Well today is July 16th and we are home safe and sound from our holiday. It was a lovely time even if I was all crippled up. I kept in touch very nicely with my friends and family and blogged all the while I was away.
We stayed two nights in Revelstoke. On the 12th we went to the Train Museum in Revelstoke. Bernie thought it was somewhere else, meaning somewhere east of Revelstoke. He was sure he saw a sign saying that it was so we set out to look for that sign or billboard. Well, he was mistaken so we went to the town and found the museum. It was great! I really enjoyed it and bought a couple of books about the history of the rail. I would highly recommend a visit to this museum if you are at all interested in trains.
We returned back to the campground and to our campsite #38. We did not lock ourselves out and the turning of the key was uneventful! The dogs were happy to see us but little Sarge was limping around. The day before when we were setting up he got in the way and when Bernie stepped back he accidentally stepped on his little paw. More on that later.
So this was our last night of holidays and we tried to get to bed earlier than usual because we had to set out very early. We were due to attend a 6:00 p.m. dinner in Coronation sponsored by the Coronation Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. I am on the Committee on behalf of the town of Coronation. We were hosting a site visit for a Dr. from South Africa who was also on a tour of two other hospitals in Alberta. I had been in on the interview with her so I was anxious to meet her and her partner.
We set out, without incident at 6:30 Pacific Time and when the time changed I knew we would be an hour behind and kind of in a hurry. It is a long, long drive and Bernie was a real trooper. We stopped at a turn out called "Taylor" in order for me to go to the bathroom - thank you Taylor for having a place to drive in and out with a truck and trailer, it was a desperate moment for me. We stopped for gas in Canmore and waited forever for the truck to fill up. By the time we got to Cochrane Bernie said that maybe we would not make it in time. I told him that it was all right I would just text somebody if it was not possible.
We (he) drove on and on and we finally got home about 5 o'clock, not bad. We were just going to park in front on the street but parking was limited. So Bernie ended up parking in the usual spot. It was and is always interesting for me because I never know if I should yell, gesture wildly or just shut up and let him back in. More on that later as well.
I ran in the house and texted that we would probably not get there until 6:30 and then I ran (run? who am I kidding - limped) out to the trailer while Bernie was blocking it, etc. to get a few things. I jumped in the shower, found something to wear, pulled a shirt out of the closet for Bernie and ironed his shorts because he wanted to wear them and they were CREASED UP, really bad. Things were flying all over the place! We made it to the dinner at 6:30 and they were just starting to stand in line to eat! Not bad, Danylyshens are usually not late so I was proud to say we got there at 6:30!
More on the doctor thing later.
We were tired right out on Sunday, but I got up early because my sister and her husband were coming here later on for an overnight stay. They live in Saskatoon and had been vacationing in Calgary with their daughter and one of my favorite nieces Susan and the kids William and Sarah! I thought I should make the place presentable and it takes me forever since I don't move very fast.
We noticed on Saturday that some solar lights we had put out front had been strung out on the grass and on Sunday it finally dawned on us that our gnome was missing. The Choosewell Committee had purchased this gnome with a Welcome sign for Bernie in appreciation of all his work with that Committee. We put it right beside the front step. Well, it was gone.
Well, I can't tell you how it makes me feel. In light of the fact that there are certain people in town who think our yard is the scourge of the neighbourhood; I am kind of surprised that someone would even enter the front yard to take our lovely gnome. Would it not make sense to stay away from us seeing as how we have such a disgraceful yard???? Makes no sense to me. All I know for sure is that there is no cure for stupid, and whoever did this that is what you are. Guess what? I can say this, it is my blog and you probably aren't even reading it.
As for the gnome..........I wish that I had taken a picture just for the memory.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Neighbours from Switzerland
July 12th today and it would have been my Mom and Dad's 65th Weddding Anniversary. My Dad died in 1987, a long time ago and he was only 70 years old. I miss you Dad and I know you left us too soon and that you did not want to go. I am glad that the boys got to spend time with their Papa and that they remembered you always. I guess you and Brett had a nice reunion and are always together. Whenever we have a little problem with putting something together or we are looking for a tool I think of my Dad. Every time I think something has to be done RIGHT NOW I think of Dad. He just got up and fixed, or did something or just made everything right again and I miss that so much that it still hurts. Dad, you apparently instilled that characteristic in me, or maybe it is in the genes! I have a one track mind and things have to be done when things have to be done or I don't feel right. I know you get it Dad and if you were here and I mentioned that you would have said, "Well sure."
