A nice day today, Jen and Dani got up a little late, no time for breakfast as they were heading to their other grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary lunch gathering in Edmonton and they were supposed to arrive there at 11:00 am. They quickly got ready, packed up their tent and left, they will be fashionably late and I know everyone will be very happy to see them both. After the lunch party, Jen will head back to Lake Louise, dropping Dani off in Red Deer. It was such a pleasure to visit with them, even if it was a short time, they are such great kids, fun to be around, and we are very proud of the way both of them look after themselves, working hard first to put themselves through college and now in the working world, being responsible good citizens of this world. They both had some help from their parents but they majorly helped themselves and asked for very little help. Christopher our grandson is in his last year of high school and has held part-time jobs, saving money for a car, he now has purchased along with the insurance and is already planning to move in with friends to go to college. He also plays basketball and does some volunteer work along with his chores at home I know he will be just fine being out on his own. We are so blessed to have great children and grandchildren, I know the youngest grandchildren will turn out just fine also they are 7, 9 and 12 so have a few years left before striking out on their own.
After Jen and Dani left we wandered over and had brunch with the wedding group as we had been invited to come over the day before. They had more food than people to eat it and it was delicious, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, and many home baked goodies, I did not eat anything the rest of the day! The remainder of the day we just hung out, doing our daily things and watching campers leave, some staying behind until tomorrow to do final clean up after the wedding party. They came over to ask if they had been to noisy as they had stayed up sitting around the campfire, playing music and doing Karaoke until 5:30 am, it didn’t bother us, being in the fifth wheel and a ways away but of course Jen and Dani heard them, but they knew that before they put up their tent, they had offers to sleep at Tracy’s or Michelle’s so they were not perplexed by it either.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A lazy but enjoyable Sunday
A nice day today, Jen and Dani got up a little late, no time for breakfast as they were heading to their other grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary lunch gathering in Edmonton and they were supposed to arrive there at 11:00 am. They quickly got ready, packed up their tent and left, they will be fashionably late and I know everyone will be very happy to see them both. After the lunch party, Jen will head back to Lake Louise, dropping Dani off in Red Deer. It was such a pleasure to visit with them, even if it was a short time, they are such great kids, fun to be around, and we are very proud of the way both of them look after themselves, working hard first to put themselves through college and now in the working world, being responsible good citizens of this world. They both had some help from their parents but they majorly helped themselves and asked for very little help. Christopher our grandson is in his last year of high school and has held part-time jobs, saving money for a car, he now has purchased along with the insurance and is already planning to move in with friends to go to college. He also plays basketball and does some volunteer work along with his chores at home I know he will be just fine being out on his own. We are so blessed to have great children and grandchildren, I know the youngest grandchildren will turn out just fine also they are 7, 9 and 12 so have a few years left before striking out on their own.
After Jen and Dani left we wandered over and had brunch with the wedding group as we had been invited to come over the day before. They had more food than people to eat it and it was delicious, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, and many home baked goodies, I did not eat anything the rest of the day! The remainder of the day we just hung out, doing our daily things and watching campers leave, some staying behind until tomorrow to do final clean up after the wedding party. They came over to ask if they had been to noisy as they had stayed up sitting around the campfire, playing music and doing Karaoke until 5:30 am, it didn’t bother us, being in the fifth wheel and a ways away but of course Jen and Dani heard them, but they knew that before they put up their tent, they had offers to sleep at Tracy’s or Michelle’s so they were not perplexed by it either.
After Jen and Dani left we wandered over and had brunch with the wedding group as we had been invited to come over the day before. They had more food than people to eat it and it was delicious, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, and many home baked goodies, I did not eat anything the rest of the day! The remainder of the day we just hung out, doing our daily things and watching campers leave, some staying behind until tomorrow to do final clean up after the wedding party. They came over to ask if they had been to noisy as they had stayed up sitting around the campfire, playing music and doing Karaoke until 5:30 am, it didn’t bother us, being in the fifth wheel and a ways away but of course Jen and Dani heard them, but they knew that before they put up their tent, they had offers to sleep at Tracy’s or Michelle’s so they were not perplexed by it either.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wedding group and family gathering
I got up around 8:30 and my dear husband was busy peeling potatoes for the planned potato salad (the special family recipe) just had to prepare it for the family, yes he spoils me as he usually peels the potatoes, peels the eggs, cuts the veggies, etc. I make the dressing for the salad and add all the ingredients to the burger, then Woody mixes the burger, I make the patties, we make a good team! Chris (son-in-law) is the family official barbecue chef for our gatherings he will barbeque the burgers and brauts.
During the night the banner has blown down, Woody decides he will find a way to hang it back up before the wedding party returns and has some errands to do, off to town he goes. The wedding group left around 12:00 and will not be returning until around 6:00 pm they had told us, so we had some time to finish our dinner preparations, visit puppy and put the banner up before they would return. Woody returns, could not find the grommets he wanted so will improvise and of course as usual he found a way, which I knew he would. The wedding planner has arrived with some help to finish all the preparations for the reception, decorations, setting up the bar, etc. Woody helps them out whenever he can. The weather is not real nice, not raining but cool and windy, the big tent even though somewhat protected by the shelter started falling down, a couple of poles down, Woody goes out, puts the poles back up and secures all the pegs a little better, the wedding planner is very thankful, she certainly could not have done it with the three helpers she had Woody assures her that he was happy to do it, sure would not want the wedding party returning to a disaster. Can you imagine, all the tables have been set with table clothes, candles, wine etc. then the tent topples on top of all that, Yikes!
