On Canada Day this year, I flew with my daughter to Regina, Saskatchewan to see family and friends. I left my little dog Alvin in the more than capable hands of my son-in-law ( I know he loves him as much as I do). This was the first time that I have left Alvin for more than one day. So it was hard but a good thing for us both. I must tell you all, really having Alvin is like having a little child once again. You want to leave them and you do not want to leave them. What a quandary! Alvin had his “cousins” or “niece and nephew” ??? to play with ….. that is Elton and Penny. I cannot think of what they are to each other but I do know they are friends. Back to the trip. We left Edmonton pretty much on time. Which is a good thing. I was happy to see that we didn’t have to remove our footwear and put on those “blue hospital slipper things” …… My best friend Linda picked us up at the airport. When we opened the door to leave the airport in Regina we were hit by the hot humid air. WOW. We went back to Linda’s house and relaxed. After supper that night Amanda went to visit some of her friends. It was a quick trip so we did not have time to see everyone and for that I apologize. Next trip. Linda and I went for a walk to a nearby Second Cup Coffee Shop to have coffee and found it closed. I guess we should not have been surprised as it was Canada Day after all. But we had a wonderful walk taking in my old neighbourhood and getting some exercise so that was great. Later that evening, the wind got up, lightning bolts bombarded the air and the thunder roared and it RAINED. There were tornado watches or warnings out (I do not remember which means what, possibly you might blow away or run for cover). We survived the night, thank goodness.
On our second day, Amanda and I walked to my nephew Troy’s house. When I lived in Regina it was about a ten minute walk so tack on a couple of minutes extra from Linda’s house. We were excited to walk by our old apartment building and the lake across the street. About five minutes away from Linda’s we realized that perhaps we should have called Troy to come, and get us as it was HOT AND HUMID. But of course, as strong and determined and STUBBORN women we didn’t call we just kept going. I guess if Amanda wasn’t carrying her backpack with her camera & equipment and purse and I wasn’t carrying my purse and extra bag with presents for the kids, it might have been cooler. Oh well. A bit of sweating, er I mean perspiring (LOL) never hurt anyone. We arrived. So happy to see see Troy, his wife Sara and the little ones, almost five year old Azlin and baby Zane (8 months). Oh my gosh, you could just eat those boys with a spoon. So cute and so much fun. I threatened to take the boys home to Edmonton with me. We had a fun day with them. Started with coffee and visit, then went for lunch and then drove to check out some properties outside of town. Oh my, some of the yards so beautiful. When we got back to their house – Troy found out that he had to leave for work (a day earlier than he expected). A last minute decision found Amanda and I at the theatre with Azlin watching “Toy Story 3” ….. it was such a great movie. I was in tears. If you haven’t seen it – take your family to see it. It has something for every age. Very well done. Sara and baby Zane picked us up at the theatre and then took us back to Linda’s. There appeared to be a storm brewing. Winds got up but luckily never amounted to anything. We had such a wonderful time. I even managed to get a short play in with Azlin. I miss our time together.
On Saturday, the temperature was a bit cooler so that was a good start. My sister Cindy picked us up from Linda’s and we went to her house. Joined by my niece Dara, her “hubby” Geoff and daughter Selena. We had coffee (a must). We girls hit the playground which is across the street to do some swinging and take some photos. Such a nice day. We had a great visit. Supper was a barbecue (Geoff made us veggie burgers on the grill) and it was so yummy. Enjoyed by one and all. Cindy has been doing some stuff around the yard, too. They took out a tree. It wasn’t your average tree, either. It was HUGE. In the middle of painting the garage. Looks great. Also Cindy has some beautiful flowers. Later that evening Sara and the boys came over. We played some games and visited. It was close to midnight when we returned to Linda’s. Tired but happy.
Then it was Sunday and we were leaving to go back to Edmonton. Linda made breakfast and her daughters Kadie & Melissa and grand-daughter Abi joined us. We had a great visit. It was a warm morning as we had coffee on the deck. Linda dropped us off at Cindy’s on their way to the RCMP Open House. We had a nice lunch and then back to the airport. A whirlwind weekend but a great time. So many wonderful memories.
No matter how many days you have with family and friends it always seems too short. Both Amanda and I are grateful for the time that we did get to spend with them. The little kids were glorious. All so cute and awesome. I miss my dear friend Linda, my sister Cindy and all of the family (you know who you are).
Hard to believe that we have been home one week tomorrow already. Where does the time go?
Thank you to everyone for making our stay in Regina so awesome. We love you guys……..
My New Life @ 51 