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Showing posts with label Niagara on the lake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niagara on the lake. Show all posts

Friday, October 24, 2014

O Canada, We Stand with You

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that we frequently visit Canada, particularly, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  We, like most Americans, were abhorred by the recent assassinations, apparently by self-styled terrorists, of two Canadian soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends and colleagues of these two brave men, who died in the line of duty.

We have always viewed Canada as a neighbor of peaceful people, who love their hockey and enjoy life.  The cowards, who took the lives of these two young men, seek by their acts to sow hatred and fear not only in Canada but throughout the civilized world.  We must not let that happen.We were heartened by the comment by Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, in an address to the Canadian Parliament yesterday morning, that "Canadians will not be intimidated." "Here, Here!"

As Pittsburgh residents, we were also touched by the gesture by the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team,  which before Wednesday night's hockey game in Pittsburgh, asked all of the fans to sing the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada."http://t.today.com/news/ottawa-shootings-pittsburgh-nhl-fans-sing-o-canada-sweet-tribute-1D80237058

Let the events of these recent days be a reminder to all of us that no country, no state, no city and no neighborhood is immune to the violence and evil that today stalks the world.  I am reminded, however, of the words of John F. Kennedy in his Inaugural Address that we should all keep in mind :


  Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
...
  To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.6
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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Niagara-on-the Lake: A Hidden Jewel

Located about  a 20 minute drive  from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is a hidden jewel, Niagara-on-the-Lake. A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway past Queenston Heights and stately homes overlooking the river, it is well worth a side trip if you plan on visiting Niagara Falls. I recommend that you go when the Shaw Festival is open. From April to October, each year, the professional actors of the festival present a number of fine shows, some of which are George Bernard Shaw's (his statute is in the center of town) plays but other playwrights such as Noel Coward are also represented  This year they are presenting Ragtime, Come Back Little Sheba and nine other plays in the various theaters in town. For more information, see www.Shawfest.com.

  Along the road into town you will pass a number of large wineries. We recommend the Reif winery. In our view they have the best Chardonnay.You should also buy a bottle of icewine made from frozen grapes each winter. It is a sweet ending to any meal. In the summer you will find numerous fruit stands where you can buy cherries and other fruits in season. Also along the way into town you will pass the Whirlpool golf courrse (a fairly flat course with a restaurant) and the well-known Floral Clock. In addition, there is a Butterfly Garden and on the very edge of town, Fort George, which is well worth seeing.

The town is a Victorian mixture of new and old. In the center of town is a clock tower. The main street has both modern shops (we particularly like the Irish shop) and old hotels such as the Prince of Wales. You have got to stop there for afternoon tea. Although expensive, it is well worth the price. Dinner there is also recommended. If you have the chance you should also stay there or in one of the nearby Bed and Breakfasts. Right outside the hotel are several horse drawn carriages ready to take you around town. A walk down to the lake front is a must. Be prepared though for the wind off the lake.  It can make even a spring day very cold so bring along your woolies.


For a weekend or a week, Niagara-on-the Lake is the place to be for fine acting, food and wine. Have a great time there.