Day 366 - Hello Shermans & Strilchuks!

This morning we were up & at it bright & early. By the time Jaco & I got up, Henk was already out in the barn & Laura had all the girls up & dressed & was busy braiding the last one's hair. Oh, and she had breakfast ready for everyone - Quinoa, omelet & fresh cinnamon buns. How does she do it, Folks? How does she do it?

I took along my blonde wig for the trip, but forgot the little bank robber stocking that goes under the wig. It helps a lot with the itching. I hadn't worn the wig & was having fun showing off my henna. I wasn't sure if the church we were going to today would be ready for my henna'd head or not. Laura told us that 500+ people go to their church every week. When I tried the wig on for the girls, they liked it. I told them I was now Mommy's sister (because I was blonde too!). I decided to wear the wig. Thank goodness I did, as we ended up sitting in the very front row! I guess they would have only stared at the back of my henna'd head, but this way I couldn't see either way!

I met Laura's friends, who have a daughter with a rare medical condition called AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation. She is taking treatments in Colorado, as they have much success in treating her AVM. Canada offered to remove 1/2 her face & do reconstructive surgery & by the way, she might not survive the surgery. Did I mention their daughter isn't even old enough to drive a car? TRAGIC! (Insert prayer HERE!)

We drove back to the house & had a bite to eat. It was then time for us to dash away. We hugged & said our farewells. I sure do miss those guys. What a wonderful family they are! I wish we lived closer. (Did I say that already?!)

We made our way towards Beaumont. We were stopping in to see Janis & Dustin, Caleb & Baby #2. Janis is due in March. I think it's a girl. But I always think every Mom-to-be is having a girl. Janis is the ultimate Mom. I've never seen a woman handle pregnancy so smoothly. I think it's her general laid-back attitude. It rubs off on Caleb & their two Goldendoodles, so it's only naturally that pregnancy would go smoothly as well. I hope I'm like that one day! She looks stunning & I've never heard her complain about ANYTHING. What a gal. My hat's off to you!

We were planning on staying for an hour or so, as we needed to get to Rocky Mountain House before dark. Well. If Dustin didn't come home & start making thin crust Italian pizza. They asked us to stay & I think they asked right about the time the garlic was sauteéing on the oven. Psychologically they could have asked me for my first born child & I would have handed over the baby for a piece of pizza. Yeah. It was that good. Seriously, I haven't had pizza like that since... Italia! Bellissima!

While Dustin was preparing the pizza, I went to the living room to play with Caleb. This kid amazes me. He's 2 years old & he has the craziest vocabulary & best pronunciation I've ever heard. Not that I'm a Speech Pathologist or anything, but he's pretty clever! He read me a book full of animals. Lion, bear, giraffe, zebra, tiger, butterfly... I was VERY impressed. Note to self: Read your child PLENTY of books. Note to self: Read your self PLENTY of books!

We were on the road with full bellies & memories of homemade tomato sauce dancing on our tongues. We arrived at Le Strilchuk Château just past 2100 in the snow. I scared the daylights out of Mom2. She didn't hear us drive up, or come in the house. They were all watching a movie in the living room, with a fire burning. She screamed & jumped. Whoopsie! We had a wonderful chat & enjoyed a cup of Toasted Walnut tea from David's Tea. I sat up & watched the last of the Karate Kid. It was good! I like Jackie Chan.

The girls were happy to see us. I think. Valentina cuddled with Ricky, Mom2's nephew, & Oceana cuddled with Mom2. All the dogs got along fine! It's a miracle! I think it was great for them to have a few more 'pack members'.  We'll see what happens once we're back home!

I went to bed after the movie & what a cozy bed! The mattress was nice & cushy & the duvet was big & fluffy. Great sleep!!!

While I was paging through a magazine in bed, Jaco went to the loo. I heard someone get up, I think it was Mom2. She walked in on him in the bathroom. So did Laura at her house. So did Drayton at Sylvia's house. I think it's quite funny. For all other parties involved, maybe not. What are the chances of this happening at EVERY house you stay at? Maybe they don't lock doors in South Africa? They lock every other door, that's for sure!

