Fall colours

Woody got up at the crack of stupid this morning he had an appointment at 8:00 AM in St. Albert, the alarm was set but he woke up early, could not go back to sleep so got up at 4:30 AM. Lucky for me the dogs did not wake up until 7:00—good puppies! It was very foggy, damp and cool here this morning so playtime was cut short. I set about cleaning up the fifth wheel, as soon as I drag out the vacuum both dogs run and hide, they both hate the noise, Oreo grabs her favourite toy as she runs to find a safe hiding spot, it is too funny, after two years she still has not figured out that the vacuum will not eat her or her toys. Woody arrived home had some lunch then went to the gun range to sight in a friends rifle who does not have time to do it himself.

I took the dogs for a nice walk on the trail, capturing some pictures of the fall colours; I love the sights and smells of fall, my favourite season, and the leaves are not crunchy, still damp from the morning fog, although it has turned into a beautiful warm sunny day with some wind. Cookie is getting much better about following and staying out from under my feet and Oreo’s way; she walks most of the way only asking now and then for a short ride. We usually walk about a mile; Cookie runs most of the way trying to keep up Oreo. I really was amazed at how many leaves have fallen, and then I remembered it is mid September and I have not walked the paths much since Cookies arrival. Woody takes Oreo on the trail and I play/walk Cookie in the campground area, so they can each have some alone play/walk time. Woody returned home just as I was returning from our walk and after a few calls, he returned to the gun range to do some cleaning up. He returned around 3:30 PM with a member of O F & Game, Dave, who is interested in getting into bow hunting. They talk rifles and Dave checks out Woody’s bow while enjoying an adult beverage, Dave left around 4:45, we chatted a bit, and then Woody left to go hunting. He returned a short time later, the farmer who owns the land is picking up bales so not point in
hunting. He calls his buddy Scott, chats until he hears shots at the range, left to check the range, making sure all rules are being followed, and some members think all rules are for other people. When he returned a short time later, we sat outside enjoying the warm evening, and then spent some time chatting to online friends before retiring for the night.




I love the way the sun shinning through the trees lite up this bush.












Lots of leaves, I love walking through the freshly fallen leaves, the aroma is awesome.








Rose hips, just cannot see them very well in this picture.










Some views from the campground of our fall colours.

Most of our fall colours are shades of gold, not a lot of reds.

Sept, 14th to 17th

Ah more days with very few notes in my journal, we are busy reorganizing the fifth wheel for travel, Woody washed all the windows, and then dug the storm windows out, and I washed them. We of course had some unexpected but not unwelcome company before the storm windows were installed, so we quickly moved the windows to our bed so we had room to visit. After the company left, we completed the windows and Woody started cleaning up the campground for winter. The new campsite site posts still need to be put in place, tables picked up, tractors cleaned up, greased oiled, etc. and stored for winter. We decided to leave the boat stored safely here and also Woody’s bike, I do not ride so doubt he will ride by himself while we are in AZ. Woody is also preparing to head up to Smoky Lake for the weekend to hunt with his buddy Fred; it has been an annual get together/hunt for a few years now.

Oreo and Cookie are becoming quite the buddies; it is surprising just how quickly they are bonding. We took Cookie outside for her first lesson on the leash, she did pretty good, only decided to fight with the leash once, but quit quickly when she realized she was not going to win. Most of the time she picked the leash up in her mouth and walked, too cute. That is one area where she is better than Oreo was as a puppy, Oreo was more determined to go her way or no way.

My goal was just getting her used to having a leash attached to her collar, we were not trying to do any really proper leash training.

The only picture Woody got with us walking toward him, you can see the leash is in her mouth.

Daughter Deb, drove up from Kelowna, BC to visit her daughter in Lake Louise, Alberta so I am adding a couple of pictures from her trip.

Deb and Jen enjoyed a horseback ride together, Deb had her first horse at age 14 and she worked to pay the board for her horse.

Jen and Deb's friend Lorraine from Texas. Lorraine just happened to be in Alberta and made the trip to the mountains to spend some time with Deb, awesome eh!

