entertainment?

Pass me the TV Guide, what else is on?

A friend at work gave me this suet feeder for Christmas. I was excited about attracting a few birds to my patio for the winter but so far, they haven't arrived.

It is bright enough, I am sure they can see it and there is a huge pine tree on the other side of the fence, so my suet feeder is not too far from where they live.








When the first one notices it, he will tell all his family and friends, so I am waiting hopefully and patiently.

I check it every day for evidence of a visit but as of today, there is not a bite out of the suet.

My mom has had her hair cut in the hospital...it was long and matted the last time I saw her.

She is now wanting to return to her home; she asked for her clothes yesterday saying they were going to discharge her. Of course, my sister went to the hospital right away to find out if this could be true...it wasn't. Mom was feeling just well enough to be missing her home.

She was very depressed, then angry yesterday and hung up on me when I called, twice.

She is less depressed today and we were able to talk this evening. We talked about her home -- I assured her it is all ready for her when she is healthy enough to return...but reminded her that she is very sick and it will be a long time before she is ready to return. She seemed comforted that her home is waiting for her, and is being checked on every few days--my sister drops in on her way to the hospital. My mom understands that she will be moved to another nursing facility for long term care...but she still hopes to return home. I think this keeps her calm.

Over a year ago, my aunt became very agitated and aggressive when faced with the possibility of not returning to her home, had to be restrained in her bed and she took a massive stroke and died. I do not want the same thing to happen to my mother. She is having a lot of small vascular strokes, almost daily. In time it won't matter to her where she is. It is important that she has hope and remains calm, enjoying whatever is possible for her to enjoy.

I am so tired I can hardly move; my back and neck hurts, my feet are sore. I spent the day cleaning carpets--the living room and two staircases. Did laundry and made chicken soup too. Then. . .

I collapsed on the sofa and called my mother just now and she sounds better, her lungs are clear but she is still very weak. She never asked when she could go home. She did ask where my aunt went off to.

I gently reminded her she died over a year ago...she asked about her other brothers and sisters and I reminded her they are all gone also. She said, "then I don't have to worry about them, do I." We agreed on that. They are all fine.

She has been moved to a geriatrics floor where she is warm and clean and eating 3 meals a day. She isn't interested in watching television but is content to sleep and read the same book over and over.

She hasn't asked to come home.

It will be a quick post...my son dropped over this evening. What do you do with a son who is writing a PhD thesis and needs emotional support. You listen. You try to encourage...but most of it will bounce off. He is having a tough time and is also running out of time. Send up a prayer for him and some good thoughts.

It has been a long day, I need to sleep.

Well this takes the cake! Available at washawayyoursins.com for $8.00, which is a bit much for a cake of soap, but if it does what it says it does, what the heck! They have a lipbalm and some other products too. Good for the guilt ridden I suppose.

What next!

This is my furnace, it is a year old Carrier high efficiency. The house should be warm. It is -8C outside. The furnace isn't working. It comes on for 1 minute then shuts off before the fans even start.

I called Sears home service and the lady wanted the serial number. Can you see the serial number here??

I asked her where I should look for it and she said near the burner. Do you see the burner? I don't.

It took some convincing to get her to send a service man here without the serial number even though she had the make and model number.

Someone will come, sometime today. Why do these things happen on a cold day in January?

Four bottles of fine wine, a holiday gift from my boss, were delivered by couier today. What a nice surprise. I decided to look them up on the internet before opening and I am glad I did. The Ascheri won't be at its best for a couple of years but is best decanted if served now. I think I will put it away. The other three are good now. . . and I will try one soon, very soon! I am sharing the tasting notes here.

Ascheri Podere di Rivalta di La Morra – Verduno, 2003 Barolo	Bra, Italy	Intense garnet red in colour, with the classic nose of violets and ripe fruits. It exhibits full bodied yet soft velvety concentrated fruit. Surprisingly approachable for just 4 years after the vintage but still might benefit from decanting. It shows candied cherry fruit over tarry-earthy notes and a hint of cut flowers. The tannins are still a bit puckery, but should be mostly resolved by 2010 – 2011. This wine is ideal served with red meats, cheese and strongly flavoured food.
Oyster Bay Marlborough Chardonnay, 2006	Marlborough, New Zealand	Oyster Bay captures the special character of New Zealand’s cool climate viticulture…elegant, assertive wines with glorious fruit flavours. This one is a lovely friendly fruit-driven chardonnay with a lively grapefruit and melon palate. Has some nice flavours of gentle stone fruit with a little creamy richness. Nice wine for the next couple of years, with the fine acid providing a nice clean finish.’
Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003Sonoma County	California, USA	Warm sunny days, cool evenings and well drained soils found on the benchlands and hillsides of the Alexander Valley give this cabernet a distinctive taste profile: bold fruit aromas, red plum and boysenberry flavours centered on the palate with rich mouthfilling rtexture and soft tannins, all of which we’ve framed in the finest oak barrels for 18 months. Enjoy over the next 3 to 6 years.
Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot, 2004	California, USA	Black cherry and spicy vanilla aromas, bright ripe fruit flavours and a velvety smooth, lingering finish define the style of this Merlot. Aged in small oak barrels, this Merlot is blended with small amounts of other varietals that help accentuate its complexity. This wine complements a wide range of foods from seafood to lamb, pork, beef and cheeses.

I am so tired of shopping I couldn't care less about getting out to do more in the Boxing Day sales. Today is cleanup day and recovery...hope to relax this afternoon and see a movie after dinner.

Here is my happy couple, Glenn and Grace. They came for dinner yesterday, her mom, dad, sister and brother in law came also with the baby. I had forgotten what it is like to have a 1-year old around.

And here are a couple of shots of her ring. They are so happy and I am so pleased they are to be married. She is a lovely girl.

