PETS | Contented Cat

JOE FRIDAY | Encore Joe

WISE WORDS | by Rich Hunt

ENCORE POST FROM 2016 | PHOTOS & QUOTE BY RICH HUNT

KIDS | Mother's Little Helper

ENCORE POST FROM OCT. 2016  |  PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS BY MANDY DICK

YOU & ME | Jane's SUB-sational Birthday

My family gathered for a few hours to celebrate my sister Jane's birthday on July 22, however preparing for the event actually took a tad longer.

The event was held at my mom's apartment and I was her party coordinator.  A week or more prior, we discussed what the menu would be. We wanted something that would be tasty, but not require one or both of us to be spend hours in front of a hot stove. After all, we wanted to enjoy ourselves just like the rest of the gang hopefully would be.

Mom and I came up with the idea of subs, but instead of buying them already prepared from a sub shop, we would purchase popular ingredients required to make them and let the guests do-it- themselves. This way everyone's sub would be just the way they liked it.

The day before the party, mom and I went to our local Walmart Superstore and Dollartree, where, between the two places, we found everything on our very well plotted list. I helped lug the stuff into mom's apartment and that was all she wrote for day one.

The actual day of the get-together, Timmi and I went to mom's several hours before the rest of the family were expected. We had trays of cold cuts, assorted chopped veggies, various sliced cheese, pickles, sauces, chips and a fruit tray.

PHOTOS & GIFS BY SCRIBBLES

I had made my infamous homemade iced tea, which I brought with me. Mom had put the bottles of pop in her small freezer and their contents were very close to becoming completely frozen when I retrieved them. No one would be able to say the pop wasn't cold at today's function. LOL (inside joke here.)

My sister Kim purchased a cake with fresh strawberries on it, which she would bring when she arrived after work, so we had that part of the birthday covered as well.

I helped mom put sections in the dining room table and gather up chairs from around her home, so everyone would have a place to sit. Even though mom isn't a big fan of them, I had bought some balloons and blew up a cluster. How can you have a birthday party without balloons?

Guests arrived starting around 5 pm, including of course the birthday girl, her husband Ken and son Graham, who I picked up using mom's car.

The sub idea was a big success and I liked that once it was set up, mom and I could join in the fun without having to keep serving the rest of our group. The eating of the cake, opening gifts and taking photos all followed.

Now that the prep and party were wrapping up, I wouldn't require mom's car anymore, so my niece gave Timmi and I a ride home. I won't lie, I was in massive pain by the time I got home and despite meds. stretching exercises and ice packs, I was still hurting all night and into the next day.

As they say, "No pain, no gain". It took planning and manual labour, but we had pulled off another fun-filled family birthday party and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.... just not any day soon. LOL.

Glad you had a good time Jane!

YOUR WORDS | Are You Blinded By Ego?

"Many people who are enlightened will tell you that's it's easy. Even if it took them 90 years to get there.

Ego is the main reason one can never be enlightened and most of us are living an enlightened life blinded by Ego. If you know what's on the other side of that, it's easy, if you don't, it's scary and you can hold on to it for the rest of your life...till you die!

Your fight becomes about numbers. How much good vs. bad have you done in your life. The simple thought that you have the right to judge how much good vs bad YOU have done IS the ego.

You can not judge others nor can you judge yourself. Sometimes the bad is necessary for the good. Just like death is necessary for life. You can only accept.

Judgement = EGO Acceptance = Enlightenment."

Encore comment by our friend Rich Hunt - originally posted December 2014

YOUR WORDS |

YOU | Pay it Forward

READERS RECIPES | Chocolate Delights

FROM SCRIBBLES MARCH 2006

White Chocolate Fudge

Submitted by Kim Papple

Prep time 20 min  Refridgeration time 2 hrs

2 kg (6 squares each) Bakers White Chocolate

¾ cup dondensed milk

½ cup dried cranberries

Line 8 inch square pan with foil, with ends extending over the sides. Microwave chocolate and milk in large microwavable bowl on medium heat for 3 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add cranberries and stir in. Spread fudge mixture into prepared pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift fudge from pan foil handles. Cut into pieces. Store in fridge in covered container up to 3 weeks (do not freeze).

Chunky Chocolate Jam Bars

Submitted by Kim Papple

Prep time 20 min

1 ½ cup flour

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 Cup Butter (softened)

1 ½ cups quick cooking oats

½ cups chopped pecans

5 squares semi-sweet chocolate - coarsely chopped

½ jar red raspberry jam

Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F. Line 13 x 9 inch pan with foil, grease foil lining. Mix flour, brown sugar and baking powder in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add oats and pecans, mix well. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly onto bottom of baking pan. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Spoon jam over top, Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake 25-30 min or until lightly browned. Lift from pan. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars.

