Say hello, say goodbye…that was my July!

 What a trip!  I've been home now for a week, sometimes glued to my recliner, sometimes out and about, being squired to share a bite with friends, and some days, like today, in full lounge mode!  Calm tunes on, coffee nearby, in my “sleepy pants” just grooving with my slow thoughts.  Yup, this is what being retired isabout.  Do I feel guilt that Im not out for a brisk walk?  Not painting a memory from the trip?  Not going out with friends?  Nope.  This is just fine.  Tis now August long weekend, my 70th.  I feel good.  Its sunny out, kind of hot, so the day wont be spent indoors, I am sure. 

“August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied” What a cool quote!  Its been described as a slow almost melancholic month, from the top of the ferris wheel that is August one can almost see the end of the year creeping up on you. But tis not all downhill!  It’s giving me time to reflect on the past weeks on an amazing road trip to Ontario.

Armed with coffee, egg salad sandwiches, and a reliable vehicle, my man and I headed east! The occasional pee breaks,  we whipped thru Saskatchewan into Manitoba, and into Winnipeg for the night.  He took me for a marvellous dinner, and in the lovely weather we dined outside, where I had an epic portion of pickerel fried in “a shitload” of butter.  It was amazing! He swore I got a whole fish! Then back on the road to Thunder Bay.  My first Arby’s meal in decades…budget dining!  Lol a third day on the road, and this time we drove through miles of lakes, and the Canadian Shield. Gorgeous!  I mean huge cuts through massive gorgeous rock, layers, colours - and lakes!  Mind blowing.  Occasionally we stopped for a Subway (i love their tuna salad..lol) and a surprise stop by a lake.

Now I  talking through the bush, on a skinny grassy lame, to a very romantic spot, with a big smooth rock coming put of the water.  Where a person could easily slip and fall if they were unlucky. It was a place I’ll never forget!  Filled with wild flowers, blueberries not quite ready to pick, and birdsong.  Yup,  lovely! And not a black-fly in sight.

Then onwards to our destination that evening New Liskeard Ontario. Travelling with the local, ex pipeline inspector, Former road construction dude I learned where he paved, raked, etc through the area.  And where hed pipelined, what the little yellow signs meant…very cool!  A running dialogue made miles tick by. 

So we’d arrived, stayed for a few days, and were treated just awesomely by his sister-in law and her hubby.  And their daughter and her family…great people!  My concerns were gone, I felt welcomed and loved.  It was great!  Also my first Chip Stand experience!  OMG why cant I get these in Alberta?  Fresh cut from Russet potatoes, twice fried…amazing! 

Onto Arnprior, his sister’s place, where her hubby and their grown daughter lives.  Shes a ball of energy, cooking, canning, knitting…lol I have a gorgeous new pair now!  Then onto the grandsons wedding, outdoors, at White Lake, 30C…very scenic, the wedding party were gorgeous, and after we danced and ate and I met More family! Im so glad I had a big sunhat, since others got a wee sunburn. And on day 4 I fulfilled another goal: beavertail! Big flat fluffy fried dough, with brown sugar and cinnamon, heaven!

We’d made a quick trip to Toronto, then stayed at a glorious casino in Pickering on the return.  Huge suite, great hot tub, loved every minute of it. TO however made me nervous, I dId not belong there! 

So back to his sisters and a day exploring Ottawa.  It was good, sunny, and saw many sites.  The War Memorial which looks huge on TV, was much smaller! I saw the Rideaux Canal, the Parliament buildings, and had a shady cold drink where we people watched.  And now I can say I understand The Humidex.  38C of Sweat!  Lol its smothering.  I’ll take dry heat any day.

So I was convinced he’d planned a romantic dinner in Ottawa for my birthday.  When actually we were taking sister and her hubby to the wee town of Carp, to the ag grounds for a Bingo!  Where everyone parked on the grounds, ate fantastic pie ($5 a slice and they sold out of hundreds of pieces!) Where I got stuck in the fence much to the amusement of three ladies sitting on their endgate drinking wine, had my name announced with a birthday greeting, And had a cake waiting for me when I returned from the trip to the biffy.  A birthday I shall never forget!  It was Perfect! 

