BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND SORT OF

Got my new van on Friday. Spent the day cleaning it inside and out. The fellow we bought it from was not the neatest person so there was alot of build up on swirches, handles etc. I'm abit of a clean freak when I buy something from someone else. No one can clean it to my standards. This way while I'm cleaning every nook and crany, I can check things out as well. There are a few minor fix ups, but other than that, my new van is awesome. Just love it. Rose loves her new bus too. Got in it on Friday afternoon, and wouldn't get out. Bought the coolest seat covers for it. If you're familar with Mossy Oak design, this is what I bought. So I have four captains seats covered in trees, leaves etc. Looks way cool.
With all the success that DVM2012 is having with Classy, I had every intention of getting on my young mare and trying to catch up. Well got to the farm on Saturday, and the weather was miserable. Gale force winds, cloudly, damp and just plain awful. Helped FV finish Eurus's and Phoenix's winter pen. Brought Peps out and spent some time with her. Went for a little in hand walk up the road to the top of the hill. The wind was jsut howling and she wasn't too impressed. She needs reminded sometimes of her manners and to listen to me. It went well.
Sunday woke up to a beautiful day, so thought this will be a great day to ride peps.
Look out the window and what do I see but my husband out raking. Thought oh well, here goes my day. Now we live at the lake, on a double lot with lots of trees and a forest reserve behind us. Needless to say, there are a ton of leaves. We usually get our kids to help us but none were available, so it was just the two of us. This was our last weekend to clean up as the weather is suppose to change by the weekend and there is nothing worse than cleaning the leaves in the spring after the snow and ice have left. Horrible job. So I spent this beautiful Sunday outside, raking and picking up leaves. By the time we were done, 5 hours later, my whole body ached and although there was still time in the day to do so, there was no way I could have longed or climbed aboard a horse. So Peps sits again and another good opportunity gone by the wayside. I don't think Sherry would have been able to help me much with Peps any way as she was quite tired from painting her house, which by the way is looking so great.
Today I am in the office, barely able to lift my arms, looking forward to going to the Rascal Flats concert tonight with FV and her neice Deanna. Next week I spend 3 days in Calgary for a convention.Doing this post at work, so unable to attach some pictures. Will add some tomorrow. Very busy this week, so hopefully will post again after my stay in Calgary.

OKAY OKAY I GET THE HINT

Hi everybody. I know it has been some time since I last posted. My excuse is that I have been very very busy. This is the truth. I usually only get about 5 minutes just before bed to check emails (which sometimes can be up to 40 a day)and my favorite blogs. Thought tonight the rest can wait and I'll catch up. Where to start. At the beginning I guess. After our trip to Alaska, had to prepare for Thanksgiving. The Monday before, FV had an Osteopath out; Kevin and his wife Siegrid to look at by boy Blue. She'd seen him work on other horses and he also works with people, and she has had hands on experience with him as well. Needless to say, I was a little skeptical. He took one look at him and knew what was wrong. Worked with him for about 45 mins and the results were amazing. Long story short, Blue was back to being the horse he was before his fall. He was walking out, spinning on haunches and stopping square for the first time in years. I was so happy with him. Kevin heard my history of my fall ect. and took one look at me and knew what was wrong. Said I was crooked. Again after 45 mins. I haven't felt this good in years. I can toucgh my toes, do-up and undo my own bra, which you know ladies can be a little awkward having someone else do for you.Getting out of bed isn't a 10 minute adventure. I just feel amazing. So on Thanksgiving, Ange (dvm2012) and I went for a ride. Blue was feeling pretty good so gave him his head and he opened up. I think he really enjoyed it as much as I did. That feeling of the wind blowing in your face and the rush you get on a galloping horse;there's nothing better.
I am very busy these days with my position on Municipal Council. Between conventions, meeting with the Minister, the Premier etc. I am on the road a fair bit. It has been a very educational and for the most part very informative and enjoyable time. It is an election year this summer. Still trying to decide if I will run again.
As I mentioned in my last post, our daughter had an accident with our Montana Van. Well they wrote it off so we've been using our old 97 Safari van in the interm. We just finalized the purchase of a newer (06) Montana SV6. Pick it up on Friday. So excited.
My son got a job finally. After the cruise, he started applying. there is nothing really in his field so he became part of the Wholesale Sports family and is working at the new mega store in South Edmonton. Working in the Optics department, GPS, scopes, binnoculars, etc. They get alot of environmental/conservation studends so they know come spring that he will be flying the cope to work in the field again for the summer.
After our somewhat early bout of old man winter, the weather improved enough to melt the snow which meant yard work. We live in an older neighbourhood with lots and lots of trees. We spent last sunday raking and bagging leaves, cleaned out my gardens and cut back perennials. Was a beautiful day. Would of rather been enjoying it from the back of a horse, but it had to be done. At least I got to spend the day outside



