Vicki

Mayflower Descendent – Me?

October 11, 2014 VickiLeave a comment

Researching my family history has become a supreme passion of mine. It has opened my mind to exploring history to which I never fostered an interest in growing up, and it has shed light onto my being and identity.

Recently, I discovered my 11 X great-grandparents were John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley. So what? Unless you know a bit about American History, these are probably just another set of names. They were to me … at first.

As a subscriber to Ancestry.com, I’ve created a family tree by inputting individuals and information. From those entries, connections get made by linking my data to records that Ancestry.com has in its database. As new records are added to the database, “hints” are issued for individuals that I have posted in my family tree who are connected to those records . Because my tree is quite large (from several hours of inputting and exploring) I get many “hints” a day on various ancestors. When I got a hint for Desire Gorham, a 9 X great-grandmother, I reviewed it and added her to my tree without much thought. When one goes that far back in a line, records become rare and many hints are just other genealogy enthusiasts who have your ancestor on their trees also. So, when all of a sudden there were about 16 “hints” for Desire Gorham, I thought I’d better do some investigating because individuals born in 1644 didn’t generate that kind of record data because of the lack good record keeping that far back.

When I went back to have a closer look at Desire Gorham, I noticed her place of birth was listed as Plymouth, Massachusetts. Although American History is not my forte, I do remember learning about the Mayflower coming from England to Plymouth with some of the first colonists to come to the “New World”. I thought it was worth investigating because if I knew if I were to travel there for ancestry research there would be lots to see and do because of the history of the place.

Reviewing more of the hints for Desire, there were connections to her parents who were listed as Desire Howland and Captain John Gorham. With them, pictures were given as “hints”. As a visual learner, I was quick to open them. Low and behold it was a picture of a headstone listing the children of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley, Pilgrims of the Mayflower. Desire (Howland) Gorham was one of them. WHAAAA…????

I couldn’t believe it. There in front of me was evidence that I was a descendant of the Pilgrims that came on the Mayflower. Of course, I have started to delve into who John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley were and what their significance was to this prominent point in history. Apparently, John fell overboard during the voyage and was rescued. There is a painting that depicts the dramatic rescue of John Howland. His name is also on the “Mayflower Compact” which served as the first governing document of the pilgrims. It is so exciting to learn that I am a descendant of those who left such a legacy. What would these ancestors say if they could see the world that they helped start? Fascinating.

This now opens up questions for how did a Mayflower descendant end up way over here in Southwestern Ontario when the original landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts? More research to do! More stories to explore! More to come…

Bibliography:

“Mayflower.” Wikimedia Commons. Last modified August 20, 2011. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mayflower#mediaviewer/File:MayflowerHarbor.jpg . (photo: “Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor” by William Halsall, 1882)

“Mayflower.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Last modified October 6, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayflower .

“Noels-Cornish Family Tree.” Ancestry.com. Last modified October 11, 2014. http://home.ancestry.ca/ .

Porcupine Ridge: A Delicious South African Red Wine

October 7, 2014July 2, 2018 Vicki2 Comments

Porcupine Ridge: South Aftrican — Porcupine Ridge: South African

I am a lover of Red Wine. I would say it was an acquired taste and now I salivate at the mere mention of the flavourful liquid. My first revelation came after a wine tasting lesson at a Niagara winery. They paired one of their Merlot’s with chocolate covered strawberries. They taught me to swirl the wine, sniff it and tip it to see the “legs”. Then we sipped it and sucked in air to get the full body flavour. We did it again after we took a bite of our strawberry. I had never before experienced either wine or strawberries like that before. It was devine.

For years after that, I was a devoted merlot sipper. I tried anything labelled as such, ignoring all other varieties. I wasn’t sure I could like anything as much as “my” merlot. But I was wrong. A friend recommended I try a Valpolicella once. Reluctantly, I obliged and to my pleasant surprise, I LOVED it!!! It opened me up to trying other varieties. Now I add Shiraz and Cabernet-Savignon to my list of “Likes”.

My most recent red wine adventure had me trying a South African Red called “Porcupine Ridge”. It went down like smooth velvet. Rich, aromatic and delicious. Next to Masi, Valpolicella, it was my new favourite. If you are a red wine drinker who favours merlots and valpols, check this out. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Petrolia, Ontario: A Beautiful Town.

