Day 387 - Skype & Phone

After a late night of Skyping around the globe, I tried to sleep late. Although Jaco told me he would call around 9. I forgot to ask if that was 9 my time or 9 his time. So, I woke up with a start several times throughout the morning thinking that I'd missed his call. Nope. He meant 9 his time.

Luckily the dogs were content to sleep late with me. I guess they were tired from their big day of goodbyes yesterday too. I woke up late & found Jaco online. I called him right away & we had a chat for an hour or so before he had to board his plane & finally journey home. He'll arrive around 4 or 5 this morning - my time! The dogs were very cute when they heard his voice. They were looking on both sides of the laptop, unable to see his face on the screen. Poor things. They really miss him!

After I skyped with Jaco, I called Mom2 & we spoke for about 2.5 hrs. Yup. It was a long one! But we had a lot to talk about! We are going to our first raw food lesson next Sunday. I'm excited to learn!

I then realized that I had no water, so I boogied into town to buy another jug of water. The girls chased away the bulls from the car when we went outside. It was cute. 10-13 lbs chasing away gargantuan bulls with horns & hooves!

Once I was back inside, I skyped with Jenn in Texas. Harrison was still up! He made my day! 'Hello Aunty Jo!' 'Valentina!' 'Miss you Aunty Jo!' 'I love you Aunty Jo!' Be still my beating heart! What a little star that boy is. He's grown so much already! I can't believe it! I'm so grateful for Skype & beautiful friends! Jenn & I had a fabulous chat about life & all its splendour. I can't wait to visit them!

I phoned Dad after that & April answered. Apparently Dad & Jeff left for Texas for 10 days! If I had only known! I would have gone to see Jenn & the kids! Dad & Jeff are going to a cattle course of some sort, so hardly my cup of tea, however, it would have been fun to see Jenn!

Next up I called Collet. She is humming right along with her 2 boys. Zeke is growing like a weed & I can't wait to see him. She is so busy trucking all over the place, I'm not sure when I'll get my chance, but hopefully soon! I have intentions to visit & help her out. I'm not the best 'Mom', but I'll clean or something like that!

What a day! I'm doing my best to get caught up on the blog (again) & tomorrow is treatment again. Only three treatments left after this! Gosh! Can't they just give me one super dose & have it all done & dusted? That would be nice!

Oh! If you're a friend on Facebook, you'll see the photos already, but if you're not, I'll share my wigs & their 'personalities' with you - one by one - over the next couple of weeks. Let me know which ones you like the best! There's a special surprise at the end! I hope you like it!

Lekker slaap!
xxxxMV&O

Meet Julia!

Day 361 - Farewell to the Burnett Bunch! *Sniff**Sniff*

With all that insomnia last night, I didn't have a very good sleep. I think it was around 0400 when I finally dozed off & then I heard little voices around 0700. Eish. Three house of sleep was really going to hurt me today!

I helped Jenn pack up a few things & once Heidi was napping, she took Harrison outside & I took the chance to crash. I thought I'd slept for hours, but it was only one! We loaded up the kids & went to town for a few last minute things before the big departure.

It was a good thing Jenn drove, as we would have crashed from all the tears in my eyes. I savoured every moment with the kids & her (after my nap, of course!). Jenn ran into one of the shops for a few moments & Harrison & I had some fun times screaming & making silly noises... Poor Heidi didn't know what to think!

When we arrived back at the Farm, Harrison wanted to show me the kitties. They have 3 orange kittens. I asked him what their names were. Kitty One, Kitty Two, & Kitty Three. Too cute. What a guy. I'm going to miss that kid something fierce!!! And Miss Heidi's smile - she's stolen my heart so many times... I can't believe they're going to be so far away.

We walked back to the house & I knew it was time for me to go. I packed up my things, hugged the kids goodbye & of course, hugged Miss Jenn goodbye too. As I sobbed my way out of their yard, I was happy to see a beautiful sunset. Signifying the end of our times together in Alberta, but knowing the dawn will come soon & our lives will both take turns for the positive. Her, happy in Texas surrounded by friends, sunshine & God's calling... and me, healthy & with my husband, not caring where I end up! (hopefully someplace exotic!)

I stopped in Fort McLeod to get fuel & oranges for the man I love & then boogied on home. I was happy to see my Baby & go to sleep!

xxxxMJV&O

 Aunty Jo!!!

 Cheese!

Over the seat shot! 

Selfy of Harrison & I 

 Little Miss Smiley!

 Harrison's driving Aunty Jo's car!

 Can you see his little head?

 My Smiley Girl!

 Too cute for words!

 20 years old & I'm sure Harrison is Contemplate's youngest driver at 2 1/2!

 Family portrait with Kitty One

Harrison & Kitty Two 

I'll get the gate! 

 The Charmer!

Got your nose! 

 Tickle, tickle!

 Awh!!! Miss you Much!!!

 Travel safe Momma J!!!

 The girls

Sunsets on this chapter in life... 

And tomorrow comes the dawn of a new one...

Day 350 - Aunty Jo & Harrison!

Today was a bittersweet day. We stopped just outside of Fort McLeod to see Jenn, Harrison & Heidi. They are leaving for Texas shortly & I will miss them horribly. Jenn & I have been friends since 1997 when we both worked at Lammle's Western Wear & I have been so grateful for the times we've been able to spend together again this year while we've both been 'back home'. She is now married with 2 wonderful children & I've grown quite attached to them. In fact, Heidi is the first 'baby' I've ever WANTED to hold. Usually babies & little kids scare me. I've never been one to have that 'maternal instinct'. I think I'm still a far cry from anything maternal, but at least I can say I love these kids & I'm going to miss them something fierce. 


Harrison just melts my heart when he calls me 'Aunty Jo' & Heidi does the same when she looks right in your eyes & gives you that sweet little smile, regardless of what's happening around her. 


We stopped in when the kids were still napping, so we had a little 'adult time' & then, once the kids woke up, we went for walk outside so Harrison could show us the kitties & drive the tractor. It was adorable. 


I took him a toy fire engine & he was elated with it. When his Grandma came home, the first thing he said was, 'Grandma! Look! Fire engine!' I was happy I could give him a little bit of joy!


We visited with Jenn & the kids until 1800 & then it was time to leave. I was very teary leaving, as I've never been to Abilene & strangely enough, it feels further away than South Africa! I'm sure I'll get there, but it just won't be the same. Thank goodness there is Skype to fall back on! 


I'm sure going to miss Jenn, Harrison & Heidi. I could feel the hole in my heart as we drove away... And I'm all lumpy throated typing this blog post... I'll post some photos of these stinkin' cute kids before it gets any worse!


xxxxAunty Jo, JV&O

 Heidi wasn't her usual 'smiley' self today... Sigh... (but she's still stinkin' cute!)