I usually drop by the Dorval Deli for a smoked meat sandwich, when I am in Monteal, at least once and sometimes more than once. Can't get the same taste here. I didn't get a chance to do that this time so I brought it home. Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, right from my kitchen. Mmmm!

You start with some good very fresh rye bread and spread it thinly with mustard. . . just regular yellow mustard.

Pile the bread high with thinly sliced hot Montreal smoked meat. Only old fashioned Montreal smoked meat has the correct seasoning, the best texture. It is simply excellent. Unique. Don't be stingy with the meat, pile it high, so high you can hardly get your mouth over the sandwich. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy! A nice dill pickle on the side goes well with this.

and emotional eating.

These cookies were in the cupboard when I came home from Montreal today...they have been there for weeks. I finished the package in a short time.

and then I saw these sitting on the chair in the dining room....they came home with me from Costco last week. They will be opened when I am not so sick from the cookies.

The auxilliary caregiver called my sister's home yesterday morning when she could not get inside, because my mom could not get to the door to open it. We left for her home right away, my brother in law brought a bag of tools to remove the door but didn't need them after all; she had crawled to the door. We got her settled, cleaned up and comfortable. I talked to her about going to a nursing home; this is too hard and it hurts so much to see her struggling like this, looking uncared for, looking unloved.

When I arrived back in Toronto today I called her but the line was buy all afternoon. Called my sister who wasn't home. I eventually called 911 and was directed to emergency services in Montreal. They sent the police to check in on her...she is in the hospital now but I am sure they will have her back home, alone, by bedtime.

She needs full time nursing care but will not allow it...we will have to go to court to make it happen. She is not safe alone in her home but she doesn't want to leave.

Aren't they cute?

I finished wrapping almost all my Christmas gifts yesterday but ran out of gift bags. These fellows are sitting on the couch waiting for their bags, which I will buy tomorrow when I can get out to the stores. They are plush Christmas/Winter animals holding ultra-soft fluffy micro-fibre throws. . . so nice to snuggle up with while watching the television or reading a book. Don't they look nice?

I am keeping the reindeer, or is it a moose?

This was my front doorstep December 24, 2006.

It was warm outstide, comfortable to go out in a light sweater.

What a different Christmas we will have this year. The snow will continue here through the night, and some days next week call for snown and freezing rain.

I am on vacation as of Monday evening and was planning a drive to Montreal to visit my family and deliver gifts. Craig is coming with me, possibly Glenn too. What scares me is remembering the time I hit ice and spun around 360 twice on the 401 before we landed in the ditch. My car was never right after, the boys in the back seat were shouting, "Mom, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!" We sat in the car stunned at the bottom of the ditch for a few moments then they got out and pushed the car up on the highway again (we were 10 feet down) and two tires were flat as pancakes. Rims ruined too. But we were safe and uninjured.

After the tow to a garage in a nearby town where the car was repaired, I was so shaken my youngest son drove the rest of the way to Montreal, his brother beside him and me in the back seat. They didn't trust me to drive...and they were quite right.

When we returned to Toronto, I began to have trouble with the engine of my car, a lovely Grandprix that I loved. I always wondered if it was the trip to the ditch that started the trouble. The car eventually went to a scrap yard, looking beautiful but way too expensive to repair. It was a five years old. I am sure the accident did it.

So, now I am careful about what kind of weather I travel to Montreal in.

A storm is ripping through southern Ontario and Quebec. Usually Toronto doesn't get hit very hard...just enough to make road travel pure hell but that isn't saying much for this area. Road travel is bad in any weather. Today the city is at a standstill...I wonder if they will call in the army this time. Toronto just cannot handle snow.

I sat warm and comfy in my home, watching the progress through my windows, camera in hand. My son came over this afternoon, in his brother's car because it was blocking his in the driveway. He got stuck on the roads a few times (most people in this city do not have snowtires, I don't either) and finally reached my visitor parking lot where he got stuck permanently. Glenn was restless while he was here, worried about getting back home. He left and after a while was back at my door, the car was hopelessly stuck. He walked home and will be back later with his brother to push the car out.

It is snowing again, pretty if you don't have to drive to work. It snowed all night, there are squalls all over the area and the city of Toronto didn't get the ploughs out; they wait until the last flake falls then hope the sun will come out and melt it all. It is called saving money. No wonder insurance rates in this city are the highest in the country. I am feeling ugly about it all.

Oh well, I'm off to Tim's to grab a coffee for the drive...think I will make it an extra large this morning, I am going to be on the road a long time.

And The Drive In, This Morning:

It is an icy morning on the roads after a storm yesterday. The skies are dark but the city of Toronto is waiting for the sun to come out and melt the ice. (saves money you know) So, wary of black ice, I got on the highway behind another Honda, as we began to pick up speed his back bumper dropped on the road in front of me. The whole thing just dropped and spun around on the road. Traffic was moving at a good clip. I kept going but swerved over to the shoulder escaping the spinning bumper which was on it’s way over to the middle lane, where it eventually stopped as far as I could make out in my rear view mirror. The bumperless car pulled over to the shoulder. I think he was going to try to retrieve his bumper. Fat chance in that traffic! Cars were swerving right and left to avoid the bumper but barely slowing down.

Sorry, I didn't get a camera shot of all this! I was busy.

After vacuuming the house I needed a shower and while blow drying my hair I didn't like the sound of the blow drier...thought I had better hurry before it died, thought I better also pick up a blow drier when I went out, and just as I finished the front of my hair there was a "pop" and it stopped with a tiny puff of smoke that smelled like burnt hair. So I went out to shop with the back of my hair damp, greatfull it was not a weekday morning. I would not go to work with the back of my hair unfinished.