Hi everyone,

 You probably thought I stopped writing, but each week I get from Wednesday noon until Friday morning off as my time away.  This week I met up with some of the other assistants to do something and get to know them.  So Sven who is from Germany and Edmund who is from Singapore and myself took a jaunt down Yonge Street on Wednesday and explored China town, walked around to see if we could spot any movie stars in town for the Toronto International Fil Festival (no luck as it was raining).  We went to the Art Gallery of Ontario (free on Wednesday night) to see some of the exhibitions.  When I parked my car the guy said that they close at 6:30pm so gave us a code for the door.  When we got back, I realized he meant to get back in to get our car, not get out (door automatic) and I had left the code in my car.  So here we were standing outside, the garage door locked and no way to get to my car.  Just then a woman came to get her car...saved by the bell.  By the way parking is expensive in Toronto ($17 in all for just a little time).

 Today (Thursday morning) I picked up Sven from Germany and thought that Tiago from Brazil was going to join us, but there was a mixup with the phone call message.  We took off for Niagara Falls which is about 90 ,minutes from here (normally).  I took the express route (a famous short cut) and then turned off at London exit instead of going straight.  We ended up realizing I had jumped too soon and so Sven from Germany was directing me with my map on how to turn around.  We ended up going through Cambridge, Hamilton, Stoney Creek and then jumped on QEW only to be headed into the wrong direction AGAIN. Finally we got on the right way and then ended up in Niagara Falls some three hours after leaving (remember a 90 minute trip).  I know know some alternate routes for other activities.

 This was my second time to Niagara Falls and we decided to do the boat trip "Lady of the Mist".  We heard facts about the Falls and some attempts to cross it in barrells etc. The twon of Niagara Falls is so tacky (in my opinion) and a real money grab.  But the day was nice to get to know Sven and hear about Germany and his life and family.  There are some interesting people here with some neat stories.

 When I arrived home last night I was tired but a good tired. Tom, Mary Anne and Kara were excited to see me as was John. It was a wonderful welcome.  I went with Tom, Mary Anne and Kara to value village to get some items to wear for the barn dance which has as its theme "Tropical Fiesta". 

 In opening my emails tonight I see that two of our priests have died.  I did not know Father Cormier, but believe he was at Saint Jude at one time.  I was saddened by the death of Father Ben Boudreau who has been so wonderful to help out on different occasions in our parish grouping.  He was a gentle man, available and appreciated.  It is another loss to our diocesan church.

 Well I now sign off and go get some z's.  I am on in the morning to drive, do medication, help them get ready for the day's events.  I also need to make some home made egg rolls for the supper Friday night. So until next time.

Jeff