Moraine Lake at the foot of the Valley of Ten Peaks in Banff National Park

Jen at Lake Agnes, which is up behind Lake Louise in Banff National Park, used to cross country ski on Lake Agnes after hiking up the trail to it when we lived in Calgary, awesome little lake.

Celebrating with Michelle and Chris

The highlight today will be heading over to Chris and Michelle’s for a BBQ, they have invited some friends and family for the afternoon. Chris’s Birthday was yesterday and we will celebrate today! I have a specially created birthday card for him, I love creating unique cards suited to each individual. We decide to leave Oreo at home but we will take Cookie she is too young to stay home alone and we know the kids will love playing with her. After accomplishing some tasks at home grabbing a quick lunch we put Cookie, her favourite toys and her blanket into her little house and off we go. Poor Oreo, we feel bad leaving her but she is just too exuberant to take into a group of people, maybe one of these days soon she will learn to meet people calmly. The day is fairly warm 18 c (65F) sunny with a bit of cool breeze and when we arrive people are hanging outside and inside, well most of the girls inside and all the guys outside! We stop inside to drop off the goodies we have brought and then head outside taking Cookie with us, as we expected the kids immediately start playing with Cookie, carrying her around, dog and kids having a great time.



Some of Caitlin's friends spent most of the afternoon playing indoors. Others spent most of the afternoon and evening outside.

And they ate indoors.

Chris and Michelle's friend, Christopher in the hoody with friend Christine.

Even if it is Chris's birthday he is still doing chief chef duties!

Michelle finally gets to eat after making sure everything and everyone has been looked after.

Some of Michelle and Chris's friends we met that afternoon, a great bunch of people!

Woody left early as he had warned Michelle and Chris he would, taking the camera with him so I didn't get any pictures of the birthday cake or any of the children playing with Cookie!

It was a totally enjoyable day for all of us! Michelle drove me back to the campground after dark, just as we left Woody called and wondered when I would be home, he was back from hunting and waiting for us, I had the keys to the fifth, Woody and I both thought I would beat him home! We both thanked Michelle for driving Cookie and I home, said our goodbyes after a few more hugs!

The campground was quiet, the Cadets are self sufficient and disciplined nothing to check up on so we just headed inside, greeted by Oreo who was so excited to see us back. After taking both dogs for a short play we settled down and chatted some about our day before heading to bed.

Not much going on today

A group of cadets booked the whole campground for this weekend and started arriving with gear today, lots of gear; they also will be using the Education Centre for a First Aid Course, the kitchen and shelter for gatherings. They book the campground every year for training exercises, outdoor education, rescue, etc. Woody comes and goes, hunting, running errands, and I spend the day doing the usual, looking after the dogs and home. Nothing extraordinary but still a great day!

Sept 10th and 11th

Sept 10th, another day I have not made any notes or entries in my journal except to say it is another beautiful day!

Sept 11th
Lest we forget, today marks the seventh Anniversary of the attack on the twin towers, prayers to all who lost loved ones that day and since in the wars that have ensued.

An absolutely gorgeous day here, 23c (75F), dry with little wind, a perfect day to spend time outside working or playing, I prefer playing. Not much exciting going on, Woody got up early to hunt and after he returned, we chatted and had lunch. I went to town to do laundry leaving Woody at home with the dogs, upon returning a couple of hours later Woody and the dogs were snoozing, I was surprised, Woody very seldom stops for a nap during the day, guess the early mornings and late nights are catching up to him. A short time later Woody left for Edmonton to pick up the toolbox for the truck he had ordered previously. The dogs and I spent the remainder of the afternoon outside, walking/playing. I managed to do some journaling and read while the dogs played with each other.
Woody returned, very happy with the new toolbox, installed it on the truck, grabbed a bite to eat and off again to hunt. The dogs and I retreated into the fifth for a time, they are so tired, Cookie still wants to follow me, she is so tired that when I move she takes three steps and collapses on the floor, I love it, she is not under my feet every second! Oreo is sound asleep in her bed, peace and quiet, I catch up on some work then head outside again, just cannot be inside when it is so nice out, decide what else needs doing inside can wait for a rainy cool day. We stayed outside until it was dark, Woody returned a short time later, no luck but he sure enjoyed being in the bush, we chat for a while with each other, then online with friends before retiring for the night.

