Waiting for an ordinary day

I was up at a quarter to seven this morning, July 8th.  Very early for me, especially when I am on holiday, but the dogs had to go out RIGHT NOW!  I threw some clothes on and took them outside thinking that perhaps I would go back to bed.  However, it was so nice out I decided not to waste the day.  After a fortifying cup of coffee I set out with both dogs and we went for a nice long walk along the river trails right up to the dam.  I felt really good, no limping, just the usual tingling along my leg which I am kind of used to, but no pain - a minor miracle.  The dogs were ecstatic that they could go for such a nice long walk.  We went right up to the water but neither one of them wanted anything to do with it; perhaps they didn't like the fact that it was moving!  Who knows.

Once we got back I plugged my IPad in outside and listened to the radio.  I have this really good app called TuneIn Radio and I can get almost any radio station I would care to get.  So I listened to Capital FM from Edmonton, drank coffee, scanned Facebook on my laptop and checked my e-mails.  I still couldn't believe that I was doing all this before nine o'clock in the morning while on holidays!!  I am glad I listened to the radio because the DJ was talking about caloric content in alcoholic beverages.  I was shocked, and I shouldn't be since I once was a very faithful follower of Weight Watchers.  Anyhow, when he made a crack about a big glass of beer having 200 calories and that was why guys wore loose shirts when they went to the beach to hide their beer bellies; I started to pay attention.  I am a beer drinker, I have always liked beer and I honestly think it is good for me.  Well.....this guy said that a drink of vodka and cranberry juice was only 60 calories it got me to thinking.  I am not a fan of vodka but I do like rum - white rum, amber rum and especially spiced rum have been known to be in my repertoire over the years.  I was introduced to a Screw Up a few years ago and I quite liked it.  They are simple to make: spiced rum poured over ice, seven-up, and a splash or two of orange juice.  So I decided that one Screw Up would be only 60 calories....I mean, why would it be any different than that vodka/cranberry drink.  If you use diet pop then there's hardly any calories......really, there are no calories in ice cubes are there??

I have been doing nothing by way of significant exercise since my back problems.  Sitting around doing nothing and then drinking beer and getting fat - wow, what a life.  So I decided that today we would go for a drive and get a bottle of spiced rum and find some orange juice.  I had to do something about my caloric intake.  We had lunch, sat around some more and then finally left to get a few groceries and find some spiced rum!  We left the dogs in the trailer with the air conditioning on and locked up. 

Our first stop was Cobbs Breads where I purchased a couple loaves of bread.  I wanted to buy everything in the store but I restrained myself.  Next door was Quality Greens Farm Market where we got some nice fresh fruit and vegetables.  Then the adventure began again because Bernie was out of tobacco and he needed to find McGee's Fine Tobacco on Main Street.  We were there a few days ago but of course it is a one way street and he was having troubles.  So I pulled out his IPad and got into the maps app and let "Betty" do the navigating.  She got us there and he got his tobacco so he was happy.

That tobacco thing doesn't make me happy but I don't say much because it doesn't do any good anyway.

We headed back to the campsite, made a detour along the way to get that spiced rum and a bag of ice, and then back to the trailer.

The dogs were happy to see us of course, the trailer was nice and cool inside.  I think the temperature went up to 29 degrees today! 

I had taken some steaks out for supper so I proceeded to get everything ready.  Over the course of the day my back started to seize up again and my leg was just a big throbbing mass of pain which I try to ignore.  I got the barbecue going and put together a concoction of yams, onions and carrots and put them on to cook.  I got the steaks marinating in another concoction and ran back and forth to the barbecue and up and down the steps, have to get my exercise.  I kept the door closed and closed it tightly to keep the cold air in and the hot air out.  On a return trip back into the trailer the door would not open.  OH NO NOT AGAIN!!!!  I couldn't believe it and neither could Bernie.  We had no keys since they were in the trailer.  My keys were in the truck but it was locked and yes, you guessed it, the truck keys - both sets - were in the trailer.

So back to the storage compartment, out came all the stuff and I volunteered to go in.  It was painful and I should not have done it.  When I finally got in and under the bed I couldn't push the thing open wide enough to get the pail that we used last time in there to keep it open.  So Bernie ordered me out of there and he went in.  Since he was experienced in this stuff he got in and got the door open in no time flat.  I still could not believe it.  We decided that when he unlocked the door he left the keys in and when he pulled them out he turned them, thus putting the door in the lock position.  For some reason or other the door actually closed even though the latch should not have moved because it was locked......or something like that.  This whole thing confuses me and it is also very frustrating.  At least this time the dogs were not inside whining and yipping and scratching at the screens.  We passed an RV Store in our journeys today and I think that might be a good place to go tomorrow to see about a new door knob thingy. 

