Even though it was still June, the summer got started with the trip Patrick and I took to Winnipeg to see Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. What great memories for me, and hopefully Patrick. Who knows how many more times we'll want to see the same artists.
There were BBQ's; ours and Patricks. Our big BBQ of the summer was when the Flott family came for a long overdue visit. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather.
The son seemed to have a busier social calendar than ours. It was heartwarming to watch him stay connected with friends from his school years. I think he had three BBQ's in total at our place.
There was the Flood of 2013: We were very lucky that our home was not affected. But I think it would be fair to say that most people in Calgary and surrounding areas were affected in some way. It was something I have not seen in my 52 years living in and around Calgary.
Volunteering at Spruce Meadows. This was a new experience for me this year. I am grateful to Ashley for giving me the idea and letting me hang out with her at her job. I learned more about show jumping as a volunteer than I did as a horse mom for all those years.
There was the Stampede. Patrick's friend Elliot came to visit from B.C. What better way to introduce him to the Calgary Stampede than with a lot of rain and lots of mud.
There was Reggaefest: Met some amazing artists, volunteers and reconnected with old friends. This was my 5th year volunteering and I'm already looking forward to next August.
There was Banff. Bill and I got a chance to get away for a day or two. Hiked a beautiful mountain and afterwards enjoyed a meal on the outdoor balcony at the Banff Springs Hotel. This is the mushroom burger that Bill ordered. Little did he know it actually only came with two large portabella mushrooms.
There was training: The decision to walk in the Kidney March was one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. And the added bonus of how it helps others, is like icing on the cake. Only 5 days until I actually partake in the actually race!!!!
Reunion lunches: Loved, loved seeing the ladies from "Colonel Sanders Group" 10 years might have passed, but the friendships are ageless (as are the ladies) Also got together with the PREP ladies for morning walks and the odd lunch and dinner.
Kid's Cancer Camp at Camp Kindle - Watervalley: Another highlight was being able to go out on Fridays and spend time with a great group of volunteers and interact with some great and courageous kids. We did not have one Friday of rain for the entire Friday summer camps.
Spartan Races: I didn't partake in any of these races, but I was lucky enough to let the end results bathe in my washing machine. Patrick did two of the Spartan races; one in Edmonton with his cousin Susan, and the second one in Calgary, with his "lake swimming" buddies.
Ashley, Ethan and Bill participated in the Calgary spartan race, along with Ashley's fellow co workers from Spruce Meadows. I'm pretty sure this was a before shot.
And reliving old memories. I love going through old photographs, so when I came across this one, I had to keep a copy. This would be some where in the late 1950's in Midnapore. That is my Mom, and my two sisters, Sharry and Robin. I don't think I was even a twinkle in my parents eye yet!!!!
And now the son has returned to school, his home away from home. Bill took him to the airport this morning. I've heard from him, he's made it. Got some groceries and I think he's having some beers with friends. I'm pretty sure he won't be lonely!
Ashley is home tonight, but there is a horse show starting up tomorrow, so I'm guessing she is going to be absent for a few days. I see big changes for her in the fall. But we'll save that for another blog. Good bye summer. Hello wonderful Autumn!
Stacey
No comments:
Post a Comment