Loving this Calgary weather. Sitting outside on the deck - enjoying a nice glass of white wine; deck umbrella up; golfers waving as they go by........
Well I was waiting with baited breath for my "followers" to beg me to go on. Guess it's either too hot in Dallas or someone else has gone visiting to Red Deer......
So to continue on.... now I am in Halifax (was). The train station is right down town. So I take a look at my map, and realize I'm not too far from my hotel. Eight blocks, with two bags and a purse is far. Once I got past the dodgy part of downtown, the walk was nice. The hotel shower was even nicer. Because I saved money on not taking a taxi, I treated myself to room service. Watched a little tv, and fell asleep no problem with out any train rocking. That was a quick Friday night. Saturday afternoon, Bill arrived. We spent saturday and sunday cruising down the board walk. There was so much atmosphere and sights to see. The best part was watching people having parties on their boats; docked next to the restaraunt. I think I could get used to summers on the ocean. Sunday afternoon we visited the local farmers market on the dock. It was only partially open, but nice to see anyways. Then we took a quick picture of the lime green "viper" car parked on the street and we headed out of Halifax. Our first stop was Peggy's Cove. Amazing sight. These rocks just go on for ever; if if weren't for the tons of people, it would be a very serene spot. Did some walking around on the rocks; then we headed for Lunenberg. This is a small town along the coast. I had got suggestions from friends to spend some time there. I'm glad we did. We spent two nights there. I had my fresh lobster there; we visiting the Fisheries Museum (learned way too much information about lobsters). We also drove around to see the "blue rocks"; which technically I thought were more on the green side. Didn't stay too long there as it was very deserted and Bill said it reminded him of a zombie movie where the cannibals come out to get us. Our motel was right next to an 18 hole golf course. We were told that technically it was only nine, but you could do it twice. I guess we live on a 36 hole golf course..... Our few of the Harbor and Luneberg was fantastic. The owners of the motel were so friendly. The register lady didn't even take our credit card or license number when we signed in. She said to just stop in on our way out, and come try her fresh baked blueberry muffins. It was the Top Mast Motel. So Tuesday morning we left Luneberg for home. We made a tourist stop at the Ovens. They are these caves on the shore that look like - you guessed - ovens. We did a hike there and then instead of continuing along the coast, we cust across a very scenic (at least that's what the sign said) route to make our way back to Halifax/airport. We stopped in another town; actually it was a subburb of Halifax. Can't remember the name, but we checked into the hotel there. On Wednesday morning after breakfast, we headed to the airport. First we made a couple of more touristy stops. (using up time) Our flight wasn't until 3:00 pm. Around 12:30 we returned the car; and headed to have some lunch. - more seafood for me. You can probably guess what comes next.....graval and ativan and before we knew it we were back in Calgary. Patrick picke us up at the airport. Bill is working on pictures so once they are done, I'll get them out as well.
So I'm going back out side to finish my wine.
Night
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Day 4 of July
Well I thought I had better update the details of my recent trip. Had hoped to do it sooner, but who knew that when I got home everyone would need me.......children; mother; husband; dog; work..........Side note spend last Monday picking up Patrick in Banff (where he's working); returning to Calgary to take him to his soccer game in the SW; grabbing some food for him: taking his back to Banff where he is still working; and returning home to Calgary; thought I had to do the same thing on Wednesday; but he caught a ride into Calgary and back with another soccer player;...................