Eventually we bid adieu, one more family stop in Sudbury (worse roads ever!) then home along The Big Lake they call Gitchee Goomee.  It was Huge and we drove alongside it for a full day.  Beautiful? It was like being in a Group of Seven painting!  White Pines - look magical!  Rugged rocks, endless lake vistas…I loved it.  And waterfalls?  He made sure I got the full meal deal as they say.  Just wonderful.  Kakabecca Falls .. everything I dreamt it would be.  Yup, trip o a lifetime.

Now in 1991 I made this trip on motorcycle on the way to Nflnd.  In the rain.  In a hurry.  But it was nothing like this past July.  Did we get tired of each other?  Nope.  Did his family no accept me?  On the contrary they were loving and kind and welcoming! And fun! 

I checked off my 3 goals: chip stands (almost daily!) beaver tails and poutine.  Hot weather, no blackfly bites, some rain, a lot of smoke on the way home!

Speaking of the return trip we took an extra day and stayed in Saulte St Marie overnight.  My new fav city!  Gorgeous national historic site at the Mills.  Lovely stroll, fab dinner out, and amazing hotel room.  I cant get over the size of the lakes, the maple leaves, oak trees…loved it!

And now, older and wiser, I’m home, happy, and reflecting on many August long weekends past.  My first long car vacation, hoping not my last!  Its coming end of summer now.  Gardens are giving fresh treats.  People are dealing with sweltering Alberta weather, and sadly birds are starting to flock up. 

It’s a last stand. “It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s summertime “

“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” Winnie the Pooh

 What the heck!  Am I worried?  Worried about another birthday? A new decade?  Holy mackerel…change is the only constant in my life?  Not really.  Joy, happiness, love…these are, and continue to be, my life’s  fuel.  

Lets be real, I have experienced sadness, loss and melancholy.  Like every other person on the planet, ever.  Unlike some, however,  I found a strength, a faith, and a way to continue on.  I’ve been accused of wearing rose coloured glasses…not true!  Not a PollyAnna, but a woman who looks forward to what is about to be.  My next adventure…lol maybe this lack of common sense and fear is why I was successful in my career?  Who knows!

June whizzed by, I worked on my tan, my budget and my ability to be a good friend.  A good daughter, and a good sweetheart.  Many enjoyable lunches out.  Many chicken wings!  Some really delish, some meh and one OMG what are these? Blech! True fact: ice cream sundaes are my weakness.  A hint to those seeking a hot relationship - it’s ice cream sundaes.  Yes my single seekers, a casual offer of ice cream is the way to our hearts! Lol

On that vein, I no longer think of myself as a single lonely old widow. I have a fabulous relationship, which I’m sure you discovered in my earlier blogs.  And it never ceases to amaze, nay - dazzle me! Now my weekends include my new “family” group,  fun, beautiful people.  Hot summer afternoons in the pool, “going for a float” since my swimming is more like floundering.. Lol. 

But wait, there’s more.

My man is taking me along to his grandsons wedding in July.  In Ontario.  Where All the other family members reside!   Sister, sister in law, cousins, brothers in law, grandchildren, his eldest son & family and school friends.  Holy Moly!  And we leave, driving, tomorrow morning, b&e! (Bright and early) 

Now my man is a travellin’ man.  He’s worked on the road as a contractor in the oil & gas world for many years.  And makes the drive to the Ottawa valley at least once a year.  He worked in the Maritimes, and vacationed throughout so hes really “at one” with long hours on the road.  And long hours there will be!  First day on the road destination is Winnipeg.  Next night in Thunder Bay.  Then on to Arnprior ON staying with his sister in law and her husband.   A big day!  

We’ll be going to Toronto (T’ranna) for a nite, and I've been promised a tour of Ottawa. Will it be a whirlwind of new people, who may have different ideas and ways than I’m used to?  Oh definitely!  I’m agog with anticipation! I am looking forward to hand cut fries and vinegar, poutine, and beaver tails.  Lol maybe not so excited about the humidity, or black flies but I have been reassured I’ll be fine!

My suitcase is packed.  im ready to go!  Which brings me to another short albeit freaky tale.  If you’ve known me for many years, you know I love traveling.  To the pointcwhere I pack at least 3 days before I am to leave.  So night before last, my bags on my bed, I was watching the Tube, when I heard a hell of a racket - fire alarm!  Around 11:45.  Once I realized this wasnt just my apartment, I grabbed my keys and purse then Wait a Minute!  If the building burns my vacation would be ruined!  With that light bulb going on I grabbed my bags, my insulin out of the fridge (gotta stay healthy), snagged my purse and hustled to the muster point,  along with all the other tenants in my 4 story condo building!  One young fellow said Sheesh how’d you pack so quickly?  Lol. I said “I’m leaving for a 4 week holiday in a day so I was packed already!” Lol By the time we all were out, I could hear the sirens and the fire trucks arrived.  People had their pets snuggled under their robes, most were in pajamas looking concerned.  But happy ending:  the apartment above me had a lamp that started on fire!  Thank god not an all consuming conflagration.  By 12:45 the nice firemen were letting us all inside (giggling at my packed bags) and by 2 a.m. I was sleeping.  

