Day 535 - Baby Pictures

Okay, okay, so I REALLY need to start waking up & getting a move on things. We slept in today again. Late. Needless to say we didn’t get much accomplished.

We checked out the granadilla plant again & there were 2 more big blossoms! I helped them pollinate & Jaco checked out the little buds turning into fruit. It’s really quite fascinating!

We also looked at photos of yesteryears & it was brilliant! I am going to turn some of them into digital – just with my camera. I love old photos! It was great to see Jaco’s brother & sister, aunts & uncles, grandparents & parents. And of course, Jaco himself. What a little cutie! I’m so lucky!

This evening I managed to post a few blog posts, but I’m still so far behind! I’m so sorry I’ve been such a slacker – it’s only because I’ve been having a blast! I’m so happy to be finished with chemo & free of the dark cloud! Life is beautiful once again!

I also managed to get the MagicJack up & running. I spoke with Roxy, Collet & Granny. Dear Granny is so unhappy in the Senior’s Home. I sure wish I could take her with me or move her somewhere closer to her sister or where she could have more visitors – i.e., Mom, Dad, Sister & cousins. It is so frustrating!

Tomorrow we’ll travel to Caledon to apply for a new passport for Jaco. We need to get cracking, as South Africa is NOT too swift when it comes to, well, that’s a whole other blog post. I LOVE this country.

xxxxMaria

Day 479 - 'Want Some?'

I slept toasty warm until 0830. I could hear the boys quietly moving around the house. They are such great kids! Trisha was on the couch with them watching some cartoons. We visited & watched part of Under The Sea II. At some point the boys decided they would rather be nude, so 2 nekkid little cowboys streaked around the house. It was rather adorable.

Trisha's friend, Ellen, showed up around 1100 & helped Trisha get lunch ready & do some laundry. I got ready for Granny's house & also called the Nuc Med dept at Tom Baker regarding a message I received last week. I was a bit mortified when I found out what I did. Apparently I am not to be around children for 24 hours (to be on the safe side) after I've had a PET scan. I've never been told this before! What about my poor puppy? I know I cuddled Tweet Pea after my last one! I can't even ride in a car with a child for AT LEAST 6-7 hours! That's insane! I must be 'glowing' after the scan! Argh! I'll be very happy to be finished with this chapter!

I stopped & picked up a few groceries for Granny. I hope she eats them. I took her a salad, fruit, puddings, & some baked goods. She ate quite well when I got there. When they brought her supper, she pretty much turned her nose up at it. I had to laugh, she had some cherry cheesecake on her tray. She picked it up, took a bite, made a face like she'd just sucked a lemon, turned to me & said, 'Want some?' I'm guessing by her face that it wasn't that yummy! I politely declined.

Granny went through her drawers, as we used to do, and found some treasures for me. She gave me the little blue Mickey overalls I wore when I was a wee one, a knitted red sweater I also wore, a photo of my Dad when he was one, and some schwanky socks from Lac La Ronge. Hey! Those socks are a collector's item for sure!

We visited for 4 hours. I did my best to reassure Granny what was real & what wasn't. She is still quite confused. I'll do my best to call her more often, but it's tough when she's so hard of hearing. My heart breaks to see her stuck in there.

I filled up Trisha's van with fuel & drove out to the farm. I packed up the luggage & visited with Trisha for a little longer. Before we knew it, it was time to go. Brad whisked me off to the airport. The three of us joked about Brad & I's date on Valentine's day & that he was going to 'dump' me (at the airport) on our first date. Ha ha. They are so good to me. I wish we had more frequent visits.

The security team gave me a bit of hassle about my hand inspection for my veggies, but eventually the obliged. They swabbed everything & seemed quite concerned that I had a stuffed pepper full of some illegal drug... The flight home was smooth & short. I wish I could fly 45 minutes anywhere in the world. Whee! I watched some TV on the plane & Mom2 was right there waiting outside for me!

