Blog 14 of August

This is the last Friday of August 2013.

Had a wonderful start to the day.  Rose and I visited the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park this morning with our bikes.  What a workout.  I found it much more difficult than walking the route.  We did pretty good on the hills, but that will be my goal, to make it up the steep hills without walking up the bike.  To be sure though, walking up those hills pushing a big ole' mountain bike was also good exercise.

The view from this park is just spectacular.

This is the start of our trail ride. Thank goodness Rose knows how to take the selfie shots.  There was nobody else on the trails when we started.

The clouds painted an awesome, yet auspicious picture in the sky.  It's almost like a Chinook arch mixed with a array of storm clouds coming in. Somewhere in the picture is the train going through as well.

Rose saw a deer, and otherwise it was just cows and horses that were keeping us company.

So 10 km later, we were still smiling, but the jackets had come off and our cheeks were a little "rosier".
I can't wait to do this park again, either walking or riding.

The rest of the day was pretty quiet and calm in comparison.  I made a quick trip to Canadian Tire for a sleeping mat to put under my sleeping bag.  The Kidney March is exactly one week from today.  I'm very excited.  I will start doing the sun dance and hopefully keep rain and or snow away.....

I also stopped in at Future Shop.  I am looking for an IPad cover.  I have a vision of what I want, but haven't been able to locate the exact "case" I want.  Future Shop didn't have what I was looking for, so I guess the search is still on going.

Bill and I spent the afternoon putting the new cover and lid lifter on the hot tub.  The tub is up and running and if the wind calms down, I think I just might be heading out there tonight, under the stars with a nice glass of wine (or water).
Happy Friday.
Stacey

Blog 13 of August

Happy Hump Day - Yes it's Wednesday and it is almost the end of August.

Here are some sure tale signs that summer is coming to an end. Or as I like to call it:  "The Top Ten Signs" you can tell summer is coming to an end.

1)  I seen 8 Canada Geese flying south yesterday, and they weren't very organized - I guess the leader hadn't quite been selected yet.
2)  Patrick and his friends are packing and heading out to their respective school and or jobs.
3)  The firewood under the deck needs replenishing.
4)  Spruce Meadows Masters is just days away.
5)  Mom has decided it would be a good time to look for white sandals, because they should be on sale.
6)  Rose and I can't start our morning walks at 6:00 a.m. because it is way to dark out to be walking in the ravine!
7)  The backyard is starting to fill up  with leaves from the golf course trees
8)  Driving with the roof down in the bullet, first thing in the morning, can get a little chilly.
9)  I seen a rabbit, with a very white tale......
10)  I have time to call the radio stations again.... and win!!!!!

  I really did see the Geese flying yesterday, and I swear they were heading for Chinook.
Patrick has the suitcase out and adding things as they become clean.  He leaves Sunday morning.
Ashley is back to working weekends for the next little while.  The Spruce Meadows Masters is the last major outdoor horse show in Calgary.
  It's Wednesday, and Mom really wants to go shoe shopping - for white sandals. I  tried to warn her that it might be next to impossible to find, but we'll try.
  And our walk got cancelled this morning, so I was cleaning the kitchen when I heard a contest on the radio.  I'm off to see War Horses at the Jubilee Auditorium , brought in by Broadway Across Canada.
  
I better get the rest of this day rolling.
Stacey

Blog 12 of August

What a roller-coaster weekend!   I can only describe the past weekend as being filled with so much, in such a short time frame.
  Friday night was the "Good-bye BBQ" for Patrick and his friends.  Without going into too much detail, (to protect the guilty), the evening ended with some very wet, some very loud, and a few boxer clad boys.  But I am proud to say despite the shenanigans, these are still a great group of young men (who I hope have learned some "take away lessons").
  Saturday was busy for everyone.  Ashley, Bill and Ethan participated in the Spartan Race being run in town.  Patrick went along as the official team photographer.

