Sept 14 - 19 Getting ready to leave and party time!

Sep 14
It's exciting and a little scary but we are doing the final organize and cleanup at Pineridge before we leave for the winter. Certainly normal feelings I think. Looking forward to traveling though. We have worked hard to get here. 
Leslie worked on some yard stuff, pulling solar lights etc. I worked on garage and shed and finished  putting stuff in the storage in the trailer for the road. It took most of the day and then we went inside to pack for overnight in Edmonton tomorrow. 
Sep 15
We woke up and outside it is snowing! Big wet flakes coming down hard. Yep, it's time to head south alright. We are driving to Edmonton today to visit some people and say "see ya later" and then spend the night at Ryan's and maybe a few drinks and games.

Just lovely !!

First stop today is Leslie's sister Lorin's house. Smoky is settling in real well there. Actually better than well. He is super happy. He has heated cat beds, great food and he's sporting a new haircut. It's getting better for Lorin too because her cat Gizmo and Smoky are getting along so much better. She just wishes Smoky would sleep all night in the house lol. She gets woken up every night and he wants out for a bit but then scratches to get back in! Thank you Lorin :) We had a nice visit with Lorin and gave her big hugs to say good by. We might see her down south around Christmas. We'll see how that goes. Our bad. No pictures at Lorins.
Next stop is Howard and Chris Faust house. If you remember they live in Edmonton but have a cottage in Bonnyville and that's where we became friends.

Howard, Leslie & Chris

We stayed for a little while and had a real nice chat. Hope you two have a nice warm winter. Now that Howard is feeling better I'm sure he will be out this winter clearing snow for the older folks!! He got a letter from city council a couple years ago for clearing snow on his block with his snowblower. He's a "snow angel" haha. He's no angel, right Chris? Also their daughter Kerry stopped by with their grand daughter Natasha from BC. Real nice to see them too. Tasha is full grown now and moving into the working world. Also while we we there, Margaret must have twisted wrong earlier in the day and had hurt her back. Leslie mentioned in passing that we had anti-inflammatory pills in the rig but that is an hour away. One call to Kerry and she came back to Howard's and gave us a pain pill from her dogs supply! Thanks Kerry! Margaret felt better fairly quickly. So awesome of her.Again some hugs and handshakes and we were off to Ryan's.  See you guys in the spring!

We had a nice supper at Ryan's and got out a new pack of cards for Cards Against Humanity. For those that haven't played the game let's just say it's not for younger kids. Definitely is rated R but I actually like playing it. It's a game you can play and still have great conversations and tons of laughs.

Me, Sam, Ashtyn, Ryan & Jess (Leslie's niece)

Leslie & Taco, Margaret (pain meds) Sam & Kirby

We played the game way past our bedtime and had a few drinks. Of course we added a couple shots of Jameson just for fun. I blame Sam for that lol. Actually we were fairly well behaved. I still have that half marathon coming up and getting way out of hand is not on the training plan. Big hugs to Jess when she was ready to go home but we'll see everyone else in the morning.

Sep 16

We had agreed to meet at XIX (19) a restaurant in southwest Edmonton. It's a nice place and they have a really good Sunday brunch menu. The cinnamon bun Ryan ordered was enough for all of us to enjoy and, OMG, was it good! We all had a real good breakfast and were ready to get going with our day. 

Ryan, Leslie, me and Sam

Outside the restaurant it was time to say good by to the kids and well that went good, sort of. Let's just say Leslie is really going to miss her kids. So with a few tears and big hugs and handshakes we said so long for winter. Miss you guys, maybe see you down south at some point this winter...hint, hint.

Leslie and I went to Princess Auto for some stuff and then for groceries in Spruce Grove. Back at the rig Leslie unpacked the groceries and I drove to Tomahawk for propane. It's been below freezing at night and we're using a 30 pound bottle every 4-5 days. 

Sep17

I tried to switch to the bike rack that we got from Barry & Ailsa but the extension I bought is too long and they don't have a shorter one. Last minute changes not working. I switched back to our old one for this winter and I'll get the better one mounted in spring. Leslie is doing a kitchen day today. She is making pasta sauce for the Ultra power pasta in Golden and a batch of split pea & ham soup in the Instant Pot.