So met some interesting people on the train. Such a variety; males, females, old, young, straight gay, married, single, families, couples, widowers, newlyweds, single mom's; and me.... someone just trying to get away for some peace and quiet. Like me, taking the train was a new experience for many people, but alot were also seasoned travellers. They were old hands on which sitting to chose for meals; how long the stop overs were for a smoke break; who to call if you couldn't get your bed set up by yourself; when to take a sip of your hot tea whilst the train was moving. I had the opportunity to sit with one gentleman a few different times during meals. We started out as strangers, but by the end of the trip, people thought we were married. "Guest #1" works as a grieve counsler at a sicks kids hospital in Canada. Guest #1 is an openly gay man in a relationship. Guest #1 could be one of my new friends. We got along so well. We were jabbing and teasing all the time. At our second "date" there was a couple at our table that asked if we were married. I turned to Guest #1 and asked if that would hurt his reputation or mine!. Then at another meal sitting, I was telling a gentleman about Bill, my husband at home, and Guest #1 turned to me and said "You mean your other husband." Even when we weren't sitting at the same table, but near, the bantering continued. Then there was guest #2, who tugged at my heart strings. He was an elderly gentleman whose wife had died a month ago, and he had gone to visit friends in Winnipeg and was returning home to Toronto. And finally there was a couple from Calgary; originally from Houston I think. But they have lived in Calgary for over 35 years and call Calgary their home. He's retired and his wife was a retired teacher. She appeared to me to either have suffered a stroke or a muscle debilitating ailment; anyway, the husband was so good at catering to her. There was one other lady I met when we first got on the train; she had the room right across the hall from me (a two foot hall); when we first boarded the train, the porter showed us a demonstration of how to lower our beds and how to access stuff. When the porter left, we talked a little bit; people kept walking through the hall way on the way to their rooms and they would say good night. I started to get a vision of the Waltons; good night John Boy; Mary Ellen; Elizabeth. My neighbor had the same thought. Funny thing was, we were the closest in proximity and I don't believe I seen her on the entire train ride. Guess she didn't think the Walton analogy was that funny, and might have been avoiding me the entire time. Oh wait, wait,,,, there was one more couple. The newlyweds.. Yes Cowboy Joe and his new bride. Now I don't have their true story, but here is the one I imagined, just by observation. This was a second marriage for both (they weren't young chickens) He probably has more suitcases than her (two leather coats - brown, black, cobra cowbow boots; lots of hair product - that's all him; her baseball cap, oversized sweatshirt, sandles) They haven't know each other very long -(he was explaining that a colored bird flying around must be a hawk - and she was impressed) Now had I not overhear him telling everyone at the train station that they were newlyweds, I would have guessed that as well. So at the train station I kept saying, I hope they are on a different train; nope, they were right next to me; they also happen to be at every dinner seating I was at. In fact I think we sat at the same table one time. The "head waiter" brought him his drink, and his comment was "I don't care what the boss says, you're pretty good." Not original, but a little funny - the first time, but after the third time, not so funny, and finally the "head waiter" said, "I am the boss!" K, I better stop, because the remaining blog could just be about Cowboy Joe; doesn't matter where I went, he was there with his cobra boots - he told everyone that, I didn't guess - I thought they were alligator......
So we had a 3 1/2 hour stop over in Winnipeg. I should have had that on my 50 list, because I have never been to Winnipeg either; didn't really have a desire though. Although I didn't get to see too much of the inside of the Winnipeg train station, the outside was lovely. There was an inside/outside market a short walk away; and a lot of old trains set up and being used as stores. Quite unique. I headed back early to our train; not that I thought I would miss it, but you had to get on before a certain time, or wait and get on when the new arrivals got on closer to departure.
So come thursday morning, we had arrived in Toronto; That train station was big, but not exciting. I thought the train ride from Toronto to Montreal was only three hours, but I then realized it was five. I lined up early so I could get a good seat; The line got very long; I got on the train and found a comfortable seat; it was set up similar to the C-train-two facing forward, and you faced two seats facing the other way - hope that's not too confusing. And then I did a stupid Stacey thing; I was sitting on the inside, facing a petite lady, and I was facing the direction the train was travelling ( as opposed to going backwards) This couple gets on the train, they want to sit side by side - you could tell - and I offered to move so they could sit together. Sometimes I am just an idiot. Now I was on the outside; facing the wrong way; and these two tall, long legged people are taking up the entire leg space. I spent five (not three) travelling to Montreal with my knapsack on my lap, my legs squished up, and no food. Thank goodness for gravol and ativan.
