March 21

 First day of spring according to the calendar and not according to the weather outside.  That's okay, I have almost two months of hockey left before summer break.  Three days ago, I had my first slow pitch meeting  to make plans for the summer season.  I have also made one trip to the golf dome to practice for another incredible summer of under performing on the links.  Linda and I have also been playing pickle ball every week.  Linda is getting better and I am blissfully happy with mediocrity on the Pickleball court.

Staying on the sports theme...I have been wanting to write about my hockey league and the connection to my home town.  As you may know, Kelvington has a sign beside the south entrance declaring Kelvington as "Canada's Hockey Factory".  Amazingly, there are about six native sons who played hockey in the NHL, most notably Wendel Clark who was a number one draft pick and Joey Kocur who won a Stanley Cup as a Detroit Red Wing.  I was in the same grade as Barry Melrose who not only played in the NHL, but also had successful careers as a coach and hockey analyst.

I played hockey in Kelvington at the old metal roofed rink in Kelvington.  In the recesses of my memory, I recall playing "Tom Thumb", pee wee, bantam, and midget.  My grade six teacher, Ken Van Os, was a real hockey guy.  He organized a pee wee league in Kelvington and I think we had at least four teams in house.  Although I didn't make the cut for the travelling team who competed in the Mallard Hockey League and the Weyburn Invitational Tournament, I loved hockey.  Winters in Kelvington were exciting because our senior team, The Kelvington Wheat Kings, were a dominant team in the Fishing Lake Hockey League.  Wendel Clark's dad, Les, was a legendary player/coach who taught the local boys how to play the game.

My hockey playing days in Kelvington ended in midget when I took a skate blade to my nether regions and spent a week in hospital with internal bleeding. In my university days, I didn't play hockey, but I coached a bantam team in Saskatoon.  When I started teaching, I played a handful of games in "farmer hockey" down in Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan.  Then I didn't play ice hockey for 33 years because I was busy being a husband, father, youth group leader, teacher, board member, teacher, principal, son to aging parents, coach, etc.  

When I retired from teaching, I fulfilled a lifetime dream of playing ice hockey again.  I bought all new equipment and joined a team in the Saskatoon Plus 50 League.  Playing in a 50 plus league was like drinking from a fire hose.  I wasn't a good player when I was 18 and taking a 33 year hiatus didn't help.  I played third line centre and did not get a lot of ice time.  I played in the 50 plus league until I turned 60, then I moved to the Saskatoon 60 Plus League.  

The league plays out of the Schroh Arena on the south side of Saskatoon.  There are over 300 players in the league playing in 4 different divisions based on ability.  Players sign up to play in monthly blocks, then they are assigned to a line with three forwards and two defenceman.  Many of the players take holidays during the winter so they may only sign up for a month in the fall and a month in the spring, for instance.  Some players play from September to the end of April.  Lines are reassigned at least four times over the season; therefore, players have the opportunity to play with different people within their division.  Two lines of five players play against two other lines of five.  Goalies are assigned on a separate schedule.  All players must ref at least two games per year.

The league emphasizes fun, fitness, and fellowship.  Aggressive, chippy play is discouraged and, in general bad behaviour on the ice is very rare.  Furthermore, reshuffling the lines multiple times allows all players to meet new people and make new friends.  Most of the players are retired and some are widowed so coming to the rink is an excellent opportunity for fellowship and connection.  After the games, many players have a pop, a wobbly pop, or a near beer and swap tales of their glory days.

There are nearly 40 eighty year olds that are still playing. In fact, we have three players that are in their nineties.  Our league is a well run league that is probably the largest 60 plus league in Canada, if not the world.

A source of pride for me is the fact that there are at least 6 players from Kelvington in the league.  Daryl Gillings, Trevor Sonstelie, Greg Gowda, and Murray Gronsdahl are in the top division.  Bruce Leech and I are in the next division.

I never knew I would still be playing hockey when I was 70.  God willing, it is possible I have another 20 years to go.  Good thing I just bought a new pair of skates.

