Alumni Day

The boys finished their lacrosse for the season, both playing in the Alumni Day finals. Nolan's 9:30 game was followed by the awards ceremony where he and his teammates received their trophies...

Awards were handed out by Lakers Alumni

and then posed for a final group shot...

Proud boys

Then it was back to the arena for Cameron's 3 o'clock game. The opposing team was down to just 8 players, including their goalie, so Cammy and some of his teammates were loaned to them throughout the second and third periods. I noticed that none of the Blue team playing for the Green team, scored on their shifts.  :-)

Happy with his Lakers Lacrosse stainless steel water bottle.

Team #3

Cameron's not the most aggressive boy. In some ways, that's a good thing and it's one of the reasons that he and curling are a good match. But when it comes to team sports, it can be a hindrance. The last two summers, he spent a week each at lacrosse camp. After the first summer, he didn't seem to care if he ever played again. The following year, he went out again, grew more confident, came to like it and advised us that he was going to play on a team. Nolan decided he would too. So, a couple months ago, I signed them.

Shirt and stick for signing up

House league started tonight for the novice teams. That would be Cammy.

He, Nolan and I arrived at the arena just after 5 and found his changeroom. Unfortunately, there was no #13 jersey (like his favourite hockey player, Mike Cammalleri) but there was a #31. So, he tried it on...and swam in it. Lucky for him, though, #12 was available (that being my favourite player, Jarome Iginla; Cammy's not impressed).

That's Cammy - #12 - rushing by in a blur.

After suiting up, he went out, took part in some drills with his team and then they had a scrimmage with the yellow team. His buddy Aaron is on the yellow team. At one point, Cammy got the ball in his own end, was checked by another player and lost the ball. By the look on his face, he wasn't expecting the hit (neither was I, for that matter), but he hung in there and kept after it. Given a little more time - games are two nights a week - he'll gain confidence and do just fine. Nolan and the paperweights start Saturday. 

Badge of Honour

Cameron has been wanting to take ski lessons this winter. He'd been asking, no, pestering, for awhile so last Saturday, Paul called up the hill to see if there were any spaces left. Sure enough, there were. Out came the Visa, the online form was filled out and Cammy was in. The lesson started within the hour.

It's funny. In the city, there's lots of extra-curricular activities within a short distance. Swimming. Skating. Bowling. You name it. Not so out here. Now, don't get me wrong; we've got the best that Mother Nature has to offer right outside our door and we're most thankful for it. But swimming lessons are in Peterborough, bowling is in Millbrook and skydiving is in Toronto. (Cammy has to wait 'til he's 18. We checked.) But skiing. Oh, the skiing. We're looking at a seven minute drive - eight when the roads aren't cleared - to a fabulous local ski hill that's been around forever. How many people can say that? (Alright, granted, people in the Rockies and the Alps can but this is southern Ontario, people.)

Cammy's off to his skiing lesson this afternoon and is thrilled to pieces. He'll be bundling up today to ward off the chill on those north-facing slopes. We're looking at a high of -12 and it's snowing lightly. He'll get his lift ticket and proudly wear it for the week on his coat. "I'm a skier," it says. A badge of honour.

... only fell twice today

Lakers Night...in Whitby

The Lakers have been big news of late, not only because they're the best darn lacrosse team in the league but because of a decision last week by the shirts in the league that saw the Lakers go from being up 3-0 to down 2-1 to the Brooklin Redmen. You can read about it here, if you're interested. Pretty brutal way to lose a playoff round, if it were to go that way. Awfully sucky way to win, too, if you're the Redmen. Anyhoo, the Lakers won the fourth game to tie the series. Then, on Sunday night, Brooklin won game 5 (their first win in the real world, third win in the official world) and suddenly Peterborough was looking at an early exit.

Paul and I are on holidays this week (and the taller of the two is on holidays for a couple weeks beyond that  *happy dance* ) so the kids can stay up a little later than usual. Yesterday, we decided to go down to Whitby for game 6. Brother Enos came by after work and had supper with us then we headed out. We arrived at Iroquois Park around 7:30 and met Enos's buddy Jeff and his daughter Julia and took our seats. 

It's a different world to lacrosse in Peterborough. The bowl that they play in is cement, it's hot and probably only seats about seven or eight hundred (that may be generous). The Memorial Centre, on the other hand, has carpeted floor, is air-conditioned and seats around three thousand. Playoff games are all but sold out. Down there, half the crowd was from Peterborough (and we were louder, too  ;-)). Even ended up sitting with Lizzy, a friend from work. Oh, and there's the secretary from the kids' school. Oh, and the guy who fixes our computer. Hey, look - there's some folks that Enos curls with. It was almost like being in Peterborough...except for that hot, non-air-conditioned part. We figure there's more choices down there so they don't draw the crowds. Up here, we've got lacrosse in the summer and Petes hockey in the winter. And that's about it.

