Day 378 - Fire. Again.

This afternoon I was planning on zipping into Bragg Creek to order a replacement driver's license, as I seriously can't remember where I last saw my old one. Of course, I JUST missed the gal who is in charge of licensing. Okay. I guess it's off to Calgary I go. I stopped to pick up the mail before I left. There was a parcel card. The clerk told me she needed to see my driver's license in order to hand over the parcel. I laughed. I told her I didn't have one because the gal had left early. I offered a passport, but she told me I'd need a utility bill to accompany my passport! I guess the parcel will wait until Monday when Mom can pick it up.

On my way to Calgary, on the 22x just west of Red Deer Lake School, I could see smoke. Then fire. No fire trucks. Why did I leave my cell phone at home today!!?? The traffic was slowing down & as I approached I could see the flames high on the left side of the eastbound lane. There were also smaller flames on the right side. There was a house not 20 yards from the right side flames. As I slowly drove 'through' the fire (no fire on the pavement) I couldn't believe it. I could FEEL the heat intensely inside the cab. I had changed the ventilation to recycle inside the cab, so I knew it wasn't from that! SCARY!!! Shortly after I passed through the 'ring of fire' I saw a motorhome on the side of the road. It was towing an SUV with the front left wheel completely destroyed. The driver was pouring water on the wheel & it was still smoking. CRAZY!!! I was pretty spooked! As soon as I got to AMA, I called 911 & thankfully they had received a lot of calls already. The crazy part was when I drove home 1.5 - 2 hours later, the fire department & police were still on site. The flames had really spread & burned a long distance! I was amazed! Thankfully the house didn't burn! What a scary thing! I'm certainly afraid of fire now!!!

Meanwhile, back at the AMA, I sported the blonde wig for my new driver's license... Tee hee hee... I feel like a spy or International Agent. I love it! My real hair is pretty much toast. I have little bits & pieces here & there & it's been quite sore this past week. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's aching to fall out?

I picked up a few small things for Jaco's birthday tomorrow & boogied home. We left for Banff shortly after & drove through a little rain near Canmore. Unfortunately we were too late to stop at the Rocky Mountain Bagel shop. Hopefully on the way home! Mmmm!!!

Our hotel room is REALLY NICE! I was a bit worried, as the photos online didn't do it much justice, but it's very nice! I'm kicking myself that I didn't sign up for their points program when I went to Mexico, as I would have had 29 days the first trip, 17 the second & now these few days here! Oh well. Live & learn!

We had a little nibble at Magpie & Stump & then drove up to the Banff Centre to check out the recital hall we need to be at tomorrow morning at 0900. It's going to be an early/long day! Yikes!!!

Tomorrow is Jaco's birthday, so I'm excited to treat him to dinner! What a lucky girl I am. Such a handsome man with such a handsome personality. It's like it's my birthday & not his!!!

We're also meeting my friend Karen for lunch tomorrow. She called yesterday & said she was coming through Calgary & wanted to meet up. I called her back to tell her we wouldn't be home because we were going to the Film Festival. She phoned me back to tell me she was going to the Film Festival too! We're meeting after our morning films to have a visit! Awesome!

On that, I'm off to bed! It's an early start tomorrow! Sleep well!
xxxxMaria & Jaco

 Just in case Jaco hogs the blankets.

 Magpie & Stump

Day 349 - Waterton!!!

Today we finally made it to Waterton! We have been talking about going for over a month now. We were going to go for our 3rd 1st anniversary, but they I had a few rough rounds of chemo & the idea got pushed aside. As things were going better this round, we decided to head south. 


It was a beautiful day when we left. We stopped in Black Diamond to deliver some books for Mom & then we were off! We stopped at all the usual places. Our first stop was the Buffalo Paddock. When I used to work in Waterton, we would drive out to the Paddock at night & scare ourselves silly. We would drive around until we could see the light reflecting in the buffalo's eyes & then we would all scream like little girls & drive out of the paddock, chills running up & down our spines the whole time!


Our next stop was Red Rock Canyon. We sped up just a little as we went over Butterfly Hill & stopped to take a few photos of Galwey - the first mountain I ever climbed & the only mountain I've ever climbed twice! The road to Red Rock was VERY potholed - I hope they are fixing it soon! They have paved a path from the park gate to the townsite for bikers & hikers. It is very nice, but I think the road needs more attention!