New van


Me and blue

Angela and Digger

Well must go as one cute golden named Rosey is eyeballing me to go for a walk. She knows the time of day long before I do. I won't promise but I will try to blog more often.

THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKIN TO IT

along the seawall in Vancouver

The view from our hotel room

Okay, Okay, I'll come clean. We had an amazing time on the cruise. Started the trip by going a day early and spending it in Vancouver. It was my birthday. Stayed at our favorite hotel, the Blue Horizon. If you're ever in Vancouver for a night, you should stay. Great views of the city. Ask for an upper floor room. Rented bikes and cycled through Stanley Park, took the sea wall route right to the end. Went to Granville Island. All in all a great day. Met Sherry and Martin on Sunday and we headed to the ship.



JPG">

These ships are amazing. Ours was even small compared to some. The first words out of Martin's and my son Robert's mouths were Oh Shit, this thing is huge. The first full day was at sea and it was very rough. All of us were feeling somewhat queezy for most of the day. I couldn't sleep for the rock and roll of the ship so I made the mistake of looking out the window and the bloody waves were as high as the window, and we were fives decks up. Survived that and our first stop was Juneau.

Red Dog Saloon

View of Juneau from the ship

This is where the story gets really interesting. My husband and son are quite the hikers so they spent the day exploring the countryside. Sherry, Martin and I headed to walk the town and go shopping. Now you all know that shiny things follow Sherry home, well wouldn't you know it the first stop, a beautiful shiny thing attached itself to her finger. I am attracted to shiny blue things and I really wanted a pair of tanzinite earrings. I knew my husband would be upset but Martin told me oh go ahead, if you really like them. That was it. I asked if I could be his wife as well. He just had to become a different faith. So for the rest of the trip while my husband and son were either off hiking or exploring the ship. Sherry, Martin and I were an item. That's as far as it went though girls. They went to their stateroom and I went to mine.
This is the jewellery set that my "new" husband said was okay for me to buy. Aint it pretty.

=
REd Onion Saloon

Stopping for coffee

famous Skagway Brewing Company


Main Street Skagway



leaving Ketchikan, view from the ship
Skagway was so quaint and beautiful as were all the stops. We visited both the Red Dog Saloon (Juneau) and the Red Onion Saloon (Skagway) which were both brothels in their early days. Tried alot of Alaska beer. Very good. Lunch was always a beer stop. I think of all the three, Ketchikan was my favorite. The legendary Creek Street, which were all small brothels built on stilts over the creek is now intimate, cosy shops run by long time residents. Sherry found her sweater that she had been looking for the whole trip in a small store called For Get Me Knot sweaters. Very appropriate. Thursday of our trip while exploring the beautiful Glacier Bay, my youngest daughter who was home alone, watching all the pets calls to tell us that she was in an accident with our van. Well we're about as far north a person can get with very limited cell service, although Sherry's worked just fine, so I told her to just deal with it, call the insurance, the police etc and we would see her in a couple of days. My remedy for dealing witha the stress of this, as I was petrified to tell my husband, was to drink lots of spiked coffee. Once I told him, felt much better. I think the baileys and amaretto in the coffee helped. As we left Ketchikan for our journey homeward to Vancouver, the night seas were not pleasant. My husband and son went to bed early and although Martin tried to stay up with us, he too succumbed to the seas and retired to his stateroom. Sherry and I felt that the only way to help us sleep through this was to spend the rest of the evening, into the wee hours in the Crowsnest, listening to awful Kareoke and drinking. She her martinies and me my Blue Cocoa Mojitos. Needless to say when I did retire to my stateroom, the rough seas didn't bother me at all. The last day was a full day at sea and the son shone beautiful for the first time since the day we left Vancouver. We had a great time and I want to thank Sherry and Martin for coming with us and keeping me company for alot of the trip and for getting us to our door safe and sound. Just found out that our van is a total write off so now am dealing with insurance etc. sure glad I had my vacation when we did as won't be venturing far from home for awhile. Resurrecting our old 1997 Safari Van to use till spring when hopefully can look at a replacement for my bus. Well this is my story and I'm sticking to it.

