AULD ACQUAINTANCES: JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2025

Auld Acquaintances by Peggy Oldfield
                                                                                                     Postings from January 1, 2025 forward

Posted June 8, 2025:

Three of our former CBC Vancouver colleagues have recently published books and I’m pleased to relay the details of each publication and the information to order….

Paddy Moore is the author of Traveltinis - Around the World in 40 Cocktails.  Here you will discover a bit of wit and wisdom to catch the “spirit” and the “spirits” of some of the world’s great destinations.  Paddy’s book is a lighthearted survey of some cities we love and stories about the cocktails that are special to those places. In this unique book you will find a brief description of what to see, what to drink, and where to sip and sit when you travel. Expand your expertise and your palate by ordering a Czechmate in Prague, a Jabberwock in Cape Town, or a Fernandito in Buenos Aires.  Between travels, you can make all forty of these cocktails at home - recipes and directions are included. Some are very simple, some will encourage you to expand your home bar and challenge your mixology skills. Non-alcoholic options are included for some of the drinks.  If you love travel and a bit of tipple, this is your guidebook.  Patrick (Paddy) Moore is a Travel Consultant, award-winning media journalist, and the author of Quarantinis, Eh?, a diary of cocktails inspired by our recent isolation.  Produced in association with Expedia Cruises.  ISBN 978-1-7776307-1-3. Available only through Expedia Cruises - or directly from Paddy Moore. Retail price $25.00.  CBC colleagues price $20. + $5. mailing. Or better yet, Paddy suggests meeting him for a drink - or a cuppa for free delivery. For Paddy’s contact information, contact https://goo.gl/QNvaxu

David Mills has published a novel entitled Shadows in the Medina.  David has spent the last three years writing a story inspired in Tangiers. Embark on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery in Shadows in the Medina as Robert Manion, a weathered and tired 40-year-old, finds his life forever changed after a soul-stirring motorcycle ride through the Okanagan Desert in British Columbia. Set against the backdrop of the early months of 2020, this captivating tale unfolds into a mystifying odyssey that spans continents. From the majestic foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains to the arid, sun-soaked landscapes near the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco, Shadows in the Medina delves into a vivid tapestry of charming characters and landscapes. Readers will be immersed in the bustling, vibrant souks and the beguiling kasbahs of Tangier and Casablanca. They'll wander through the Blue City of Chefchaouen and the Red City of Marrakech, forging a deep connection with Morocco's kaleidoscope of colors and its warm-hearted people. The narrative leads readers to experience the thrill of riding a Tuk Tuk through the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, all in pursuit of the answers to the riddles that define Robert's life. Through the pages of this captivating story, they'll come to cherish Morocco and its spirited inhabitants. As readers accompany Robert on his quest for love, family, and the bonds formed along the way, Shadows in the Medina will take them on a spellbinding voyage, leaving them filled with wonder at every turn of the page.  Check this out at Amazon.ca (printed in Canada) via this link:  Shadows in the Medina: A Moroccan Mystery https://a.co/d/5QBPfLH

Drew Snider, our former colleague and son of CBC Vancouver TV Producer Andy Snider, is the author of a newly published book entitled Them – The Ones You Might Pass By on the Other Side. The book is a collection of anecdotes about the people Drew encountered during ten years of ministry on the Downtown East Side. The idea was to put names and faces to people who are often ignored, or even dehumanized (in some minds); collectively, they're one of the great political footballs of the 21st Century. The book is available as a download (or can be ordered in paperback version) from booksellers including Amazon and Indigo, or go straight to this site --  https://books2read.com/u/mqxyQ9.  Aside from the family connection, Drew advises that there's a CBC connection to his publication as well. The book is an offshoot of the ministry profiled in a segment of The Other Side ... on CBC News -- suggested by Alan Waterman and reported by Gloria Macarenko.

Posted May 17, 2025 (with additional photos posted June 1):

Bowling on May 14 included a double birthday celebration - for Eleanor Taylor-Noonan (May 2) and Sharon Spruston (May 14).  A birthday cake and assortment of cookies were compliments of Lillian Hanson, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray and Peggy Oldfield. Sharon didn't bowl on this occasion but was a great cheerleader for the two teams participating.  In addition to Eleanor, bowlers were Lillian Hanson, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield and Michael Taylor-Noonan.  Maurice Moses popped in towards the end of bowling to say hello. I'm sure it will be noticed that we had a smaller group of bowlers after two very large ones in March and April.  There was, however, no drop off in the level of fun we all had!  Following the three games, Anne, Peggy, Sharon, Eleanor and Michael carried on to enjoy a leisurly lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.  Photos of the two teams and the lunch group will be found in the Gallery and here are a few more from bowling...