2 pots of sauce, spicy sausage and regular

We needed to drop a box of stuff at Lorin's house that we forgot before so I combined that with a second trip to Princess Auto to return the extension. It's still a mix of rain and snow outside so it's a good day for a drive. We enjoyed a really good bowl of soup and toast for supper and relaxed.

Sep 18

Finally it's not snowing and there is actually a little sunshine! We started out with taking Margaret for a nice long walk around PGR. It's almost 4k for a round trip. We all needed a good walk after all the snow and being inside quite a bit.

Actual sunshine!

Back at the prep! Leslie is doing laundry and cleaning and I am taking the Mustang to the car wash in Wabuman. Also I'm taking the bottles back, need to find the bottle depot in Wabuman?? Got that done and back to PGR to vacuum and clean the interior of the car. Out with the floor jack and the car on blocks and add the cover.

Ready for a sleep lol.

We teamed up to cover the picnic table and a couple more things but we think we're ready. Phew, let's have beverage and relax for our last night shall we?

Not a chance it will blow off!

Sep 19

We both woke up a little early. We're excited to get started on this adventure we have chosen. So we had a nice breakfast and vacuumed, washed floors in the rig. I flushed the black tank and shut off all the breakers at our site. Bring in the slides for the last time in PGR this year. Back in and hook up and we can hit the road!!

Slides in and ready!

We plan to drive to Lake Louise in Banff National Park and stay there for one night. It's only about a 4 hour trip and will leave us about an hour to Golden on Thursday. It's a beautiful sunny day, great for traveling in the fall colours. We chose highway 22 south to highway 11, west to 93 and south again to Trans Canada #1. Should be spectacular! Hope the pics do it justice.

Happy travellers.

Looking south on 22

Jackfish Lake

West on 11 towards the Rockies, fresh snow!

Hwy 93 traffic stop!

Glacier water on hwy 93 what a day!

We pulled into the Park campground and waited in line to get a site. September 19 and it's lined up for spots, I didn't think it would be?

When we got to the window the park ranger informed us that they have no potable water but the dump station works. It seems their pipes froze with the sudden cold snap so they shut off the water. Good thing we have some water in the tank for tonight! Oh and they just found out that the power will be shut off from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. That's great! What's next?? You are sending someone out to take away my beer? lol. We were in town when the power went out but the liquor store let us pay cash for a bottle of wine. So many people in town and the campground was almost full. WTH?? We retreated to the rig and took Margaret for a great walk around the park then just relaxed with a glass of wine and supper.

Omg she stuck her tongue in your mouth!

First day on the road and it's pretty good. We're off to Golden BC tomorrow and meeting up with Ailsa & Barry and more of Ailsa's family for a fantastic weekend at the Golden Ultra! My first attempt at a trail half marathon! They increased the distance to 23 km's this year from 20, isn't that just great. Next post.

Sept 6 - 13 Finish that never ending garage project!

Sept 6
Before I get too far into this post, I got a message from Blaine, a fella I worked with before I retired. He won the lawn mower races at Mudfest Bonnyville for the 3rd year in a row!! Way to go Blainer! Lots of work goes into that mower and it doesn't actually mow the grass lol.

Blaine & Rachel with the first place trophy!!

Okay, back to our regular programming. We snapped some pics of the yard before we pulled out. We worked hard and it looks good. Gonna miss the acreage for sure.

Looking east from our yard

Looking south from our fence

We are going through town and out to Paul & Diana's place before we head for PGR. This will be the last chance to see them before we head south for the winter. Leslie texted Denise too but she is over at Ashley's babysitting the great grandkids and we'll be gone before they are done. See you in spring Gramma & Grandpa (aka Denise & Alan) We had a brief but nice visit with Paul & Di. Paul is still having some crazy pain and he wanted to go lie down after a while. It's sad to watch him go through this for so long and it's not easy for Di by any stretch. They are both just tired. Love you guys and hope things change for the better very soon.
Back on the road. We are stopping in St. Albert at Barry & Ailsa's to pick up a bike rack for the trailer. Fall is a beautiful time in northern Alberta with the grain ripe and leaves turning. The drive was really nice but I think I picked one of the roughest roads in the north. Need to watch how we open the cupboards.

