Memory of Christmas Past Versailles, France 1960

During our Europe Adventure, Marion and I had the opportunity to spend Christmas in  Versailles, France. We were working at the time in Switzerland. We took the night train from Lausanne, Switzerland to Paris and then on to Versailles 

 We arrived in Versailles and took a cab out  Carol Renault's home. We were welcomed by Carole's mother, Mme. Renault, brother and a bounding dog. Carole's family lived near the Castle of Versailles for twenty years. 

In the afternoon of Christmas Eve we decorated their tree. In the evening Carole's mother,   put our shoes under the tree for 'Peré Noël' to fill up at midnight. At eight in the evening we dressed up in our best for a big supper. The table was decorated with four green candles, flowers and sparkling Christmas string, as the centre piece. Before each each person had three crystal glasses, one for water, one for wine and one for the 'aperitif'. Every dish was served separately. To start the meal we drank a toast, of a special French wine, to us, 'Noël' and Canada. The first course was twelve raw oysters with lemon juice which would be the second time I ate oysters raw.  But this time they were good, as long as you don't chew them as you suck them out of the shell. We were told to just let them slide down our throats.  All through the meal we drank red wine and ate fresh French bread.

Course number two was a special sausage made of mushrooms, milk and bread crumbs, eaten with lots of melted butter. Course number three a small mushroom and chicken pie. Number four, string green beans with butter; number five we had a variety of cheeses, Swiss, French and Dutch eaten with more bread.  Marion's mother had sent her a Christmas cake, which Marion brought along. Carole's family has never seem a Canadian Christmas cake before so it was something new for them. Mme Renault served a fruit cocktail dessert with the cake. M. Renault, then brought on a bottle of champagne. 

It took well over two hours to eat supper. Marion and I thought it  would never end. We felt very full but very light hearted as we retired to the living room to relax and watched French Ballet from Paris on TV until midnight. 

Then everyone brought in their 'Cadeaux' (gifts) and put them under the tree in the respective shoes. Later on we opened the gifts.  Marion gave me two lovely make-up bags while I gave her a red  umbrella. We bought Mme Renault what we though was a table cloth but  turned out to be a pillow case. We ever rather embarrassed about it. So that was our Christmas Eve. When we heard Christmas corals on TV, we immediately thought of home.

                       Excepts Autobiography "Notes and Clippings" 

Winter Morning Coffee Conversations

Every morning we have an ambience with a fireplace crackling on the television screen, and the rain hitting the window. 
 

Conversation drifts to so many topics. 

Sending the same Christmas card to the same friend for 60 years is a quiet epic. The card becomes a witness. Ink ages, handwriting tilts, addresses change, but the friendship keeps showing up once a year like clockwork. It invites questions about loyalty, habit, and how tradition can be its own love language 

Childhood farm memories of horse-drawn wagons, sleighs, and cutters belong to a world that moved at the speed of breath and bells. Snow muffled sound. Harness leather creaked. And then the mystery of stolen harnesses, the giveaway trail left behind, 

Charles Dickens: A Life Larger Than His Novels  Dickens in the 1800s lived with one foot in hardship and the other in fame. Ten children filled his house with noise, needs, and contradictions. He campaigned for social reform while managing a household that sometimes strained under its own weight. His stories feel crowded because his life was crowded.

Baking brownies or chocolate chip treats is part science, and part comfort ritual. Melting chocolate chips slowly keeps them smooth and glossy. A bowl set over gently simmering water with frequent stirring turns solid patience into liquid reward. Then spread on brownies. The smell alone can reset a whole morning. 

Blessings for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season 

A Treasured Gift

 Quote from Notes and Clippings, an Autobiography

 "After working for the Regina Health District for many years, my nursing career came to an end, when I turned the magic age of 60. My husband was already retired from his work so it was an easy decision to make. In 1998 handed in my resignation and looked forward to my retirement. The staff presented me with this hand made tea set" ---Page 173 My Working Years

This beautiful tea set, crafted with dedication and time, is not just for sipping but for savoring every moment. 