In other news:

1.  Linda and I had a wonderful time in Mexico during February.  We got out one day before the cartels shut down Puerto Vallarta.  We stayed in the same town as last year, San Pancho.  Our friends, Ken and Gwen Dueck were also there as were Dale and Trish Tallon.  Linda and I had the chance to play several games of pickle ball and we worked out the leg muscles daily on the steep hills leading to our Airbnb.  There were a few days when we ventured to other towns in the area by hopping on the local chicken buses.  One day, we went to La Panita to visit Bill and Myra Clarke.  Another day, we went swimming at Lo Demarcos.  On two occasions, we traveled to Bucerias to visit our Greig and Brenda Cooper as well as some pickle ball friends and friends from the European boat and bike trip we took in the fall.

2.  Mary performed in the musical, "Mama Mia" last weekend with Fireside Singers.  Amazing local talent.  Linda and I did a lot of Grandparenting leading up to Mama Mia.  It was great spending time with Pumpkin Head and The Bug.

3.  Luvisa was in a Ukrainian dance competition in Regina this weekend.  She came home with 3 golds and a silver.  

Time to wrap up this blog edition.  Until next time, think of visiting or phoning those people you haven't connected with in a long time.  Think of those that might be lonely and in need of a little sunshine in their life.  Don't wait for a convenient time.  Take the time.

January 25

 Happy New Year!  

Christmas 2025 was somewhat different especially for Linda.  Linda's son, Scott, and his partner, Sara, are in Paris for 18 months so it was the first Christmas that Linda did not have her son with her.  On the consolation side, Linda was able to spend Christmas with Erin and her dog, Otis.  Unfortunately, Erin had the flu just before Christmas so Linda did not go to Prince Albert to enjoy Christmas dinner with her sister and her family.  

We had a Christmas Eve party at Mary and Morgan's house.  Everyone partied while Gunnar and I played mini sticks(Linda's gift to Gunnar)  in the hallway.  On Christmas Day I had to be at the airport by 2:00 pm to begin my journey to Costa Rica.

As I am writing this blog entry, we are experiencing what is, hopefully, the last of 4 plus days of mind numbing cold.  However, the good news is: Linda and I are flying to Mexico in less than two weeks for a two week stay in San Pancho.  We will be spending time with Ken and Gwen Dueck as well as Dale and Trish Tallon who will also be in San Pancho.  Next weekend, we will be attending Malanka where we will get to see Luvisa and Gunnar perform their Ukrainian dance routines. We will also get to polka 'til we drop and enjoy some delicious Ukrainian food.  

In the news:

1.  Linda and I haven't been to Elk Ridge together since August.  We will be going up to our townhouse for three days next week.  The plan is to cross country ski and snowshoe to our heart's content.

2.  Last weekend, my brothers, Vince and Wayne came to our place to make pirogies.  We made about 180 large pirogies plus.  I say "plus" because a few of the pirogies didn't make it to the deep freeze because family members (Uncle Clarence, Mary, Haley, Gunnar, and Luvisa) came by to sample the wares.  Gunnar has enough Polish in him to finish three large pirogies.  

3.  Our trip to Costa Rica was a huge success.  We flew out of Saskatoon on Christmas Day, had a layover in Calgary, flew 7.5 hours from Calgary to Liberia, rented a car, and drove 5 hours to Manuel Antonio.  Luvisa and Gunnar were troopers.  They slept from Calgary to Liberia and were patient with the long drive.   

We had an Airbnb in Quepos with our own swimming pool.  We were on the edge of the city with an amazing view of the mountains, jungle, and Pacific Ocean.  The caretaker was a wonderful man named Luis.  He was very knowledgeable regarding flora and fauna.  Furthermore, he did whatever he could to make our stay enjoyable. The kids went on a night tour where they saw all manner of creepy crawly things.  Apparently, Luvisa gave the guide the night off while she impressed the tour group with her expansive knowledge of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.  Mary and Morgan and the kids went on a mangrove swamp tour too.  One day, Luvisa, Gunnar and I spent the day in the pool while the rest went ATVing in the jungle.