  This was the team.  My understanding is that Bill left the team in the dust and had to rely on the help of strangers for some of the more strenuous events.

  This was after the mud part of the race. 

 So while Bill and the kids were attending the race, I was off to my event. The 10th Anniversary of Reggaefest. Once again I was working in the "Green Room" - VIP section, where the performers hang out and eat and drink.   My original shift was from 2:00 until 6:30, but Jolene had some no shows for the evening shift so I stayed and helped out. I ended up working straight through til 11:30, but it was so worth it.   During the afternoon, the star, and main event attraction, Mr. Ky-mani Marley dropped by to eat, drink and whatever else one partakes in during Reggaefest!!!!  What a kind soul this man has, and so personal.  

  In fact, all the performers were so nice, as they are every year.    That was Saturday night.  So at the end of the evening, I hopped the C-Train and headed home.  Sunday was going to be another busy day.  It was Patrick's day to run the Spartan Race (he had done the same race up in Edmonton back in June.)  But now Bill and I headed to Banff.  We made plans to hike up Tunnel mountain and then a nice relaxing evening at the Banff Springs Hotel.

  This was the view from the summit of Tunnel Mountain.  That is the Banff Springs Golf Course in the back ground.  The entire hike took 2 1/2 hours (we were with a tour group, so we had a couple of breaks for talks)  Then we headed to the hotel. Our room wasn't quite ready, so we headed to the lounge for a drink and a bite to eat.

  Funny story.  As we were checking out the menu, I decided on a chicken burger and Bill decided on the mushroom burger.  I jokingly suggested he check to see if there was actual meat on the burger.  He didn't and there wasn't.  The burger contained to very large  Portabella mushrooms.  

The weather for the entire weekend was beautiful.  Hopefully it will last for the rest of the summer.

It's now Tuesday evening and I think I am finally starting to feel almost normal.  Note to self:  (or the morale of the story)  Don't try and cram so many activities into one weekend - I'm not getting any younger and sleep is my best friend.

  The rest of the week seems like a piece of cake in comparison to the weekend, but it is still a busy one.

Later

Stacey

Blog 11 of August

Came across another cute saying I seen on one of the radio stations pages.
Thank you for informing me you have a stick figure family of 5.  your mini-van had me under the impression you were wild and single;  ----------I'm sorry, but that's just too funny.

Thursday started with a great walk with the "walker/PREP ladies.  Gina took us to this great place called Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.  We ended up walking around 9.5 km.  The view was amazing.  I had never heard of this park before.  At one point we came across this stone fireplace that was barricaded off.  It was from the original homestead.  Thanks for a great work out ladies.

  At 4:30, I met Ashley and we had a mani-pedi.  I wanted my nails done for Reggaefest and Ashley has a wedding next week in Ontario.  I go to New Wave Nails and they do a great job.

This is a result of Denise's free hand-i-work.  Her husband works there sometimes and he gives the best foot massage.

Friday was another beautiful day; weather has been co-operating.  Rose got home from Hawaii so I got my other walking partner back.  21 Days to the Kidney March.

Patrick is in the throngs of his final "hurrah" friends party.  Great group of people, but boy can they be loud. They've moved out to the fire pit so the house is a little quieter.  I'll be hitting the hay soon - Its Reggaefest tomorrow. Man

