PETS | "Oh Bother"

It appears that kids aren't the only ones who enjoy cuddling with Winnie the Pooh. Our Ottawa Valley puppy pal Louie is seen here taking a nap, while his plush Pooh pal keeps a watchful eye over him.

KIDS | Cracking Up

Graham Clark (foreground) and Thomas Papple share a good laugh as they watch animated antics on Treehouse TV. 

This amusing photo was taken at Thomas' grandparent's home when our family gathered for a late Easter/early Mother's Day dinner.  The boys searched for Easter goodies in the backyard before everyone hopped indoors for a delicious dinner.

Graham's Uncle Kenny (that would be me) was feeling sad and sore that day, but did attend the event and had a good time, despite having to leave a bit early. 

CLICK PIX TO VIEW LARGER VERSIONS

ME | Feeling "Wonder-faux"

Maybe it was the sunshine. Maybe it was the fact I was going to see my therapist or maybe it was the way I faux-hawked my hair. Whatever it was, I was feeling quite happy the day I snapped these selfies. It was a welcomed change over the gloom and doom feelings I had in the past few weeks.

Even my music choice changed on this day. Usually my radio is set to a classic rock station at home and in my car. But on this bright day, I wanted to hear something peppy and new and changed my station choices accordingly.

Could this be the return of the happy go lucky Kenny of days (years) gone by? Let hope so.

IDEA | You're Soaking In It

YOU | Celebration

YOU | Hike for Hospice in the Valley

Megan Fox posted this collage on facebook.  The photos were taken on May 4th in Renfrew, where Megan joined her mother Jeanne, Aunt Cathy and other enthusiasts for Hike for Hospice event raising over $63,000.00....which can I just say, is frackin' awesome.

Megan titled her photo collection "A very cold and rainy but super fun day for the Hike for Hospice!" 

Yes, it most certainly does seem to feature all of those elements, Megan and given the timing of the event, I am incredibly touched and proud that you all participated. 

PETS

KITTY SEE, KITTY DO... I have two wooden cat knick knacks in my bathroom. Both cats are curiously looking downward and JJ is joining in on the act.

Here is a scratching post I made for JJ. I used a big old speaker I found at trash bin. Removed the speakers and wires and then attached a piece of carpet from Dollarama to the front. On the side where holes are I have put some of his cat toys inside. The speaker is quite heavy which is good because he can really grab his claws into the carpet and there is no fear of the whole thing falling down. I would love to say this is an original idea but that would be a lie. Someone I once knew did something similar.

FAB PHOTOS

NEWS | Envy Lounge Closing

As featured on ENVY Lounge facebook page:

"On behalf of everyone at Envy Lounge we would like to say THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all our dedicated and supportive guests, friends and extended family.

Many of you have helped shape and create Envy’s spirit, style and personality and we hope we contributed to yours.

As we reach our five year lease, it has unfortunately become painfully clear that St. Catharines and the Niagara area is not capable of successful supporting a LGBT bar.

With this being said, Envy Lounge will regrettably be officially closing its doors the end of May.

MUCH RESPECT, THANKS AND OVERWHELMING PRAISE to all the hard working, loyal and dedicated teams from day of Envy Lounge.

THANK YOU Anthony,  THANK YOU Tyler THANK YOU  Dan,  THANK YOU Steven,  THANK YOU Rhonda, THANK YOU Brit,THANK YOU Nash THANK YOU Mathew D, THANK YOU Charles, THANK YOU DJ Robin, THANKYOU Judge Judy,  THANK YOU Darryl, THANK YOU Bronson, THANK YOU Matt, THANK YOU “The Chad”. THANK YOU “A Chad”, THANK YOU Shaun , THANK YOU Shannon, THANK YOU Adam, THANK YOU Andrew.

Envy will be open...

• Friday May 9th and Saturday May 10th ·         
• Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th 

• Friday May 23th and Saturday May 124th
• Friday May 30 For the Pride Niagara Official Pride Niagara Kick Off Party... 
• OUR FINAL NIGHT Saturday May 31st for the 5th Annual Mr. /Miss Pride Niagara Pageant

In the future Envy (seven 2 hospitalities) has potential plans to host annual LGBT events. We definitely will continue our partnership and support with Pride Niagara and all their events. So please keep us on facebook, keep our friendships and keep developing your PRIDE!

 Sincerely
 Enzo De Divitiis /The De Divitiis Family

EDITORIAL

YOU

He Loved Them, Ya, Ya, Ya!

