I'd heard of it, yet never been to Welland's Rose Parade and since I will soon call that city home, I thought it was only right that I join Rob and his family for the annual festivities. Although rain was in the forecast, Mother Nature cut us a break with nothing but brilliant sunshine throughout the 90 plus minute parade that drew record crowds.
Rob's sister lives a stones through away from one of the streets along the parade route, meaning we all had a great spot to watch from. There were less floats and more bands than previous years due to a drop in participants, something organizers blame on a faltering economy and a lack of volunteers.
Following the parade, Rob's family on his mother's side held their second annual reunion (photo above), where everyone stuffed themselves on BBQ burgers, hot dogs, salads and homemade desserts.
Here's a video clip I put together of the Rose Parade. My sister-in-law Heather Dennis admitted to being less than enthusiastic about the lengthy parade (which not unlike St Catharines Wine Festival Parade apparently doesn't change much from year to year). Heather you will be very happy to know that I was able to achieve my goal of condensing the parade to a lean, mean 4 1/2 minutes...LMAO!
Jun 28, 2012
Keeping His Cool
QMI AGENCY/Tony Caldwell
Hank the one-year-old Golden Doodle cools off in the fountain at City Hall in Ottawa last week during the city's first heat wave of the Summer. Most of Ontario and surrounding areas can expect to see temperatures soar again throughout the Canada Day long weekend.
Jun 27, 2012
Cooking Up Laughter in the Kitchen
The Dunnville Community Theatre once again proved that good things come in small packages with their recent presentation of "The Kitchen Witches", a comedy by Carolyn Smith. Produced by Linda Young and directed by Scribbles pal Nancy Erskine, "The Kitchen Witches" tells the sorted story of two rival TV chefs, Dolly Biddle (played by Judy Wenjina) and Isobel Lomax (as played by Diane Morris). Dolly and Isobel both failed miserably with their individual cable TV cooking shows, but when the two butt heads during Dolly's final episode of "Baking with Babcha", the station's switchboard lights up with viewers and the station's owner wanting to see more of the sparring duo.
Dolly's son and program producer Stephen (brilliantly portrayed by Brandon Morris) suggests the rivals work together in a new cooking program called "The Kitchen Witches" which soon finds Dolly and Isobel in a battle to one-up the other by any means possible including sabotaging recipes, wardrobe mishaps, endless zings at each other and a shocking revolation from Isobel....Stephen is actually her son.
The play takes a dramatic turn in act two, when Dolly takes ill, Isobel attempts to patch up her relationship with Stephan and the chefs mend fences.
Housed on the second floor of the Dunnville Optimist Hall, the Dunnville Community Theatre group brought laughter and compassion to the characters of "The Kitchen Witches" and although they competed with Nick Walenda's walk over Niagara Falls and folks preparing to enjoy their Summer, the six performances still managed respectable audiences.
Scribbles received two complimentary tickets from DCT as a thank you for promoting the play which I attended with "sister Jane" (our third DCT production in a row). About the only thing I may have done differently would perhaps be to have piped in some background music during set changes, when the stage went dark and the theatre was eeriely silent.
Very Front and Centre!
There's something about being in the audience during a small community theatre production that can often make you feel like you are a part of the show. During the Dunnville Community Theatre's June 21st presentation of "The Kitchen Witches", that feeling took on a whole new dimension for me when I was called up on stage as the Special Guest Judge for a dessert cook-off between characters Dolly and Isobel.
I tip my hat to our pal Nancy Erskine for remaining mum about my impromptu stage call. The dueling chefs had two minutes to whip up their best desserts at their cooking stations while I sat at a table centre stage, wearing a brilliant yellow rain poncho to keep me from getting covered in the sticky ingredients the gals tossed at each other.
When the eternally long two minutes were up, Dolly and Isobel each brought two desserts to my table and then proceeded to spoon feed them to me. Wearing more than I actually consumed, I then had to pick my favourite (Dolly's Twinkie crumble was my choice... to which she exclaimed "Scribbles likes my dibbles") With my bright red face in stark contrast to the yellow rain gear the girls then took off me, I was given a handful of baby wipes to remove the whipped cream and chocolate syrup out of my goatee and a comp ticket to the theatre's next production, as I exited the stage to applause and laughter.
Was I surprised? Absolutely! Was I embarassed? You better believe it! Did I laugh my ass off on stage? I hadn't laughed like that in ages! Would I be willing to do it again? In a New York minute!
Scribbles Rating for The Kitchen Witches:
My sister Jane is making quite a stir these days, stir-fry to be specific. Since all it ever did at my place is gather dust and take up space in the storage room, I recently gave Jane my old wok. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Jane has come up with some very tasty stir-fries since getting that wok and since I'm still in the same building as her for now, she usually brings a plateful of her creations down to my apartment. Gee if I had known you were going to be that good at using it, I would have given you my wok years ago Jane, instead of waiting a month before I move to Welland.