Having never seen a lacrosse game before (other than Cammy's, that is), I didn't really know what to expect. It was great. Lots of action, lots of cheering and, I'm happy to report, lots of scoring by the Lakers. The boys, proudly sporting Lakers Lacrosse Camp t-shirts thoroughly enjoyed the show. Riley, who didn't want to go, had a great time hanging out with Julia - even though the little shi darling cheered for the Redmen. Not sure who Jeff was cheering for (he's from Oshawa, after all) but he seemed to enjoy it every bit as much as we did. Final score was 14 to 5.

Game 7 goes tomorrow night in the Borough. Go Lakers Go!  
  

 

 (Lakers are in white)

** Updated August 18:  the Lakers won, 14-3, to take the best of seven series.

Peterborough's Hall of Fame

The Memorial Centre is home, not only to the Peterborough Petes Jr hockey team, the Lakers lacrosse teams and, most famously, Cameron and his lacrosse camp mates, but also to the local Sports Hall of Fame. Lining the wall on the west side of the arena are pictures and write-ups of the inductees. Today, after camp, Cammy and I wandered the hall and found the picture of Uncle Stu, proud member of the Peterborough Hall of Fame.

 Cammy alongside Uncle Stu

Baaga'adowe

Cammy's all signed up for another fabulous season of lacrosse camp. This time 'round, his buddy Nate will be there too and Cammy's pretty pumped about that. He had a good time last year - not just playing lacrosse but also spending time down at the park playing basketball and splashing in the wading pool. They even caught a movie or two at lunch. Nolan has big plans to join his brother next year to learn some of those fancy moves.

 

He shoots. He scores! (Do they say that?)

Sleds and Skates

We've had very unJanuary-like weather for a good week or more and we're in for rain over the next couple of days. The end of January usually means a week or two of deep-freeze but so far, nothing. I'm actually looking forward to the rain, hoping that it will clear out the snow so we can start fresh. But more than that, the rain should greatly improve the rink out back.


The kids were out skating yesterday. We've cleared off a proper rink on one portion and shoveled paths on the north part. This we refer to as Radiator Springs. Riley's a good skater and loves getting out there. Cameron's been a pain in the butt for the last few years as he's refused to lace up. This year I vowed that both boys would at least give it the ole college try. Bribery has helped. After a few Saturdays out there, they both 'skate' around Radiator Springs with grins plastered across their faces. I don't see hockey in their futures but, good Lord, it seems almost unCanadian for them not to learn to skate. Especially when Mother Nature gives them a rink each winter.

Skating is always followed by a few trips down the hill

and across the ice

and the occasional wipeout - great fun

Tomorrow, Ri's class is hosting a bake sale to raise money for the people of Haiti. Secret Ingredient Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are cooling on the table. The fly swatter keeps thieves away.

Hurry! Hard!

Remember the days when sleeping in on the weekends meant 9:30/10 o'clock? Nowadays, 8:30 is something special. You see, Riley and Cameron have joined the Little Rocks at the Omemee curling club and that starts bright and early at 9 on Sundays. They've just finished week four and I'm fairly certain that Cammy's on his way to the Brier and Ri's not far from competing at her first Tournament of Hearts. Alright, so there's a chance I've been blinded by motherly pride. I'm not too sure. I do know, however, that they're having a darn good time.

After three weeks of lessons and practice, they got down to business yesterday and played a game. Turned out to be quite a nailbiter. On end two, Cammy, playing for the blue team, was shot rock - good for one point. The crowd (aka Mum) went wild. On the third end, Ri, skipping for the red team, took out two rocks. Unfortunately, the rocks belonged to the red team. Did I mention this is only the fourth day out? Anyhoo, they're having fun out on the ice. It is a long winter, after all.

That's Cammy sweeping in the middle.
Did I mention he wears his blue
timbits shirt to school everyday?

There's Ri - lining it up.

"You Can Go Now"

Lacrosse camp is over and I rate it as a success. Cammy went every day no problem and he ended each day saying that he'd had fun. Good stuff. And, every morning but Monday, he gestured or said to me, "You can go now." Music to my ears. He's not too sure that he wants to go any further with lacrosse but, come next spring, he may just be itching to get back at it. And the house league in Peterborough runs May and June - a nice short season. We'll see where he's at then. For now, I'm just proud of him for going. This was a huge step for the brown-eyed one.