Our friend Lorenzo Cromwell of Niagara Falls, got to enjoy a "Really big shoe", at Beatlemania: 50th Anniversary Show at the Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne.

The show featured popular Beatles tribute band, the Caverners and even included "Ed Sullivan" as he introduced the Fab Four just like he had done 50 years ago on his U.S. variety show. 

Lorenzo told his facebook pals "I was able to ask Michael Wainwright (John ) if any of the band have met any of the Beatles. He said they hadn't but they all would love to. He said he has a friend that has met Paul McCartney."

Sounds like you had a great time Lorenzo. They may not be "the real thing" but as anyone who has seen the Caverners before knows, they sure come close.

KIDS

It's always special to see adorable sisters Molli and Morghyn Quinlan, but this time around the pair are even more picture perfect. That's because their mom Jodi [right] is taking a photography course and if this shot is an example of her work, the classes are really paying off.

When I first saw this pix on Jodi's facebook page, I asked if we could put it in Scribbles and inquired as to what photographer had taken the pix. I was pleasantly surprised when Jodi informed me it was her.

Great job Jodi, I can hardly wait to see what future master shots you post on facebook for us to share.

NEW! Scribbles Video: Introducing Maria

My New Neighbour Truly Takes the Cake

Given what I've shared about the banging pipes at my new home, you'd be forgiven if you got the impression there isn't anything good about the place. Fortunately, when the noise subsides, there's plenty to get happy about and at the top of that list is my new neighbour Maria.

MARIA POSES WITH ONE OF HER CREATIONS

Maria lives on the main floor of this building and is very talented.

For example, check out this sampling of some of Maria's astonishing cakes. From the baking to making her own tasty homemade fondone [a special decorative icing used by bakers, which when not done properly, looks nice but isn't very edible] Maria's cakes are understandably in great demand.  One look at Maria's creations and you quickly see that a lot of love and pride goes into every detail.

Maria also loves to sing and play guitar and even writes her very own songs.

CHECK OUT LARGE VERSION OF THESE CAKE -CLICK ON PIX

I love when Maria invites me up for a cup of tea and a visit.

Below is a very special, exclusive video of Maria, performing her original song "I'm in Love". Our unique recording studio with its excellent acoustics, is our little secret, but I can say that neither of us have far to travel to get there.

NEW! Scribbles Video: Easter 2014

The Easter Bunny made his rounds at reader's homes in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St Catharines, Renfrew, Ottawa, Nova Scotia and all points in between.  He scattered colourful Easter eggs for little ones to search for and gave us all a great reason to get together with loved ones and eat far too much delicious chocolate.

Here's a sampling of photos Scribbles sought out on your facebook pages as we prepared to put together a short video of Easter 2014.

Hop right up and enjoy!

PETS

Growing Up Fast

What a difference a few months can make, as the photos above prove.  To the left we see me at my Welland apartment, with then "new" kitten JJ, who was only a few months old and weighed about 4 lbs.

Fast forward to the pix on the right, taken within the last month at my new apartment in St. Catharines. JJ is much larger (definitely no longer 4 lbs) and I look a bit frantic. This was taken during the peak of "bang bang" ceiling season and I was not dealing with the issue all that well. Thank goodness for my little buddies JJ and Timmi, who have forced me to stay grounded when I thought I was losing my mind.

NEW! Scribbles Video: HOPE- Bylynnda's Fight Against Lyme Disease

Misdiagnosed at the age of 12, it would be several years later before Bylynnda Turvey would discover what her family had already concluded, she has Lyme Disease.

Now 24, Bylynnda is confined to a wheelchair and in constant pain. Treatment for Lyme Disease is virtually unheard of in Canada, something Bylynnda and others who have the disease would like to see changed. In the meantime, her family struggles to come up with the $50,000 - $100,000 needed for treatment in the U.S.

There was a fundraiser at Cool Hand Luke's in Niagara Falls on April 19th and friends have also taken the "Triple Three" challenge, eating an entire lime in 3 minutes before donating $3 and nominating 3 others to do the same.

T-shirts, wristbands and keychains are also available and donations can be made online or at any Meridian Credit Union.

In this new Scribbles video, we check out the fundraiser at Cool Hand Luke's as well as take a look at the brave souls who gobbled up limes for the cause.


