We've moved...

Hey folks. Catch up with us here. Thanks for watching!!

Thank you!

Hey everybody! The big day has come and gone, and we wanted to thank everybody for being a part of our day. It may have been a little chilly, but the ceremony went off without a hitch (well, except that I almost became Cath's wife), the dinner was fantastic, and the dancing was entertaining!

Thanks for all the friends and family that travelled on the day. We had people join us from Germany, England (yeah, ok, it was us), Santa Fe, Los Angeles, Reno, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Newfoundland, New Baltimore - Michigan, Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Sudbury, Owen Sound, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Waterdown, and finally Elora! What a well travelled bunch you are. Your efforts to join us were greatly appreciated - the only thing we now wish for was more time to spend with everyone!

A big thank you in particular to the following people: Jason Garber for the great acoustic guitar introduction (you playing a Take That's Greatest Day has got to be a historic event!); Grant and Lauren Effer for officiating our big day, Edwina Jobin for the lovely wedding cake (Canton Creations - if you liked what you saw, check her out on Facebook!), my brother Crawford for MC-ing the evening and generally being a freakin' awesome dude, Village Vines in Exeter for the bridal bouquets and flowers, Christy & Co Photography in Owen Sound, Music Central in London for the great tunes, and finally Mark Moffett and the gang at Benmiller Inn. What a place to get married!

Anyway, this is probably the last post on this blog. Thanks for tuning in, and check out our exploits on our other blog - stay tuned...

The Killers!

Na na na naaaa, nana na na naaaaaa

It's The Final Countdown!!

Hey everybody. Just a few last minute items to fill you in about.

1. It's an outdoor ceremony, and the temperature on the day are due to vary a bit, between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius. Ladies, don't forget to dress appropriately. Fellas, bring an extra jacket, because the ladies will want it.

2. Ceremony kicks off at 4pm. Should last about 30 minutes. Its outdoors don't forget.

3. People travelling up from Detroit, London, Kitchener- Waterloo, Guelph, Toronto...hmm, everywhere basically, make note that Highway 8 is currently under construction near Benmiller/Goderich. So adjust your travel times accordingly (add 10 minutes or so basically).

4. Don't forget to bring your suits and boots.

5. Oh, swimsuits too, if you are going to be arriving Friday night and want to kick it by the pool.

6. For folks with kids, hors d'oeuvres begin at about 4:30pm and dinner is due to start at about 6pm, so fuel them up beforehand accordingly.

7. There will be some activities for the kids, but if you want to bring a few extra bits and pieces feel free.

OK, that's it. See you on Saturday. Oh, if you see us "crying" on Saturday night, its just allergies, honest.

eBay 1, Killer 1

For those people actually following this blog, you'll have read that we (I) picked up a tandem on eBay that turned out to be a piece of crap-ola. Well, after experimenting with a tandem one weekend, we decided we wanted one after all. And finally, we managed to snag another one off eBay - except this time it's a keeper (and not destined for the landfill).

We ended up finding a well looked after Santana for a ridiculously low price. Pics to be posted soon! Hilarious stories to follow!

Now, back to the final wedding planning...

Leaves are changing...and the clock is ticking

Hi all,

Last blog post before the wedding. I think.

All the preparations are over, spiffy suit, shirt, and ties have been bought, wedding dress has been hidden from my prying eyes, and even the rings have finally arrived!! We're all set for the big day, and hope you are not checking in here last minute to find out about booking rooms at the Inn! If you are, you'll find a link in the frame to the right...jeez!

Anyway, for people wondering about the changing of the leaves in Canada, the Ontario tourism folks are reporting a 40% change in the colour of the leaves in Goderich (on Octover 6th), so we should have a fairly colourful day for photos.

Long term forecast for the day indicates that there should be some sun (and cloud) and maximum daily temperatures will be in the 12-13 degree Celcius region. For all the Americans coming, that means 55 degrees Farenheit.

Bring the woolly jumpers! (That's sweaters for all you folks outside of Her Majesty's Kingdom).

See you soon! John and Cath

You'll never guess who lives in our town!!

Oompah Loompah's, Jawa's, and Ministry of Magic Goblin's - that's who!!

