Strangely-Normal.com

My father’s day weekend started off quite sadly, with the loss of neighbour who was more than a neighbour. Marg and Claire Sutton have lived next door to our family for over fifty years. Marg and my grandmother were best friends, and Claire was the closest thing to a gandfather I’ve ever had, as both of mine were gone before I was born. My dad grew up with Marg and Claire’s kids, and my brother and I grew up with their grandkids. She was a strong and witty woman, who was always there for you, and at times knew more of what was going on at my high school than I did. I have very fond memories of sitting around the round kitchen table where Marg would hold courth.

She will be missed greatly by my family and remembered fondly forever. I always considered Marg my extra grandma, and every time I went home to see my family, I made sure to visit Marg as well.

But in happier news, my cousin Laurie had a baby boy yesterday, and Leanna is about to have a baby as well. I got to visit with my aunt Annetta, my uncle Dougald and my cousins Frankee and Leanna and her husband Everett yesterday at lunch. Since I left my car in Guelph on Friday and carpooled with Dennis, we also got to visit with my cousin Robin and her husband Paul, as well as my aunt Linda and uncle Gordon. It was a busy family weekend and I’m quite tired.

It’s hard to think of Marg not being next door, but I feel extremely blessed to have had her in my life for 28 years, and I’m excited to meet my cousin’s kids.

The Globe And Mail - Sick School Syndrome

My mom is one of the “friendly teachers who had a long history with the school”. This is a big problem considering how many schools were all built around the same time as hers, and how there is a chronic problem regarding underfunding our education facilities.

Since my mom is under a gag order, I’m thinking I should be, too, so that is all I will say on this subject.