AULD ACQUAINTANCES January 1-December 31, 2026

Auld Acquaintances by Peggy Oldfield

January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 

Posted April 11, 2026:

Bowlers got together again on April 8th for the once-per-month games at Grandview Lanes in Vancouver.  The participants on this occasion were Tves Bournival, Lynn & Neil Gillon, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield, Eleanor & Michael Taylor-Noonan and Marichu & Ding Torrijos.  Sharon Spruston and Alex Kerr (who travelled all the way from Victoria!) were enthusiastic cheerleaders for the games. Nibbles included Easter KitKat bars from Bill Murray and Cheese, pepperoni and ham slices with crackers from Peggy Oldfield plus a birthday cake for Lori Mundy in early celebration of her day later this month.  Lori and Rod, however, were in Victoria so all Lori gets is a photo of her cake!  The group on hand enjoyed it though.  Following the games, Yves, Lynn & Neil, Alex, Anne, Peggy, Sharon, Eleanor & Michael extended the fun day over lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.

Photos of the Teams and cheerleaders are posted in Colleagues' Gallery, but here are a few more from the morning at Grandview Lanes....

Chat time for Marichu Torrijos and Sharon Spruston  while bowling gets underway.
Watching the bowling are Ding Torrijos, Anne Mathisen and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.

No, Eleanor, that is not the new 7 pound ball with three holes. 
(Lynn Gillon sets Eleanor Taylor-Noonan straight.)
Marichu and Ding Torrijos in the background.

 
Yes, Eleanor, you still have to use the regular balls.
Eleanor Taylor-Noonan eyes the pins. Lynn Gillon, Ding Torrijos and Yves Bournival in the background.

Riveted to what's happening on the lanes are Bill Murray, Neil Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Lynn Gillon, Yves Bournival and Sharon Spruston.  The other folks in the background were not with our group.

Yves takes up position aiming for a strike.  
In the background L-R: Bill Murray, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Lynn Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Sharon Spruston.


Snack time included Easter KitKat bars from Bill Murray and a selection of cheese, pepperoni and ham slices, and crackers from Peggy oldfield and fresh apple slices  (not shown) from Marichu & Ding Torrijos....

...plus a birthday cake for Lori Mundy.

Happy Birthday, Lori!  Lori and husband Rod Mundy weren't on hand to participate but at least Lori knows the gang was thinking of her!  L-R:  Sharon Spruston, Anne Mathisen, Lynn Gillon, Neil Gillon, Alex Kerr, Peggy Oldfield, Ding Torrijos, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Micharl Taylor-Noonan, Yves Bournival, Marichu Torrijos.  Bill Murray is missing 'cause he was the photographer!

No, no, Bill.  The pins are the other way!  Watch Yves!
Behind the bowlers L-R: Marichu Torrijos, Ding Torrijos, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Lynn Gillon,
Michael Taylor-Noonan and Sharon Spruston.

More chatting and watching.  L-R: Marichu Torrijos, Alex Kerr, Bill Murray, Lynn Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Neil Gillon, Yves Bournival, Anne Mathisen, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Sharon Spruston.

Anne Mathisen graciously accepts the "@#$%^&*() Stupid Game" trophy while secretly wishing the photographer would go away!

The gang's all here!  Lynn Gillon and Michael Taylor-Noonan are on the bowling lanes.  Watching the action L-R are Alex Kerr, Neil Gillon, Yves Bournival, Ding Torrijos, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Sharon Spruston, Anne Mathisen, Peggy Oldfield and Marichu Torrijos.

Chatting and watching.  L-R: Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Bill Murray, Neil Gillon, Yves Bournival, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Sharon Spruston and Anne Mathisen.

Lynn Gillon and Marichu Torrijos watch Bill Murray and Neil Gillon on the lanes.

Posted March 22, 2026:

I am pleased to share with you from Maurice Moses (photo of Maurice at right), the YouTube video of the 2026 production “True North Strong and Shpiel” featuring  all Canadian composers and singers.  Maurice has been participating in the Purim performance for fifteen years now and in this production, his solo, “Four Strong Winds”, is number six in the program.  Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKI2Tzw2YXc

I’m delighted to relay the news from our former CBC Vancouver colleague Cathy Chilco that she has written and published a book of fiction – a collection of Vignettes entitled “Flickering Images”. You can purchase it online at Indigo.ca in Canada or Amazon.com,  Amazon.co.uk (United Kingdom), Amazon.com.au (Australia) and https://www.amazon.de/ (Germany); (Amazon.ca is currently showing the book as unavailable, but please check as that should change).

Overview

Flickering Images--A Collection of Vignettes

Chilco invites us into the beating heart of the human experience: a woman receives a letter that changes her life, a man overwhelmed with grief finds a connection with a dumpster diver, a woman wakes up after surgery and discovers she can suddenly play the piano.

All of these individuals and all of their experiences are instantly elevated. We see ourselves in each one of them, and it quickly becomes clear that Cathy is, in fact, writing about each one of us.

