Michael McMullen wins first annual Buckwheat Award for his story on growing up in Chapleau in the 1950s

Buckwheat surveying his world

Michael McMullen is the winner of the first annual Buckwheat Award for having the story with the highest number of visitors in 2010 on Michael J Morris Reports.

After asking for suggestions on naming the award for top story, Ken Schroeder, one of my oldest Chapleau friends, suggested using Buckwheat, my beloved cat and buddy for more than 20 years who died on November 7, 2009. My story on Buckwheat was the top 2009 story, and amazingly has remained in the top 10 most popular all this year. Thanks Ken.

When I advised Michael that he was the first winner of the award, he replied: "It is a rare day that I ever win anything, although I do try by buying a lotto ticket when the jackpot is high. Many thanks for this. Buckwheat will live on!"

Buckwheat ready for Chapleau trip

When I told my friend Vieh about the award on Facebook chat, she exclaimed, "YEAH BUCKWHEAT."

Vieh had a special relationship with Buckwheat. In 2001 she looked after him in her home when I went home to Chapleau for the 100th anniversary celebration. She survived the experience and one day she may tell us her story of life with Buckwheat.

Michael's story recalls his life in Chapleau between 1952-54 when he lived there with his parents Margaret and Keith McMullen. It is a great read about growing up in the 50s. While living in Chapleau, Michael met Alison McMillan, who later became his wife.

Although he only lived in Chapleau a short time, he is a member of one of Chapleau's founding families. His great-great uncle Patrick Mulligan arrived in 1885 and was one of Chapleau's first merchants. Mulligan's Bay is also named after him. Full disclosure: Michael's grandmother May (Mulligan) McMullen and mine, Lil (Mulligan) Morris were sisters.

Here is link to Michael's story: http://michaeljmorrisreports.blogspot.com/2010/04/michael-mcmullen-recalls-life-in.html

In 2010, my blog had over 33000 visitors  bringing the grand total since I started it to over 52000. You have arrived there from 1166 different cities in 67 countries, and have come from all 10 Canadian provinces and the three territories. Thanks for visiting.

The story about the death of Dr. G.E. Young in November attracted the second highest number of visitors, and all the stories about him had more than 2,500 visitors.The others were tributes to him, his founding of the beach, his cable TV system and photos of his building at Christmas.

The photo display of Chapleau in the Fifties, provided by David McMillan came third, while the post on the death of Rev. William P Ivey took fourth spot.

In fifth place was the election of Tom Corston, a Chapleau boy, as the ninth Anglican Bishop of Moosonee. St. John's Church in Chapleau is Tom's home parish and he travelled home to conduct the Christmas Eve service. He told me it was the first time since 1974 when he was a young deacon that he had been home for Christmas Eve service.

Finally, thank you so much to all those who have contributed in the past year. Many of the articles have also appeared in my Chapleau Moments column in the Chapleau Express, and I extend a special thanks to Mario Lafreniere, the publisher. for his cooperation.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

The Huron Carol in Huron, English and French!

What a wonderful surprise it was today to receive an email from Patricia Carroll, the younger sister of Madeleine, who was in the same class as me at Chapleau High School in the Fifties. And she attached an awesome rendtition of The Huron Carol in Huron, English and French. Thanks so much Patricia.

Here is Patricia's email:

You may not know me but I remember you when I was 10 yrs. old living in Chapleau with my sister Monica and brother in law Andre Thibault circa 1955 to 1957. I am Madeleine Carroll's youngest sister, Patricia also aunt to Rick, Ron and Jamie Thibault. When I say I remember you, it means I remember seeing you on the main street as I remember so many faces going and coming from school and knowing the names and nicknames. I live in Windsor and I am retired from Chrysler Canada Ltd. I have many fond memories of Chapleau and its wonderful residents, of which many were my relatives.

My mother's first cousin Father Albert Burns was a Jesuit and parish priest of Sacred Heart church in Chapleau. At this special time of the year I would like to pass this beautiful carol (hymn) which is sung in Huron, French and English. Most importantly it was written by the Jesuit martyr, Jean de Breboeuf and is considered to be the oldest North American Christmas carol.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year, Michael and I love reading your report on a regular basis even though I have been away from Chapleau for 53 years.

Here is the beautiful Huron Carol written by Jean de Breboeuf so very long ago!

Mona (Alajoki) MacKenzie 'strange feeling' no snow while in United Arab Emirates at Christmas

Mona (Alajoki) MacKenzie, a former student from my days at Chapleau High School has had the opportunity to live in United Arab Emirates, including Christmas away from Canada. Mona kindly shared the experience.


Here is Mona's story:

For ourselves, we tried to find a getaway vacations, anywhere within reasonable flight range, 5 hours or so. We went to the Philippines, Egypt, Kuala Lampor, Oman, India and Malaysia, just to name a few.

While we were in Pakistan, we joined the United Nations Club, they were wonderful. They provided a variety of different cuisines and entertainment from all nationalities.

During our stay in the United Arab Emirates, we joined the Canadian Club, Abu Dhabi, which also has a web presence on Facebook. (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84165812325)
 The club focused on Canadian Expats, bringing them closer to one another while away from Canada.

It is a very strange feeling, not seeing the snow, hmmm, When I first went to the Middle East, there was very little in the form of recognizing the Christian Holiday. And this last year there, they had many themes in the Malls with Christmas  Trees and decorations. It was nice to see.

Many of the 5 * Hotels always had a Christmas Theme, with banquets to celebrate the season.

I also realize, that this was meant for the tourists from Europe, as there has been an increasing number

LOL, I wish I could have sent you something, a little more exciting; however, we did enjoy scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, wind surfing, kayaking and mountain hiking, on our many trips away from the UAE.

Mona Lisa (Alajoki) MacKenzie

Thanks for sharing Mona...mj