The tent is looking good with table cloths, flowers, wine, candles etc.
The shelter decorating is near completion.
Bringing food to store in fridges. This group donated a fridge so they would have enough room to store the food, thank you to Bryan and Kate's family from Onoway Fish and Game.
The DJ is setting up testing sound, etc. the accoustics in the shelter are terrible but they did a good job of adjusting.
You cannot hardly see them, there are small lights hung around the eaves of the shelter and later when they light the lights and candles on the bamboo poles along with decorating the entrance with white roses with small lights inside it did look impressive. There were also more decorative items on the wall behind the table and on the table.
They were having fun!
They set up all the mixes outside the kitchen and served the liquor from inside through the concession opening, the kitchen has 3 concession windows.
I left to pick up Caitlin for our 3:00 pm visit with Cookie, returning shortly after Jen, Dani, Tracy and girls had arrived. Michelle called me as I parked the truck to let us know they will be a little late, Chris had to complete a project he had started which of course was taking longer than he anticipated, I tell her no problem, Caitlin and I had just gotten home, we would wait for dinner until they arrived. After all, we could not have a barbeque without the master chef. We sit outside visiting, it is chilly, not great for sitting around outside, we wandered inside to warm up then out again, some of us inside, some outside, the wedding party arrived back and we missed seeing the bride and groom arrive, we feel sorry for the guests in there wedding finery, they must be cold with the wind whipping across the open area, soon we see some portable heaters being hauled into the shelter. Woody goes over to the kitchen (where the bar is set up) and starts the wood stove for the bartenders, no fun standing around in the cold, they are grateful to him.
We decide to eat in, a bit crowded but none the less at least our burgers and brauts were hot to eat. Chris and Woody braved the chilly weather and ate outside, actually later the wind went down and it felt warmer than earlier in the evening. Around 10:00 10:30 all the kids had left, Jen and Dani made up there bed in their tent, their choice they were offered beds at their Aunts and Woody offered to clear the bunk if they preferred but they declined, they wanted some sister time and wanted to sleep in the tent. While the girls put their bed together in the tent with extra blankets and a quilt provided by us, we headed over to the wedding dance to make an appearance as we were invited earlier. Surprising the shelter was quite warm with all the people dancing and the heaters as was the kitchen with the wood stove going even with the concession window wide open. We mingled for about an hour then headed back to the fifth wheel to say goodnight to Dani and Jen just before they went to bed. Surely was a busy, fun day, the highlight being visiting with family, we are so blessed!
The girls tent, I love the way the sunset is shinning on the tent and trees, almost looks like there is fire nearby.
Woody is wearing a fall jacket, it must be cool!
Dani and Michelle sharing stories while warming up!
Tracy sitting in my favourite chair laughing at Jen.
Jen being her sweet goofy self! (Deb's daughter)
Chris is always teasing Jen, what are Uncles for anyway eh Jen?
Michelle smiling for the camera!
Tracy's girls, Brooklyn is 7 (left) and Lindsey 12.
Dani (Deb's daughter) and Caitlin 9 (Michelle and Chris's daughter .
There was a lot of horsing around and visiting going on, it was loud but fun!
Christopher, (our only grandson) 17 (Michelle and Chris's son) dropped in late after he got off work. Thank you Christopher we so apprecite seeing you!
During the night the banner has blown down, Woody decides he will find a way to hang it back up before the wedding party returns and has some errands to do, off to town he goes. The wedding group left around 12:00 and will not be returning until around 6:00 pm they had told us, so we had some time to finish our dinner preparations, visit puppy and put the banner up before they would return. Woody returns, could not find the grommets he wanted so will improvise and of course as usual he found a way, which I knew he would. The wedding planner has arrived with some help to finish all the preparations for the reception, decorations, setting up the bar, etc. Woody helps them out whenever he can. The weather is not real nice, not raining but cool and windy, the big tent even though somewhat protected by the shelter started falling down, a couple of poles down, Woody goes out, puts the poles back up and secures all the pegs a little better, the wedding planner is very thankful, she certainly could not have done it with the three helpers she had Woody assures her that he was happy to do it, sure would not want the wedding party returning to a disaster. Can you imagine, all the tables have been set with table clothes, candles, wine etc. then the tent topples on top of all that, Yikes!
The tent is looking good with table cloths, flowers, wine, candles etc.
The shelter decorating is near completion.
Bringing food to store in fridges. This group donated a fridge so they would have enough room to store the food, thank you to Bryan and Kate's family from Onoway Fish and Game.
The DJ is setting up testing sound, etc. the accoustics in the shelter are terrible but they did a good job of adjusting.
You cannot hardly see them, there are small lights hung around the eaves of the shelter and later when they light the lights and candles on the bamboo poles along with decorating the entrance with white roses with small lights inside it did look impressive. There were also more decorative items on the wall behind the table and on the table.
They were having fun!
They set up all the mixes outside the kitchen and served the liquor from inside through the concession opening, the kitchen has 3 concession windows.
I left to pick up Caitlin for our 3:00 pm visit with Cookie, returning shortly after Jen, Dani, Tracy and girls had arrived. Michelle called me as I parked the truck to let us know they will be a little late, Chris had to complete a project he had started which of course was taking longer than he anticipated, I tell her no problem, Caitlin and I had just gotten home, we would wait for dinner until they arrived. After all, we could not have a barbeque without the master chef. We sit outside visiting, it is chilly, not great for sitting around outside, we wandered inside to warm up then out again, some of us inside, some outside, the wedding party arrived back and we missed seeing the bride and groom arrive, we feel sorry for the guests in there wedding finery, they must be cold with the wind whipping across the open area, soon we see some portable heaters being hauled into the shelter. Woody goes over to the kitchen (where the bar is set up) and starts the wood stove for the bartenders, no fun standing around in the cold, they are grateful to him.
