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Well, we sure did dance the night away Friday at the CHFI Oldies Dance. It wasn’t long before the shoes were off and the dance floor was packed. It is always nice to meet so many of you who come to let your hair down, forget about the cares of the week and dance like maniacs!  And we sure did that this year! Thanks for making it a night of fun. After my feet recover I will be looking forward to next year.

Friday was busy-busy for me as I had planned to spend the day with my daughter. First we shopped, then we shopped some more, then we made our way to the Varsity Cinema for the 1:40 showing of “Sex And The City”. It was packed! Perhaps five empty seats in the theatre. You could feel the energy of anticipation as the audience prepared to visit with four old friends. The opening music drew loud cheers and applause and then we settled in to watch the continuing story of their lives unfold.  It was wonderful! I was teary eyed not once, not twice, but at least three times. Don’t forget to take tissue when you go. Tears or not it was worth it! We didn’t watch the series when it was on TV, my daughter was young and I deemed it inappropriate for her age. It has only been the last year or so that we started to watch. NYC is one of my favourite places on the planet and seeing the streets of Manhattan is as enjoyable to me as the fashions on the show. Not being a fan from the beginning I don’t feel qualified to tell you that you will love the movie, but there is a good chance you won’t be disappointed.

After the screening, it was a quick trip home to throw on my fab 70’s jumpsuit, then off to the CHFI Oldies Dance for some groovy fun!  You’ll notice I didn”t mention eating supper, which is why as I met many of you and signed your t-shirts I was munching on Twizzlers. Not a great meal - perhaps that is why I felt like a inflated flounder when I woke-up for work on Saturday morning at 4:15 a.m.. Nasty! How old am I again?

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend and whatever you’ve planned. Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

- Tish

I am not ashamed to say I watched the entire two hour American Idol finale Wednesday night, and enjoyed every minute of it. I will admit some of the singing and dancing numbers were a bit tedious, but I figured these young people have worked hard and they deserve their time in the spotlight, so I watched.  Some of them may never see that spotlight again.  The star performers that showed up to sing with the Idol hopefuls were awesome! Seal,  ZZ Top, Donna Summer, One Republic (my daughter’s fav), Bryan Adams and George Michael - what’s not to enjoy here? Plus, one of my favourite performers sang without his pals. Graham Nash sang Teach Your Children with Brooke White and I was thrilled to see her singing with such confidence. Graham Nash has been one of my favourite solo performers since the early 70’s when he released “Songs For Beginners”. It is always a treat when he sings songs from this release while performing with his pals David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young.  You will have a chance to hear some of those tunes when CS&N play Casino Rama July 20th. 

OK, back to Idol… I was very upset after Tuesday night’s show. It was so blatantly obvious that the producers wanted the young David Archuleta to win, I was sick about it. He was not the strongest performer or best singer -David Cook was! I am sure the producers believed young David would sell more records to the female teen crowd, and I felt that Randy and Simon’s comments these last few shows were meant to sway the vote in favour of David A.  So Wednesday night when David Cook was declared the winner of American Idol, there was no one happier on the planet than me!  He is a poised, thoughtful, considerate and talented young man and I hope he has a long successful career ahead of him.  All of the headlines Thursday claimed David Cook’s win was an upset and I say hardly! Fans knew who the best Idol was and made it clear the judges could all go blow up! I may even go see the American Idol Show at the ACC when it rolls into town.

Indiana Jones was on my day-timer this week, and Thursday afternoon I was sitting in the theatre ready to be entertained.  He did not disappoint.  I enjoyed the campiness and the over the top story line.  I laughed, I gasped, and thoroughly enjoyed my two hours with Professor Jones and cast.  Is is the best movie I have ever seen? Absolutely not! Did it keep my mind off the dirty dishes in the sink at home? Absolutely yes!  I expected nothing more than some great hokey fun and I got it.  Cate Blanchett is so “out there” in her character. I love that she doesn’t take herself seriously and Shila Labeouf is a terrific addition to the Indy story. All in all I give it a big thumbs up!

Get your spades and gloves ready - we have a fabulous gardening weekend ahead. Enjoy!!!

Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

How To Dance In The rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.  He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.   I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.   On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.   The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife..  I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease.  As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. 
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.  I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’ 

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.’  I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.’
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.  True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message.   This one I thought I could share with you. The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about.  I just did. ‘Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.’ 