Stacey

Blog 10 of August

Finally, Mother Nature is giving us our summer weather.  Never too late.
Wednesday today, and tried to squeeze a whole lot of stuff into this midweek day.
Took Mom grocery shopping this morning.  She told me she had eaten breakfast before we left, but she sure was picking up a lot of munchie food.  After I got Mom's groceries put away, headed home with my own groceries.  Both Bill and Patrick arrived home shortly after me. (nothing like missing the chance to bring in the groceries from the car.)  Patrick quickly ate his breakfast and headed off to work, and Bill had the day off so he got out his toys - the lawn mower, the weed whacker and the grass blower (or in the winter we call it the snow blower).  After lunch, Bill headed to meet with a Realtor to check out some properties and then he was golfing for the rest of the day.
  I got to spend the afternoon waiting for Gienow to come and replace our "mucky" window.  A lot of condensation had built up.  They were fast and did an amazing job, considering the guy was on his phone about 5 different times.  They even brought in the vacuum and cleaned the mess on the inside.  I considered slipping him a couple of $20.00's to do the entire living room.....  Instead, I offered them a cold beverage and they headed on their way.
  Found a picture of one of my first loves and thought I would share the picture.

You never fall out of love with your first car.  This was my brand new Mazda GLC.  Bill and I were dating so it was between 1979 and 1985.  Bill went with me to pick out the car (it was his suggestion as well).  My Dad co-signed the loan with me.  I was working at Royal Trust at the time, so got a good deal on a loan rate.  I remember my Dad being dumbfounded that we had to pay for a passenger side rear view mirror.  In fact, I believe he ended up buying me one for my birthday. I had that car when Bill and I got married in 1985.  I parked it at Robin's house the day of the wedding and a couple of days later when I went to pick it up, it was filled with balloons and confetti, compliments of Robin and Peter and some "cousins" from Carmangay - you know who you are.  Years later when I sold the car, there was still confetti coming out of the front fans.

  Came across a great quote today>
"Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does."  Love it.
Enjoy a great Wednesday night
Stacey

Blog 9 of August

My poor Maya.
It was vet day today for Miss Maya.

She totally doesn't understand where she is going; even after we get the in car.  But as soon as I pull up to the office and open the car door; take Maya out, she makes a bee-line for the opposite direction of the Vet office.  She hasn't been there since last year.  And every year it is the same thing.  I finally get her in the waiting room and we are right on time.  I have learned not to arrive early with this one, because I spend any extra waiting time, coaxing her away from the door.  They bring out the baby scale to weigh her.  Not much change from last year 3.05 kg, or 6.7 lbs.  Then we are invited into the examining room.  It's a good 5 minutes before the vet comes in and in the meantime, Maya has literally shed .7 lb of hair.  I just gave her a bath the evening before and thought I had got most of the hair combed out.  But to prove a point, after the vet finished with her, I continued petting and scratching her, and no hair was falling out.  Note to self, don't get nervous and I shouldn't lose any hair!!!!!
  I had mentioned that Maya might be going to a kennel over Christmas so she got  Dog Cough vaccine, in addition to her rabies shot.  In dog years, she is over 40 now.  The vet found a heart murmur but said it probably wasn't much, but to monitor it and it looks like a small cataract might be setting in on one eye.
  To Bill's credit, when he got home for supper and I filled him in on the details, he told me to go ahead and get anything done that Maya needed.........?  I swear, he hadn't been drinking at work!!!!  I should have got it in writing in case I need it in the future.
  It's 7:00 pm and Maya is running around and playing and there are no side affects from the shots, the trauma or the fact, she didn't get to go for a long car ride.
  I spent the rest of the afternoon doing laundry, making supper and baking a cake.  Our apple tree was full of apples again.  I picked them on Saturday and offered them to anyone who wanted.  Last year I made bags and bags or applesauce.  Ashley was kind enough to take some of the apples this morning to give to the horses she will be riding today.    I might have to make a couple of pies with the remainder.  But I did find a cake recipe for the applesauce from last year.  I used pecan and walnuts.  Bill loved it and I enjoyed it as well.  It was so moist and not sweet at all.  Will definitely be making this one again.

Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cake

By Mareesme

Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes

Mareesme's Note:
At last, an easy-to-make "scratch" cake recipe that does not need frosting! Recipe has been modified from one given to me by a friend y ...