Anyway, I guess that has nothing to do with our neighbours from Switzerland except to say that I asked them for help and I struck up a conversation with them which is what my Dad would have done!
We pulled into our site yesterday - after we found it and after I did not read the site map properly - . Whatever. Anyway, it is a pull through so that makes both of us happy. Cable t.v., water, sewer and power hook ups, swimming pool, free WiFi but only available if you sit near the office, which is not very convenient but better than nothing. I am sitting in a gazebo right now by the office at a picnic table and there is an electrical outlet right beside me. I took my small laptop, my cell phone and my IPad and of course my go mug with coffee. Prior to that I was up at 2:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. since Sarge was whining that he wanted out. Poor little guy is on the limp. While we were setting up yesterday Bernie accidentally stepped on his paw. We are sure he will be fine. He gets a little car sick as well which doesn't help the situation!
So on to the people from Switzerland. We pull into our site #38 and start the setting up process. I am pretty much useless but I can at least connect the water hose. So I get the hose out and first look at the water connection which I presumed would be near the electrical post, which it was. It looked like a small water pump but it had a hook up. I asked Bernie what he thought and he turned the handle up and no water came out so we looked for another connection. There was a post with two water taps on it so I connected the hose to the one pointing towards our site but no water was coming out of it when I turned it on. We tried various things, but no water. Bernie pulled up an down on the handle of the pump like one by our electrical hook up, looked for switches, instructions, anything to help but could not find a thing that was helpful.
I noticed that the people camping two sites down in a small motor home were all hooked up to their water, etc. and they were sitting outside. I wandered over and said hello! and the discovered that they were not from this country but did speak and understand English. I asked to see their water hook up and by gesturing and body language and speaking (and I have to admit I always talk louder when I speak to people whose first language is not English, guilty as charged, I know it doesn't help any) , they understood what I wanted and showed me their hook ups outside. They had a regular tap tat was situated exactly where our funny looking pump like thing was situated. So the man started to explain how to hook everything up, which was fine, it was nice of him. I said thank you and went back to our site to discover that Bernie had cranked the pump handle one more time and water started to trickle out and then it came out normally which is what we wanted to see. At the same time our neighbours came over to see how we were making out and the gentleman helped Bernie to get the end of the hose hooked up, actually turned it for him which helped tremendously.
They hung around and we had a conversation. I found out that they were from Bern, Switzerland on a holiday that started at the airport in Vancouver. Then they got the motor home and made their way east. They were headed to see his friend in Rimbey who he worked with at a farm with cows 20 years ago I am thinking he was here on an exchange with something like IAEA. They have two daughters, one 12 and the other 10. He is a carpenter and his wife is a nurse. Well when I heard the word "nurse" I went into recruitment mode and asked if they were planning on moving to Canada. They just laughed but that may have been because they were not on the same page as me. We met their girls and they hung around a little longer while Bernie finished setting up and then they went back to their site. It was great talking to the and I did ask if they knew any doctors that might be interested in coming to Canada because we had a shortage and we would certainly be interested. Well, why not? Can't hurt anything and I am all about marketing and promotion at all times!
So we had water, the power was on, the cable worked fine for the upcoming Rider game at 4:30 or 5:00 o'clock or whatever time it was - depending what you looked at. Bernie was exhausted an feeling bad about tripping over Sarge's paw. So he set the chairs up, made himself a nice cold drink, relaxed in his gravity chair with Sarge on his lap and Duke sitting beside him and just dozed. It must have been about three thirty or thereabouts, so lots of time to rest before the game. Honestly a person just loses track of the time and even what day it is. (That reminds me, Friday has passed and I haven't checked my lotto Max number)
While Bernie dozed I defrosted a package of bacon since he said he would like to have bacon and eggs for supper. Or as he put it, "let's have tomorrow's breakfast tonight". I puttered around but I still had our neighbours from Switzerland on my mind and the fact that she is a nurse and must know a lot of doctors since she worked in a hospital, and in Bern to boot. I mean it is a city, must have some doctors there who are wanting an adventure and would like to live and practice medicine in rural Alberta!
