Day 129 - Boyle Bound!

Now... where were we??? Oh yes, hot yoga & perogies... I was up around 0900 at Corre's the next morning. I wanted to get a good start on the day & make it to Sylvia's before dark. I enjoyed another great visit with Corre & Mike in the morning & said farewell around 1300. I wanted to swing past the Bay & see if they had any hoodies left, but nothing. I texted Sylvia from the mall to see if she needed anything. I didn't hear from her, so I guessed that was a 'no'.

I managed to find my way out of the city thanks to Corre & Mike's directions. I must say, I find Edmonton crazily confusing to navigate. Perhaps it's the mountain view I'm missing to help me keep my sense of direction! Regardless, I was en route towards Redwater. I had told Sylvia in my text that I would text her again from Redwater to let her know I was getting close to Boyle. She had emailed me a few days ago & said she would meet me in town. I took that as either she thinks I'm terrible with directions or she lives way out in the middle of nowhere. Either way, I was excited to see her!

I made it to Redwater & still no news from Sylvia. I checked the number I'd texted & lo & behold, it was her old cell number. I texted the new one & no reply. I called. No reply. Hmm. I sure hope she's home! I certainly don't know anyone else that lives this far north! :o) (It's really not that far after all, the map just makes it look intimidating!) Finally, I pass the sign that reads: 

Boyle        54 km

Okay. Time to call the house & cross my fingers. I call. She answers! She casually chit chats & I come to realize that she doesn't know I'm on my way to see her! I ask her if she still wants to meet me in Boyle & when she says yes, I tell her I just passed the 54 km sign. 'OH! OH MY GOSH! YOU'RE ALMOST HERE! YOU'RE COMING!' I love Sylvia! Her reactions are worth their weight in gold! She quickly says goodbye & hops into the truck. 

Sylvia & I met when we both worked at Three Bars Ranch in Cranbrook, BC. We were both Wranglers, taking guests out on the trails & boy did we have a blast! We were both set to work on cruise ships together, but those darned boys kept intervening! Anyhow, she's happily married with the most adorable son, who steals my heart every time he calls me Aunty Jill! Yes, Sylvia was a bridesmaid too! 

So we met at 'Hooters' - don't worry, it's the name of the gas station! I was beginning to wonder what kind of a town Boyle was when she said Hooters! :o) I followed her along the highway & when we turned off the pavement, I understood why she met me. It was a maze! Curves, turns, north, south, east, west, I've never been so lost! But it was well worth the trip. She has a beautiful home, tucked back in the woods & her husband, Gary, has done a marvelous job to create the yard, garden, tack shed, & corrals just for her! What a sweetheart!

Drayton, their son, had a blast playing with Valentina. They put a lot of miles on in a few short hours! We went for a walk outside, met the ponies & pooch, as well as their nearby natural skating rink. Little did I know, but there are a lot of lakes around that area & just a few minutes from home, there are 100+ summer homes. But the best part is the beautiful playground & park area. What a wonderful place to spend your days as a child! Picnics with Mom on the dock, swing sets & a jungle gym! How fun is that?!?

Gary was off to work that evening, so Sylvia & I enjoyed a wonderful visit while we watched the closing ceremonies for the Olympics. We were both wiped, so we called it a night & planned to be up around 8 or 9.

Sweet dreams!

Maria & Valentina

xxxxxxxx

Out for a stroll...

What a cutie!

Time passes by.

Big dog, small dog.

Tweet Pea has a sleep with Drayton!

Valentina's first slide ride!

Born to be buddies!

The Family!

Day 128 & Three Quarters - Biopsy Results. Or Not.

Hey Everybody! 


Thanks for your prayers & happy thoughts! It has given me another week of healing time. I waited in that puny little room for 2.5 hours with a very bored dog (& a very bored owner!) only to be told that the results weren't back yet. The Pathologist had looked at the samples, but hadn't written up his report yet. (He's enjoying Spring too, I suppose!)


