Wellington County Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Wandering Wellington County

A Walk in the Park

January 8, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things to do is take a walk in the park. Anytime I am feeling life’s stresses or wanting to just take a few moments to remember what is really important, I love to walk around my favorite park in Guelph. Riverside Park is my park, it is the Park I grew up in, it is the park I like to watch bridge to-bridge as my father calls it.

I always love to think of the various conversations that take place on one of the many park benches I walk by. I love the park in all seasons, with Winter just upon us, I love the stillness and the quietness of the image of this lonely park bench set amongst the river bank.

When I take time just to spend 30 minutes in nature, I always feel better for doing so. Why is so hard to get going sometimes, I often spend more time thinking of doing something rather than doing it at times. This happens often on weekends when my paper arrives at its doorstep, coffee in hand and I plan my day. My plans always include a little walk or two but often the day floats into night and I am still on the couch serving the internet or changing the channels on the TV.

Why is so hard to get outside in the Winter weather at times when you know you will feel better after a little stroll around the block. I put pressure on myself at times when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing to get outside for a little fresh air, as I know I will feel better for even the most basic of steps in the Winter months. Clearing the car of snow, and oh the drag of shovelling can be overwhelming at times.

I am already counting down the days till Spring but know that we must first endure the quiet and stillness of the Winter. Maybe just maybe I can be OK with not being so hard on myself this time of year to get outside more. As it just looks so much prettier from inside. The snow glistening on the fence, or the kids building a snowman.

I have some gift cards for the ski hill which I know the kids and I would really have fun at. I just have to find the courage to get outside and get going on those days when it just seems simpler to stay inside. I used to ski but have not been in many years, and last year I had promised my Mother I would take the kids downhill skiing this season. I guess I still have a few more months to accomplish this task. Or maybe I could make it a fun outing rather than a task. I guess it is all how you look at things.

Winter I LOVE YOU, I WILL EMBRACE THIS SEASON!

“When you change the way you look at things…. the things you look at change.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Talk soon~

Nancy

2019 Goals

January 2, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

The New Year is here, it is January 2nd, with just a few days into the year. I have been silently thinking of some goals for the New Year. Since I am not one for setting New Years Resolutions I thought it would be a good idea to perhaps jot a few of my plans for the New Year.

1. More Contentment

I want to be more contented with my everyday activities. I want to feel more grateful, and be happy for what I have in my life today, rather than scrambling around trying to fill that emptiness or that void in the soul with more stuff. I am not sure how or what I will do but this is just something I am throwing out there into the universe. I was reminded of this statement when my favorite New Years Eve host Anderson Cooper said he wanted more contentment.

2. Get more Active and Fit

I am turning a certain age this year, and really want to focus on getting more fit and more active. Mmmmm… that late night gobble of that 3 pack of Lindor last night may need to be kept out of sight. Trying to fall asleep last night, tossing and turning I remembered that I had a small red 3 pack of those delicious Lindor chocolates which where in my stocking at Christmas. I slowly devoured all 3, I did my best to melt each one slowly in my mouth to make that feeling of late night chocolate last longer. Mission accomplished I know don’t have any chocolate left in my room, now I have to actually walk downstairs to get a bite. This will allow me to become more active as stairs are a good way to get some cardio in.

3. Read More Books

I really want to read more books. I have a bad case of staring at my phone too much, looking up useless information and causing endless google searches which amount in a whole lot of wasted time. I want to delve into more books which are sitting in my box just waiting for me to take me out of myself and transport me to another world. That is the power of books and I am so grateful when I find a good book as it is such a great escape from reality.

These are my TOP 3 GOALS……….. What are yours for the 2019 Year ahead?

Talk soon,

Nancy

2019 Goals for the New Year

Be Kind to Each Other The World Needs It!

December 20, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The busy holiday season is upon us with just one week before Christmas Day. Lunch hour came and went however the memory of what made the day still lingers. Much can be accomplished on a one hour lunch break, thoughts of going for lunch with friends, last minute shopping or a walk around Riverside Park in the sunshine.

Choosing the latter option was a great chance to stretch the legs and clear the mind with a little time in nature. A favorite path at Riverside Park which has been referred to the, “Bridge to Bridge walk”. The walk started from the East side of the Speed River walking trail accessed from the Speedvale Ave. Bridge towards the Woodlawn Bridge. As the footsteps rounded the pathway just meters from the low lying woods near the Woodlawn Bridge, there it was glittering in the sunlight.

