Saying Goodbye to Jim's Family

What a nice night we had at Monica's place, Beaconsfield, MTL., the weekend of Aug.4 . Monica and her sister-in-law Donna were a little miffed one Christmas when we were telling people that we couldn't bring too many personal effects aboard with us simply because of space issues. Well, they since got together to help alleviate our space problem...they found teeny tiny little itty bitty things that would be sure to fit. There was a four centimeter boom-box, a single shot of Crown Royal and other single dose toiletry items, but my favorite was a wee cookie jar with .5cm cookies. Jim is pictured below trying to dip in...he later had to sprinkle them out!

We will certainly miss our get-togethers at Christmas and Easter! But you know what we won't miss? All the snow at Christmas (although it is pretty), and Easter (which is supplied to keep Canadians humble at Easter).

Saying Goodbye to the Yellow Canoe

I have been at the Yellow Canoe Cafe for close to nine years. Wow! I managed there for six years and had owned it for the last three and a half. I have many fond memories of the staff and patrons and former owner Sam Jakes' Inn. I have learned much about business, relationships and a whole lot about cooking. I learned a lot about my self, about what I could do if I set my mind to it. I learned to hire, fire, and today...re-e-eetire! Tuesday July 31, 2007 saw my farewell party to The Canoe and the inroduction of new owner (Fantastic!) Susan Moizer, Merrickville veteran. Below are some shots of some of attendees, but certainly not all of The Beloved. Please enjoy!

The only person to inhabit Merrick's Landing Mews
longer than anyone is Pat Brown. She is shown
below with her daughter & new owner, both doing
what they truly love...*hic*! (OK, I'm just
kidding...not really!)

Perhaps the best thing about owning your own business is selecting the people you want to have around you. The surrounding pictures are of staff and patrons who have been cheerful, electrifying, helpful to the nth degree and very hungry!

Below are the Laberge and Atkinson families, between the two have produced at least three great employees...who knows what more offspring could turn up down the road!

Speaking of prolific!!! To the left are three members of the Boesveld Clan and home of the almost-world-famous...Bernie's Burger Balls! But that is a story for another time...

Above, some of the good (I mean GREAT!) folks at the Blockhouse Museum.


To the left, Pat Stroulger with Phyllis Walker. Phyllis in particular was very supportive, hoping I could make the Yellow Canoe a success in tandem with raising my two little girls.

Here's the proud new Proprietress, boog-a-looing to the popular 1981 hit "I Want Money"

So it has been fun, challenging, rewarding, all that clichee stuff. I loved working with my daughter. I loved having my husband/bookkeeper around, (who tends to much more than just books!) encourging me and fixing everything that broke. Between my mom and sisters, I'd say we did our share to support Merrickville economy. I enjoyed most of my customers and all of my regular patrons.

It's been a slice!