It was $8.75 in parking, grrr, but I'm quite happy to have another week to focus on healing & finding direction for my life... I'll keep you posted & tomorrow I'll get back to blogging about the rest of the road trip! Time flies when you're having fun!!!


Love & hugs & thanks again for your support!
A very tired pair,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxox

Day 128 & a half - Biopsy Results

Okay, so I'm still trying to get caught up on the blog from the road trip, but I had to interrupt & ask for:

• prayers
• positive vibes
• healing thoughts & energy
• happy thoughts
• hugs & smiles & kisses too!
• whatever good stuff you can throw my way!

The biopsy results will be in on Thursday. Please say a little prayer for the results to work in my favor. Another 'Negative for malignancies' would be AWESOME! 

I've been telling everyone that the lumps are just a visualization gone horribly wrong. I used to visualize my boobs growing right before bed. I would fall asleep half way through the visualization, so I guess the fat stopped en route, hence the lumps in my neck, chest & armpit! :o) Lord help me if it finally ends up where I wanted it to go! Hello Dolly!

Have a good night, a good laugh & a great life!

xxxxx

Maria & Valentina

Day 128 - All In A Day

Today was another relatively early start. I was off to Leduc to watch Alina, Kerry & Shawn's daughter, also Janis & Dustin's niece, play ringette. Janis drew me a map to get to the rink the back way & I was off. The rink was amazing! Brand new & quite schwanky! I was impressed & I don't even skate!

Kerry is very easy to spot in the crowd. Gorgeous little blonde who looks like she just stepped out of a Vogue magazine. Her little boy, Mason, has the same striking blond hair. I spotted him sitting with his Dad. Kerry was sitting in the centre of the bleachers & I made my way over to her. I'd smuggled Valentina into the rink, so of course the gals sitting around Kerry had to have a peek at 'what was in the bag'. Kerry & I had a little visit while we watched Alina's team win the game! Hooray! (FYI - they made it to provincials!)

After the game we went to this fantastic Greek/Italian/French/everything else restaurant for lunch. It was wonderful to spend time with Kerry's family. Usually when I meet up with her, it's her & a few other friends, so this was extra special to me! Kerry & I met in College & although she couldn't make it, she, too, was supposed to be a bridesmaid at Wedding #3. (there were 15 bridesmaids, so keep counting!) Kerry is one of the busiest Moms I know. In fact, I don't think I know a busier one! She is always on the go & kudos to her for having the oompf to get up before her family, hit the gym & be back in time for breakfast before anyone has woken! 

Although our visit was short & sweet, I'm hoping to stop in for a quick hello & hug on my way back. And here's hoping they'll make it down to K-Country this summer to visit! 

After I said farewell to the family, I was on my way into the city to visit Corre. Corre is another friend from College. Her & I were inseparable during those 2 years. We would spend all day together in class & then go home & talk for 2 hours on the phone to each other. She was also a bridesmaid! She teaches near Edmonton now & recently moved in with her man. I'd never met him, so I was quite excited to meet Mr. Wonderful! 

I had been texting Corre that morning, as I was still waiting for directions on how to find her house. She had said something about 'a novel', but I didn't understand her, so I just called to find out. Apparently my phone is anti-directional, as I never received the text with the directions in it! Funnily enough, I did receive a few 'spam' texts that were all jumbled numbers & letters. Sorry, but woman's intuition will only get me so far & in Edmonton, that's not even close!!! I drove forever & ever on Anthony Henday or Tenday or something like that. I thought I'd be at Sylvia's before I ever reached Corre's! (Sylvia lives north of Edmonton a fair distance)

Eventually I pulled up in front of her house & she came out to greet me. I was so happy to see her! She is next to impossible to track down & I later discovered why... She teaches full time, on top of coaching basketball & volleyball! Yikes! I met Mike & was also greeted by Zeus, their dog that Corre's former roommate rescued from the Reservation at Fort Chipewyn. Valentina loved Zeus. I'm not too certain it was mutual. If Valentina's nose wasn't in Zeus' face, it was in her, well, other end. Poor Zeus! Anyhow, we took the dogs for an hour long walk. Oh my gosh, I'm out of shape & Corre motors! I was trotting to keep up! When we got back to the house, I sat down & Corre said, 'Are you ready for hot yoga?' Gulp. 'Yeah, sure.' Oh dear, I might be here for 5 days until I can move again!!!

