Christmas Day Dinner

Christmas night Ron, Jean, Ben, Josée, Cynthia and I shared a meal at our home. Cynthia had cooked a lovely turkey, prepared the veggies and the dessert. About 4pm Ben and Josée arrived and were followed around 5:30 by Jean and Ron. We had some nibbles before dinner and a couple of drinks. About 6:00 pm we sat down to the sumptuous meal Cynthia had prepared. As the wine flowed, conversation was lively and we had a really good time. We even had a Christmas pudding for Ron! When the meal was over, we retired to the living room and played a new game Cynthia and I had bought a short while ago. It was called Buzz Word and provided us with some laughs as the men took on the ladies for the title. The evening came to an end about 11:00 pm when the guests left. All in all it had been a fine day, one to remember.

Christmas Eve Gift Exchange

Here's a lovely picture of Andi taken at our Christmas Eve gift Exchange. This year the eight of us, Jean and Ron, Tim and Andi, Ben and Josée, Cynthia and I, went to Boston Pizza for our annual Christmas Eve lunch and gift exchange. Prior to this day, we had drawn names and each bought a gift for that person for Christmas. The gifts had to cost ten dollars or less. (We'd allow you to go over ten by the amount of the tax!!)
We had a good time, the food was ordered and while we waited for it to come, we opened the gifts from each other, one person at a time with all the others observing and making all the necessary rude comments! It was good fun, a way of keeping the shopping and expenses down, and also keeping the focus where it should be...on the birth of Jesus! 

Berkshire Group Open House

On Dec. 22th 2005, Ben's company, The Berkshire Group, held its annual Christmas open House. Cynthia had spent quite a bit of time cooking sausage rolls and mince pies for the occasion, and Ben provided a variety of drinks for the clients who were invited to drop in from noon - six pm that day. Shelley and Jennifer helped serve the goodies to all who came.
In the picture you see Jean and Ron Hussey along with Jennifer Gilbert who is the new employee Ben hired in September of this year. Jennifer has settled in well and is enjoying her time with the company we believe. The day was a great success and many clients dropped in for some finger foods, a glass of their favourite beverage and most of all some chat! Thanks to all who came and to those whose preparations made the day work for all of us.

Getaway to the West Coast of Vancouver Island

From Dec. 17-20th, 2005, Ben, Josée, Cynthia and I traveled to and stayed at the Clayoquot Orca Lodge close to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Ben and I, (but mostly Ben!) had planned the getaway as a surprise for the ladies and we managed to pull it off without them grasping too much of what was going on! During our stay there, the weather was superb for two of the days. We were able to walk Chloé, Josée's Great Dane on the beach and also watch the surfers riding huge waves incoming at Long Beach. In the picture you see Cynthia with her God-daughter Keltie Minton. Keltie works at Middle Beach Lodge another beautiful resort on this coast. We surprised Keltie with a visit too, and she seemed delighted to see us as we were glad to see her. We managed a short chat with Keltie before she had to return to her work. We had a great time there. Ben and Josée got some R & R and we just did what we do everyday!

Sprint to the Spit

Last Saturday, Dec. 10th 2005, Ben's company, The Berkshire Group sponsored its first charity run. Featured events were a 10Km run and a 5Km walk. Between 30 and 40 participants came from Victoria, Port Alberni and Campbell River as well as from the local running group.
Sprint to the Spit wound its way through the streets of downtown Comox, then out to the Spit and back. All who took part, whether walker, runner or volunteer had a good time.
In the picture above, we see that famed athlete Ron Hussey of Comox bursting through the finishing tape in a magnificent last place finish! It is to be noted though that Ron is over 80, walked for pleasure, and asked Dr. Neufeld's wife Heather to marry him as she walked along with him over the 5Km route!! 

Charlotte takes first steps

On Tuesday November 15th, I took Tim to Victoria for a heart biopsy. For all you friends and family reading this, I'm pleased to say the biopsy result was a good one. He had to have this done as the previous encounter with "the snipper" had resulted in the docs not getting enough tissue to do an accurate biopsy. So, we had to make the trek again on the 15th.
As we were returning back up the island, Tim's cell phone rang. It was Andi calling to tell him that Charlotte had taken her first few steps across the living room. Tim was naturally disappointed that he hadn't been there to see her walking, but was happy for Charlotte.
Now the fun really begins for them! 

Elephant Girl!

Andi's aunt Patti bought this elephant costume for Charlotte just after Charlotte was born. At Hallowe'en this year Charlotte wore it for the first time to go trick-or-treating at her Grandma Jo and Grandpa Bill's home. I think she also went to see Great Grandma Liz in the costume. She looked great and wore it without too much complaint. 

Charlotte in the Patch

Just before Hallowe'en, Tim and Andi took Charlotte out to the pumpkin patch to look at the pumpkins. She had a great time rolling on them and climbing over them. They picked two nice ones and brought them home to carve. 

