Going down memory lane

The gifts my dad gave Wally for his birthday had a running theme - going down memory lane from Wally's time in Thunder Bay. Our family was in Montreal the summer that Wally and Marilyn arrived to Thunder Bay - around 1973/1974. While they housesitted for us, it gave them "a lay of the land" and find a home for themselves.

The book that Wally is holding was writing and illustrations by a guy I knew when I was a kid - Duncan Weller. His dad and my dad worked together at LU, plus they only lived a few blocks from our house. Both my brother Bruce and Duncan were the budding artists growing up - even going against each other in a couple of local art contests. Duncan still lives in Thunder Bay, so my dad was able to get him to sign the book. Last month, Duncan won the Governor General's award for Childrens' illustration literature for this book.

The design on this t-shirt is a must landmark to visit when coming through Thunder Bay. It is the Hoito Restaurant. If you enjoy Finnish food, like finnish pancakes - this is the place to go (the other two places are the Scandivania Home and Kangus Sauna).

This pottery mug was made by a local Northwestern artist. If I remember correctly she is from Armstrong, ON (north of Thunder Bay). It is a nice big cup for Wally's first cup of coffee of the day.

My Dad reading the back of another book written by a Thunder Bayer - Bill MacDonald. Dad knows Bill from his daily swimming at Volunteer Pool. Of course, he got Bill to sign this book too.