Ingredients:

Serves: 12Yield:
1
cake Units: US | Metric
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups applesauce
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup nuts, chopped
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Directions:

1Grease and flour a 13x 9" baking pan.
2In large mixing bowl, mix oil and 1 1/2 c sugar.
3Add beaten eggs, flour (no need to sift), cinnamon, salt, applesauce, baking soda and cocoa and mix until well-blended.
4Pour into pan and sprinkle with 1 1/2 T sugar, nuts (chopped walnuts or pecans) and 3/4 C chocolate chips.
5Bake at 350 dg. for 30-40 mins, until top springs back when touched, covering with foil if top gets too brown.
6Moist and delicious

So Bill has gone golfing, Patrick is at the gym, the other two won't be home tonight.  Just me, Maya and the laundry. and of course you Blog!!!.

I almost want to start the Thank you Notes like Jimmy Fallon does on Late night.

Stacey

Blog 8 of August

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day for a ride in the bullett. In the afternoon, Bill and I took a drive to the Marda Loop Mardi Gras Festival. They had some fun acts.  We got to see James Jordan, the Magicia, and not only was he an amazing magician, but he comedy through-out the show was funny.  There was a pet pageant, and had I know about that ahead of time, I think Maya has enough outfits that she could have made the show and even ribboned out.  After we finished walking around and taking in the sites, Bill suggested we head over to Peter's Drive in.  We picked up some food and made our way to Crescent Height Hills - our old stomping/make-out grounds.  The view gets me every time.
  Our evening was a little quiet.  Bill did his golfing and the three kids went out for dinner (Kinjo's) when they found out Dad and I had already eating at Peter's.  After they got back, we watched a Shaw on Demand movie ' Identity Theft."  It was OK.  With all the hype it had received at the box office, I guess I expected more.
  Morning morning my Honda had a date with the dealership.  It as been feeling to me that the ride has been sluggish.  I drove it to the dealership by the dump, and then Jean and I walked back home.  I had mapped out the route and it was an 8.3 km walk.  It was during this walk that we came across this more unusual type of mushroom.

At first I thought it was a badminton birdie from it's shape.  Then maybe the bottom half of a real bird, because it almost looked feathery.  It was quite a size.  It's quite possible Smurfs are real, and we came across a new subdivision being set up. There were a few more.

I'll be sure to have my camera ready on the next walk, just to see if sister or papa smurf are near by.
  Jean and I finished up our walk in less than 2 hours and I was home, cleaned up and changed and ready for pick-up.  It was lunch time with the "walker" from PREP.  We met up at Earls.  It was nice to see old friends/colleagues and meet some of the new staff.  We missed seeing Barb N there, as she was in Regina preparing for her encounter with "Sir Paul McCartney."
  It wasn't until around 4:30 when the Honda Dealership called to tell me my car was ready for pickup.  Patrick was home from work by now, she he drove me and dropped me off (I think that is the first time I have ever driving with him in a very long time, and he actually is a very good driver.)
  Everyone was home for supper last night and I managed to finish up and get into bed at a reasonable hour.
  Today is Maya's check -up day.  She's happy now, but once she gets out of the vehicle and sees the Vet door, she'll be heading in another direction.
Later
Stacey