Bill Murray did the honours in ordering and picking up the scrumptious cake!

Sharon Spruston (birthday May 14) and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan (Birthday May 2) blow out the candles on their shared birthday cake. 
Anne Mathisen, Michael Taylor-Noonan (taking a photo), Bill Murray and Lillian Hanson share in the festivities.

Bill Murray passes out plates to Sharon and Eleanor for the first pieces of their joing birthday cake.  
Anne Mathisen and Michael Taylor-Noonan share in the laughter.

Eleanor has her piece of cake and Sharon serves up one for herself.  Michael appears to be saying he'll have
the rest of the cake while Bill clenches his fists saying, "Oh no you won't!".

Birthday girl Sharon Spruston

There are big changes coming to Grandview Lanes, home of the monthly bowling events.  New pins and replacement of the ancient bowling balls are just around the corner.  We were given the very first opportunity to try out the bright new orange "Neon" bowling balls.

The results were immediate and remarkable as demonstrated by the high scores by a couple of our bowlers.

Bill Murray in particular had a terrific day, scoring 185 in the first game and 237 in the second!  

The new "Neon" orange balls blended in quite well with the old collection of "soon to be retired" ones.

Lillian Hanson delivers another Neon ball for a second strike in a row.

Eleanor Taylor-Noonan squeezes the new Neon orange ball to see if it's ripe!

Peggy Oldfield and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan debate whether to try out the new Neons.

Michael Taylor-Noonan is game to try.

Lillian Hanson and Anne Mathisen discuss pros and cons of the effect the new pins to be installed will have on their game.

There was a four-way tie for the women's "Secret Score" award -
Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Peggy Oldfield, Anne Mathisen and Lillian Hanson!

Michael Taylor-Noonan shows off his "Secret Score" award in the men's category.

Posted April 20, 2025:

Spring is sprouting; Easter is here - and another gathering for once-per-month bowling at Grandview Lanes has come and gone.  April 16th participants for bowling were Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hansen, Alex Kerr and granddaughter Alex Tumac, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray, Rod & Lori Mundy, Peggy Oldfield and Ding & Marichu Torrijos.  An Easter theme was evident in flowered and colourful tops among the women plus the cutest bunny ears adorning Lori Mundy's hair and in the edible treats supplied by Lori & Rod Mundy and Peggy Oldfield.  Bill Murray came up with a new trophy for the Bingo Game to be awarded when numbers swell to three teams and it was awarded for the first time on this occasion.  Photos of the three teams are posted in the Gallery plus two from the lunch at the Apollo Restaurant afterwards enjoyed by Neil & Lynn, Lillian, Alex and Alex, Anne and Peggy and Maurice Moses.  Sorry to say that by the time the photos were taken at the restaurant, Maurice and Lillian had left the group.  

Here's a selection of pictures from the bowling event....

Foreground Easter cookies courtesy Lori & Rod Mundy;
Hot Cross Buns, Mini Cupcakes and Celery/Carrot sticks with Dip courtesy Peggy Oldfield.

Alex Tumac, Lynn Gillon and Lillian Hanson on the bowling lanes.  In the background, L-R: Alex Kerr, Ding Torrijos, Marichu Torrijos,
Anne Mathisen, Rod Mundy, Neil Gillon (back to camers) and Bill Murray.

A rabbit's eye view of the goings on!  Bunny ears worn by Lori Mundy and looking across at Lillian Hanson and Ding Torrijos.

Alex Kerr patiently waits while Grandview Lanes staff member works to correct ball return function.

From lower right and around...Alex Tumac, Marichu Torrijos, Neil Gillon, Lynn Gillon, Lori Mundy (note the bunny ears!),
Anne Mathisen, Lillian Hanson and Bill Murray on the bowling lane.

Lynn Gillon and Rod Mundy bowling.  In the background L-R are Alex Tumac, Alex Kerr, Lori Mundy, Neil Gillon, Bill Murray,
Llillian Hanson, Ding Torrijos and Anne Mathisen.

Rod Mundy in action.  Behind Rod are Alex Tumac, Alex Kerr, Lori Mundy, Lynn Gillon, Neil Gillon, Bill Murray,
Lillian Hanson, Ding Torrijos and Anne Mathisen.