ships pool

our last sunset before reaching Vancouver

The famous Crowsnest Kareoke bar

another picture of glacier bay

Creek street (old brothles) ketchikan alaska

On Deck in Glacier Bay

this is my poor van. All this from trying to avoid a cat.

AM I LONELY YET

Whether in the water

Or on land

Rosey doing what she loves best. Catching the frisbee

Me and my boy Blue


Hi everyone. Been awhile I know since I posted. Always seems that someone else or something else needs my attention. Well not today. I'm here alone. My hubby is in China with his brothers, my daughter Ange (dvm 2012) is back in saskatoon at vet school and my other two, my son who is home from his job in Lethbridge and who is also suppose to be graduated from University and my youngest, who just started University last week are both out for the night at an Ag Club event. (drinking party I'm sure) and both are staying over at friends for the night so it is just me and my Rose dog who always greets me as if she hasn't seen me for a month. Right away as soon as I walked into the yeard, she has her frisbee in her mouth looking longengly at me as if to say, "Come On mom, let's play".Came home today and she had 13 stuffed toys on the yard. Took all but two inside and what does she do. Lets her self in while I'm here on the computer and preceeds to take each one outside again. I guess I'll let her have her toys. I've been trying to put some miles on my young mare since she's come back from the trainers. I've been managing at least once a week. she's really good and my confidence is coming back. So much so that last weekend I didn't wait around for someone to be there and just got on her myself. Oh Sherry and Ange gave me what for, but you know sometimes you just have to git r done. Was hoping to get her out of the round pen and go for a little trail ride but that will have to wait I guess. Angela was home for the long weekend and brought her room mate with her. They enjoyed two really nice rides. Lent Sidney, her room mate my old 14 yr old boy Blue. He's the steady eddie around the farm. He's very laid back and will accept whatever his rider wants. If you want to walk all day, fine with him. He's abit on the lazy side so putting someone on him that really doesn't want to do much is just up his alley. But he will put out if you ask him too. So as the title reads. AM I LONELY YET. Not at all. The peace and quiet is great. Time for some ME Time. Looking forward to our cruise coming up with Sherry and Martin. I think I'll go open a bottle of wine and have a nice quiet dinner.

WHERE DID MY SUMMER GO!

Can't believe it has been two months since I last blogged. Summer started with a bang. My youngest turned 18 and the celebrating seemed to last weeks. She finally found a summer job after much searching and panic. She's working in a retail grocery store. Got accepted to University in the fall so she is quite excited.
I spent alot of time out at the cottage and the farm with my daughter Angela. Every spare minute I could find we spent together. She is now back in Saskatoon for another year of Vet studies. Sent my young mare out to another one of Sherry's (FV) honorary neices to get 30 days. Turned out to be a little more work than was expected. Left her there for an additional two weeks. I'm sure glad I did. She's come along way. It is now my turn to get my confidence back with her. I've ridden her a few times and each time I feel better and better.
Went to Winnipeg to see family for what was suppose to be two weeks but came home early as the weather was not great and too many things happening at home. I spent the second week out at the lake, riding with Angela. Just before Angela left for Saskatoon, Sherry, her and I went for a ride. First time this year. Was really nice. Hope there are more of them.
My hubby leaves for China for ten days early September and then he and I and Sherry and Martin are going on our Alaskan Cruise. Looking so forward to it.
My son comes home from his summer job on the 30th. Will be nice to have him home. Don't know for how long as he is persuing other opportunities for employment.
All in all it was a very busy summer. Now that Angela is back at school and the youngest is heading to school, there will be more of a routine around here again.
Angela did give me whatfore for not riding Peps this week, and made me promise to ride her every weekend from now on. She should talk, her young mare Classy will be sitting almost a month by the time she gets her to Saskatoon. But she is right, I should be putting the time in on her as much as I can. Till next time. Keep smilin and ridin.
My husband asked me tonight at supper, If I could be doing anything at this moment on such a beautiful night, what would it be? Before I could answer he said, "You'd probably be sitting on the fence watching the horses at Sherry's or riding. What better is there I say!