While we discussed yoga & supper, we threw the ball for Zeus. I've never seen such a dog. She was obsessed with her ball & would do anything for you to throw it. She would even put the ball gently into your hand, time after time. At one point, Valentina had the tennis ball. I don't know how she managed to fit it into her little mouth, but in any case, she approached Zeus & gave the ball to her via mouth-to-mouth. It was very cute!

Mike agreed to stay at home with 'the Girls' while Corre & I ventured out. She had done hot yoga before, I had not. I had no clue what to expect, only that I hadn't done yoga for a very long time. I loved it! It was so nice & warm & it felt really good to sweat! The room was chokka block full & it wasn't too insane of a workout. Perhaps the most embarrassing moment of my life came about when I accidentally added a little 'hot air' to the room & unfortunately it wasn't that silent. Just my luck the 'cutest (gay) boy in class' was on the mat next to me. What?! It could've been the girl behind me! Phew, she was sweating pure nicotine! Ugh! Anyhow, it was a brilliant class & I'd love to do it again! Hopefully a little less embarrassing!!

After our 2 malicious workouts, we went to Culina for supper. It was fantastic! Okay, so we were a little sweaty & a tad underdressed, but it was still scrumptious! I would highly recommend it! They even had rooibos tea! Sigh. A little reminder of my Honey while I'm on the road! Miss you Handsome!

On our way home, we stopped at Zellers. I got the bright idea that I wanted to get a red 'Canada' olympics zip hoodie. Yeah right. If you know of anyone who doesn't want theirs, I'm a size S! We returned home to find 'the Girls' keeping Mike company. Zeus on top of the couch behind him & Valentina on the blanket with Mike. What a great day. I'm so blessed to have so many wonderful friends! This has been a great trip!

Sleep well & here's hoping my body still loves me tomorrow!

Maria & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Alina is number 6 - under the ref. And check out that scoreboard! Way to go!

Shawn, Kerry, Mason, Alina & myself.

Walkin' the dogs along the river

If I was smart, I would have taken the camera out at the start of the class, but oh well. It adds some 'ambience' to the photo! :o)

Hot & Steamy! 

Culina! Funky logo!

Mike & Valentina - she just makes herself at home!

Corre & Zeus, who is thinking, 'When are you leaving with that mutt??!!'

Day 127 - Alberta Bound

Today was my last day in fair Saskatchewan. I was up early by my standards, but Kristina's Mom & Dad were long gone by the time I opened my eyes. Kristina was up & ready for work & we had a quick chat before she was out the door too. Now, it was just lil' Miss V & me. 


I quickly showered & swallowed my morning pills, loaded up a plethora of bags & hollered & hollered for my darn dog to come get in the car. I tell you, when her nose decides its onto something, there's no hope! 


I managed to get lost in North Battleford. Pathetic, yes. But those phone book maps are no good for nothin'! I was trying to find City Hall to visit my friend Mike. Mike & I went to school in Golden Prairie many, many moons ago. He was one of four groomsmen at Wedding #3. He has spent the past 10 years in Broadcasting & Communications & now he has recently made a shift & works for the City of North Battleford doing Marketing. 