ART | Abstract Expressionism

"A Nature Walk or Carbon Footprint -You Decide"

Reposted from 2016. Acrylic on Gallery Stretched canvas. 22"x30". With texture paint and metallic paint. Abstract Expressionism original by Amy Ballett

IN MEMORIAM | A Tribute to Timmi

There's so much I feel compelled to write about, yet wonder if the tribute video below isn't explanation enough.

I miss Timmi so much!  He was indeed "high maintenance" as my mom is best noted for saying. But I got used to it. And as he got older and frailer, the maintenance increased, but I was already doing stuff, so what's a few more minutes here and there?  

The fact is Timmi was by my side every day.  It didn't matter if I was depressed, anxious or having a lot of pain, I still had to take him for a walk every day. Rain or shine. He was a good motivator, whether he
knew it or not.

I remember when Timmi was at the vet's a year ago, he had to get a new band aid for his paw and he was being, well let's just say, silly. When we were leaving the girl at the reception desk was talking to me about my crazy child. She said he could be a bit of a "drama queen" at times, and the thing was, she was absolutely right, so how could I tell her she was wrong?

Call him what they may, Timmi was a very good little dog. He didn't care for other dogs as he got older, but otherwise he was very quiet and friendly with adults & kids and was surrounded by cats everywhere he lived... I swear he thought he was one of the felines at times.

Thank you again for your condolences. They mean a lot. He was a popular pooch who will be missed by many.

I have been reclusive the last few days which is understandable. I am using the time to grieve and create tributes in the form of my fake Timmi and the video below. It might take me a while to get used to this one.....it's a biggie.

I hope you enjoy Timmi's Tale, which features lots of photos and video clips featuring Timmi with many of you.

NEW SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Timmi's Tales 

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Meet "Fake Timmi"... 


Demon Be Gone!

Tues. Sept. 18 marked exactly 3 weeks without Timmi. I am slowly adapting to not having him around but admit I think of him every day and it is difficult to go to sleep at night when I am so used to him laying beside me on the bed. 

Miss Kitty has adapted a little better. Although she was looking around for Timmi the first week or so after he passed away, Kitty seems to be okay with being the only pet in the house and getting all the extra attention. 

Meanwhile “Fake Timmi” has had an eye job. My mom said the gems in his eyes made him look kinda spooky, so I replaced them with smaller gems. 

Mom was right. It now looks more like Timmi and less like he’s possessed by a demon as we see in this before and after pix.

Here is the announcement of Timmi's passing
ORIGINALLY POSTED AUG. 28, 2018

It is with much sadness that I share with you that my little pal Timmi has passed away.

As you know, he had not been feeling well over the past few weeks. Despite a visit to the vet last Thursday and antibiotics, his condition became much worse over the past day or two.

In his own way, he let me know this morning that it was his time to cross over.

Although there is a slight sense of relief in knowing my buddy is no longer suffering life will be much different, no longer sharing each day with him by my side.

There are so many memories over his 14 years with us and I will do what I always do when someone I love passes away....create a memorial on Scribbles. This will happen when I feel up to it.

Thank you to my friend and neighbour Deanna for helping make today's goodbye experience less painful.

I will be in touch.



"Paws-itivily" Perfect

When we took Timmi to the humane society to end his suffering, there were various ways of remembering him, such as his ashes, an urn, etc. 

They also had clay imprints of your dog’s paw available, there were two models. As cost was a factor, I chose the smaller, less expensive version. 

The receptionist said that if I was creative I might be able to come up with a clever way of displaying the clay imprint. My friend Deanna, who had kindly taken us there, smiled (as did I) “Ummm, he’s definitely creative” she said.

The day I went to pick up the paw print, I first stopped at a local thrift store. I found a nice white candle holder for a buck and a little ceramic dog for 50 cents. When I got home, I hot glued the dog knick knack to the candle holder and then placed the paw print and an engraved rock my friend Becky had given me next to it.

Here’s the results of those efforts. Yes Deanna you were right... I am pretty creative.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR TIMMI PHOTO ALBUM

ENCORE SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Love Will Keep Us Together

Created in 2013, Timmi and I share our love in this amusing video (with terrible lip synching...LOL)





ORIGINALLY POSTED AUG. 29, 2018...

Dear “Big Brother”:

It’s been 4 weeks since dad lovingly carried you out the door for the very last time. At first I kept watching for you to return. I looked in all the places you used to hang out. But you were nowhere to be found.

Dad kept telling me you weren’t coming back. At first I didn’t believe him, but as the days passed, I realized that sadly he was right. 

Dad cried a lot when you first left and sometimes without warning he still does. I have been extra affectionate to him as I think you would have wanted me to do that.

Even though you hardly ever barked or made noise, it is somehow much quieter around here without you.

