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!

December arrives...with skates and chocolate!

 Hockey, my old old friend, has skated back into my life.  Tis the result of my mensch's addiction to the sport.  Oh years of growing up sitting quietly (and I mean not even breathing loud!) watching hockey night in Canada with Dad.  Big Al was hockey fan-a-holic, and the smart kids blended quietly into the background when the Leafs were on the ice!!! So getting back into watching the game was not a stretch. 

But wait, I was an Original 6 fan.  No teams from the deep south no no!!!! To that end, I'm adjusting.  And some days watching 3 games simultaneously!!!  Have  I not mention my hockey mensch?? Who is also a Leafs fan!! Who threatened to leave me standing in the parking lot should I ever dare to catch a ride wearing a Habs t-shirt again??? Uhuh, true story.

So now, my wee apartment fully Santa-fied, I'm happy, listening to Carols over Youtube.  My Christmas shopping is complete, tho frugal this year.  Lights, garland, ornaments - its pretty cheery here.  Not to the extent of my previous locations.  One tree vs 5, no large village, no miles of lights and outdoor decorations.  And so far no baking - tho I have been given seasonal cookie cutters, and a "Now you can bake!" this morning!!

Christmas has changed.  As you can imagine, no Santa in the house, no trips to community concerts.  But I still love it!  The snow, the lights, the decor, just all the "stuff" that makes the season bright!! However, I have lucked out, and my mensch is a total Christmas maniac!! His late wife apparently was the equivalent to my Santa.  And like him, she made sure there were a lot of Christmas Stuff.  So now his house is fully glammed up for the celebrations!  I'm so looking forward to spending Christmas with him, his family and our friends.  

The life of a retired senior is not for the feint of heart - now I fully understand "fixed income" and to that end I've been looking for part-time work.  I was surprised to hear how the economy has slowed, and large stores like Costco are saying sales are down significantly.  But I remain hopeful!  And just remind myself to NOT use my credit card!!! LOL I can do it!!  

This month has three Christmas parties, 2 family events with his sons and daughter in law, and many more jeux d'hockey!! And in between I enjoy my tree, miss my kitty (who is now in a foster home) and remember Christmases past.  Many warm memories, many smiles and a few sniffles.  So many locations - so many different homes, it's hard to keep it all straight.  And so much love from family and friends near and far.  I love you all! 

So now, to drag out some Christmas movies, more music, and get ready for festivities of the weekend.

From one of my favorite movies The Polar Express: "Seeing is believing but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see"

Here's to a great December!

I get by, with a little help, from my friends….

 Without my friends, I cannot imagine where I’d be.  Certainly not in a safe, comfortable home.  Surrounded by an ever decreasing amount of cardboard boxes.  More likely living In a cardboard box.  “Cardboard box? Luxury!” OK if you are a Python fan, I don’t need to explain. 

Anyways, here I am.  Awake at stupid o’clock, reporting Live from the Hat….so, whatcha been doing Marlean, you may ask.  Well let me tell ya….I moved.  

The shift to my condo was, as expected, a ton o work.  Yes, I have heard many times “oh you’ve moved so much, you must have really downsized belongings? Ha!  As if!  Yes, since my first of four moves over the past 18 months, I have.  Yet, as I continue to open boxes I find myself judging “keep? or sell?”  Watch FB marketplace, cause baby, there’s  some bargains to be had!

But back to my tale of moving….thank goodness for my man friend, who is compulsively organized!  And has a few moves under his belt as well!  With his encouragement I did not give up, throw away the dreaded tape gun and sit on the floor looking defeated.  Indeed he shows up, armed with Many cardboard boxes, tools to disassemble furniture without swearing, and tacos.  Seriously!  Lunch was delivered!  And so for the first time in my life, moving day arrived and Everything Was Packed!  There was no scramble to throw stuff willy nilly into bags….I was ready!

Not only is he organized, he mobilized his family and friends, arranged who loaded and unloaded what where, and in two and a half hours, my old apartment was empty.  Upon arrival at the condo, the trailer and vehicles were unloaded - including what had to be separated onto the store room - in 90 minutes!!!! A new world record folks! 

Was I stressed?  Oh yes.  Enough to reduce my natural resistance and a catch nasty sinus cold.  Now we’ve had colds, yes we know the joys of not sleeping because of endless running nose, and coughing our guts out.  Yeah that kind of cold. It’s been fun trying to unpack like this, but I’ve pretty much finished the kitchen, bedroom, laundry room …bathroom is next.  

This morning I sat in the sun, enjoying my balcony, sipping coffee to the sounds of chickadees and jays.  The new place is marvellous.  No traffic noise, no security lights beaming into the bedroom, just peacefull..  And entertaining for me, watching people and their dogs,Man there are a lot o dogs here.

So far, no 7:30 a.m. cacophony of doggies competing over who can bark the loudest.  In fact its very quiet! Thanks to my mensch delivering cold meds, I’m feeling a lot better so more unpacking full throttle tomorrow. 

