The Shiny Brite Christmas tree ornaments were created by Max Eckardt in Germany in 1937. Amusing that crackerjack23, a popular blog post, wrote the article in 2015 and yet it has only recently popped out in my social media circle. Nice article!

Sadly, I do remember my family having some; but they lost their popularity with the 70s. In an era where everything was meant to be simple these delicate, intricate ornaments were not on-trend. And so with our infamous Evergleam tree they were cast aside.

In this article Architectural Digest proposes 11 different ways to decorate your Christmas tree.

Of these, I`d personally go with the Moody. My favourite, though is not featured here it is the Evergleam silver tree. So regret my parents throwing away that mid-century creation. Alas styles must go into a decline before their resurgence.

For me this year, with an 8 month old cat Christmas decorations will not be possible. He’s just too much into everything.

Best Host/ess gifts that work every time according to apartment therapy. What do you think? Have you got suggestions to add to the list? My default is to bring a bottle of wine! I’ve done cheese as well. I’m always happy receiving either of those and they will quickly go to good use. As I continue to declutter I’m cautious of what new I bring into my home.

We did it again: Yeh!

Molly & I would like to thank our clients for their business and trust for once again enabling us to achieve this milestone – Top 100 at Royal LePage Team.

We’d also like to thank our wonderful Team at Royal LePage, in particular, Kent Browne and Brian Sukau for their continued support.

What Is Remembrance Day and Why Is the Poppy its Symbol?

Could not resist resharing videos I had previously posted.

Below two videos of ghoulish music to make your home sound as frightening as possible for the goblins and assorted creatures who will descend upon your home this evening.

For the more classically minded, capable of creating dramatic atmosphere, below the selection of Halloween music, Bach’s, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, for organ. I once had this playing on large speakers with the windows open: it made an impression.










Parents, keep your children safe! Drivers, remember there’ll be more goblins and ghosts and such wandering around this evening – so be cautious. Cyclists, be prepared to stop at spirit crossings. Pedestrians, enjoy the sites.

Have a great day!

OttawaMatters has put together a list of what’s open and what’s closed Monday – pay attention to it before you head and bump your nose a locked door.

Well done! Congratulations on your retirement! The military’s loss is our gain!

Welcome to the team!

Colonel Patricia Henry enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1982 as a Private in the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada while attending the University of Waterloo. In 1984 she was commissioned as a logistics officer.

Early in her career, Colonel Henry served in a variety of demanding Army and Division level staff appointments including: Area Audit Officer, G3 Operational Tasker, Land Force Restructure Staff Officer, G1 Personnel Services and G1 Personnel Policy. In 1999 she was awarded the Land Force Commander’s Commendation for her leadership and development of the Army Diversity Training Program.

In 1999, Colonel Henry moved to the Chief of Military Personnel where she worked as the Staff Officer to the Director General Military Human Resources Policy and Plans. She was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2001 and became the section head for Military Employment Policy development and implementation. In June 2008 she received a triple appointment serving as the Commanding Officer of the National Defence Headquarters Primary Reserve List, the MILPERSCOM Primary Reserve List and Supplementary Reserve for the entire Canadian Armed Forces. While retaining these appointments, she also served as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Military Personnel from 2008 until 2010. In 2013 she accepted a position as the Director of Reserves with Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and also served as the Headquarters Commanding Officer. In 2014 due to her extensive personnel background she was promoted to her current rank and appointed as the Director of Force Management where she continues to serve.

Colonel Henry is a graduate of the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Course and the Canadian Security Studies Program. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate of Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School. She was appointed an Officer of Military Merit in January 2011.

She is married and is a devoted mother. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Ontario Special Olympics as a track and field coach, serves on the Research Ethics Board of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, pursues distance running including half marathons, and enjoys reading and playing the piano.