While I puttered I looked through everything I could to find my Town of Coronation business cards, pens, pins, ANYTHING. Wow! I found three pins, more than enough business cards, Town of Coronation pens (I am the Queen of Pens - that's why my purse is so heavy!) and some other pens as well. I kind of cleaned them up because they were in thee bottom of my purse and in the camera bag and in Bernie's "purse" (his IPad case). I also found some of Bernie's www.crownnews.ca business cards, so I was ecstatic! I wrote my name, contact phone numbers, the Coronation Medical Clinic's recruit website address, crownnews website, even my blog website on the backs of several cards. I wrote a little note saying how nice it was to meet them and wishing them a safe journey and of course signed our names. Then I waited until I saw them outside again and away I went to deliver my "presents" to our neighbours from Switzerland. I think the man understood and spoke English the best and as I was talking away and giving him these little things he took what I gave to him and was very overwhelmed. Okay so I talked loud again and probably too fast. I just basically said I wanted them to have something from where we lived and that they could just look at the cards and check out the websites later. Oh well. When I was done, he said, "Thank you." In disbelief maybe that someone would just come over and give them things, but like I said, very overwhelmed. I said, "You're welcome. It was so nice to meet you. Have a safe trip!" I wish I could have heard and understood the conversation that ensued! I just hope they didn't think that they had to give us something in return. You never know. We did not see them again and they pulled out of their site and were on their way some time this morning. Farewell to our neighbours from Switzerland and when you get home I hope you remember where you put those business cards so you can look us up. When you do I hope you go to my blog and read this! I also hope that you show the recruiting website address to all the doctors you know. You just never know!
Anyway, I guess that has nothing to do with our neighbours from Switzerland except to say that I asked them for help and I struck up a conversation with them which is what my Dad would have done!
We pulled into our site yesterday - after we found it and after I did not read the site map properly - . Whatever. Anyway, it is a pull through so that makes both of us happy. Cable t.v., water, sewer and power hook ups, swimming pool, free WiFi but only available if you sit near the office, which is not very convenient but better than nothing. I am sitting in a gazebo right now by the office at a picnic table and there is an electrical outlet right beside me. I took my small laptop, my cell phone and my IPad and of course my go mug with coffee. Prior to that I was up at 2:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. since Sarge was whining that he wanted out. Poor little guy is on the limp. While we were setting up yesterday Bernie accidentally stepped on his paw. We are sure he will be fine. He gets a little car sick as well which doesn't help the situation!
So on to the people from Switzerland. We pull into our site #38 and start the setting up process. I am pretty much useless but I can at least connect the water hose. So I get the hose out and first look at the water connection which I presumed would be near the electrical post, which it was. It looked like a small water pump but it had a hook up. I asked Bernie what he thought and he turned the handle up and no water came out so we looked for another connection. There was a post with two water taps on it so I connected the hose to the one pointing towards our site but no water was coming out of it when I turned it on. We tried various things, but no water. Bernie pulled up an down on the handle of the pump like one by our electrical hook up, looked for switches, instructions, anything to help but could not find a thing that was helpful.
I noticed that the people camping two sites down in a small motor home were all hooked up to their water, etc. and they were sitting outside. I wandered over and said hello! and the discovered that they were not from this country but did speak and understand English. I asked to see their water hook up and by gesturing and body language and speaking (and I have to admit I always talk louder when I speak to people whose first language is not English, guilty as charged, I know it doesn't help any) , they understood what I wanted and showed me their hook ups outside. They had a regular tap tat was situated exactly where our funny looking pump like thing was situated. So the man started to explain how to hook everything up, which was fine, it was nice of him. I said thank you and went back to our site to discover that Bernie had cranked the pump handle one more time and water started to trickle out and then it came out normally which is what we wanted to see. At the same time our neighbours came over to see how we were making out and the gentleman helped Bernie to get the end of the hose hooked up, actually turned it for him which helped tremendously.
They hung around and we had a conversation. I found out that they were from Bern, Switzerland on a holiday that started at the airport in Vancouver. Then they got the motor home and made their way east. They were headed to see his friend in Rimbey who he worked with at a farm with cows 20 years ago I am thinking he was here on an exchange with something like IAEA. They have two daughters, one 12 and the other 10. He is a carpenter and his wife is a nurse. Well when I heard the word "nurse" I went into recruitment mode and asked if they were planning on moving to Canada. They just laughed but that may have been because they were not on the same page as me. We met their girls and they hung around a little longer while Bernie finished setting up and then they went back to their site. It was great talking to the and I did ask if they knew any doctors that might be interested in coming to Canada because we had a shortage and we would certainly be interested. Well, why not? Can't hurt anything and I am all about marketing and promotion at all times!
