“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.”