We arrived home & talked raw until 0100! I'm pretty tired & not excited about the scan tomorrow, but anxious to have it all over with. I AM excited to talk to my husband, though. I think it's been a week since we last spoke! Yikes! I'll see him soon! Can't wait!

xxxxMaria, Valentina & Oceana (so happy to be back with my girls!!!)

The adorable Huxley feeds his horse play-doh hay.

Helping with the laundry. Apparently ALL the laundry!

A little half-naked rodeo in the kitchen. He'll love Aunty when he's older!

Kingston & Easton get some cuddles

Granny & I - just before her 96th birthday.

Day 478 - What A Long Day!

Yikes! Up at 0615 to get ready for the flight, I was surprisingly well rested. Even the girls didn't get out of bed with me! In fact, Valentina went back to bed after her potty break! We left the house just after 0700 & I was right on time for check in. I ordered a wheatgrass juice from Jugo Juice. I was going to have a cucumber, celery & spinach, until the clerk told me he'd have to charge me $3 more for omitting the carrot, beet & green pepper. Um, no. That's not how I roll.

I sat next to a WestJet employee who knew Dannie & Kim, two friends of mine working for WestJet. He was from Birch Hills & sounded like quite the guy. When I disembarked, I realized that Colleen, a gal who's wedding Mom photographed, was one of the Attendants! Small world!

Brad, Trisha & the boys were waiting for me when I walked outside, so away we went to the Farm. I visited with them for a bit until I thought I ought to head into Granny's house. Dad was arriving around 1600 & I thought I'd have an hour or so to visit with Granny before Dad arrived. We made arrangements to take Granny out for dinner, so I bundled her up to head out into the elements. Granny always has her room like a sauna, so I knew she'd be cold. I suggested an extra sweater, but she declined. Now, Granny has always been particular about her clothing - she always dresses nicely & never hopped off the fashion band wagon. I think if she could have seen herself clearly, she would have punched me. She had her red jacket on. I lent her my little red plaid hat. So far so good. However, the only scarf I could find was lilac. Whoops. And then she got cold in the car, so I lent her my mittens. They were neon pink. I guess there is a point where purpose takes over looks.

We went to Red Lobster. 45 minute wait. No. We went to Mano's. 40 minute wait. We went to the Keg. Well, we looked for it, missed the turn, took 10 minutes to get back, decided to go back to Red Lobster. 45 minute wait. Granny feasted. Soup, biscuits, salmon, & a baked potato. Not bad for 96 year old taste buds! It's funny - it was very busy in there & the following day, Granny told Uncle David that the restaurant had 3 weddings that night - busiest they'd ever been! I have know idea how she heard that, but anyhow... 96 year old ears too!

We brought her back & said goodnight until tomorrow. Dad & I had a quick chat in the car & then he took off for home. I drove back to the farm - Trisha had been so kind as to lend me her van - and visited with Brad & Trisha while we watched the 2010 Olympic recap. I started to doze off about 2300 & went to bed. What a day!

xxxxMaria

Mother & Son

Mother/Granny & Son/Father & Granddaughter/Daughter

Day 316 - Back To Alberta

I swear, Super 8 puts something in the bedding laundry that makes you sleep. I could NOT wake up this morning. (Or any of the other mornings for that matter!) Jaco woke me up at 1000 & I was finally able to become coherent enough to stay awake & start the day. We packed up our things & picked up a soup & sandwich for Granny. She was in the middle of lunch when we got there, so we waited in her room until she was finished.

They wheeled her back to the room about 4 minutes after we sat down. She managed to eat half of her soup & drank 2 tiny glasses of water. She also ate one of the zucchini muffins Mom had sent, although she gave half of the muffin to Valentina. I think Granny thought we couldn’t see her divvying up the muffin & ‘dropping’ it on the floor. Valentina thought this was fantastic!

We visited with Granny for a few hours – she was quite a bit better today than she had been the previous days. She talked about the days gone by & different things from the past that made her smile & laugh. It is really heart breaking to see her sitting there, unable to hear & see & walk. What is the point of living if you can’t communicate with anyone else? She has given of herself for her entire life – she helped her less than pleasant mother raise 8 other siblings, she was widowed after 25 years of marriage (35 years ago) & she has selflessly given her time, patience & money to so many others for her entire life. And now she sits in the home, waiting for the end to come. It is gut-wrenching sad.