From Quepos, we drove to Arenal.  The scenery was amazing, but the road was terrifying at times.  Our accommodations in Arenal were smaller cabins.  Arenal volcano was obscured by rain clouds most of the time while we were there and we did experience a lot of rain, but the temperatures were quite comfortable.  Arenal is quite walkable and there are several experiences to be enjoyed such as zip lines, horseback rides, nature hikes, etc.  The highlight for me was visiting an impressive waterfall.  The kids spent two days enjoying hot springs in the area.  Haley, Dustin, and I drove up to Lake Arenal on our last day.  We visited a restaurant overlooking the lake and observed several bird species feeding at the bird feeders.  Orapandolos, Toucans, Parrots. Tangiers, Hummingbirds....

Our last stop was Playa Ocotal on the Pacific Coast.  Our Airbnb condo complex had a shared pool and we were less than 5 minutes from the beach.  The trees were alive with howler monkeys and there were massive iguanas for Luvisa to enjoy.  Morgan, Luvisa, and I had a chance to do some snorkelling.  

The return flight went off without a hitch.  Again, Gunnar slept all the way back to Canada.  Luvisa was entertained by her tablet.

And now the kids are back to their routines.  I am back to playing hockey and Pickleball.  Hopefully, the weather will settle into that sweet spot where it is not too cold to be outside and not so warm as to make the snow slushy so we will be able to cross country ski.  

Until my next entry, my prayer is that anyone reading this blog will continue to live in hope for a better future where strangers are welcomed, the hungry are fed, the imprisoned are visited, and love abounds.

November 29

 November 29 and I we are just getting ready to attend Haley's 42nd  birthday party at their new house on Spadina Crescent.  Monday, December 1 is her actual birthday.  I remember the day she was born.  Judy claimed shovelling snow on the morning of Haley's birth actually induced labor or maybe she was induced when we chased down a mouse that was setting up shop in our broom closet.  Whatever the case, I have been in love with that little girl since the day she was born.  

October was an enjoyable month entertaining Scott who was in Saskatoon and area for the month. Linda got in some quality time with her son before he leaves for Europe for 18 months.  November has been a month of preparing for Erin's arrival in Saskatoon.  In the past week, Linda and I traveled to Edmonton with a borrowed truck and a borrowed van to bring Erin's belongings to Saskatoon.  While in Edmonton, we attended an Edmonton Oilers game.

In other news:

1.  Mary, Gunnar, Luvisa, and I spent part of the November weekend at Elk Ridge.  There was enough snow for Luvisa, Gunnar, and me to enjoy some tobogganing.  The pool at the lodge was out of commission, but we improvised by filling the bathtub to the brim twice.  Once to eat a watermelon in the tub and then what Luvisa calls a "watch bath", meaning they hopped in the tub to watch a movie on the tablet that was positioned on the toilet seat.  We also went on a hike in the bush and saw some wild life. Being at Elk Ridge was a great escape.

2.  Mary is still involved with Fireside Singers.  We will be attending the Fireside Christmas concert on December 19.  

3. Gunnar and Luvisa are working on their routines for Ukrainian dance. We will get to see them perform at Malanka in January.

4.  Linda and I went to a dance at Danceland in Watrous last Saturday with our friends, the Duecks and the  Tallons.  If you have a chance to dance to The Dance Band, go for it.  

5.  In less than four weeks, I will be going to Costa Rica with the kids and grandkids.  

6.  In October, we had a house guest.  Judy's cousin's son, Bruce, who teaches in Bermuda spent two nights with us.  We had the chance to get most of the clan together to celebrate Bermuda Bruce.

7.  Linda is still enjoying pickle ball at least twice a week and I have been playing hockey twice a week.

I probably won't be making a blog entry before Christmas; therefore, I will take this opportunity to wish everyone who reads this blog a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.  Keep on being thankful in all circumstances, forgive 70 times 7, be generous, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, be the change you would like to see, give with enthusiasm, and spread peace.  Shalom, my friends.

October 13

 Happy Thanksgiving.  A blog entry is long overdue, I see.  The summer has ended and we are well into Autumn so it is time for me to record my activities over the last three months.

