May 23

Over the last two weeks, I had the chance to spend. a lot of time with my Luv Bug.  Mary had rehearsal for Evita on May 14, so I had Luv for the evening.  On May 14, Luv had a sleepover at Grandpa's place.  I attended Evita on May 15.  The performance was excellent.  Unless you have seen a Fireside production, you cannot comprehend the professionalism of the Fireside singers.  The talent level is second to none, in my opinion.  Morgan was in Lloydminster for a practicum; therefore, Mary and Luvisa came to the lake with me for the long weekend.  Mary and I opened up the trailer and set up the site for a summer of lake time.  Haley and Dustin opened up their cabin on the long weekend too.  We had some quality family time.  This week was on Tuesday and Thursday with hockey sandwiched between on Wednesday.  I also slipped in two very long bike rides in this week.  Last night, we had the 3rd Annual Saskwest Teacher's Association get together.  My buddy, Rick Gosselin and I organize the get together.  We invite everyone who was associated with the former Saskatoon West School Division.  The gathering is a good time to catch up and reminisce with old colleagues.   Summer is here.  I am enjoying my happy place on the deck in my backyard.  The flower pots are full of annuals.  The bird feeder is busy with 10-20 varieties of songbirds.  Yes, life is good.

May 13

I just had a neat experience.  A pine grosbeak crashed into my front window.  The bird survived the collision.  After some time in a shady spot, I'm thinking he/she will be okay and ready to fly on to points north.

This past weekend, my gal and I traveled to Red Deer/Stettler for what I call my Family Reunion On The Road.  I was able to see all of my sister, Polly's, clan.  I even have pictures to prove it.  On Friday, we met with my nephew, Jann, and his fiancé, Sheena.  Jann lives on an acreage near Red Deer.  He runs a safety training business.  On Saturday, we spent the day at Paulette's granddaughter's place.  Polly's granddaughter, Angie, is an amazing young woman.  Angie and her partner, Chad, have two beautiful children, Coralee (7) and Carter (4).  They rent a cool little house in Stettler and rent a room to Angie's younger brother, Kris.  Angie's brothers, Brent and Brandon, can often be found at Angie's and Chad's Halfway House.  They all work hard, love one another, and find joy in living.  Angie is similar to Polly in many ways.  She is the glue in the family.  My niece, Rhonda, and her partner, Ben, were also able to make it to the reunion.  Rhonda has a beautiful voice and loves to cut it up.  I was glad to have her voice when we had the customary Uncle Alvin Sing Song.  This year's favourite song was Down By the Bay.  We managed to sing a verse for every person at the party.  Polly and I split the groceries for the little reunion.  One hundred and thirty dollars provided three meals for about 20 people.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  Family reunion Kolach style...