Manor

Tree in Bird

We have returned to our home in sunny, warm, "but it's a dry-heat" Arizona. Here most people speak English and Spanish. There is a growing diversity of peoples from other homelands outside the USA, but most of the immigrants to this state come from somewhere in the United States.

Toronto, my city of birth is a very diverse city. But like many enthnic groups in big cities, I grew up surrounded by my enthnic group, Jews. The face on this community has changed quite a bit in the last 30 years. Each time I go back I see new ethnic stores that are not all Jewish. But I still call it home. There is a sense of familiarity and comfort with each trip. And because I go back about every year, I am able to track the slow changes in buildings, population and stores. And of course there are the stores that seem to have always been there. This part of town is referred to as the "Bathurst Manor." And yes, it's true, in a manner of speaking, that while "You can take the girl out of the "Manor," you can't take the "Manor" out of the girl. It's still inside me. And I'm glad.

Toronto

Time for family, food and just catching up.
My family of three travelled to Toronto this week of the Jewish New Year. The weather has been wonderful. Autumn is just around the corner.
It's a week of happiness of coming and sadness of going and a little gladness when we head back to our USA home.

Blame.....Broken.....Blunder.....Blatant.....Blue

5768

Many people think of Wednesday as the "over the hump day" or the "weekend's almost here day." I think when the calendar hits September, the year feels like it is almost over. I am referring to the fact that the stores begin to show signs of Halloween and Thanksgiving and fall decorations as Labour day weekend approaches. And by the time Halloween comes, look out for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year. And by the time New Year's decorations have cleared the shelf, make way for St. Valentine's day hearts and flowers and chocolates.

Actually, come to think of it, the Jewish New year is about a week away. So to all of you who indulge in a little apple and honey, and a little reflection and fasting, I wish you all a Healthy and Happy and Prosperous L'Shanah Tova Tikatevuh 5768.

Sedate.....Understate.....Navigate.....Necessitate.....Year-To-Date

Herchel

Here is my first attempt at painting what I see. With apologies to our dog I have finally crossed the line from the surreal to the real.

Above is a watercolor of our Boston Terrier / Pug, aka "Bug." Actually, he belongs to our daughter. We got him on St. Valentines day over 4 years ago. He was about 2 years old when we adopted him. He was shy, he pished all over the house and he was afraid of my husband. Our daughter named him "Herchel." And, you know what? The name suits him. Over the last 4 years he has certainly grown into the dignity of his name. He is a volunteer pet therapy dog with Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale. He has made over 200 hours of community service visits with our daughter to local nursing homes. He meets and greets people with good cheer, calmness and confidence. He sheds fur on their beds, and the nursing home residents treasure every furry bit he leaves behind as a reminder of his quiet and loving demeanor.

His full and proper name, as given by our daughter is "Herchel Ridgel Stitch Bug Goldenthal." For a full explanation of all of his names, you will have to read her blog. But I don't know when she'll make a posting to her blog, so please be patient. Her blog can be found at

http://adayinthelife-kiki.blogspot.com