We decide to eat in, a bit crowded but none the less at least our burgers and brauts were hot to eat. Chris and Woody braved the chilly weather and ate outside, actually later the wind went down and it felt warmer than earlier in the evening. Around 10:00 10:30 all the kids had left, Jen and Dani made up there bed in their tent, their choice they were offered beds at their Aunts and Woody offered to clear the bunk if they preferred but they declined, they wanted some sister time and wanted to sleep in the tent. While the girls put their bed together in the tent with extra blankets and a quilt provided by us, we headed over to the wedding dance to make an appearance as we were invited earlier. Surprising the shelter was quite warm with all the people dancing and the heaters as was the kitchen with the wood stove going even with the concession window wide open. We mingled for about an hour then headed back to the fifth wheel to say goodnight to Dani and Jen just before they went to bed. Surely was a busy, fun day, the highlight being visiting with family, we are so blessed!
The girls tent, I love the way the sunset is shinning on the tent and trees, almost looks like there is fire nearby.
Woody is wearing a fall jacket, it must be cool!
Dani and Michelle sharing stories while warming up!
Tracy sitting in my favourite chair laughing at Jen.
Jen being her sweet goofy self! (Deb's daughter)
Chris is always teasing Jen, what are Uncles for anyway eh Jen?
Michelle smiling for the camera!
Tracy's girls, Brooklyn is 7 (left) and Lindsey 12.
Dani (Deb's daughter) and Caitlin 9 (Michelle and Chris's daughter .
There was a lot of horsing around and visiting going on, it was loud but fun!
Christopher, (our only grandson) 17 (Michelle and Chris's son) dropped in late after he got off work. Thank you Christopher we so apprecite seeing you!
Friday, August 29, 2008
August 26th to August 29th
August 26th to August 29th passed very quickly and I did not make one note in my journal, bad me!
We spent the days making sure everything was in order for the wedding reception and dance being held here on Saturday, one family arrived on Thursday to enjoy some family time before the rest of the group arrived on Friday to start preparing for the wedding reception.
Woody accomplished some tasks at the Archery/Gun range, he volunteers his time there as a member of Onoway Fish and Game and has free use of the range, it is just two miles down the road from the campground, he also makes sure anyone using the range is following the rules, we can hear any shooting from the range and Woody will go down to check. Onoway Fish and Game have had some issues with members not following the rules and has been having a hard time convincing members that it is imperative to follow the rules or the range will be shut down by the authorities, they are very happy Woody volunteered to look after the range. Another win win situation for us and Onoway Fish and Game.
Friday was a great day, lots of action the group pulling in with people coming and going preparing for the wedding, it really was fun watching all the action it was a nice warm day, just right for working outdoors or relaxing watching others work as I was doing, LOL. We met the bride and groom and others as the day progressed, very impressed, this group is well organized and a pleasure to deal with, they have rented the whole campground as well as the barbeque, things start taking shape as they put up a rented tent, tables, chairs, water coolers, even have brought in port-a-potties. Early in the day there was a nice breeze but then it became quite windy in the afternoon, the bride and groom (Bryan and Kate) were trying put a very nice banner, Woody ran out to help them out and the real sad thing is that the weather is not predicted to be real nice tomorrow, cool, showers and wind! As I write this though Hurricane Hannah is threatening so everyone is thankful, we never have to deal with such weather.
Tomorrow will be very busy as two of our granddaughters are arriving to spend the night and Michelle and Tracy with their families will come over around 4:00 pm for a visit with Dani and Jen, we have planned a barbeque for dinner, looking so forward to seeing them all! I have also booked an appointment to visit our puppy taking Caitlin along with me, ah yes it will a wonderful day.
Bryan and Kate (their wedding) talking to me about putting up reservations signs for some of campsites for persons who were coming in later, would save any discussions about who parked where.
The tent is set up with tables, sides and decorations yet to come.
Shelter being set up for the food and dance.
This is the banner that later blew down, you can see the wind is already whipping it pretty good. The banner was well made and had the proper gromets in it.
We thought it was a very nice touch, this would be front and centre when guests entered the campground.
We spent the days making sure everything was in order for the wedding reception and dance being held here on Saturday, one family arrived on Thursday to enjoy some family time before the rest of the group arrived on Friday to start preparing for the wedding reception.
Woody accomplished some tasks at the Archery/Gun range, he volunteers his time there as a member of Onoway Fish and Game and has free use of the range, it is just two miles down the road from the campground, he also makes sure anyone using the range is following the rules, we can hear any shooting from the range and Woody will go down to check. Onoway Fish and Game have had some issues with members not following the rules and has been having a hard time convincing members that it is imperative to follow the rules or the range will be shut down by the authorities, they are very happy Woody volunteered to look after the range. Another win win situation for us and Onoway Fish and Game.
