Nathan and Katie Solomon

This beautiful photo was given to me yesterday (a copy) from my Uncle Stanley. These are my great-grandparents, Katie and Nathan Solomon. Nathan and Katie are the parents of my grandmother Helen Solomon Bacon Hemmings. Nathan and Katie were married on January 22, 1907 in Toronto. They had both come to Toronto with their families from Russia. I recently learned that Nathan's family came from Belarus. I wish the world of family history was my fulltime occupation! It is such fun piecing together the puzzle that is my family. For further information about the Solomon's and more pictures check out www.solomoncousins.com. It's an amazing site.

I had a lovely visit with my Uncle Stanley - my grandmother's brother. He let me tape record him telling me stories. He has many happy childhood memories, which I will transcribe and make available to any who are interested.

Nathan Solomon and His Sons

This is a photo of my father's, mother's brothers and her father. From left to right Stanley, Joey, Nathan (her father), Al and Bill.

Wendy's Birthday

So after all of Mom's celebrations were finished I could finally celebrate my birthday. And what better way to celebrate then with a slanket? Ken discovered a story about a college kid that watched too much television wrapped up in a sleeping bag. He had a hard time using the remote. So one day when this college kid got bored and frustrated with his regular sleeping bag he cut a hole for his arm and later his Mom attached sleeves. And voila, the slanket was born.



My dear sweet Ken made me my very own pink fleecy slanket. Now I can mark papers in warm cozy comfort!

The standing zombie SLANKET!

Mom Turns 60!

When Dad turned 60 Mom had a big party. So last year when Mom turned 59 Andrew and I decided that we would have a party for Mom. And doesn't everyone need to have a surprise party at least once in their life? So began the planning. Anna agreed in January to have the party at her home. I started asking for photos and letters. The invitations were sent out, with the wrong date, so more phone calls, just a little bit of stress...

It was all worth it when Mom looked so happy, and all of her friends looked so happy, and Mom felt loved.

This picture was taken on April 6, 2006 - the actual day, at the Octagon Restaurant.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD LADY!!

Look at the happy couple. This picture was taken at the Octagon Restaurant on Mom's birthday.

It was fun to introduce Joanie as the reason for the party! If it weren't for Joanie, Mom wouldn't have come to Canada, and she wouldn't have stayed. Joanie and Anna introduced Mom and Dad. And I think Joanie had lots of fun telling everyone stories about Dad and her tulips.

When Dad would come to pick up Mom for a date, he would pick the tulips out of Joanie's garden and present them to Mom. But the best part, he called them roses!

With all of the nonsense before the party it was a miracle that Mom was surprised, but look at their faces - THEY'RE ACTUALLY SURPRISED!!