Greetings from 110 Gustin Crescent. Today is a Thursday and because my whole life is a long weekend, Linda and I are traveling up to our townhouse at Elk Ridge for the weekend. We have already had a chance to use the townhouse in October soon after we took possession. Linda's daughter, Erin and grand dog, Otis, spent five days at Elk Ridge in mid October with us. Linda's Prince Albert family joined us for one day to celebrate Linda's Big 6 - 0. Even though October - November is off season at Elk Ridge, we still found plenty to enjoy with hiking the boreal forest, playing games, enjoying healthy food, and using the pool/hot tub at the lodge. This weekend, my clan is joining us for Saturday/Sunday. Should be fun with 6 adults, two grand dogs, a five year old, and a two year old. I can hardly wait to take a long walk in the bush.
In other news:
1. Our trip to Cypress Hills in September was gratifying. We camped with another couple who have a motor home. They also had electric bikes so we rode for miles on the trails of Cypress Hills. We also toured Fort Walsh and took in the attractions of Maple Creek. From Cypress Hills, we traveled across southern Saskatchewan to Wood Mountain where I began my teaching career (1978-80) and Grasslands National Park. I even had a short visit with my old buddy, Billy Mielke who lives in Wood Mountain. Linda was blown away by the solitude of village. We were able to go into the school where I taught and we breezed by my old teacherage ($45/month including some utilities). After Wood Mountain, we made our way to Regina where we stayed in Buffalo Lookout Campground and visited with my oldest brother, Vince, and his wife, Loretta. On the return trip to Saskatoon, I had to pray really hard to avoid running out of diesel. Note to self, don't trust gas gauges. I believe I had 0.6 litres of diesel when I rolled into Davidson for fuel.
2. The trip to Oakville/Ottawa/Montreal was a huge success. Linda's sister and her husband live in Oakville, just a couple blocks from Lake Ontario. Linda likens a stay at her sister's place to staying at a spa. We enjoyed wonderful meals, bike rides, good conversation, and long walks through affluent neighbourhoods. The leaves were just beginning to turn glorious fall colours. One day, we drove to Elora, near Guelph. The countryside in southern Ontario is always interesting...so different from Saskatchewan landscapes. The Blue Jays games were an event. Blue Jays lost. That's all I'll say about that! I did have the good fortune of taking in the second game with my good buddy, Brian Hartzell and his family.
3. From Oakville, we took the train to Ottawa. We spent two nights with Linda's son, Scott, and three nights at a nearby Airbnb. Linda and I did a city tour on a double decker bus, biked the Rideau Canal, walked for miles, hiked the Gatineau escarpment with Scott, and toured the National War Museum among other attractions.
4. On Thanksgiving weekend, we drove with Scott to Montreal where Scott's girlfriend, Sara, lives. We took in a photo exhibit featuring award winning photos taken by photographic journalists from various around the world. We also toured the waterfront, Old Montreal, and Mount Royal. It had been many years since I had been in Montreal. Montreal has a totally different vibe than Toronto. We enjoyed some delicious food and good conversation.
5. After driving back to Ottawa, we caught a train the next day and returned to Oakville then flew back to Saskatoon on October 11.
6. Linda and I have got back to our routine in October with Linda playing pickle ball and me playing hockey.
7. Mary and Haley are well into their school year. Unfortunately, there seems to be imminent job action and possibly a strike in the near future. Morgan is enjoying his new job at Cenovus and Dustin's business has moved to a new location with more show room and production area. Haley and Dustin's new house plans were finally approved by the City of Saskatoon. I think the basement will be poured by the long weekend. They had hoped to have the build closed in before the snow arrived, but construction will go ahead with winter build accommodation.
8. Luvisa is dancing on Mondays and Wednesdays. She is in jazz, ballet, and acro on Mondays; Wednesday is Ukrainian dance. The Luv Bug is enjoying kindergarten especially because she has a wonderful kindergarten teacher who has a talent for bringing out the special qualities and strengths of each student.
9. Gunnar is learning new words everyday and speaking more in sentences. He is a lovable little guy who loves to laugh and cuddle with his grandpa. We have lotsa fun playing ball, racing cars, and reading books when we get together.
10. I have continued the musical gigs I started last year at Luther Heights Day Program singing songs with a group of adults with Alzheimer's disease. My heart expands every time I get together with this wonderful group of people. I just love them!
Our next adventure is in three weeks when we travel to Mexico for a one week all inclusive vacation. Linda will have both her children home for Christmas and will likely spend Christmas Day with her Prince Albert family. I will be with my little clan. We will be bringing in the new year at our townhouse in Elk Ridge. I will likely be making another blog entry before Christmas, but if I don't ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