Onoway Fish and Game Meeting and other notes

A little cooler today 16c (60F) with a small amount of rain, although night temp much warmer 8.4c (47F), gotta like that! Spent more time today planning our trip, we do not travel more than 4 hours per day and finding it a challenge to find campgrounds that can accommodate our big rig in parts of Montana and Wyoming within the 4-hour period. We know from experience that travelling longer is too hard on the dogs and us, we like to have time to relax at each stop over, and we do not have to stop along the way for fuel, which can be a challenge with our big rig. Other than that we spent time polishing up the Onoway Fish and Game meeting presentation and worked on a list of needed and wanted items for the campground and gun range to be presented at the next Executive Meeting for consideration in the next budget. A new water supply well or cistern for the campground is at the top of the list, but a number of upgrades and added items are needed, we have a list of over 20 so far the campground from small things like butt stations to big things like an equipment shelter. The equipment has been stored in a shelter at the gun range, which is a couple of miles away so is not convenient.
Cookie reminds me of the first few days at home with a new baby, getting up night, watching her constantly so she isn’t chewing up everything within her reach, trying to catch her before she makes puddles in the fifth. I find I get very little done these days except look after the dogs but I knew that would happen and I do enjoy watching both dogs, each testing the other to the limit establishing their own unique relationship in the process.
I stayed home with the dogs while Woody attended the General Meeting, he arrived home around 10:00 or so, reporting that all went well, the members appreciated his work at the gun range as well as the campground and the presentation he made regarding the gun range. Woody passed the lists we had compiled over to the President, Norm for consideration at the Executive Meeting. We also had compiled a list of tasks completed at the Campground since our arrival, which the club had requested, the accomplishments over the summer at the campground are part of a report the Treasurer sends to Alberta Wildlife Foundation as part of the requirement for grant funding for campground projects. The club is very appreciative of all our work and we are very happy being here, an excellent situation for all concerned! We will return to Camp host here next year for sure.

The meeting was held at the new Education Centre at the Gun Range. The building was a portable school that was donated to Onoway Fish and Game Association. Some of the members got together to redo the inside and did an excellent job. They painted, put in new flooring built cupboards, built a ramp for wheelchair access, added a little deck, etc. The building is used as an Education Centre as well as a meeting room.





Sitting down is Norm the President of Onoway Fish and Game Association and Gun Club.










Some members arriving.






Handing out raffle tickets for members to sell.










Getting settled down for the meeting.







Myrna and Ron are awesome people and tireless workers for the club. They helped us many times this year with tasks at the campgound. When we needed help, questions answered we could always depend on Norm, Josie, Ron, Mryna, Garry or Vic to come to our rescue.

We have gotten awesome support from all the members we have had the pleasure to meet and work with this summer. Yes we are blessed in so many ways. Life is just great!

Trip planning, vet appointment and other stuff

A nice day today 18c (65F) evenings cooling off very quickly going down to 3.2 c (37F), the leaves are turning and we are thinking of our trip south to AZ. I have spent time plotting the trip, searching for campgrounds that are big rig and pet friendly, and still open for the first part of our trip to Colorado. We are taking the dogs today for their vet check, updating of shots and Health Certificates for border crossing. We have not been asked for information on dogs yet but need to be sure all paper work is in order, do not want any issues arising at the border. Woody spent the afternoon doing campground tasks and we both worked on his presentation for the Onoway Fish and Game general meeting tomorrow night. The dogs are making good progress, of course Cookie thinks she should be the boss, Oreo is more patient and gentle with Cookie than I thought she would be which is good and they sure are fun to watch. Cookie is still a velcro dog, wanting to be right under my feet at all times, I have learned to not move before looking then walk with a shuffle LOL. Oreo has stepped on her a few times while running on the trails or playing in the yard so Cookie is learning to stay out of her way.