Thanks to Norma Hubert for the goosebumps.

 Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

I have been thinking about Mother’s Day this past week. Not about my mother, but about the kind of mother I have been and continue to be. I have been thinking about my children, where they are in their lives and consciously trying to stay out of their boat. They have their own oars to row.  I can help them navigate the river of life but it is not my job to steer their boat.  I want my children to find that small voice that lives within them, that will guide them far better than I ever could. Such magic happens when we search our soul and listen. One thing is for certain, I love being their mother and thank them on a regular basis for being my kids.

I was the mother who at times was a real drag. I would call the parents who were hosting a birthday party to find out what movies were being rented and voice my disapproval if necessary.  My kids never complained, but the other kids sure did! They thought I was strict, but I never saw it like that.  I saw it more like this…

I loved you enough...to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough…to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough…to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough…to make you go pay for the bubble gum you had taken and tell the clerk, “I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it.”

I loved you enough…to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough…to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren’t perfect.

I loved you enough…to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart. But most of all,

I loved you enough…to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I’m glad I won them because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them…. Was your Mom mean? I know mine was.

I think that is what’s wrong with the world today. It just doesn’t have enough mean moms.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

The first of the summer blockbusters rolled out last weekend and it looks like it’s going to be exciting!  I am one of those crazies who shows up at the midnight viewing  of a new movie. The audience at these openings are the best! I love seeing a film when it first opens and if I don’t make it on the first weekend, I often will simply skip it (I’m nutty I know).

I saw IRONMAN last weekend. Loved it! Even my husband enjoyed it. He usually dislikes anything science fiction (hated Transformers-I loved it) so I was pleased he didn’t ask for the 90 minutes of his life back like he often does after I have dragged him to a movie.  It was pure fun! I didn’t think about anything else while I watched, which is a sure sign the movie has done it’s job of taking me away to fairytale world.

One of the best things about going to the movies are the trailers and I wasn’t disappointed. We watched Indiana Jones, Batman (watching Heath Ledger made me sad) and Mike Myers new movie - The Love Guru. It looks like a fun summer ahead!

Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

It actually ‘feels’ like spring. Love it! I can’t wait to aimlessly stroll through the flower nurseries. Have you noticed the delicious green colour of the trees? I’ll be keeping an eye on my Wisteria as the weeks go by.  I inherited it when we moved into our house 2 years ago.  It has never bloomed.  Last year I cut it back - big time! Someone told me that is what I needed to do.  We shall see.

My son arrived home safe and sound and full of stories!  We had fun laughing and getting caught up!  Spider stories, broken down van stories, and surfing tales - he had four months of fun!  It’s good to have him home.

Enjoy this glorious spring day.

Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

My son, who has been gallivanting around Australia the past four months is coming home today! To say I am excited is understatement.  He may be 21, but to me he is still “my little guy” who’s first word was ball, who tirelessly shopped with me and played the tennis racket in perfect time to the song Love Shack.  When he called to tell us he was coming home we were a bit surprised.  His plan was to stay six months.  He said he misses his life, the pets, his truck, the job he had, his friends and yes - he even misses his family. He told me he likes his life in Toronto and realizes he likes ”home”.   This is the greatest Mother’s Day gift ever. To know my children enjoy being at home with us fills me with  joy and appreciation.  It is a great day!

Last night in preparation for his arrival I took a ball of homemade pie crust out of the freezer and made a lemon pie. This morning before I left to come to the station I piled ingredients into the slow cooker for pasta sauce…two of his favourites!

It will be good to hear his voice in the house.

Thanks for stopping by. ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

Today I had the opportunity to meet  fabulous new young Canadian Songstress - Sarah Slean.

Actually she isn’t sooooo new, she has been recording for ten years and her latest release “The Baroness” is her fifth full length album, but for me and I suspect most of you, she is new.

Listening to The Baroness I could hear Tori Amos undertones, and sure enough, Sarah lists Tori as one of her many influences.  She has also been compared to the great Edith Piaf! Wow! That’s impressive!

Sarah was wearing the hot colour of the season - yellow- and she looked striking as you can see!  Be watching for my interview with Sarah here on our website.  You will not only see the interview but will see the video for the first single “Get Home”.  She was an absolute delight.   Visit www.sarahslean.com  to learn more about Sarah.