Harvest time

Tornado damage from earlier in the summer, brutal!

Crossing the North Saskatchewan River

We arrived at Barry & Ailsa's a little earlier than expected and they are still out running errands. No worries. We can take Margaret for a walk in their beauty neighbourhood.

Across the street

Looking back at their house behind the rig

Ailsa invited us for dinner as she is making a large pork roast and there will be plenty for all of us. We had a couple beers and after being invited we decided to sleep over. By the time we have dinner and a visit it would be dark trying to back in to our site at PGR.

Dessert, wine and good friends

We had a really nice evening chatting with a moderate amount of wine ;) and then called it a night. Ailsa has an early appointment so we'll have coffee with Barry in the morning.

Sep 7

After coffee and breakfast we loaded the bike rack in the truck and as we were getting ready to leave Ailsa got back from her appointment. Just in time for a hug and we said god bye and thanks for a great night. Probably won't see them again until the race in Golden because they are going back up north to work. 

We got back to PGR and settled in. We're driving back to Wabuman Lake Provincial park for a trail run. I need some practice and get some longer runs in before Golden. We parked and got ready to go. Had to look at the map because we've never been for a run here before.

single track, perfect

double track service road, okay

Leslie and Margaret got in 4k and waited for me while I managed about 12k. I shut off my tracker for a bit while I took pics and forgot to restart so I'm guessing on 12k. Back to the rig for showers and relax for the night.

Sep 8

The garage door trim is in at Woodland Lumber so we are going there and then we can finish the front siding. Finally. While there I found out the garage door is also in but will need to get that delivered. My trailer isn't here and I have the hitch in the truck, tough to haul a 14 foot door. Back to PGR and get going on the siding. While driving, Sam texted that she was coming out for a visit. Yayy free help!

Sam, so "exsiding" doing siding lol

I had a couple cuts to do for the light fixtures and receptacle on the front while Sam & Leslie put up the pieces. While we were working Leslie called from where we had the saw set up to come and see something. She was pretty excited so we hurried over...

Grazing sheep in our yard!

Now this is a first. After the initial shock we remembered that the neighbour across the road from the resort has sheep. Me thinks they escaped to greener pastures! Namely the 8th hole and green of Pineridge Golf Resort lol. With help from the ladies next door Leslie herded the sheep over by the gate. When a truck drove in the sheep decided to leave and took off to the 9th tee. Fun to watch. The owner arrived quickly and by the time he got close to them they had found a hole in the fence and ran home themselves. Well that was fun but back to work everybody.

We did what we could on the siding and stopped for supper. Sam is staying over tonight for a nice visit! Awesome. With limited TV channels we decided to watch a movie. The one Leslie & Sam picked..... Dirty Dancing. It's Leslie's fave movie and Sam hasn't seen it. Of course I have several times and it's not my fave by any stretch but democracy rules. We enjoyed pie and ice cream and watched the movie. 

Sep 9

We slept in a bit and then got going with our day. Sam had an appointment in Edmonton and she left after big hugs by about 11am. My nephew Graham had texted he was bringing the kids out to say good bye because it will likely be the last chance before we go. He arrived about 12:30. Off to the new playground by the tennis courts to blow off some road stink.

Nice walk to the playground

Katelyn on the swing

Rylan piloting the plane

After a fun time at the park we walked back to our site and got a fire going for hot dogs. A nice lunch with hot dogs, ice cream and fresh berries. They left after big hugs around 4 pm and Leslie and I cleaned up a little and back outside to finish the siding. Well I won't write what I said when we got to the top and realized I don't have enough siding !!! We are short 2 pieces and it's a custom order. Oh shoot right? I called the lumber yard and we can drive to the southeast part of Edmonton and pick up 2 pieces tomorrow. That's good but 2 hours round trip for 2 pieces. Oh rats (insert your favourite words). We switched tasks and installed the solar lights by the man door inside and out and called it a day. Off to Edmonton in the morning.