Tomorrow we motor home... Lekker slaap!

xxxxMJV&O

 Soooooo Yummy!!!

 The Master at work!

 Caleb enjoying his ice cream

 Smiley Guy!

There's a bit of a belly bump there! 

 Laura, Henk & the girls

Tianna playing shy!

Day 288 - Bronwen & The Art Class...

Phew. It's a busy weekend! Today Bronwen came to visit. I met Bronwen at a pub in South Calgary when I went to listen to Jessica sing. I commented on her beef dip looking yummy & she offered a bite. I declined, but sat down & visited with her instead. She has a 9 year old Rottweiler, named Roxy, and we had a great time talking about our dogs & traveling. I invited her out to the ranch & she decided to come out this weekend. 

We had a great chat & only realized how nice it was outside when she went to leave! I told her to bring Roxy out next time & we'll take the hounds for a walk. We also went through my beading stuff, as she wants to start making some jewelry... Should be fun to get creative together!!! 

After she left, I decided to visit Janis & Dustin. They were camping at a group campground on the north end of Kananaskis Country. I took the dogs & drove through a flash hail storm on my way. Once there, I met Janis, Dustin, Caleb & all their friends. One fellow had biked from Airdrie (!!), one couple was from Kamloops & the rest were mostly from Calgary. I enjoyed visiting with a Chiropractor & his wife, a Dental Hygienist who works WAAAAAAAY up north for one week a month. She was telling me that South African Doctors fly in & work for one month & then fly back home. That's how desperate they are for Doctors! Hmmm... I could smell a sunny way to make it through winter! :o)

Janis helped me make signs for Jenn's triathlon tomorrow. Janis is an amazing artist, so how happy was I when I realized I could sneak her talents in to sketch some letters! The orange paper was so bright we were colouring in the letters until 2300! It was nearly glow-in-the-dark! 

And Caleb. Wow! What a smartypants! I am so amazed at his vocabulary! He is 21 months & Janis counted over 170 words the little guy uses! I was impressed! I asked her what she's done - her secret - they never talk 'baby talk' to him & they read A LOT of books. 8+/day. My kids will be bookworms! Maybe I'll catch on one day too! :o) I love the fact that I can experience my friends becoming parents & observe the skills & tools they use. No pressure for myself as a parent, though! :oP 

Interestingly enough, I met Carl. Who's Carl? Well, when I met Bronwen the first time, she commented on wanting to go to the World Cup in South Africa. Of course I encouraged her to go, but she didn't have anyone to go with. The next day I met up with Janis & Dustin, who had just visited their friend Carl. Who was going to the World Cup. Who had extra tickets. He was hoping to trade the tickets for accommodation. I immediately thought of Bronwen & my pals in SA who would love to have a few Canadians crash on their sofas. I emailed Bronwen & waited patiently to hear from Janis/Dustin/Carl. But nothing. Oh well. 

Turns out Bronwen watched EVERY game, but in Canada. Carl went & had a blast. Bronwen still wants to get to SA... Anyhow, I haven't seen Bronwen since our first visit. I heard about Carl the next day. Now, Bronwen visits again & I meet Carl the same day. Hmm. Something tells me I should introduce the two of them... Not in a cupid way, but in a 'I feel like I should do this for whatever reason' way. In any case, it just seems odd that the 2 of them keep showing up in my life at the same times!

On that note, I boogied home to try & catch a few zzz's before Jenn's big day! I can't wait!!! I'm such an emotional sap, I'm sure I'll be bawling my eyes out when she crosses the finish line! Of course, after I photograph her winning finish!!!

Sleep well & see you tomorrow! 

xxxxx

Maria, Valentina & Oceana

The guys played soccer whole heartedly for quite a while!

Janis & Caleb - what a pair of cuties!

Day 257 - The Sherman's Swing Through!

Ugh. Brutal headache. Again. Muscle knots in my back & sinus pains. Fun way to start the day!


Mike came by with the kids to pick up the tent trailer & I don't think Harrison recognized me with my new 'do'. He was pretty shy compared to his usual chatty self! I'm sure he'll get used to it... at least I hope so!