Now we arrive in Montreal. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. Luckily the Montreal train station is large and very much like the Toronto, or Vancouver, or (Dallas) airport. Lots of stores etc. The trek from Montreal to Halifax is 24 hours. if I had to do it again, I would get a seat with a berth bed. You don't need an entire room, but being able to shut a curtain or lay up on a bed would be nice. But I figured for 24 hours I could handle just sitting. I had visions of having to sit cramped like I did from toronto to Montreal, but this train had much more comfortable and spacious sitting. I actually at a one seater, facing another one seater, with a table in between. Almost like a set up in a trailer. And, there was no one sitting across from me, so I got to stretch out at night.
Not a lot of interesting people on this trip. Grandparents with their two grandchildren that were coming for a visit. A single mom with an 8 year old and a two year old. He did quite well considering he couldn't run around and had to sit alot. It took everything in my power not to get up and offer to watch the little guy so Mom could take a break - But I kept saying to myself, Stacey this is your holiday, you are allowed to be selfish this one time...... There was also the Mom, travelling to meet her husband; she had the two daughters who unlike myself at that age, were very bold. They weren't misbehaving or anything, just busy and bold.
So it's Friday, July 15th, around 3:00ish and we arrive in Halifax. Ahh the smell of ocean air.
And so the saga shall contine - when you might ask, when Alisa and De have entertained me enough on Facebook. (thanks to everyone else for being so patient)
Luv Me
So met some interesting people on the train. Such a variety; males, females, old, young, straight gay, married, single, families, couples, widowers, newlyweds, single mom's; and me.... someone just trying to get away for some peace and quiet. Like me, taking the train was a new experience for many people, but alot were also seasoned travellers. They were old hands on which sitting to chose for meals; how long the stop overs were for a smoke break; who to call if you couldn't get your bed set up by yourself; when to take a sip of your hot tea whilst the train was moving. I had the opportunity to sit with one gentleman a few different times during meals. We started out as strangers, but by the end of the trip, people thought we were married. "Guest #1" works as a grieve counsler at a sicks kids hospital in Canada. Guest #1 is an openly gay man in a relationship. Guest #1 could be one of my new friends. We got along so well. We were jabbing and teasing all the time. At our second "date" there was a couple at our table that asked if we were married. I turned to Guest #1 and asked if that would hurt his reputation or mine!. Then at another meal sitting, I was telling a gentleman about Bill, my husband at home, and Guest #1 turned to me and said "You mean your other husband." Even when we weren't sitting at the same table, but near, the bantering continued. Then there was guest #2, who tugged at my heart strings. He was an elderly gentleman whose wife had died a month ago, and he had gone to visit friends in Winnipeg and was returning home to Toronto. And finally there was a couple from Calgary; originally from Houston I think. But they have lived in Calgary for over 35 years and call Calgary their home. He's retired and his wife was a retired teacher. She appeared to me to either have suffered a stroke or a muscle debilitating ailment; anyway, the husband was so good at catering to her. There was one other lady I met when we first got on the train; she had the room right across the hall from me (a two foot hall); when we first boarded the train, the porter showed us a demonstration of how to lower our beds and how to access stuff. When the porter left, we talked a little bit; people kept walking through the hall way on the way to their rooms and they would say good night. I started to get a vision of the Waltons; good night John Boy; Mary Ellen; Elizabeth. My neighbor had the same thought. Funny thing was, we were the closest in proximity and I don't believe I seen her on the entire train ride. Guess she didn't think the Walton analogy was that funny, and might have been avoiding me the entire time. Oh wait, wait,,,, there was one more couple. The newlyweds.. Yes Cowboy Joe and his new bride. Now I don't have their true story, but here is the one I imagined, just by observation. This was a second marriage for both (they weren't young chickens) He probably has more suitcases than her (two leather coats - brown, black, cobra cowbow boots; lots of hair product - that's all him; her baseball cap, oversized sweatshirt, sandles) They haven't know each other very long -(he was explaining that a colored bird flying around must be a hawk - and she was impressed) Now had I not overhear him telling everyone at the train station that they were newlyweds, I would have guessed that as well. So at the train station I kept saying, I hope they are on a different train; nope, they were right next to me; they also happen to be at every dinner seating I was at. In fact I think we sat at the same table one time. The "head waiter" brought him his drink, and his comment was "I don't care what the boss says, you're pretty good." Not original, but a little funny - the first time, but after the third time, not so funny, and finally the "head waiter" said, "I am the boss!" K, I better stop, because the remaining blog could just be about Cowboy Joe; doesn't matter where I went, he was there with his cobra boots - he told everyone that, I didn't guess - I thought they were alligator......