So we had water, the power was on, the cable worked fine for the upcoming Rider game at 4:30 or 5:00 o'clock or whatever time it was - depending what you looked at. Bernie was exhausted an feeling bad about tripping over Sarge's paw. So he set the chairs up, made himself a nice cold drink, relaxed in his gravity chair with Sarge on his lap and Duke sitting beside him and just dozed. It must have been about three thirty or thereabouts, so lots of time to rest before the game. Honestly a person just loses track of the time and even what day it is. (That reminds me, Friday has passed and I haven't checked my lotto Max number)
While Bernie dozed I defrosted a package of bacon since he said he would like to have bacon and eggs for supper. Or as he put it, "let's have tomorrow's breakfast tonight". I puttered around but I still had our neighbours from Switzerland on my mind and the fact that she is a nurse and must know a lot of doctors since she worked in a hospital, and in Bern to boot. I mean it is a city, must have some doctors there who are wanting an adventure and would like to live and practice medicine in rural Alberta!
While I puttered I looked through everything I could to find my Town of Coronation business cards, pens, pins, ANYTHING. Wow! I found three pins, more than enough business cards, Town of Coronation pens (I am the Queen of Pens - that's why my purse is so heavy!) and some other pens as well. I kind of cleaned them up because they were in thee bottom of my purse and in the camera bag and in Bernie's "purse" (his IPad case). I also found some of Bernie's www.crownnews.ca business cards, so I was ecstatic! I wrote my name, contact phone numbers, the Coronation Medical Clinic's recruit website address, crownnews website, even my blog website on the backs of several cards. I wrote a little note saying how nice it was to meet them and wishing them a safe journey and of course signed our names. Then I waited until I saw them outside again and away I went to deliver my "presents" to our neighbours from Switzerland. I think the man understood and spoke English the best and as I was talking away and giving him these little things he took what I gave to him and was very overwhelmed. Okay so I talked loud again and probably too fast. I just basically said I wanted them to have something from where we lived and that they could just look at the cards and check out the websites later. Oh well. When I was done, he said, "Thank you." In disbelief maybe that someone would just come over and give them things, but like I said, very overwhelmed. I said, "You're welcome. It was so nice to meet you. Have a safe trip!" I wish I could have heard and understood the conversation that ensued! I just hope they didn't think that they had to give us something in return. You never know. We did not see them again and they pulled out of their site and were on their way some time this morning. Farewell to our neighbours from Switzerland and when you get home I hope you remember where you put those business cards so you can look us up. When you do I hope you go to my blog and read this! I also hope that you show the recruiting website address to all the doctors you know. You just never know!
Travelling Day
Today was a travelling day. Now we are in Revelstoke at a KOA. I of course cannot do any driving and Bernie's back was bothering him the whole trip. I told him before that he should buy one of those cushions for a car seat that have lumbar support. This hasn't happened yet. He put a pillow behind his back for this trip. Cheaper than the alternative I suppose.
We had such a nice time yesterday in downtown Penticton and I am glad we did. Today was a total bust for me with my back causing my leg to hurt like the dickens. Really bad now but I just took my drugs so hopefully they will kick in soon.
We packed up the outside things last night so there wouldn't be that much to do in the morning. I helped as much as I could. We folded up the outside mat together. It reminded me of when we were first married and we had to go to a laundromat. We would fold the sheets together. So romantic spending quality time at the local laundromat. I mentioned that to Bernie and he said, "yeah and forty years later you still can't get it right!" He thinks his method is the best, no arguing with him, why bother. Yes forty years, I was kind of surprised he got it right since he usually says 30 or 35. Maybe it was because I reminded him the other day.
So now I am using the touch screen on my IPad to write this. We do not have WiFi available in the campground, just by the office. If it is a nice day tomorrow I will take my laptop there and finish this up.
We watched the Rider game after we got settled here. "Green is the colour, football is the game, We're here together and winning is our aim! So cheer us on through the wind and rain, Saskatchewan Roughriders is our name!"
Tomorrow I will talk about our neighbours from Switzerland .
