BAN Presentation to Truedell Public School

On Monday, April 23rd, I presented information about my "Voluntour" trip to Uganda to the staff and students of Truedell Public School.  This was an opportunity to share with our school community, to tell them about the great work of Buy-a-Net, and to show them the people that they helped through their fundraising dollars.  Last year our school raised over $1500, enough to net over 4 villages in Uganda in an effort to stop the spread of malaria.

Truedell students learn about the villages they helped.

Protest at Queen's Park

On Saturday, April 21st I joined thousands of protesters from more than 90 labour and community groups as we chanted slogans and waved placards as part of a province-wide campaign to tell Premier Dalton McGuinty and his minority government its budget cannot stand.  It was a successful demonstration of solidarity with a large showing of teachers in the crowd.  Teachers from all age groups were present as McGuinty's proposed budget cuts affect all, regardless of age or experience.  The government has awoken a "sleeping giant" and the giant is unhappy.  Let's hope the minister is listening.  After all his wife is an Ontario teacher! 

Limestone Teachers Protest in large crowd at Queen's Park

BAN Presentation at Frontenac Secondary School

On Friday, April 20th, I spoke to Sharon Grover's Grade 12 World Issues class about the work of Buy-a-Net and my experiences as a voluntour member, in Uganda, in February of 2012.  The students were very attentive and asked important questions about the trip and about the work of malaria prevention in Uganda.

I also addressed the topic of what it means to be a "Changemaker", one who recognizes a need and acts to make the world a better place.  I challenged them to be "Changemakers" too.  You do not need to go to Africa to make a difference.  One can find things that need attention or people who need help anywhere in the world, including right here in our own community.  Once identified the challenge is to take the next step, and to act.  Next week this class will choose their "Class Project".  They will select a charity or group to support and will plan how they will raise funds and work to accomplish this goal.  Good luck grade 12's.  You are our future!

Mrs. Grew speaks to the Grade 12 World Issues class.

Sharing stories about Uganda.

Future leaders listen attentively!

Wild Leeks!

On Wednesday, April 18th, Dad and I drove to the farm to collect some wild leeks.  This early spring plant brings back pungent memories.  Dad would dig them every spring and the house would fill with the garlicky-onion smell which seemed to permeate the entire space.  He was one of the few people who would eat them and the same smell would exude from his skin for days after.  They are truly special!

Today Dad and I found lots of them.  They are small but given time you can clean enough for your favourite recipe.  Simply use them in place of onions or leeks.  Tomorrow I will make a potato leek soup or what I describe as, spring tonic soup.  Anything that smells that strong has got to be good for you.  If you are unfamiliar with the wild leek check out the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allium_tricoccum 

Dad shows me how to dig leeks.

Checking out the harvest.

Shaking off the dirt.

Site of my organic garden.

Room for lots of possibilities!

Kingston Impact Places Second

On Sunday morning the boys played the Burlington Panthers in the semis.  It was a tough game with the lead changing several times.  In the end we outpaced them and won with a single digit margin.  Our next game, at 2:30 for the Championship was even tougher.  We lost that one to Blessed Sacrament in an exciting and fast paced final.  It was a good weekend of basketball!

Birthday Celebrations Conclude

On Friday, April 13th, Adrian and I drove to Toronto for a Raptors game to celebrate his birthday.  We had dinner at the Loose Moose then walked to the game.  The Raptors played the Celtics and both Adrian and I expected the Raptors to lose.  After all, two of their top players were injured and did not play.  But Derozen and the bench were not to be outdone.  They won!  The first half was a bit boring and the Celtics were up 12.  After half-time the Raptors started to claw away at the lead and even got up 15 points at one point.  In the fourth, the Celtics game back to within one but couldn't pull ahead.  The Raptors secured their lead, utilizing Derozen's clutch foul shooting in the final minutes to stay ahead and win the game.  It was an exciting finish.

This morning we got up early and drove to Guelph for the Impact tournament.  The boys won their first game last night, a game that Adrian and I missed.  Today, they won both games which put them first in our pool.  That earned us the 8:30 tip-off tomorrow so after dinner it will probably be an early night.  Go boys!!!

Fish and Chips at the Loose Moose!

During the warm-up.

Check out the score:  Raptors 84, Celtics 79

Do you believe in fate?