DONATE ONLINE CLICK HERE

Donate at any Meridian Credit Union....In trust of Bylynnda Lynn Turvey Account # 2968923

NEW! Video: "Rain Oh Rain"

TONY ST. LOUIS

I never cease to be amazed by the many talents our close Scribbles gang have. We have artists, actors and drag sensations. There's award-winning designers and rock climbers, dancers and poets. Truly the list goes on and on.

One area that always fascinates me are those who can sing. I chalk this up to the fact that I am definitely NOT a singer. I can create videos, I can write and make you smile with Scribbles website, but the last thing you'd want to hear would be me singing.

Fortunately we have lots of others who are great singers, including our buddy Tony St. Louis. Tony is our pal Ginny Eckert's step dad, Ginny and I once worked together and were also roommates, so that's how we all met.  These days, Tony and his wife Bev, Ginny and her wife Michelle (aka Mickey) and their kids, all reside in Manitoba.

I miss them all dearly, but thanks to this folksy tune by Tony, it's like having a little bit of the old gang back again.  I really like this song Tony, thanks for letting me share it on Scribbles.

PETS | She Loves Life

When she's not playing with her cat brother or frolicking around her home, Ottawa kitty Olive can now be found playing the classic board game Life. It was actually Olive's "people parents" Megan and Andy who decided to dust off the old game and give it a go, but Ms. Olive decided it looked like something she too should check out.

Oh, Olive, you certainly have turned out to be quite the character.

SUPPORT

Wheels for Van Driels

by Scott and Sonya Van Driel

We want to share our story of Dylan to create awareness of his life and his needs. We cannot provide for Dylan without an extended community of support.

We are Scott and Sonya Van Driel, and Dylan is our beautiful son and the amazing brother to our four year old daughter Marika. Dylan has Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM), a rare and life-threatening disease. Though our life has dramatically changed with Dylan’s limitations and diagnosis, we have not lost hope; we believe that Dylan will continue to surprise us with small but precious accomplishments.

We did not have any concerns at Dylan’s birth, but within a few weeks of his life, we sensed something was wrong. After a series of appointments, tests, and an overnight stay in McMaster Children’s Hospital, we were given results of an MRI that would change our lives forever. We were told that Dylan has a huge pouch of blood in his head, taking up at least a third of the space in his skull. The doctor who shared the results with us was emotional and uncertain; we were directed to The Hospital for Sick Children where there was the possibility of learning more about Dylan’s condition.

At SickKids, Dylan was given the diagnosis of VOGM, and we were also told that Dylan has the largest and most complex diagnosis of VOGM globally known. This diagnosis is associated with serious potential complications such as strokes, brain bleeds, cerebral sinus thrombosis, hydrocephalus, congestive heart failure – and failure to thrive. Initially, we were in shock and then experienced a range of emotions that included fear, sorrow, and anger.

"Wheels For Van Driels". Craft ,Bake And Plant Sale

Saturday at 9:00am

1040 Balfour Rd Fenwick Ontario


"Wheels for Van Driels" Pig Roast
Sat. Aug. 9 4pm-10pm
Dave & Kathy Van Driel's, 214 Chantler Road

YOU | Celebrate

EVENT | Unity Awards

1st Annual Niagara Unity Awards Entertainment: Miss Conception! Female Delusionist "Extra-Ordinaire"

1st Annual Niagara Unity Awards, a formal gala showcasing the important successes of individuals and groups that have made an impact for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community here in the Niagara Region.

Pride Niagara is thrilled to announce our featured entertainment for the evening, Female Delusionist "Extra-Ordinaire" Miss Conception!

ABOUT MISS CONCEPTION...

In 2012, Miss Conception aka Kevin completed a four month tour, where he launched his first Live Singing show at the Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He continues to perform all over North America, and will return to Mexico for the 2014 season at a brand new venue “Stages”.

Kevin will be featured Monday and Thursday of every week between January and May.

From very humble beginnings in Mississauga, Ontario to entertaining his parents with a living room rendition of “Beauty and the Beast”, Kevin Levesque couldn’t stop moving. Ironically enough, it wasn’t until Kevin was 6 years old that he joined a hockey team and realized sports wasn’t his love. He was meant to be a performer and yearned for the stage.

Years later, Kevin joined the Mississauga Youth Theatre and landed his first role as Bobby Shaftoe in the production “Babes in Toyland”. His entire family came to see it, and Kevin recalls, “I was fabulous!” Kevin went on to study drama at the Cawthra Park School for the Arts.

