Fond Memories

This photo was taken August 14, 2008. We had decided to go with Mom and Dad to Del Crary Park, alongside Little Lake, where every Wednesday and Saturday of the Summer there is a Live Concert and they still had at this time, Fire Works that followed.

It was a beautiful evening, hardly a Mosquito buzzing. I waundered around the Park before the Concert taking Photos of children, boats, birds, and I took this shot of my Mom and Dad that I treasure. I love the expressions on their faces. They were not sitting in the area just below the stage, but on one of the park benches. I have no idea what Mom had said to Dad to make him smile like this, but I thought it was such a 'sweet shot'. Mom was having trouble walking at that time, I think the beginning of her health decline. Yet we shared some very happy memories that summer and into the Fall and Winter. It was in 2009 that her health began to decline more drastically.

I suppose that is why I love this photo so much. She was still able to enjoy life. Sure her arthritis bothered her, but during that year, she was still in 'good spirits' and I enjoyed so much being with them both. A Family just enjoying life and good times with each other. We had not yet found a home in Peterborough, so we were there sometimes 3 times a week.

This particular Saturday evening, Kalan Porter, one of our Canadian Idols was the Main Attraction. He put on a great concert. As it got darker it became a perfect Summer evening.  It was so still, fireflies danced in the darkness while the crowd patiently awaited Kalan to begin his concert. The Dinner Cruise Boat had been out earlier (see shot below) and the atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment. Dad and Mom left earlier than us, Dad's summer allergies were really bothering him. But after the Fire Works we went back to the house to chat before heading home.

 

I've yet to have Dinner on this boat, but I'm sure I'd enjoy it on a good evening. Anyone I've asked seems to thoroughly enjoy themselves when they do go. Little Lake is alongside the Park, and it is part of the Trent Severn Water System (Canals). Many folks dock their boats alongside the Park and take in the Concerts, Touristy Sites, and a Holiday Inn is just steps away, where they can enjoy a nice meal, in and outside Patio Entertainment as well.

This photo was taken with my Canon XSi, the first week that I got the

camera. I had no idea what I was doing really, but we went to a

Concert with my Mom and Dad (see Below) at the Park where our

Concerts and Cultural Events are held most of the Summer. So, I

waundered around and started trying to learn a bit as I did. The shot

below of the Dinner Cruise Ship was taken with my 18-55mm. Had I

known what I was doing I would have used my 18-250mm. I probably

would have gotten better 'focus' results. (Thanks for your visit, most

sincerely, Gail)

...warm and loving... a treasured memento

Hi Gail,

All the "things" in the world do not compare to the lasting fine memories preserved through photography.

Your recollections and images are excellent example of this.

Thanks for sharing these moments here.

Best Regards,  Mike

Lovely memories, Gail.  This is where the quality of the images are of far lesser importance than what they remind us of.  That is why my wife often takes better photos than me with her point and shoot. 

Thanks so much for sharing.

Take care

Jim

When I look back at my photographs, many off them scenics and what I try to consider "fine art", carefully photographed and painstakingly processed in Photoshop, or whatever,  those that stand out as having long-lasting importance and meaning are the snaps of family and friends. Your images and words are a great reminder that photographs can be a great touchstone to memories. 

Tony

You are so right. I had looked at that image quite a few times that day, as I have a Photo of my Mom on my 'entranceway' table, and had set just a small version of this shot there a few months back. I've gone to put it away many times, but it just seems to belong close to Mom.

Not a perfect image of course but the memories it evokes and especially since my Mom went through so much during summer 2009-April 2010, it is so good to see her just relaxing and smiling like she usually was.

Missing her hugs these days,

Thanks so much for your kind words and sharing your thoughts with me.

Most sincerely, Gail

I can understand what you are saying Jim. Quite often I take an image, so quickly I don't even check the settings, just to capture that 'fleeting moment' that I know I will 'treasure'.

A point and shoot would be great for those times!! Thankyou for sharing those thoughts with me, I do appreciate it very much,

most sincerely, Gail

I know you understand where I am coming from. So many times 'emotions' overcome us, either with an old image, or something of 'theirs' that we touch, or smell, their perfume, old favorite sweater, etc.