So we carried on as usual, I even swept the sand and grit out of the back storage area before putting all the stuff back in.  Then it was time to put the steaks on the barbecue.  I went a little heavy on the barbecue sauce and they were rib steaks which meant a little more fat to burn.  A whole lot of smoking was going on in that barbecue, not to mention the flames.  I left the door open because I was paranoid about it not opening again even though I made Bernie leave a set of keys outside. (really, after our last experience what made me think the stupid keys would open anything???).  I was just going to turn the steaks when the smoke detector in the trailer starts squealing away.  It really has a piercing sound, quite annoying actually!  So I got a tea towel and waved the smoke away - there was lots.  Bernie is sitting in his chair reading and he says, "Where did all the smoke come from?"  I should have snapped that tea towel at him and got it over with.  I mean, where the heck was his head?  He was sitting not that far from the barbecue.  It must be a good book. 

After supper we went for a little walk, and I mean little because my leg felt, and still feels like it is on fire.  We were in the RV Park and just about "home", Bernie had Sarge and they were walking ahead of us, when a big, and I mean big dog comes running at Sarge.  The poor little guy ran circles around Bernie and the leash got all tangled up.  Bernie was trying to pick Sarge up and this big dog was jumping all over him.  Our little guy was crying, it broke my heart.  I was a ways back and I hollered at this dog to go away and then the owners came rushing out.  It took a while but they finally got a hold of his collar and dragged him away.  It seems that he chewed through his leash.  They said they were sorry, Bernie said, "Oh that's okay." and walked away.  Little Sarge was just trembling he was so scared.  I was upset so I did not say a word, just got Duke in the trailer.  We checked Sarge over but he was okay, no wounds, just a fast beating heart and a very confused look on his cute little face.  He is not much for sitting on anyone's lap and not much of a cuddler but he sure clung to Bernie and just wanted to be held.  Boy those people had better get a chain or something that their dog can't bite through.  He is okay now, fast asleep.

I see it is almost 1 a.m. so I should stop, no more stories to tell anyway.  Someone commented on my Facebook post that she hoped I would not quit blogging when our holidays are over.  My answer is that I have so much to say, so much that I need to say and so much going on in my head right now that I promise once I start there will be no stopping me!

On the road again and here for a while

July 5th was another travel day.  We were up fairly early so I could have a shower, get the dogs properly exercised and we could have a good breakfast.  The day was hot and I was lovin' it! We didn't endure seven months of winter to have a cool summer.

We stopped for gas before we left Golden.  $1.41 a litre.  What a rip off.  The trip to Penticton was fairly uneventful except for a little snafu at Three Valley Gap.  We thought we would pull in there and we did except that we turned left when we should have turned right and ended up at a dead end.  So I got out to direct and Bernie had to back the trailer up all the way down the parking lot, basically the same way we drove in except backwards.  We just got back on the highway and kept on going!  We have been there before anyway so no big deal.

We stopped for gas again in Vernon and got something to eat.  Wait?  Did I say we got something to eat and I didn't have to make lunch in the trailer??  Yes, we went to a Subway and actually bought something for a change!  AND, we sat in the truck and ate and not while the truck was moving.  Things change.  The temperature continued to rise the further south we went.  Good job we have air conditioning or I am sure the poor dogs would have been toast! 

It took forever to get through Kelowna, one traffic light after another.  I used the Maps app on my IPad to direct us to Park Royal RV Park once we got to Penticton.  "Betty" as we call the GPS directed us fairly well but the street names that she chirped out did not match the street names on the signs.  She took us in a big circle and we finally found the RV Park.  A very nice man, Bob, directed us to our sight.  Oh thank goodness another pull through site and it was a piece of cake.  We got everything all set up and then I fiddled around with the t.v. trying to get it to work.  They gave us a map of the campground and wrote down the password for the WiFi and then another set of numbers 2-4-1.  Bernie tells me that this has something to do with the t.v. set up and I couldn't figure out what to do.  I fooled around and tried every combination and finally got it to work - just in time for the Rider game which started at 6:00 and not 7:00 as we thought - forgot about the time change.  TSN was not coming in that well, but we didn't care, we watched, wore our new hats, drank Pilsner and lo and behold they beat the crap out of the Stampeders!

