South African Dream

I have always adored animals and for years dreamt of going to Africa to see them up close. It took me time to figure out where to go, but finally I settled on South Africa. This was my bucket list choice, and frankly Charles was not that keen. He said we could go to The Wild […]

South Africa coming soon

It is that time of year; the wonderful, crazy, breathless Christmas season. My intention was to write about our incredible South African trip before we got deep into Christmas, but alas it will have to wait for a few weeks. We are heading off on a month long journey which of course I will record […]

In Italy

Back soon with so much to report. Lago Maggiore Ciao! Riki

Camaraderie

During my performing years I spent a great deal of time learning repertoire, performing operas and concerts, travelling to engagements, and bringing up a child. I would meet other performers for brief sojourns and keep in touch, but I never experienced the fun and camaraderie of girlfriend time. My sister has always been my best […]

Vancouver weekend

Vancouver has always been a healing city for me. After my divorce in the Yukon, I moved to Vancouver and started a career as an opera singer. (See my book Aria: Song of Life for details of my adventures). After a few years, I moved back to Toronto and went to the university there. Then in […]

Invasion of the Body Parts

When I buy a new car I expect it to run for a few years before I have to fix anything major. It is the same for household appliances, bikes, computers, roofs, grass. You name it. Everything has a design life or so it seems; even us. The list of parts and repairs that we […]

Generation Gap ?

This being a senior (Yikes! see first blog) does have its pluses. One, is being a grandparent. The ‘I love you Nana’ from Rose 9 years, and June 6, naturally fills my heart with joy, but there is nothing as delightful as watching the girls entranced at a play. Well not just any play, but The Lion,The Witch and the […]

Oh Canada

Years ago, too many to count, I went to Newfoundland to give a performance that was recorded by CBC radio. It was a re-enactment of a Jenny Lind concert, and someone had left the tap running in an adjacent bathroom. When I listened to the recording, all I could hear was ‘drip drip’. I don’t […]

Lists: Bucket or Otherwise

I have always made lists. It’s the only way I can remember to do all the things I need to accomplish each day. Calendars are great for engagements, but daily lists are a necessity for me. I have pads all over the house so I can jot down my to-dos, and I often find old scraps of […]

Those Knees

About forty years ago I drove an adorable little red Fiat 850. It attracted and distracted a large pick up truck, causing its driver to go through a stop sign, and hit me broadside. My windshield shattered, and my left knee hit the dashboard. That’s when my knee problems started. It wasn’t until I fell […]

Suddenly 70

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