Mike is a hoot. I can remember laughing with him when I was in elementary. I'm still laughing today! I visited him at his office & somehow the topic of dry air & dry skin came up... He proceeds to tell me, 'Yeah, just use Head & Shoulders' (This coming from the bald guy) Then he adds, 'But they really need to make a Head & Shoulders Saskatchewan.' I thought that was pretty funny. It's so dry the province needs it's own brand of shampoo & conditioner! Ha! We shared some mini oranges & Valentina showed him her tricks. By then it was time for lunch. Mike had a date & I had to hit the road. As we're going out the back way, what do you know, it's the Mayor. Of course it is! Who else would you meet at City Hall but Mike & the Mayor?!? Mike drove me the half block to my car, although we drove past it twice because I don't think he believed me when I said the oldest car in the lot was mine. Poor Contemplate. 


On the road again... I was headed for Wainwright. I was stopping in to see Roxie, the dog lady. Roxie is the lady who raised Valentina. She has Pebbles, Valentina's mommy, and I drove to her house twice last summer to pick out & pick up my little baby. It was really quite amazing. Valentina knew exactly where she was. She started whining & fussing as soon as I pulled up. She ran up the walk way, all excited about her homecoming! Her mother had another batch of puppies, so the two of them didn't meet, but Valentina had a blast playing with Macie, Roxie's granddaughter. Macie especially enjoyed Valentina following her through the tent & it's tunnels! I waited until Cohby, Roxie's son, was home from school to show them her tricks. Roxie was so impressed, she said she wanted Valentina back! Ha! I offered to train her new pups for her! :o) If you need/want a little doxie, let me know & I'll put you in touch with her!


I still had a ways to go, so I said goodbye & headed out on the road again. My final stop for the night was Janis & Dustin's house. I rolled in just before 1900 & was happy to turn off the car for the night! Valentina had a wee outside & then proceeded to make a 'deposit' at the top of Dustin & Janis' stairs. Way to make a first impression! Argh! I was so mad! Thank goodness they have 2 dogs & were forgiving. (Janis & Dustin, not the dogs!) Janis' cousin, Shantala, was there & we enjoyed a wonderful night of visiting & laughing. Janis & I met in College & she was also a bridesmaid at Wedding #3. Her & Dustin have the cutest little boy, Caleb. I think it's amazing to see them all in action. Dustin & Janis are both very calm people, they are a perfect match for each other. Their little boy, Caleb, is exactly like them. Calm, cool & collected. Even their dogs are chilled out! It's really quite the sight! I love it!


Janis is a teacher, an exceptional artist & very creative. I love her house & sense of style. She has recently ventured into a web based business - http://www.littletreehugger.ca - selling eco-baby goods. She had just been to the health food store & picked up some delish dishes for her guest! How spoiled am I? Even my favourite Luna bar! We visited until 0100 when our eyes got tired... Shantala had gone out on the town & Dustin went to work.  The bed called me name & I was out like a light! What a fun-filled day!


Tomorrow will soon be here!
Lekker slaap,
Maria & Valentina
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Uncle Mike & Valentina

Reminds me of a Bryan Adams song.

Beautiful blue skies

Enjoying the ride

Still enjoying the ride, just a bit unconscious

'...She wears short skirts, I wear t-shirts... She's Cheer captain & I'm on the bleachers...'    - nothing like a little Taylor Swift to spice up the drive!

Macie & Valentina

Valentina & Caleb - they were both so excited!

Valentina learns to pick on someone her own size!

Caleb - beautiful blue eyes!

Day 126 - Northern Bound

Yes, I slept another good stretch. 2030 - 0900! Guess I was hard done by for sleep! In any case, I woke up without that dreadful headache, so I was happy about that!


Trisha & I had a wonderful visit for the remainder of the morning. The boys played with Valentina & kept all of us entertained! We got ready & left for the city. We were all stopping by Granny's & then Trisha had appointments & I was off to North Battleford. 


Granny was excited to see the boys & Trisha, too. She visited with Trisha for a little while & then it was time for them to go. Valentina kept running out the door to see the neighbours, so I was rather distracted chasing after her! 


