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Larry Muffin At Home

Tag Archives: 2016

Christmas trees

20 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

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2011, 2016, Berlin, Charlottetown, Christmas, Milan, Munich, Ottawa, PEI, Rome, Strasbourg, Tree, Vienna, Vilnius, Warsaw

Some example of favourite City and their Christmas tree, 2016.

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Milan in front of the Duomo (cathedral) of Milan 2016.

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Rome, Piazza Venezia in front of the Altar to the Italian Nation.

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Berlin, Brandenburg gate, Pariser Platz

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Munich in front of City Hall, Christmas market.

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Athens, Syntagma Square in front of the Greek Parliament.

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Shönbrunn Palace, suburbs of Vienna

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Vilnius, Lithuania

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Warsaw, Poland in front of the old Royal Palace.

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Strasbourg, Alsace

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Ottawa, Canada, behind the Parliament Buildings

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Our tree at home in Charlottetown, PEI.

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Christmas in Rome 2011, at the top of the stairs of the Church of Santa Maria Ara Coeli in Capitolinum. One of my favourite photos of us on that last Christmas in Rome, I remember it was a crisp but sunny day.

End of year piece

11 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

150, 1864, 2016, 2017, Canada., Charlottetown, Christmas, Confederation, move, PEI, Province house

Today is the Third Sunday in Advent, 11 December 2016, a beautiful Sunny morning again in Charlottetown on the banks of the Hillsborough river. What I like most about our home is the light coming through our East, South and West windows not to mention the Northern windows (facade) which give the late afternoon glow at Sunset. The view is panoramic which is a bonus for me. The peace and quiet, the friendly people, the lack of stress and the slower pace of life on the Island is very attractive.

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PEI seen from the sky

In January 2016 at the beginning of this old year change was afoot, we knew that we had to make a decision, our landlord had indicated his willingness to sell the condo and he was willing to amend our lease so we could exit easily, would we stay in Ottawa were we had lived since 1976 or would we move away.

We had been in August 2015 to Charlottetown, seen the city in the bustle of Summer, cruise ships and all. We had made plans to return in Winter at the suggestion of our friend J.W.D. to see what it was like when the city is quiet and tourist businesses were closed. Metro Charlottetown has a population of about 45,000. still the smallest Provincial Capital of our Dominion. https://www.tourismpei.com/charlottetown-pei

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Our biggest concern was if there was anything to do in the low Season. We did return to Charlottetown in February and were here during the Island Statutory Holiday called Islander Day, which is the third Monday of February, we flew from Ottawa to Moncton and then drove the short distance over the Sea Bridge to PEI.  Weather wise it was Winter but much milder than what we had in Ottawa, though this was not our primary concern, our concern was to find enough activity so that we could busy ourselves. We did find a trove of things to do, easily accessible and welcoming to anyone interested immediately.

My first contact was with the Art Gallery at Confederation Centre this giant Memorial theatre, library and Art Gallery dedicated to the Fathers of Confederation who in 1864 had gathered in Charlottetown to map out how Canada would be united into one country.I was hired on the spot based on my previous experience in Ottawa at the National Gallery.

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We then proceeded to look actively for a property to rent, many tried to get us to buy a house but frankly we were not interested. We wanted to live in the old 500 block area of original Charlottetown of 1765, close to the quays and surrounded by homes dating from 1820’s, we looked and looked and could not find what we wanted on our shopping list. Then our friend D.S. suggested some properties he knew the owners were looking to rent. We also learned that on PEI homes for rent or for sale do not come on the market, it is all by word of mouth. Someone will rent or sell to you because you fit the portrait of someone they would want to have commerce with. We were recommended by an Islander and so the doors opened. That is not to say that Islanders are not welcoming, no, simply that they guard what they have. PEI is a lot like a small Principality in a way.

Now back in Ottawa we had to make arrangements for our move over 1000 Km from Ontario to PEI. The expense in any move is the truck rental from a reputable firm, we also wanted to use containers to save money on this move. Myself and our friend B.P. did two trips, one to sign the lease and look around the property again, we had only seen it once in February at night. It was fine then and perfect now. The second trip was a few days ahead of the truck itself and carrying our two hounds.  We arrived in May, the truck followed with 4 tons of belongings, it all went pretty smoothly and I then had the apartment totally repainted in colours we liked by a painter who is well known for his work on the Island’s Lighthouses.

When Will arrive in July all was in order. We had changed our licence plates on the car and got our PEI Driver’s licence which was pretty quick, under 30 minutes. We also had to change our Provincial Health Coverage and that was achieved in about 2 minutes, so fast in fact that I was left a little surprised. The Health Ministry then phoned me a week later to tell us Welcome and not to worry all was in order.