The beautifully decorated 3.5 ft. small pine tree was easy to spot just to the left of the path. Tiny red bows, a set of battery operated colorful lights, and a few ornaments adorned this tree in the woods. Underneath the tree lay a few presents marked with a Christmas tag which read, “To: You, From: Secret Santa” A card dangled on the tree in a plastic sleeve marked, “PLEASE READ ME!”

Looking around to see if anyone else was around besides the birds flying above. Nostalgic feelings of past Christmas’s were brought up which brought a smile. The card read, “Season’s Greetings to EVERYONE WHO READS THIS…..” It spoke about random acts of kindness and Christmas being a time of giving. “If you receive a gift, please enjoy it and consider doing a little something to pay it forward. I hope it brings delight to all who notice it.”

The world can be such a very busy place, Thank you to the kind soul who took the time to leave this very thoughtful message. “Be as Kind as you can as the world needs it!” This certainly made the day and helped to restore joy in the holiday season. Hopefully many will benefit from this beautiful Act of Kindness!

Talk soon,

Nancy

Firebird at The Guelph Little Theatre

November 24, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The Firebird is a wonderful Russian folklore fairytale production currently being performed at the Guelph Little Theatre till December 2nd by Rose Scollard. The Director, D.J. Thomson commented in the playbill, “Our team has worked hard to present all the magic of theatre out in the open for you, our community, to share. We truly are thrilled that you are here and hope that you find your moments to save in your memory banks.

“It was a night for the memory bank”, a saying which is one of my father’s favorite. My son & daughter who were seated on either side of me, both agreed. Being that the performance was on a Friday evening, the kids were tired, like a lot of people by the end of the week. However they were both on the edge of their seats the entire performance.

We entered the quaint venue which is in an old warehouse type of building in the Ward district of Guelph. We could tell that we would be in for a special night as we peeked into the venue and could see the stage was adorned with brightly colored Slavic backdrops, a solo rock set on the left side of the stage, jewel covered high back chairs fit for a Princess.

Later we would watch Princess Irenka looking into a mirror staring at her youthful beauty not knowing later in the evening she would be staring at gray hairs and wolf fingers, howling like a werewolf. This is where we watch another character Baba Yaga pop out of a large trunk which also appeared stage on.

The story was introduced by two-headed cyborg dragons who tried to free the Firebird and save their land from the evil Magician Koshchei who wanted to marry the beautiful Princess Irenka. Luckily for her the story with its twists and turns Irenka returned to her beloved Alexa.

Leaving the show my son said to us, “That was sooooo good, everyone should come and watch this!” Big sister Meaghan agreed and said she really enjoyed all of the costumes. The Firebird costume was her most favorite, she said “it was so colorful and it looked like it was really well done”. Meaghan thought Firebird was a really good dancer, and said she was inspired by her graceful dance movements.

The story of the Firebird inspired many literary works, including “The Little Humpback Horse” by Pyotr Yershov. The most famous production of the Firebird was by Sergei Diaghilev of Ballets Russes who commissioned composer Igor Stravinsky to create the enormously popular large-scale ballet score known as The Firebird.

The sound effects were a wonderful addition to the play. The four foley artists who were in the background creating a meerut of sounds throughout the scenes helped bring more life to the production and were great to watch alongside the actors.

If you want to make some memories for you and your family, this is a great play to attend. Buy your tickets here for this performance, http://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/tickets/. Perhaps it will evoke memories of your childhood as you watch the Princesse, dragons and magician in this fairytale story. Whoever you take with you, I am sure just like the director and my Dad say, “It will be one for the memory banks!”.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

5 Reason’s We Need Little Breaks

October 21, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Lets face it, this life can get really busy at times. Being a Mom to young children can get really crazy at times, busing the kids around to their various activities, packing the lunches, bathing them, washing the clothes, making the meals, shopping. Oh my, I didn’t realize how glamorous all of the motherhood duties sounded until I wrote them down.

I don’t know if you are like me? Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always excited about making their lunches day in day out, or sitting in a cold arena watching my son’s hockey game, as I hear other parents screaming at their kids to do better.