1.  We spent most of the summer at our condo in Elk Ridge.  Linda is quite active in the Elk Ridge community.  She helps to organize the weekly Ladies Golf Night.  She is also on the board for the community association.  We are meeting a few people who live at Elk Ridge, but most of our socializing is with friends who camp or have cabins at Waskesiu.  During the summer, we played several rounds of golf, kayaked on lakes in the area, hiked several trails, spent time on the beach when the weather allowed, and biked whenever we could.  Linda and I also practiced yoga quite consistently and I must say, my knees feel better than they have been since I injured my knee in pickle ball three years ago.  Speaking of pickle ball, we did play some games of pickle ball at the new courts that were created in Waskesiu.

2.  I had some days that I traveled to Memorial Lake to spend time with Gunnar, Luvisa, Mary, Morgan, Dustin, and Haley.  Gunnar and Luvisa have become real water bugs so their favourite activity, aside from catching frogs with Morgan, is spending hot afternoons on Uncle Dustin's boat.  Gunnar and I got in a few rounds of what he calls "big golf" on the Memorial Lake Course.  Gunnar has a membership at the course and takes the game quite seriously for a 4 year old.  He wears a golf glove, takes multiple practice swings, and actually connects quite well for a boy his age.  Luvisa likes to catch bugs and makes good use of her capture net.

3.  On September 13, Linda and I flew to Paris, then took the train to Strasbourg, France, a beautiful city on the French/German border.  We had an airbnb in the old town.  From Strasbourg, we took a train to Nuremberg, Germany for two days. Again, we stayed in the old town.  The most impressive tour we enjoyed was the Art Bunker tour, a tour that details the lead up to WWII in Germany.  After Nuremberg, we traveled, again by train, to Passau, Germany where we spent three days before we began a week long Bike and Barge from Passau to Bratislava to Budapest to Vienna and back to Passau.  In total, we biked well over 200 km through some amazing countryside along the Danube River.  Beautiful cathedrals, scenic villages, castle ruins, and vineyards were among the many amazing features we viewed as we biked and barged down the Danube.  We also went through several locks on our journey.  Linda was not a fan of the locks.  She thought descending down the locks was akin to being lowered into a grave.  

We were with six other couples in our group.  Everyone got along marvellously and sharing the experience with people we knew made the experience even better.  The crew on board the barge were amazing, the food was great, and the coordinator prepared us well for a memorable experience every day.  There were usually evening activities to entertain the guests.  Linda and I particularly enjoyed the 70s night where we borrowed costumes and relived our youth as we dance the night away.  I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn I was the first one to sign up for Karaoke Night.  

The bike and barge ended on September 28, then we took a shuttle to Munich with our group.  The main event was attending Octoberfest.  I would recommend Octoberfest in Munich, but one day of Octoberfest was just fine.  We drank a few litres of beer and enjoyed a platter of German food and listened to a lot of oompahpah music.  Actually, I enjoyed going to the Hoftbrauhaus in Munich.  Hoftbrauhaus is a huge beer hall that provides the Octoberfest experience all year long.  The beerhall is a manic, noisy place that I think is a happier place than Disneyland.  Good food, raucous singing, cheerful music, and happy faces everywhere.  

4.  We chose to take the train back to Paris rather than fly.  Train travel in Europe is very enjoyable.  We bought a four day pass and once we learned how to use the. booking app, we traveled comfortably throughout Germany and France.  

5.  As usual, the feeling of returning home is always a relief.  We returned on October 2.  The only downer was having to shed a scammer in the Paris Metro, a harrowing experience, but we came out unscathed.

6.  On October 6, Scott and Sara arrived.  Later in the week, Scott and Sara, along with Erin, joined Linda and me at Elk Ridge.  We were thrilled to discover there was still colourful foliage to enjoy.  We had beautiful weather to enjoy long hikes in the forest.

7. Following Elk Ridge, we came home to prepare for a house full of company on October 12.  Linda's Saskatchewan relatives congregated at our place to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and to meet Scott's lovely partner Sara.  Scott and Sara are off to Paris in early December where they will live for the next 18 months while Sara completes a fellowship at a Paris hospital studying auto immune/ auto inflammatory diseases.  Understandably, Linda is anxious about her boy moving so far away, but c'est la vie.  The consolation is:  Erin is moving back to Saskatoon from Edmonton so Linda will have her little girl nearby.  Erin plans to study at the University of Saskatchewan after she does some upgrading.  In the short term, she plans to find a job in the restaurant industry to build up the war chest.