So we had a 3 1/2 hour stop over in Winnipeg. I should have had that on my 50 list, because I have never been to Winnipeg either; didn't really have a desire though. Although I didn't get to see too much of the inside of the Winnipeg train station, the outside was lovely. There was an inside/outside market a short walk away; and a lot of old trains set up and being used as stores. Quite unique. I headed back early to our train; not that I thought I would miss it, but you had to get on before a certain time, or wait and get on when the new arrivals got on closer to departure.
So come thursday morning, we had arrived in Toronto; That train station was big, but not exciting. I thought the train ride from Toronto to Montreal was only three hours, but I then realized it was five. I lined up early so I could get a good seat; The line got very long; I got on the train and found a comfortable seat; it was set up similar to the C-train-two facing forward, and you faced two seats facing the other way - hope that's not too confusing. And then I did a stupid Stacey thing; I was sitting on the inside, facing a petite lady, and I was facing the direction the train was travelling ( as opposed to going backwards) This couple gets on the train, they want to sit side by side - you could tell - and I offered to move so they could sit together. Sometimes I am just an idiot. Now I was on the outside; facing the wrong way; and these two tall, long legged people are taking up the entire leg space. I spent five (not three) travelling to Montreal with my knapsack on my lap, my legs squished up, and no food. Thank goodness for gravol and ativan.
Now we arrive in Montreal. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. Luckily the Montreal train station is large and very much like the Toronto, or Vancouver, or (Dallas) airport. Lots of stores etc. The trek from Montreal to Halifax is 24 hours. if I had to do it again, I would get a seat with a berth bed. You don't need an entire room, but being able to shut a curtain or lay up on a bed would be nice. But I figured for 24 hours I could handle just sitting. I had visions of having to sit cramped like I did from toronto to Montreal, but this train had much more comfortable and spacious sitting. I actually at a one seater, facing another one seater, with a table in between. Almost like a set up in a trailer. And, there was no one sitting across from me, so I got to stretch out at night.
Not a lot of interesting people on this trip. Grandparents with their two grandchildren that were coming for a visit. A single mom with an 8 year old and a two year old. He did quite well considering he couldn't run around and had to sit alot. It took everything in my power not to get up and offer to watch the little guy so Mom could take a break - But I kept saying to myself, Stacey this is your holiday, you are allowed to be selfish this one time...... There was also the Mom, travelling to meet her husband; she had the two daughters who unlike myself at that age, were very bold. They weren't misbehaving or anything, just busy and bold.
So it's Friday, July 15th, around 3:00ish and we arrive in Halifax. Ahh the smell of ocean air.
And so the saga shall contine - when you might ask, when Alisa and De have entertained me enough on Facebook. (thanks to everyone else for being so patient)
Luv Me
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 3 of July
Well I thought I better get a blog up here before I start getting those "little" hints.
Well I can now cross off another item on my 50 list - "Visit the Canada East Coast". And what a visit it was.
Today I am just going to talk about my train journey..... Actually one step before that was the Greyhound journey from Calgary to Edmonton. I didn't realize I had actually signed up for the milk run, but we did a short stop over in Olds and Wetaskawin. At the Calgary bus station, I met two young men; about the same age; but totally opposite in every other way. The first young man was a recent University graduate from ------ Nova Scotia. He had flown out to Alberta, all by himself, and was on his way to Jasper to go climbing. This was his reward for finishing school, and to give him time to think on what and where he would do his future schooling. He was a civil engineer and wanted to pursue a carreer in robotics. The second gentleman, was from Okotoks (sort of); had just got kicked out of his mothers home, because he informed his Dad that his mother was having an affair; he was off to Wetaskiwin to stay with his girlfriend. Two interesting young men - both with a tough journey.