I have to admit I like to daydream of far away places at times, and think of perhaps the last time I treated myself to vacation or a girls night away. OK maybe I do indulge in a few girls night’s away. I must say I am rather lucky to have a wonderful support system for my kiddies. I know lots of women with or without children, who could certainly use a much-needed break from the everyday demands of living in this fast paced world.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with my 2 little people, and I LOVE THEM TO THE MOON AND BACK! But being an older Mom, I truly appreciate “little breaks” and some time off from my duties to recharge and relax a bit.

Here are 5 reasons we all need a little bit of a BREAK.

1. Recharge your Batteries

2. Perspective

3. Gratitude

4. Take Care of Yourself

5. Have Fun

These are my top 5 reasons why a little break from the ordinary is needed. What are your 5 tips for taking a break from reality, I would love to hear your tips. Stay tuned I am in the process of creating some cool excursions to help busy people like yourself take a little break, and have a little FUN!

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

Talk soon ~

Nancy

5 Things to do this Weekend in Wellington County!

September 24, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This time of year the mornings are cooler but still warm enough to wear only a light sweater or two, when attending one of the many events going on in our community. Where is the sunshine the weather reporter promised us today with a high of 20…..MMMM I think they were wrong again.

Well this is not my favorite time of year with the shorter days and the cooler nights. However the leaves are beautiful, with stunning colors dotting the harvested landscapes of the rural communities. There is a lot going on in the Wellington County community this Fall, here are 5 top things you can mark on your calendars, and take advantageous of all of the adventures in our backyard!

FALL RURAL ROMP (September 29th 10-4pm)

There is a wonderful self guided tour https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/tr-fallruralromp.aspx. Print out the Map, fill the gas tank, grab a coffee and explore.

2. Fergus – Elora Studio Tour (September 22-23 / 29-30th 10-4pm)

Ever wondered what an artist’s studio looks like? Now is your chance to check out fabulous artisans in Elora Fergus. Here is the link for more information and a map to follow. https://elorafergusstudiotour.com/

3. Culture Days (September 28, 29, 30)

This is a Canada wide event with the local areas in Wellington County hosting tons of great, free cultural events. https://culturedays.ca/en/2018-activities/search/grid?location=city&postal_search=&postal_radius=25&province=&city_search=fergus+elora&city_radius=25&region_search=4801&search_all_activities=&day=&day%5B%5D=2018-09-28&day%5B%5D=2018-09-29&day%5B%5D=2018-09-30&start_time=&name=&organizer=&language=&wheelchair=0&type=&type%5B%5D=&category=&category%5B%5D=&keyword=&query=

4. Donkey Sanctuary Open Day – (September 30)

You have to go visit this amazing donkey sanctuary and maybe adopt your very own donkey? https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8881954-749859-donkey-sanctuary-open-day/

5. Aberfoyle Market (Saturday’s & Sunday’s)

Why not browse at the many vendors at this great outdoor market, open weekends. https://aberfoyleantiquemarket.com/

Talk soon

Nancy

First Day Walking to School in the Rain

September 10, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Reading the title of this, you may assume these kids in the above photo are junior kindergartens? Luckily these kids have never had to walk in the rain, or snow yet until today. Having recently moved to suburbia land, versus the out skirts of the country, things are a little different for this 12 & 8-year-old.

I mentioned to them as we watched the school buses driving by that they maybe didn’t appreciate all those times they got to ride the bus when it was raining and snowing, huh! They both nodded as they had to maneuver their little steps to avoid the puddles and the splash of the cars zooming by.

This morning I offered to drive them to school, as I opened the door and saw it was raining. “Oh no Mom, lets just walk”, said 12-year-old Megs. I had to agree with her, as this was only the second week back to school, along with just the second week of walking to school. I myself have many fond and not so fond memories of walking back and forth to school many many moons ago. I remember those days when it was storming, and having to walk up and down a hill, thru downpours and I am sure if you weren’t country folk riding the yellow bus, growing up you would remember those days as well.

Well the little guy thought it was just the best when a gust of wind caught his umbrella and turned it inside out. I voiced my concerns to little Noah, “hold on that umbrella or it will break, and that’s not funny!” Well I guess it would be if you were 8 and walking to school for the first time in the rain, testing the waters and waters it was, the rain was creating these big puddles all around us. “Don’t walk in those puddles Noah, your feet will be wet all day!”.