I said farewell to Trisha & co. & promised to give her more notice next time I was coming. :o) I like surprises! Sorry! Granny & I visited for a little while longer. Today she asked me more questions than the previous day. Sadly Granny's hearing & eyesight isn't too well anymore. She can't hear much of what I say & I hate to raise my voice too much, as I feel like I'm hollering. (Believe me, my Mother let's me know when I'm quiet vs. when I holler & apparently there isn't much difference) Anyhow, we made the most of our situation & I hugged & kissed her goodbye. I wish I could visit her every day! And I really wish I could fix her hearing & sight! I can't imagine how frustrating that must be! I have tried & tried to convince her to move closer, but she likes Saskatoon & wouldn't have it any other way.


I stopped at Costco & fueled up ol' Contemplate for the next leg of the journey. I wish our Costco had fuel! Must be something to do with that camo flower wrap... With only 1.5 hours between me & my destination, I was on my way! 


I love how Saskatchewan has little one horse towns dotted every 15-25 kms along the way. I can just imagine back in the day when the railroad pulled through these tiny hamlets & there was just one general store. Everyone had an account at the store & things barely cost a dime! 


I called Kristina for directions as I pulled into Battleford. She is teaching this semester in her old home town. I haven't been to her house since she graduated from high school back in 1998. I guess she hadn't been home for a while too, as her directions omitted a new traffic light! :o) All good, I love a challenge! She put me back on track & I found her place no problem. I remember her house being 'the end of the line' on the block. It's not like that anymore! The entire area is developed with no open spaces! The times they are a changin'! 


Kristina & I have been friends since Kindergarten. Her family moved, as did mine, but they had a summer cottage close to where my family ended up, so it was easy to keep in touch! She was also a bridesmaid at Wedding #3. She had just returned from a cruise out of San Diego, so I was excited to hear all about it!


Her parents are absolutely wonderful. I get the idea that their world currently revolves around their 1 year old grandson, Luke. Kristina was telling me that 'Luke' asked Grandma & Grandpa for a hot tub at the cabin, because whatever Luke wants, Luke gets. Wink, wink... Kristina's Dad, Guy, made us a delicious shrimp, scallop & veggie stir fry for supper. BTW, Guy isn't pronounced guh-eye, as in man, but Gee, no, not jee, guh-ee. Kristina's family is French. 


When I was trying to tell Granny where I was headed next, she had quite the troubles understanding me. She asked who I knew in Battleford & when I said Kristina (whom Granny knows), Granny asked, 'Who?'
'Kristina'
'Who?'
'Irina? They must be German or Italian?'
'No, they're Canadian.' (I thought of saying, 'No, they're French', but that would have only added to the confusion.)
'Oh. How did you meet her?'
'We've known each other since Kindergarten.' (I hoped that would trigger a memory)
'And you've kept in touch all these years? That's wonderful.'
'Yes, she's a great friend.'


Kristina's Mom, Doris, arrived just in time for supper & we enjoyed a wonderful evening of catching up & of course, some more olympics! We watched the mens aerials & some of the women's figure skating. I'm still trying to figure out how they judge them. Everything happens so fast! Of course, we watched Joannie Rochette skate & yeah, I got all lumpy in the throat (adding to the neck!) :o) And then there was the 30 year old aerialist from Calgary. They announced that & I'm thinking to myself, 'Gosh, I'm 30. What happened? Where did I go wrong & miss my Olympic career? Hmpf.'


Kristina & I caught up on her trip & she shared with me what it is like on the 'Other Side'. Her cruise was with Carnival & the majority of my sailing experience has been with Princess. It was interesting to hear how they ran the show. Of course she had a great time! She was attending the onboard wedding of one of her longtime friends. And San Diego is a hard city not to enjoy!


