definitely worth watching

(1984) Antonio Salieri believes that Mozart's music is divine. He wishes he was himself as good a musician as Mozart so that he can praise the Lord through composing. But he can't understand why God favored Mozart, such a vulgar creature, to be his instrument. Salieri's envy has made him an enemy of God whose greatness was evident in Mozart. He is set to take revenge

I like this Music Video

Be Patient

Don't Be in Such a hurry.

120 6th Street

Then.......


And Now.........


And Inside..........

Gettin Ansy?

Guggenheim, NYC

Any Takers? ?

New York 2006

Loire Valley Trip

.One Place I Want To Visit.

The Dating Maze

An interesting chapter in "The Dating Maze" by Brent D. Earles

"Fred Astaire used to dazzle people with his fancy footwork, flowing to the words, "the best things happen when you're dancing, "I've got a feeling some teenagers are not going to like what I'm about to say. THE WORST THINGS CAN HAPPEN WHILE YOU"RE DANCING!

Now for the big shocker. I'm not against dancing--between married people. If a husband and wife want to slow dance, in the privacy of their home, that's fine. Some of the old-time ballroom dancing presents a certain romanticism. But we both know that the dancing of today is far from any of this.

Here are my gripes about dancing:
The Music: Almost all dancing by young people is done to upbeat, fast-paced rock music. There is nothing worthwhile about this kind fo music. Many muscicians are using back-masking, a lower level recording played beneath the actual rock song. The listener's subconscious can pick up these often blasphemous messages. Some groups admit this openly and even go so far as to state it on their album covers. The music alone is enouugh to grind today's dancing to a halt

It is sexual: Some of the most lewd actions occur on America's dance floors. This is so obvoius that I wouldn't be able to believe it if somebody disagreed with me. Guys glue their eyes to the gyrating hips of every female dancer that catches their attention. Even in innocince, girls are observed like performers a burlesque stage show. Along with this, the music encourages immorality and you have a disaster looking for a place to happen! Listen to me. It is stupid to think that two healthy, curious people can rub against each other all night without getting excited. Not to mention the raging conflict set off in their thoughts. Dancing breaks down defences. Anbody who does not expect the impure result is blind.

It does not glorify God: You know, even the silliest activites can have some merit. Spiritual lessons can be learned from wholesome dates. Not from dancing. It is not clean fun. It is unspiritual and ungodly. There is nothing about dancing that can help you as a Christian. Nothing about it makes you a better person. Nothing about it helps you get to know other people better.

You might think this is just my opinion but I think we can safely say that is Jesus were here today, He would nopt participate. If you saw your pastor dancing a hot little number with a young girl dressed in tight silver satin pants, you would be ashamed of him. You see it just isn't the kind of thing to do, for people who love the Lord.

I hope we are still friends, because I was not trying to make you mad. I was just sharing the raw facts. I hope you were able to take it."

Life is a Symphony

Recent addition to the Vinyl collection

"Edgar" Revisited

Tin ceilings hidden under 70's paneling

Living Room

Floors after sanding

Armstrong Point "The Gates"

Armstrong's Point, defined by a tight bend in the Assiniboine River just west of downtown Winnipeg, was a constructed as a suburban enclave which sheltered some of the city's wealthiest residents. Between 1880 and 1920, a number of stately homes were built on Cornish Avenue and "The Gates" - East Gate, West Gate and Middle Gate.
The large stone gates, erected in 1902, from which the primary streets of the area derive their names, gave the neighbourhood an air of exclusivity and privilege. They served as an intimidating barrier to those who did not "belong," and the residents of the area enjoyed a sense of security, walled-off from the social disparities that existed in early twentieth century Winnipeg.

By 1920, most of the lots in the area had been developed, and Winnipeg's wealthy looked increasingly south of the River to Crescentwood.
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More on Armstrong Point

Featured Song on The Wellington Mansion

Benjamin James McConnell House

The large and attractive fiesldstone residence located at 577 Stephen Street in Morden is undoubtedly one of that community's most notable of it's many surviving ninteenth century structures. Constructed in 1899, this handsome building was originally the home of Dr. Benjamin James McConnell, who was Morden's first medical practitioner and one of its most active and prominent early residents. At the time of its construction, the house was the largest and most elaborate of Morden's many fine fielstone residences and despite the neglect and abuse it weathered in later years, it remains a stately presence even today.