About the time Mike had everything hitched up, Janis & Dustin showed up. As Dustin is deathly allergic to cats, he couldn't come in the house, so I quickly grabbed a few things & we headed out for Elbow Falls for a picnic lunch.


Hmm. It was sunny at the house when we left. It was rainy at the falls. It was sunny when we returned to the house. It was rainy when I left for EVIC. It was sunny by the time I got there. Strange day!


I was thoroughly impressed with Caleb's vocabulary! He has grown a lot since I saw him in March. But he is so good with his words! Wow! He repeats what Janis & Dustin say & he says it so well! At only 20 months, I was blown away! Janis & Dustin must be doing something right!


We enjoyed a lovely lunch & then strolled around the pathways to the Falls. It is really great for me to have someone to enjoy the 'backyard' with. It's always there, but I rarely go, as I don't have anyone to go with! (Consider that your invitation!!!) 


They were off to the city to visit a friend who just returned from SA & the World Cup. I was excited to talk to him & I don't even know him! I'll bet he had a blast & will be ranting about it for weeks to come!


I was impressed with the new decals on the vehicle - Little Tree Hugger - and I am so proud of Janis & the business she has created with her sister. I shared the Taslie samples I was sent & hopefully it will make a great addition to the business! 


After they were back on the road, I headed down to EVIC to return Joe's ketchup & mustard & to chat with Shauna. As always we enjoyed a quick visit, but I didn't stay too long - she was ready to go home for the day! 


Naturally I ventured back home & found myself on the phone for the better part of the evening. If it wasn't one call coming in, I was returning another! I could barely keep up! I said I was going to go to bed early this evening & here it is, nearly 1 a.m. again! Sigh. ONE DAY I WILL GET TO BED EARLY!!!!! 


On that note, I'm outta here. Sweet dreams... Lekker slaap...
xxxx
Maria & Valentina

One of my favourite smells in the WORLD.

Gorjuss Gurls.

The Infamous Elbow Falls. 13.5 kms from EVIC.

Dustin, Janis, Caleb, Copper & Mugs

Pur-dy Rainbow.

Day 149 - Recycling, A Baby Boy & A PUPPY!!!!

OMGOSH!!!!


Today was a fairly exciting day when I stop to think about it! Of course I slept late after last night's 'bar scene' & the tummy ache. I am pleased to report that the chills, aches & belly ache are long gone! 


I was disappointed to have missed Jaco's call in the morning. I turn the ringers off at night because some of Mom's friends & family call VERY EARLY in the morning. I was a little bit paranoid that I was going to sleep too late & miss my ultrasound date!


I checked my emails & luckily there was an email from UC Baby notifying me of the password & username. I had one hour to go! I was so excited! I got a little breakfast ready & then prepped the computer for the show. I set up my little camera to record the video cast & Oh My Gosh! There it was! I could hear Ross & Krystle talking and I recognized her sister & her Mom's voices. It was so amazing to see the little baby moving about! Krystle had eaten a chocolate bar shortly before, so the baby was pretty wired! It was moving all over the place, waving it's arms around, sucking it's thumb, smiling, kicking, rolling around - it was brilliant! Ross' family lives in the UK, so it was pretty special that they could be a part of the pregnancy from so far away! The technician waited until everyone was online & we had all had a good look at the baby before he told us... IT'S A BABY BOY!!! I was crying like a baby! I was so excited for them! They are the most wonderful couple & I am so thrilled at the happiness they have found in each other!


The other exciting news was that her sister is having a baby too! Only 2 months after Krystle is due! How fun! A playmate already! Krystle & Ross are off to Mexico for 2 weeks for a 'Babymoon' - they haven't officially had a honeymoon yet, but now they're expecting, so a Babymoon it is.


Krystle & Ross met on ships & I'm a sap for a happy ending. They married last summer & it was by far the picture perfect wedding I've ever been to! Down to the tiniest detail, it was spectacular! Ross & Krystle are both photographers & Krystle shoots weddings when she's not busy being the most creative person I know! http://www.krystleimages.com shows a little of her creativity! I can't wait to meet the little fellow!


