2024

 Each year I attempt to remember the positive events that have passed.  Some may think it strange that I always start off with those who have left us.  None of us got to where we are without the influence of those who left their mark.

Florence Demacio-Olynyk was my mother in law, so I am grateful for her critical role in bringing up my wife, Sharon.  I have also benefited from her two other children, Lorri and Leonard and in turn their children.  She herself has been generous and accepting of me for over 50 years.  She has doted over my two children all their life.  She has also loved her other grandchildren plus great grandchildren. Many meals and celebrations have been enjoyed by all.

 

Ed Broadbent's death in mid January was what got me started on this post.  Back in 1968 I first heard his name because I was working with the Liberal campaign in the federal election in the Oshawa Whitby riding.  Obviously there were many factors involved in his first victory (with only a 20 vote margin), but I flatter myself I was one of them.  Over the years I came to appreciate he was intelligent and considerate.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/my-short-but-educational-political.html

Alexei Navalny died in prison, ultimately a murder.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/01/navalny-hero-for-our-times.html

Brian Mulroney, Conservative Prime Minister and opposition leader.   Although many upset at the time I actually felt the G.S.T. was a good move, because most didn't realize it replaced a complicated hidden tax and spread the tax burden to the growing service sector.

Sergio Mendes was a favorite musician since my late teen years and I had bought several of his albums.  I still enjoy his music with a Brazilian beat that opened up other performers.  A lot of memories.

 

 

 

Nelson DeMille, best selling author.  He is a first cousin to my mother in law.  Talking to an aunt of his I learned how he was born in the U.S.A.  A grandfather was upset over a wayward daughter who had taken off to the States (from Canada) and sent two brothers to bring her back home.  Instead the daughter set up both men with American women and one of them ended up being Nelson's mother.  Nelson has written a number of books, most of which I have read and enjoyed.  He co-wrote two books with his son who has been a script writer and hopefully will carry on with novels.  For more on him check:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/05/tribute-to-nelson-demille-real-writer-i.html

 

 

On December 29th, Jimmy Carter died at age 100.  He is dismissed by some prominent politicians and commentators, but he set a better example both in office and also after losing the election.  Although not a perfect man I will let others issue criticisms.  He was an advocate for the environment, at one time installing 32 solar panels on top of the White House (taken down by Ronald Reagan).  He was instrumental in a peace accord between Israel and Egypt.  He set up two cabinet level departments, one for Energy and another for Education.  Jimmy pushed for more Human rights.  He decided to give back the Panama Canal to Panama.  After leaving the White House he got involved] with eradicating diseases, supervising elections in several other countries and through Habitat for Humanity helped set up affordable housing.  He and Rosalynn gave a higher profile to mental health.  He  won 3 Grammy awards for reading three of his books.  On top of of all that he was one of the more honest politicians and lived a modest life style.  Preceded by his wife, Rosalynn's death after they had been married 77 years.  read more  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/the-outlier-unfinished-presidency-of.html

 Two more welcome additions.

Born on Valentine's Day, Jack Valentyne Smythe entered our world.  The Valentyne middle name is after a grandfather.  Parents Ryan and Sam join with Emma welcoming a new family member.

 

 

 

 

Ava  is a proud daughter to Karleigh and Mark.  Grandmother (Nanny) Lorri has a growing tribe.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once a lifetime events are special.  Somehow we managed to make it through 50 years of marriage.  Our celebrations started on (the preceding Sunday) when Lor  ri and Kerry took us out to a Greek restaurant in Burlington, Mythos.  Wonderful meal.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations we went to the Royal Alexander to see "Six"

Also went to a favorite restaurant Scaddabush.
 

 

 

On our actual anniversary we went to Mairzy's Pearl with a gift certificate from friends.  Hadn't eaten oysters for several years, but can still appreciate the attraction.

An anniversary present from Heather and Laura was a special night at Merit Brewery "In the Dead of Winter 2024"

We watched and enjoyed "Shirley Valentine" at Theatre Aquarius.  Poster by Kieran Daly.

 

 

 

"Beautiful Scars"   A world premiere by a local musician, Tom Wilson.  Also at Theatre Aquarius.

 

 

Annual Portuguese Street Parade

 

 Marching band

One of our neighbors.

 

Horses are part of the parade.

 

 We saw an enjoyable mystery play at Hamilton Player's Guild "Burn"

 

Thanks to Storyworth I now have a story of my life.  A birthday gift from Sharon that we can all share.  The cover photo was from my brother Marshall.

 

 

Our neighborhood was able to hold a block party, one block from our house.  Luke Lalonde of Born Ruffians was one of the performers who sang to his wife Laura and son Lewie

 Sharon joined Laura and Lewie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BJ Page was unexpected ,jumping on top of a van to sing a song
                             

                     

  

The Racalmuto Festival was held the same weekend.  More on this festival :  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/06/hamilton-ontarios-connection-to.html

 

 

 

 

Canada Day with the Blue Jays

 Canadian flag unfurled                   Air Force Veterans honored

 

 

 

 

 

 Heather and Laura announced their engagement and held a party to celebrate with friends and relatives.

 

 

 

 

 

John and Debbie Polkinghorne on their 50th anniversary joined in the celebrations.

 

 Chloe and Deegan talk to Abby & Logan.

 

 

 

 

 Art Crawl Summer of 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Wedding of the Year Heather and Laura

 

 

 

The night before at Merit Brewery.  Gherelyne, Michael, Sharon, John, Heather, Laura

 

 Heather, Laura, Wayne and Cathy

 

 

 

Dan, Shelley, Laura Lei, Sheldon

 

 

 

 

 

 Megan, Chloe and Deegan

 

 

 

        

 

r Michael and Gherelyne with a Tesla

 

                                                                                                         Ryan and Samantha

Christine and Marty

Laura Lei, Officiant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some loved ones died before this joyous event, but are remembered. 

 

One of my volunteer events for Fair Vote Canada

 

 

 

 

Super Crawl was back, bigger than ever.  Huge crowds to take in a variety of music and food and merchandise.  My Son the Hurricane was one of the hi-lites for us.

 

 

 

Another wedding was enjoyable, meeting lots of friends and seeing a unique event.   Kelly and Steve decided on an outdoor ceremony.  A good time had by all.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    We all had a sparkling good time.

 

 

 

 

King James seen at Theatre Aquarius
 

 

 

 

 

A family gathering to celebrate at the Mandarin for Emma's 8th birthday.  Our server took this gorgeous shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I gave a speech for Fair Vote Canada wearing my New Zealand shirt.

 

 

 

 

A Visit to the Military Museum

 War of 1812

                                                                                                    

                                                   Rebellion of 1837 Bloody Assizes

 

 

Our usual New Year's Eve get together ushering in 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A list of English speaking movies I enjoyed over the year.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/english-speaking-films-for-2024.html

Foreign movies seen this past year:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/foreign-language-films-2024.html

The books I read gave hours of enjoyment and were thought provoking:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/books-read-in-2024.html 

Top blog of the year    http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/monopolies.html

2nd top    http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/why-do-so-many-arabs-oppose-palestine.html

We love going to restaurants;  Scaddabush, Merit Brewing, Marzy's Pearl. PinToh By Chef Keng, Bardo, Cowabunga , Seasoned Restaurant, Mythos, Wild Orchid, Caro, Mesa, Grain & Grit, Kelly's Landing, Indonesian Flavours, Mandarin, Bahn Mi Hue,

Check out last year:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/01/2023.html