Friday was a great day, lots of action the group pulling in with people coming and going preparing for the wedding, it really was fun watching all the action it was a nice warm day, just right for working outdoors or relaxing watching others work as I was doing, LOL. We met the bride and groom and others as the day progressed, very impressed, this group is well organized and a pleasure to deal with, they have rented the whole campground as well as the barbeque, things start taking shape as they put up a rented tent, tables, chairs, water coolers, even have brought in port-a-potties. Early in the day there was a nice breeze but then it became quite windy in the afternoon, the bride and groom (Bryan and Kate) were trying put a very nice banner, Woody ran out to help them out and the real sad thing is that the weather is not predicted to be real nice tomorrow, cool, showers and wind! As I write this though Hurricane Hannah is threatening so everyone is thankful, we never have to deal with such weather.
Tomorrow will be very busy as two of our granddaughters are arriving to spend the night and Michelle and Tracy with their families will come over around 4:00 pm for a visit with Dani and Jen, we have planned a barbeque for dinner, looking so forward to seeing them all! I have also booked an appointment to visit our puppy taking Caitlin along with me, ah yes it will a wonderful day.
Bryan and Kate (their wedding) talking to me about putting up reservations signs for some of campsites for persons who were coming in later, would save any discussions about who parked where.
The tent is set up with tables, sides and decorations yet to come.
Shelter being set up for the food and dance.
This is the banner that later blew down, you can see the wind is already whipping it pretty good. The banner was well made and had the proper gromets in it.
We thought it was a very nice touch, this would be front and centre when guests entered the campground.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Dinner at Scott and Jill's
A great day today, 21C (71F) just right, no major wind. Woody completed some campground chores and I completed the paper work for the week for the campground and of course other house chores, etc. The highlight of today was going over to Scott and Jill’s for dinner, Jill’s Mom and Dad from Lethbridge are there also, they had come up for a few days to visit and enjoy the Blue Grass Music Festival in Edmonton. We settled outside visiting before dinner when a sudden storm came up so had to move inside. We enjoyed good company, awesome food, barbequed stuffed rainbow trout (from Salter's Lake), salmon, salads, buns, etc. and home made deserts. Jill is a good cook, she made a watermelon salad, I had never eaten it and I do not care much for watermelon but it was delicious. After dinner the rain had quit, still chilly though but the boys had to go out and practice with their bows. 
Scott practicing.
James, Scott and Jill's son, he has been shooting a bow since he was 2 or 3, I cannot remember, he is 9.
He is showing me where his Dad hit the target.
This is the target that James was using, pretty good group eh!
Upon arriving home we took Oreo out for some playtime, then checked our favourite forums before heading off to bed.
It surely was another grand day!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Visit with Tracy and girls
Today is another good weather day, the highlight of the day will be Tracy and her girls visiting. We have not seen too much of Tracy, Keith, Lindsey or Brooklyn this summer, they go camping almost every other weekend, plus Keith is doing renos on their house so we are delighted that Tracy and the girls are coming over after lunch. The morning passes quickly with most of the campers checking out and coming over to pay their fees, Woody is busy with campground duties as I am collecting the fees. The last campers pull out after Tracy and the girls arrive so we visit sitting in our “yard” waiting for the last campers to pull out and pay their fees. Lindsey and Brooklyn play in the hammock, join in our conversation and play with Oreo, it is fun to listen to their versions of their camping experiences and other summer experiences they have had. Tracy, the girls and I take a walk around the campground, a short tour of the kitchen, shelter, etc. just showing them around a bit and stretching our legs, I am talking about the complaints we have heard this weekend from a certain camper, Tracy comments that this park is very nice and has the usual equipment that most campgrounds they stay at have except for a playground, which of course this park will not have due to the liability issue, but we do have mega space for games to be set up so no big deal. As we are walking around the last camper leaves, we return home, sit for a bit, then take a nice walk on the trails including Woody who can now relax with all the campers gone. Brooklyn and Lindsey walk and throw Oreo’s toy for her, she loves that as do the girls, we chat as we walk, is there anything better than this, I don’t think so! I can really kick myself now because I did not take one picture, what was I thinking, or not thinking in this case, guess I was just busy enjoying the moment. I really have to make an effort to capture these special moments on camera though as they are precious moments spent with family that will become more precious as the years pass, that is a big reason I am keeping this blog, to keep the memories alive and enjoy over and over and over!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A very good day!
