Border Crossed!

4 degrees
Miles - 1005 km.
4:30 p.m.

Good Morning! We were up bright and early and left Guelph at 8:30. Dad made coffee, we had waffles then he was off to Church and we were on our way to Warsaw, Indiana but first I wanted to make a slight detour to take photos of the homes Tony and family have lived in since their arrival in Guelph.

We love talking to Dad about "his and Mom's life". His memory is very sharp and each visit we get a few new tidbits. He arrived alone in Canada in 1950 (July), Tony, (age 3) and Mom arrived in 1952. I could write chapters on the journey but will save that for another time. I wanted to take photos of the houses today as some of the neighbourhoods are being developed and in all certainty the homes may not be here in a few years. I have been coming to Guelph for 45 years and the growth and restructuring is unlimited. Tony and I with our girls and Tony's parents, also travelled to Italy many years ago to see Tony's place of birth, that home was atop a rabbit/ livestock barn of sorts. Mrs. L, when she arrived in Canada was certainly pleased with her new home here. Can you imagine the overwhelming feelings though?

The first home, on York Road contained their apartment in the back. Many days Tony spent sitting alone on the stairs, not moving until his

Mom came home from work. Neighbors kept a watchful eye, age 5. The second home on Alice Street was a duplex. In the back yard there were plum trees which were very fruitful. Tony (age 8) sold the plums in 6 quart baskets for 50 cents, ticked his Dad got the money. Tony's sister Carm was born here before their move to Harris Street. At Harris Street, a single family dwelling, Vince and Mike were born. This is where I met the family including Nonna who was living with them at the time. Both Nonna's were there at different times but I only met Mrs. L's Mom. She loved pinching my cheeks! It hurt so much but I knew she loved me, she would always give my hand a little squeeze. Lots to reflect on.

Speaking of memories.......We have been here in Warsaw many times, mostly American Thanksgiving. Tony's brother Mike, Cathy, Adam and Daniel, moved here in 2004. Life has now taken Mike and

Cathy to Texas, (14 years later to the day), the boys have graduated and are now living and working in Chicago. On arrival "wee Stanley" would be barking his little head off to welcome us, Cathy would yell, as the door opened, "don't let the dog out", we missed them all today. God bless Stanley, he passed this year at age 12, a great Wheaton, a great pet. He loved ice cubes, the ice maker is silent. It used to go off for Stanley every minute. The house is quiet, The For Sale sign is on the lawn, the house is full of wonderful memories. Memories travel well and someone else will be fortunate to create new memories here. We will take ours with us tomorrow but are very thankful to have the opportunity of one last visit. Cold white wine was in the fridge, how cool is that? Thank you.

We dined in tonight, a little tired. Tomorrow we will head out on those new roads, not travelled by us. Come on for the ride!