We had such a nice time yesterday in downtown Penticton and I am glad we did. Today was a total bust for me with my back causing my leg to hurt like the dickens. Really bad now but I just took my drugs so hopefully they will kick in soon.
We packed up the outside things last night so there wouldn't be that much to do in the morning. I helped as much as I could. We folded up the outside mat together. It reminded me of when we were first married and we had to go to a laundromat. We would fold the sheets together. So romantic spending quality time at the local laundromat. I mentioned that to Bernie and he said, "yeah and forty years later you still can't get it right!" He thinks his method is the best, no arguing with him, why bother. Yes forty years, I was kind of surprised he got it right since he usually says 30 or 35. Maybe it was because I reminded him the other day.
So now I am using the touch screen on my IPad to write this. We do not have WiFi available in the campground, just by the office. If it is a nice day tomorrow I will take my laptop there and finish this up.
We watched the Rider game after we got settled here. "Green is the colour, football is the game, We're here together and winning is our aim! So cheer us on through the wind and rain, Saskatchewan Roughriders is our name!"
Tomorrow I will talk about our neighbours from Switzerland .
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Just catching up before we move on
Today, July 10th - wow, I forgot if it was Wednesday, or Thursday or what day!
Yesterday was a do nothing day. I was suffering a bit more than I usually do and the pain kept me in my chair outside for most of the day. Man I wish it would just go away. Honestly, I take drugs but I think I need to pray more or something because it was just brutal. Today I was a lot better and we did a lot more!
It was also very, very hot yesterday and today so that was a good excuse to do nothing, at least nothing too strenuous.
The dogs woke me up yesterday very early in the morning and I stumbled around and found their leashes and took them outside. It was so nice that I decided to stay up anyway. I have my little "office" outside.
Last evening it was very hot and they gave the kids water guns. They had a grand old time spraying water on everybody! I stood out there and let them get me soaking wet!! They really thought they were getting away with something!
Today we left the dogs in the air conditioned trailer and we drove downtown to Main Street to do a bit of shopping and browsing through the stores. We parked at one end and just decided to walk up one side and down the other. My back and leg felt pretty good so I said I was sure I could manage. So away we went. It was burning hot as well but who cares, that's what we came for! We had a good time poking around the stores and looking for a few souvenirs to take home. Our first stop was actually at the Visitor Info Centre.
In the Okanagan it is all about the wine! We did taste some at the Visitor Centre, but we did not buy any. We have never visited a winery either, but I guess we will do that another time. So anyway, Main Street was interesting with a lot of shops and a lot of restaurants and places to sit outside. We poked around, shopped a bit, bought a few things and then made our way back to the truck. Our last stop was a bookstore and we were about two blocks away when I discovered that my sunglasses were not perched on top of my head, nor were they in any bags that we were carrying. Oh great, I mean they were only expensive ones that I bought because they fit perfectly over my glasses. So we decided to walk to the truck and then make our way back to the book store. We did, and I went in there and the clerk had them at the counter. I know she remembered me because when I bought a paper there (we don't buy books we just take names and write them down so we can get them on e-books) I put my change in a donation box. By doing so I got a chance to enter in a draw for a basket full of books. So I filled out the proper form with my name and address and phone number. I told her if I won I would just instruct them to pick another name and that person could get the prize! With my luck I will probably win! I also bought a Lotto Max today because I was feeling very lucky for some reason. Well then I discovered that it was Wednesday and the draw was Friday....not that it makes a difference, but I honestly thought it was Friday. That is what holidays do to a person.....especially if that person is Bonnie!
We got back to the RV park and our key worked very nicely in the trailer door so there was no drama involving crawling underneath to get in. The dogs were once again ecstatic to see us. Bernie watched a Blue Jays game on t.v. and I announced that we were having hot dogs for supper and that they would be cooked in the microwave because .....well because that's the way it was going to be. So we had microwaved wieners, beans, and fruit salad out of a can and it was just fine. Then I decided it was cocktail hour and I moved my computer outside to my "office" and proceeded to catch up on any e-mails and/or messages that needed attending to.
I don't believe that just because I am on holiday that I should ignore my duties as a Town Councillor. I know that it is not my "day job" so to speak, but I should check my e-mails now and then and attend to some of the things that need attending to. So I have done that since we started our holiday.
More on being a Town Councillor in another blog.