Charlotte's First Birthday

November the 4th was Charlotte's first birthday, but Tim and Andi decided to have a party for her on the following Saturday evening, which was a good idea. Many of the family members were there and a couple of Charlotte's little friends came too with their parents. It was great fun to watch Tim open the gifts with Charlotte, while Livia, and Brady her two wee friends also helped. As Tim and Andi made notes on who had given what, the kids had a great time playing with the wrapping paper and the boxes! In this picture, Charlotte sits in her own chair, one of her birthday gifts. It was a lovely time. We all enjoyed it.

Friends in Portugal

During our recent trip Sept.17-Oct 23 2005 one week of the time was spent in the Algarve region of Portugal. We met friends from Wales and stayed with them at their accommodation in Olhos d'Agua between Albufeira and Vilamoura. We found a wonderful little restaurant in the village and spent dinner time each evening eating there. The fish was freshly caught each morning, the meals were simply cooked but absolutely delicious. Company was great and we had lots of laughs. We look forward to the next time when we be in the company of Barrie, Pat, Dilwyn and Sandra.

Cynthia and Friends At Valdelavilla

On Oct 23 2005 we returned from five weeks in Europe and the UK. One of the weeks was spent in a language centre held at the remote restored village of Valdelavilla in Soria province of N. Spain. During the week, twenty Anglos worked together with 18 Spaniards to improve the Spaniards' understanding of the English language. Days were very fully scheduled and the work was enjoyable and intense. However, there were many times when Spaniards and Anglos could relax and enjoy themselves, as seen above. We met many new people and made some firm new friends. It was a highlight of our trip and we look forward to going again in a couple of years. Anyone reading this blog might like to check out www.vaughanvillage.com to read about this place.

Visit to Vancouver and Gig Harbour

On the past weekend, Cynthia and I had a most interesting few days. Sunday August 28th we motored to Vancouver to attend the ordination of our good friend David Bowler. David was being ordained a priest in the Anglican Church in Canada (not "of Canada you note!). The service was held in Lynn Valley Rec. Centre in N. Vancouver. Quite a few friends went from the island, including people from Nanaimo and Victoria as well as a small contingent from the Comox Valley. The service was marvellous and we felt the presence of the Lord in a powerful way. Another young man, Ken Bell was also being ordained. Our Bishop, T.J. Johnston from Arkansas, presided over the service. He spoke brilliantly. I could listen to this ex-lawyer speak all day! After the service we left Vancouver and motored on down to visit with our cousins John and Rosaleen (seen in the picture) who live for six months in Gig Harbour near Tacoma Washington, and the remainder of the year in their Phoenix home. We arrived fairly late on Sunday evening after a difficult drive to their home, in horrendous weather. Sheets of rain hit us as we drove down Interstate Five, and we were glad to arrive at the Walford home. We spent two enjoyable days with John and Ros, during which we managed to play one round of golf. Another bonus was being able to spend an hour or so with Sian, the daughter of John and Ros, and her husband Jay. We began the drive for home on Thursday morning, but came home via Port Angeles and the Coho ferry. We arrived home about 7:30 PM on the Thursday evening, stiff and tired but very glad we'd made the whole trip!

Magnificent layout at Bear Mountain.

Ben and I were invited to play at the new Jack Nicklaus course called Bear Mountain in Victoria. It was a magnificent experience and the course is a masterpiece of creativity and skill. It is entirely on the side of one of the mountains close to Victoria. It is virtually unplayable without a cart, all of which have GPS systems installed. Many of the shots hit are to blind positions, so the satellite sytem on the cart is good for yardage to greens and hazards, as well as for locating the positions of carters in front of you on your hole.
Scenes of Prague

The Tall Ships

Yesterday, Friday July15th-05, Cynthia and Iwent to Port Alberni on the west coast of Vancouver Island, to see the fleet of tall ships assembled there. Most of these vessels are training ships for cadets in each of the countries where the ships are based. There were nine vessels there with the two largest being from Russia and Mexico. We arrived around lunchtime and after purchasing our tickets to the festival and for boarding the ships, we looked over the two larger ones. The cadets and officers welcomed us aboard and we tried to make them feel welcome in Canada too. Port Alberni had done a fine job in hosting the ships and there were no waits, either to get the tickets or to get on board. The general public was only allowed on the upper decks of the ships for obvious reasns, but even so, there was lots to see After a while, we stopped and had a hot-dog for lunch then finished looking at the other seven for there were nine in all.
This was the last day the ships were to be in Canadian waters I believe, for the next day they were to motor down the Alberni inlet and then set sail for Los Angeles. They were a glorious sight even moored at the quayside, and we wished we could have been there when they set sail for ports to the south

Father's Day at Mt. Washington

Charlotte and Chloe at Mt. Washington Ski Hill for our Father's Day get together. On June 30 to July 01-05 Cynthia booked an apartment for us at Mt. Washington. This was a belated Father's Day gift to me, and was a time when we could all be together. Tim, Andi and Charlotte came as well as Ben, Josee and Chloe the Great Dane. We had a great time together and even made a trip to the top of the mountain on the chairlift.