That's Cammy, in front of the net, just before something shiny caught his eye and he walked away to check it out. He's just like his father.

Lakers Lacrosse Camp - ** Updated **

Cameron's signed up for a week of lacrosse camp beginning tomorrow. The Peterborough Lakers and Jr. Lakers have put on little workshops for the kids at school - Cammy's played and is hooked. When the notice came home from school about the summer camp, Cameron was pumped to go. Knowing how shy Cammy can be, Paul and I were thrilled that he wanted to take part. We asked several times, "Are you sure you want to go?" "Oh ya," he said. You see where this is going, don't you? The camp is here and reality has set in. Cameron's confidence is waning.

We've both talked to him about it. I'll take him each morning and will stay there until he's comfortable. And, at work, I'm only about four minutes from the Mem Centre, where the camp is taking place. I've just finished baking his favourite chocolate chip muffins. First baking I've done since school ended. Will even pack my boy some of those precious and much-loved strawberry chips to snack on.

Now I'm going to send a note to work to let them know I'll be late tomorrow. Hopefully just a little. But maybe a lot. I suspect, once I get to work, my mind won't be much on the job. Wish us luck!


**Update, Monday evening: Cammy had a fabulous day. Lots of lacrosse, a walk up George Street to the park complete with wading pool, lifeguards, and basketball court, movie after lunch and more water sports to come this week, across the road at Morrow Park. Tonight he fell asleep within minutes of his head hitting the pillow. Dreaming about passes and goals, I'm sure.

Devil's Elbow

There's been a lot going on the last couple of weeks so I've kinda ignored y'all but I'm back now and ready to write. Let's start with today. It was a beautiful day...about -10 and snowy. Just after 10 this morning, Riley and I met up with Dorito, and Cookie and her brood, and another friend and her gang at the local ski hill. We had the kids fitted with skis, pointed them in the direction of the bunny hill (for a couple of runs anyway) and then settled into the chalet with some steaming hot chocolate.

We had some catching up to do. Cookie and I hadn't seen each other since the summer and it's been over a year since I last saw Val. And Riley was thrilled to be there for a couple of reasons - this was her first ski outing of the winter and she got to hang out with Cookie's daughter, little E. The two of them, along with little E's brothers, took lessons at the Elbow last year and Dorito and I decided we'd get them together at least a couple of times this year. The timing was perfect, too, as Ri spends her first of three ski-days with the school here on Monday. Yep. Three ski days spread over three weeks. Lucky kid, eh? I don't remember doing that kind of thing when I went to school. But then again, we had to walk 10 miles, uphill both ways...

I brought my knitting too. Ya. I'm a loser. But let me explain. I had reached a point in SCUMbaagg's hat where I couldn't go any further so I needed to consult Dorito, my knitting guru. Her advice, as always, was insightful and reassuring. To sum it up, she told me, "Keep going. We'll rig something up later." You can't buy that kind of advice. And with that, I was able to continue working on it tonight. It's going to be beautiful. Okay, 'beautiful' might not be quite the word I'm looking for. Let's go with special. Yes. Special. Just like Mark.

~Liz

Bonspieling

Yesterday, was the 1st Annual Yet-To-Be-Named Bonspiel at the Omemee Curling Club. Brother Enos, who curls there a few nights a week and is on the executive, rented the building and invited a bunch of us out to give the game a try. World-class curlers descended on Omemee from all around - Toronto, Oshawa, Keene, Fraserville, Peterborough and a couple of other backwater towns. Ahem. And judging by the smiling faces, a good time was had by all.

We started out with a lesson and some practice and then came upstairs for a beer and a potluck lupper. Then, back down to the ice for a game. Teams were set up and two games took place side-by-side. The competition was fierce; the excitement palpable. Upstairs, comments were made about how consistent a shot the old coot, I mean, my Dad had. (Sorry Dad, did I say that out loud?) Must've been the hat. The games finished and hand-shaking took place along with the customary "good game". The only thing missing were the bagpipes.

The kids had a good time too. They also started with a lesson but soon took to running the halls and playing hide-and-seek. Nolan couldn't decide whether he liked curling or hockey better and may have invented a new game in the process.

Dad called Enos today and asked if we're doing it again next year. The organizer is looking for a name for the event.

There's Stars, Superstars and Then There's Bobby Orr

Last night the great Bobby Orr's #2 jersey was retired at the GM Centre in Oshawa. Kind of wish I was there. Bobby Orr was hands down the greatest player ever. I remember Mum talking about him when he played for the Generals. She was no hockey fan - as a matter of fact she knew nothing about hockey (must have been that British upbringing) - but she had been to a Gennies game or two. And she always mentioned Bobby Orr.

