REVIEW IN PICTURES
Peace River: Shaking hands after adult's games is what the kids love best!
Parker, future hockey great - love soother/stick combo!
Spencer at Kindergarten Grad: Look at that focus!
Madison at Danish Canadian National Museum grounds
Three generations: Jonas, Melanie, and Alice at Vanessa's Baby Shower
Nadine and Makai at V's Baby Shower
Madison and Vanessa at V's Baby Shower 
Genesis with Grandma Alice at V's Baby Shower
Vanessa's son Zech at her baby shower
Love my begonias
Judie and Barb at Innisfail Historical Village 
Elaine and Inez Kimber on steam train 
Marlene, Nola, Neil, Auntie Janet
Beautiful U of A Campus
Helge and Madison for Helge's 66th Birthday
Elaine, Joyce, Connie, and Cathy at Compassion House
Sonja and Elaine at Festival Place, Sherwood Park
Belgravia Books and TreasuresREVIEW IN TEXT
April Highlights (last half):
1. A most enjoyable visit from John Stone - artist, neighbour, and friend. John shared many of his past memories. He told us of a pet heifer he had as a child. Times were tough and the family needed to sell some cattle. Sadly the pet was the one the buyer desired. John always had a way with horses. As a young child he often sat on the plough behind the horses. When finished his work for the day he would be covered in dirt. In the early eighties John had about a hundred Arabian horses. Hard times meant having to sell. The amount of money he got for his horses was a mere fraction of what he had anticipated. John told of a horse that did tricks including standing on his hind legs. That horse was eventually sold. John later visited the horse at its new owners in B.C. It had become tired of performing tricks. The horse recognized John immediately and was more than happy to perform for him!!
2. Grand re-opening of Ravenwood Meats. This was an enjoyable day with good food, visiting friends (Maxine from Lazy M), and listening to music especially Allen Christie.
3. Dancing in the new James River Hall to the music of Allen Christie and Friends. Allen is a very talented local singer-songwriter.
May Highlights:
I had 20 days of radiation treatment at the Cross Cancer Center in Edmonton. Treatment was on weekdays only so I was able to go home a couple of weekends. During my time in Edmonton I stayed with Kai and Sonja at Kai's place. The exception was the one week that I stayed at Compassion House.
1. Visits with Auntie Janet, Nola, Neil, Marlene, Nadine, Franco, Aolani, Makai, and Theresa.
2. Compassion House: I enjoyed my stay at Compassion House, especially visiting with other people in a similar situation to my own. I did some beading with a Wellness Group that meets at the house once a week. I received beautiful gifts that had been donated to Compassion House: a raspberry prayer shawl and a mauve fan-and-feathers afghan. I had a fun evening of karaoke with Sayler Reins' daughter.
3. Belgravia Books and Treasures: The Cross Cancer Center was within walking distance of Compassion House so I enjoyed walking to the center whilst staying at the house. My most exciting find on this walking journey was this wonderful secondhand bookshop.
4. Checked out two beading/craft stores: Bedrock Supply recommended by Jackie Cooper and DeSerres at West Ed recommended by my niece, Vanessa. Crimpz Bead Boutique at Sherwood Park is on my 'to do' list.
5. Spent a day with my colleagues at the Excalibur Conference at Lister Hall. I also enjoyed a walk around the U of A (my alma mater) campus.
6. Celebrating Helge's 66th birthday. I tried a new recipe from Canadian Living we enjoyed: a lemon coconut cake.
June Highlights:
I laid low in the month of June. About a week-and-a-half after I had completed radiation I experienced some unpleasant side effects, including mucus discharge and large areas of exposed skin. My chemo oncologist, Dr. Tarakandirwa prescribed an antibiotic for me. This helped the healing process immensely.
June Highlights:
I laid low in the month of June. About a week-and-a-half after I had completed radiation I experienced some unpleasant side effects, including mucus discharge and large areas of exposed skin. My chemo oncologist, Dr. Tarakandirwa prescribed an antibiotic for me. This helped the healing process immensely.
1. We enjoyed a trip to Peace River and spending time with Jarl, Rebecca, grandsons Spencer and Parker.
2. I enjoyed a trip with the Caroline Red Hatters on the steam train from Stettler to Big Valley. We had a superb home-cooked meal at the Hall in Big Valley and had a small amount of time to look around. I purchased some homemade fudge and bread. I was impressed by the little antique shop in Big Valley and would like to return to spend more time there. I would also like to get a picture of the blue church.
3. Helge, Madison, and I enjoyed a tour of Sanctum Retreat given by Kristoph Dobrowolksi. Sanctum Retreat was founded by Kristoph and his wife Mariette, Catholic theologians and classically-trained musicians. It is located 4km west of Caroline and offers retreats for women, men, 12-step participants, clergy, etc. (See http://www.sanctumretreat.ca/) Sanctum Retreat is looking at the possibility of building senior accommodations on their property. Seniors thrive in an environment where they are connected and feel useful. They could help out at Sanctum by watering plants, baking or helping in whatever area they have interest.
Kristoph was a delightful host. We were invited to stay for supper in the Solarium dining room. Madison played outdoors with K&M's son who is close in age to her. Kristoph gave me a CD "Lilies of the Field," a presentation of scriptures set to music. He produced it for his Mother who also had breast cancer. (I was surprised to discover that a few Caroline locals had been working at Sanctum for some time, including Carmen Kanten, the wonderful cook. Carmen was one of the first people I met when I moved to Caroline. She is a neighbour, married to Oscar Kanten. She is originally from Puerto Rico and is a beautiful person inside and out. She lost her lower leg to cancer at the age of 15. This has not held her back in any way. She radiates beauty and joy!!)