These things connect us to those we love and miss. Some days are better than others. Some days, I am just thankful for that memory captured, not as a 'perfect photo' technically, but for the warmth and love it brings back and for the 'emotions' of that moment.

Thankyou for your visit Mike.

Kindest regards, Gail

i ricordi sono i veri tesori che portiamo dentro di noi ,e danno un senso alla vita ! paul

Parents are great subjects.  They're tired of posing, and they just relate.  great stuff.  best, j

What a lovely couple - your mom and dad, Gail. They certainly look very contented. Memories are made of these. How fortunate you are to live in Canada.

Thanks for sharing this lovely image of your folks. I know you will always miss her but it is memories like this that will always keep you together.

God Bless, my friend.

 

...She was still able to enjoy life.... Your Dad is a bit overexoposed and out of focus but... It is a great image. The feeling between them is remarkable. She was still able to enjoy life... a sweet memory, that time cannot erase. Thanks for sharing, and best regards, Antonio 

Couple of great looking parents Gail..and the affectionate look from your Mum is well captured...regards

Thankyou Keith. Mom and Dad were my 'home'.  Dad has had a lot of changes but stays involved in all the things he liked to do before, and even more. Of course it is different when you are on your own.

He will be 80 next year, but is not your typical 79 year old. He is very active, still belongs to the Digial Photograpy Club in Town, has many friends who are always going out or taking him to dinner, friends that he meets and enjoys a beer with at a local pub, and he is foreve buying and selling cameras and whatever he thinks he can make a bit of money on so that he can get some better lenses.

They were a great couple and it is hard to think of one without the other. So much time spent as a family, we were truly fortunate that they were together as long as they were.

Many thanks for your visit and kind words Keith.

Most sincerely, Gail

Actually I was fortunate to get that capture, and will always be glad I took it. I'd only had the camera a few days and had no idea how to use it. So many different buttons etc.

But it was a great evening, and I thoght Id try to capture 'whatever' I could. That evening and the memory of our time shared with always be with me. Thankyou Antonio for your kind words.

Most sincerely, Gail

many thanks Grayham for those lovely words that remind me just why we take the time to even 'take these kind of photos'. I have so many to look back on. And in looking back I should have taken so many more. But they both loved us children so, and we never lacked for that affection at any time in our lives.

Thankyou for those comforting words Grayham,

most sincerely, Gail

Yes we are fortunate to live in Canada. I do love Peterborough, it has it's busy times Downtown, but it is spread out and there are so many  parks, so many activities that the city plans all during the year. And being on the Trent Canal System, they do take good care of the Parks and the city as far as Cleanliness etc. Tourism is a big 'draw' for this area. Once you go North out of the City you are entering what is called 'Cottage Country' - literally thousands of little lakes and beautiful places to visit.

We live with a wonderful sense of Freedom here. Life is not 'perfect' for all, just like any country. But up until now, no major problems to deal with. But the freedom to come and go, meet in public parks, enjoy casual picnics, entertainment that is mostly free, we are fortuante. What the future holds of course we do not know, but for now I am truly thankful that I grew up with such great parents in such a beautiful country.

thankyou for your visit Alec, always enjoy hearing from you.

Most sincerely, Gail

Thankyou for your visit Jamie, and your kind comments, yes, relaxing and enjoying each others company was a great pastime.

Sincere appreciation for your visit, Gail

Thankyou for those very kind words, you always leave such sincere comments.

Sincerely, Gail

Hi again Gail. Looking at this photo your mom really reminds me of 'Edith' played by Jean Stapleton in the American sitcom 'Archie - All in the family'.

(http://www.google.com.sg/search?q=JEAN+STAPLETON&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Ea6&pwst=1&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvnso&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=BTomT_jwH4r4rQf5x8mVAw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCMQ_AUoAQ&biw=2560&bih=1273)

Oh.... those were the charming old days when life revolves in front of the TV not the internet.

Yes I can see how you get that impression Alec.  It was a charming and very funny show. I remember it well.

Yes, at least a few people could sit around the TV and at least be together.

Thanks so much for your visit and very interesting comments, took me back a few years,

Cheers for now, Gail

your parents are adorable, I persive caring giving human beings with balanced personalities. congratulations! alec comment about all in the family brings lots of wonderful memories. Remember, all is well in our world! Warm remarks my friend.