We hit the hay relatively early. Kristina had a busy weekend planned & I had a full day's drive ahead of me. Thanks for a wonderful visit, er, merci beaucoup et a bientot! :o) 


Bonne soir!
Maria & Valentina
xxxxx

Kristina & her beautiful smile! And check out that tan!!! :o)

Day 125 - Zzzzzzzz. More zzzzzzzz.

After a very short night, I was surprised to wake myself up at 0830 the next morning. Trisha was busy with the kids & had to leave, so I took the opportunity to go back to bed for an hour or two. Or five.

Yes, I woke up at 1400! Holy smokes! I slept the entire day away! I couldn’t believe it! I had planned on heading into Saskatoon to visit Granny some more. She would be wondering where I had disappeared to!

I did my best to hustle & by the time I left it was nearly 1600. (Yes, I’m slow!) Granny was just finishing her supper & was surprised to see me. She thought I’d abandoned her! She thought maybe she’d said something that upset me & I wasn’t coming back! Poor gal! I reassured her I’d always come back, no matter what she did or didn’t say!

I wheeled her back to her room & for the next 2.5 hours she talked non-stop. She told me stories of her family from when she was young, growing up with a mother who treated her like a maid, having 8 other brothers & sisters; she talked about her cousins, nieces, nephews & how things used to be. Her memory is so sharp for her age. She can remember more than I can in my 30 years! I enjoyed listening to her recollect the wonderful memories of days gone by.

Unfortunately a headache swept over me & my head was splitting by 2000. I figured, in any case, she would be ready for bed & I knew I was! I said goodnight & told her I’d stop in earlier tomorrow on my way to North Battleford.

I drove back out to Trisha & Brad’s, my head pounding the entire way. Trisha was at a parenting class & Brad was watching the hockey game. I apologized for being anti-social & went straight to bed. My face slathered in peppermint oil, my eyes crying from the intensity of the oil, I drifted into slumber.

Sweet dreams & here’s to a pain free tomorrow!

xxxxxx

Maria & Valentina

On a small side note - Trisha & I met when we were 13 years old. My Granny & her Aunt set us up on a blind date. Trisha is now married to Brad & they have 2 beautiful boys - Buster & Huxley. The boys are a ton of fun & little charmers. It's been fun to watch them grow thus far! Trisha was also a bridesmaid at Wedding #3 - Waterton.

Buster & Huxley with Valentina. How adorable are these boys?!?

Trisha & her boys

Buster & Valentina

Huxley flashing the camera! Don't let his good looks & charm fool you!

Day 124 - Granny's 95th Birthday!

Wow. How many people do you know who have made it to 95 years old. My Granny is one amazing gal!

I left Grandma B’s around 10 – one hour behind schedule. She had me drop off a garbage bin she’d sold to a lady across town. By the time I finally found the place, I knock on the door, bin in hand, only to have the old bitty say to me, ‘Oh, no. That’s not what I want! I don’t want that! You can keep it!’ Thanks for coming out! I had paid Grandma B $10 for the bin, thinking the lady would pay me $10 for the bin. I didn’t have time to go back to Grandma B’s, so I left for Saskatoon, bin in car. I would send it back with Mom the next day when she left Saskatoon for home.

It was another long & relatively uneventful drive. I passed the time by taking ‘drive by shootings’ out the car windows, texting, listening to my iPod & singing my heart out. I managed to make decent time & stopped in Delisle for fuel. It’s generally a few cents cheaper than the city.

Mom had met up with Aunty Laureen & her daughter, Joleen, and Joleen’s three kids, Adison, Rhett & Nate. They were at the food court in the mall nearby & were on their way. Granny had no clue we were coming. I snuck up to the room to surprise her & she was certainly shocked! Even more so when Mom, Laureen, Joleen & kids came through the door!

We enjoyed cake, sang happy birthday & shortly after cake, Aunty Margaret showed up another cake! She was soon followed my Uncle David & Aunt Elva! It turned out to be a real humdinger of a party! And here Granny thought nothing would happen! Ha!