If I can throw out my 2 bits worth, cherish your family & keep them close, as you’ll want them nearby when the days of your life have been lived.

We had a hiccup with the meds for Granny’s infection – the Lodge told us yesterday that someone had picked them up. Today they told us that no one had picked them up. So we went & collected them, returned to the Lodge & delivered the meds.

Finally we were on our way. I drove out of the city via downtown & showed Jaco the University, riverside parks bridges & the Delta Hotel. He was impressed with Saskatoon.

We drove as far as Brock when we turned off the highway to head towards the Massey’s. I met Elaine when I was in Mexico at Castillo’s. She had Lymphoma & was there for treatments. I had spoken to Elaine back in January after Dr. Castillo had given me her bio with a telephone number. I called Elaine & she told me all about her experience with Dr. Castillo. When I went to Mexico in April, I saw Elaine & thought I recognized her from somewhere. It wasn’t until I heard her voice that I KNEW I had spoken to her before! Finally I put two & two together… Or so I thought. We visited for a bit & when I told her I had worked as a Photographer for Princess Cruises, well, it turns out that her & her husband had been my subjects when I worked on the Star! They remembered me! The crazy thing is, I remembered them too! They had traveled with 2 other friends & I shot them all on the white backdrop.

When we stopped today to see Elaine & her husband, I recognized him right away. Of course, they showed me the photo & it was so cool to return to that moment, forever frozen in time. We had a great visit & I was disappointed we had to leave. I am sure we could have chatted all night long about health & travel! Elaine has had to start chemo again & her hair is falling out because of it. I think she looks fabulous with short hair! Anyhow, I am excited for the day when we can celebrate of good health & look towards the future without the shadow of cancer following us!

We left for Kindersley where we stopped to wash the bugs off the windshield & grab a quick bite. It was nearly dark when we left & there was a lightning storm on the horizon. We soon drove through it, with very little rain & plenty of wind.

We chose a different route home as to avoid the construction, but in any case, it was a late arrival home. I’m happy to have a morning to sleep in & not have to go anywhere!!!

Lekker slaap & don’t call early!!! :o)

xxxx

Maria, Jaco & Valentina

Elaine & Wendell & their grandson

Trying to capture the lightning on the way home. It didn't work.

Day 315 - Claypool's, Taylor's, Schultz's & Steel's

Today was an action packed day! Well, as action packed as you can get when you involve a 95 year old Granny! We had a rip-roaring start to the day, well, not really, but it felt early when I finally woke up! We left for Granny’s with a quick stop via Claypool’s. We were staying close by & I always like to check up on the latest cowgirl duds. To our luck, Kelsy arrived shortly after we did! We enjoyed a great chat & did our best to try & make plans for brunch/lunch tomorrow with the elusive hunter Cody. As usual, Kelsy looked like a million bucks. They are getting married soon & I can’t wait to see the photos… She will be a knockout bride!

We left Claypool’s & stopped at the bakery & Tim Horton’s to pick Granny up a few treats. By the time we made it there, she was already in bed. (It was 1400) She was in pain & quite tired from her day yesterday. I had expected this, so we didn’t stay long. She was quite confused & struggled to understand us. She did enjoy cuddling with Valentina though! They are 2 peas in a pod, those two! Granny ate half of her sandwich & Valentina eagerly cleaned up the crumbs & droppings Granny left behind. Once the food was cleaned up, Valentina snuggled up right beside Granny, her nose shoved up against Granny’s arm. They were quite the pair! I could tell Granny needed a nap before her supper, so we said goodbye for today.

I sent a quick text to Trisha & Joleen to let them know we were on our way. We found the family inside, but not for long! A pantless Huxley charmed the pants off… wait, he was the pantless one… He wanted to be held, so no bottoms & wearing his blue rubber boots, Aunty Jill got in a few cuddles with the big little boy, while Buster woke up from his nap & rubbed the sleep from his eyes. We went outside & Trisha showed me the horses while Buster & Huxley & Brad fired up the John Deere Gator – for kids! It’s quite the little set of wheels! The kids were having a hay day bombing around the yard in it. We chatted about the ponies & a few other things… and then it was time to go.

