Trip to Nova Scotia

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, Jesse and I went down to Nova Scotia. We toured quite a few barns, and also had a good visit with Victoria and Brad, and of course Hailey and Chloe. We ate some awesome chicken, and Jesse wore himself out playing with the kids.

While there, I got this next picture on my phone, of the twins. They had been out running.

2012 Hampton 5 Miler

Another year, another 5 miler...

This year it was really good to have both Tanya and TJ participate. And Emma did the 3 km run. I again walked with Elsie and Mom. This year I am proud to say I was 312 of 318. I think I'd like to see a few more walkers. But Hey!, I got a purple T shirt for 25 bucks!!!

As for family, Charles and Sheila were out too, Charles did well, coming in at 60, Tanya was 123, Marty did well at 198, Sheila was 223, TJ did really well at 274, and Elsie, Grandma, and I came in at 310, 311, and 312. Keep in mind that some of us don't train, and if I hear that Charles practiced beforehand, I'm gonna take away his "did well". I can edit stuff out here. I will edit in more pictures as they come available to me. And one of TJ, after a bit.

As promised...

 

Tanya and TJ brought their boat down with them, and yesterday we put in and cruised up the Belleislle Bay, into the Saint John river, and then up Kingston Creek. It was a great afternoon.

Later that evening, we decided to try kayaking up in our pond, and I'm so glad we did. It was a fun time with Tanya, Emma, Madilyn, and Sarah. Today we went back up, and Emma and Madilyn even went solo.

And a cool creepy picture of Madilyn with the Highlanders, and then Jack. Always cute.

Back to School

For the first time in 25 years, we haven't had a kid going to school. Yes, I know you are at university Carrie. Also the first time in 24 years, that Ivan and his school bus hasn't stopped at the end of the driveway. We had to drive Tanya to kindergarten, and Stacy too. I always tried meeting the kids when they came home after their first day, but that didn't happen today either. My favorite first day of school memory is from 1999, when all 5 got on the bus. Carrie was starting kindergarten, and Tanya was starting grade 12.
Tanya suggested that we get a picture of Sarah and I at the hedge with a cat, as that is all that is left in this empty nest, so we did, despite the rain.

Maybe this page should instead feature the grandchildren. Here are Madilyn and Emma.

Happy Birthday Mary Ann!!! and Aunt Pat too...

We would like to wish our dear friend Mary Ann a very happy birthday today!
And we just happened to have a recent picture. Jim had invited us up to the family cottage in Saint Donat QC. But as per usual, we couldn't commit to a date. Then one day I got up and decided that we should go. So we left, and checked with Mary Ann on the way, to see if it was still ok to come. We only got as far as Quebec City on the first day. Stayed at a Best Western in downtown, and had a great meal. Next morning we were up early, and parked on the Plains of Abraham. I wanted Sarah to experience the Governors Promenade.

Oops. Wrong stairs. Let's go back up and find the right ones.

This is good. I can do this...

OK... Now the bad words are coming. I am texting these pictures to the kids, getting quite the array of responses.. Some say "beautiful view" and others say bad things about me.

But we make it to the end, and here Sarah is in front of the Chateau Frontenac. I go back and get the car and as soon as I am out of sight, she sits quickly on a bench and breaks her phone, which is in her back pocket. Maybe she was tired...

Next stop... the cottage.

Very nice...

So, first things first... A beer and a boat ride...
Chris & Emily were there when we got there, and had been all week.

On Friday, after breakfast, we drove into Saint Donat, then boating in the afternoon, and David arrived that evening.

Saturday was a great day. After a walk and breakfast, we spent the rest of the day on the lake. Bonfire, beer, water skiing and tubing.

If one can judge a vacation by the pain you are in on the way home, this one was very successful. I couldn't cough for a week, and 18 days later I am still quite sore. I must have cracked or broken a rib or 2 while tubing. When I mentioned it to my doctor, all he did was ask me how old I was.

Empty Nest...

Today we took Carrie off to college. To NSAC. Oops, not AC anymore. As of September 1st., it is now Dalhousie University, Faculty of Agriculture.
She was so excited to go that she slept all the way there.

Apprehensive maybe? A little tough to get her out of the car...

But she brightened considerably when she got to her room. And saw her name on the door. She thought the cat looked like Oreo. 4 days ago she found out her room mate was going to be Kaley. An old friend that she used to know before she had moved, and had taken horseback lessons with.  This was exciting news for both of them, and they were able to plan together on what each had to bring.

Carrie brought a lot! She filled this closet!

It was good to see the old campus. 36 years since Sarah and I arrived there for the first time. Memories.