Will also found something of interest to him, joining the Board of the PEI Symphony Orchestra. peisymphony.com

Of course 2016 was also the year of the big trip, marking my 60th Birthday, Will’s 70th and our 39 years together as a couple. We returned to Ireland who in 2016 is celebrating the Easter Upraising of 1916 which led to Independence. We travelled all around the Republic and visited Belfast where Will’s family come from, a big tourist mecca these days. I can now say I have seen all of Ireland and crossed the Atlantic from Southhampton to NYC. on a liner. It was a memorable trip, like many of our trips together. http://www.belmond.com/grand-hibernian-train/

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Now we are about to celebrate our first Christmas on the Island and the New Year in Charlottetown, already the Festivities for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation has been announced, 2017 will be a very busy year. It all starts with a $100K display of fireworks in front of Province House on Great George Street a few steps away from our home. http://www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca

It has been a whirlwind year and a happy year for us, a new chapter. We have made lots of new friends, socially it has been a very active busy year.

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 Peake’s Quay, Confederation Landing and Marina

 

When I arrived…

20 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

1976, 2016, Birthday, cake, Chocolat, Events, Family, FATE, Fortune, Friends, memories, World

In 1976 was the great year of the Montreal Summer Olympic Games, I celebrated by 20th Birthday that year in Montreal with my family. I do not remember exactly what I did, but I do remember attending the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games. I had won excellent seats in the great stadium and it was exhilarating. Then in August I left to start my University courses at Ottawa U. So I arrived in Ottawa at the age of 20.

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Today some 40 years later I am 60 and just celebrated with some 45 guests this great event here at home. Will arranged a wonderful party, the food was varied and very good, our guests were pleased. Instead of a cake we had 12 dozens of mini cupcakes in various flavours made by Thimble Cakes on Bank Street. Minou of BelFiore on Elgin street prepared a wonderful, delicate floral arrangement for the party. Everyone brought gifts in the form of fine Champagne, wine and single malt scotch, though the request had been made not to bring anything and with it an avalanche of good wishes and cards.

 

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Flowers by Minou of Bel Fiore on Elgin street.  www.belfiore.ca

It was so good to see so many friends and old acquaintances, I feel honoured by their presence. Many of whom I have known for all these years and with whom I share so many life experiences here in Canada and abroad.

There has been many Birthdays in between in those 40 years, all around the World, from Istanbul, to Cairo, to Warsaw, to Chicago, to Rome, to Mexico City, To Amman, to Beijing.

What an incredible life it has been and now on the cusp of a new adventure, a new Province a new life. Life goes on with newness. One can only be thankful for all the many blessings.

My little sister came up from NYC with her husband and father in law and reminded me of stories my late parents use to tell about my birth and early childhood. So many stories, happy memories of a time long ago. Will, had gathered some old photos and everyone teased me about how I had not changed that much in 60 years.

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Thimble mini cupcakes of various flavours. thimblecakes.ca

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Cylie Artisans Chocolatiers of Ottawa   cyliechocolat.com

 

On this first day of 2016

01 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

2016, champagne, Festivities, Music, New Year

Well this year I turn 60, amazing really, I remember when I turned 20 and it was not so long ago. You know what they say, Time flies when you are having fun. 

This morning Will made Shirred Eggs with cream spinach, croissants, bacon, tomatoes grilled in goose fat and we had glasses of champagne.

All the while listening on BBC 3 to the New Year’s Day concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna with the Vienna Philharmonic under guest conductor Mariss Jansons. The sea of flowers decorating this great hall provided by the City of Vienna Municipal gardens.

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Preview Concert, the first of three, this year a special appearance by the Vienna Choir Boys at the request of Maestro Jansons.

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Just before the start of the Concert an orgy of flowers. Very beautiful!

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This would not be New Year’s Day without a photo of baby Dachshunds. Our two Nicky and Nora had a little piece of cheddar and a little piece of bacon, it is New Year after all, now they snooze.

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Our New Year’s day breakfast this morning.

 

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Gardens of Hope, New Glasgow, PEI

Bonne et heureuse Année!!!! 

Images of 2016

31 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

2016, Berlin, Budapest, Canada., Copenhagen, Dresden, Europe, New Year, Niagara, Rome, Vienna

Some beautiful photos of New Year in Europe

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Dresden reborn on the Elba river in Saxony.

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Berlin, GendarmenPlatz

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Berlin, Brandenburg Gate New Year’s Eve party

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Budapest seen from the Danube river

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Vienna, St-Stephen Cathedral

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Rome

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Athens, the Parthenon, Greece

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Canada, Niagara Falls, the horse shoe

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New Year’s Eve and Day

31 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

2016, Austria, Concert, Musikverein, New Year, Vienna

So as tradition says it is time to start planning New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day.

