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...