A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND

Hi everyone,

This month has just been a blur. I managed to spend a few extra days out at the Lake with my daughter Angela (chronicles Of a Vet Student). You probably all know that already. We spent our spare time, when she wasn't too tired from the Vet Clinic, just sitting on our front deck with a drink in hand catching up. Even though she is home for the summer, I don't see her much as she lives at the lake and I am here in the city. On the 14th I took my young mare to Sherry's neice Katie for 30 days training. I know it was the right thing to do but i still had some second thoughts about leaving her there. She is in excellent hands and now i cannot wait to get her back and start riding her again. Angela and I have been getting in some awesome rides the last couple of weeks. After over working Blue a couple weeks ago, he seems fine after the rest. Sherry wants him to be seen by the same fellow that she saw. Thinks he might be able to figure out the nagging things that keep popping up with Blue. Now for the part that you've been waiting for. Sherry gave me the most wonderful gift bag my prize. There is a journal,which she said would help me right down my thoughts every day and help with my posting. a set of four tea cosies, filled with poperi ? that when you place a hot cup of tea on them, the scent fills the room. Will try these tonight. If you don't mind Sherry I want to give Angela a couple to take back to Saskatoon for those late night study sessions. A very yummy scented Cinnamon bun candle. When its empty, I'm using it for a shot glass. A tin of Beaver nuts, (actually chocolate coated nuts) Thankyou my dear friend. You didn't need too you know. the next major event in this household in my youngest Daughter's 18th birthday. Now I will never be able to control her life, so she says. I'm not sure if I'llmake it through with this one. My wild child. Oh well, there is always alcohol!

Oh yes, someone else very dear to me celebrated a birthday on the 20th. My pooch Rosey, turned 10. Seems like just yesterday she was a pup. She got a sirloin steak for supper.




Rosey doing what she loves best, swimming in the lake, at the farm, and playing frisbee. Hope we have many more years together old girl.
Have a good week everyone

JUST WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT

Hi everyone, yes I am still here. I've had a very hectic last two weeks. My youngest daughter Cara graduates from Grade 12 this year and her Grad was on Friday the 5th. You may think what is one day, well this grad has been ongoing for the six months but the last week was a whirlwind. Finalizing the dress, the jewellery, the shoes, how to get the hair done, etc. although these were all her decisions, the rest of us suffered along with her. The week started with the Academic Banguet. This was for all the students in the Advanced Placement program. Then there was Convocation on Wednesday the 3rd and then the dinner/dance on Friday. But it was all worth it. She looked stunning and the evening went off really well. Then there were the all weekend parties etc. Hopefully now she can settle down and study for those Diploma exams coming up.









Just got over that week and then it was my son's graduation from the University of Alberta. He received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. After five years it was a very proud moment for him and us as well. He flew in from Lethbridge for the day and is now back working in the beautiful grass lands of southern Alberta.



As you can see, the preparation and pictures are not a big deal for guys. One picture was all that was needed.

One thing I have to help take the stress away are my horses. After Cara's week, I enjoyed a nice ride on my boy Blue although he did show me that he's not ready to be called old man. Kept me on my toes. Glad to see he can still have some attitude and that I must remain awake. But that's a whole nother story which I will delve into another time.

Sorry it took so long for me to blog again but wanted to put both activities on one blog. Till next time