I was surprised to see flowers at Red Rock. There were a few Harebells along the trail & various other wildflowers that I don't know the names of. I took my camera along the stroll & snapped happily away. There was a family down in the canyon climbing along the rocks & water. That brought back many memories, as a good friend of mine, Breian, & I used to do the exact same thing on hot summer days!


After our visit to Red Rock Canyon, we drove up to Cameron Lake. The weather was a bit inclement while we were there, but it was still beautiful. Jaco was amazed that America & BC were so close! While we were there, we met an enthusiastic guy named Mike from Virginia. He was snap-happy & eagerly took our photo, so we would take his. We saw a little bunny rabbit while we were wandering around & observed him nibbling away on remnants of green foliage.


Next up was Cameron Falls. We hopped out for a few photos & then headed over to Welch's Chocolate Shop. Carol was there, of course, so we stopped in for a visit. We had a cup of hot chocolate while we chatted away about her summer & all the happenings. I worked 5 summers for Carol when I was in high school & she is a very special person to me. (And I can scoop ice cream with the best of them!)


We were going to go for dinner in Waterton, but decided we wanted to head back to Pincher Creek & meet up with Ilo, who was back in town for Thanksgiving weekend. We bid adieu to Waterton for 2010  & headed to Pincher. 


I phoned Karen, who teaches in Pincher, but she wasn't home. We ended up meeting Ilo for tea at Luigi's & had a great chat. She's always a blast to visit with & what a nice surprise that we were able to meet up, as she is normally in Kimberley! She's off to Honduras sometime this winter, so if you want a dive buddy or know of any great places... Let me know & I'll put you in touch!


I do love Waterton. Maybe because it was my first experience of the mountains growing up, perhaps it is because I spent so many summers there, maybe it's just because it's a special place... I don't know exactly what it is, but part of me is there. It's a little like a best kept secret - many Canadians haven't been there & most Americans don't even know it's there! It's smaller than Banff & Jasper & WAY less crowded... Maybe its the dramatic way the mountains meet the prairies, maybe it's the different 'smell' of the trees that refresh your lungs with every breath... Whatever it is, I'll be going back time & time again...


xxxxMJV&O

Day 224 - Last Day With My Baby

I'd like to say it was a crummy day, as it was the last time I will see my husband for many weeks, but, we actually had a really great day!


When I had joined the ship, we were in port from 0600-1400. Today we were in port from 1200-1800. That left me plenty of time to pack in the morning, which didn't take me long at all & I even had space in the 2nd bag! (Miracle!)


Jaco had arranged with Reuben to go ashore. They take turns, but sometimes special exceptions are made. We went off about 1230-ish & took a cab downtown. We walked to Karen's work & had a great visit with her. She was happy to see Jaco & we talked her ear off until her clients popped in for a meeting. 


We went to Shopper's Drug Mart so Jaco could pick up a few snacks for the ship, Chapters so he could read the (very expensive) foreign sports magazines, and then to Rebar, the healthy cafe Karen introduced me to awhile back. I ordered a juice - orange, apple, lemon & ginger. Jaco liked it so much we ordered two more. He was watching the gal who rang our order through & if she washed the rubber gloves she was wearing after she handled the money. He recently did a food safety course, so he's quite keen on it! Luckily it was another gal who did the juicing! Unfortunately when they put our drinks on the table, the lids weren't on properly. The rubber glove gal attempted to put the lids on tight & managed to SMASH the plastic cup of juice & it exploded everywhere! They made us another juice & away we went...


We took a cab back to the ship & I got my bags ready. We said a sad goodbye & headed up to the gangway. As I walked away from the ship, I looked behind me... Jaco always waves goodbye & waits until I am out of sight. I love that he does that. It makes me feel loved. I wish everyone could have a husband like him. He's just plain wonderful. 


I walked to the Pilot's Station to wait for the Airporter shuttle I had arranged the day before. The gentleman on the phone had told me approximately where it was, but I couldn't get a good idea in my head, so I googled it. Amazingly enough, I found it. But the cool part was the street view. I could actually read the sign on the door that told me it was, in fact, the Pilot's Station! Crazy! 