So that's it for now.  I will close by saying we live in a wonderful country.  Yes, I know we have challenges to overcome, but we are very blessed to live in this nation.  Oh Canada, I love you so.

June 27

 This post is coming to you from my perch in Elk Ridge.  Linda and I just returned from the beach at Waskesiu.  We will be at Elk Ridge for most of July and August.  Our first day here was June 23 which is remarkable because our last visit to Elk Ridge was in the middle of January when we were skiing and snow shoeing in -30 C temperatures.  Fortunately, the frightening forest fire situation has become less frightening due to long awaited rain showers in mid to late June.  Linda and I ran into plenty of rain when we took the motor home to the west coast from May 16 - June 6.  As promised, we brought rain back with us when we returned to Saskatchewan.

The following is the list of what we have been up to in the last two months.

1.  Early May was a time of grand parenting.  We attended Luvisa and Gunnar's Ukrainian Dance Recitals and we looked after Gunnar when Luvisa was dancing in North Battleford.  Gunnar really likes the accommodations at our place.

2.  I dismantled the old Boeing Tub/Shower from the main bath before we began our motor home holiday in preparation for a bathroom renovation.  I contracted a guy I know from hockey to install a walk in shower in the main bathroom.  He completed the work when we returned from our motor home trip. We are very happy with the results.  We have a few odds and ends to complete the project, but most of the work was completed in less than two weeks.

3.  Although we didn't have the best weather for our motor home trip, we had a fantastic time and never had to postpone any of the activities we wanted to enjoy.

On the first night of our trip, we stayed with my old buddy, Nic Feld, who lives in Lethbridge.  Nic was a young guy whose family camped with our family at Memorial Lake.  We spent ours playing football, frisbee, slow pitch, and other shenanigans every summer.  Now Nic has his own kiddos to play with.

The next stop was Nelson, BC, where we stayed with Judy's cousin and her partner.  We found a break in the rain to play 18 holes of golf on an amazing course at Balfour.  From Nelson, we moved on to Penticton where we biked the Kettle Valley Rail Trail up the Naramata Bench.  The scenery was amazing with beautiful views of Lake Okanagan, wineries, forests, and mountains.

When we left Penticton, we stopped at Twin Lakes Golf Course for another great golf experience before continuing on to Vancouver where we stayed at Linda's nephew's home.  In Vancouver, I had a chance to visit two of my nephews, Jordan Graham and Justin Opheim.  Linda had a chance to see her second oldest sibling, Bill, who lives in White Rock.  We also challenged ourselves to do the Grouse Grind...3000 feet elevation in two hours and two minutes.  There was beer and nachos waiting for us at the top, then we took the gondola down.  The view of Vancouver from the top of Grouse Mountain is eye popping.

From Vancouver, we took the ferry to Nanaimo, stocked up with groceries, and traveled to Tofino where we stayed at the same RV park as last year, Crystal Cove.  In Tofino, we biked the Pacific Rim Trail, hiked a few forest trails, and had an amazing whale watching experience.  Seeing huge grey whales was impressive, but the most memorable experience on the tour was cruising close to a sea lion colony on a rocky island miles out on the ocean.  The male sea lions were two tons in weight. The ocean was wild that day.  We were cresting three meter swells.  Luckily, we didn't lose our lunch.  Other animals of note were the sea otters lolling on the open ocean and a puffin.

After leaving Tofino, we spent two nights in Victoria...beautiful city.  Victoria is bike friendly.  We were impressed to discover there is a bike valet service in downtown Victoria.  Linda and I enjoyed a very long walk around Victoria Harbor, then met an old friend of Linda's in Oak Bay where we enjoyed a meal on an outdoor patio.

The next day, we took the Tsawassen Ferry to the mainland and continued on to Blind Bay near Salmon Arm for a one night stay.  After a long travel day, we set up camp at Bow Valley Campground near Canmore.  From Canmore, we traveled to Buffalo Lake near Stettler to spend an evening with Linda's niece and her partner, Pete. On our way to Buffalo Lake, we stopped in Cochrane AB for a round of golf.