I don't!  But if I did, I would say that fate intervened in my life today in a positive way.  If I believed in fate, I would say that fate made me change direction and turn into Winners, when, where I was really going was grocery shopping.  If I believed in fate, I would say that this alteration in my path was orchestrated such that my arrival would correspond with the path of an old friend as she walked into the store.  If I believed in fate, I would say that our reunion, after years of separation was predetermined.

Because I do not believe in fate, all I can do is say how delighted I was that I postponed my food shopping in search of new sandals.  For there, in front of my eyes, was an old friend and colleague, someone who had been on my mind as recently as this past weekend.  Were we meant to meet there?  I can't say with any degree of certainty but what I can be sure of is the joy that I felt when I saw her.

Welcome back Linda!  I can't wait to get caught up!

Oh, and by the way, if you have been following my blog then you will recall that earlier today I posted a blog about my son's birthday.  You will also recall that I wondered what else the day would bring.  I commented that I hoped it would be good things.  Indeed, they were!  You might also be wondering, given my experiences, why don't I believe in fate?

Adrian's 18th Birthday!

The much anticipated event has arrived.... my son is now officially an adult.  Adrian was born April 12th, 1994.  Today he turns 18 and his journey into adulthood begins.  The day started with breakfast in bed, a few gifts and a photo or two.  Who knows what the rest of the day will bring?  Hopefully, all good things!

That was then:  April, 1994.

This is now:  April, 2012.

It's true... he is now 18.

Breakfast of a Champion!

Countdown to Adulthood!

On Monday April 9th, we surprised Adrian with an all you can eat wing dinner at Ding-a-Lings.  When we pulled into the parking lot for what he thought was a mother and son dinner, Adrian was surprised to find that 6 of his friends and his Dad were inside waiting.  It was a fun dinner and the boys ate their fill of wings, some of which were very, very hot!  This was an early birthday event as Adrian turns 18 on Thursday.  First a pie, then a cake.... I wonder what is next?

Adrian:  Almost a legal adult!

The boys chow down!

The "Truedell Trio" Revisited!

Easter Dinner at the Grew's!

On Sunday April 8th, members of the Grew/Henderson family met at my house for Easter dinner.  Thanks to the inspiration of my recent visit to Deseronto and the lovely feast that was prepared there, I elected to make scalloped potatoes this year.  Ham, carrots, peas and roasted asparagus rounded out the meal with a choice of two pies for dessert.  One pie was engraved with the number 18 to represent Adrian's birthday next week.  I include this blog for my family members in other cities who were unable to join us.  Most of them are self-proclaimed "foodies" and I know that they will enjoy this visual treat!  Happy Easter everyone!

You may also notice that I took the time to indulge my crafty side this year.  In addition, to a variety of tissue paper Easter eggs I made two delightful egg shell flower vases which I filled with a collection of early spring blossoms from my garden.  Ah... bliss!

Mom's place setting.  

My plate....yummy!

The birthday boy... a few days early!

I hope his wish comes true!

BAN Presentation in Deseronto

On Wednesday, April 4th, Nick Wolfe Brown and I traveled to Deseronto to give a presentation to a lunch group at the Lion's Club.  After a delicious "Easter" lunch of ham, baked beans, scalloped potatoes and blueberry pie, Nick and I set up a display of beaded jewelry and gave a 50 minute presentation about the work of Buy-a-Net and our experiences as "Voluntour" members.  The audience was very receptive to our message and following a question and answer period many people made donations and/or bought jewelry to support BAN's mission to eliminate malaria in Uganda.  It was a wonderful afternoon with warm and thoughtful people.

Many interested shoppers visit the jewelry table.

Nick helps one shopper make her final selection.

More Buy-A-Net Experiences

On Tuesday April 3rd, three former "Voluntour" participants, Nick Wolfe-Brown, Brenda Scarlett and myself were invited to give a presentation to a Forum of the Queen's Project on International Development, or, QPID.

The presentation included information about the program offered by Buy-A-Net, or BAN, in Uganda, an overview of our collected experiences as part of the BAN "Voluntour" programs in 2008 and 2012, and the successes that BAN has witnessed over the years of its existence.  An analysis of developmental indicators with reference to the Millennium Developmental Goals was also facilitated.

Nick addresses an audience of interested QPID members.