October 4, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

With my day job, I travel a lot around Southwestern Ontario. The past few days, I have been around Lambton-Kent County which has included Chatham, Blenheim, Ridgetown, Forest and Petrolia. I look forward to venturing into these oases every year because they are places I don’t get to very often in my everyday life. They are truly treasures to visit especially in the fall with the background of the vibrant fall leaves.

Bridgeview Conservation Area, Petrolia, ON

These are also places that are rich with rural culture. Farms, history, welcoming villagers and quaint little shops or attractions await guests, each with their own energy and allure. In Petrolia, I love the conservation area. There is a lot of space and trees. During the week, when school is back in, it is serene. I have down time in between appointments when I am travelling and I love to sit at the conservation area with my laptop and hear the peacefulness of the fall leaves sauntering to the ground. This is just one of 12 parks situated throughout the town.

Petrolia is also full of beautiful architecture. I took this picture of the Victoria Hall. It is one of my favourite buildings. I followed up with some research and learned that the building’s architect was George Durand of London. His name is attached to many buildings in Southwestern, Ontario including churches, schools and residences. Victoria Hall was built in 1889 during an oil boom. Petrolia was one of the first oil “boom towns” in North America. With the oil came money and with the money, came fantastic buildings like this one and many others that are still in existence today.

Although oil here is no longer considered “booming”, there are still active oil pumps . I grabbed a shot of that too. I’ve read about the “Petrolia Discovery” which is a historical site that takes visitors back to a 19th century oil experience. Having learned that, I think I just found an activity to take my family to next summer since it is a seasonal experience. Can’t wait. You might want to check it out too.

If you have ideas about other places to visit in Southwestern Ontario, please let me know. I’m always up for a local adventure!

Bibliography:

“Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800- 1950.” Verity Griscti & Joshua Hull. Accessed October 4, 2014. http://www.dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/1653 .

Eberspaecher, Alex. “Petrolia: Ontario’s Black Gold Country.” Good Life: Mississauga’s Fine Living Magazine. Accessed October 4, 2014. http://goodlifemississauga.com/archive_gl/2007gl/petrolia.html .

“Petrolia Discovery.” Ontario Museum Association. Accessed October 4, 2014. http://www.museumsontario.com/en/58//88?searchFor=1696 .

“Petrolia, Ontario.” Southern Ontario Tourism. Accessed October 4, 2014. http://www.soto.on.ca/canadas_most_southern_point/petrolia.html .

“Petrolia, Ontario.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Last modified October 1, 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrolia,_Ontario .

Tausky, Nancy Z. “George F. Durand.” London Culture. Accessed October 4, 2014. http://www.londonculture.ca/things-we-do/culture-directory/historic-favourites/george-f-durand .

The Corporation of the Town of Petrolia. “Victoria Hall.” This is Petrolia. 2013. http://town.petrolia.on.ca/victoria-hall.html .

Scottish Heritage

September 19, 2014September 24, 2014 Vicki2 Comments

I’ve known from an early age that I had strong English roots on my mother’s side. Her mother’s father was from Kent, England and her mother’s grandmother was an orphan that came from England as a British Home Child. And up until 2 years ago, I assumed that Mason, my mother’s father’s name, was English too. I’ve always identified with my English heritage. I chose to go on a study-semester to London, England during my 3rd year in university to immerse myself in the world my ancestors walked. Although it was incredible and I could feel the energy of my forefathers amongst me, it was a weekend trip to Scotland that caught my attention. I felt connected to the people, the landscapes, the atmosphere. I was drawn to Scotland.

Turns out, the Mason’s that my family’s ancestry comes from, is from Scotland. I was a bit surprised but pleased. Perhaps this could explain the strong connection I felt when visiting there. From what I have uncovered through Ancestry.com, my 3 X great-grandfather, John Mason, came from Dunbar, Scotland. There were several John Mason’s as one can imagine so I hope that I have the correct one. The one that I have been following is listed in the 1841 Scottish census as having an address of Little Pinkerton, Dunbar, Scotland. I’ve looked it up and it seems to be a small settlement close to the East Coast of Scotland and East of Edinburgh. Records show that he married Mary Hislop in 1846 in Ancrum, Scotland and they had 4 children beginning in 1847 when John was 22. Their first son was Charles, second Walter, a girl Christina and the youngest, William born in February, 1856. It looks as though they began their trek to Canada only weeks after William was born. The family shows up on the passenger list for the ship, Ontario, that departed from Liverpool and arrived in New York on May 21, 1856. Sadly, William is indicated as having died during the journey.