Blog 7 of August

   I came very close to going for a long, long walk this morning, with no plans on turning back.  That's what happens when you have a pity party for one, the previous evening!!!! But what a party it was - Entertainment included music by Bruno Mars; comedy provided by British comedian Jack Whitehall; beverage - tequila coolers.  I love You-Tube.  Thanks goodness I got a nice long sleep (bed at 8:30 pm til 7:00 a.m. Sunday)
  So today is today.  Here is a short synopsis of the past week.  Monday was a holiday.  For me that doesn't mean too much, other than my house  has more people in it.  Tuesday was that haircut day I mentioned. Wednesday was visit Mom day.  I had spoke to Mom previous on the phone and I warned her I had got my hair cut.  "Not too short" she commented hopefully, "I like you with long hair."  So when I walked into her room on Wednesday morning, I apologized and said yes "Short."  Then I asked her how she liked the color. (I know, I know, don't ask a question you don't want an answer to)  "Too red."  she replied.  I took out the 6 pictures that I had used as my inspiration for my cut and color and showed mom.  To my surprise, (or maybe not) she picked the picture she liked the most.  I swear, right here and now, the picture she picked out of all six pictures was the shortest and reddest cut of all.  I guess that turned into a win - win situation.  Soon it was time for Mom to go down for lunch.  I walked her downstairs and headed to my lunch date.
  I was meeting with some school friends.  Wanda, Kim, Shirley, Sharon and Judy.  Now these aren't my school friends, but Mom's of Ashley's school friends. (Andrew, Angela, Micheal, Lauren) When our kids went to Colonel Sanders (no, not the chicken guy), we all used to volunteer in the library.  That's how we initially bonded.  Then as the years went by and the kids were growing up, and our lives became busier, we would try and meet up for significant birthdays. The last time we all got together was for Shirley's 40th birthday party.

We were all Colonel Sanders Mom's except for Judy, who was the librarian assistant that recruited us and made the job so much fun. This picture was taken May 25, 2001.

This new picture would then be 12 years and 2 1/2 months later. How cool that we have kept in touch for so long.  Got to love Facebook and other social media!
   Thursday was walk day with the PREP walkers and we walked from Edworthy past the Crowchild bridge.  Friday was the last Kids Cancer Camp BBQ at Camp Kindle.  It was a little cooler but still no rain.  And that brought me to Saturday and my Pity Party.  I've already given you those details.
  Today is Sunday, the sun is shining; I've already spent two hours in the garden and I'm ready for a ride in the bullet.
  Monday, I'm looking forward to you.
Stacey

Blog 6 of August

Friday's almost here.

It's only August 8th, but you can tell summer is coming to an end, because I wake up in the morning at 5:30, and it's dark outside - and for the past two mornings there has been "fog" over the "lake" on the golf course.  Did and Edworthy walk with the PREP ladies this morning.  We made it a little further today.  Good job ladies.
  Last weekend, there was a bridal party out on the 7th green, and they were having photos taken, with the lake in the background.  I can see why, because it is a beautiful view.

This is one of the reasons we built on this particular lot, the view.  When I wake up in the morning and curtains are open, I look out and you would think you are living in the country and your forget that your neighbors are only a few feet next door.  Thankfully we only have neighbors on one side.

  Been going through old photos again.

This one is again from our home on 18th Avenue.  And again it's between grade(s) 6 and 9ish. That is me in the lovely brown print dress with the huge collar.  I like how the buttons are done up to the top.  That is probably because I had no "chest" back then.  Boy have some things changed.  I always tell people I have never had long hair since I was a toddler.  But I look at some of these pictures and I guess I had at least medium length hair.  And who  knew I would be in style with the bangs, only 30 or 40 years too early.   The two trouble makers with me are my nieces Shelley and Tracey.  There is only about 5 or 6 years age difference between them and me so yes I was an Auntie at a very young age.  I used to babysit them and play with them. Shelley and Tracey are cousins.  It was easier to be with them on a one on one basis. Because sometimes when they would get together, they would gang up on me....  I used to lock myself in my bedroom and then climb out my bedroom window to get away from them.
Better get to bed - busy day tomorrow.
Stacey

Blog 5 of August

First of all, I want to tell you I have the best "hair dresser."  Do we still call people that?  Her name is Debbie Mahony and she owns and operates Visible Changes.

Visible Changes

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Visible Changes

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  Heritage Plaza D7-8330 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 2V2(403) 253-5757Today 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

The best part, you can book your appointments online (ok, maybe that's just my favorite)  I can go see her with a picture, or a wish list, or even a "Do what ever you want."  I can honestly say I have never left her place not loving my new look.  Enough free advertising.
So as you might have guessed, yesterday afternoon I went and got my hair done with Debbie.  This is what it looked like.  Love the cut, love the color.  I really don't know how people take these selfie pictures.  This took me about 20 takes.  It was either blurry, or my eyes were closed or squinting, or I cut my head off all together.