Well, actually, they're all one guy named Rusty Goffe, who's first movie was Mel Brook's & Gene Wilder's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He's also starred in the first Star Wars movie as a Jawa, and a goblin in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. Cool. We saw him at the Linslade Canal Festival and he recently opened a sweet shop in town. By all accounts a decent bloke. And if you haven't figured it out by now, he's a dwarf - I know, I know, not very sensitive to the little people. But hey, it's still acceptable to use that term here in the UK!

Other celebs who live/lived in or around our town - Limahl from Kajagoogoo (anybody who was into 80's Brit bands will remember this guy), Darren Gough (England criketer), Frank Bruno (former WBC Heavyweight Champion of the World), and Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild (of the famous banking, finance and wine-making families).

Cool little know blog-worthy facts entirely unrelated to the wedding.

So, the clock is ticking...

Hey folks! Well, we've just passed the two-months-to-go mark. Lots of little things left to do, but most importantly we've still to learn how to slow dance properly - don't want to look like dorks at the wedding! Found some lessons online the other day (good ole internet), and have been practicing in the kitchen on occassion. Cath's feet are starting to get sore...

Gift registry - details...

OK, so we managed to get something sorted out this week - sorry for the delays folks! After discussing our dilemma with the advisor at John Lewis, she has opened the registry effective today, until about two weeks after the wedding, and also recommended the gift voucher route to us.

Our List Number is 379548, and here's a link to the gift registry. If you prefer to do things the old fashioned way (i.e. deal with humanoids) you can call John Lewis at the following number: 011 44 190 832 5302 and speak with Carol. Note that the hours of operation are 8AM to 8PM Monday to Friday, 8AM to 7PM on Saturday, and 10AM to 5PM on Sunday. Remember these hours of operation are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), so subtract 5 hours is you are Ontario based and 8 hours if you are on the west coast of Canada or the States.

Thanks for being patient!

FAQ - Gift registry?

Hi all. Had a few questions about a gift registry recently, and to be honest we've not known what to do, as you are probably reading this somewhere other than England, and we are in England. The exchange rates keep fluctuating so the costs of items are slightly uncertain for you. And bringing gifts home in our luggage just isn't as economical as it used to be, given the current costs most major airlines are passing on to us.

Oh woe is me (and Cath, who still hasn't gotten the hang of blogging, if you hadn't already noticed).

Anyway, we are arranging a gift registry through a national department store (called John Lewis), and you should be able to purchase gift vouchers via their website which can be used towards the purchase of gifts. That seems like a reasonable approach to the situation. Anyway, more details to follow, probably on Sunday.

eBay 1, Killer 0

So, picked up the tandem frame over the weekend. What a piece of rubbish! eBay 1, me 0. So, the tandem dream is on hiatus at the moment, but Cath and I will be going to a "taster" event on the weekend to see how much fun we might have in store. There is the possibility that she will want to kill me of course, but you and I won't find out until Saturday at least...

Don't forget to RSVP by July 31st (or so)

Hey folks,

The end of July is approaching, and we're still waiting for a few RSVP's. Here's a gentle reminder to fill those cards in and pop them in the post - FILL THOSE CARDS IN AND POP THEM IN THE POST!! Well, maybe it wasn't so gentle!

So far, it looks like there's going to be a great turn out. Lots of family, friends from the distant and not-so-distant past, and of course it'll be a good time for all to get (re)acquainted. Can't wait...

Where did July go?

Its the end of July already, and I was reminded by my bro (who is also my best man) that I haven't blogged lately. Well, there has been a lot on the go in July, so apologies to anyone that's actually following this, especially if you've been eagerly awaiting more bloggy goodness!!

So, some good news first - my mom's heart operation went well last week. If you see her in Owen Sound say hi, but please don't give her a fright!! Other news - I bought Cath and I a tandem bicycle. Well, actually, I bought a frame - an old French Gitane, in need of a bit of restoration. Well, maybe more than a bit - have a look for yourself.

I figure if I can get it fixed up (soon), and we can ride this bicycle built for two around the neighbourhood without killing each other, then married bliss will be a piece of cake. Hopefully chocolate, but a nice Victoria sponge will do too!

Anyway, watch this space for more on the tandem development! I'm thinking I may get the frame powdercoated, then get some pink handlebar tape and streamers for Cath, blue for me, and pimp it up big-time. We're open to suggestions...