In grade ten Kevin was presented with an overdose of Shakespeare and was not interested in the tragic bard, Kevin then switched his focus to dance. After high school, he frequently visited Toronto’s gay village where he saw his first drag show at the age of 19.

 After a dare to try drag from a friend, Kevin gave it a shot. His first performance went off without a hitch and Miss Conception was born! To date, Kevin has won countless titles,including the first Zelda’s Drag Idol, Miss Canada Continental, Smirnoff Twisted, Coors Lite Queen of Halloween, Ontario’s Next Top Drag Queen, Miss Gay Universe, Miss Gay Toronto, and Entertainer of the Year. He’s also appeared in “Queer as Folk,” “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” and the first ever contestant in drag on “Wipeout Canada.” (which can be seen on youtube under “beauties vs geeks)

YOU | Alter Bound

photo courtesy Phenomenon Photography

If ever there was a couple who were meant to be together, it's Laura DeGraaf and Ryan Haanappel. They share a wild sense of adventure, they enjoy riding their motorcycles, they love horses, they're travel bugs and they look so damn good together.

Happily engaged for a while now, the super soul mates will make it official, when they tie the knot on June 13th.

I remember hen we first met Laura. Things were quite different in those days. Then Ryan entered your life and your heart and the rest, as they say, has been history. I could not be happier for you both -and even a bit green with envy. I can hardly wait to see your wedding pix, which you just know I'm going to splash all over Scribbles.

May your love continue to grow as you travel life's roads together.

IN MEMORIAM

Elphy
Feb.6, 2008 - Apr. 24, 2014

Our condolences are sent to our friend Sam Martin on the recent loss of his beloved dog Elphy. There is little that I could add to what Sam homself posted on facebook...

"This will always be a very sad day for me. My little Elphy has passed on and gone over the rainbow bridge....

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to rainbow bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our pets are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to their vigor; those who were hurt and maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and time gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your dog, so long gone from you life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross rainbow bridge together.   -Author unknown.

Till that day, I love you my baby girl. RIP My beautiful Elphy. February 6, 2008 - April 24, 2014. You really brought out the best in everyone that ever knew you. I love you so so much. We will miss you forever. XOXOXO!!"

ENCORE SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Em Gets Happy

Although I've worn a frown far more than a smile throughout most of the past month, even this sad sack couldn't help but smile when I saw the following video. Our little Ottawa Valley pal Emerson Rose (aka "Em") shows us not only can she now stand, she's also an amazing tiny dance, in this Scribbles re-edited version of her routine to the hit song "Happy".

Em has been spending lots of time with mommy and her relatives these days, and that indeed has all of us doing a Happy Dance.

INSPIRING

NEW! Scribbles Comic

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Bright Idea #1

Being on a tight budget can often be pretty frustrating, but if you get creative, there are many ways of stretching your dollars.

Here's the first in a series of short clips. Today we learn of a tasty (and inexpensive way) to "Wake Up Your Water".

Check out how Ken gives his drinking water a real punch!

We'll have more Scribbles Bright Ideas in April.

PETS | Talkin' Back

How cute is this??

HUMOUR

Editorial

Saying Goodbye

This is it! Depending upon when you are reading this, I am either a few days away from moving, in transit or just settling in to my new home in St. Catharines...but at the time I am writing this, I have less than 4 days before the big move on Mar. 29th.

My checklist of things to do is getting slightly smaller as the stacks of packed boxes continues to grow larger, something that should find me feeling somewhat relieved, but [in true neurotic Kenny style] that's not quite the case.

I can't deny it will be nice to return to St. Catharines, the city I called home for over 40 years before moving to Welland in August 2012. And judging by your enthusiasm, this is something many of you are really looking forward to. It will be handy to be closer to my family, friends and medical professionals, particularly since my car is pretty old and could bite the dust at any time.

Still, there is a huge part of me that is going to miss Welland very VERY much. This is somewhat ironic considering I wasn't all that excited about moving here in the first place. But somehow, somewhere along the line, all that changed.

CLICK PIX TO VIEW LARGER VERSION

One of the main advantages of moving to Welland (aside from the more affordable rent) was that this is where my partner also lived.  Living here meant I would get to spend more time with him and his family and they all made me feel like one of the gang.

Sadly, things would change last Summer when - after 6 years together - Rob and I separated. Although it was initially awkward, Rob and I soon became the greatest of friends and even having him and his mother move to the apartment on the opposite side of my bedroom wall, didn't (for the most part) make me want to rush back to St. Catharines.