I rode out to the airport & waited for about 25 minutes before I went through security. They were very friendly today! It was a great experience. Of course, I flew with Westjet & they were just as wonderful as always. I had checked in about 10 minutes after the flight had opened up the day before, so I managed to get a seat in the second row, which was perfect for deplaning. I sat next to a couple from Duncan who were on their way to the East Coast for a holiday. They had lived in Saskatchewan for awhile, but then moved out West. They love it! The wife & I watched So You Think You Can Dance & giggled & cried the whole flight to Calgary. Did you see the fellow who has scoliosis & dances like a robot?? Wow! 


Mom was there to pick me up & the dogs were in the truck waiting for us. Valentina happy pee'd all over the concrete, but once we were in the truck, she could care less about me. Hmpf. Guess I deserved that. I'm hoping she'll get over it soon!


Thankfully the snow was gone & it wasn't as cold as I had prepared myself for. Here's hoping that summer is here. Soon. Now please.


Sweet dreams & here's to a wonderful warm summer...
Maria & Valentina
xooxoxooxoxxoxo

Waiting for more juice.

This one's for Uncle Jerry...

Parliament buildings

Adieu, Sea Princess

It's no South African flag, but...

Just like Google!

I saw three ships come sailing in...

Beautiful seaside walk

The last spot I saw Jaco... :o(

Flying home...

Day 219 - Ferry Rides & Pony Rides

It felt strange to sleep without Valentina OR Jaco. I woke up when I heard Ross & Krystle's door open & there they were, dressed to the nines! They had a wedding to go to today, so I was going to meet up with Milla, who was also in Vancouver for the weekend, and then when Ross & Krystle came back after the wedding, they were going to take me out to the ferry terminal to head over to Victoria. 


I took a photo of the happy couple & away they went. Not long after, I got a call. They were early for the wedding. This meant that they wouldn't be back in time to take me out to the ferry terminal, but more importantly, to say goodbye! :o( I called Milla & she came to the rescue! Her & Deric agreed to take me out to the ferry. Phew!


The crazy part was that Krystle had left me her phone & her keys. When Ross called her phone to tell me they wouldn't be back, he suggested I ask Milla if she could take me. I said I'd call her & then call Ross back. It wasn't until I hung up that I realized I didn't know Ross' number & I had NO CLUE how to use here Blackberry! It took me awhile to figure out how to find Ross' number... Luckily she'd called him recently!!! :o) Then Margarita texted Krystle's phone to ask how I was getting to the ferry, not realizing I had the phone. I managed to type a text back, but when I went to find send, my message disappeared! Again, luckily Krystle had recently called her Mom & I was able to phone her & let her know I was taken care of! Oh the dramas of modern technology!!! I guess maybe it's time I got a cell phone! :o) (Hello iPhone 4)


I met Milla & her boyfriend, Deric, at the mall & we made a quick stop at Jugo Juice & then loaded up the luggage & headed out on the highway. Milla & Deric were in for a concert & Milla wanted to do a little shopping on Robson St. We had a great visit out to the ferry terminal & a few big hugs & goodbyes later, we were headed in opposite directions. Milla & I also worked on ships together & I witnessed her first Italian boot purchase in Napoli at Le Fate Scalze (the barefoot fairy). While I checked the link, I saw I missed the photos of their Spring 2010 collection. Sigh. I should be in Italia, photographing their summer line. Next year. Anyhow, back on track... Milla! We said goodbye & I headed off towards the ferry. Just in time, as we left the dock about 2 minutes after I sat down! Close call!


I love the ferry rides. Although I didn't enjoy much coastal scenery - I slept the whole way! I woke up & we were pulling into the harbour! Whoops! Karen & Werner were there to meet me on the other side. Werner is from South Africa & I used to date his twin brother. Karen is from Victoria & they met when Werner was studying at UVIC. She was at a friend's party & Werner's distant relatives lived on the same street. They had invited him to come along. Karen was supposed to be introduced to a local fellow, but when she heard a South African was coming, she was all ears. Karen had been to East Africa recently & the rest is history! You'll be hard pressed to find a more well suited match. They look good together, they are considerate & thoughtful of one another, & these two have so much fun together, you can't help but have fun too! 