The days are passing quickly; we have one more group booked for Sept 15th weekend then after that will start getting the campground ready for winter. Woody continues hunting usually going out once sometimes twice a day, hunting is best early morning or evening. The days are noticeably shorter now Sunrise: 7:00 am, Sunset: 8:07 pm as compared to one month ago Sunrise: 6:12 am, Sunset: 9:11 pm.

Life is good what else can I say!





Whenever I sit at the computer Cookie is right there, have to be careful not to run over her with the chair wheels.

Cookie Meets some family

We invited the family to meet Cookie today, at least the family that are in close proximity to us. They all love Oreo and of course loved Cookie at first site, who could help love such a cute little furball. The afternoon was nice for awhile then rained a bit and turned very cool in the evening, love of 3c (37F). We did have a great visit with our family, the kids and grandkids totally wore out both dogs and as I say, "Tired dogs are good dogs".

Brooklyn and Lindsey were running back a forth across the yard, Cookie would run after them as fast as she could go, we were just watching and laughing at the site by the time I smartened up and decided to capture some pictures Cookie was already tired, just after I snapped this picture Cookie came and layed down under our picnic table. I really wished I had been on the ball a captured some video. We do not use our video camera enough so the battery is never charged and ready to go.






Caitlin had met Cookie before we brought her home, she came with me the day I visited Cookie last week, she loves all animals. She always walks Oreo while here and Oreo minds her very well, she has a way with animals. She has 2 cats at home, as well as walks a neighbors dog and rides horses with friends every Tuesday evening.



Brooklyn is our youngest grandchild and of course loved Cookie, so cute eh, holding her so gently!

Brooklyn and Lindsey have a new little kitty at home named Tia, a totally lovable cute, very small kitten. We enjoyed listening to the adventures of Tia from Brooklyn and Lindsey.

Another very good time spent with family. When I checked my pictures I did not take one picture of any of our children, just grandkids and Cookie, guess thier cuteness just took over that day. Sorry guys! We sure did enjoy visiting with all of you.

Cookie's first night and first full day with us

First night went exceeding well, put Cookie to bed at 12:30 am after taking her and Oreo out for a play, Cookie did her business like a good little girl we had a short play, she is already following Oreo around and loves to run after me, so cute. For a little dog with short legs, she can run fast, have to watch I do not step on her. Cookie settled down to sleep in her house without any fuss and did not wake up until 4:15 am I got up took her and Oreo outside and after a short play we came in, I gave Cookie some time to have a little nosh I cuddled her for a short time then put her back to bed, she cried for a very short time, she wanted to stay up and play. Oreo did not know what to do, she kept coming to our bed, and going back to Cookie’s house, Oreo figured out I was not going to get up she settled down beside our bed. I want Cookie to get into the habit of going directly back to bed during the night. I did the same with Oreo and it worked very well, after two nights Oreo did not cry after going back to bed. During the day the door on Cookie’s house will be open, she can come and go as she pleases. Woody got up at 5:15 am and left to go hunting around 5:45, I thought for sure Cookie would want to get up when she heard him but she slept until 6:40, what a good little girl! I must admit this is earliest I have been up since we settled back in Alberta I actually saw the sunrise! By 8:00 am both dogs are sleeping, so think I will catch a quick snooze also, wrong, just like a baby Cookie starts crying about 8:30, I get up and I think, oh well this stage will only last for a short time, so I will enjoy every moment. I am not sure if she wants to play or needs to go out, I watch her carefully, seems she just wanted out to play but I was wrong, a little later while I was not watching she did her thing. Okay my fault, next time I will just take her out right away, it will take a few days to figure out her timing, we are both learning.
Honestly my days now are just filled with looking after Cookie, watching her carefully, for potty time, what is she trying to chew on, making sure she and Oreo get equal attention, walking the trails with them. Walking anywhere with Cookie is a challenge, she wants to be right under my feet, have to walk very carefully watching for her all the time. Oreo is always running ahead and then back to me, they are both learning to look out for each other. Cookie can only walk so far then wants to carried for bit, then back down to run some more, with her little short legs she is always running then stopping to smell plants, picking up little sticks and carrying leaves in her mouth, she is a way too cute!
We have a group in the campground this weekend, a local ball team's wind up party, great group, they are coming and going between playing their last games of the season in a local tournament. Woody is busy of course looking after the group very well, moving wood to the group campfire with the tractor, explaining the water situation (well is drying up) so informing that we can turn on a tap to our cistren if they need water for drinking, cooking or washing up dishes and helping them move tables etc. A couple of the group came to the fifth wheel to let us know that they will probably not obey the quiet time rule, we assure them that is okay, we are a ways away from the campers, so it will not bother us if they stay up late playing music, etc. They all of course love Cookie, poor Oreo is banished to her bed whenever someone comes to our door, she still has not learned that greeting people by jumping on them is not apprpriate behaviour. Part of the reason is that many people think it is okay, so let her jump up, then pet her while she has her two front feet planted on them when they meet her.
Overall a good day, hunting season has opened here so Woody is going out morning and evening hopeful of harvesting a whitetail so we will have some venison!