Bernie visited the washroom later on that evening and he came back fairly quickly.  As it turned out the 2-4-1 was the code for the washroom/shower room doors.  LOL  He looked kind of sheepish.  I said nothing, I think my point was made by my body language! 

Our air conditioner worked overtime since it was about 28 degrees and did not cool off that much in the evening.  We did go for a little walk but I didn't last very long since my leg and hip were hurting.

Saturday the 6th of July was another scorching hot day.  I got up early just to sit outside on our patio.  It is quite a nice set up.  The sites are not all that big but you pull your trailer into the spot, drive around and there is a parking spot for your vehicle.  Beside the trailer is a patio area with a picnic table and a little side table as well.  Then there is a little grassy area as well.  There are lovely trees separating the camping sites as well.  We set our barbecue up and our chairs, pulled down the canopy and our little home is all set up!  It is also nice and shady which is good for the dogs.  We are fairly close to the beach and across the street is the Okanagan River.  Coyote Cruises is also set up across the street and people ride down the river in tubes and rafts.  It looks like fun!!

Today, Sunday the 7th I managed to sleep in.  My back was just acting up a little bit more so I took a lovely muscle relaxant in addition to all the other drugs and it really knocked me out.  I was not feeling all that great in the night and had to get up - stumbling all over the place.  Oh I want to feel better and real soon.  I am still enjoying my holiday but it could be so much better if I wasn't so crippled. 

Bernie barbecued tonight and my contribution to supper was to open a can of beans and a can of fruit cocktail!!  I am weary of making meals.  We went for a longer walk this evening.  There is a lovely trail - the Trans Canada Trail - to walk along.  We also walked through a park called the Rose Garden.  There is a gazebo there surrounded by beautiful rose bushes.  It is a memorial garden and around the gazebo there are memorial plaques.  There are also benches with plaques engraved in memory of people.  It is all very nice and apparently it is used quite a bit for weddings, etc. and a wonderful venue for pictures.  We walked further along and saw a few more things before we turned around and headed back to our trailer.  We finally got around to putting flea and tick collars on the dogs.  Last year we had to pull a tick out of Sarge's ear when we were down in this area so I bought some collars before we left.  They are all natural and smell quite strongly like peppermint.  They don't seem to bother the dogs so I guess I can live with the smell!  I just hope they work because I don't feel like pulling any more ticks out - they are nasty things.

I have pretty much had it for the evening and it is now 11:30 p.m.  I called my mom today to see how she was doing and she reassured me that she is just fine and not to worry about her!  That is good to know. 

I am all caught up now.  We really like it here and I am pouting already about having to leave so soon.  We are here until Thursday and then it will be travel time again. 

Interesting day continued

I digressed when I got to the hat part of my blog so I will continue on with an update of how we spent the 4th of July.

We got in so late the night before that the office was closed.  So we just pulled into an empty spot - E4.  When I visited the office first thing in the morning to get the WiFi password I was informed that our confirmation number also included the site that was assigned to us - F6.  E, F, 4, 6,.....whatever.  I asked the attendant if we had to move and she said no, it would be all right.  So that was that.  I am sure it was my repentant look and the several "I'm sorrys" that convinced her to just leave things as they were!

So on to the tourist centre where we poked around.  I picked up all the free stuff and Bernie bought a post card and some doggie poop bags.  We forgot to take some and of course there were none in the trailer from last year.  They are available in most tourist centres I am sure!