I miss hiding and then jumping out when you walked by. You didn’t like that, but it always made me laugh because you fell for it every time.

And I really miss curling up beside you on the bed. You were the perfect sized furry little sidekick.

I hope you are happy where you are now and that you’re no longer sick.

Love,

Your “Little Sister”,

Miss Kitty

IN MEMORIAM | Bob Miller

The passing of our friend Bob Miller has had a profound affect on a lot of us. This is because Bob was many things to many people. Father, brother, husband, soulmate, mentor, counselor, photographer, fellow amateur radio enthusiast, crossing guard and of course one helluva friend. Each were titles he enjoyed to the fullest, took seriously and wore so well.

I had both a biological father and a step father yet the relationship I had with Bob was more meaningful and fulfilling than the other two combined. This is not intended as a slight, more an admission of what most already knew.

Bob was always so accepting and open with me. He was a huge fan of all things Scribbles and I hope somehow he's seeing this tribute section and wearing a big smile.


When asked once about his knowledge, I remember Bob stating "I know a little bit about a lot of things."

In actuality, Bob knew quite a lot and was only too pleased to share his wisdom with those who were eager to listen (and sometimes even with those who weren't.... LOL!)

There were many fond memories featuring Bob and my family, preserved within Scribbles vast archive of photos and videos.

It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking for me to look through those gems in the past 2 weeks, looking for what would make it to the tribute video that appears below.

Although I always enjoyed his company throughout the years, I must confess, I had the most memorable conversations with Bob during his final months with us. He lived within short walking distance of me and we would sit on his balcony and have the absolute finest of visits. Nothing was off limits and there was a peacefulness to those times that I will truly cherish forever.

Till we meet again my friend.



SCRIBBLES VIDEO  | Remembering Bob

Missing "Crossing Guard Bob"

In recent years, one of Bob Miller’s joys was being the crossing guard at the corner of Russell Ave & George St in St Catharines. Even when his health was not the best, he still ventured out each school day to assist the kids across the street.

His efforts did not go unnoticed. Someone has put a flower and a sign at the intersection Bob loved to watch over.

“Bob we’ll miss you” is what the sign says. And it is a sentiment many can relate to, myself most definitely included.

Butterflies Are Free...

Three times in the week following Bob's funeral a monarch butterfly fluttered around me when walking the dog. On one occasion, one flew around me in two locations including above my home at the end of our walk. 

Considering how much he loved nature and walks, it seems fitting I would be visited by a butterflies in this way.



CLASSIC SCRIBBLES VIDEO |  A Fish Story

One of Bob's many passions were his tropical fish, which he housed in MANY aquariums in his apartment. In 2014 I created the video below after visiting Bob and his fishies.

BOB MILLER'S OBITUARY

Robert "Bob" James Gill Miller [March 1, 1942 - August 12, 2018]

As the sun rose, Bob passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 12, 2018 in his 77th year. Loved and loving father to Jennifer (the late Bob) Harper and David Miller (Lindsy Reid). Godfather to Carol Ann Hayes. Jamie will miss his “Chosen Papa Bob”. Survived by brothers; Walter (Marg) of Mississauga and John (Betty) of Montreal, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John and Evelyn, his twin brother Douglas and sisters; Anne (Al) Farrell and Eleanor (the late Bill) Edmondson. Bob leaves behind many dear friends, especially Dave and Keith.

Bob treasured time spent with his children. He enjoyed “talking” and helping anyone however he could. His faith allowed him to follow God’s footprints. His church family and Bill W. friends guided him through his journey. Past-times were aquariums, photography, amateur radio and gun club.

Born March 1, 1942 in Montreal, he moved to Niagara in 1967, working at Domtar – Thorold office, various management positions at real estate boards in St. Catharines, Hamilton and Oshawa, Niagara Farm Labour Pool, counselling at Detox Centre, physio assistant at Hotel Dieu and the General hospitals, and in retirement “Crossing Guard Bob” at Russell Avenue and George Street.

The family thank the friends that were there for him to the end; Dave, Keith and Joyce, Jim, Will, to mention a few, as well as SCGH for making his final days as comfortable as possible.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St. St. Catharines. Visitation was held [prior to] the service time. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Thomas Building Fund would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines (905-684-6346).

Online tributes remembering Bob may be read and added at www.hulseandenglish.com




If there are any photos that you have seen in our tribute to Bob Miller [on the video or within the post] that you would like a copy of, I'd be happy to send those I have the rights to. Please email me at kenscribbles@gmail.com  

You give yourself permission to grieve by recognizing the need for grieving. 

Grieving is the natural way of working through the loss of a love. 

Grieving is not weakness nor absence of faith.

Grieving is as natural as crying when you are hurt, sleeping when you are tired or sneezing when your nose itches. It is nature's way of healing a broken heart.