The hour is late, almost midnight Pacific Time so I shall end this blog. My I have fun doing this and I hope whoever reads this is entertained and wants to read more!
Tomorrow we leave this lovely place. We are going to Revelstoke for a couple of days to a KOA nearby. Bernie wants to visit a train museum there. There is also a Rider game on in the late afternoon and we cannot miss that.....it would be a sin if we did! There is cable t.v. there and WiFi if you are near the campground office. So I guess if I want to set up my office I will have to get near the campground office. Whatever. We'll see what happens.
Yesterday was a do nothing day. I was suffering a bit more than I usually do and the pain kept me in my chair outside for most of the day. Man I wish it would just go away. Honestly, I take drugs but I think I need to pray more or something because it was just brutal. Today I was a lot better and we did a lot more!
It was also very, very hot yesterday and today so that was a good excuse to do nothing, at least nothing too strenuous.
The dogs woke me up yesterday very early in the morning and I stumbled around and found their leashes and took them outside. It was so nice that I decided to stay up anyway. I have my little "office" outside.
Now who could ask for anything more! By the way that is a can of lemonade in that little Canadian beer cooler holder thing. Thanks to a good friend for giving that holder to me. This picture was taken in the morning and honestly I know it is five o'clock somewhere but not for me!!
Yes I love technology and I love my IPad and my computer and my IPhone5 and my Kobo e-reader. I believe we should keep up with the times and by golly I do. We have cable t.v., WiFi, everything. This campsite is awesome. Park Royal RV Resort - mark that one down. It is close to the river channel if you want to go floating down the channel on a raft or tube or whatever. It is also close to a Tim Hortons, A&W, a Bakery, Husky Gas ($1.35 a litre, cheaper than Golden, B.C.), but a bit far if you want to walk to the beach. There is not a swimming pool in this park, but oh well you can't have everything.
At 7:00 p.m. every day there is a guy who drives a little tractor/front end loader around pulling a trailer behind. It is great fun for all the kids and some of their parents!
 |
| Every evening they have some fun! |
Today we left the dogs in the air conditioned trailer and we drove downtown to Main Street to do a bit of shopping and browsing through the stores. We parked at one end and just decided to walk up one side and down the other. My back and leg felt pretty good so I said I was sure I could manage. So away we went. It was burning hot as well but who cares, that's what we came for! We had a good time poking around the stores and looking for a few souvenirs to take home. Our first stop was actually at the Visitor Info Centre.
We got back to the RV park and our key worked very nicely in the trailer door so there was no drama involving crawling underneath to get in. The dogs were once again ecstatic to see us. Bernie watched a Blue Jays game on t.v. and I announced that we were having hot dogs for supper and that they would be cooked in the microwave because .....well because that's the way it was going to be. So we had microwaved wieners, beans, and fruit salad out of a can and it was just fine. Then I decided it was cocktail hour and I moved my computer outside to my "office" and proceeded to catch up on any e-mails and/or messages that needed attending to.
I don't believe that just because I am on holiday that I should ignore my duties as a Town Councillor. I know that it is not my "day job" so to speak, but I should check my e-mails now and then and attend to some of the things that need attending to. So I have done that since we started our holiday.
More on being a Town Councillor in another blog.
The hour is late, almost midnight Pacific Time so I shall end this blog. My I have fun doing this and I hope whoever reads this is entertained and wants to read more!
Tomorrow we leave this lovely place. We are going to Revelstoke for a couple of days to a KOA nearby. Bernie wants to visit a train museum there. There is also a Rider game on in the late afternoon and we cannot miss that.....it would be a sin if we did! There is cable t.v. there and WiFi if you are near the campground office. So I guess if I want to set up my office I will have to get near the campground office. Whatever. We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Hometown Heroes
The following facebook post was put on our Coronation and Area Buy and Sale today. As I was scanning facebook I came upon it and commented as well that this was a kind and practical action and response to the devastation in High River, Alberta. Nonni lives in Coronation but she did come from Calgary. I won't go into much because I would probably get it wrong and if she wants to comment later and explain her connection to Calgary and High River she sure can do that! Right Nonni?? Another thing about Nonni is that she is a wonderful and caring person. When we were planning our Coronation Centennial Celebrations for 2011 we desperately needed someone with catering experience and a good knowledge of making and serving food to huge crowds of people. I mean, I could flip the pancakes but I sure as heck couldn't coordinate it all for a thousand people!! One of our committee members approached Nonni since she had that kind of experience. She agreed to help us! Yay!! What a relief! I know it is two years later but I want to nominate (nominations closed) Nonni Anderson as our Volunteer of the Year! She was great. Her whole family came to celebrate Coronation's Centennial. Keep in mind these are people, with the exception of her daughter and family who live in town, who did not even live in Coronation. They came, they camped out in and around her yard, they entered in the slo pitch tournament and they all helped to prepare and serve one of the suppers. What a group! I was amazed and I am still amazed at their generosity and good cheer throughout all this. Nonni not only attended all the meals (Saturday's breakfast and supper, Sunday's breakfast and supper, Monday's breakfast) and supervised, but she also took in her family's ball games. I know there were a lot of other people who were busy and working very hard that weekend as well and kudos to them as well. Without you we would not have been able to have such a successful and memorable Centennial Celebration.