We motored down the road & ended up right on the road to Doug & Joleen’s. I was worried we would be late, but we weren’t! By the time we found their house, Doug had just arrived home. We were pretty excited to head out on the lake in their new boat, but part way through dinner, Doug’s niece needed to go to the hospital. So, with a change of plans, Joleen & the kids toured us around town & down to the docks to see the boat & let the kids & Valentina burn off some steam. When we returned to the house, we had some dessert & then it was hot tub time! They were still breaking in their new Jacuzzi, and I was only more than excited to participate! We were pruned by the time we got out. Poor Doug was pretty bored in town waiting for the Doctors to make their decisions. When we left, he was wandering around Superstore – surely something was needed? Anything? I hope his niece is alright.

The kids were wonderful. Adison has started kindergarten (crazy!), Rhett is so talkative & little Nate is already one & starting to walk! Man! They grow so quickly! Their children are so well behaved. I can’t say it enough. I am amazed at what a great job Doug & Joleen have done with those kids! I know where to come for lessons!

It was a fantastic night! I look forward to the next visit! We motored home & crashed into our king size bed. Jaco on one pillow, Valentina on another pillow & then me on my pillow. Sweet dreams!

xxxxx

Maria, Jaco & Valentina

Tweet Pea cuddles with Granny

Nestled right in.

Three generations! :o)

Where'd those kids go?

Having fun with Valentina

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

Watchin' the world go by...

Joleen gives us the grand tour...

I miss those Saskatchewan sunsets!

Everybody got their exercise tonight!

G'nite all!

Day 314 - Toon Town!

We groggily woke up to the ‘beep beep’ of my alarm clock. Still tired from the previous day’s drive, we slowly got ourselves ready. We showed up at Granny’s place just as they were getting ready to serve lunch. We offered to take Granny out for lunch, but she seemed quite confused about going out or eating in.

While we were discussing what to do with one of the nurses, she called us over & showed us Granny’s recent blood work. Her WBC was through the roof, which meant some kind of infection. Okay, so we’re not going out for lunch. By the time we took Granny & her tray of food back to the room, they had spoken to her Doctor & scheduled a chest x-ray for that afternoon.

Thankfully Jaco was here & he could decipher the blood work & offer an opinion on what was happening.

We ended up taking Granny out for some sunshine to a nearby park where we could sit & visit, Valentina could run & play & we could all get some vitamin D. I snuck over to Grandma Lee’s for a soup & sandwich to try & get some more food into Granny’s belly. She hardly drank or ate anything the entire time we were there.

About the time she decided she was tired, it was time to leave for her x-ray. Her Doctor didn’t have the best bedside manners, but I also know what Granny can be like. She was pretty tolerant until he handed her a prescription for what he thought was pneumonia. Then she lost it. I don’t think she quite understood what was going on, but clearly she was tired of taking pills! Bless her heart!

II stopped to fill the prescription, not without hassle, and then I met Jaco & her back at the Lodge. She was exhausted by time we returned, so we helped her into bed & said goodbye for today. I’m a little concerned that she might not be very well tomorrow after such a big day today, but we’ll cross that bridge when tomorrow comes.

We left for Brad & Trisha’s for supper. It would be a quick visit, as Trisha had a meeting & Jaco & I had decided to go back to the city for the night. Trisha had slaved all day cleaning her house for our arrival & stay, but we decided it would be better for the kids & us (the big kids!) if we stayed in town again. Trisha made mini pizzas for supper, which were super yummy! She ran off to her meeting & Jaco & I visited with Brad for a while. We left just after dark & we were both so exhausted we could barely keep our eyes open on the drive home. Tweet Pea was equally as tired after running with the ‘Big Dogs’ all night!

Yawn! Here’s to a great day tomorrow!