John and his family settled in Perth County, Ontario in the Township of Elma. He was a farmer. Many of my ancestors were farmers. He is buried in Donegal cemetery in Perth county having lived a short life of 40 years. I wonder why his life was cut short? I have travelled through Donegal in the past completely oblivious to the fact that I am a direct descendant of someone who used to breathe the air there. I have got to get there to do some research and just be present. I’d also like to be able to get further back into the lifeline of John Mason from Dunbar, Scotland because the Mason name has some rich history and I have a feeling there is more to learn.

FrogHollow – A Rescue/Retirement Farm in Southwestern Ontario

September 19, 2014July 2, 2018 Vicki2 Comments

A Quiet Hobby Farm outside of Woodstock, ON, Canada

I live right in the centre of Southwestern Ontario (or close to it). It is the most heavily populated area of Canada and contains the 401 which is one of the busiest highways in the world. What I love about living in this part of Canada (or Ontario) is that within 2 hours, I can reach many of Ontario’s big cities including Toronto. I can also find myself plenty of road trip destinations because this area is littered with dozens of quaint little towns and villages rich with culture, history and attractions. Or I can find tranquil quiet spots amongst the forests, pastures or rural settings throughout. It is wildly diverse.
One of these tranquil spots by most people’s definition would (what started out to) be a small hobby-farm outside of Woodstock. I know the owners quite well and have visited the farm a couple of times in the past but recently it has taken on a more pronounced identity that I have come to follow on Facebook. I find I look forward to the daily posts about the life of the animals on the farm. They each have a distinct name and personality that I love to see evolve through the post series. I am going to use the words right from its the Facebook page because those words, I think, capture the essence of this enchanting premise best.

FrogHollow – Rescue/Retirement Farm: We are a small family-run hobby farm in Southwestern Ontario, giving our many animals a safe place to live and love. They are all family, not food.

County Living – May 5, 2003: When we moved to the country we didn’t really come with a plan. We just decided we wanted to move our then, small family to greener pastures. We weren’t here very long before the barn looked mighty empty and we added some goats and a few chickens. Since then we’ve added a few more critters in need of a good safe place to call home…including a few more human residents too.

Heidi – 2003: Heidi is a sweet girl born to a feral Mother outside of our local corner store. We were asked to take her home to keep her out of harms way…who could say no to that cute face?

Bushy (aka Butch) – 2003: Butch, or as we would come to call him, Bushy (there was really nothing rough about this boy) was the cat with the big price tag as we liked to say. He was the ‘barn’ cat that we were asked to keep when we bought the farm. He didn’t stay a barn cat very long and soon traded his horseback naps to the comforts of the indoors and sleeping on beds. This is a boy who would be seen wandering far and wide (until he was promptly neutered), showed up home with a dislocated hip once, and then just disappeared one a rainy night. We called and searched for him but were just left missing him. ♥

Goats – 2004: Having no experience beyond dogs and cats we decided first to venture into goats. We started with three females and had one male on loan to us. As we would later come to realize, almost any animals that come here, stay here. Well Billy came and when we found out his fate upon return was not good he was here to stay too. The next spring we were blessed with the adventure of four beautiful baby goats. All of which enjoy the comfort of Mom and Dad by their side for life.

