palterblog

We - Paula’s loyal friends and family - gathered on November 29 to celebrate her 50th birthday. Leigh-Anne outdid herself with a stylish setting and wonderful food and drink.

And Paula glowed all night. Anyone who knows Paula and knows Paula’s friends will know how much pleasure it brought all of us to celebrate with her.

I developed a slide presentation that has been made available online in Flash format for a limited time. Click here and enjoy!

Leigh-Anne received many requests for recipes. They will follow in subsequent posts.

A funny thing happened during our trip to the zoo today. Funny things always seem to happen when David is around.

Epcot was an enjoyable day. The park was more enjoyable than I was led to believe. The modern design was interesting, though dated in places. Lots of attractions for the kids. Next time, we’ll spend more time at the country exhibits.

However, for the kids, Crush the talking turtle dude was a highlight.

Of course, who could go to Epcot and not go on Norway’s viking ship attraction?

Three girls with names starting with E. A coincidence? Maybe it had something to do with the water in Willowdale and Thornhill when we were growing up.

Doug and his daughter Eva made their bi-annual pilgrimage to Toronto and Ben and Ella were at the top of Eva’s list of social engagements. Lucky for us! (The 1920s vintage postcard treatment on the picture just felt right. Not exactly sure why.)

And it was great to see Lisa with her daughter Edan. Sorry to have missed Paul and the budding rock star Dean.

Lots of planning went into this year’s party, like any other. The latkes were tasty, the food was oily, and the company was chatty. But, can you tell me why the party always concentrates in the kitchen?

Leigh-Anne’s thoughtful party favours were a hit with the kids. But my favourite moment was the candle lighting.

The music was also hip this year. I made a few new music discoveries for the Hanukkah party season. First, there was the LeeVees “How do you spell Channukkah”.

I also came across Craig Taubman whose Hanukkah Lounge collection blew my mind. Check out a sample of his version of Maoz Tsur.

In September, we said goodbye to Mhel and hello to Reycie.

Mhel joined us on 2 July 2003 - the day before Ben and Ella arrived. Actually, right around the start of this blog, in case you want to refresh your memory.

She has played an vital role in not only caring for Ben and Ella, but for helping them to become the smart, loving, polite little people that they are. We owe Mhel more than the word “thanks” can ever convey.

She and her family will always be part of our chosen family.

Thanks to James and Mark for these cool t-shirts.

Click picture to see us turn around.

Old friends are so important. They help us to remember - where we came from and perhaps where we are going.

What a difference a couple of decades makes…

The month of May was a momentous one for the Palter family. Leigh-Anne finally received formal recognition of her amazing achievement in obtaining her Masters degree in Business Administration.

It was a beautiful spring day on the campus. I love this picture of Leigh-Anne and her classmate and fellow troublemaker James Miller - both because it captures them in their gowns against the classic backdrop of the Queen’s campus and, in the bottom right corner, there’s little Benny peeking in.

Successful completion of an executive MBA is not only an individual accomplishment, but a reflection of a team’s intense struggles and mutual support over a grueling 15 month period. Leigh-Anne was fortunate to have teammates (pictured below) of exceptional character and commitment. They owe their MBAs, in part, to each other.

Partnerships of all kinds contribute to the success of the MBA. James had Mark (among others). Leigh-Anne had Jay (along with Maddy, Ben and Ella, Linda, Hal, Karen, Mhel, Paul, etc.).

In the end, what’s a party without balloons. James helped Benny and Ella “liberate” some party favours.

The end of a long and fulfilling day.

Congratulations to my beautiful and intelligent wife, Leigh-Anne. Your accomplishment is truly awesome!

The big and little twins spent the weekend together on the farm, while mommy and daddy enjoyed a luxurious weekend away.

Twins that play together stay together. And they really do bear some resemblance to the cute (but oddly named) British foursome. Don’t you think?

Many thanks to Shushan and Weswie for opening their home (and their hearts) to our two tubbies.