It's all in the Game...

Many people enjoy different series of television programming, and are regular viewers. One dares not think to telephone when specific shows are being broadcast – possibly even repeats! Omigosh, peoples’ tastes vary so widely it’s difficult to keep up with who’s watching what!

I’ve heard it said that the popular “reality” shows follow a predetermined pairing of partners, assigned tasks, and who’s cut before another. Whatever the truth may be – each series has its following! Over coffee or at-the-cooler discussions are punctuated with sighs or gleeful versions of “I knew it” or “I can’t believe he/she stayed on so long!”, etc..

In our household, T-V and all its glories applies and appeals mostly to the gentleman of the house more than me. (Except for horse-racing of course). Recently however, I did follow with interest the Canada’s Top Chef competition which airs on Monday evenings at 9:00 p.m. on the Food network -  with attention to one contestant in particular. Chris Kanka is a great nephew – and  with fellow participants it was a thrill to see these chefs vying to stay in the competition every week!

It’s all in the game though, and Chris has departed the company of his peers. From the proverbial “frying pan into the fire”, as they say, Chris’ bride will soon have an already-trained and versatile fortune cookie in her kitchen. Congrats!

Scratching My Head...

Several community-minded colleagues, including me, recently worked with both intensity and good-intention to support a fund-raising event which our corporate Head Office initiated three years ago – across Canada.

While I recognize that it is most often the “same people who do all the work”, it is still a puzzle as to why others might actually comment aloud in a derisive and most unbecoming manner about the folly of the project and how we allow ourselves to get “suckered in” every year.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course, but those of us who knuckle under and participate don’t do it because we are pushovers…and I did muse to myself about what the clients in attendance may have thought. What other people think of me is not my business – but what they think of our company is important. Who knows, maybe those clients even came out on Saturday to support us in our efforts.

A well-known entertainer once told me of a saying he had heard during his career in England and Europe. “Be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because they’re the same ones you’ll meet on the way down”.

It seems to me that “breezy and thoughtless remarks” would be best kept private – you never know who may hear them.

Croaking along with Spring Peepers...

Funny how drizzling days on end often result in feeling like a wet blanket!

An e-mail today from a cherished friend reminded me to “ramp it up, Rondeau” and push ahead. And moments later, the Toronto Star issue included its regular “The You” docs column by  Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz. Their advice today was to sing yourself out of the blahs!

Not being a person to disregard inspiring advice, I set out on a soggy walk with the mutt, my Buddy. His tail was drooping and head hanging as we puddled along;

and his close-fitting ears pressed more tightly to his head than I’ve noticed before. “Twas my attempt to warble like a thrush that made him actually glance back – and to my dismay I realized that the soon-to-come peeper frogs and their Spring songs far outmatch my toady croaking.

Even Kermit would wince!

Easter Parade

The Dollar Store had a long lineup on Saturday and frenzied cashiers were on the hustle checking out customers’ Easter basket items, ribbons and cards. On a grey and drizzling morning it was no fun out slugging around in the puddles with a stiff breeze. Hardly the weather for the traditional Easter parade of yesteryear…

When I was a young girl there was often a new Spring outfit – including a coat – to don and flaunt. My sister, brother and I thought we looked pretty spiffy. And many families then attended church on Sunday and admired everyone’s attire and stunning ladies’ hats. 

Nowadays the Easter Bunny tradition is still held near and dear to the hearts of many, while the Easter Parade and significance of Christian commemoration seem not to be top of mind.  Festive brunches are popular, saving Mom a lot of slaving in the kitchen – maybe that’s the place to see the pastel colours of Spring and people dressed up for a special occasion .

Hope Peter Cottontail’s wearing hip-waders when he hippety-hops down your trail!