Cornelius Moves to the Country – June 2014: When I saw that poor Cornelius was living in a shelter surrounded by dogs I knew I needed to do something. When I called I found out he had actually been there for several months and many phone calls had still led to no takers. With his neuter scheduled, we made a plan to take the two hour drive to go pick him up the next week. My little one and I set out on our adventure to spring that pig from his jail and set him free in the green pastures at FrogHollow. We were sent off with a giant bag of produce, and his bag of pig pellets so off we went for the trip home to freedom. It didn’t take him long to start meeting the furry neighbours in the pasture over the fence or the ducks roaming free. Corny is the most talkative pig I’ve ever met and is more than willing to express how he feels daily (translation is still in progress!). He has made friends with long time resident and lone pig, Daisy and has even accepted his new Tamworth siblings, as long as he can be the boss. Not sure how that will go over as they begin to tower over him but we will love him all the same!!! Welcome home Cornelius! ♥

Charlotte and Wilbur – August 3, 2014: two new wonderful Tamworth pigs for us to become the proud new family of! Wilbur is a calm, cuddly boy who loves tummy rubs and stays close to his sister. Charlotte (aka Charlie) is a little more brave, adventurous, and ever so slightly more independent. Together they are the best of friends. We have all loved watching them meet new friends, play, fight, squeal, run, root, eat, and grow and grow and grow! They are a wonderfully fun addition to our barnyard and who have quickly gotten us wrapped around their trotters!! We owe their being here to the great family and volunteers at Cedar Row whom without we wouldn’t have our special red-haired beauties to love and spoil!!

This gives you a glimpse into life at FrogHollow. I encourage you to visit and “Like” the page on Facebook. There are more animals and stories for you to see. Awwww… life in Southwestern Ontario.

I Am a Ginger

September 17, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

I am a ginger. As a child, I was often subject to bullying and name-calling because of my red hair and needless to say, I came to learn to hate my hair from a very early age.

I refused to accept that any of the traits commonly associated with red-heads were true. When people asked if I had the temper that went with the hair colour, I would crossly inform them that that was a myth and that if a person with red hair had a temper it was because that was his/her personality. I would lather myself with tanning oil and lay out in the sun to get a tan. I hated it when people told me that red-headed persons were fair-skinned and therefore would burn in the sun and not tan. I wouldn’t believe it. I’m not sure how many sun burns it was before I started to accept the truth in that. When I was about 6, I started to get freckles on my nose. I wasn’t having that. I would sit in front of the mirror and try to scratch them off. I ended up with a few lovely scabs doing that. Defeated the purpose of trying the get rid of the dreadful freckles <insert sarcasm here> because scabs on my face looked so much better.

One of the notion’s I did tend to believe, as horrible as this may sound, was that redheads were ugly. When I was 13, I had a crazy crush on this one particular boy in my class. I thought at the time he was the gravy to my mashed potatoes. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when he made eye contact from across the classroom and motioned for me to come over to his desk. Like the silly school girl that I was, I rushed over to him and you know what he said to me? He said, “You know you are never going to get married. You have red hair and guys don’t like girls with red hair”. OUCH!!!! That was the clincher for me. Up until that point, having red hair was an inconvenience. With those words, it became a curse.

As soon as I was old enough, probably around 16, I started highlighting my hair. I wasn’t comfortable going for a complete hair colour change but I would put in the blondest highlights I could manage. That’s what I carried on doing up until about 3 years ago. That’s when a little red-headed girl from my church got up to give a speech that won her the county-wide speech competition. It was on red heads. And she talked about the things that were “cool” about being a red head.

What I learned from that little red-headed girl:

1. Only 1 to 2% of the WORLD’S population has red hair – so we are unique

2. Redheads don’t go grey. They go blonde and eventually white. Nice!

3. Individuals with red hair have a higher pain tolerance so we’re tougher. That’s right.

Although I learned a lot of “cool stuff” about redheads what was more important to me was how this little girl was viewing herself. Here she was embracing what Nature had given her. She wasn’t denying it, she was celebrating it. I could do that. I should do that I thought. I will do that.

First, I stopped highlighting my hair. What was my hair colour anyway? It had been blonde for so many years, I didn’t know what shade of red it would be. At that point, I wasn’t even sure if it might just be that blonde she said that comes in before white. Turns out it’s very coppery with some white hairs peppered throughout. And you know what? I do have a temper. Ask my husband and my kids.. With that temper though, also comes that passion she spoke of. That is something I definitely embrace. I don’t just like things, I LOVE them. It fires me up. It helps me to motivate others. It allows me to feel and to feel with all my heart.

My freckles have faded. If I want to see them I just need to go out in the sun. I don’t tan but I’ve learned to live with that. In fact, the freckles are my tan. When I’m in the sun, the freckles come out and that’s what gives me the red-headed “ruddy complexion”. I am careful in the sun though and because of that, I’m not aging as quickly (of course I’ve already done damage from my years of red headed denial).