Maria, Jaco & Valentina

xxxxx

The not-so-clean glasses at the Super 8. I should probably also mention that I found 5 long hairs in the bathroom... Obviously not Jaco's & certainly not mine!!! Eeew.

Huxley has grown so much!

Buster is talking up a storm & growing like a weed!

We enjoyed the mini pizzas outside in the sunshine

And a little ice cream too!

Huxley is a little charmer!

Me & the boys!

Day 297 - Laundry & Shauna

This morning, after a night of tossing & turning, I woke up to a rather thunderous stomping happening in the kitchen, along with the infectious giggles of a small child. Yup, Rayna was up. Her & Valentina were having the times of their lives. Rayna had donned our T-Rex head & Valentina decided it was a game. Rayna chased & chased & chased Valentina around the living room & kitchen until they were both out of breath! It was quite the sight to see! Valentina absolutely loves children & I think the feeling is mutual, especially in this case!


They were off to Calaway Park for the day. Mom decided to 'go along for the ride'(s). :oP I don't think I've been to Calaway Park since I was about 8 years old when I went with Jamee & her sister, Joleen! Yes, it's been a long time! Mom told me Rayna wasn't too happy when they got there, so Jamee knelt down & looked Rayna in the eye & said, 'Do you remember your choices? You can be miserable or you can be...' Rayna replied enthusiastically, 'HAPPY!' Jamee said, 'That's right. So what will you choose?' Rayna replied even more enthusiastically, 'HAPPY!!!' And away they went...


Jaco & I had a 'happy' day of laundry. I cleaned the kitchen, he vacuumed the floors & then we shaved each other's heads. What? Isn't that part of the domestic duties? :oP  So now we look like twins. I'm just waiting for the next 'Sir' comment! Although Jaco is a bit sad, as I have more hair than he does & mine is falling out! I keep assuring him that soon enough he'll have more than I do! Much more! 


It was a stunner of a day! Thank the Good Lord for sunshine & a little heat! I'll take every summer day I can get! We walked down to EVIC to visit Shauna & see how her course went. She was pretty excited about the entire weekend! Hopefully we can get together once we get settled & have a nice dinner. Today was her 7 year wedding anniversary, although her hubby was away on work. Jaco & I have a lot of years to go to catch up! I will volunteer with Shauna on the 6th of September, so I'm looking forward to working a day with her.


I spoke to Granny today & she seems to be doing well. If all goes well, we'll make a trip to see her in the next few weeks. She's only met Jaco once & we were only there for 1/2 a day, as I had to drive back for work last time. Hopefully this time we can stay a little longer & she can believe that I've made a good choice! She's already told me he better treat me well or he'll have to deal with her! And believe me, you don't want to mess with this 95 year old Granny! She's tough! 


She told me awhile ago about a situation in the Senior's Home where she stays. There was an old man who kept making passes at her. He grabbed her arm one day as they were wheeling past each other & told her he'd like to get to know her better. The next night she woke up & he was sitting on the end of her bed in her room! He said he missed the gentle touch of a woman. (!) She called the Nurse & they took him away. This happened a few more times. Finally, after the 3rd or 4th night, Granny told him he'd better get out & never come back. When he didn't respond, she took her cane & whacked him between the legs & told him 'There's more where that came from!' Even at 95 she's still got it! What a gal! 


Mom made us a stir fry tonight & Jaco had his first taste of Quinoa (keen-wah) tonight. He quite liked it, until he found out it was more carb than protein. It will be the challenge of my life to get that man to eat a healthy, well-rounded, BALANCED diet. In any case, he enjoyed it until he knew otherwise. ;o)


Tomorrow was supposed to be Body Worlds, but I think that we'll hold off another day. My energy is not quite there...yet! Have a great night & see you tomorrow!


xxxxxx
Maria, Jaco & Valentina

Headless T-Rex (Rayna) chases Valentina

Rayna helps Mom make fresh juice

The happy matching couple!

Valentina digs for the ball in Papa's shorts! 

Puddle or no puddle, she'll get the ball!

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?