The name Watson which means 'son of Walter' is first recorded in Edinburgh in 1392. George Watson (1767-1837), who was born on his father's estate in Berwickshire, was a distinguished portrait painter who became first President of the Royal Scottish Academy.

 

WATT; MacWATT; WATSON: These names are derived from 'Wat', a diminutive of 'Walter', and as such was common as a baptismal name throughout most of Britain Scottish ancestry should not be assumed on name evidence alone and ancestral links should be established before such claim is made. In the Highlands the name and some derivatives are variously associated with the Forbes' and Buchanans, and to claim such affiliation ancestors would have to have come from the rural areas of Aberdeen and Kincardine shires, or from the glens of Angus where they had association with the Forbes', or from Stirlingshire or western Perthshire, where they had links with the Buchanans. The latter are said to be the posterity of Walter, a son of a Buchanan of Leny, of whom many later used the form 'MacWattie'. 'Watt' was common in Forbes country, especially in Strathdon where it remains popular. Other forms such as Macouat, MacQuattie, MacWatt, Walters, MacWalters and Watson may derive from either source and it would be impossible without genealogical or geographical evidence to ascertain to which race one belonged. Elsewhere in Scotland 'Watt' and 'Watson' were equally popular, and while some may be of Highland descent, many would have been native. 'Watson' is found in Edinburgh by 1392, and with 'Watt', it is noted in records relating to the Lowlands and eastern counties as far north as Aberdeen soon after. 'Watt' appears to have acquired further popularity amongst the fisher-folk of the Moray coast where in a community of 300, 225 were so named. The name 'MacWatters' is largely confined to Caithness and some authorities aver that there they followed the Sinclairs. The diverse kindred of 'Wat' can never have had a chief over all, but in 1818 James Watson of Saughton, Edinburgh, whose line can not now be traced, was the last person to record the undifferenced arms of Watson. The Watson tartan, devised earlier this century enjoys popular use among many of the name.

So far, the bocce season has brought about a few surprises around the league.  The Upper Canada Bocce Association - Simcoe Division experienced it's first officially sanctioned midnight game.  As well, a crop of newcomers have taken their share of liberties on the veterans.  This years pack is more competitive than ever.

 

Results

May 13 - Sanctioned Midnight Game - Lake Simcoe East Shore. 

               Teams: Team Bear (The Hammer)

                            Team Lucy (J-Dub)

               The Winner:  Team Lucy 20-8

 

May 14 - Sanctioned Afternoon Game - Lake Simcoe East Shore.

 

Hey Everyone,

 

I have vids posted on-line for you to view.  So far, I only have vids of my cats and some bocce playing.  But, it's a start.  Still learing how to use the digicam.  Anyway, have a look and tell me what you think.

 

 

 

James.

So I decided to play in an organized shinny game for the summer with my old friend Disco.  He lives very close to Brock Arena on a side street that I am considering buying on.  Not just for a nicer home but, wouldn’t it be cool to live on the same street as your childhood friend/former housemate?  I guess you could say we are close.  Anyway, tonight the guys who are playing all met up at the Monarch tavern for a “Draft”!  No pun intended.  Yes, they decided to pick the teams by holding a draft…..in their hand!  Needless to say, everybody was picked in the first round!

 

Disco and I showed up late.  They moved the time up by an hour which made it that much more difficult for me to make it.  Regardless, we battled traffic and banked the Mobile Transport Unit in record time and made it a half an hour late.  The teams had been picked!  The good news is, we are on the same team.  The good news is, I was selected first overall…….  I was almost embarrassed but a bit proud.  It seems my reputation has preceeded me; by about a goal or two.  You see, I think I am a very good hockey player and probably one of the best among this group.  However, I would never consider myself “The Best”.  I like to play and I play hard.  I love the game and want to be a factor in every game.  Teams win with teamwork!

 

Disco was selected 11^th overall.  I would consider that under valued because he has made tremendouse strides in his game this past year.  His skating, stick handling and positioning have improved significantly.  Plus, he is learning how to be available for a Watson pass.  Whether it is Mike or I, when one of us gets the puck, Disco knows to start skating to an open space and we will find him.  Some of the time.

 

It should be a good summer of hockey fun.  I am looking forward to it.

 

Go Edmonton!

Well the Bocce season officially opened April 14 with the Easter Challenge being played off the East Shores of Lake Simcoe.  Home of the finest rounded pebbles since 1987.  Our first match featured "Lefty" representing Team Bear, versus J-Dub representing Team Lucy. 

