January 23

Saturday, January 21 marked 11 months since Judy's death.  Of course, the 21 of every month will always be a time to remember.  Remembering is a good thing.

Saturday also marked the anniversary of Mary and Morgan's first wedding at Royal University Hospital Chapel.  Mary celebrated by spending the evening with her dear old dad in Wishart at the Malanka (Ukrainian New Year) celebration.  I think this year's Malanka was the fifth one that I have enjoyed and I must say this is one that I enjoyed the most.  They have all been good, but this one was the best.  I danced until 2 am, then Mary and I were guests of a couple who live on a farm close to Wishart. We arrived at the farm at 2:30 am and, of course, we had to have a night cap.  I don't think I have partied like that since 1978.  After pancakes and sausage on Sunday morning, Mary and I returned to Saskatoon by 2:30 pm.  Dustin, Morgan, and Haley joined us for supper on Sunday evening.  I cleared the snow off the barbeque and we enjoyed barbequed chicken and salads for supper.

Attending Malanka in Wishart is like is like stepping back in time.  Hundreds attend.  Children dance with their parents.  Tiny babies, toddlers, grandmas, and grandpas all attend.There are 3 types of cabbage rolls, three types of perogies, kilbasa, home grown veggies, and roast beef.  The local Ukrainian club, the Hopak Dancers, performs several dances. Mary danced with a group of Hopak Alumni.  As usual, she the girl I go to see. A guest troupe from Regina also performs.  The hall is packed.  There is laughter, dancing, and song.  Of course, Mary and I danced a dozen polkas.  My shirt was soaked.  I am proud that at 60 years of age I can dance circles around the young pups.

This week, I am back to my routine of playing volleyball, going for long walks, and visiting friends.  The suitcase is being packed for my next adventure which begins on Saturday.  I believed I mentioned in an earlier blog that I am going on a cruise out of Miami next week.  I am really looking forward to checking off another experience on my bucket list.