Remember, in our busy lives, enjoying a warm cup can be your daily reminder to pause and breathe! 

When passing my way, stop in and join me for a cut of tea. 

Lorna, My First Mentor

Lorna and Lorraine 2018 

In grade three, I found myself with an unexpected mentor—not a teacher, but my fellow student and friend, Lorna. She was an avid reader, especially enchanted by the Anne of Green Gables series. Watching her fall so deeply into those books sparked something in me. I wanted to do what she did, to dive into stories and worlds that stretched beyond our classroom. Because of her, I began to take reading more seriously, and her love of characters—full of imagination and spirit—inspired me too.

Lorna wasn’t just a reader; she was creative and mischievous, a trickster who always seemed to come up with clever ways to fool the teacher. She had a laugh that was contagious, a warmth that drew people in, and a personality so vibrant it stayed with me all these years.

What began in grade three grew into a friendship and a mentorship of sorts that left a lasting mark—more than seventy years later, I still carry her influence. She showed me that books could be companions, that laughter could soften even the hardest days, and that a generous spirit could shine for a lifetime.

Over the years we kept in touch, on birthdays and Christmas time. I really appreciated her pictorial story of her family each year. These correspondences are still tucked away in my memorabilia box. 

Fond Memories of Gallivan, Saskatchewan

The Hamlet of Gallivan was located near highway 40 between the Battlefords and Cut Knife in West- Central,  Saskatchewan, Canada 

 

I grew up on a farm near Gallivan, Saskatchewan, where the land stretched as far as the eye could see and the rhythm of life was guided by the seasons. The farm was more than a place to live—it was a classroom, a playground, and a sanctuary. From an early age, I learned essential life skills: how to care for animals, how to nurture a garden, and how to meet challenges with resilience.

But beyond the work, the farm was rich with love and security. My mentors were family members whose wisdom came not from books, but from lived experience. Adventures were woven into daily life—exploring fields, chasing the horizon, and finding magic in the ordinary. Those years instilled in me a strong foundation of stability, mentorship, and belonging. They gave me memories that continue to inspire the way I live, and the way I share my journey with others today.

Now there is a marker to indicate where the Hamlet once was. 

Quote from Fred Buglas, former resident and son of James Buglas, the elevator in the 1950's:  "This old photo of Gallivan were taken from the top of the elevator walkway at the same time. The photo shows our Buglas family home." 

 

My Gallivan story is found in my Autobiography 

Notes and Clippings- It all started in Saskatchewan 

Gallivan Story   https://notesandclippings.blogspot.com/2021/04/ 

The Life We Made Together

The Life We Made Together -- 20 Years 

For 20 years, I’ve been a witness to your life—and what a beautiful life it is.

We found joy in the small things: early morning conversations, walks in nature, and the comfort of shared silence. Your helping hand has guided me through hard days, and your spirit has brought laughter to even the simplest moments.

Together, we’ve built things—projects, memories, dreams—and filled our days with hobbies, plans, and passions that connect us. Whether we’re tackling a new idea or just enjoying a quiet morning, you are always my favorite person to do life with.

This second chance at love has been a gift I never take for granted. Thank you for 20 years of showing up, creating joy, and sharing everything that matters most.

Remembering My Father, Azarie Joseph Ovide Bertrand

 My father, Ovide Bertrand, was born in  Argyle Minnesota, USA  on June 7th, 1902. He was the 6th child of a family of 10 of Arthur and Clara (Tessier) Bertrand, who were born in Quebec, Canada, and moved to USA (Ovide is standing between his parents, Arthur and Clara in the middle row) 

He came to Canada in 1917 with his father and older bothers to homestead in the Rosemound District. He met my mother, Hughenna Rutley, who was teaching  at the Rosemound School. They married on August 8, 1928

They purchased a farm in the Gallivan District and raised a family of seven. Besides farming Ovide, learned to be an electrician and repaired tube radios. He was a member of the Cut Knife Knights of Columbus. Dad passed away on December 28, 1964

I fondly remember my father as being a softly spoken, kind-hearted man who would like to tease.