Black and White Opera Soiree

Last Saturday night Murray and I attended the Bell Black and White Soiree, an annual winter fund raiser for the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Opera Lyra Ottawa. This year's theme was Gilbert and Sullivan on Parliament Hill. The VIP reception started at 5:00, and the girls' birthday party lasted until 4:00, so we were dressed and out the door in record time. Murray hosted a table again this year, and I got to meet the very charming new director of the National Gallery Marc Mayer who was one of the guests.

The evening was hosted by Peter Mansbridge, Lloyd Robertson and Bernard Derome. A selection of G&S tunes were full of amusing jibes at the politics of the day, and the politicians and journalists who participated did so with a generous amount of good humor. All in all not your average night at the opera.

Family Celebrations, and too much cake

Last weekend was a 4-day long weekend for us. Good thing too, because we had to fly to Winnipeg for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was so great seeing everyone again. My Mum is from a large family, so I grew up with a gaggle of 50 or so aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins. My two little ones are family-poor in comparison. We took advantage of the visit to sneak in a little party for the girls and their Grandpapa who's birthdays are in February as well.

Sarah and Gracie had a great time dancing to Abba.

It all proved too much for Caroline, who fell asleep on a couch in the corner.

When we got home (after a very long day of plane travel) I picked up Poppy at the kennel and noticed, that like me, she must have spent the long weekend eating. We're both noticeably chubbier. Oh well, spring is on its way and we can enjoy walking it off together.

A Night on the Town

On Monday, Murray and I attended the Bell Sens Soiree, an event that raised over $300,000. for the various children's chairties that the Senator's Foundation supports, including CHEO and Roger's House. Since it was on a weeknight, we had some logistical issues with getting a sitter. All of ours are in high school so can't stay up late on a school night. In the end we packed everyone up and checked into the Lac Lemy Hilton for the night. The event was downstairs at the convention centre. The girls stayed in the room with a hotel-provided sitter and we partied downstairs. We had a lively table which included Murray's brother Rob and his wife Claire, his colleague Jacqueline and her husband, the head of the United Way and one of the Senators, Ryan Shannon. The photo is courtesy of Rob.

The Mommy Break

Lucky Me! I got to go away for a little Mommy break this weekend to the Wakefield Mill. The Wakefield Mill is an Inn and Spa in a renovated mill about 30 mins from Ottawa on the Quebec side. It was truly lovely, the food was outstanding, the massage, wonderful and the ambiance just what you'd want if you needed and little R & R. Here's my comfy room.

You could even go x-country skiing right from the door. Murray (bless him, bless him!) who urged me to get away for the weekend, held down the fort at home and enjoyed some one on one time with the girls.

It Takes a Village...

Every Thursday afternoon the girls' school takes the K-2 classes skating at the Navan Arena. The arena is a couple of blocks from the school and all the classes trudge over loaded down with gear for a 30 min. skate. The parents come along to help, because with a gaggle of Kindergarten to Grade 2s, almost no one can manage to get their skates on by themselves.

I was one of the parents this last Thursday and once again was struck by how very blessed we are to live in a village where all the children have known each over from nursery school. And they know us too. You are just as likely to have one of the girls'' little friends skate up and grab your hand as you are to have one of your own holding on to you for support. It's one of those perfect little moments that brings home how lucky we are to be living here.