Anyway here is Nonni's response to an e-mail I sent everyone after the celebrations were done and over with. I wanted their impressions, etc.
Hi Bonnie,
I feel extremely privileged to have worked with so many
fantastic volunteers. From the people that did the smallest things to those that
dedicated immense hours of their time. They were a great bunch of people. I
would love to be able to name them all but not only is my memory not that great
but I would be sure to miss someone and that would be the unfairest of all.
Yes we had our glitches, but in the over all picture they were
few and far between.
I received a call from the Health Inspector
the following week and she was very happy with the way the event was handled.
(especially since we got off to a rocky start )
Although I did not get to see or participate in most of the
weekend events my family which ranged in age from 1 year to 38 years found
something for everybody. The praised the parade, the pool, the Golf course, the
ball tournament, the kids games area, the hospitality and friendliness of
Coronation, the Fireworks and last but not least the food. Great comments on the
look of our community and the job that was so well done by Communities in Bloom.
So although this is a small number it is the only one I can verify. 33 Anderson
and "other" Anderson family members had a fantastic time.
As for numbers regarding meals my best guess is > a whole
bunch.
I would like to thank the Centennial Committee for allowing me
to participate in the 100th celebration. As a "new" member of this town I felt
very honored to be trusted with such a monumental event.
As for things that we could have done better >> NONE..
With the varied amount of volunteers and events the organization by this
committee was outstanding.
There are probably a thousand other things I'd like to comment
on but all I can think of at this point is how absolutely proud this town should
be of a job well done by all.
Nonni
I don't think I need to say one more word about the character of Nonni Anderson. Below is her post. She works at Value Drugs in Coronation if you want to get a gift card to her before the required date.
I am so proud to know you Nonni!
Nonni Anderson
Hi Bonnie,
I feel extremely privileged to have worked with so many
fantastic volunteers. From the people that did the smallest things to those that
dedicated immense hours of their time. They were a great bunch of people. I
would love to be able to name them all but not only is my memory not that great
but I would be sure to miss someone and that would be the unfairest of all.
Yes we had our glitches, but in the over all picture they were
few and far between.
I received a call from the Health Inspector
the following week and she was very happy with the way the event was handled.
(especially since we got off to a rocky start )
Although I did not get to see or participate in most of the
weekend events my family which ranged in age from 1 year to 38 years found
something for everybody. The praised the parade, the pool, the Golf course, the
ball tournament, the kids games area, the hospitality and friendliness of
Coronation, the Fireworks and last but not least the food. Great comments on the
look of our community and the job that was so well done by Communities in Bloom.
So although this is a small number it is the only one I can verify. 33 Anderson
and "other" Anderson family members had a fantastic time.
As for numbers regarding meals my best guess is > a whole
bunch.
I would like to thank the Centennial Committee for allowing me
to participate in the 100th celebration. As a "new" member of this town I felt
very honored to be trusted with such a monumental event.
As for things that we could have done better >> NONE..
With the varied amount of volunteers and events the organization by this
committee was outstanding.
There are probably a thousand other things I'd like to comment
on but all I can think of at this point is how absolutely proud this town should
be of a job well done by all.
Nonni
I don't think I need to say one more word about the character of Nonni Anderson. Below is her post. She works at Value Drugs in Coronation if you want to get a gift card to her before the required date.
I am so proud to know you Nonni!
 |
| Last day of Centennial and still looking good! |
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!
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!
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