And to that boy who said those mean and hurtful words back in the 8th grade. Jokes on you buddy. How many of the most beautiful people in Hollywood are redheads? Nicole Kidman, Jessica Chastain, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and of the male persuasion, Damien Lewis or Sam Hueghan – the latest red-haired heart throb from Outlander (although he’s naturally blonde). I’d love to see what colour that boy’s hair is now … if he has any.

Do you have traits that you once wish you didn’t have that you can now embrace?

Mental Health Conversation

September 15, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

Depression Doesn't Have to Own Us — Depression Doesn’t Have to Own Us

I live with depression. I choose not to say “suffering” or “battling” because I also believe in the Law of Attraction and I work VERY hard to manifest positive outcomes in my life. It doesn’t own or control me but there are things that I need to do to live fully despite it.

I chose to post about this because I want people to know. I want to be a resource for others who also live with depression. Our world has created such a stigma around mental health that many try to hide their condition or ignore it and pretend nothing is going on. They live in a shadow and assume that is just how it is. It’s time to start talking and change this perception. One in 10 Canadians will experience a major episode of depression at least once in their lifetime. Many will do nothing and truly suffer. No need. There is help and if we can change this global misconception that depression is just in “someone’s head” and is shameful, what a better world it will be for EVERYONE. A great place to start is DepressionHurts.ca.

Quick and Delicious Fried Rice

September 13, 2014September 13, 2014 VickiLeave a comment

1 1/2 cup cooked rice

1 Tbsp sesame oil

1 small cooking onion – finely chopped

1 clove garlic – minced

1 to 2 cups Veggies – I use peas (and carrots when I have them) because I have fussy eaters but I also like broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, mushrooms – use your favourites

2 eggs beaten

1/4 cup soya sauce

1. In a skillet or wok, heat oil over medium heat and sautee onions and garlic. Add veggies. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes.

2. Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. Pour in eggs and scramble.

Scramble the eggs to the side and then mix with veggies.

3. Add rice and soya sauce to skillet. Mix well with eggs and veggies

as heating through.

4. Serve with your favourite Chinese main dish. Makes a great lunch leftover the the next days lunch.

The Napa Grille & Wine Den

September 12, 2014July 2, 2018 VickiLeave a comment

Napa Grille & Wine Den - Cambridge, ON — Napa Grille & Wine Den – Cambridge, ON

I have a day job in the Tri-City area of Southwestern Ontario and one of my colleagues suggested a lunch at the Napa Grille & Wine Den in Cambridge. I had recently been there and quickly made it be known that I was in because I knew what we were in for. Today’s lunch did not disappoint.

Right now there is an AMAZING lunch menu and everything is under $10. The biggest downer of the whole deal was that I could only go with one dish. And even though I had Spaghetti and Meatballs the last time (about 3 weeks ago), I had to have it again because it was that good. I didn’t think it possible but it was even better this time.

Lunch Menu for Napa Grille & Wine Den, Cambridge ON

It went down nicely with a 5 oz. glass of Masi Valpolacella wine too. And since it was also a “wine bar”, I felt compelled to indulge in some vino. And what goes better with an Italian meal than a glass of red wine? It was a perfect lunch out.

Besides the menu and the wine, this place offers an exquisite dining atmosphere. It’s quiet, a bit rustic and classy. And the service has been impeccable both times I’ve been there.

I haven’t been there for an evening meal but I think it would be a perfect place for a date night dinner out. I can’t wait to take my husband.

Breathing…

September 8, 2014 VickiLeave a comment

I love to daydream and journal. What a wonderful thing, blogging, where you can capture your thoughts or dreams and share them with others. I have to say though, I’ve been spending a lot of time researching how to take blogging more seriously and serious it’s getting. My head is starting to hurt. What’s my platform? What kind of plug-ins am I going to use? I should pay attention to the colours I use when designing my blog. Oh no! I didn’t even design my blog. Does it attract readers? Is this business or pleasure? Suddenly, all these thoughts and information is becoming overwhelming. My head is spinning.

Breathing now…

Am I the only who feels (felt) this way?

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