Paul is a huge Boston Bruins fan (note: the Bruins suck) and his all-time favourite player is Bobby Orr. His dingbat cousin, Calvin McBoink is a Bruins fan too (did I mention the Bruins suck? Go Flames!). Terry O'Reilly is his fave. I know. You can't account for other people's taste.

Two years ago, Paul's birthday fell on the Thanksgiving weekend. While he was outside cutting some grass, I ran around the house secretly packing up the kids' and our clothes for a weekend away. I had told him we were going to my Dad's in Oshawa for a little birthday celebration and we headed out. Except that when we got to the turn to go to the highway, I changed my mind and told him to go to Lindsay - "it's a surprise," I said. We grabbed a little something to eat and I showed him the Mapquest map with a couple of key words cut out of the directions - you know, like 'Parry Sound.' He finally figured out where we were going when the sign for Parry Sound presented itself.

We checked in at the hotel and settled in. We had a great time. The kids had a blast in the hotel pool and we had a wonderful turkey dinner at the hotel. On the Sunday, it was Paul's birthday. He opened a few gifts and I gave the boys their own Bruins caps. It was painful seeing them wear those ugly hats but this was Paul's birthday after all.

After swimming and lunch, we went to the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. We looked around the museum and I smiled as I watched Paul grinning from ear to ear, explaining to the kids about the goal, the Cup and the knee. And I smiled as the kids pretended to understand his excitement. We went out to the gift shop after the tour and looked around. Paul got talking to a man and a woman, telling them about his birthday, about growing up in Oshawa, admiring Bobby Orr and cheering for his Bruins - then learned he was speaking with Bobby Orr's dad! My God, it was the ultimate birthday gift. Paul had his picture taken with Mr. Orr and I spoke with his companion. They were very sweet people. After they left, I went up to the till to pay for my purchases and learned that the woman had already paid for some of our souvenirs. What a day.

We spent that second night in Parry Sound and headed for home the next day. It had been a wonderful weekend and a birthday party that I have no hope of ever topping. That's okay, though. I wouldn't trade that weekend for the world and I know Paul wouldn't either. I can't wait for my next 'big' birthday. I'm sure Paul is planning a trip to the Lanny McDonald Hall of Fame. Or something like that.

~Liz

The Goat Way

Two posts and I'm already starting to feel the pressure. I hadn't really intended on posting daily. I know, I know. What the heck else would a full-time working mother of three do in her spare time? However, it looks like at least half of my two followers want to see more. So, this is for you.

Nolan is in swimming lessons on Sunday mornings; Cameron & Riley go Thursdays after school. It was impossible to get them all in together and, quite frankly, what the heck else would a full-time working mother of...well, you get the picture. To be honest, it works out well this way. The older kids go to school in town and it's easy for me to leave work a little early, whip over to the school, pick them up and take them to the pool. Nolan? Not so much. Daycare is out of town, closer to home, and the driving back and forth is too much. But this works. Besides, Paul isn't in town every day like I am so he often takes Nolie on Sundays and then does his running around while he's there.


Now, whenever we go anywhere, there are really only two routes we can take...both involve driving north up our road and either turning right and curling towards the highway or continuing north to the same highway. We have creatively named these routes 'the mail way' and 'the goat way'. I know - the sheer imagination here is astounding. If you look to the top of this post (go ahead, I'll wait), that's 'the goat way' that you see. It's my favourite route. Goats are comical creatures. 'The mail way' is darned exciting too, especially with our new and improved Canada Post Superbox (installed just two weeks ago) but somehow it isn't as fascinating as 'the goat way'. I can get a picture of our mailbox if you'd like and you can decide for yourself but I think you'd agree, 'the goat way' is the way to go.

Which brings me back to swimming and every other excursion that involves more than one child. Invariably, as we approach the turn in the road, I ask, "Goat way or mail way?". And just as that turn in the road is always there, so too are the arguments over which way we're going to go. You'd think I'd learn.

Sunday's swimming session involved only Paul and Nolan. The day was cold, the snow was falling and Nolan was bundled up in winter coat, boots and toque. After the lesson, they left the pool, hit a few stores looking for soil for our apple trees (that's a story for another day) and eventually arrived home. Nolie, with his usual flair, removed his boots and toque. Apparently his hair was wet when he first donned his hat. That boy was a site to behold.

And they had taken 'the goat way' home.

AML

~Liz