A few requests for a more "current" ski photo of "The Boy" as I once called him

Two so you can easily compare - ages 9'ish and 40'ish!

Living his dream

My son is living his dream as a CSIA Level 4. I remember the day so well when he called to say "I got it - I got my 4."  He was so happy.

Today James begins a week of examining others who are trying to get their own Level 4 and he is thrilled to be doing so.

These pictures were taken a lifetime ago when James was about 8 or 9 years old and enjoying the ski hills to the fullest.  It is so important to encourage our children have their dreams.

With Tracey and their two wonderful children James has his dream and so much more.  I am so proud of him.

Ahhhh...have a good weekend all!

Baggage

We all carry baggage - it is unfortunate that those throwing stones at Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly are seemingly unwilling take time to check their own baggage.

Mayor Kelly has given 27 years of his life to public service and we repay him by throwing him under the bus!  Shame on you Halifax.

Carol Ann

Lexi's new resting place...

The picture says it all don't you think?  Notice that Lexi emptied the drawer before crawling in for awhile.  I am heading north to visit with family for a few days this weekend.  I am sure I will return with at least a few pictures to share.

Love

CA

Kenneth D Grant

Ken Grant is a friend of mine - we met when I was transferred to Montreal in the spring of 1982 - more on that in a second but first...

In my opinion Ken is a true example of a self-made-successful-man.  He left Bell with over 19 years of experience and expertise around 1997.  While working at Bell, Ken continued his education at both college and University level. (Vanier College and Universite du Quebec a Montreal.)  He went on to work for two years with Newbridge Networks and two more years with Nortel Networks before moving on to other ventures.  You can learn more about his current venture on his Linkedin page.

Now, back to how we met.  I was in my office waiting to hear from the Bell technician who was to call me when he was ready to meet me at my Durocher Street condo.  Phone rang - "Carol Ann Cole speaking."  "Yes, may I speak with Mr Cole please - I am suppose to meet him at his condo."  Without explaining further I asked the tech to wait at the condo and I left the office.  As I walked down my street I saw this hulk (and I do mean hulk) of a man standing beside one of our green vehicles draining a 2 quart carton of milk.   I am sure Ken would tell this story differently but as I approached him he realized his mistake in assuming he was waiting for Mr Cole - and a friendship began.  We were both smiling even before we shook hands. Ken installed my phones and we chatted about his obvious body building work. I was weight training at the time and looking for a new gym in Montreal so Bell was not our only connection.  My condo was empty at the time so I stood and observed as he worked.

Fast forward a few days and I was at home with the moving company who were not too happy about bring my furniture up three stories to my condo.  They were concerned that a large six plus foot dresser would not make it up the stairs and around the many corners to the master bedroom.  Suddenly one of the workmen rushed upstairs to say, "Your dresser is strapped to the back of some kid who says he is a friend of yours."  As Ken passed me en route up to the top floor he stopped long enough to say, "Don't worry Miss Cole I am on my lunch hour."  It was too funny believe me.

Ken and I kept in touch for a few years but like so many friendships we lost touch.  Out of the blue yesterday my phone rang and Ken was back in my world.  

It is never too late to seek out someone you have lost touch with - out of sight is not really out of mind at all.

Have a gentle Thursday.

Love

Carol Ann 

Question for my Bell friends

Do you have one of these phones?

I have lugged this antique phone with me from city to city, condo to condo for years. And it is so heavy I have to pay someone to wall mount it for me every time I relocate! But I would never ever get rid of it.  All of the origional working parts are safely tucked away inside.

Many people who come into my home comment on the beauty of a treasure like this - and it reminds me of you - my Bell friends.

Everytime I read an obit sharing that we have lost one of our team (Warren Grant this time) I am reminded of the wonderful days we all had together.

Love

Carol Ann

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Have a wonderful day.

Love

CA

Bistro 990

Ever dine at Bistro 990? 

During my Bell days I spent many an evening (and lunch hour) there.  Love Bistro 990.  The doors are closing to make way for yet another downtown condo.  I live in a condo so won't say anything more than 'do we really need another one?' Especially at the expense of this great Bistro.

Following my Bell days I have continued to visit Bistro 990 albeit not as often.   Bill Valcour and I worked together at Bell and we continue to stay in touch.  We had lunch there last fall - and I am thankful we did. 

Bistro 990 - thanks for the incredible food, the ambiance and the memories.  You were one of the best in the city.

CA

A hockey legend and a hockey player

Thank you Bobby Orr for the picture, for the memories and for being someone that so many young hockey players can look up to!

Love

Carol Ann

Greetings on a Wednesday

A wave of the hand from little Lexi for you this morning.

  Thanks so much for your kind words following my blog about the death of Pat Bisogno.  Pat's family is taking it one day at a time and are thankful for each other at this tough tough time.

I am busy writing and, so far, am pleased with what I am accomplishing thus far.  That could change at any time though because each day when I begin to write I am never sure how the day will go.............

A picture of Jalen for you tomorrow.

Love

Carol Ann

My friend Pat Bisogno

 Pasquale (Pat) Bisogno and his wife Mary were two of the people I travelled in Europe with in 2005.  We had so much fun, so many laughs and created so many memories.   Good thing.

Look closely and you will see large snowflakes in the bottom picture.  I took this picture on January 27th.  At around 4 am that morning we lost Pat at the tender age of 59 years young.  Snowflakes will forever remind me of all that was good in Pat. 

Cancer pisses me off.  Pardon my language - Pat went to the hospital just before year's end. He didn't have a chance to get out of the hospital. He didn't even have the chance to get out of bed.  Cancer took Pat's life in less than a month.  Where is the fairness in that?

 Mary is now left with her memories and, thankfully, her three children. John, Anthony and Jennifer were at Mary's side every second at the funeral home and every second at Pat's funeral yesterday.  I cried watching them and listening to them speak of their unspeakable loss.

Pat's only brother, Gene, is a cancer survivor (twice) and yet it was Pat that cancer came looking for this time.  Gene and his wife Clare are dear friends of mine and I am so sad for them too.  Gene, to lose your only sibling - I simply can't imagine.

When you lose someone you love you have a new angel in heaven whose name you know.  The words "Angel Pat" don't sound quite right just yet - but they will.

If I could give a shout out here to Mary - we will be by your side whenever you need us to be there Mary.  We will include you when we do things together and we will find ways to continue to cry and laugh with you. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Lots of love to all of the Bisogno's and to all of those who love them.

Carol Ann