We walked (hobbled) back to the campsite.  Of course the dogs started to bark and whine and scratch at the door and the window as soon as they heard our footsteps.  Bernie had locked up so he got his keys out and started twisting and turning them and then a little inappropriate language ensued and then he asked me what he was supposed to do now since the door would not unlock.  I didn't know either.  This had happened one other time but I was inside the trailer and I just fiddled around with the little red lock thing from the inside and everything worked fine after that.  So I tried as well and then he tried again - each time different combinations: first the top lock, then the bottom, first the bottom lock then the top.  Nothing worked!  We were both working up a sweat and the dogs were frantic.  The neighbours across the road were watching with interest but we just kind of ignored them because if they could help I am sure they would have come over and told us what to do.  So after bending the stupid key I said, not once but twice, "We have to go in from underneath."  There is a storage area at the back of the trailer that is under the bed and there is a hydraulic lift thingy that opens - it is very handy to store extra stuff and thank goodness it is there since it was our way in.  It doesn't open very wide, so we just slimmed right down immediately (especially me!).  Bernie went in first and honestly I should have taken a picture, he looked like a turtle going inside his shell.  Don't tell him I said that.  Oh who cares, he might read it anyway!  He went in head first, maneuvered over a wooden divider, squeezed in through a very small opening, and pushed up the plywood that is under the mattress.  Voila!  He was in.  The dogs were ecstatic!  So was I, for the moment, because I was not feeling like doing what he just did.  So I turned the key from the outside and he fiddled around from the inside.  Nothing happened.  Something was still stuck in there and the door would not open.  Why oh why does this have to happen to us?  What on earth did we do to deserve this?? 

The bottom line is Bernie ended up crawling out again.  I said I would go in....praying that I could actually squeeze through that opening.  So he stayed out and I went in.  What a chore.  I was halfway through and just over the wooden divider when I started to laugh uncontrollably - well it was funny.  I said "What if I get stuck?" and Bernie says, "You stay there like Winnie the Pooh until you slim down."  And so I thought of that story and I thought of Nicholas and how he just loved the Winnie the Pooh stories.  Then I thought of my high school English teacher who said he liked my composition about something or other and that I wrote in the style of A.A. Milne.  Oh my goodness, the things that go through your head when you are in a sticky (or is it a "stucky") situation.  So I just imagined that I was Twiggy and I got through.  Duke and Sarge were happy to see me too and they wanted to play.  I mean, what did they know?  So then Bernie fiddles around for a while outside and I can hear that one of the neighbours came by to say, "Can't get in hey?" Wow, that was deep.  Anyhow, Bernie came back in and the dogs thought, "Finally we are one big happy family."  I was just praying that they didn't have to pee because I sure as heck wasn't going to take them outside the same way I got in!!

I located the tool box and Bernie found the right screwdriver and proceeded to take everything apart.  We were very careful to put all the screws and various parts of the lock in a container for future reference.  Only one screw fell on the floor and I am sure it was my fault...... may as well take the blame because tempers were kind of short at the time.  It must have taken half an hour at the least and finally, finally we got the door open.  What a procedure.  We used screwdrivers, tweezers, scissors and patience (?) and it worked!  I thanked Bernie for at least knowing what to do and I proceeded to put things back in the storage area.  He sat down for a minute to collect his thoughts which led to having a cold drink which is what we should have done before we started all the screwdriver, etc. business.  He put things together as best he could after supper.  We have one lock that works and the other one can just go hang itself until we get to an RV place.  We will probably just get a new door handle thing a ma jig.  I think it should just be a regular door knob with a dead bolt - way easier if you ask me.  Everything in a trailer is kind of generic and cheap if you ask me.  Some of the stuff that is in here you don't dare lean on and you have to be careful since it is so light and frail that it could break at a moments notice. 

So that was our adventure for the day, as if we needed one.  I kind of wanted to go away on holidays to get away from all the drama and here we are having a little comedy/drama sitcom right in our campsite in Golden, B.C.  Brother!

Bernie had a well deserved nap and I organized things under the trailer - again!  I waved a howdy do wave to the neighbours and said, "Well that was an adventure!"  They told me that they were glad we solved the problem and that they were rooting for us the whole way!  Woo Hoo. 

I had taken chicken out of the freezer to barbecue for supper so I got that ready.  We ate late but then we tend to do that when we are on holiday.  who cares what time you eat?  You eat when you get hungry, right??  When we camped with the kids we always ate regular meals since I wanted to make sure everything was kind of normal.  I am not sure why I did that but it didn't seem to hurt them.  They were more put out by the fact that they had to change their underwear every day, brush their teeth and wash - just like at home!

We had a normal evening, took the dogs for a walk after we ate and then packed up most things like the outside mat, the barbecue and the chairs.

What a day.  My hip and leg hurt like the dickens and especially after crawling around underneath the trailer.  Boy camping is fun!

Restful and interesting day

July 4 - Independence Day in the USA - to all my American friends I hope you had a great day of celebrating.