My Birthday gift, Cookie

We brought our little girl home today about 4:30 pm, she handled the short trip very well, cuddled in Patsy’s arms with the blanket and Teddy Bear we left a week ago. Oreo was not interested in Cookie at all when we got home; she was only interested in greeting us and then sniffing the bag of goodies that the Julie (Cookie’s owner) had given us. A wonderful little pink bag with four pockets with pictures tucked in each pocket, the information of her birth, her vet information, Julie’s information, food, treats, toys, puppy pads, chew bones, poop bags, more pictures of Cookie along with pictures of Cookie’s Mom, Dad, brothers, and sisters. Julie even had a collar for Cookie that she put on her as soon as we arrived to pick Cookie up, as well as a leash, you sure can tell she loves her dogs. We took pictures and Julie did as well. After a short time at home, we took Cookie and Oreo outside for a little play. Cookie loved smelling the grass and tried playing with Oreo, Oreo was not sure what to do and kept her distance for a while which was good, they smelled each other a bit then Cookie was ready to play with Oreo, but Oreo was still not sure what to make of this little fur ball trying to jump on her. We are very proud of Oreo she is handling the situation very well.





Myself, Julie and Cookie










Introducing Oreo and Cookie, is that cute or what eh!







See Cookies ears, she has just jumped at Oreo and Oreo is very unsure how to react.










After such an exciting time Cookie settled down with her blanket and teddy bear for a snooze, she has been snoozing over 2 hours, think I will wake her up, sure do not want her keeping us all night! Woody is in and out, campers are arriving for the weekend, he is making sure they have what they need as well as handing out the campground rules, in between he is playing with Cookie and Oreo. We have to make sure that Oreo does not feel left out, especially the first few days. Cookie is sensitive to every new noise, she stops playing with any noise, even when the furnace starts running, poor little girl this a big adjustment for her but she taking it all in her stride, she immediately goes back to playing after a little assurance that it will not hurt her. Cookie loves her little house she climbs in and out taking short breaks from the strange people, different noises and Oreo.

We spent the evening with both dogs and chatted for a short time online before heading to bed. An exciting day for all of us!

A special day

A little warmer today 18c (65F) and this was a great day, my 64th Birthday, a couple of girls I used to work took me out for lunch and Woody took me out for dinner. I totally enjoyed the day, nothing better than visiting with friends over a nice long lunch, then spending the evening leisurely dinning with the love of my life. We go out for lunch or grab a quick bite at local restaurants often but it has been quit some time since we have spent time just relaxing and chatting over a very good meal.

Judy (left) and Carolyn, (I worked with them a few years ago) we keep in touch and make a point of getting together for birthdays, well Judy and Carolyn always get in touch with me, I forget my own birthday as well as their birthdays eh! Thank you Judy and Carolyn very much for keeping in touch and making my birthday very special!

Kelsey's menu says "Cheers" does not show up too well! Cheers to you all from Patsy and Woody

We had a very tasty steak, of course Woody ordered a large one eh!

Woody asked the waitress to take this picture and I am happy he did! We do not have many pictures of the two of us.

