Ceilidh Dance Newsletter – 2022/23 #6

as the mist was clearing at Goatfell on Arran.

Scottish Country dance classes will be starting up again in January, 2023 so check which classes fit your schedule and come along – many first nights are free – check out the new beginner class on the North Shore.

Do not forget the Ceilidh Dance on Friday January 27 in the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. There is a free class at 7 pm then the dance follows from 8 – 10:30 pm with live music by Calanais. All easy dances that are taught and called and everyone has lots of fun and great exercise. Tell your friends and make it an outing – it only costs $15 ($10 for students) and there are refreshments (including cider & beer) for a donation. Mark your calendars now and make plans to join the fun.

Here is some cheery upbeat Scottish Dance music to enjoy.

Christmas Jigs Jim Lindsay and his Band Scottish Christmas Dance Party

Atmospheric day travelling through Torridon

Winter is almost here and the trees have finally shed most of their leaves. It was a cool but sunny morning so I took the opportunity to try and tidy up the boulevard of its seasonal debris while Margaret raked the front lawn. We got most of it done before the green bins were picked up. Then I did some local mail deliveries of our Christmas cards. Now it is past time I put together another newsletter as the rest of the week is busy. Fortunately we did out Christmas shopping early so that is almost done.

Our Ukrainian family had their first walk other than to and from school or round the shops when they ventured out to look at the nearby houses decorated for Christmas – they even went down to the beach and collected a few shells. The Elementary school put on a production of “Oliver” with everyone included. We joined Hanna to watch Kira and the show on a snowy Tuesday evening. It was fun and the school did well. There were 4 performances over 2 days.

They really enjoyed putting up our Christmas tree which comes out of its box every year already covered in snow and lights. They unwrapped all the ornaments and hung them on the tree while we watched. Their smiles and joy brought warmth to our hearts. Christmas is not until January 6 in Ukraine.

big rollers coming into Hackley Bay

What to do about Squirrel Infestation:

The Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrel infestation. After much prayer and consideration, they concluded that the squirrels were predestined to be there, and they should not interfere with God’s divine will.

At the Baptist church, the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistry. The deacons met and decided to put a water-slide on the baptistry and let the squirrels drown themselves. The squirrels liked the slide and, unfortunately, knew instinctively how to swim, so twice as many squirrels showed up the following week.

The Lutheran church decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creatures. So, they humanely trapped their squirrels and set them free near the Baptist church. Two weeks later, the squirrels were back when the Baptists took down the water-slide.

The Anglicans tried a much more unique path by setting out pans of whiskey around their church in an effort to kill the squirrels with alcohol poisoning. They sadly learned how much damage a band of drunk squirrels can do.

But the Catholic church came up with a more creative strategy! They baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the church. Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.

Not much was heard from the Jewish synagogue. They took the first squirrel and circumcised him. They haven’t seen a squirrel since.

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The 2023 season for Ceilidh Dances are scheduled (all on Friday evenings) as follows:-

2023
January 27
February 24
March 31
April 28
September 29
October 27
November 24

Mark your calendars now!

The dances will be will be held at the Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver. The class will be held in the large hall from 7:00 – 7:45 then we will all exit to give the band a chance for a sound check etc. and the dance class will run from 8:00 – 10:30 with live music by Calanais. Alison will continue to be your teacher/caller so you are guaranteed to have a great evening. No change to the admission – still $15 with students $10.

Help us spread the word – I am not into social media but I am sure somebody can promote the Ceilidh Dance(s) there for me especially out at the Colleges and Universities. Tell all your friends to come along – it really is a fun (and cheap!) evening.

Last month’s dance was very well attended with 76 dancers having a great time. It would be great if we had another large attendance on January 27 to get the New Year off on the right foot (or is that the left one?). So we need your help to spread the word – see what you can do to drum up some business for us.

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Some of the recipes are no longer available but many are and most of us love a good cookie!!

This is remarkable! Even if you have no particular interest, pass on to the bakers in your life. They’ll appreciate it.

full moon from the Devorgilla Bridge Dumfries after heavy rain flooded the River Nith

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Hey, I just made a total elf of myself. Check it out by clicking the link below.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1241974516

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Glasgow Central Station

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A Senior Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,
And all of us seniors were looking our best.
Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;
Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker; in hope
That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.
We surely were lucky to be there with friends,
Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts,
Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.
The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,
And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bedpans, so shiny, all stood in a row,
Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.
Our supper so festive — the joy wouldn’t stop —
Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,
Then puree of fruitcake was spoo ned on each plate.
The social director then had us play games,
Like “Where Are You Living?” And “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,
Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.
Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair,
In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow
Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.
Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter
But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.

A strange little fellow flew in through the door,
Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.
‘Twas just our director, all togged out in red.
He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived
Our social security checks had arrived.
We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak,
Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight- p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds
While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.
And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.
‘fore long you’ll be with us, we wish you the best.

~Author Unknown ~

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Kiln Reservoir near Shawhead in Dumfries and Galloway

Connel

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I apologize for the language but if you have ever used a discount airline this will have a ring of truth;-

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Here is another tune;

Christmas Strathspeys Jim Lindsay & his Band Scottish Christmas Dance Party

Glenfinnan viewpoint overlooking Loch Shiel

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Christmas Lights

Hi Sweetheart,

I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the Christmas lights. I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when you want something. I realize that I was wrong and I am apologizing for being such a hard-headed guy.
All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday season. Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights! I took the time to hang the lights for you today and now I will be off to the golf course.

Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday.

I’ll be home later.

Love you……

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this is very cute…….. For those of you with wee ones, they will enjoy sharing it

AnimalsChristmasCarol

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Jeddburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders founded in the 12th Century the stunning Augustinian Abbey resplendent in the winter sunshine

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As the story goes, the guy that owns this house lives north of Cincinnati , Ohio .. Police were constantly being called for traffic jams and accidents in the neighborhood so they asked him to shut it down during certain hours. Instead he started charging by car load to pay off duty police to be there.. The guy is supposedly a real computer GEEK, and in my opinion, also a great decorator! click below

Best Christmas Lights Display

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and another great tune

Christmas Reels Jim Lindsay & his band Scottish Christmas Party

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Loch Ossian

Loch Poulary Invergarry

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NEXT CEILIDH DANCE IS ON Friday, January 27, 2023

alert all your friends and acquaintances.

Hope to see many of you there

Merry Christmas to you all.

May your troubles be one, may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness come through your door.

Duncan MacKenzie
ceilidh@rscdsvancouver.org