Berkshire Legends vs. Mexican team

Berkshire Legends take on Mexican team.

This evening we went to watch Josée and her Berkshire Legends play a young team from Mexico. It was a great game to watch with both teams playing fine soccer in a good spirit. The Legends came out winners by 2-1, a well deserved victory

Cynthia's Birthday Dinner, June 12th/2005

Sunday June 12th was Cynthia's birthday. This is a picture taken at dinner the next day, when Jean and Ron, Ben and Josée, Tim, Andi and Charlotte all joined us for a meal.

At Berkshire Hathaway A.G.M. in Omaha

Heading out for dinner Saturday evening, limos at the ready. This picture was taken outside the Hilton Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska when Cynthia and I accompanied Ben to the A.G.M. of Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway. Twenty thousand shareholders attend the meeting which is held in the convention centre across the street from this hotel. On this occasion, the Saturday evening of the convention, we, along with other Canadians were heading out to dinner in the limos which you see in the background.

Vixit to the Byles Home in Gilwern, S. Wales

During the trip to Wales, I went to visit some friends of Cynthia and myself. In the picture, from left to right, you see Barrie, me, Sandra and Pat, wife of Barrie. Dilwyn took the picture which was in the back garden of Dilwyn and Sandra. Their home is in Gilwern, about ten minutes drive from my Mother's home.

Nancy and Eunice Dine Out

Lunch in The Vinetree.. On the trip to Britain I stayed with my Mother, Eunice. Here she is on the right with her friend Nancy on the left. At this point we were about to have lunch in a pub called The Vinetree, which is located in a village called Crickhowell, about 15 minutes drive from Mum's house.

Angela, Kevin and Gregg

During my visit to Britain, I had a chance to visit with my cousins Angela and Kevin and their son Gregg. We had a great time. Kevin and Angela love to travel and to take risks in doing so. Because of this, they have a multitude of funny stories to tell, and Kevin does a great job of telling them.

St. Lukes College Re-Union 2005

36 of us attended the re-union held from March 28-30 at the college. In this picture I was trying to get the guys to cooperate in having a picture taken for our local newspaper back in Canada, The Record.

Janet, Mam and Alex at the Clytha Arms

Outside The Clytha. This picture of Mam with Janet and Alex was taken after lunch with them at the Clytha Arms. I had just been back to visit Mam and the family and to attend a re-union. April 2005.

Uncle Ben with Charlotte

Charlotte and Uncle Ben taken today at Pridy Rd. Ben came to visit and had a quick cuddle with Charlotte

Visit to Vancouver

The past weekend Cynthia and I went to Vancouver for two reasons. The first was to attend the 18th Annual Renewal Mission put on by St. Simon's of N. Vancouver, and held at Lion's Gate Christian Academy. The second was to attend the confirmation service held Sunday evening at Richmond Emmanuel Church. Our A.C.i.C bishop T. J. Johnston from Little Rock, Arkansas, spoke on three occasions at the Renewal Conference, and officiated at the confirmation service where he laid hands and prayed for 104 confirmands. It was a memorable weekend. Sadly, we had to leave the service before it was over, even before the Eucharist, due to the time spent by the Bishop on the laying on of hands. We had to catch the 8:15 PM ferry back to Duke Point. We were the fourth to last car on! Phew! We got home at 12:15 AM.

Charlotte's First Taste of Solid Food

Charlotte has her first mouthful of solid food, rice cereal. Note the look of surprise!

Cynthia, Charlotte and Tom

Tom, Cynth and Charlie Monday night as Tom left to go to Guatemala

Trying to get photos built in

Well, the frustration builds. I can't seem to get more than one picture displayed on the posts. Maybe I am expecting too much and only one can be posted. I'll have to get some help and /or see if Ican get a link built in to direct visitors to a place where pics can be viewed.
We said goodbye to Tom on Monday evening. He's off to Guatemala with a group of friends. They will be doing some building in a village and then taking some time for themselves. They took oodles of donated tools which they will leave there when they return.

Ornate church in Prague
Scenes of Prague....earlier in the spring of 2004 Cynthia and I visited the UK for three weeks. One of those weeks we spent in Prague. Here is a picture of one of the many beautiful churches there. I'm working to be able to show you more of the pics on this site or provide a link to a website containing them. More to come.

First Posting On Our Family Blog

Hello to everyone in the family and to our friends who read this. Cynthia and I hope that you will enjoy our Blog as we continue with it. We hope too, that you will let us know what you think of the things we post as they are meant to be informative for you. We will try and keep this up to date. Knowing where to begin is difficult, for we have so much to share with you. Perhaps it would be good to begin with the most recent things we did in 2004 and so far in this year, 2005.

Davies Family News

Hi folks...am just trying to get this Blog going and hope you will be able to read something of the family when I am done.