My son refused to wear his socks, as I did today as well, my world is still summer with my sandals firmly on my feet. However you will find my son not wearing socks in the deep of winter, and oh the thoughts of them walking in the mountains of snow which will be ahead of us sooner than later…. Bahhhhh. It is still summer right?

Hopefully the kiddlets will navigate their way home from school safely. I am sure they will, after all we survived didn’t we?

Talk soon,

Nancy

Meet Larry Mellott

August 24, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB

WHO ARE YOU?

Name: Larry Mellott

Birthplace: Barrie Ontario

Where do you live? Guelph Ontario

Career: Radio Broadcaster

Congratulations Larry, you are celebrating 30 years of employment at Corus Entertainment (CJOY/Magic106.1)?

30 consecutive years, from 1988-present, with an additional 8 years from 1974-82, then out west at a couple of different radio stations for 6 years. I’ve worked in radio for 48 years.

You are known in the Guelph Community as the, “Voice of the Guelph Storm”. Please tell us a little more about what your role is with the Guelph Hockey Team?

I’am the radio play by play voice of the Storm and broadcast every game they play, including 5 Memorial Cup tournaments. My first year broadcasting Guelph hockey was with the Platers in 1975.

WHAT does community mean to you?

Many radio signals are clearly heard in our city from other towns. Some of them play exactly the same music. What they can’t do is focus on the many events that happen in Guelph and make themselves available to get involved on a personal level. Community means interacting with what’s going on in your city, on air and off air!

WHAT would your listeners say about you?

I’ve listened to you since I was a kid! Honestly I’ve heard that observation as much as anything. That’s what happens when you’ve been on the air “forever” in one place.

WHAT changes have you seen within your 30 years in the industry?

I’ve gone from seeing 2 or 3 turntables in the studio to 2 or 3 computers. Interaction on social media has played a big part in how the job is handled, that didn’t exist to any great extent until the last 5 years or so.

WHERE do you find Inspiration?

Reaction from listeners when they let us know about the impact we have on them, with the entertainment, information and insight we provide.

Favorite quote / and or a favorite person?

Child-hood idol, who’s never been replaced over the years, hockey legend Gordie Howe. You can’t be a Canadian, or least not a Canadian hockey fan, without having a favorite player! I interviewed him twice and the legend was a humble, gracious man, easy to talk to and easy to respect and admire.

WHY did you choose this career, or did it choose you?

I wasn’t good enough to be a serious hockey players, but the opportunity existed to be a serious hockey play by play broadcaster.

Tell us something people usually don’t know about you?

The old line used to be “you don’t look like you sound”…I was never quite sure how to react to that!

WHAT did you want to be as a child?

If I couldn’t become a successful athlete I wanted to be involved in sports somehow, this job worked!

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT LARRY?

My wife, 2 of our 3 children and all 3 of our grandchildren were born in Guelph
Guelph has been my home for 38 years, far longer than any other place I’ve lived
Former Guelph mayor and long-time CJOY new and sports director Norm Jary was my hockey play by play mentor, a great teacher and friend
I’ve served as CJOY PD for 26 years now, longer than any one of the other 3 who served in that position over the years
My grandfather was from Pennsylvania. We had 54 ancestors fight in the American Civil War, all for the Union, no rebels!

Contact Information: * (Where can people find your business/organization)

Emaill Address: lmellott@cjoy.com

Website: cjoy.com

Phone: 519-824-7000

Thanks Larry for sharing a little more about you. Guelph is so lucky to have you & thank you for sharing “YOUR VOICE” with the community. CJOY is celebrating 70 years in 70 days. Larry will be at the Guelph Rib fest for the 1460 CJOY wrap up event, he is broadcasting LIVE.

Talk soon,

Nancy

Riverfest Elora 2018

August 20, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Have you ever attended RiverFest in Elora? I hope you said YES; this is my 3rd year as an attendee at this amazing musical event which takes place along the banks of the Grand River in Elora. They have been entertaining music lovers for 10 years and this was the biggest one yet, with the tens of thousands grooving back and forth under the moonlight!

The 3 day event takes place on the 3rd week in August, with local festival presenters working year round to bring this incredible weekend show to the town of Elora. The weather was perfect this year, just a little drizzle of rain on the Friday night with the opening act JULY TALK, and Saturday evening was FLAMING LIPS and another big act was BLUE RODEO on Sunday night.