  I had taken a few different pictures in for Debbie to get an idea of what I wanted, or maybe let her figure out what I wanted.   (ok, maybe 6, sorry Debbie).  I wanted the bangs of one picture, the sides like another, the top like another, but shorter like another.  Well you get the picture.  Poor Debbie.  But in the end, I just told Debbie to do what she thought best.  I always love this color (although not Bill's favorite, but I'm not doing it for him....right!!)  It always reminds me of Sharon Osborne.  I tried to find a really bad picture of her, but she looks good in most of them.

 Fast forward to around 6:00 pm when Bill got home from work.  I finally asked him how he liked my hair (never ask a question you don't want an answer for) Even the son noticed the hair cut when he got home and said "nice hair mom".  Anyways, Bill's answer "Looks good Sharry!"

If you don't know who Sharry is, it's my older sister.  Well I didn't think this cut made me look like Sharry (although I have walked passed the mirror many times and thought I saw Sharry looking back at me.)  Moral of that story, neither Sharry or I must be adopted!!!  I was then going to add, that maybe the other two kids were adopted, but based on the responses I got from yesterday's way back photo, every one thought the "bubble faced" kid was Robin (it was me) so I guess Robin wasn't adopted either.  That would leave the "brother."  But when you look at him, you see so many Fraser/Zoback traits, that him being adopted would just not seem plausible.  

Hmmm, I guess the new moral of the story is "don't make fun of your family, because in some way or another you all look the same!" - not a great moral.
Off for a fun get together.
Enjoy your Wednesday.
Stacey

Blog 4 of August

Bong.......that seems to be the sound I am hearing more and more of this summer.  Since the golf course has gone semi-private, there are more and more golf balls hitting the house.  Hmmm.  Seems to me I used to say "What idiot would want to live on a golf course?"  Guess I got the answer now!!!!  If you want to put a positive spin on it, at least we're not hearing a lot of "crash" from broken windows.  Does that make them bad golfers for hitting the house, or lucky golfers for not hitting the window?   The hits on the house used to be few and far between (or maybe they happened a lot and I was never home)  But when they'd hit the house, I'd just leave it.  Now I run outside and you'd be surprised how many people play "dumb" for actually hitting the house.  A ball hit the house this morning, I'm in my office in the basement.  The noise was so loud that I ran upstairs and outside.  Couldn't find the ball, so it must have hit so hard and bounced off the house and back into the golf course.  This gentleman comes tootling up in his purplish golf cart. He tells me the ball hit the "utility building" and I assure him it didn't, it hit the house, but doesn't seem to have done any damage.  He apologizes, I assure him, it's ok, we live on a golf course.  Then he tells me, we are in a really bad spot and we must get hit alot.  My turn,..... "Well, we never used to when it was private, but now there are a lot of bad golfers."  And, he leaves.  I must have forgot to turn on my filter button!!!! My bad.
  I think I mentioned we are heading to Seattle in October to see "Four Play" at the Jazz Alley.  So yesterday, I was on line checking out hotels.  Fast forward to this morning.  I'm doing my morning creep on Facebook and all these advertisements pop us with ads for hotels in Seattle - coincidence - I think not.  Hmmm, makes you think twice about who is watching and reading about you,.....
  On that note, I thought it would be a good time to post an old photo.