Beef, chicken or fish...and a very clever boy

So people have been receiving the invitations, and even checking out the blog - cool! My god son Noah was even clever enough to punch our mailing address into Google Earth and discovered we don't live in a castle (or should I say no longer live in a castle - we had to down-size because of the recession, yeah, that's it). Anyhoo, glad to see people are checking this out. Makes me feel less nerdy writing it...

One request for people returning the RSVP's. If you have indicated how many people are eating the beef, chicken or fish main courses, would you/could you also indicate who has requested these dishes? I'm blindly assuming that where a couple has ordered beef and chicken (for example) the male eats the beef and the female eats the chicken - I know, very cave-man of me... So, anyway, if you can remember to jot down your initials on the RSVP next to the main couse selection, it would be a great help. Thanks a bunch.

Oh, kid's meals, for those bringing kids, are going to be your basic chicken nuggets or burgers, fries, and some veg. Probably milk and/or cola too. I forget all the details, but it'll be tasty and fun for the wee uns.

Looking for information?

OK, so Cath and I are doing this blog because I don't have the patience to learn how to make a web site...and its free!

Anyway, if you've recently received your invitation and were wondering where all the information is, its hidden away in various blog posts. You can navigate to them via the links on the right hand side of the screen (May, June, etc.). Hope that helps!

Oh, if you are wondering what the heck "blog" means, here's a useful link to the Wikipedia explanation. If you are wondering what Wikipedia is, man, this is gonna take a while...

The Italian lakes...

Just a quick comment regarding a recent visit to northern Italy to attend a friend's wedding. If you've never been - go now!! We visited the Piedmont region, and have a ton o' good memories from around the Italian lakes (particularly Lago D'Orta and Lago Maggiore). Excellent food, lots of sun, tasty gelato, sailing, wicked motorbikes, scooters and cars, and sun sun sun! Anyhoo, here's an image of Isola San Giulio.

Ride to the Horns - update

So, as noted in a previous post, this weekend I was entered to take part in a charity bike ride called Ride to the Horns, hosted by Red Bull F1's Mark Webber. However, I spent most of the past two weeks training by taking a vacation in Scotland and Italy with Cath, dining out most evenings, and drinking a few pints in the evenings with friends. Are you wondering why no mention of bike riding? Hmm, well, I didn't ride my bike at all, that's why! With hindsight, I now know this might not have been ideal...

The course was two laps of a 25 mile loop including a 4-5km climb up the Ivinghoe Beacon - for car nerds, its not far from the Aston Clinton hill climb that gave the cars of David Martin their name - Aston Martin - its true, you can Google it!

Well, I started at 9:53 this morning (image above) and finished the first 25 mile loop in about 1:45. I was pleased with this progress, given the amount of climbing and the lack of form, so reveled in this while I sucked down energy bars, fruit and electrolytes. I then embarked on lap two. Not nearly as easy the second time around the course as I thought it was going to be, and my confidence gave way to a sore butt and cramping muscles!! Anyway, I'd like to thank my sponsors Molson Canadian and Red Bull - I wouldn't be the man I am today without you!

OK, so you may be wondering, whats Mark Webber really like? Well, I didn't get a chance to talk to him, but had a burger at his pub, and he makes a fine burger. I can also testify that his pizza is fantastic. And he's on the verge of his first victory with Red Bull F1, so he's a very fortunate guy. But not fortunate enough to have calves like mine - have a look at him checking them out in the next photo!! Well, that's what I'm telling myself anyway!

Information on Rooms at Benmiller Inn

Several of the wedding party has already booked - and our guests should too! Here's a bit of handy information for you.

Below Benmiller Inn have listed each room style that the Bride and Groom have selected for their wedding guests and the rates for the rooms. These rates are based on Double Occupancy and I have also listed which building the rooms are available in.

Classic Rooms: $154.00 per night, plus taxes (Woollen Mill ONLY)


Our standard rooms are located in the historic Woollen Mill and thus are conveniently close to the dining room and lounge. These guest rooms have a queen bed and antique furnishings in elegant rustic surroundings. Classic Rooms are best suited for single or double occupancy only.

Country Rooms: $188.00 per night, plus taxes (Woollen Mill, River Mill)


These rooms provide a larger guest room than the Classic Room and feature a king or queen bed. The Country Rooms have a variety of different views looking out over various areas of the Inn. These rooms will only allow single or double occupancy.