A lot of other local talented bands such as Boo Radley Project, Bearskins, and Madison Galloway to name a few, kept the 3 stages rocking all weekend. I had the opportunity to take in the Flaming Lips on Saturday night, and it felt surreal. When I looked up into the sky all you could these big colorful balls in the air with the biggest disco ball shining light on them along with huge blow up figures. The crowd just roared when they came on stage, I must admit I had never heard of them, but walked away a new fan.

There were a lot of really cool vendors from henna tattoos, jewelery and fashions. Check out my chat with the fashion designer, StudioKampino, who designs her own line of upcyled clothing.

You can check out my FB page for the interview, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARRFC5ximMqK54VfugPsRM4yY8NMd2cx6XwPD7T9SXfBQm_o6CRc5TavmKdkAO21WqQ. If you have never been before to this event, mark your calendar for next years event, it is family friendly with a host of food vendors, so bring your appetite. One of the great things is there is a ban on plastic bottles at the event, you will see everyone walking around with reusable mugs. They fully support green initiatives which help save our environment such as the, “SAVE THE WATER Campaign”. This year the blue mugs were easy to spot as this is the color of the beautiful water flowing from the Grand River along the boardwalk of the event.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Fergus Highland Games

August 12, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This community is so amazing there is just always something going on! Centre Wellington was once again hosting the Annual Fergus Highland Games this August weekend. I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremonies on the Friday evening.

Ahhhh… the sound of those bag pipes, it was truly soul-stirring and when the Tattoo began, my heart seemed to have skipped a beat. I found myself getting rather emotional, almost in tears which surprised me, however I don’t think I was alone in my thoughts as I looked around everyone was standing still and appeared to be just as in awe as I was.

I had the honour of meeting and chatting with Graham McTavish, the Scottish Actor who portrays Dougal MacKenzie in the popular Outlander series. Check out my chat with him on my FB social media, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/?hc_ref=ARQNbIui3YV67rLi_OYe7MeqChO8gLxPQwWHonNU2InD-bhxNFeaiHNgHhgw6PeBSig

Last year when I attended the Fergus Highland Games I had the opportunity to meet the popular author of the Outlander series who was a special guest, http://www.dianagabaldon.co m/ Diana Gabaldon. She was full of grace, elegance and appeared humble amidst her immense popularity. Meeting both of these two talented public figures I believe is definitely the universe’s way of sending a message; it is time to dust off the book I had purchased at last years event and delve into another world.

Another bonus of attending the Festival, is of course learning more about the culture and customs of different countries. When one of the speakers shared some of his insight into the various clans in attendance, it is like I had a light bulb moment! I am rather embarrassed to admit this, however I had never seemed to fully comprehend the meaning of the Scottish Clans. He explained it in a way I finally could understand a little more about this interesting culture. Clans as I understood it for the first time in the Scottish context is another word for family. If you are like me and need to understand a little more about the definition of the word, here is the Wikipedia definition below.

A clan is a group of people united by actual or perceived kinship^[1] and descent. Even if lineage details are unknown, clan members may be organized around a founding member or apical ancestor. Clans in indigenous societies tend to be exogamous, meaning that their members cannot marry one another. Clans proceeded more centralized forms of community organization and government, and exist in every country. Members may identify with a coat of arms or other symbol to show they are an independent clan. The kinship-based bonds may also have a symbolic ancestor, whereby the clan shares a “stipulated” common ancestor that is a symbol of the clan’s unity. When this “ancestor” is non-human, it is referred to as a totem, which is frequently an animal.

The word clan is derived from the Gaelic clann^[1] meaning “children” or “progeny”; it is not from the word for “family” in either Irish^[2]^[3] or Scottish Gaelic. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word was introduced into English in around 1425, as a label for the nature of the society of the Scottish Highlands

As I sat at a table with people watching the Tattoo, I felt more welcomed as the night was nearing its end. Perhaps this is a glimpse into what the Scottish call a Clan, as it felt like we were part of a family.

As I have learned this life, there are various types of family, not always blood. What ever you call it, I love my “CLAN”. You know who I am talking about, “those people who get you!”, “they have your back, they fight for you, they cry with you, they are family, they are your clan!”

Sláinte or until we meet again!

Talk soon,

Nancy