I put the same photo on Facebook.  Here's my description. First of all, it's hard to tell, but that yellowish tint around the edges, indicates, this is one of those old, three minute Polaroid pictures.  Here are three cousins, Fred, Darcy and myself. Fred and Darcy are brother and sister.  Growing up, these two cousins are probably who I spent most of my youth with.  Fred is one year younger than me and Darcy, well she was always the "tag along".  (sorry Darc, but you get the last laugh, because now you are younger than us "old folks)  This picture was taken at our house on 18th Avenue, so it had to be between 1972 and 1978, but my guess is closer to the earlier years.  I don't remember the couch, but I remember the curtain behind us.  This was in the living room, and that curtain covered these beautiful, old French doors.  But because the living room was so small, Mom closed and covered the doors so she would have more room for furniture.  There was another normal doorway on Fred's right hand side that led in the dining room, but was used as Mom and Dad's bedroom.  So if you wanted to watch TV at night, you had to enter through Mom and Dad's bedroom.
   I'm not sure what I was wearing in this picture (other than the obvious bubble gum mustache),but I think it might have been a long jean skirt, with the clashing red socks (not even red stockings/leotards)  and stark white sweatshirt.  Did I mention I was a bit of a tom boy?  When Patrick was little, he would make funny faces in pictures, and I would warn him that one day they would come back to haunt him.  I guess this is one of my haunting pictures.
  I love going through old photos.  Hopefully the next one I find might be a little more flattering of me.
Short week, off to a great start.
Stacey

Blog 3 of August

Today is the second anniversary of the passing of my wonderful Father-in-law, Paul Wee.

We miss him terribly, but we take comfort in knowing he and mom are reunited once again.  We started our day at the cemetery to pay our respects, deliver flowers and pull some of those pesky thistles that have decided to take root in an inappropriate spot.  I know Dad was probably having a giggle on us as Bill was pricked a couple of times by the nasty weed.
  After the cemetery, we headed off for Dim Sum; Anne and Brian and Ethan joined our family.  I was still in amazement that I actually was able to get the four of us together on a weekend.  Thankfully, the kids know how much this tradition meant to Grandma and Grandpa.
  We left the restaurant in three vehicles.  Bill and I had to make a pit stop at North Hill Shopping Center to get his cell phone replaced.  It took a little longer than planned and a couple of more pit stops, but finally his broken phone is gone!!!
  I spent most of the afternoon researching stuff on the computer.  Trying to decide which hotel to stay at in Seattle.  If we stay right down town, we won't need to rent a car. If we stay near the space needle, we can rent a car or take a cab when needed.  Anyway, got a good idea of prices and will look into it again towards the end of August.
  During my research, I was also going through some photos and I wanted to do a comparison.

Could this be the one and same person.  When Patrick had a couple of pictures taken late last year in Victoria, with the "stache" , the first thing I said to him was "Wow, do you ever look like my cousin Ken.  Hard to tell with the sunglasses on, but take my word.  There must be some Fraser genes in there somewhere!

 I better get more paper work done, or this could be a very unproductive week.  

Alas the end of a wonderful long weekend.

Stacey

Blog 2 of August

You know you have "cow poop" breath in the morning, when you wake up early, try and kiss the dog, and she hides her nose under the blanket.  Thanks for the wake up notice Maya!!!!
 Had a great Saturday. It just seems easier to get so much done when everyone has left the building and you have no 'agenda's for the day (ie you don't have to think about making meals).
  Ashley and Ethan were still in Edmonton for the weekend.  Bill and Patrick and a few other friends set off very early for a hiking trip up Mount Rundle.  Bill was very excited as this was his third attempt at making it to the top.  I should have gone with them -  certainly not to climb the mountain, but to shop and stroll through Banff.

