19 April, 2022
I doubt that anything has given me more pleasure for a very long time, than being able to present the 2022 Waterloo Region Nature Conservation Award to Dave, Sandy and Jamie, truly paragons of conservation, an inspiration to us all.
It was a miserable, rainy day outside, and we were all glad to be in the warmth of their lovely home to conduct the ceremony.
For most of us, perhaps all, it was our largest face-to-face gathering since COVID descended on us like the sword of Damocles. We were all happy to rejoice in each other's company and to come together to celebrate with Dave, Sandy and Jamie. It was fortunate too that Sandy and Jamie's daughter Kate, her husband, Andy and their two children were visiting from Scotland so they could share in the festivities with us.
A sumptuous table of food awaited us once the formalities were over, with wine, beer, tea and coffee.
People kept arriving; old friendships were renewed.
When all had arrived I asked everyone to gather round while the presentation was made. I had wrapped the plaque so that no one would be able to see it until the award was handed to the recipients.
Time to unwrap!
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Dave and Sandy joined me while everyone looked on with deep appreciation of the benefits we have all received from our association with SpruceHaven.
After a few minutes of suitable comments the award was handed over.
Jamie is normally a taciturn kind of fellow, but teared up a little as he said a few words.
Sandy's eyes look a little moist too!
Dave began to wax rhapsodic as only Dave can, much to the enjoyment of all present.
You cannot begin to imagine the degree of love and respect we have for this man.
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Miriam was immersed in the gravitas of the event.
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Jim looked pensive.
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Miriam seized the opportunity to get caught up with Anne.
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Greg lent his patrician presence to the gathering.
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And Miriam and Lorraine took great delight in being together again for the first time since COVID disrupted our lives.
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But the day belonged to Dave, Jamie and Sandy, our friends, our colleagues, our fellow nature lovers, our conservation models, veritable exemplars of humanity in a troubled world.
We salute you now and always; our lives are richer because of you.
What a wonderful gathering and tribute. Have a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDelete...and may each generation be blessed with its quota of such folk!!! Well done all. YAM xx
R=Reef
I am so glad you can meet after covid19 is gone (for the moment). You was lucky who could unwrap the big surprise, David. What a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
...a great time spent with dear friends, I hope that you enjoy many more!
ReplyDeleteTime spent with friends is precious.
ReplyDeleteAnd these people are the very best.
DeleteEnhorabuena por ese Premio de Conservación a la Naturaleza y bien festejado en esa buena reunión de amigos que aman la vida sana y saben cuidar su ambiente. Mucha alegría en vuestra caras. Felicidades a Todos
ReplyDeleteBuen jueves David
Un abrazo.
What a wonderful event, David. They have done so very much and I'm so glad you could finally gather together and offer great praise for these wonderful people. A grand and beautiful occasion!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post in these sad imes, it's good to read about great people who give their time and energy to preserve nature. Le#s hope for more such gatherings in he future! BIG hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteGood Morning David, I'm not sure how I came upon your blog, but I'm thrilled that I have. I've gone through previous posts back to March 25th and enjoyed them all. The only thing that would have made them better is that I would have been walking along with your group and enjoying the wildlife and our glorious countryside. Your photography is amazing and I feel blessed to have been able to enjoy it through your work. Again thank you :)
ReplyDeleteHi: Connie. Thanks for dropping by. I will go over you blog right now to reciprocate. Glad you enjoyed your visit. David
DeleteWhat a wonderful occasion - and post. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Dave, Sandy and Jamie! That's a fantastic event, David.
ReplyDeletehello David
ReplyDeleteI am very touched when I read this post
To receive such an award is great, but then still in the circle of the best friends.. the tears of emotion have to escape.
Greetings Frank
Bravo!
ReplyDeleteFrom past blog posts by yourself, David, this was clearly a well deserved award. Congratulations to Dave, Sandy, and Jamie. I also note that there were a few other deserving people at the event - an illustrious gathering indeed!
ReplyDeleteThere were some wonderful, committed educators and naturalists there.
DeleteUn maravilloso homenaje, mis más sinceras felicitaciones. Las imágenes hablan por si solas y son la muestra de personas y de lo que representan, hay imágenes que valen más que mil palabras estimado amigo.
ReplyDeleteUn gran abrazo apreciado David y transmite mis felicitaciones a tan buenos amigos como personas.
Estaré segura de hacerlo, amigo Juan.
