I’m a retired high school teacher. I taught English; then transformed into a teacher-librarian who was the Resource Centre Department Head (for 25 years) and ultimately, a computer consultant for the Board of Education. I bought my first computer, an Apple II+, in 1981, and I have been an Apple user ever since. I have two adult daughters, and one granddaughter.
Spike’s my dog!
Spike
I used to live near the boardwalk, and that’s Lake Ontario that you see in the banner.
Recent serious illness (read my blog!) has forced me into a residence, which is not located in my beloved Beach. But I am consoled by the fact that I am now living in the district where I grew up, so it feels totally familiar.
I spend way too much time on the computer, but I make up for it by reading a lot, spending time with my children, and walking the dog for exercise.
I love the set-up of your website. Very neat and clean. I particularly like the photo banner you used across the top.
Good work!
I’ll get back to you with more specific comments about individual blog posts…Great start!
the page editor
Hey! SpikeyMom,
just read your book review. Sounds very interesting…and this from someone who reads one novel every five years, whether she needs to or not!
Actually, the plot you describe sounds quite a bit like one of my all-time favourite novels (read years ago, before I stopped reading fiction), which is Steven King’s The Stand. Monumental work. If you haven’t read, I recommend picking it up from the library and give a whirl….just for comparison’s sake. Then let me know what you think!
(If you get into it, you can kiss your regular life goodbye for a few days…I think it’s about 1,100 pages long.)
The Page Editor
Spike is a cutie
Keep writing, and enjoy blogging!
Hi Libby:
Came across your address in my favourites list and whipped in to see what was going on. Either you editted your October letter or I sped read it and missed the change of living quarters when I last entered; Bonny sent me a copy of your “Uncle Dumeresq ” histoire and I then looked around your site a bit last month..
Enjoy your tight writing style and how you express days gone by. Found myself agreeing with many thoughtful pieces you wrote. Decided to look again and enjoy it some more. This morning I did.
About “braids”. I remember you with braids in Orchard Beach summer and seemingly the braids lasted later in my mind than yours; or perhaps I was just older. Seems to me that when I was 11/ 12, I still recall short ones wet with clear, clean L. Simcoe water after a swim. Those warm, green, fair weather days seem like yesterday. I loved those summers and still do.
Everyone has their own health and personal situation and I bless my own. I have been luckier than many past now-shadows and enjoy lesser problems than others, including my wife. Luck of the draw or genes- certainly not good living.
I tried getting to Egypt last year with brother Dick, but political situation caused a
cancellation. This year could find no one to travel with and Joyce has told me she will not go to Florida this Spring. I still have travel aspirations and struggle
to achieve them; J says keep them reasonable and get going before you cannot.
Currently am setting up travel insurance for “over 75″ me, a respite site for Joyce for one week and a trip to a reef I remember in Cuba. When the insurance comes in I will execute the rest of the plan; that should settle out this week and hopefully by Dec 16, I will have arranged for a Jan 22 nd departure. Always God willing.
It would be Heavenly Humour if I made it down to the reef and then made it no further. At any rate I struggle on, feeling thankful for the health to do so and the enjoyment of my wife, family, friends and the dog. They say what does not kill you strengthens you. Feeling strong enough, but tiring more easily is real life.
Well Libby, please take care of yourself and continue to take the time to record your thoughts, as you do so well. Look forward to another look see in the coming year.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.
chas
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Really enjoy this blog which I found after reading your wonderful article in the Globe and Mail. If it is possible to give me e-mail notifications of your blogs, please do! I am also teacher and editor (now retired), and my 93-year-old mum is still living relatively independently in a place much like what you describe. She still bakes her own bread but goes to the dining room for dinners and some lunches. She would describe her fellow residents much as you do! My husband and I are going to see her on Friday for a couple of days. We’re anticipating a good time!
Hi Lorna,and thanks for the positive feedback!
I was a high school English teacher, teacher-librarian, and computer consultant for the Bd of Ed.
In my residence, no one has a stove, but counter-top appliances are OK. Very occasionally I wish I had a stove… but for me, it’s not a big deal to be without one.
Imagine your mom baking bread at 93!
I write my blog when I have something to say.
I always post to my Facebook page when I post a new blog.You can follow me there.
Hey Spikey Mom,
I read your F&A piece in the Globe today, it was great. You remind me of my own mother, who is at home in Ireland. You made me cry thinking about how I am so far away here in Canada and not there for her when she needs me…. I worry about it a lot. I hope that we can manage to look after her as well as your daughters look after you if/when anything ever happens (I’m clinging to the hope that she will be a vigorous 70 year old bridge and walking fanatic forever). Anyways, your blog is a great perspective on being older – I will drop in for a read again soon.
Saw your article in the Globe and Mail today – it was a great piece! I read through some of your book reviews and they were also great – I bookmarked your blog for future book ideas!