Benjamin James McConnell was born in Pembreeke, Ontario in 1861. At the age of twenty he graduated from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Kingston, Ontario and almost immediately headed west. Sfter setting up an initial practice in Nelsonville, in 1884 he and his young wife moved to the fledging new community of Morden. By 1899 Dr. McConnell had built himself a large and successful career as doctor and entrepeneur.

The McConnell's first residence in Morden had been a modest wood frame structure, typical of many constructed in the pioneer environment of the 1880's. In March of 1899, however, Dr. McConnell announced that he was having plans drawn up for a large new residence, more fitting of his prominent position wintin the community and in tune with the more refined, sophisticated appearance the town was developing.

Morden newspaper accounts of the time indicated that the delivery of local fieldstone to the site commenced in April, 1899. The excavations were completed by the end of June and within a month the stone masons were at work on the superstructure, which was completed by October. Basis interior construction continued througout the winter. In June of 1900 the installation of the heating apparatus and the final plastering of the interior walls was completed and shortly thereafter the McConnells moved into their new home-sixteen months after construction had begun.

Dr. McConnell occupied the house with his wife and two children until 1913 when he moved to Winnipeg to accept the position of Provincial Coronor. In 1920 he sold the house to the Manitoba and Western Colonization Company and a representative of that company apparently lived in the house for several years. The fortunes of the firm must have suffered considerably, for in 1928 the house was sold to the Town of Morden for unpaid taxes. While in possession of the house the town undoubtedly rented it out, although througout the Great Depression and the War Years it apparently stood vacant. Finally around 1953, in an attempt to recoup some of their lost revenues the Town Council decided to convert the structure into an apartment block. During the course of the conversion the interior plan was largely altered and the verandah and valcony - by then badly deteriorated - were removed. In 1960 the building was purchased from the town by Mr. Frederick William Milhausen, and resold within the year to George Wiebe, a bank clerk in Morden. Mr. Weibe soon after moved to Neepawa and again later to British Columbia. During this period of absentee ownership the structure once again suffered from neglect and vandalism. By 1985 many of the town residents felt the former McConnell residence was becoming an eyesore and it's continued survival was being seriously questioned.

In February , 1986, the building was purchased by Wayne and Sylvia Baily. Within six months since his purchase of the McConnell house Mr. Baily had commenced renovation and restoration of the structure. The general interior layout, radically altered during the 1950's, was recreated. One major change was made to accomodate a shop on the main floor. The main staircase was shifted to face the back of the house instead of the front, allowing the family more privacy for their residence on the second floor.

Sperry Rand Remington Streamliner

I purchased my new thigh-pilot at the Altona MCC. $3.00. Turns out I got a better bargain than i bargained for. It was half price day! Golly Gee! I got my spakin' new 1960's thigh-pilot for $1.50.

The Fort Garry

Hotel Fort Garry

The hotel was in financial stress five years ago. Its once gleaming marble floor in the lobby was well worn. Carpets were frayed and paint was peeling. The overall appearance? Shabby - hardly chic.

Today the hotel's lobby has been redone, the brass railings as well as doors gleam, and the marble floor is checkered black and white polished to a perfect shine. In addition, a 'bed and breakfast' has been added to the hotel.

The hotel's 240 guest rooms are going to be redone. The renovated rooms will feature hardwood floors, accent lighting, marble bathrooms, junior suites with large bathtubs, and showers with multiple jets. Presently, all of the rooms have top quality mattresses, plush towels, Aveda amenities, Starbucks in-room coffee and two line phones with data jacks.

Renovations have cost $8 million so far and another $5 to $6 million is yet to be spent. In 1996, this heritage building was awarded $150,000 by the City of Winnipeg to restore the outside limestone. The entire front of the hotel has been restored with a sense of near Hollywood grandeur to the entrance including a valet station.

Future plans include a very modern dining room to seat 150 to 200 guests and the restoration of the banquet rooms where the Crystal Casino use to be.

The hotel's good fortune has come at a time when the market has been on an upswing in Winnipeg. Manitoba's economy has enjoyed steady growth over the past five, improving hotel occupancy rates.

Future stays will be even more memorable as the full restoration returns the hotel's chateauesque ambiance to its former splendor and place in Canadian Railway history.

Portage Avenue 1910

River Gate Inn

River Gate Inn is situated on the Assiniboine River in the heart of the City on an acre of park like grounds.

The Inn is centrally located, minutes from downtown Winnipeg. Located in historic Armstrong Point on an acre along the Assiniboine River. It features some of the City's largest Elm and Cotton Wood trees which surround a large heated swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Built in 1919, River Gate is a 21-room mansion and includes a parlor with fire place, library, formal dining room, sun room and billiard room.