The Birthday cake was compliments of the restaurant, and it was absolutely delicious, Molten Lava Chocolate with raspberry and vanilla sauce, topped with real whipped cream, we will go back there and have another piece soon!

Deb our daughter from Kelowna called me shortly before the cake arrived, I had to say goodbye before all the sparklers burned away!

Michelle had called earlier and Tracy a little later, it was an awesome day.

Oh yes and another happy item to report, Julie (dog breeder) called us and we can pick up my birthday gift tomorrow, sure looking forward to that with some trepidation, some sleepless nights coming up and no more sleeping in with a new puppy in the house.

We ended our evening chatting online with friends.

Sept 1st to 3rd

Sept 1st was a nice day sunny about 17c (63F), the remainder of the campers left today after doing an excellent job of cleaning up. Kate and Bryan came over to pay for the last day and let us know that were leaving us a tip, a various selection of our favourite adult beverage. Wow we had not expected that and thanked them very much to which they replied, “No problem, you went out of your way to look after us and very much appreciate all the extra work you did”. They also left the empties behind for recycle, so another few dollars for us, overall they left a good-sized tip! By the time everyone left it was around 3:00 pm, we did a walk-a-bout and were very impressed, no cigarette butts, bottles, cans etc. left around the shelter, at the group fire pit or in the campsites. This group was lots of fun, very organized and clean! Many said they would be back next year and we sure will be happy to see them here again.
Woody and I took Oreo for a nice walk/play as she has been tied up whenever we were outside, too many people and dogs, she just cannot refrain from wanting to greet anyone that comes near the fifth wheel, which would be fine except she still has not learned that jumping on people is not an appropriate greeting. The rest of the afternoon and evening passed very quickly, Woody doing some tasks at the Gun/Archery range and me doing my usual house type tasks. After all the excitement and fun during the long weekend with family and the wedding group, we appreciate having our 216-acre back yard to ourselves once again.

Sept 2nd
A little warmer today 20c (68F) and as soon as the sun warmed up the day nicely we went out and sorted the bottles/cans/juice containers, etc. for recycle, loaded them and Woody made a trip to the bottle depot in Onoway, taking along our own recycle items. Took a little time but the effort is well worth it, other than the monetary value, we feel it is important to recycle all we can, keeps our landfills from filling up so quickly, if every person just did that much it would go a long ways to improve the environment we live in. Josie dropped over to collect campground fees and asked if I would do her a favour, set up a raffle ticket template so she could get them printed and have them ready to distribute to members at the Sept 9th General Meeting, of course I will, no problem. Josie does not have the computer skills (does not like working on computers) and the person who normally does it for her is not available. Woody came home grabbed some lunch and went off to the Gunn/Archery Range to accomplish some tasks that needed doing before the meeting. I had the tickets ready for printing when he returned which was good, as he is my proof-reader, all was okay so I called Josie that the ticket template was ready, she was surprised and very pleased the template was ready to go, she will stop in tomorrow morning and pick it up.
We spent the rest of the day doing odd chores, walking Oreo and we went down to the range to shoot bows for a while. The peep site on my bow just does not want to settle down every time I draw it Woody has to adjust it for me before I shoot. Decided that we would get a different peep installed, I was shooting well though, getting nice groups, it is fun, and good exercise using muscles in a different way than I normally would.

Sept 3rd
Today is cool, high of 15c (60F), coolest day we have had since all our nice hot weather in August. We are expecting a group this weekend and Woody is working on the trails, some have been too wet, and the grass so long it is a challenge getting them cut, he also removing deadfall from the trails. I am busy creating a list of needed items for Imrie Park as requested by Josie, as well as a list of all tasks completed at the park this year, which will be used as part of her report she sends to Alberta Sport, Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation. I am compiling some information for Woody to present at the General Meeting Sept 9th and a list of needed items for the Gun/Archery Range for presentation at the meeting. Woody went over all the information, adding information, proof-reading, etc. during the evening. Archery hunting season opened today but he decided not to go out, had too much to accomplish before the meeting. We spent time outside playing with Oreo, too cool to sit out so we came in early spending a quiet evening.