A few malls struggle on

 

 

At one time, malls were the future. Not so much today. Westmount Mall has been partially demolished to rid it of excess retail space. The Galleria in downtown London has lost both its anchor stores. Today one of the former stores is now the Central Library.

In South London, White Oaks Mall keeps on going but admittedly it has a good number of empty store fronts. Yet, when COVID is factored in, it appears White Oaks may be bucking the trend in London and remaining a force in the retail sector of the city.

Personally, I like shopping at White Oaks. It may be dreary and wet outside but in the mall it is dry and comfortable. And White Oaks still has enough stores to make it a one-stop shopping experience. This is a mall to watch.

A tree of memories

Christmas trees are decorated year after year with the same
ornaments. Add a new decoration and its an event to remember. 

For instance, the star at the top of our tree has been adorning Christmas trees for 74 years. It was given to me on my first Christmas by a lady with whom my dad worked. Her name is long forgotten but not her kindness.

The star is not alone. Each decoration carries not only an individual memory but a shared memory as well. Each year my granddaughters decorate our tree and that shared family experience is etched into their memories, there to be recalled on seeing the box of ornaments.

Christmas Turtles

 

Making cookies, biscotti and other tasty treats to share with friends and relatives is a Christmas tradition in lots of Ontario homes. In our home, my wife's Christmas turtles are far and away the most popular treat. It is a popularity that just seems to keep growing as this year my wife has baked more than a thousand of the chocolate covered, pecan footed cookies.

A bit of seasonal country music

 

Have you wondered what Christmas Music would sound like when played with a country twang? Well, wonder no more. Just high-tail it down to London next year to see and hear the sounds of the Hyde Park Christmas Parade. If our country bands has a float in next year's parade, you will have your answer.

No mask for bear

 

The giant teddy bear in the Hyde Park Santa Claus parade wasn't asked to wear a mask but the North Pole elves accompanying teddy were well covered despite being outside and somewhat distant from the crowd.

The elves were just trying to set a good example, I guess. Now, about teddy. . . .

Nash Metropolitan

 

The Hyde Park Santa Clause parade attracts an electic mix of entries. The little heritage automobile driven in the parade was a fine example of this.

When I was in public school in the '50s, the art teacher, a cool dude for the time, drove a Nash Metropolitan. It was a rather unique little car in that it was designed in America but built in England.  The drive-train and suspension were supplied by the Austin Motor Company which also did the final assembly.

Although not a lot of the little cars were sold during its run, the owners truly loved their little cars and kept them and, one might even say, cherished them. Today there are still an amazing number of the little cars to be found for sale.

Residential construction under a dramatic sky

 

The sky was more dramatic than usual. The clouds were exciting and looked especially fine as lit by the colourful light of the setting sun.