Sep 10

It's cold and pouring rain outside. Great day for a drive to Edmonton. We picked up the 2 pieces of siding in Edmonton and drove back to Stony Plain for groceries etc. Make the trip count we figure. There is a new Sorrentino's Italian restaurant just opened in Stony Plain and we want to find it. Sorrentino's is really good food and we have been to 2 other locations in Edmonton and St Albert. We were there for an early supper and lucked out with happy hour beverages and 20% off certain menu items. Score ! They did not disappoint, excellent meal. Afterwards we drove home to do laundry and get Leslie packed for a trip back to B'ville for work! Yes, she's working a couple shifts as a temporary. Yay! She gets paid lol.

Sep 11

Leslie left for B'ville about 11 am. I grabbed the 2 new pieces of siding and got to work. Angle cuts on both edges so I can't mess up or it's another trip. I measured twice and cut once and it all worked out.

Last piece of siding finally!

I did a big cleanup and loaded the truck for a dump run. Once back to Pineridge I just relaxed and went for a walk with Margaret. 

Meanwhile in Leslie's world.... she arrived in B'ville and picked up some groceries for at work and home. She's staying in the spare room at the house with Derek & Devan. They're working dayshift too so it's not much trouble. Eat, sleep work basically.

Is it finally my turn Dave?? lol Hi, it's Leslie. As Dave said I made it to Bonnyville and got settled in by 4:30 pm. A few of the girls from work are getting together for a lasagna dinner at Lindsey's. She is on maternity leave right now and was kind enough to host. It was great to get to see everyone for a nice visit and supper was awesome.

Rena and Lindsey

Amber

Lindsey and Marlene

Shelby was there too but somehow I missed getting a pic. I'll see her at work on Thursday :) After a very nice evening it was time for this girl to get some sleep. I haven't "worked" for 4 months.  

Sept. 12

I have to admit I'm a bit nervous when I get to work. I manage to update all my passwords without any trouble and by the time the first patient arrives it all comes back immediately. Too easy! The only major surprise was...

Anne...what did you do??

Anne, who has been covering the supervisor duties while Di is off looking after Paul, had an incident with stairs of her 5th wheel trailer. Just 5 fractures...ooops! The work day was just the right amount of busy and I got home feeling pretty good. Tomorrow is our Orthopaedic Clinic day so it should be very busy. I better rest up.

Oh soaker tub I have missed you so. I love you, my bubbles.

After my tub I made myself some dinner and watched a little Netflix. Derek and Devan got home around 7:30 and went to do a work out in our former garage/ their new gym.

Meanwhile, back at PGR...

SNOW!!!

Dave woke up to a light dusting and no-one was impressed. We had arranged for a guy to come install our garage door and I bet he's not too thrilled either. At least it's not the four inches they called for...yet. Dave finally texted me the picture I've been waiting to see since July.

Don't tease me!!!

Yay!!! A fully lockable garage. So beautiful I'm tearing up...lol

Sept. 13

I got up plenty early to pack up all my gear and get ready for work and what do I see? Snow! In Bonnyville! All over my Mustang (which does not have a snow brush in it as this car never sees snow!) Ggggrrrr. This is why we have decided to hit the road south for the winters. I head to work and hope the weather gets better by the time my shift ends. I must tell you, working when you want to vs. when you have to is really fun. I actually had a great time! Making a few bucks doesn't hurt either.

Matthew, Amber, Shelby and me taking a break.

Goofballs! lol

In the afternoon one of our other techs popped in to say hi even though it was her day off.

Another baby to snuggle!! Me and Mallorie

Thanks so much for coming in. It was great to see you! At the end of my day I was eager to get on the road to get home before dark. There was lots of hugs and a couple tears with Shelby as she is moving back to Ontario in October so my chances of seeing her again are less likely. Shelby, you are an awesome lady and a great tech. I'm so glad I got to know you.

The drive home was pretty sketchy in places, with wet snow/sleet, then dry for a bit back and forth. I made it safely home in about four hours and parked my poor Mustang. No more winter driving for my baby!! Dave had a nice dinner ready when I got there so we ate supper together, nice! A glass of wine and a little chat and that's it. Lights out.