Perhaps the funniest part of the afternoon was when little Rhett explained his potty training to us. You see, when it’s a little poo, he gets a little marshmallow. When it’s a BIG poo (arms WAY up in the air, BIG eyes & an excited voice), he gets a BIG marshmallow! I think he told us again about the small vs. big, but I won’t repeat it! Too cute for 2 & a 1/2!

Pretty soon Granny got tired & we knew that was our cue to leave her alone for awhile. Before we left, Mom & I asked her what she wanted for supper. You’re 95 – splash out! Steak & lobster? Take your pick! Nope, her reply was, ‘Well, a hamburger from McDonald’s would be nice.’ Really? Really, really? Yup. No cheese, no tomato, just plain. I suppose when you’re 95 you can have whatever you want. It sure made me giggle!

We ate dinner with Granny & although I tried to lift the level of dining by offering a salad & some shrimp bruschetta, she would have none of it! We visited a little longer & then I drove Mom to meet Aunty Laureen again. We said goodbye & I left to meet Trisha. Mom was on her way home & I was just getting started!

Trisha was having a Silpada party at a friend’s place. I have never been to one, so it was nice to see some creative silver designs. And NO, I didn’t even buy anything. I think I picked out the most expensive piece in the catalog. Are you surprised? Even more surprised I didn’t take it home with me?

We finally got to Trisha’s house about 2300. We sat & talked until nearly 0200. I was so exhausted! What a day!

I was looking forward to a bit of a lie in – let me tell you!

Have a great sleep & see you tomorrow!

xxxxx

Maria & Valentina

Neat old buildings between Kyle & Elrose

True Definition of 'The Open Road'

Junkyard of old cars outside Kyle, SK

Old trees near the highway outside Kyle. When I was little I used to think that would be a neat place to live because of all the big trees.

Sometimes the horizon blended right in to the landscape!

Again, hard to tell where the land ends & the sky begins!

The Hutterite colony close to where we used to live. I used to go there & play with the hutterite kids.

Our old home. It's the little shack to the left. I remember riding my bicycle - with training wheels, getting my mouth washed out with Zest when I swore. Hey, it wasn't my fault! I took the garbage out with the Boss' nephew. When I came back in the house, I repeated what I'd heard. Mom asked me how it was & I replied, 'We saw a f***ing pussycat!' Oh dear. I was only 3 & I can still remember the Zesty burps. 

My daily reminder that what's behind me doesn't really matter. The past is the past.

Reason #759 why you should never listen to Yanni while driving!

Someone else asleep at the wheel!

388,000 kms on Contemplate. Did I mention it was free? Yes, the dash detaches below the steering wheel & reveals a great hiding place for Mom's missing edamame beans (don't worry, Adios caught the mouse!). Yes, the trunk pops open from time to time when you hit bumps. No, there isn't a stereo. But it was free & it runs!

Uh-oh. Fog ahead!

The fog rolling in & around.

Counting oil wells!

Peeling back the fog & 'I can see clearly now'

The bustling metropolis of Elrose, SK. We lived here from 1982-83.

Whoops, a little more fog!

Granny's 1st Birthday cake & Adison helping Grammy.

Nate - only 6 months, but measures in at 12 months! What a cutie pie!

6 months & 95 years old.

Adison & Valentina sharing cuddles & kisses.

Joleen, Granny, Nate, Adison, Laureen & Rhett - Joleen does something right. These are the best behaved kids I've ever seen! Wow! You deserve a prize!!!

Myself, Granny & Mom

Having a heart-to-heart with Nate.

Rhett & Adison - ready to go home!

Granny & her niece, Margaret

David & Elva - David is Granny's brother-in-law

 

I bought 95 flowers from Costco for Granny.

Yup, it's true. Camo floral wrap. What can I say?