 

The referee for the match was a special guest making their first appearance in the Black and White: Tonka.  This reporter has not seen a ref call the play from so close to the ground before!

 

With both players trying to shake off the winter rust, this game got off to a slow start.  After exchanging points in the first 4 frames, the game was tied 3-3.  Then, perhaps due to home court advantage, Lefty took control of the game hammering home 5 points over 3 frames and taking a commanding 8-3 lead.  With the game almost out of reach, J-Dub responded with 4 points to an awkwardly placed Pee that Lefty just couldn't find.  But, it wasn't enough as Lefty kept up the pressure right to the final frame.  With the score showing 11-8 in favor of Lefty, J-Dub had placed a rock almost on top of the Pee and possibly keeping his hopes of a victory alive.  But today was Lefty's day!  With his third shot, he split the rocks and placed for the winning point.  12-8 was the final score.

 

It was a decisive victory for Lefty who played the full game showing off the rejuvenated strength in his reconstructed right shoulder.  It looks like he is ready to shed the Lefty handle an establish himself as a contender this year.

 

The next game will likely be The May 24 Open Tournemant.  With as many as 12 participants, this could turn out to be a showcase of fresh young talent.  Who will emerge as this years powerhouse!

 

 

 

 

Well the weather has been kind enough for me to get my first bocce game in.  Of course, it was not a sanctioned game as I was playing solo.  I found a fantastic little sand pitch overlooking the Lake Ontario.  It made for excellent back drops to the action.

 

Both teams came out shooting well in the beginning.  Green kicked it off by gathering one point if the first frame.  Red followed up with a strong defensive play which earned him a point in the second.  The third frame proved to be a challenge with both teams having a hard time finding a distant pea.  But, Green managed to isolate the pea for 2 points and take a 3-1 lead in the match.  For the fourth frame, Green threw a short game which Red capitalized on by surrounding the pea for 2 points and pulling even in the score.  With time becoming a factor, it was agreed by both teams to play two more frames.  However, during the 5th frame, Green placed all 4 rocks within scoring range with some magnificently placed shots.  It almost seemed pointless for Red to play the final frame.  They would have to pull off a 4 point frame just to tie Green. Unfortunately, Red missed a key take out which ensured that Green would win.  Red finished the frame by earning 2 points.  The final score: Green - 7, Red - 5.

 

Congratulations to both teams for sporting a competitive attitude. 

Yep, things are moving along pretty smoothly on the space development.  The picture section keeps increasing, music has been added to the sight for your listening pleasure, and hey, I got my first comment from someone other than my girlfriend.  Look out Toronto Star, here I come!

 

Last night, I played some shinny up at Chaplin Arena.  I don't think that is the real name of it but, that is what we called it.  As soon as I started pulling into the parking lot, I knew I had played here  before a long time ago.  I must have played in hundreds of different arenas across Ontario and may not remember playing in them but, certainly recognize the buildings.  In some cities, I only know my way around because of the arena.  Toronto has been an interesting experience.  When I was young, I played in the MTHL.  My parents drove me to arenas all over the city; Ted Reeve, North Toronto, Marilyn Bell, Thornhill Community Centre, Brampton Gardens just to name a few.  When I started living in the city and exploring it, I would stumble across these arenas.  I never drove to them when I was young so, I only knew of them by name.  Finding out what their actual locations were was thrilling.  Well, at least for a guy who has many fond memories forged inside arenas. 

 

There is a distinct odour that seems to permeate all arenas.  It is the same scent that I couldn't even begin to describe.  Perhaps it is the smell of hard work, determination, and competition mixed in with deisel.  Or maybe it is just the same industrial cleaning products with their generic "fresh" scent.  It is almost a sweet smell I suppose.

 

Ooops..... here comes my boss!

Hey Blog world,

 

I managed to upload the media player onto my site but, don't have any links for music.  I need some helpful tips.  I have music and video files on my computer.  Does anyone know how I can upload these files to my space?  If not, where do I go to get url links for songs and the like?

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

James.

 

 

Welcome to my space.

 

I am starting this out of necessity but, can see myself really getting into it just like my babes has.  I like the idea of sharing pieces of my life for friends and family to see.  Recently, I have felt the need to share my experiences while I have been away from home.  More particularily pictures of people I have met and places I have  been.  Once in a while these two themes collide.  I guess that goes without saying.

 

Anyway, The TP Boys are on so, I am cutting this short.  Meanwhile, have a look at the pics I have posted.

 

James.