No one can say my life is boring.  In fact, in a couple of weeks I’ll be turning 70.   Uhuh.  Another decade.      Of what New exciting things on the horizon? This past decade had sorrows, loss, some joys and change along with new discoveries, new relationships and challenges.  Now I see a new journey on new roads.   And who knows what lies in store? 

In the words of Piglet “I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today.”

Oh my goodness, its Hockey Playoffs!

 Its amazing how a person’s perspective changes as they “mature”, and lately my perspective has had a major change.  I may have mentioned a month or so ago that I was a rebooted Habs (Montreal Canadiens) fan.  Then when last years Stanley Cup was in its final playoffs, I found I was enthusiastically cheering on the Oilers.  And Now in round 2 of the playoffs, with my precious Habs out golfing with the Canucks and Senators (you hockey die hards know what that means) we’re down to three Canadian teams in the playoffs, round 2.  Its a big hairy deal!  The Leafs, the Oilers and the Jets remain!  

Now the reason its a big hairy deal, is because The Man, who I’m seeing on a pretty regular basis, is a full blooded, die hard, life long Toronto Maple Leafs fan.  I mean on a Rider level of hard core fan!  On a level equal to my dad.  Big Al loved the Leafs.  So now, each evening I watch hockey.  yes, you read that right.  Its becoming a big hairy deal for me!  Games are exciting!  I almost remember who’s playing for which team.  Heck I even listened to the trades…when Marchand was sent to Florida and who I now boo like the rest of the world. During tonights game, I was yelling at the referees, cheering on players, and once in a while encouraging my team to “put ‘em in the boards”.  

When the Leafs won tonight in the 3rd period, after the Panthers pulled their goalie, it was down right exciting enough my pulse quickened, I was cheering louder, until “settle down girl” got my attention. And that from my Super-fan man!

The week is planned around who plays when, and social outings inevitably turn to hockey standings.  I wore a t-shirt today at lunch that had a big Maple Leaf on the front with the words “Once.  Just once before I die” on it.  Leaf fans, the true fans - know what thats about,  The last time they won the big one, the Stanley Cup was in 1967.  So upon entering the pub to meet our friends, I was greeted with OMG I need a photo of your shirt…and other comments, because those folks all knew what it meant. 

Which brings me to my new happy place.  After a lifetime of detesting the Leafs, I find myself cheering them on like a mad woman.  Much to the disappointment of my hard core Habs fans.  Lol This new passions for Hockey has created stronger connections with family, friends and my fav super-fan.  I’ve been converted. 

Well let’s see how this series ends up.  I’m pretty hopeful one of the Canadian teams will end up inthe final playoffs! Now if the referees could just remember to bring their whistles. 😉

Sun, snow, Spring?

 Ahhh April.  Sunshine, warm days and on with shorts and sandals.  Sitting on the patio for a morning coffee, and Hark! A robin!  This stuff does my heart good.  And then…da da daaaaa white roofs, slick smattering of snow!  Oh what the heck, tis April in Alberta!

 Now where I live, the snow was minimal.  A skiff.  Barely called snowy at all.  Funny, but the North Island got more snow than we did!  But north of here?  Edson. Red Deer, Edmonton….now they had a proper dump of snow!  And of course icy roads, freezing rain, oh yeah the works.  

Easter weekend will soon be here, and so what does this warm blooded woman do?  Chocolate of course!  And today I hit the chocolate jackpot at Walmart.  Alas, my traditional Mr. Solid, who was hit by shrinkflation last Easter being noticeably smaller in stature, was not to be found.   Cheap milk chocolate is a dirty secret that can’t be resisted.  Traditionally, its off with the ears first, yup, then the head.  After those are ingested, its right to the feet, yummy yummy…. And followed by the chocolatey tail, and finally, the body.  Torso?  Thorax?  I’m not as accurate on bunny anatomy other than its delicious!  But today, alas no Mr. Solid was to be found.