Now on the Eve or St-Sylvester we will be at home a quiet dinner, we have not been anywhere in decades on New Year’s Eve, cannot be bothered with going out, champagne can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own living room.

On New Year’s Day one event we always look forward to is the beautiful concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna.  http://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/new-years-concert/the-new-years-concert

There are in fact 3 concerts at the Musikverein in Vienna for the New Year. If you wish to go and attend in person, you have to register online to buy tickets one year in advance between 2 Jan and 19 Feb. 2016 for the 2017 concert and then there is a draw and if your name is selected you are invited to purchase tickets for one of the 3 concerts. The worldwide demand for tickets is tremendous. The preview performance on the 30th Dec, the New Year’s Eve Concert and the big one the New Year’s Day concert broadcasted live. The price of the tickets is, well let’s just say it is not for all pocket books. Dress code is formal for this prestigious event. In Vienna the concert is at 11:00am so you can then proceed to your New Year’s Day luncheon afterwards.

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This year the Conductor is Mariss Jansons with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The program includes music by the following composers, Robert Stolz, Johann Strauss, Jr., Carl Michael Ziehrer, Eduard Strauss, Josef Strauss, Èmile Waldteufel, Josef Hellmesberger sen., Johann Strauss, sen.

It is broadcasted around the world through the magic of the internet. Please look at the site for the time of broadcast, it is re-broadcasted on Public Radio in the USA and in Canada. You can watch and listen as it is re-broadcasted around 02:30pm and 07:30pm.

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I will be shopping tomorrow for croissants and something nice to eat on January 1, what else is there to do on that day. For breakfast Shirred Eggs, bacon, some nice cheese, croissants, something sweet and champagne.

For lunch a nice quiche and salad, for dinner got to think of something festive to remind us of all the goods things in life.

I just noticed that my miniature purple coloured Orchids have started to open just in time fo the New Year.

Whatever you do for the New Year, I hope you enjoy yourself.

Prosit Neu Jahr!

 

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Kronos,(time) from a temple in the gardens of the Villa Torlonia, Via Nomentana, Rome

The last week

27 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by larrymuffin in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

2015, 2016, Altemps, Balenciaga, end of year, fashion, museum, Rome, style

This new photo header of a lady dressed in a beautiful Balenciaga ball gown on the balcony of one of the old palaces in Rome, she symbolize to me elegance and style which must always remain in our lives.

I believe this is Palazzo Altemps which is part of the Italian National Museums, formerly a Residence of Cardinal Mark Sittich Von Hohenems, an interesting man, who had a military career in various wars against the Ottoman Turks, a politician, a governor of several Italian Cities, a Bishop and Cardinal who had a son, Roberto. He was from the Italian-Austrian border area. He latinized his name to Marcus Siticus Altemps to blend into Roman society. He was also the nephew of Pope Pius IV and participated in the election of several Popes during his life time, 1533-1595. He purchased the abandoned Riario palace, re-named it, renovated it completely and housed his own collection of antique statues. Today you can see many other famous collections like the Ludovisi-Buoncompagni collection, all in the old centre of Rome.

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The Altemps Palace is one of the most interesting examples of Renaissance architecture in Rome. The building was started by Girolamo Riario in 1477, the nephew of Pope Sixtus, in an area that in antiquity was dedicated to the administration of imported marbles for Temples and Roman Public buildings.

Speaking of the passage of time, here we are again, into the last week of 2015 and as we are told, once it expires it will never come again, it will enter the world of memories. I suppose this is true of every day and every week, time moves on and waits for no one. I prefer to move along too and not dwell on the past since we cannot do anything about it. My life has been about change, cities, continent, houses, cultures, people.

2015 has been a year of passings, for me and for many of my friends. We are now at an age when elderly relatives, parents, those who came before us are entering immortality, I am thinking of all those who have left this year. My father on 12 July suddenly and other family members, parents of friends, acquaintances, for whatever reason death often comes as a surprise to me, like the visitor you are not expecting but will not be put off. We also buried the ashes of my Mother with all of her relatives in the family cemetery, as was her wish on a crisp but sunny day.

But 2015 was also a good year in so many respects, Fate is still smiling on us, we can only say thank you to Fortuna. We went to PEI and discovered wonderful things, we really enjoyed ourselves on the Island. We had the visit of our friends from far away Arizona, who had never been to Ottawa, such intrepid travellers.

It was not a terribly eventful year, despite the change in National government in Canada bringing about a new era after years of despair. I was busy at the two National Museums and at City Hall on the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. But otherwise we went about our daily lives.

I know that 2016 will bring change, at least in our domicile, since we have to move. That is another story which will unfold and as they say, stay tuned for developments.

 

 

 

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