Did you do your homework?

Is it wrong to do your children's homework? In my opinion not if it is coloring assigned to a ninth grader. Maybe there is pedagogical value to outlining countries and coloring each with a different colored pencil, but call me skeptical. So Catherine and I have developed a little symbiotic relationship in the geography arena this semester. She labels all the Thailands, Indonesias and so on, and I break out the colored pencils. I find coloring a bit like ironing. Does not occupy any grey matter and is strangely soothing.

remembrance

My Uncle George died in his sleep last night. As we watch Craig's parents suffering precipitous declines, it does seem the preferable way to go. And not bad on Easter night for a Jesuit priest. I won't make Thursday's funeral in Toronto, but here are a couple of vintage shots of George.

more Easter family pics

We had a lovely weekend with Alison, Sian and Harry. I was reminded of what a full on going concern a toddler is. Harry got to experience life with dogs. We ate delicious food and did a couple of activities each day. Right before the ride to the airport, Harry had a well-timed nappy blow out which required a hose down and the prompt disposal of his clothing. Timing is everything and we were all happy it happened near a shower....

Harry's visit

new dermatologist

Decided that it was time to get another opinion on the perennial scratching. Turns out I have 'dermagraphia' - that's just what it sounds like. Hives whose manifestation is raised welts on the skin that follow the pattern of your scratching. Basically my immune system has gone a bit haywire - ramped up - and so I itch and have done so for two plus years. Have a pretty serious medicine to try. We'll see.

Sam all dressed up

It's Bar Mitzvah season and we had to get Sam a decent outfit for the first one which is today. This morning long service followed by lunch. Tonight dinner and dancing!

New York

I got myself tactically elected to a national executive committee that requires me to fly to New York for meetings twice a year. The first go round was last week and I had a fabulous time. The hotel was on 38th - pretty institutional but great location. The meetings were really interesting and I had the chance to do a little shopping, museum visiting and tons of walking. Here are some pictures:

Don't you sometimes feel like this?


a shop window


Seeing Klimt and eating schnitzel


cheese and spices