But what should I spy as I scanned the Easter candy aisles in Walmart?  A knock off, solid 1 lb bunny, for under $5.00.  Kalloo Kallay!  I proudly marched past the multi coloured foil wrapped mini eggs, the fluorescent Peeps etc, and secured a week or more of tv watching, late night nibbling delight!  

Whatever happened to the Easter treats of old?  The bright hard coated pure sugar eggs we found in our Easter baskets of yesteryear? (my fav were the robin egg blue ones)  The gorgeous shiny foil wrapped chocolate covered marshmallow eggs?  And the huge, hollow ornately decorated with icing and icing sugar flower?  Sometimes with your name on them?  

I have memories of anxiously looking out the living room window as a child, asking my dad if the Easter bunny could make it through a typical Saskatchewan Easter snow storm?  Other years the kids would be tearing around the yard at my Aunt Gladys and Uncle Daves farm, shrieking with excitement as we’d find eggs hidden in clever spots!  Yup, sugar induced hysteria until exhausted we’d finally wear ourselves out.  It was fun! It was Spring!

Tomorrow I will look for tulips to brighten my apartment, maybe some foil wrapped candy, or a wee bunny ornament.  My friends have gone all out on decorations and gorgeous centrepieces.  Alas, I no longer have room for those things, so I enjoy theirs. 

And on Good Friday, celebrating with my “new family” I will offer thanks for the gift of Gods love.  These days, with the world events making me question the sanity of our leaders, we could do with a reminder of forgiveness and redemption.  

Happy Easter to all, stay safe, and enjoy the bunnies. 🪺🐇

Time flew by….on Two Wheels

 How did that happen.  Seems it was just a few weeks ago I packed up, bid the Island farewell and made the drive thru wind, snow, ice, dust and avalanches to the land of big skies, old friends, and a new life.

Oh don’t fret, I’m still the scatterbrained impulsive albeit irresistible chick i have always been 😏 just now, Im prepping for yet another new decade, back in Alberta, the land I adore!  In 4 short months I’ll be 70.  Seventy!  Holy henshit who’d have guessed? And who would have said I would be living my best life?  It is astounding!

A glimpse of my amazing life.  Thought some will consider it boring after decades of adventures, moving hither and yon.  Of many cats who’ve come and gone.  Mr Big, Rosie, Diego, and Fat Casey.  Reflecting on them I remain convinced beyond  a doubt I am a cat person.   But for now, and likely the foreseeable future, my home will be cat-less.  I can live with that.  I mean average age could be 15 years, and do I really want an old cat when I’m 85? No, not likely.  So cats are off the menu.

Lets see what else is off my menu - motorcycles.  And my life on 2 wheels. Oh I have loved them.  Had a fair amount, starting with the 250 Honda, lol which my then husband ran ragged.  Then onto a Triumph Bonneville, oh what a blast she was a trip to Sturgis, ripping thru Wyoming and Montana!  Moving to the main course a 781/2 Harley Electraglide…many thousands of miles on that beast.  Low, loud, slow compared to my other rides, it was great for meeting new folks.  Like the welder in Utah to reattached my exhaust pipe mount. Took her across Canada to Nfld, dozen trips to Sturgis, all through the praries and USA.   Lol. I estimate over 80,000 miles before it was sold on lime, waaaay before facebook, to a buyer who sent the cheque with the driver of a moving truck from California.  Lol I was trusting.  Or Naive?

Then onto my first Softail.  An ‘86, a wreck from Arizona that was hauled to the local insurance yard.  Poor rider was killed when he was knocked off his bike near where we lived at the time.  Many calls to Customs, Insurance here and the US, and a new frame, it was resurrected after many many hours of rebuilding.  Its where  I learned about rebuilding and modifying a bike from the ground up. And that cutting out the main support bar on a bare frame to fit a 6 speed transmission may not have been the wisest choice! (Yeah it finally cracked many years later) that softtail made trips south, west, north, a wonderful bike!  180,000 Miles bore  we moved to the NWT, and I sold it. There will never be another like her. 

True there were years when I was bikeless, due to a wandering lifestyle with my late husband, but came the day I walked out of the Calgary Motorcycle Show with a brand new 1200cc Sportster!  Okay, call it a girly bike all you want but it moved!  Scared the bejeez out of me first ride when I cracked it!  A week in California, Hwy 101, all over Western Canada…a really good little ride! 