So I'm on the wonderful Greyhound, and I sit next to a young girl; maybe 21 or 22ish. Poor thing. She had headphones in, and I must have interrupted her several different times. She finally just put the once head phone in. Thankfully I remembered to apologize and tried not to start any more conversations with her.
Once in Edmonton, I grabbed a cab and headed to the train station. I was a little early, but that gave me enough time to ask alot of questions and get some writing and reading done.
We finally boarded our train around 11:45 pm. The porter showed me how to make out the bed and as soon as she left; I was changed and in my bed. I don't think I slept much the first night, because I was so excited. I wanted to stay awake until the train left the station. And even then it seemed to take forever to get out of the station. I slept with my curtain open so I could watch the "darkness". I missed most of it.
I won't go into every nook and detail of the trip. And in this blog I'll just talk about the actual train ride itself. I ate my first breakfast in the dining car; but because breakfast is not a big meal for me, I ate the rest of the breakfasts in the dome car, with a juice and muffin and taking in the few from up high. Dinning car was two cars ahead of mine. For the first couple of days there were two sittings for lunch and supper, but after Winnipeg, there was three sittings. That must mean they picked up many more people in Winnipeg. You had to chose which sitting you wanted, and you usually sat with different people each time. The meals were amazing; and just the right amount, so you had room for dessert. There was a games room, but it was closer to the front of the train and i never did venture that far. My room had a bed, chair, toilet, sink and a little storage space up top. There were common showers on each of the trains; but I didn't take advantage of those either - just a quick wash up in the room. (hopefully trees can't talk).
That was the details up to Toronto. For those that think this would be wonderful to do - it would and there is currently a great sale on. For a two bed sleeping car from Edmonton to Toronto, they have a couple of cars left at around $350.00.
Next Blog I'll talk about the people on my train to Toronto.
Stacey
Well I can now cross off another item on my 50 list - "Visit the Canada East Coast". And what a visit it was.
Today I am just going to talk about my train journey..... Actually one step before that was the Greyhound journey from Calgary to Edmonton. I didn't realize I had actually signed up for the milk run, but we did a short stop over in Olds and Wetaskawin. At the Calgary bus station, I met two young men; about the same age; but totally opposite in every other way. The first young man was a recent University graduate from ------ Nova Scotia. He had flown out to Alberta, all by himself, and was on his way to Jasper to go climbing. This was his reward for finishing school, and to give him time to think on what and where he would do his future schooling. He was a civil engineer and wanted to pursue a carreer in robotics. The second gentleman, was from Okotoks (sort of); had just got kicked out of his mothers home, because he informed his Dad that his mother was having an affair; he was off to Wetaskiwin to stay with his girlfriend. Two interesting young men - both with a tough journey.
So I'm on the wonderful Greyhound, and I sit next to a young girl; maybe 21 or 22ish. Poor thing. She had headphones in, and I must have interrupted her several different times. She finally just put the once head phone in. Thankfully I remembered to apologize and tried not to start any more conversations with her.
Once in Edmonton, I grabbed a cab and headed to the train station. I was a little early, but that gave me enough time to ask alot of questions and get some writing and reading done.
We finally boarded our train around 11:45 pm. The porter showed me how to make out the bed and as soon as she left; I was changed and in my bed. I don't think I slept much the first night, because I was so excited. I wanted to stay awake until the train left the station. And even then it seemed to take forever to get out of the station. I slept with my curtain open so I could watch the "darkness". I missed most of it.
I won't go into every nook and detail of the trip. And in this blog I'll just talk about the actual train ride itself. I ate my first breakfast in the dining car; but because breakfast is not a big meal for me, I ate the rest of the breakfasts in the dome car, with a juice and muffin and taking in the few from up high. Dinning car was two cars ahead of mine. For the first couple of days there were two sittings for lunch and supper, but after Winnipeg, there was three sittings. That must mean they picked up many more people in Winnipeg. You had to chose which sitting you wanted, and you usually sat with different people each time. The meals were amazing; and just the right amount, so you had room for dessert. There was a games room, but it was closer to the front of the train and i never did venture that far. My room had a bed, chair, toilet, sink and a little storage space up top. There were common showers on each of the trains; but I didn't take advantage of those either - just a quick wash up in the room. (hopefully trees can't talk).