Another beautiful day warm and sunny, not real hot just the perfect weather for us! Andrew, a friend of Woody’s is coming over today; they plan to practice at the rifle range for the afternoon. Woody had a couple of errands to run so he left around 10:00 am, when he returned he was all excited, he gives me piece of paper with a name and phone on it and says “call this lady, she has the cutest puppies, they are just what you are looking for”! I say to him “well maybe”; still waffling on whether I really want to commit to having a puppy, even though I was that had mentioned a couple or so weeks ago that I was thinking a small lap dog would be nice. Woody tells me how cute the puppies are and urges me to call the lady, he goes on and says we could get a female and name her Cuddles, wow, I think he really wants a small dog named Cuddles, he has always referred to small lap dogs as “pretend dogs or wannabe dogs”. I know Woody very well and I know if I want something, he will go out of his way to see that I can have it if at all possible but this really surprised me, he is so excited about these puppies. He has a couple of small tasks to take care of so off he goes. I sit there looking at the phone number, thinking about having a puppy to care and train once again and just go back to my work. Ever since I mentioned that I was thinking a small lap dog would be nice I know he has been checking out any bulletin board that he sees, well this ad was on the bulletin board in the grocery store. I have been checking out the SPCA site looking for a rescue dog, but have not been able to find a small dog, many big ones though and my heart goes out to them but another large dog would be a challenge living in our fifth wheel. Woody comes back in, and asks me if I called the lady, no I am thinking about it, I can see the disappointment in his face, he tells me again how cute they are, to call now and we can go look at them right away. Okay I call, talk to Julie, she directs me a website where I can see the puppies, oh yeah I make an appointment with Julie for 4:00 pm, Woody is right, the puppies are just what was I looking for, part Bichon, Shitzu and Lhasa Apso. We both are excited now! Andrew arrives so he and Woody head for the range. I start checking out websites to find out more about the puppies. Caitlin is visiting today and soon as she arrives I tell her the good new about the puppy, of course she wants to come with us to pick out a puppy. Woody goes about some campground business and Caitlin and I play cards, she usually beats me a cards, her friend from yesterday comes over and Caitlin invites her to play cards with us, she stays for awhile then rejoins her camping family, Caitlin and I play a game of Yum. Her friend returns and invites Caitlin to come and play with her at their campsite, okay that is fine with me and off she goes. Andrew and Woody return awhile later, we visit until it is time to leave for our date to pick out the puppy. I go to find Caitlin, she is walking on the trails with a group of girls, not a bad thing but she did not ask permission, and now we have to sit and wait for her. Long story short we end up calling saying we are going to be late and that is okay with Julie, we also had made arrangement to stop at a friends on the way home, so call him all is okay. After an hour we call Michelle, she and Christopher end up coming over and waiting for Caitlin to return. When we return home later Caitlin she is very upset that she has caused any problems and that she missed seeing the puppies. She is very responsible and normally would not go off walking without first letting us know, we give her a hug and assure her that all is okay, knowing she really is sorry and will take care to keep us in the know from this day forward. We did have a tough time picking out a puppy though they were all so cute, but we held each one (more than once) we chose this little girl.
She is just so cute, how could we resist.
Just a little handful! Now we are trying to find a name for her.
We did not expect to see Michelle, Caitlin and Christopher to wait until we returned but they decided to play cards and enjoy some time at the campground while here. Chris came over just after we returned and we totally enjoyed the visit.
She is just so cute, how could we resist.
Just a little handful! Now we are trying to find a name for her.
We did not expect to see Michelle, Caitlin and Christopher to wait until we returned but they decided to play cards and enjoy some time at the campground while here. Chris came over just after we returned and we totally enjoyed the visit.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Aug 17th to Aug 22nd
Aug 17th
Woke up to sunshine and blue skies, ah it is great to be alive! I made up some collages of the pics Woody had taken of the group yesterday and Woody took them to the group, they were very appreciative, said they keep an album of each years gathering, that is so cool, I had fun creating the collages, Woody had fun taking the photos, then distributing the collages and they appreciated having them, talk about a win win situation! I went around later to collect fees just as everyone was packing up to leave, they asked if they could return next year, absolutely they were a fun group to have and were cleaning up everything very nicely. They will call when they have decided on a date for next year and I get a big hug from the group organizer, now you just cannot ask for more eh! Throughout the day the campers pulled out, by evening there was only the small group that would be leaving tomorrow, Woody and I feel relaxed and happy to have the campground back to ourselves but also kind of let down, not sure how to explain it, after all the weekend activity it is a bit of adjustment that goes on within oneself, a feeling that does not last long but is noticeable, we talk about it and decide it is very normal. The same feeling we get when we host a family gathering, lots of interaction, sharing, excitement, enjoyment, noise, then all of a sudden silence after the family leaves, kind of an empty feeling that passes after a time and it is just the two of us again, ah life is good!
Aug 18th
Woody had a medical appointment, all went well but he is scheduled for more tests in September, the Doctors found nothing in the blood tests and just want to make sure everything is working as it should, the tests indicate that his kidneys, liver, heart and lungs are all good, so now they will check a few other things which is good, as we plan to head south for the winter and it will be good to know all checks have been done, before we left in March he had some health issues that have subsided.
The rest of the week was routine, mowing, doing odd jobs, shopping, laundry, paying bills, etc., except for Thursday evening, we had an appointment to get my new bow set up and also a few coaching lessons, all went well and I love my new bow, it works very well for me. I will now be able to shoot with Woody at the archery range as soon as he gets the new target set up. A new group is coming in for the weekend, a family gathering, some arrive Thursday to start setting up for the weekend, one person started to complain about almost everything as soon as he had his unit set up. We find out later that this person complains about everything all the time, just that type of character. After listening to him complain about the wood not being good enough, fire pits are not good enough, we should have a dump station and showers available, etc., by Saturday Woody had enough of listening to his complaints and he told him “yep, there are many things here that could be better but this campground is run by a non-profit organization and everything that is here has been donated and the work done by volunteers, so maybe he would like to donate some money or time to help make the improvements”. Hmmm didn’t hear any more complaints!
Friday our granddaughter Caitlin called and wondered is she could come over and spend the afternoon, sure no problem, Woody was in Onoway so I called him and he went and picked her up, we had fun playing cards and games, went for a walk on the trails and while Caitlin was walking Oreo by herself on the trail she met a girl that was camping so she spent some time with her. Michelle came later to pick up Caitlin and we had a nice visit, it really is cool being retired, doing whatever moves ya! Woody accomplished a few tasks in between spending time with Caitlin, Michelle and I, overall it was a great day!