Edmonton was our next stop.  Linda's daughter, Erin, and her faithful dog, Otis, were waiting for us.  Erin packed a picnic lunch and we spent most of the afternoon in the Terwilliger Dog Park.  Erin prepared a delicious dinner for us in the evening, then we went to Linda's brother's place in Sherwood Park to watch the Oilers beat the Panthers.  The following day, we met Erin for lunch, went for a long walk that tired out Otis, then returned to Sherwood Park for an amazing dinner.

On June 6, we arrived in Saskatoon in time to unpack the camper, chase the squirrels out of the yard, and enjoy a good night sleep in our king size bed.

4.  Sad news for Haley and Dustin in June.  Poor old Jaxon, their male dog, moved on to doggy heaven.  They were hoping he would hang in there for family pictures but his old body just gave out.  Jaxon was 14.

5.  Gunnar turned 4 on June 2.

6.  We attended Luvisa's jazz and acro recital in June.  Luv Bug is a born performer.  She shines on the stage (says her grandpa).  I'm really blown away with her ever improving skill level.

7.  Haley and Mary finished their school year today.  They are looking forward to a summer of relaxation and plenty of "lake time".

As usual, I'm probably forgetting something. Until next time, remember to be hopeful and joyful.  There is pleasure and pain in this life.  One of the only ways I know to offset the pain is to be forever thankful and look for ways to show your gratitude.  Shine your light.  Brighten people's days.  Forgive 70 times 7.  And when you face a big pile of manure, know there must be a pony for you in there somewhere.

April 28

 Election Day!  Yes, I voted.

March has flown by and April too.  I am baching this week because Linda is in Canmore with a few of her friends from high school/university days.  I just was playing hockey this afternoon and I only have one game left before the season is over, then slow pitch begins next week.  I really don't play much slow pitch anymore because we are beginning our west coast motor home adventure May 16.  When we get back, we will be spending most of the summer at Elk Ridge.

And now...the March/April highlights:

1.  Linda and I flew to Montreal last week to spend time with Scott and Sara.  Scott and Sara were wonderful hosts. On the first day in Montreal, Scott and Sara had to work so Linda and I toured a history museum.  Scott was free on the second day so he took us to a famous Montreal smoked meat sandwich diner, Schwartz's.  While we were eating, a camera crew was setting up in the back of the restaurant.  We guessed they were filming a promo for the restaurant, but we soon discovered the cameras were there to film Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who dropped by to shake hands with customers and, of course, pick up a smoked meat sandwich.  He came by table and chatted with me.  Linda had gone to the washroom.  She was just a little shocked when she returned to find the PM was there.  She took a selfie with The Big Guy.  What are the chances of bumping in to a PM in a restaurant during one of the most consequential election campaigns in Canadian history?

2.  Fortunately, we have been able to see the grand kiddies frequently over the last two months.  Linda took Bug out for a girls day on Saturday to celebrate Bugs 7th birthday on April 12.  Luvisa had her friend birthday party at the Forestry Farm Zoo... the perfect place for a little girl who loves all animals, especially creepy crawly things.  Luvisa received a pet lizard complete with an enclosure/terrarium.  The lizard's name is Shy because he is shy. Makes sense.

3.  Luvisa has also been in dance competitions traveling to Lloydminister and North Battleford.  Gunnar stayed with us when Luvisa and Mary were in North Battleford.  Gunnar is an easy boy to have as a house guest.  I keep him busy with monster trucks, playing hockey in the garage, and playing at the playground.  I also take Gunnar to preschool frequently.  He loves his grandpa apparently; therefore, I have to pry him off me when I drop him off at preschool or at the baby-sitters.d

4.  Linda and I have the grand dogs until May 2 because Haley and Dustin are in France and Portugal for 15 days on a European vacation.  The dogs are getting old (Approximately 14) so they are not as boisterous as they used to be.  Jaxon, the male, doesn't even lose his mind when he meets other dogs when we take him for walks.  Pieces, the female, is less mobile.  When she is done walking, she just lays down and refuses to move even when she is in the middle of an intersection.  I had to phone Linda to bring my vehicle last Thursday because Pieces decided she was not walking one more step.  Fun times.