July Highlights:
1. Madison, our granddaughter spending weekdays with us.
2. Canada Day: Pancake breakfast and parade in Spruce View. Visit to the Wildlife Museum in Sundre (recommended by John Stone.) Beef-on-a-bun and anniversary cake for supper followed by live entertainment (magician and comedian) to celebrate 100 years since opening of Sundre Post Office.
3. BBQ/Potluck at Carolyn and Charles Reum's. Charles' brother was visiting from the U.S. It was great to see Jana, Leilani, and Malia who were home for the occasion.
4. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Aeblskiver Days at the Danish Canadian National Museum near Spruce View.
5. I enjoyed Friday afternoon tea (July 10th) with Pat, Judy, and Barb at the Innisfail Historical Society.
6. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith at the Grandview Stage Resort. Opening act was by the very enjoyable Ginn Sisters who also sing back-up for Fred.
7. My friend Judie and I attended performance of the Australian Group Jetty Road at Grandview Stage Resort. I did not enjoy this concert as much as I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith. The sound mixing was not well done so it was often difficult to hear the voices. In addition, the two female singers were twins so there was little variation in vocal sound. Nevertheless, all were skilled musicians as well as vocalists.
8. Aina, Madison, and I attended a baby shower for niece Vanessa and new baby Genesis Faith, held at niece Melanie's home in Edmonton.
9. Kingman 100-year Reunion: My sister Alice reunited with a former boyfriend, Bill Hafner. It is exciting to share in her joy!! Alfie Myrhe, recalling the influence of the Baptist Bible Camp on his youth, played some old-time gosped tunes on his violin at the Sunday morning service. He also played "Danny Boy" in tribute to my Dad. I was not the only one wiping tears from my eyes!!
10. On a sad note, my Uncle Des passed away in July. He was a gentle spirit with a delightful sense of humour. He was widely read and could converse on a large range of topics.
August Highlights:
1. Two weeks in Quebec with sister Alice and her friend Linda. Another posting for this....
2. Madison spending last two weeks of August with us. She did a week of swimming lessons in Sundre last week (level 3.) She did not pass this level yet but hopefully gained confidence.
3. An afternoon visit from Grandson Spencer who was spending a week or so at the Lenz's, maternal grandparents.
4. Shilo School 100-year Anniversary. Excellent potluck and campfire music with Frank, Dick, and Jo Foesier, Bob Hall, and Merv Taylor.
5. Arrival of replica of Viking ship and Viking reenactment of dress and battles at Danish Canadian Museum in Spruce View.
6. Awareness (through CKUA) of music of Willy DeVille who recently passed.
July Highlights:
1. Madison, our granddaughter spending weekdays with us.
2. Canada Day: Pancake breakfast and parade in Spruce View. Visit to the Wildlife Museum in Sundre (recommended by John Stone.) Beef-on-a-bun and anniversary cake for supper followed by live entertainment (magician and comedian) to celebrate 100 years since opening of Sundre Post Office.
3. BBQ/Potluck at Carolyn and Charles Reum's. Charles' brother was visiting from the U.S. It was great to see Jana, Leilani, and Malia who were home for the occasion.
4. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Aeblskiver Days at the Danish Canadian National Museum near Spruce View.
5. I enjoyed Friday afternoon tea (July 10th) with Pat, Judy, and Barb at the Innisfail Historical Society.
6. Helge, Madison and I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith at the Grandview Stage Resort. Opening act was by the very enjoyable Ginn Sisters who also sing back-up for Fred.
7. My friend Judie and I attended performance of the Australian Group Jetty Road at Grandview Stage Resort. I did not enjoy this concert as much as I enjoyed Fred Eaglesmith. The sound mixing was not well done so it was often difficult to hear the voices. In addition, the two female singers were twins so there was little variation in vocal sound. Nevertheless, all were skilled musicians as well as vocalists.
8. Aina, Madison, and I attended a baby shower for niece Vanessa and new baby Genesis Faith, held at niece Melanie's home in Edmonton.
9. Kingman 100-year Reunion: My sister Alice reunited with a former boyfriend, Bill Hafner. It is exciting to share in her joy!! Alfie Myrhe, recalling the influence of the Baptist Bible Camp on his youth, played some old-time gosped tunes on his violin at the Sunday morning service. He also played "Danny Boy" in tribute to my Dad. I was not the only one wiping tears from my eyes!!
10. On a sad note, my Uncle Des passed away in July. He was a gentle spirit with a delightful sense of humour. He was widely read and could converse on a large range of topics.
August Highlights:
1. Two weeks in Quebec with sister Alice and her friend Linda. Another posting for this....
2. Madison spending last two weeks of August with us. She did a week of swimming lessons in Sundre last week (level 3.) She did not pass this level yet but hopefully gained confidence.
3. An afternoon visit from Grandson Spencer who was spending a week or so at the Lenz's, maternal grandparents.
4. Shilo School 100-year Anniversary. Excellent potluck and campfire music with Frank, Dick, and Jo Foesier, Bob Hall, and Merv Taylor.
5. Arrival of replica of Viking ship and Viking reenactment of dress and battles at Danish Canadian Museum in Spruce View.
6. Awareness (through CKUA) of music of Willy DeVille who recently passed.
NOTE: I would have like to have arranged my photos creatively throughout the text but am having difficulty with that process. I cannot get my 'cut and paste' to function in the blogger, and am not sure why. I've done it successfully before. Have I forgotten the process or do I need a new computer?!!
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