The massive amount of cupboards I was bragging about?  Well I will end up filling them.  Apparently my pantry overfloweth…5 cake mixes? 8 tins o beans?  Future hoarder?  Well at least my groceries are well stocked!  Lol 

Yes, the past 18 months have been heaven and hell.  Loss of my Mac, giving up the Cat, letting go of things to make room for more wasn’t easy.  The strong loving friends I have relied on for this new path I am on, have been priceless! Overwhelmed by a new relationship, and acceptance of his family - I am so thankful for their help and support. 

 I am weary from moving.  Ready to make my nest as it were, get my winter gear ready, snuggle in with a strong man and watch some TV…and just relax. At least until my next adventures!!! It’s almost sweater weather, break out the chips and hot chocolate. 😍

Summertime and the livin is easy….

 Guess who just showed up?  That silly sweaty smoky month - September!  It used to be called Harvest Month.  And judging by the many combines raising dust and bringing in gorgeous crops, its living up to its name.  Tis when we collectively prepare for the coming winter.  And apparently thats what I’ve been up to.  So much has happened dear reader!  

The sun is amazing, everything I missed when I lived on the coast.  Hot, dry, very sunny and for the forst time in many years I am tanned!  My gentleman friend is a total sun worshipper, so many hrs spent soaking up the rays, and floating in his daughter in law’s pool.  How awesome is that!  Being a hard core land mammal, I admit I did lose my footing in the pool.  Rather than just standing up in the 4 feet of  water, I spluttered, floundered and inhaled a schnoz full o pool.  Lol yes, I can provide amusement even in my distress.  Then go red with embarrassment.  Lol 

This summer has been one of firsts, including sunbathing on the shore of 2 rivers, watching 8 sandhill cranes come croaking over us, going into to river up to my ankles and becoming dizzy watching the water glide by.  I am definitely not a water creature!  But the tanning on shore: magic!!

On a trip in my friends fabulous convertible, I gave in to the warm sun and dozed off.  Sleeping as passenger is a favourite of mine.  Little did I know that when we passed a Doppler radar weather station, the radar detector would Scream to life!  Apparently I jumped 6”  with a loud expletive, lol and was wide awake the next hour o the trip.  Lol

So whats new now.  Well, I have found a new abode - a condo on the south side o the city, much closer to shopping.  A lovely new place, move date Sept 30.  Good grief, more packing, unpacking, getting settled but its a good price, and dear reader, I have heated underground parking and a heated storage space!  I cant wait to get settled in, and get my computer hooked up, maybe even (brace yourselves) bake Christmas cookies!!  On the down side, there are no pets allowed, so Casey will be going to a new home.  I dont feel too guilty because I am away so often she isn’t getting the attention she needs.  

Tomorrow the office gets boxed up, and right into storage will go all my camping and Christmas stuff.  Yay!! My new kitchen has tons of counter space, 10’ ceilings and a massive amount of cupboards!  

So keep reading and see what other new and crazy adventures await!  Its a very busy happy life I’m living.  Who knew?  But then, who’d have thought a very handsome lovely man would take an interest in a 69 yr old ex biker chick?  Lol  He doesn’t drink, no bikes, no beard but a Scot!  And he’s helping me get organized for this move.       

   “The only time you should look back, is to see how far you’ve come.”   Amen to that! 😎

And just like that, August was here!

 August:  for many years it meant long trips on my motorcycle.  And as you know, dear reader, that life is now behind me.  Oh I had my fair share of fun and adventures, but now I’m on a new road, and still finding my way.

I had a birthday this month, and am another year old, maybe a little wiser, but ending my 60’s on a good note!  A new province, some new friends, renewed old friendships - it’s all great.

With a friend, I went to the local farmers market.  And there was a ton of stuff for sale - including a cornucopia of crisp, delectable fresh vegetables!  Some spuds, a cabbage and a handful of radishes reminded me of the abundance of gardens out here!  Did I mention my August weakness?  Peaches and cream fresh picked corn on the cob.  Oh man, it is the best!  I can eat an embarrassing amount of corn on the cob, with a bit o butter, salt & pepper:  nothing is better!

How about yellow beans, fresh picked, steamed and more butter?  Yup, had a few excellent feeds lately. A few little tomatoes, a cuke still sun warmed, oh this is a time to have a garden, for sure. 

At times this new journey causes me to stop and wonder if I know the way?  Where am I headed?  It seems that my social life has taken over, with new friends to visit, places to go, and new experiences.  This weekend a gentleman an friend whom I have been seeing a fair bit of has asked me to be his “plus one” at a family friends wedding.  wow!  A reason to spiff up a bit, and who knows, maybe we’ll even dance!  It’s a whole new thing to go out with a man, after 50 plus years of not dating.  It’s bloody marvellous! 

Today was a refreshing 11C morning, a welcome break from 30C plus temps of the past 3 weeks.  I do admit I love the sun, the chance to tan, and a chance to really enjoy my Air conditioning 😅  I wear summer clothes that haven’t been out for years.  I am very happy on this new road, so lets see where it takes me as I wander through the last year of being 60 something!