DeleteHow lovely to be able to honor these special people and thank you for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a treat to see old and new friends gather for this event. The Covid has kept people apart for too long and I hope this will be the beginnings for many more gatherings for you, your family and friends. Everyone looks just happy to be celebrating together. Raining and cold outside, warm friendships renewed inside.
ReplyDeleteA very emotional post! Oh, and, of course: congratulations!
ReplyDeleteC'est une très belle journée avec beaucoup de souvenirs et de joie.
ReplyDeleteCela devait être formidable. Bonne journée
Nice design of the award. Congratulations to the winners!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Dave, Jamie and Sandy - it was a lovely way for you all to show your friends how much they are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAppreciation and recognition in a lovely post !
ReplyDeleteHave a cozy weekend !
Anna
Great post and a lovely set of photos. Many deserving people there I am sure but congratulations to Dave, Sandy, and Jamie. Keep well Diane
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a wonderful event. It's nice you can share the award with your friends. Congrats the 3 winners. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteA beautiful award. Nice to spent time with your friends after the covid. Congrats to Davy, Sandy and Jamie. Have a nice weekend !
ReplyDeleteRecognition truly deserved for Dave, Sandy and Jamie!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Carol.
DeleteBeautiful!!...what a wonderful way to recognize Dave, Jamie and Sandy...and a nice and delicious way to share friendship with good food!....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful presentation and gathering of friends and colleagues. It is wonderful that you were able to get together for the event now that it is reasonably safe. I have a great appreciation for those who commit so much of themselves to the earth and all it's wonderful inhabitants. Oh that there were more like you and your group of friends. I don't know if our efforts will change anything or if, in the long run, the indifference of the masses will overwhelm the environment not in a good way. But it gives me hope when I follow you and know that there are those who care and are willing to work for a better life for all. Thank you David ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
A beautiful event and gathering of friends.
ReplyDeleteHi David - how wonderful ... brilliant photos and congratulations to those three for their award; it looks a wonderful get-together ... fabulous - so pleased for you. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Dave, Jamie and Sandy. Looks like a great gathering of friends and nature lovers. Wonderful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy you day and happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Congratulations to your friends. The word is lucky to have such people. May new generations be inspired to do even more.
ReplyDeleteWorld. Not word!
DeleteI read exactly what you intended.
DeleteGood for them ! Nice to see recognition of people’s efforts...
ReplyDeleteHermosa reunión con gente destacada, muy bien por el reconocimiento a ellos. Saludos
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I love it when people are recognized for their achievements! Very nice for everyone!
ReplyDeleteA great meeting in these difficult times.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Dave, Sandy and Jamie
Hugs and greetings.
Cheers to friendship and love and to you all!
ReplyDeleteOutstanding!
ReplyDeleteThis is what binds humans. Commons interests. Mutual respect. Abiding friendship.
Wonderful tribute! Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteHi David, I see you take a break. I have something that might interest you today, see here, if you like.
ReplyDeleteSuch warm encounter and hommage to these people! Yes, the world continues to be troubled but good friendship lasts even long times of no seeing each other.
ReplyDeleteWonderful gathering! Great narration of these pleasing personalities.
ReplyDeleteMis felicitaciones por los premios y por la celebración ¡grandes momentos y grandes amigos!
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos.
How extraordinary. Exciting & chilling to read all the accolades and enjoyment/appreciation of all.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing all with us this week & linking up.
Congratulations to Dave, Sandy and Jamie for their award. Looked like a wonderful gathering and I enjoyed your heartwarming narrative and wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photo reportage of such a special event for everyone, but especially for your honored friends, Dave, Jamie and Sandy. Being with friends is always a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt, all the tributes offered to conservationists are greatly deserved and if they are also given to close people and friends, the recognition is sure to be very moving. a hug bob
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful time spent with dear friends!
ReplyDeleteA most memorable occasion, David.
MY eyes teared up as I read this post! Such a sweet tribute to wonderful people! PS: I would LOVE to have some of those sandwiches!!! ☺
ReplyDeleteAnd there were lots left at the end, Rain.
DeleteCongratulations to the three winners. The warmth and admiration can be felt through the pictures.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely gathering and a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Muchas felicidades para los ganadores y besos y abrazos para todos.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Dave Jamie and Sandy!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to read this news! A very well deserved award to three people who have contributed so much to nature and conservation in our area. Having visited Sprucehaven several times, I can attest to the warmth and commitment of David, Sandy and Jamie. Such a beautiful and welcoming place with wonderful people. Congratulations to all of you!
ReplyDelete