Thanks for stopping by! ’til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

They say “time flies when you’re having fun” and I can certainly attest to that! Since my last posting I have been Up Close And Personal with Michael McDonald, met a slew of you at Lifefest, and vacationed in Malibu!

Michael was terrific. I haven’t been able to stop listening to his new CD Soul Speak. Even this morning at 5:15 I had it cranked as I drove to the station! It is soooooo good! I noticed in the CHFI Loyalty Club the CD will be coming up for sale soon.  This is one of those great summer cd’s.  You know the one you pop on while you entertain in the back yard.  Everyone will love ya for it!!

I have been on location at Loblaw Fresh Foods, Lifefest and at The Hammam Spa recently, and so many of you came by to say hello in person.  Thank you. Your thoughtfulness and kind words are deeply appreciated. You invite all of us here CHFI into your lives and we thank you for that privilege. It is always a pleasure to meet you and say hello.

 My husband and I took a few days and went to our favourite spot in Malibu CA.  Being a maritimer- water on vacation is a must for me.  Throw in sun, sand, porpoises, pelicans, and the big city of LA and it is perfect by my standards.  We saw Joan Rivers play “A Life In Progress”.  She was fabulous, and we laughed hysterically.  I have always been a Joan fan and seeing her tell the story of her life on stage was wonderful.  She has been down a few times but she always gets back up. I admire that. The Malibu film festival was on the weekend we were there so we caught a film . It was a tribute to Bob Marley called Africa Unite- very interesting and the music was great!  Russell Crowe also gets included in my vacation. He was putting a stroller into the back of his car when we happened to pull up and park beside him in Beverly Hills. He looks as unkempt in person as he does in the magazines! LA Confidential is one of my favourite films, he was terrific in it.

This weather sure is awesome! The buds on the trees and the flowers all beginning to show up. Don’t you just love this time of year? We waited a long time for this to finally arrive and sure feels good.

TTC strike would not feel good right now.  Never would. When ever I think of transit on strike I go back in my mind to the walk out in 1974.  Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young along with The Band and a slew of other acts were playing an all day concert at Varsity Stadium. I had a ticket and I was going to get there come hell or high water so I hitch hiked down the DVP! Not something I would do or recommend today but when you are 18 and need to get to concert you do what ever it takes! (although even today - when it comes to getting to a concert- I am very determined)

Speaking of concerts - just about every act on the planet is playing somewhere in our area this summer! It is going to be awesome!!! The high-lite so far - George Michael at the ACC July 17th, but then again Brooks and Dunn at the Molson Amphitheatre won’t be too bad either!!   What a summer this is going to be! Rock on!

I hope you are enjoying the warmth of the sun and the songs of the spring birds.

Thanks for stopping by.  ‘Til next time…Stay Gru-v!

Tish

 I often receive interesting tidbits and stories from you. My entry today was sent to me from listener Norma Hubert. I was very busy when it first arrived in my mailbox, so I didn’t read it at the time. Sunday morning I had a few minutes and as I read -a lump appeared in my throat and then tears welled up-and suddenly I realized I had to open my mic and talk! Timing not so good! This is a wonderful reflection on life….I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (yes-tears are good!)

Anna Quindlen, Newsweek Columnist and Author:All
my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. I take great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast.  Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh
until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who
want to keep their doors closed more than I like. Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely
discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.Everything in all the books I once poured over is finished for me now.
Penelope Leach, T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early-childhood education, have all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories. What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations –what they taught me, was that they couldn’t really teach me very much at all.Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then
becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an
endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive
reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a
timeout. One child is toilet trained at 3, his sibling at 2.When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on
his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last
arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on
sudden infant death syndrome. To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself.
Eventually the research will follow. I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton’s wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active.
I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs?
Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to

China. Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too.Every part of raising children is humbling, too.  Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the, ‘Remember-When- Mom-Did Hall of Fame.’ The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language, mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, ‘What did you get wrong?’. (She insisted I include that.)  The time I ordered food at the McDonald’s drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking?But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while
doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear
now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one
picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of
the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner,bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.Even today I’m not sure what worked and what didn’t, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I’d done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity.
That’s what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.