We were both so tired that I slept in til noon and I think it was more like 1:00 p.m. before Bernie crawled out of bed.  I was up earlier to take Sarge outside to do his morning routine and then Duke had to go......dogs.  I am a little whacked out on account of all the medications I am taking.  Yesterday was just crazy.  I was able to read a bit while we were travelling but then I just dropped off to sleep which is something I do not normally do. 

We didn't do much, just sat outside and enjoyed the scenery.  Bernie read, I checked my e-mails and responded  to one - more on that later.  I honestly cannot be without internet and my laptop, phone and IPad.  I don't care if we are camping or at home or just visiting.  I just need to stay connected and that is just the way it is!  I keep track of my family and my friends and that makes me happy.  No cable t.v. here but that's okay I can live without t.v.

We took the dogs for a walk to air them out a little bit and then we left them inside the nice air conditioned trailer while we went for a walk.  I took  a cane with me thinking that  it  would help a bit with relieving the pressure on my hip and leg, blah blah blah.  We walked to the B.C. Tourist and Information Centre which was not too far from the campground.  It was hot and I'm glad we took water, sunglasses and hats.  Ah yes, the hats, now there's a story, so I will digress for a moment:

As we were getting ready to leave on Wednesday both of us had made trips downtown for various things so I wan't surprised to see a bag from Value Drug Mart sitting on the driver's seat. Well I was sort of surprised because before I went to the drug store I made a point of asking Bernie if he needed anything from the pharmacy.  He said that he did and told me what he needed and I got it.  So when I saw this bag I was a little puzzled that he would just go anyway.  But I thought, that's just like a man to do that and never gave it another thought.   I gave it a cursory glance and noticed two big bags of chips and a cap.  I surmised that he didn't want to get his new cap dirty and stepped on by the dogs so he put it in the bag.  I took the bag and put it behind the console on top of some stuff that I had already put in the truck.  It had to be readjusted a few times while we were travelling because Duke is a big  suck and as soon as we start to roll he has to crawl over everything from his original spot on the back seat and lay on my lap with his chin resting on the console!  I said a couple of times that those chips of his were going to get crushed and Bernie looked at me with a blank look; but then again he tends to do that!  We stopped to eat a lunch at a rest stop at the Morin Bridge and I thought he would like some of the chips but he said no and on we went.  I think we were near Canmore when he needed a snack and asked me what kind of chips were in that bag.  I looked at him and said , "Why are you asking me?" and when  he got annoyed I just pulled them out and told him anyway.  I said, "Don't you remember what you bought??" and he said "What are you talking about, I didn't buy them."  Well, here I am highly medicated and not able to drive or at least it would be a big mistake to do so and I'm thinking that either he is having a low blood  sugar episode or he is showing signs of early onset dementia.  Then he starts giving me the gears about buying Buffalo Wing chips because they may be too hot and he only likes to eat them with a nice cold beer.  The other bag was Dill Pickle so I opened that one up too and he calms down and starts to eat them.  Then he spies the hat in the bottom of the bag and says, "Look in there, what's that??"  I looked and said, "I think you put it in there but it looks like the one you are wearing already."  Then he starts telling me again that he doesn't have a clue what I'm talking about.  So I said, "Didn't you buy this stuff?" and he says, "No.  I thought you did."  My answer was that I did not buy anymore chips since I already put chips in the trailer and we had enough as it was.  When I pulled out the "hat" it turned out to be two Rider caps.  So we are bantering back and forth and at times it got a little heated but when I saw the two caps I put two and two together and realized who had done this.  So my friend who always comes up with thoughtful gifts and seems to know just what to give, how to give it and what to say:  the gig is up and you have been busted!!  It sure caused a very interesting conversation at any rate.  Bernie told me to text her and tell her that this caused some marital discord but we survived as usual.  I have other friends (you know who you are) who would call this the "B&B Show" and we should take it on the road!  I think we did!

Yippee!! Holidays have begun!

Well finally our holidays have begun.  I had to admit that I really needed to just get away and do a whole lot of nothing.  Today is July 6 so I have some catching up to do.  I can't get my laptop connected to the wireless internet here at the Park Royal RV Resort in Penticton so I have to use either a touch screen or a little teeny weeny keyboard that will probably crater after I am done with it.  I like to really pound that keyboard; that is how we learned to type way back in the "olden days" when Mrs. Appenheimer was our typing teacher.  Those were the days.  Anyhow, I digress and that will certainly be another topic for my blog at a later date!