That was the details up to Toronto. For those that think this would be wonderful to do - it would and there is currently a great sale on. For a two bed sleeping car from Edmonton to Toronto, they have a couple of cars left at around $350.00.
Next Blog I'll talk about the people on my train to Toronto.
Stacey
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 2 of July
Here's a little riddle,
With a snazzy little rhyme.
It's meant to hold you over
for a short amount of time.
I'm off to find adventure
Or maybe to relax.
You won't know where I'm heading
Cause I won't leave any TRACKS.
I'll have a few stop overs
though I'm not sure where they are.
But my mode of transportation
comes complete with walk up bar.
I'll see some towns, some trees and lakes
When it's dark and when it's light
Whereever I am going,
could take a long long flight!!!!!
Unlike the Duke and Duchess
This great country I won't leave
So across the plains and around the lakes
Is how I'll have to weave.
When I get where I'm going
Will take me 5 short days
But I'm told I will enjoy it
In fact, I'll be amazed.
So ponder this and think of me
When the blogs are way past due
I'll fill you in when I get back
With my holiday reviews.
ta ta
Stacey
With a snazzy little rhyme.
It's meant to hold you over
for a short amount of time.
I'm off to find adventure
Or maybe to relax.
You won't know where I'm heading
Cause I won't leave any TRACKS.
I'll have a few stop overs
though I'm not sure where they are.
But my mode of transportation
comes complete with walk up bar.
I'll see some towns, some trees and lakes
When it's dark and when it's light
Whereever I am going,
could take a long long flight!!!!!
Unlike the Duke and Duchess
This great country I won't leave
So across the plains and around the lakes
Is how I'll have to weave.
When I get where I'm going
Will take me 5 short days
But I'm told I will enjoy it
In fact, I'll be amazed.
So ponder this and think of me
When the blogs are way past due
I'll fill you in when I get back
With my holiday reviews.
ta ta
Stacey
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Day 1 of July
Belated Happy Canada Day and Early Happy 4th of July to all my American friends.
So, where to start.....
Lets start with Patrick; and I have his permission to tell this story. I really should find my book of Patrickism's to keep adding to. So last night Patrick had to work; he gets home around 2:30ish and comes rushing into the house; seems he had his first run in with the police. It happened on his way to work, and by his anxiousness, he must have been excited to tell me all night. He was driving away from our house; turned left at the drive and headed down the hill. Within 10 seconds he was pulled over by the police for doing "70" in the 50 zone. The officer asked him if this was his usual "warp speed." Patrick said he did a lot of no sir; yes sirs; and he luckily was let go with a warning. But the officer told him if he seen that drivers license again, he wouldn't let him off with a warning. I didn't have my first speeding violation (and that was even a picture one) until at least 18 years after I had my drivers licence - not less than a year!!!
Today I was able to cross off another item on my 50 list. With Robin's assistance and Mom's accompaniment; we drove to Okotoks to locate our old house. Now technically this is not my first house; my first house was in Midnapore and as of now it is buried under some strip mall I believe. Plus I was only a baby so I don't remember any of it. The house in Okotoks is my real first memory of a house. Thank goodness Robin was there, because with Moms and my memory put together, we'd still be in Okotoks searching. Robin knew exactly where to turn off the highway. Our starting point was the old high school - which after 50 years is still standing, but of course is not longer the high school. We thought we had found it right away; but it didn't look the same; there must have been renovations done. A little disappointing so I really didn't want a picture. So we driver down the hill and around and back up the hill on a different road and realized the old high school was a different building yet. And low and behold we found our street (I don't think it had a name 50 years ago) And then doing the counting from the corner we found the house and yeah - there was little outside renovations done to it. I was very impressed with my sister's recollection of houses belonging to different neighbours and friends; for crying out loud, she even remembered the name of our landlord. I better start drinking what she's drinking. So I have attached a picture of our house at 10 Knight Street as of July 3, 2011 and a picture of the same house with Robin and I from October 1963.
My 50 list is getting smaller and smaller.
Stacey
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