02/07/2026
After a busy day clearing up after our ARC (Ann / Rosevale / Canada) Day yesterday, I've finally found time to wish all friends and relations a belated happy Canada Day for yesterday.
Our day took the usual format of lunch (sandwiches, cocktail sausages drenched in genuine Canadian maple syrup, pancakes, strawberries and ice cream drenched, again, in genuine Canadian maple syrup - washed down with bubbly stuff, tea and coffee), followed by entertainment in the form of a story-teller who regaled us with tales of The Tay Man, Friar's Leap and The Misguided Yarnspinner. In addition, he (Jimmy McTeggert) recited the poem We Are More by Shane Koyczan which explains what is special about Canadians. Unfortunately the day was rather wet so we couldn't sit out in the garden to listen to his stories but had to remain in the marquee.
In the evening those of us remaining were joined by those family members who are still in the workforce. Fish suppers supplied sustenance. (The fish suppers, pancakes, strawberries and ice cream commemorated our first meal at Rosevale Farm 48 years ago.)
Canada Day was one of Ann's favourite days of the year, marking the anniversary of our arrival at her beloved Rosevale, in addition to a celebration of a country and a people she loved. Recently it has also become a celebration of Ann's life of devotion for those of us who love her dearly.
We hope we did her proud.