Empty Nesters
Diane and BJ Murray are getting reaquainted with their home now that their kids have all moved out. Diane tells Scribbles "Now it will be nice to see the grocery bill go down as well as the utility bills go down."
Sounds like you and hubby will have lots of room to stretch out, relax and do whatever your heart's desire, "Endora"...congrats!!
Her Ass is Grass
Kerri Thompson-Fortier invited her friends to a Luau, no passports required. Kerri hosted a Luau at her home in Niagara Falls on June 16th on a very hot and humid day and as we can see above, she really went all out with the decor.
Sorry I couldn't make it Kerri, especially since I see a certain guest made an appearance....LOL!
I had a great time getting reaquainted with old pal Elaine recently and part of the fun was bringing her this old photo I found while sifting through boxes in my storage room. The photo was taken at a wedding for a co-worker and Elaine was in the wedding party...hence the funky looking dress.
It was great to see you again Elaine, we should do it more often.
Jun 26, 2012
Need You Now
Country sensation Lady Antebellum danced away with Jeanne Prince and daughter Megan Fox's hearts when they performed in Ottawa recently. Jeanne and Megan are true blue Country gals - as is evident by their appropriate hats - and they had a fanastic time at the concert.
I must admit Megan, I'm starting to get a bit jealous of you. Your concert checklist is starting to out number mine...and that just ain't right....LOL. And next up is Walk Off the Earth isn't it. Damn girl, I'm green with envy.
Jumpin' for Joy
Our Winnipeg pal Gunny Eckert has had lots of things to share with us on facebook lately. Her parents Bev and Tony travelled from Ontario for a wonderful visit, her son Nathaniel came in 4th in a 70 metre race, Ginny celebrated another birthday in May and she's now lost over 45 pounds! WOW! That's a nice birthday present!
But wait that's not all.... Ginny also told facebook; "[Our daughter] Bekah came home with a Gold medal in long jump Grade 8 women's! She had 49 other girls to compete with!!!!! She finished with 4 metres 78cm!!!! We are so proud!!!!!! Oh this was Provincials!"
Well I'll be damned, life in Manitoba seems to really be treating you and your family mighty fine Ginny and Mickey and like you, we're very proud too!
Happy Trails!
Megan Fox snapped this pix of her and BF Andy heading out on yet another adventure. The groovy twosome have many plans for the long hot Summer including a concert featuring Walk Off the Earth and a trip to Canada's Wonderland. Sounds like fun....No wonder Megan's all smiles!
Jun 25, 2012
They Grow Up So Quickly
Seems like it was only a few months ago that our buddy Dylan was starting school and now he's already graduated. Actually, the graduation was from Jr Kindergarten and Dylan was joined by his mom Erin, grandma Cathy and Aunt Jeanne. Way to go Dylan, you look cool in your grad outfit!
Cher planning biography musical by Brent Lang, TheWrap.com
Thanks to the magic of Broadway, Cher is going to turn back time on her journey from variety show host to Oscar-winning actress.
Fear not - it’s not a stage version of her big-screen turkey “Burlesque.”
Instead, the “I Got You Babe” songstress tweeted that she is collaborating with producers on a show based on her life story. The finished product will incorporate her catalog of pop hits.
“Its VERY SLOW PROCESS! been working on it quite a while now,” Cher tweeted.
Risa Shapiro, a spokeswoman for Cher, said that no date has been set for the show, which still faces years of work.
Some details have emerged, however. The singer and actress said the show will have three versions of herself - one actress will play her through the “Sonny and Cher” years, one will portray her after she left their hit partnership and broke out on her own and the other will pick up after the “Believe” tour and take her into her present-day icon-dom.
Cher even joked that she may dust off some outrageous Bob Mackie outfits and take the stage herself.
“I could b old Cher!Shes wise n tells 2 young 1’s not 2 fear future,” Cher tweeted.
Hopefully, she’s not helping the writers with spell-check.
Jun 24, 2012
Angela Whiteley shows off her Drag Canada look in honour of our country's 145th birthday.
"Canada Bob" Adams and Reuben the dog ride a flag covered motorcycle along Main Street in Wellington, south of Belleville, Ont. Sunday, July 1, 2012. COURTESY: LUKE HENDRY - QMI AGENCY
Canada's Governor General David Johnston inspects the honour guard during Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, July 1, 2012. COURTESY: CHRIS WATTIE - REUTERS
Jun 23, 2012
No second season for Canada’s Got Talent
CGT, MIA. Canada’s Got Talent will not be back for a second season in 2012-13, Rogers Media and Citytv confirmed on Friday.