Ivey Room: $219.00 per night, plus taxes (Woollen Mill, River Mill, Gledhill House)


Spacious rooms featuring our signature feather-top king bed. Some of these rooms have a kitchenette that supplies you with a coffee maker, tea kettle and bar fridge. The Ivey Rooms have an array of stunning views through out the property and would be best suited for double
occupancy.

Select Room: $224.00 per night, plus taxes (Gledhill House, River Mill)



Oversized rooms featuring a king bed and a balcony with gorgeous views of either Sharpe`s Pond or the Maitland River. All of these rooms have a kitchenette that supplies you with a coffee maker, tea kettle and bar fridge. Many of the Select Rooms have a queen daybed available for
additional over night guests. Maximum of four adults per room.

Deluxe Suites: $289.00 per night, plus taxes (Gledhill House, River Mill)


Spacious suites featuring a king bed with your choice of a fireplace, Jacuzzi tub or sauna (some have all three!)! All rooms have a queen day bed in the sitting area, kitchenette with bar fridge, coffee maker and kettle, and a beautiful view of the Maitland River or Gledhill Pond and make the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away! Many suites also have a sundeck, patio or balcony to help you enjoy nature to the fullest. Each room can accommodate up to four guests when utilizing the daybed.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the Benmiller Inn at 1-800-265-1711 (*recommended with Wedding Bookings) or by email at guestservices@benmiller.on.ca. Note that prices are in Canadian dollars!

Directions to Benmiller

Here's a link to Multimap and the Benmiller site, so you can get directions to and from the Inn. Click on the "Get Directions" link below, and then when you're at the Multimap page type "Benmiller, Ontario, Canada" as your destination to get directions from where ever you are to the Inn. Hope this helps everyone. To the internet challenged, we will send you directions if you ask politely!

View this map on Multimap.com
Get directions on Multimap.com

Autumn wedding = fall colours

So, wondering why we chose the autumn for our wedding? Well, fall colours had a lot to do with it, as the changing of the leaves is so much more intense back home in Ontario. But really, we're not exactly getting any younger, so what the heck, why not this year?! Anyway, some autumn colours from around Benmiller for you to enjoy...note the first image is Sharpe's Pond, overlooked by several of the rooms in Gledhill House.

Oct. 17, 2009 - an important date to remember

Hi all. If you've made it to this blog, then you must be invited to the wedding! Just a reminder to all that its at the Benmiller Inn near Goderich Ontario, on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The ceremony kicks off promptly at 1600 EST, in the garden off the Woolen Mill building. There are several buildings on site in which you may be accommodated - the Woollen Mill, Gledhill House, or the River Mill. All have a unique character shaped by their original purposes - making woollen blankets or turning grain into flour. Not sure what Gledhill House was...maybe you can tell us?!

A crude old map is located below, and shows the location of the various buildings relative to one another. They're separated by no more than about a 3 minute walk. More to come...

Visit from the doctor..

So, Gordon Hodson dropped by this week with Holly. They're over here on holiday, and popped up to Leighton Buzzard for a walk along the Grand Union Canal, a few pints and some fish and chips. Then more pints after that. Then a trip to Brick Lane in London for a nice curry. And more pints after that...

For those of you that don't know Gordon, he's a professor of psychology at Brock University (hence the doctor reference), a buddy of mine from Owen Sound, and one of the guys in the wedding party. Good times were had by all. Less than 5 months to go now...

Ride to the Horns

So, not that this has much to do with the wedding, but I've entered the Ride to the Horns cycle sportive in June. Mark Webber of Red Bull F1 team will be hosting the event. Hope to drag myself around the 50 mile route. Should burn off some calories and test out the new (to me) road bike.

Ooohhhh, big secret....

So, Cath bought herself a wedding dress yesterday, after several weeks of agonizing over styles, sizes, fit and fashion. Apparently, she'll look like a princess, but I have been banned from seeing it - quite rightly! Hmmm, she's also deleted her browsing history, so there's no chance of getting a sneak peek before October 17. Rats!

Testing, 1-2, 1-2

Just trying to see
If this blogging thing is for me,
If it proves handy to use,
You'll be seeing lots more news!