Then came the day I saw my dream Harley!  A Dyna Switchback…103 cubic inches of pure joy! It was my favourite bike ever!  Beautiful, till I lost a saddlebag lid on the hwy…lol Ah thats why I carried bungie cords and duct tape.  Sure the rear brake dissolved and could have killed me, but it didnt. 😎 and when we were ensconced in the north, in Dawson Creek, one last ride to southern AB and for some ungodly reason, it was traded for a 749cc Russian made bike with sidecar - a Ural.  At the time it made sense, Mac and I wanted on off road capability, camping, gravel roads, etc.  But then Covid hit.  Mac got ill.  Really ill.  We needed to return to Alberta, kick our “renter-from-hell” and her 3 hounds out and settle back in Milo.  Sadly we ended up selling out Urals and refocused on getting well.  So endeth the wild backroad adventure bikers!  But wait theres more:

And now we head west, to the Island again, where we, perhaps unwisely, purchased 2 used HD’s.  Not a lot of miles on them, I had to sell when sadly I became a widow.  My favorite riding buddy and dear husband was gone. 

I made one more big trip, this time by car, to bid farewell with his riding friends in Montana, Washington and Alberta with tears, laughter, some damn good scotch and the realization I Would Survive. And survive, nay - thrive! 😎 and I have.

I adore my new life in Alberta.  I’ve moved into a very cozy condo, have awesome friends both new and old and a new love in my life. A while new family is now part of my days, My original family is doing well, and I have abundance. 

So onwards!  Farewell to my motorcycling lifestyle, but kept my wanderlust and quest for adventures.  Just a bit slower, lol.  Happiness surrounds me. My drinking partying days are Behind me.  I remain a social butterfly.  And still haven’t mastered the art of colouring within the lines!  Lol  

True story; My boyfriend’s  son was sharing a laugh, shaking his head asking his pa “where did you find this one.” The answer “the Silver Buckle Saloon”…lol  Truth can be stranger than fiction!

  

Then 

Lang may yer lum reek.

 Oh dear.  My carefully crafted blog, just went “poof” and disappeared.  😵‍💫

So let me recap.  This is the month of Robbie Burns dinners, and celebration.  For the translation of the title Land may yer lum reek” it literally means “long may your chimney smoke” wishing someone enduring prosperity, warmth, and health.  It symbolizes comfort and abundance.  And its my New Years wish for all family and friends, near and far.

2024 was a very good year . Making the trip through the rockies from Vancouver Island to Alberta meant serious changes for me!  Its been mostly positive, seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and now a new man in my life.  I rented an apartment and a few months later moved to a rented condo which is awesome (did I mention heated underground parking?) one sad note, I surrendered my Casey Cat who is now being spoiled in a foster home.  Do I miss her?  Sometimes.  Do I miss the liter box, or the fur?  Nope.  

Christmas too was excellent.  Spending time with my man and his family was a hoot!  I decided to give the three grandsons each a kazoo, oh it was loud and hilarious.  Maybe next year harmonicas?  It was a lot of food, chocolate, laughing, shared memories of loved ones no longer here, and many Christmas decorations!  My new man also is Christmas crazy and we did many tours of the amazing lights all over town.  

I got to see old school chums - the other 69 yr old gals at a really nice lunch.  I was toured all over southern Alberta in my man's (boy friend? Not sure of the terminology at this age?) car - a very sweet red Mercedes convertible.  He bravely took me to Saskatoon to see some of my family and my mom and step dad.  And my aunt Gladys “the butter tart queen”.  It was an excellent trip.

It never ceases to amaze me how each decade of my life holds secrets that unfold as I become older.  Each gets better than the last!  Heck last summer I skinny dipped!  First time ever!  Lol I honestly don’t miss my motorcycle, it was fun, and a big part of my life for decades.  But now?  That is past.  I am happy with my new life.  Don’t get me wrong, this fixed income crap is tough at times, but I am looking for a part time job.  Maybe at Costco demonstrating samples?  Or as I call it “the seniors buffet”   I’m learning how to shop the flyers, and hopefully save some $$ for summer.  

And for the first time in a bit I am happy and thankful again.  Which really is great.  Lots of laughs, regaining my love of hockey, and feeling optimistic about life.

Now to find some haggis, toast the Bard and since Auld Lang Syne.  Happy New Year!