Woke up to sunshine and blue skies, ah it is great to be alive! I made up some collages of the pics Woody had taken of the group yesterday and Woody took them to the group, they were very appreciative, said they keep an album of each years gathering, that is so cool, I had fun creating the collages, Woody had fun taking the photos, then distributing the collages and they appreciated having them, talk about a win win situation! I went around later to collect fees just as everyone was packing up to leave, they asked if they could return next year, absolutely they were a fun group to have and were cleaning up everything very nicely. They will call when they have decided on a date for next year and I get a big hug from the group organizer, now you just cannot ask for more eh! Throughout the day the campers pulled out, by evening there was only the small group that would be leaving tomorrow, Woody and I feel relaxed and happy to have the campground back to ourselves but also kind of let down, not sure how to explain it, after all the weekend activity it is a bit of adjustment that goes on within oneself, a feeling that does not last long but is noticeable, we talk about it and decide it is very normal. The same feeling we get when we host a family gathering, lots of interaction, sharing, excitement, enjoyment, noise, then all of a sudden silence after the family leaves, kind of an empty feeling that passes after a time and it is just the two of us again, ah life is good!
Aug 18th
Woody had a medical appointment, all went well but he is scheduled for more tests in September, the Doctors found nothing in the blood tests and just want to make sure everything is working as it should, the tests indicate that his kidneys, liver, heart and lungs are all good, so now they will check a few other things which is good, as we plan to head south for the winter and it will be good to know all checks have been done, before we left in March he had some health issues that have subsided.
The rest of the week was routine, mowing, doing odd jobs, shopping, laundry, paying bills, etc., except for Thursday evening, we had an appointment to get my new bow set up and also a few coaching lessons, all went well and I love my new bow, it works very well for me. I will now be able to shoot with Woody at the archery range as soon as he gets the new target set up. A new group is coming in for the weekend, a family gathering, some arrive Thursday to start setting up for the weekend, one person started to complain about almost everything as soon as he had his unit set up. We find out later that this person complains about everything all the time, just that type of character. After listening to him complain about the wood not being good enough, fire pits are not good enough, we should have a dump station and showers available, etc., by Saturday Woody had enough of listening to his complaints and he told him “yep, there are many things here that could be better but this campground is run by a non-profit organization and everything that is here has been donated and the work done by volunteers, so maybe he would like to donate some money or time to help make the improvements”. Hmmm didn’t hear any more complaints!
Friday our granddaughter Caitlin called and wondered is she could come over and spend the afternoon, sure no problem, Woody was in Onoway so I called him and he went and picked her up, we had fun playing cards and games, went for a walk on the trails and while Caitlin was walking Oreo by herself on the trail she met a girl that was camping so she spent some time with her. Michelle came later to pick up Caitlin and we had a nice visit, it really is cool being retired, doing whatever moves ya! Woody accomplished a few tasks in between spending time with Caitlin, Michelle and I, overall it was a great day!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A fun day
A tiny bit cooler today only 30c (87F) with a very slight breeze. I spent most of the day working on my website, not a real productive day, I found a new host for my video clips but cannot figure out how to link them from the host site so they will play when clicked on from my website, read directions, tried all the links they provide for embedding or linking, nothing wants to work and besides that the satellite is working only intermittently, so I give up! Will work on that another day the issue may be partly due to the satellite, no point in wasting any more time today.
The large group is involved in a Horseshow Tournament which goes on most of day into the evening between serving food and playing games with the little kids.
Part way through the afternoon they report to Woody that the well is dry, no water! Wow not good, Woody tries to prime the pump but no go, he calls O F & Game, yes that happens sometimes, leave the well alone it will recover in about two hours, so Woody informs the group and offers to get some water if they need it for drinking or cooking. They come back a little later to let us know they will be okay, enough water between the group members who have RV units to make out. Another thing we did not know about this campground, will make any new campers aware to use the water from the pump sparingly, only use for cooking or washing, no filling up kids water toys, etc.
Spectators and tournament players seeking shade!
The entertainment was fantastic!
A family affair, the girls have awesome voices, can make the fiddles sing and were very entertaining.
This couple could not stay sitting down, the music just set their feet to dancing.
Granddaughter Caitlin volunteers at the Festival along with her Mom and Dad and has for the last few years, she is taking a break watching the show with me. Note the crutches, Caitlin re-injured her ankle (not at the Festival). I bought Caitlin a little toy kitty with a baby kitty all set up on a very cute cuddly blanket she was eyeing up, she never asks for anything but I thought she deserved it and I loved buying it for her!
Chris and Michelle making their rounds at the Festival, making sure everybody has what they need and running errands.
Woody purchased this Scroll Saw Art, a Father and Son team; they signed and dated the piece on the back. The pictures do not capture all the intricate work or the natural grain of the wood the eye can see.
We left fairly early to come back and check on the water situation at the campground all was okay, the pump had not recouped yet but the campers were not worried, they assured us they would be okay until morning. We totally enjoyed the Festival and our visit with Chris, Michelle and Caitlin. Observing our “kids” working in their volunteer positions was very gratifying, it was one of those instances as parents you can sit back and see that they have grown up as useful, responsible, caring, and sharing citizens of this world. I give thanks everyday for the joy that our children give us.
The large group is involved in a Horseshow Tournament which goes on most of day into the evening between serving food and playing games with the little kids.
Part way through the afternoon they report to Woody that the well is dry, no water! Wow not good, Woody tries to prime the pump but no go, he calls O F & Game, yes that happens sometimes, leave the well alone it will recover in about two hours, so Woody informs the group and offers to get some water if they need it for drinking or cooking. They come back a little later to let us know they will be okay, enough water between the group members who have RV units to make out. Another thing we did not know about this campground, will make any new campers aware to use the water from the pump sparingly, only use for cooking or washing, no filling up kids water toys, etc.