Chilco peels back the layers we have created to conceal our inner selves-the bravado, the jokes, the sarcasm we use to avoid showing our vulnerable selves. With humour and compassion Cathy reveals our fears, our insecurities, our deep longings for connection. This is a book of yearning, of the aching loneliness of the human heart. But it is also about those rare moments of grace when light blasts through and we bare our souls and are rewarded with love.

Cathy's work is about the everyday redemption that each of us might experience. Not because we earned it, but because we are entitled to it.

This is a thoroughly human work by a writer whose humanity is a gift that she has shared throughout her career and she shares now through this collection.

Readers comments on Flickering Images:

“I am mesmerized … transported to another place.”

" Your words evoke so many stages-childhood, adolescence, middle age."

" Tender, poignant, painful and beautiful."

" There are passages that I want to remember forever."

" Each story is a world of its own and quickly engages you in that new world."

" It had me on the edge of my seat..."

"...sensual, almost tactile...all the senses come into play."

" So rich--an emotional journey in every story."

Read more

Publisher: Chilco Productions

Shipping dimensions: 8" H x 6" W x 1" L

ISBN: 9781069716002

Posted March 14, 2026:

Monthly bowling and lunch took place on March 11th and a wealth of green in recognition of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day (March 17) predominated the apparel of bowlers Yves Bournival, Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Anne Mathisen, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield and Ding & Marichu Torrijos.  Since last month's bowling, Ding Torrijos, Alex Kerr, Yves Bournival and Neil Gillon have each celebrated a birthday, so a birthday cake was the centerpiece of the snacks and instead of candles, four sparklers and the Happy Birthday song by Lillian Hanson marked the occasion.  In addition, fresh apple slices were provided by Ding & Marichu Torrijos, popcorn in theatre-style containers from Bill Murray, pepperoni/cheese cubes/crackers and hummus/crisps from Peggy Oldfield.  Bill Murray designed and created a new special trophy in recognition of Popcorn Lovers Day which happened to be the same day as bowling - March 11.  The trophy was to be presented to the person exceeding the score of the first game by the most points in the second game and Lynn Gillon won it handily. While the Bingo Game was underway, Maurice Moses stopped in to say hello.  Following the games, Yves, Lynn, Neil, Anne and Peggy extended the fun over lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.  Here  are a few photos from bowling and the team photos are in The Gallery.

Belated Happy Birthday wishes via a cake for Ding Torrijos, Alex Kerr (who unfortuately wasn't with us this time), Yves Bournival and Neil Gillon.  Each had celebrated their birthday since our last gathering in February.

Popcorn Lovers Day (March 11) was recognized by Bill Murray with the snack and old fashioned popcorn containers.

In the savory category, Peggy Oldfield provided pepperoni/cheese cubes/crackers and hummus and crisps.

At the far end of the counter behind the cake is a container of fresh applie slices brought by Dign & Marichu Torrijos.
Around the counter L-R are Bill Murray, Ding Torrijos, Marichu Torrijos and Lynn Gillon.

Before bowling began, Bill Murray introduced the new Popcorn Trophy he designed and created. 
The trophy was to go to the person who most exceeded their first game score in the second game.

All of the trophies designed/created by Bill Murray with the new Popcorn Trophy in the foreground.

Yves Bournival, Neil Gillon and Lillian Hanson on the bowling lanes.
Lynn Gillonj and Bill Murray are in the background at left.

Lillian Hanson goes to select another bowling ball while Anne Mathisen sizes up her shot at the pins.

Neil Gillon on the left and Lynn Gillon on the right.

Birthday guys Yves Bournival, Neil Gillon and Ding Torrijos. 
Unfortunately Alex Kerr wasn't with us to partiipate in belatedly celebrating his birthday too.

Neil Gillon performed the honours in cutting the cake for everyone.

Lillian Hanson, Bill Murray, Anne Mathisen, Neil Gillon and Lynn Gillon enjoying birthday cake!

Anne Mathisen points out what the bowlers aspire to achieve.  No harm in dreaming for any of the group!

Bill Murray heading off the lane and Lynn Gillon hoping for a strike.

Ding & Marichu Torrijos in deep concentration of the action on the bowling lanes.

Bill Murray presents Lynn Gillon with Popcorn Trophy!

Posted February 15, 2026:

With the Olympics underway in Italy, bowlers turned out at Grandview Lanes on February 11 to show support for Canada by donning clothing with Canadian motifs or in red or a combination of the two. Bill Murray went the extra mile and not only wore a Canadian hockey jersey but a red golf shirt under that plus socks with hearts as a nod to Valentine's Day!   In addition to Bill, bowlers were Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Anne Mathisen, Peggy Oldfield and Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.  Bill continued his nod to Valentine's Day by bringing a heart-shaped bowl filled with Kit-Kat bars while red grapes, cookies and mini-cupcakes were supplied by Peggy.  The Olympic Games weren't forgotten either - Bill brought along an Olympic "gold medal" which he presented to Lynn Gillon at the end of the first game for the highest score, and to Peggy Oldfield for high score at the end of the second game.  Towards the end of bowling, Maurice Moses popped in for a few minutes to say hello to everyone.  Pictures of the two bowling teams are posted in The Gallery and here are a few more from the fun-filled time at the bowling alley:

Treats in red and pink supporting Canada in the Olympics as well as Valentine's Day from Bill Murray and Peggy Oldfield.