We left home on July 3rd, later in the afternoon than I would have liked but Bernie had some yard work left to do. He pulled the trailer around to the front of the house so it was easier to get the last minute things loaded up.  I packed more junk food and beverages in every nook and cranny I could find.  It's a good thing we don't have to pull into the weigh stations since we would probably be over the limit!  The truck got cleaned inside and out earlier in the week so that made me happy.  The trailer was behaving properly except that the stupid pump sounded like it was going to jump right out of the cupboard.  I ignored it since we only need it when we are somewhere on the road and otherwise we would be hooked up to a water line. Last year we had problems with the drain hoses leaking all over creation but that problem seemed to solve itself. I had gently suggested to Bernie that he write things down that he did and how he fixed it so that if it occurred again he would know which valve to open, which one to close, what pipe fills what, etc. etc. etc.  He didn't do it and then this year when we had some issues he says, "A person should just write this stuff down and label things and.......etc. etc."  Okey dokey.

The house keys and security system details were handled by our trusty friend Lois and other details and phone numbers etc. were entrusted to a couple of other people.  This was just in case, and usually nothing happens anyway.  I neglected to inform Home Care that I would not be around so if any of you girls are reading this ..... now you know.  I also want to thank those co workers of mine who not only traded shifts with me so that I could take vacation time now but also the same people who filled in for me when I could not work because of my back problems. I still have a fair amount of pain and my right leg and hip are pretty much useless.  Walking is an issue.

We left for Golden, B.C. and the Whispering Spruce Campground around 3:30 p.m.  Not bad, only three and a half hours after I thought we would leave.  I cannot help with any of the driving.  We did not make many stops.  The UFA Cardlock in Hanna was a handy place to pull in for gas and we stopped for a lunch break and a walk with the dogs at the Morin Bridge, or at least I think that is what it is called.  We bypassed Calgary and went through Airdrie and Cochrane.  There is a huge gas station and truck stop by Cochrane where we also stopped for gas.  We are learning where all the good places are so we don't have to turn the trailer around at a right angle to the truck! 

The drive on #1 highway past Canmore and Banff took a long time but I have to say that the road crews did a great job of getting that highway open to all traffic in such a short time.  We could see just from the highway what an awful mess the flooding made of everything.  I am so grateful that we did not have to experience what those poor people are going through right now especially in High River.  We certainly have advantages to living in the east country.

The dogs are good travellers and they do not make near as many demands as our kids used to make while we were on holidays years ago.  "Are we there yet?"  "Where are we?"  "I have to pee."  "I puked."  Oh what memories we have. 

We got to the campground at 10 p.m.  I was exhausted so I can't even imagine how Bernie was feeling.  Of course the office was closed at 9:00 p.m. so we just went and found a spot and pulled in for the night.  It did not take long to set up because of the late hour and we were just plain tired.  The ground was covered in pine tar.......at least that is what I am calling it.  The spruce trees are beautiful but they tend to leave sticky stuff everywhere.  The dogs desperately need a grooming and that didn't help the sticky situation.  We got our chairs out and enjoyed a cool beverage and to heck with the sticky paws, sticky shoes, sticky everywhere.  It was late to begin with and later before we finally said good night, sleep tight and see you in the morning!

Happy Canada Day 2013

Happy Birthday Canada!  You are 146 years old today and you never looked better!
We just got back from the wonderful Party in the Park that is organized by the good folks who belong to the Museum Society.  I hope I got that one right.  In any event it is organized by a great group of volunteers who slave away to make our Heritage Park look absolutely fantastic.  There are flags everywhere and my heart just swells with pride to be a Canadian!
This year I gave greetings from the town.  I also did that job last year because our Mayor was unavailable to do so.  I don't mind, in fact I kind of enjoy it even though it means writing a speech.  Here, in its entirety is the speech I delivered this year, July 1, 2013:

First off a few words about the terrible flooding and devastation in High River, Alberta.  We can only imagine what this has done to disrupt the lives of all those people who live there.  In our community we have caring and compassionate people who have gathered graduation clothing and accessories to send to the High River Grade Twelve students who have lost everything.  Now they will be able to celebrate their graduation from high school in style and with the knowledge that we all care.  That is what makes me so proud to say that I am a Canadian an Albertan and a proud citizen of Coronation.

As the Deputy Mayor I am very pleased to bring greetings on behalf of the Town of Coronation on Canada Day.