Spectators and tournament players seeking shade!
There were some sun seekers in the group.
We left around 5:30 pm to attend the Cowboy Poetry Festival in Stony Plain, a huge gathering, Chris and Michelle volunteer each year, this is the 16th annual gathering and we have not attended until this year, Chris invited us and saved two day passes for us. Lots of entertainment, food and booths set up for sellers, selling everything from clothes to candy. People come from all over Canada and the States to attend this Festival. 
The entertainment was fantastic!
A family affair, the girls have awesome voices, can make the fiddles sing and were very entertaining.
This couple could not stay sitting down, the music just set their feet to dancing.
Granddaughter Caitlin volunteers at the Festival along with her Mom and Dad and has for the last few years, she is taking a break watching the show with me. Note the crutches, Caitlin re-injured her ankle (not at the Festival). I bought Caitlin a little toy kitty with a baby kitty all set up on a very cute cuddly blanket she was eyeing up, she never asks for anything but I thought she deserved it and I loved buying it for her!
Chris and Michelle making their rounds at the Festival, making sure everybody has what they need and running errands.
Woody purchased this Scroll Saw Art, a Father and Son team; they signed and dated the piece on the back. The pictures do not capture all the intricate work or the natural grain of the wood the eye can see.
What a face, he looks likes he just stepped into this Festival from the Old West, Woody asked if he could take his picture, he was pleased to oblige.
We left fairly early to come back and check on the water situation at the campground all was okay, the pump had not recouped yet but the campers were not worried, they assured us they would be okay until morning. We totally enjoyed the Festival and our visit with Chris, Michelle and Caitlin. Observing our “kids” working in their volunteer positions was very gratifying, it was one of those instances as parents you can sit back and see that they have grown up as useful, responsible, caring, and sharing citizens of this world. I give thanks everyday for the joy that our children give us.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Working and playing
A very warm sunny day temperature up to 33c (92F) predicted, we expect a group today for the weekend, first trailer rolls in around 10:00 am, I go out to greet them and to confirm they are part of the group as I did not have the reservation signs up yet (didn’t expect anyone that early in the day), yes they are, cool, the rest of the group pull in throughout the day. Woody is out and about introducing himself and making sure all campers have what they need, answering any questions, and directing them to our fifth wheel to pay me when that subject comes up. During the day he takes the big tractor to mow some more trails, he is in his glory, people to visit, toys to play with and helping out wherever and whoever he can. Oreo is tied up, too many kids, dogs and new people, she just would not stay in our “yard”, poor puppy she spends lots of time looking and wishing she could go and play with everyone. Once the campers settle in Oreo and I go for walk/play, Woody is out mowing the far field, he had repaired the horseshoe pits earlier today which is good as this group came over asking if we had horseshoes for rent, they were delighted at finding out horseshoes were available free of charge. Later they came back to borrow a rake so they could keep the pits groomed, wow they are serious horseshoe players!
Catching a few zzzzzzzzz's after working in the heat.
The small group that camped from Thursday to Monday, they had the worst sites in the campground, 3 units in 2 sites, they made it work for themselves, a good bunch of people.
Part of the larger group, they were well set up, even brought their own kitchen and set it up at the back in between a couple of their sites, we were impressed with how organized this group was and they left the campground pretty clean. There were about 60 people in this group all set up in 12 sites sharing and working together.
After dinner Woody took the tractor and delivered some wood to the group fire pit for them as a courtesy, they had let us know they would use the group fire pit most of the time. It is very warm this evening, we turned the AC on and retreated to our home to cool off, relax and do some chatting online before heading to bed.
Catching a few zzzzzzzzz's after working in the heat.
The small group that camped from Thursday to Monday, they had the worst sites in the campground, 3 units in 2 sites, they made it work for themselves, a good bunch of people.
Part of the larger group, they were well set up, even brought their own kitchen and set it up at the back in between a couple of their sites, we were impressed with how organized this group was and they left the campground pretty clean. There were about 60 people in this group all set up in 12 sites sharing and working together.
After dinner Woody took the tractor and delivered some wood to the group fire pit for them as a courtesy, they had let us know they would use the group fire pit most of the time. It is very warm this evening, we turned the AC on and retreated to our home to cool off, relax and do some chatting online before heading to bed.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Girl Party, Woody playing
Another beautiful warm day! The highlight of this day for me will be attending granddaughter Caitlin’s girl party, I am honoured she invited me; she is nine years old and a real little lady. Woody left for town this morning running errands for us and the park, returned shortly before I had to leave. I arrive for the girl party around 2:00 pm; I could hear giggling as I was walking to the house, what a delightful sound, kids having fun! Caitlin and Michelle greet me at the door, Caitlin introduces me to all her friends, they continue doing their “girl thing”, Michelle and I retreat to the kitchen, Michelle making sure all the preparations are in order for snacks and drinks. Caitlin is a good host, making sure her friends are well cared for, serving snacks and glasses of punch. After playing some games indoors, the girls decide to head outside to walk the trails on Michelle and Chris’s acreage. Michelle and I relax, catching up on news and generally enjoying our quiet visit time! All too soon it is time for me to head home, I then realize I have not taken any pictures, oh well too late the girls are somewhere on the trails, I did not want to interrupt there fun! I returned home around 5:00 pm, a small group we expected today has arrived and settled in. 
Woody mowing the group area before heading out on the trails.
Of course Oreo wants to follow but Woody sends her home.