I had no sooner left the 3D ultrasound when the phone rang. It was Janis & they were on their way home from Banff. I made arrangements to meet them in Bragg Creek for a cup of tea. 


We met at the Cinnamon Spoon for juice & smoothies & conversation. They had been snowboarding in Banff for a few days & I was fortunate enough to catch a visit. Dustin entertained Caleb & their dogs while Janis & I had a quick chat. We always have a great time, but man, the world is small & it is crazy. 


Janis starts telling me about Dustin's friend from Calgary who has tickets to the World Cup in South Africa this summer. He's going by himself, but he has extra tickets & is wanting to trade them for accommodations. Since Janis knows I have a few links to South Africa, she wanted to know if I would be willing to help Dustin's friend out. Of course I would! But the funny thing is, the gal I met last night, Bronwyn, told me how she REALLY wanted to go to South Africa for the World Cup, but didn't have anyone to go with & didn't really feel comfortable going alone. I couldn't help but smile and the mysterious & marvelous way the world works! Unfortunately Bronwyn hadn't given me her details, so I had to do a little Facebook sleuthing, NOT stalking, to find her... We'll see if I get a P.S. bar or Grenadilla Twist this summer or not! :o)


I said goodbye to Janis, Dustin & Caleb & headed home to pick up the recycling. I thought I would stop by Jenn & Mike's for a quick visit while I picked up groceries & did my bit to help Mother Earth. I pulled into the recycling depot just as the fellow was closing the gate. THANK GOODNESS he let me in! One cardboard paper cut later, I was on my way to the Burnett's. 


Jenn has begun training for her first triathlon & I heard her make mention of a particular book she was interested in to help her out. I was in Costco on Thursday, saw the book & thought it would be good encouragement for her. I also wanted to share my yoga DVD's with her, as she was inquiring about those too. She was thrilled to receive her very own copy of Jillian Michaels 'Master Your Metabolism'! Yay! I'm so proud of Jenn for taking action to make this dream a reality! Her triathlon is August 8th & I'll do my best to be there to cheer her across the finish line!


Harrison played with Valentina again & I tried my best to get Mike & Jenn pumped about a trip to the Mediterranean for next year! Jenn has always dreamed of Italy & seeing as it's my favourite country, I take it on as my personal mission to see her in Italy! :o) 


I left them just before supper & came home to another missed call from Jaco! Darn! If only I could call him back! I had also missed a call from Roxie, the lady I got Valentina from. I called her back & I asked her a little bit about the puppies. I had decided if the puppy wasn't TOO expensive, I'd try to find a way to make it happen. Roxie told me the one pup would be perfect for Mom, as she's cuddly & very pretty. She's not dappled, but black & tan. Okay, so far so good. I ask the price & Roxie tells me 'Your Mom can have her'. I am thinking, 'Have her for what? How much?' Roxie tells me, 'For free.' 'WHAT?! Are you serious?' 


Roxie told me that she was so happy that Valentina ended up in such a good home, she would love to see this puppy end up in the same loving hands. WOW! I was so excited! Wait until Mom hears this! I told Roxie I'd call her back tomorrow after I had a chance to talk to Mom & make arrangements to collect the puppy! Little Annie was coming home!


How much did my bubble burst when Mom wasn't elated!? She didn't know what she'd do with her when she had a photo shoot all day. Hello, excuse please? You take her with you & put her in a big kennel in the back of the truck or you leave her at home with pee pads for her. Problem solved! How many ALL DAY shoots do you have a year? 3? Just think of the unconditional love you'll get! Every single day! Without falter! Annie will never wake up & be mad at you! She'll always love you! No matter how bad your breath stinks or how crazy your hair looks or how much you burnt dinner (not that my Mother does any of these, just for example! Seriously!) So little effort for so much in return. Everyone should experience the unconditional love of a Dachshund. Mom wanted to think about it overnight, so here's hoping she wakes up in the morning with a warm heart & a desire for a cold nose.


What a day it has been! Babies, puppies, triathlons, I can't take much more action! I'm tired just thinking about what tomorrow will bring! :o) Not really, I'm excited!


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina & hopefully ANNIE!
xxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxx

Janis, Dustin & Caleb on their way back from the Snow Trip!