Who is this little mystery guest hiding in the coats?  It was Bill Murray's sharp eyes that noticed!

Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Michael Taylor-Noonan anticipate a great day of bowling.

Bill Murray concentrates on his goal.  In the background are Lillian Hanson, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan,
Michael Taylor-Noonan and Neil Gillon.

The first gold medal of the day, presented by Bill Murray, goes to Lynn Gillon for achieving the highest score in the first game.

Steely-eyed Neil Gillon prepares to deliver.  In the background are Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Michael Taylor-Noonan.

Such concentration from Michael Taylor-Noonan despite what's going on in the background!
Behind Michael are Peggy Oldfield, Lynn Gillon and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.

Neil Gillon registers wonder at the score as Bill Murray contemplates making this throw a strike.  
Lynn Gillon, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Anne Mathisen are in the background.

The Queen of Bowling on this day, Peggy Oldfield celebrates three strikes in a row!

End of the second game and a score of 205 for Peggy Oldfield.

The three strikes vaulted Peggy to highest score in the second game and presentation of the gold by Bill Murray.

Eleanor Taylor-Noonan delivers and Neil Gillon waits to see how pins are down.

Bill Murray shed the jerseyduring the games but found another way to show support for Canada at the Olympics in Milan, Italy!

Bill Murray didn't just wear a hockey jersey to support Canada in the Olympics;
he wore a red golf shirt and heart-embellished socks for Valentine's Day as well!

Posted January 18, 2026:

The first CBC/SRC Association event of 2026 was 5 pin bowling at Grandview Lanes, Commercial Drive near Broadway in Vancouver, followed by lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.  There were 8 bowlers divided into two teams for this first session of the year - Neil Gillon, Lillian Hanson, Rod & Lori Mundy, Bill Murray, Peggy Oldfield and Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan.  Lynn Gillon was unable to bowl on this occasion but was a great cheerleader throughout the games.  A big thank-you from the entire group and especially from Peggy Oldfield goes to Eleanor Taylor-Noonan who provided all of the "snacks" for the day - crackers with a selection of cheeses, grapes and a birthday cake (carrot cake with cream cheese icing) along with birthday plates and serviettes in recognitiion of Peggy Oldfield's birthday (January 17).  Lillian Hanson led the group in singing Happy Birthday and Michael Taylor-Noonan spoke on behalf of everyone thanking Peggy for all she does on behalf of the Association and extending happy birthday wishes.  Maurice Moses arrived in time to watch the Bingo Game, wish Peggy a Happy Birthday and join the group for lunch at Apollo's Restaurant.  The lunch group, with Maurice and Peggy, included Neil & Lynn Gillon, Lillian Hanson and Michael & Eleanor Taylor-Noonan. Here are a few pictures from the fun-filled time at the bowling alley (more from bowling and from the lunch can be found in The Gallery)....

 L-R: Lillian Hanson, Lori Mundy, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan, Lynn Gillon, Rod Mundy, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Peggy Oldfield.

Neil Gillon all set to take aim at the pins.
In the background, L-R: Lillian Hanson, Lynn Gillon,Rod Mundy, Michael Taylor-Noonan, Peggy Oldfield.

Lori Mundy and Michael Taylor-Noonan on the lanes.  Peggy Oldfield seated at left.

Lillian Hanson showing fine form.  In the background: Lori Mundy, Rod Mundy, Lynn Gillon,
Michael Taylor-Noonan, Eleanor Taylor-Noonan and Bill Murray.

Bill Murray concentrates on those pins.  In the background: Lori Mundy, Rod Mundy, Lynn Gillon, Neil Gillon.

Eleanor Taylor-Noonan heads to the bowling lane.  Looking on are Lillian Hanson, Lori Mundy, Rod Mundy,
Lynn Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Neil Gillon.

Lynn Gillon and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan have a chat while Bill Murray and Neil Gillon pay attention to the bowling.

Scores at the end of the first game with Bill Murray the outstanding leader finishing with 218!

Wonderful goodies supplied by Eleanor Taylor-Noonan in celebration of Peggy Oldfield's upcoming birthday on January 17.

Lillian Hanson (back to camera) sings "Happy Birthday" to Peggy Oldfield with Lynn Gillon, Rod Mundy, Neil Gillon, Michael Taylor-Noonan and Eleanor Taylor-Noonan looking on.  Bill Murray took the photo.

Peggy Oldfield blows out the candles on her cake.  Neil Gillon in the background.

Eleanor Taylor-Noonan holds the cake plate and server while Peggy Oldfield cuts her cake.

Back to bowling after enjoying the birthday cake.  
Lori & Rod Mundy and Lillian Hanson.

Lori Mundy listens to some bowling advice from the sidelines.

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