“After careful consideration of all factors, including the current economic climate, Citytv has refocused its programming strategy and will not be producing Canada’s Got Talent for the 2012-13 season,” said Rogers Media president of broadcast Scott Moore in a statement.
“Citytv remains extremely proud of Canada’s Got Talent and the national platform it provided to showcase our diverse and eclectic homegrown talent from across the country.”
Reality-competition shows always can come back, of course – it’s not as if they have ongoing plot lines or key actors who take other jobs. But the fact is, once a show such as this goes on hiatus for a year, it’s very rare that it ever returns.
Any show that requires a cross-Canada talent search, as well as multiple live episodes, certainly is an expensive proposition for any Canadian broadcaster. In that regard, something like the upcoming Citytv project The Bachelor Canada theoretically has the potential to be much more cost efficent.
Canada’s Got Talent, produced by Insight Productions, completed its rookie season last month, with the Manitoba dance team Sagkeeng’s Finest emerging as an upset champion. Judges were Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman and Stephan Moccio, with host Dina Pugliese.
The letter from Ethan's teacher to his mom Janet McParland says it all. It made us chuckle to see that no matter how much things may change, some things remain the same. Crayons. erasers, school glue, pencils...kids have been chewing on those for as long as there's been schools. LOL!
Jun 21, 2012
Ready for the Big Catch
Little Thomas Papple is all smiles as he goes fishing in Grandpa Don's swimming pool. The photo was taken on Father's Day, where three generations of Papple dad's gathered for pampering and appreciation. We're fairly certain Thomas didn't catch any fish but it sure looks like he had fun trying.
Three generations of Papple Papa's (Left to Right) Don, Jim Sr. and Jimmy Jr.
Jun 20, 2012
Luke Bryan performs "Country Girl Shake it for Me" on the CMA's
Yum Yum...We love new Country music sensation Luke Bryan and after you watch this video clip we think you might too. Luke opened for Tim McGraw (along with The Band Perry) when he was in concert last Summer and Scribbles was there in Hamilton to enjoy it all.
Luke might be singing about Country girls shaking it for him, but we think he does a damn fine job of shakin' his booty too. Check out this clip and see if you agree.
Jun 19, 2012
VIDEO CLIP
2 Year Old Elvis Rocker
Jun 18, 2012
A Chip Off the Old "Rock"
ABOVE... Bobby Rock shared this awesome drawing on facebook...it was part of his Father's Day gifts. We're lovin' the "Rock On" part B.R, who else's offspring but yours could come up with that gem?
Jun 16, 2012
TOO CUTE!
Our little buddy Aietch works it for the camera... a star is born!
READERS COMMENTS
"Awwww Thanks Ken!! Love it!!! ♥"
-Tammie Holditch (Aietch's mommy)
Two Times the Celebration at the Papple's Place
Don Papple enjoyed a cool cake and lots of laughs with his wife and kids on his 61st birthday on June 8th. Meanwhile his daughter Erin also had reason for celebrating....she got her driver's license the same day.
Windmill Point in Ridgeway, ON will be rockin' this weekend as Rob's dad Ron Dennis celebrates his 60th birthday with family and friends. Ron's nickname is Rooster and I'm betting we'll be hearing plenty of "cockadoodle doo's" throughout the big party, expected to be enjoyed by up to 50 guests.
Happy Birthday Ron!
Drawing the Line
Nik Wallenda made history with his tightrope walk over Niagara Falls on June 15th. The hype leading up to the event was almost more exciting than the walk itself, thanks in part to the tether Wallenda was forced to wear while crossing. Not that I wanted him to fall, but that damn tether took all the suspence out of the routine. Even if he had of slipped, he would probably have just dangled there until he could be rescued. I can see why Nik didn't want to wear it.
Wallenda was heard thanking Jesus throughout his walk, while merchants on either side of the border could be heard praising their chosen gods for all the revenue Nik's wild stunt brought to Niagara Falls.
BS LIVE PRESENTS:
Kip Michaels Death Defying Curb Walker....
DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, KIP IS A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL
HUMOUR
Jun 14, 2012
Proud Artist
Graham Storie-Clark was delighted to see one of works of art on display at his school recently. The painting depicts Mr Sunshine doing what he and little Graham seem to do best....put big smiles on our faces!!
TNT launched a new version of DALLAS on June 13th (the showalso airs on BRAVO Canada). While veteran characters J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen will still be a pivotal part of the series, it's the next generation of Ewings that will steal the spotlight.
We'll review the series debut episodes on Scribbles soon, as well as give any DALLAS newbies a crah course on who's who....stay tuned!