Instead, it was comforting to have Rob and Merry next door. We did all sorts of neighbourly things for each other, including them feeding me when they had cooked a bit extra for dinner, Rob helping me lift things up the stairwells and me being available on a moments notice to figure out something technical or rescue them from a bat which had somehow found its way into their place. LOL!

CLICK PIX TO VIEW LARGER VERSION

Being in a smaller apartment building than where I was before, meant I would get to know some of the neighbours quite well. I sure will miss "Old Man John", "Landlord John" and Mary, the lady who lived one floor below me. They all loved Timmi and each of them have told me they wished I weren't leaving.

Despite what I had been told by some people prior to moving, I quickly discovered that the city of Welland was no more or less scary than any other place in Niagara. In fact I became quite smitten with the "Rose City" and its many scenic places to spend some quality outdoor time.

Merritt Island proved to be a majestic place to visit and I swear there are towns smaller than the massive area that makes up Memorial Park (located mere minutes from my apartment) ...a huge favourite of both Timmi and myself.

Although Welland is about a third the size of St. Catharines, this simply meant I could run my errands and shop from one end of the city to the other in record time. Each December, I had a birds eye view from my balcony of where participants in the annual Santa Claus parade gathered to kick off each year's festive event.

Yes, there are many people, places and things in Welland that I am going to miss and although I am welcome to visit anytime, it won't be quite the same as being in the heart of it all.

I'm grateful for the many friends who have been instrumental in preparing to get me back to St. Catharines and look forward to spending more time with each of you again soon.

But a little part of me will always consider Welland my second home and I thank Rob, his family and everyone here for making me feel so welcome.

Kenny 

Where We'll Be

Ken is moving back to St Catharines and oddly enough, so is Scribbles. Our official moving notice above was redesigned from an old Yard Sale flyer, created in the early 90's when I lived on Capner Street. The original drawing included the address of and directions to the sale we had to get rid of some of our unwanted items.

There's no Yard Sale this time around, as I've streamlined my belongings to the bare necessities. In fact, I may very well go in search of a Yard Sale once I move, to find some blinds for the many windows I will now have and some mats or area rugs for the floors.

Below we see a collection of past moving notices. Ginny and I sure had a lot of pets, by the looks of the drawing and the apartment building Glenn and I moved in to was tall, but not the towering skyscraper seen here.

After all the years of living in apartment buildings and being in 3rd and 8th floor units, living in a lower level place is going to take some getting used to.  At least I will no longer be lugging bags of groceries and other items up three double flights of stairs. My back is already thanking me for that one.

Review

The Best Pharmacy in Welland

There's plenty of people, places and things I am going to miss about Welland and one of them is my pharmacy. Originally located farther down the street, East Main Pharmacy moved to a brand new building over a year ago.

The new store is spacious and well organized and the pharmacists and the entire staff are knowledgeable, pleasant and extremely helpful.

You'll also find some great specials, something you usually don't see at an independent pharmacy.

If you live in Welland and are unhappy with your current pharmacy and/or looking for a new one, East Main Pharmacy is the place to go.

I told the staff I would be moving soon, when I was picking up a prescription recently and made sure they knew how much I had enjoyed their service. Their reply was a similar sentiment of that I've heard from my neighbours, "We're sorry to see me go."

With the number of prescriptions they fill each month for me, it's little wonder. 

Kids

Topsy Turvy

Upside down or right side up, Rachel and Evelyn Blythin are just adorable, in this photo found on daddy Neil's facebook page.

You

My sister Kim is featured in the pix above at the dinner my family had for her in honour of her 50th Birthday. Kim actually turned the big 5-0 on Mar. 15, but it was Mar. 23 that we were finally able to schedule a family gathering.

Pets | Age Chart

Clever Ideas

Re-Tired

Turn an old large tire into a decorative little pond. Make sure you have a filtration system to keep the water fresh.

From TV Stand to Mini Kitchen

Now isn't this one clever?  Don't drag that old TV stand to the trash heap, repurpose it by turning it into an adorable toy kitchen. We don't have the exact instructions on how to do it, but the before and after photos above give you the idea.

Lots of little girls (and even some extraordinary little boys) would love to play house in this cool kitchen.

Got Pallets?

Hate weeding? Don't feel like turning up a bunch of grass? Use a pallet as a garden bed - staple garden cloth on the backside of the pallet fill with dirt and start growing!