The end of an era

Last Monday, JB's aunt died (1930 - 2020). She was a wonderful woman. We had such fun visits. She was 18 when JB was born. After that, she married a military man, and they were all over the world with 5 kids! JB has gotten to know her much better after they came back to Canada.

She would have turned 90 in December. 

~2015

We had fun over the years. Visiting regularly in December, we'd exchange Christmas and birthday gifts.

We enjoyed her stories, and visiting her bungalow in Nepean. I used to teach right around the corner, at Manordale P.S. , but I didn't know JB, then.

With JB's cancer appointments in the city, we were pretty tuckered out, and didn't see her as much. The poor woman had had a cough as long as JB has had one (all winter). We'd talk on the phone until spring when her health worsened.

2010

April, 2018

She's lived in her bungalow with Uncle Bill (who passed in 2004) and they retired there. JB was a teenager when they moved in, about 50 years ago. 

Her living room was filled with plants, and she was a terrific gardener. She gave me the Elephant Ear plant years ago, the one the tree frogs like!  I have a photo of her at our house, but I cannot find it. She couldn't drive in the last few years, due to eye issues. 

She liked her pets. The late Spencer cat liked the Chesterville chats, too.

At a family wedding, Aunt Betty was entertaining her great grandkids.

It is an interesting family. Two brothers and a sister married two sisters and a brother. JB and Aunt Betty would visit the cemetery once a year, when we lived in Ottawa. 

Hubby grew up in Chesterville. I have posted a guest post of his, on life on a farm - sans hydro and running water. 

Oct. 6th, 2009

JB and I took Aunt Betty to Chesterville, where he regaled us with the story of the  Chesterville Bank Robbery. It must have been 1963 or so. Aunt Betty was in the car with us. Chesterville is a 40 minute drive south of Ottawa. Brian was a witness, he lived on the farm in the area at the time with his mom and grandparents. This is a trip down memory lane as we revisited his home town and tour the main streets.

 

What do you give the woman who has everything?

It's true. Joe's Aunt Betty has 5 children, and several grandchildren. She spent many years as a caregiver to her husband. Uncle Bill passed over about 6 years ago. In her 80th year, she is a lot of fun!

We visit her frequently in Nepean.

Before settling in this home, Aunt Betty spent many years with her family as a military wife. Halifax, years in Europe, far from family. It is a difficult life.

In the ensuing years, we have had some delightful visits. We both lived in Nepean at one point.

Aunt Betty is enjoying life. She visits with her children.
She helps her daughter, Nancy, who sells produce at market.


Aunt Betty has a green thumb and she adores animals. She and I share a December birthday.
What do you give a woman who has a beautiful home, and is decluttering, rather than looking to decorate her home?

Joe and his Aunt Betty

This donkey was from a Lanark farm tour!

We gave her a donkey last year.
<= This is her licence plate!

We decided to take a trip to the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, a non-profit group that cares for cats and dogs. They exist totally on donations.
In Aunt Betty's name we gave a donation.
You can donate chickens, donkeys, beehive, well, veggie garden, and all sorts of things through Oxfam.

Does a donkey really cost $120?

To explain the costs of all our Unwrapped items would take a while but, for example, when you purchase a donkey, you are giving so much more. You're providing vaccinations, transport, training in animal husbandry and market awareness as well as building resources that benefit entire communities. You are also supporting Oxfam's livelihoods programs, enabling women and men to have an ongoing source of income that will create greater self-sufficiency, self-esteem and also educational opportunities.

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