5.  In March, I went with Mary and the kids to Regina because Mary was judging a cheer competition.  I entertained the kids by taking them out for lunch and then to visit my brother, Vince.  Apparently, Gunnar had too much pop.  He projectile vomited in the hotel room on my bed and in my shoes, then he was fine.  More good times.

6.  Linda and I have moved up to intermediate level in pickle ball so we are getting generous doses of humility on a regular basis.

Well, that's all for now.  Until next time, take care of one another and everyone who needs help.  We are all in this thing called life, together.

March 4, 2025

We returned from Mexico on Friday, February 28, tanned and in need of detox. Seriously though, we had a great holiday.  Four weeks was a bit too much.  We were ready to come back after three weeks.  

San Pancho was absolutely charming and I would go back there in a heart beat.  We stayed in a suite with an amazing ocean view.  Our friends, Ken and Gwen, were staying on the same property.  They have been going to San Pancho for 12 years so they knew a lot of people and knew where to go and what to do.  The fresh produce in San Pancho was very reasonably priced and there was a fresh fish market supplying us with mahi mahi every day.  The little grocery store provided all the items we needed at a reasonable price. There were several restaurants and bars with a variety of entertainment.

The highlights of our stay:

1.  We attended an actual polo match that was accompanied by a Sunday smorgasboard.

2.  We hiked nearly every day.  The longest hike was to Sayulita.  We also hiked to a mountain top north of San Pancho where there is a Buddha statue and a platform built into the mountain where people can do yoga.

3.  I took along acrylic paints and some brushes in my luggage because I like to gather rocks along the ocean, then paint pictures and designs on the rocks.  After I finished painting the rocks, I placed them along the road ways toward the beach.  Of course, they went missing which is totally fine with me.  One painted rock was transported to the Buddha statue I spoke of earlier.

4.  We accompanied Ken to the facility where he usually plays pickle ball.  I believe we played 4 or 5 times while we were in San Pancho.  Ken knows several people who he has met playing pickle ball so we met many interesting people and made some new friends that way.

5.  We had daily routines like coffee on the patio, swimming laps in the pool, reading at the beach, guacamole/margaritas at happy hour, seafood meals under the palapa, and watching the sunset over the Pacific.

6.  We went on a whale watching tour in Banderos Bay.  We saw several humpbacks and were able to witness a particular whale calf who loved aerial acrobatics.  Amazing!  We also followed a large school of dolphins.  Back in San Pancho, seeing whales was a regular occurrence. 

7.  Tuesdays in San Pancho are market days.  Of course, there is the usual tourist stuff, but there are delicious treats and baked items.  Every place north of PV has a market day.  We went to markets in La Panita, Santa Cruz, and Bucerias too.

8.  There is a music festival in San Pancho in late February.  Although we had moved to Bucerias, we took the bus to San Pancho to enjoy the festival.

9.  Linda and I became more comfortable with the local buses, but we also gave lots of our business to our personal Uber driver, Alberto.

The last 12 days were spent south of Bucerias in a unit that must have been built in the 70s.  The unit was rustic and somewhat dated.  On the up side, we were close to the ocean and walked thousands of steps along the ocean.  Our friends, Greig and Brenda, were next door in a high rise condo.  As luck would have it, there were other couples from Saskatoon in the condo building so we had a gang to hang out with.  There was a live band playing on the roof of the condo building on Tuesday nights; therefore, we enjoyed two evenings of dining and dancing 10 stories up with beautiful views of the surroundings.

And now we are home... I think we are finally caught up on our sleep.  My birthday was Saturday so I celebrated by installing a new water heater.  Water was gushing out of the old one.  Fortunately, the old water heater crapped out when we were home and the clean up was minimal. 

Linda prepared a birthday brunch on Sunday and we had the crew over for a birthday celebration.

We have already enjoyed a pickle ball session.  I start hockey next week.

Tonight is grandparenting time so I better sign off until next entry.

Stay hopeful.  Shine light.