One of the fellows has a mobility scooter and wants to use the trails; Woody went out and double mowed some trails then unlocked a gate so he could access the trails (the trails are gated to prevent ATV use).
We had dinner, spent some time visiting with the campers, and while enjoying a quiet evening outside the gentlemen came over and thanked Woody for the extra effort he had made to accommodate him bringing us an adult beverage, does life get any better than this?. Later we spent time chatting online with our friends and called it a night.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunny, warm, a beautiful morning, as we were enjoying our coffee a couple drops in to inquire if they can reserve two sites, we walk out to look at the layout of the two sites we have left, they are coming in tomorrow and staying until Tuesday, yes they will work for them, cool now we are full unless someone wants to sit in the overflow. Very friendly interesting couple, we visited for a bit and when they left Woody got busy re-gluing the valves on our inflatable, still leaking very slowly. Oreo asks to go into the fifth when she hears the compressor she hates the noise. After lunch Woody is cleaning out the fire pits and I decide to clean out the shelter, wash the tables, sweep the floor, etc., Oreo happily follows me around, chasing the odd chipmunk even though she would rather be following Woody, he is using the tractor loading ashes into the bucket and dumping in a pit at the edge of the bush, not safe to have her running around the tractor. People come and go, using the walking trails; I have to be vigilant, hanging onto Oreo as she thinks greeting everyone is her job, especially if there are children or other dogs, having a hard time training her to wait until she is invited to visit them. A couple hours later I am all done, Woody is mowing grass, Oreo and I hang out at home relaxing outside, me in my favourite chair, Oreo laying at my feet in the shade, I play fetch with her, not many throws and she takes her toy and lays down, too warm to get to energetic I guess. Lol
Dinner is tonight is real easy, salad, hard boiled eggs and cold cuts, too warm to eat anything hot even BBQ steaks does not appeal to us. We spent the evening outside, enjoying the beautiful evening.
Dinner is tonight is real easy, salad, hard boiled eggs and cold cuts, too warm to eat anything hot even BBQ steaks does not appeal to us. We spent the evening outside, enjoying the beautiful evening.
This and that
Woke up to rain this morning, not real nice but the rain is needed, checked the weather, supposed to rain most of the day, so change of plans, work inside not outside. Woody makes a few phone calls trying to track down the part for the pressure washer, takes the part off in hopes of finding a match, the pressure washer model has been discontinued hence the company that manufactured it does not carry parts any longer. He will pick up our mail while in Edmonton and run some other errands. I decide to continue my quest, finding a way to burn the music I ripped yesterday after completing the morning chores. Thinking about the challenge while doing mundane chores, I have one of those ah ha moments, I will use the DVD Architect studio and burn them all on a DVD, will hold more songs and I only want it to play when at home! I quickly abandon the chores and sit down at the computer, open the DVD Studio, open files, add the albums and set it up for burning, then back to finish the chores while the burn takes place. When the burn was completed, I tried to find a way to print a list of the names of the songs, no way can it be done on DVD Studio, so I make a hand written list of the album titles I compiled on the DVD, good enough for now. I now at least know what albums I have on DVD number one, 14 albums on one DVD and I still had room to add more but figured that would play long enough! I have many more to rip and burn, not today, I want to catch up the blog. Worked on the blog for awhile, grabbed a quick lunch, still not nice, took Oreo out for a short play, stood under the awning and threw her fetch toy for her, she doesn’t care if she gets her feet dirty or wet, when we came in I made her lay down till her feet dried, cleaned up her dirty foot prints, got to figure out a way to teach her to wipe her feet eh! LOL Woody arrived home later with the new part (generic) for the power washer the rain had stopped, was nice and warm, not to hot so out he went to catch up on some chores around the campground, I continued working on the blog happily listening to music! Woody returned a short time later wondering if I could find him a manual for the power washer online, he had not taken it apart and wanted to make sure he installed the new part correctly, no manual was to be found online. He called the parts department of the manufacturer (Princess Auto), had a chat with them, no manual available, but was transferred to the problem solving line, a few minutes of discussion and the problem was solved. He immediately went about installing the new part, came back a short time later, happy he had the power washer back together, now he needs a garden hose to fill the water tank, so he will pick that up when in town another day couldn’t find one here. I am thinking so why didn’t you think about that earlier and check if there was a hose around! Ah well, guess he cannot think of everything, not a big deal eh!
Before dinner we decided to put the decals on the truck, it was not to hot, I washed the windows and Woody applied the decals. We think they look good, giving the truck a nice personalized touch, not that is didn’t already have a personalized look with the air deflector and a couple of bow hunter decals.
We just added the four white decals!
Woody then started our little barbeque; we enjoyed grilled potatoes and very tasty Rainbow Trout, yummy!
Caught me with my mouth full!
We sat out for awhile, then headed in, chatted online with friends, listening to music. I found out the 14 albums I burned plays for 9+ hours, cool, I love it, just plug it in and let it play. Will create more one rainy day!
Before dinner we decided to put the decals on the truck, it was not to hot, I washed the windows and Woody applied the decals. We think they look good, giving the truck a nice personalized touch, not that is didn’t already have a personalized look with the air deflector and a couple of bow hunter decals.
We just added the four white decals!
Woody then started our little barbeque; we enjoyed grilled potatoes and very tasty Rainbow Trout, yummy!
Caught me with my mouth full!
We sat out for awhile, then headed in, chatted online with friends, listening to music. I found out the 14 albums I burned plays for 9+ hours, cool, I love it, just plug it in and let it play. Will create more one rainy day!
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