By the look of the the pictures, the hike was a huge success.  Bill made it to the top, but he was sure sore the next day.
  While the house was empty I managed to take a good stab at getting the upstairs cleaned, even evicted the dust bunnies.  I also got a few things removed and or taken care of from my desk.  But some how they just continue to  pile up.
  Noticed in the paper on Friday that Ashley's ECS teacher from Colonel Sanders passed away.  Darlene Lamb.  She was such a nice teacher and lady.
   Sunday was a quiet day.  Work in the morning, relaxing in the afternoon, and finally rented a movie from Shaw on Demand.  I had wanted to watch Identity Theft, but got a recommendation from my sister, so we ended up watching Jack Reacher; a Tom Cruise thriller.  I think everyone enjoyed it - I know I did, but I was disappointed in my theory.  I thought for sure I had figured out who the bad guy was, and I turned out to be wrong!!!!!  I guess thats what made it a good movie.
  Got to head off; its' 12:53 on Monday morning, and the son just called the Wee Cab for him and a few friends.  I offered to be on call - and I guess this is the call!!!
Night
Stacey

Blog 1 of August

Yes August!  In fact, I'm a little behind and it is already August 3rd.

Lots of action last week....and in no particular order.
Finally found a decent sleeping bag.  And where else, but good ole' Canadian Tire.  I must admit, the small mummy bags are easy to pack; you just stuff them in the little bags.  But I got me a big, comfortable, back to basic, rectangular bag; and unfortunately you have to have that "roll me up sleeping bag talent", of which I do not have.  I will never figure out how they get those things to look so small.  It's gonna take two of me to get this bag stuffed back in it's "bag."
After I found my sleeping bag (I think it was a Tuesday), I met up with my sister at Earls for a nice dinner.  The company was great, the food was great (or so I thought at the time).  After supper, and on the way home, I wasn't feeling well, and it took til the next morning before I was "empty" from feeling the previous meal.  Maybe it was the red peppers in the meal.....
  Wednesday, I got all my errands piled into one day.  Hit the hot tub place and finally placed the order for a new lid.  I'm so paranoid that I have measured incorrectly and the thing is not going to fit right.  I even had both Patrick and Bill help me remeasure and I'm still feeling "paranoid."  Then after lunch, I popped in to see Mom.  She was still eating lunch, so I tried to sneak upstairs, but she has changed places at her table, and now she can see me.  I said a quick hello at the table and then told her I would meet her upstairs.  I really didn't want to sit for 45 minutes trying to uplift people who just wanted to eat their food and get out of there.    I finally took Mom her belated "Mother's Day gift.  I had ordered this item two previous times and both times they took my order, only to inform me later that the item had been discontinued or out of stock.  I finally found one and it arrived the end of last week.

Now Mom already has two of these little dogs; there are supposed to look like they are sleeping and you can see them breathing.  The little white one has not worked for months now, which I why I ordered a replacement.  Mom informs me when I give her the newest family member that both the puppies are now working. So now she has three.  What I like about this one, is it is a chihuahua and looks just like my Maya.  One day I will post a picture of both.
  After the visit with Mom I headed to my eye appointment.  It has been a couple of years since I got my eyes examined.  I wanted to get new sunglasses; specifically progressive sunglasses that turn dark.  I love my eye doctor.  He explained the benefits of both and left the decision to me.  I did learn one thing.  When you are in your car (convertibles are exempt) the progression in the sunglasses doesn't work, because of the coating that is on your windshield.  So regular sunglasses are best when you are driving.  But I wanted these sunglasses specifically for walking.  I get annoyed when I have to take two pairs of glasses with me on a walk.   So that's what I ordered.  They should be here in about a week.
  Thursday morning, I picked up my girlfriend Nav, and we did the Edworthy Park walk.  It was a great walk and the weather co-operated, thus the roof came off the bullet.
  Friday was Camp day at Camp Kindle - Kids Cancer Camp.  This time, I drove Patrick and his friends, and we had a car load.  I thought for sure the sky would open up and pour on us, but according to Keith, it doesn't rain on BBQ day, and these nasty, black, clouds went around us.  We all received a nice Pink Volunteer shirt and a homemade Mason Jar mug, complete with straw.   Loved it.

Will fill you in on my Saturday on the next blog.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Stacey