Lynn Gillon standing on the bowling lane.  Facing her, L-R: Alex Kerr, Lori Mundy, Neil Gillon, Bill Murray,
Ding Torrijos, Lillian Hanson and Anne Mathisen.

Ding Torrijos and Lillian Hanson bowl while watched by Alex Kerr, Marichu Torrijos, Neil Gillon, Lynn Gillon,
Bill Murray, Rod Mundy and Anne Mathisen.

Watching the bowlers are Lynn Gillon, Bill Murray, Neil Gillon Rod Mundy and Anne Mathisen.

Anne Mathisen is extremely happy with one of the shots of the day that won her the trophy!

Chatting and watching...Alex Kerr, Alex Tumac, Marichu Torrijos, Ding Torrijos, Lori Mundy, Lynn Gillon,
Neil Gillon, Bill Murray and Rod Mundy.

Bill Murray picked up a Shot of the Day a few frames after Anne did!

Two trophies handed out for the female and male bowlers who beat their first game score in the second game by the most points. 
Peggy Oldfield cleaned up in this category with a terrific second game score of 226, besting her first game by 87 points. 
Bill Murray somehow picked up the men's trophy by beating his first game score by a measly 18.

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New trophy designed and created by Bill Murray to recognize a third team in the Bingo Game.  

Posted March 16, 2025:

Another month and another fun day for five-pin bowling and lunch at Grandview Lanes and Apollo's Restaurant in Vancouver.  A terrific turnout of 16 people for bowling made for a great deal of hilarity and wonderful conersation and many attendees got into the spirit of celebration by donning shades of yellow or green for St. David's Day (March 1) and St. Patrick's Day (March 17).  No one took Bill Murray up on the idea of coming in a pig or crayon costume, though!  Bowling participants were Betty Carscadden, Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Alex Kerr, Anne Mathisen, Rod & Lori Mundy, Bill Murray, Bob Nixon, Peggy Oldfield, Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Ding & Marichu Torrijos.  Sharon Spruson was a great cheerleader throughout the games and Maurice Moses arrived during the Bingo Game to join the group for lunch.  The lunch group was made up of Betty, Neil, Lynn, Lillian, Alex, Anne, Maurice, Bob, Peggy, Sharon, Michael and Eleanor.  

Snacks for bowling were provided by Marichu Torrijos and Peggy Oldfield.  With so many bowlers, we had three lanes but on one of them, the ball return became problematic part way through the first game.  One of the Grandview Lanes' staff members tried valiantly to resolve the problem but as it took some time, the team was moved to another lane to carry on.  

Betty Carscadden won the "Shot of the Day" with an incredible one - she rolled a ball and knocked down the middle pin (the 5 pin).  The ball then rolled to the left, missing the pin next to it (the 3 pin) and then hit the next pin (the 2 pin)!  What an incredible shot!!!

Photos of the bowling teams and the lunch group are posted in The Gallery and here are a few more photos from bowlingL

Snacks with a St. Patrick's Day theme from Peggy Oldfield and Marichu Torrijos

Lillian Hanson and Alex Kerr on the lanes as Anne Mathisen (behind Lillian) heads off the far one.  
In the background, L-R are Lori Mundy, Bob Nixon, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Sharon Spruston, Peggy Oldfield, Marichu Torrijos, Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Neil Gillon and Ding Torrijos.

Lillian Hanson and Alex Kerr trying to determine why the ball return is falling short!

Anne Mathisen heads onto the new lane for her team.  L-R in the background:  Sharon Spruston, Ding Torrijos, Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Neil Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Lillian Hanson, Bob Nixon, Betty Carscadden.

Alex Kerr and Neil Gillon bowling.  Anne Mathisen, Bob Nixon and Michael Taylor-Noonan behind them.

Anne Mathisen, Lori Mundy, Bob Nixon, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Rod Mundy, Sharon Spruston,
Peggy Oldfield, Marichu Torrijos and Lynn Gillon.

Betty Carscadden with her richly deserved "Shot of the Day" Trophy!

Demonstrating the feat Betty achieved - knocking down the 5 pin in front, missing the 3 pin next to it at left,
and knocking down the 2 pin at rear left.  Amazing!

Lillian Hanson points to her terrific first game score of 122!  Great going, Lillian!!!

High game scorer Lillian poses with bowling newcomer Bob Nixon who didn't do quite so well
but accepted the lower score in good fun. 

 
Bill Murray devised and presented Secret Score trophies to Anne Mathisen and Alex Kerr at the end of the second game.

