If a tree falls in the forest...

(SKF writing on Esti's page)

If Levi Yitzchok Gourarie (Sydney) visits Ottawa but doesn't see Parliament or any of the other world-class attractions for which the Nation's Capital (Canada) is famous...does it count as a true visit?

We think not! And therefore insist that he make a (many) return visit in the near future!

Yes, in addition to welcoming her son home for Zois Chanuka, Esti Gourarie (Ottawa)had the singular zechus of entertaining and hosting her nephew - who she had not seen for almost eleven years!

The trip was a huge success. Levi managed to catch up on some sleep - too bad it was while SKF was sharing a Torah thought at the Shabbos table; kept his Chitas schedule - in between rounds of Monopoly - wherein he demonstrated his keen Gourarie business skill...NOT - must come from the Zwiebel gene pool, because he consistently was bankrupt by the end of the game.

At least he could enjoy the wonderful winter sports in Ottawa...Alas, again NOT. For the first time in recorded history, Ottawa did not enjoy a White chogo. It is unseasonably warm and Levikel, the ever ready boy scout (their motto is "be prepared") was even prepared with galoshen...which stood quietly in the corner throughout the trip. In fact, they are still there because in his puzzling rush to escape the tranquility of our Beis Chabad, he left them behind...Just one more thing for me to shlep to Toronto next week.

On the other hand...he ate all his vegetables (okay, we are counting ketchup as a vegetable as well as latkes), went to mikveh each morning and learned two bonus Sichos with his cousin, just because!

A beautiful, gentle and cheinifdike bochur regarding whom his parents are justifiably proud. We are grateful to him for visiting and making our Chanuka even brighter than it already was.

The only one who was not especially enthusiastic about his visit, was Rabbi Bulka. For some reason he has developed a certain wariness about family members and when he heard that Moishele's cousin was coming, memories of Hirshel flashed before his eyes and he cowered in the corner, fearing another encounter with a "Keser zealot"... You will have to ask Hirshel for details.

Anyways, it is time to tidy up and do some work. A good day to all...please offer your feedback...positive reinforcement always prompts more posts.

SKF