Trip to Kingston: An anniversary

It was an amazing event. Our friends, Donna and Norma, have been together for 60 years, married for about 15. They held themselves a 60th anniversary celebration of friendship.

Donna worked with my mom and dad at Canada Hardware, in Toronto, back before I was born. Donna sang in the choir (as paid alto soloist) that my aunt started: the Lawrence Park Church Choir. Mom and dad sang in that choir, too.

LPCC choir

Mom and Dad, and Donna and Norma, remained friends for years. Donna and Norma have lived in Toronto, Brampton, Kingston, Wolfe Island and Bracebridge.

We took them on a trip to Wolfe Island, where they had a summer home. We took them  snowy owl hunting on the  island, as well! Here we are at their house in Kingston, from which they've moved into a retirement residence. Donna has had knee issues, and their new apartment suddenly came available. Norma has dementia, but she enjoys her life with Donna. Norma regales us with stories of her life, living with a father who was a spy!

Imagine, 60 years together. They've done so much for others. Norma, working with the visually impaired in Toronto; Donna writing up a storm. I've read two of her books:  Clinic of Hope: The story of Rene M. Caisse and Essiac, and her latest is a song book from Sir John A. Macdonald's era: The Sir John A. Macdonald Music Book: “We’ll Hand Down His Name in History and Song.”

 It was a wonderful celebration!
The two ladies set up the library themselves. The home brought up four trays of squares. Sir John A. Mcdonald (AKA Brian Porter) chronicled their lives together. JB and I helped out, he finding chairs, and the both of us serving drinks.