Posted February 16, 2025:

An early celebration of Valentine's Day and showing Canadian pride were the themes of the monthly bowling get-together on February 12th at Grandview Lanes in Vancouver, generated in the snacks provided by Bill Murray and Peggy Oldfield and in clothing choices of several participants.  Participation was terrific with newcomer Manjula Dufresne joining "regulars" Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Alex Kerr, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield, Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Lawrence Wright. Maurice Moses arrived to cheer everyone on during the Bingo Game and to join the group for lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.  While Neil, Lynn, Lillian, Alex, Anne, Maurice, Peggy, Michael, Eleanor and Lawrence were there, Peter Dobo - who had already been enjoying his meal there before the group's arrival - ambled over to say hello and spent a few minutes chatting with everyone before heading out.  Team photos are posted in The Gallery and here are a few more from the day....

Sugary treats of mini chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, pink and red sugar cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies from Peggy Oldfield.  Hershey Chocolate Hearts from Bill Murray didn't make the photo but were happily devoured by everyone.

Anne Mathisen in action while some of the gang - L-R: Alex Kerr, Lillian Hanson, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan,
Lynn Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Peggy Oldfield - watches.

Lawrence Wright rolls while Lillian Hanson waits to see whether she needs that second ball or not.  
In the background at right:  Lynn Gillon, Neil Gillon, Alex Kerr and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.

Manjula Dufresne wins the "Darn Game!" trophy - the first of two she picked up during the games.

Neil Gillon smirks as he wins the "Shot of the Day" trophy for an incredible roll,
taking out the middle pin and the two corner pins with one ball!!!!

Manjula Dufresne and Bill Murray won the "Hidden Score" trophies.

The Bingo Game winning team - just showing off! 
L-R: Neil Gillon, Lynn Gillon, Bill Murray and Lillian Hanson.

Posted January 19, 2025:

The new year was off to a great start for those who enjoy the monthly bowling with twelve turning out for this first gathering of the year on January 15th: Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Alex Kerr (who travelled over from Victoria), Anne Mathisen, Rod & Lori Mundy, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield, Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Lawrence Wright. In addition to the usual fun of bowling and sharing stories of the holiday season now behind us, this occasion was also a surprise birthday celebration for Peggy Oldfield who was turning 80 on January 17.  The scoring screens for the three teams had a special "Happy Birthday" background and each time someone got a strike or spare, the animated cartoon that played had a birthday theme!  Eleanor Taylor-Noonan brought a delicious birthday cake and other nibbles along with birthday serviettes, paper plates and all the necessary cutlery.  Lynn Gillon added to the celebration by making and bringing chocolate dipped cookies and rum balls.  Once the cake was cut and Happy Birthday had been sung to Peggy, the games got underway to a lot of laughter and chat. Two teams tied to win the Bingo Game, leaving the third team laughingly disgusted and posing with their backs to the camera (see below) before relenting and gamely smiling (check the Photo Gallery for that one!). Following bowling, Neil, Lynn, Alex, Anne, Peggy, Michael, Eleanor and Lawrence walked the short distance to enjoy lunch at Apollo's Restaurant (photo in the Gallery section). 

Peggy Oldfield points to the birthday background on the scoring screen
(the special background appeared on the screens for all three teams).

Peggy Oldfield, Rod & Lori Mundy and Anne Mathisen with the birthday cake for Peggy's 80th (on January 17)
brought by Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.

Blowing out the candles.

Eleanor Teylor-Noonan and Lillian Hanson led the group in singing "Happy Birthday" to Peggy.

The birthday cake chosen by Eleanor Taylor-Noonan was absolutely scrumptious!

Lynn Gillon brought delicious home-made Rum Balls and Chocolate-Dipped Cookies - it was really hard to have any willpower!!!

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Anne Mathesen, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Rod Mundy and Lawrence Wright watch the action on the bowling lanes.

Lynn Gillon and Rod Mundy on the lanes.  In the background, L-R: Lillian Hanson, Alex Kerr, Neil Gillon, Anne Mathisen, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Lawrence Wright and Peggy Oldfield.

Take your choice ... is it The Three Amigos or the Three Muskateers?  It's Michael Taylor-Noonan, Bill Murray and Rod Mundy. 
Lynn Gillon, Neil Gillon and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan are standing by the counter at left of Michael.

The January Bingo Game Card part way through the game and with snake embelleshment on the clipboard all courtesy Bill Murray.

Bingo game runners-up Lori Mundy, Anne Mathisen, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Bill Murray turns their backs in mock disgust.