On July 1^st, 1867 Canada was proclaimed a nation.  We have come a long way since 1867 but the basic tenants of freedom have resounded loud and clear throughout our history. I believe we live in the best country in the world.  We have freedoms that some people in other parts of the world can only dream about.  We can express ourselves, we can vote for whoever we wish to vote for, we can move about freely; all without fear of persecution. 

In Coronation we are no different.  We are a safe and caring community and as a town council it is our duty to protect those freedoms for whoever chooses to live here.  We are diverse, things change and sometimes we don’t always know who our neighbors are.  Celebrations such as this give us an opportunity to come together and bond as a community.  As a town council we have worked very hard to provide the leadership and encouragement to individuals and groups who wish to enhance and improve our community. 

Our vision for Coronation is that we are a thriving proud and diverse Community that promotes positive sustainable growth, provides a safe and healthy environment and enhances the quality of life for our residents.  This was probably true 146 years ago when the Fathers of Confederation gathered to hammer out the details and provide the terms of reference for the formation of our nation. As a member of council I feel it is our responsibility to focus our efforts on this vision that we have created.

To fulfill our promise to the people we cannot and should not tolerate nor accept the actions and views of those whose only interests are selfish in nature and have the potential to destroy the good will the spirit and the compassionate fabric of our community.  My advice to those who have these characteristics is to try and do something that will improve their way of life by looking inwards instead of trying to find fault with others.  You have, after all, chosen to live here so it would be a good idea to try and make the best of it instead of trying to define yourself by looking for ways to humiliate and criticize others.  That is not what we are all about in this community nor is it what Canada stands for.

I share the wishes and the vision of Town Council and hopefully these are the hopes and dreams of all citizens of Coronation. We can all live together in harmony with tolerance, acceptance and a willingness to embrace new ideas that will enhance and improve our community and our way of life. 

So let’s have fun today.  Let’s celebrate and be proud of who we are and what we can become as a community.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the people who give of their time to provide us with this wonderful Party in the Park.  Thank you so much for your volunteer efforts, it is appreciated.

On behalf of the Town of Coronation I would like to welcome you all here today.  I would like to wish Canada a very happy Birthday and let’s all enjoy the day!

 

So that's it for another year.  I am not walking very well right now, have a pinched nerve that is causing my leg to go numb, my back to ache and it is very painful.  I am also very impatient with the whole deal because we are getting ready to go on holidays.  I think we are just about done.  We have the trailer all packed up and I told Bernie that today he should just get it hooked up to the truck and park it out front like everybody else!  LOL  I think it can sit there for forty-eight hours before it becomes a problem!  I wouldn't want to be in violation of some bylaw that I helped to create!

I will be writing a bit more in this blog when I have more time.  I kind of suspect it will be while we are on holidays because I can't walk very far to do anything. 

I like to share this stuff on Facebook so if you should happen to read it, just share it with all your friends as well - I don't mind.

 

 

 

 

Say a prayer for Sandy Hook

 I am not familiar with guns, I have never held one and I don't really have the need for one if you know what I mean.  When 20 children are gunned down, and 6 adults are killed and a mother dies in her bed, all at the hands of a single deranged individual it gives us more than a pause to reflect.  I don't think it is one thing or another and everyone will play out their own feelings and opinions about what kills, what doesn't, what needs to be fixed, what needs to stay the same.  Public debate will go on for a while and I do hope there are some changes.  The guy was a nut job who got his hands on some very questionable weapons and chose to break into a school and pretend to be Rambo in the jungle.  Then he chose to be even more of a coward by taking his own pathetic life.  The moral and social fabric of a nation is in the spotlight at the moment.  The funerals have begun, another town is in mourning and a nation, the whole world, is watching.  My opinion on gun control?  While I know they don't just jump off the shelves and go into auto-pilot, handguns and fancy schmansy automatic weapons were made to kill people, there is a huge gun lobby in the United States that is more powerful than most people know, violence is quite often a way of life - something needs to change.  Now there is a race to get to the stores and purchase AR 15s, good lord.   Get back to the basics, put more money into family programs, make it sustainable funding and in some cases make it mandatory.  Why have the weapons in the first place?  We feel a need to protect ourselves from other people and their unpredictable ways and I am sick and tired of it.  Prevention is the key with everything.  There are lots of diseases and other things that can kill children, we don't really need to throw guns and violence into the mix.  Merry Christmas everyone and say a prayer for those little kids, for the teachers, for all the families who will be forever changed.