I was excited to see their home. They bought it a few years ago, but have done MAJOR renovations. Wow! It had definitely changed since my last visit... which was last July. The main entrance was finished, the bathrooms up & downstairs... I know who I'm calling if I ever need reno advice!! Karen has classy taste & I like her style... Even if I didn't I wouldn't write it here because she's a black belt in Karate! :o) 


Werner (Vairrrr-nur) dropped Karen & I off at a friend's place & he went to town to get supper groceries. Karen & I were going to ride some horses. Karen rides English & last week she rode a gelding with a few separation issues. He tried to buck her off! Way to go Cowgirl & stay on! So she asked me if I would like to ride one of the mares while she attempted the bronc again. I ride western & luckily they had a saddle to suit me. Now, I haven't ridden since (?) Chile? South America last January 2009? As luck would have it, the mare was in heat & apparently Dudly Studly had tried to mount the mare, Sunny, earlier in the day. GREAT! There's only one mount allowed on the horse at a time & if she's saddled, I'm it!!! 


We got on our horses & Karen looks at me & smiles, as she says something I completely couldn't understand. I racked my brain - Spanish, no, French, no, hmm, Afrikaans! I had no clue what she just said! 'Huh?' came my reply. 'Are you ready?' was the sentence. Apparently I haven't been learning enough! :o) 


I was quite nervous, as I haven't ridden a horse in heat with other horses around, so I wasn't too sure what I was in for. Apparently mares in heat urinate A LOT more, as every 2-5 minutes, she would stop & mark her territory. 'I'm over here boys!' Great. The pen was quite small, compared to the wide open fields of the prairies I grew up on, so we weren't in a dead run or anything. We mostly walked around, Karen trotted around a little, trying to get 'Studly' to collect. I jogged a little bit, but after awhile, the hormones kicked in & my mare began throwing her head around & wringing her tail. Sorry, no fight in this Cowgirl. We decided to get off & attempt lunging the gelding. 


I've lunged my old horse, Cactus, before, but it was in a round pen. Here, we had a LONG lunge line & that was it. The horse knew exactly what he was supposed to do, but we didn't. I didn't know how to make him stop or slow down & he didn't take long to hit a lope! After we dug up a dirt circle, we decided to call it a night. We bid our (trusty) steeds farewell & went inside the house to call Werner to swing by with the 'wagon'. :o)


Karen & Fred, the owners of the farm, had quite the taxidermy display. Fred is an avid hunter & I can honestly say, I've never seen a collection of animals quite like it! Wow! Poor Karen was mortified, as she is vegetarian & loves all God's critters. Don't get me wrong, I do too, but for a select few creepy crawlies! Fred knows Cody Robbins - I guess it's a small world! 


Werner soon picked us up & we were on our way back to their home. We enjoyed some great visits & a wonderful dinner, although I took my pills too close to dinnertime & I ended up feeling quite sick half way through the delicious meal! I felt terrible to waste all that food! I was so impressed with Werner's gentlemanly ways... Karen & I were visiting & she had a glass of apple juice. It was nearly finished & Werner grabs it without saying a word & refills it. He put it back in front of Karen, while her & I kept right on talking. She didn't even ask! How thoughtful! I was impressed! Boys! Take note! Werner has his Doctorate in Mathematics. If you want to solve anything, ask him! 


We chatted about their cat, Sahara, their upcoming trip to the UK & Rome, and a plethora of things in between! I sure wish they lived closer - I always enjoy my visits with them!


Anyhow, pretty soon, we were all a little sleepy. I was excited for tomorrow, but I didn't have any troubles falling asleep! 


Lekker slaap,
Maria & Valentina
xxxxx

Mama & Papa To Be!

It's a BEAUTIFUL belly!

Milla & Deric

On the ferry

My own private island. Sigh.

A sweeter private island!

Arriving in Victoria

Karen & the horse who's name I've forgotten! C-something

Apres-ride

Winter provisions

Fred & Karen's gorgeous Irish Setter

The Paddock

Werner the Chef

Sahara wanting out. Again. :o)