Finally Summer

I am sure that every year it feels like 'thank goodness summer is here', but I am certainly feeling it this year.

We finished school yesterday, June 30th.

Don't get me wrong....this was  a great group of students to work with during this Pandemic teaching year. They were cooperative for protocols, they adapted to the multiple switches we had to make during the year, and they were fun to work with.

It was just  an incredibly draining year. Not one big thing (covid aside) but just that ongoing grind of restrictions and constantly trying to find new ways to make learning successful for the students. 

Staff were grumpy amongst themselves and policy changes were misplaced during such a tough year.

We were fortunate in my class to have in person learning all but two weeks for the year. It's a big building and there were many classes (and staff) who had to do multiple self isolations due to close contacts.

It was a year of creativity and relying on each other more than usual to find ways to make things work.

It was a way of steep technological learning.

I worked with students whose parents had never stepped foot in the building, or met me in person. It took a lot of trust for them to do that, so I worked hard at staying more connected that ever.

I am grateful for time to stop and rest and breathe. I am not looking for any WOW travel experiences this summer. Just incredibly grateful for a chance to recharge and destress.

Our Trip to Florida

It's definitely a state I have never been. Honestly it wasn't high on my list of states to go to...probably not in my top 10.  I am not a beach girl. I am not a hot weather girl. I am not a big crowd girl.

But Florida is the home of DS1 currently and we planned our trip down to coincide with a weekend where he plays 3 games at home. This is rare for his team.

It's definitely a long way from the prairies of SK but he seems to have adapted well. He drove down, weaving his way through Minnesota, to visit his college roommate and his new wife. He didn't get a chance to visit his US mama and she was definitely disappointed. Then we drove through Wisconsin, Illinois, and made his way down to Nashville. The Minnesota Wild was there playing, and one of his friends plays for that team. They had a quick reunion.

Then onwards down to the panhandle of Florida, where he met the team owner, manager and was shown to his new place, just a stone's throw from the Gulf of Mexico.

There are definitely some covid concerns as we headed down. We flew through Minneapolis where there were no masks to be seen. Then onwards to Atlanta. Lordy that's a big airport. It was surprisingly easy to find our way to the shuttle and figure out what terminal we were in. You could definitely feel the humidity and heat in the air It was a long layover.

We arrived in Florida just after 7 PM. DS was waiting in long term parking. It was so good to see him after 5 months. He always looks so comfortably at home no matter where in the world he is living.

After a quick supper, we started to our hotel. We had been up and travelling for 18 hours. It was a pretty drive through the city and then we headed towards our hotel. He lived on the beach so we travelled across a really long bridge, and then a shorter toll bridge to his island, where our hotel also was.

I am so glad we booked a Gulf Facing room. There is nothing quite like opening up your balcony and seeing the Gulf (though it was getting dark) and hearing those waves. It was a beautiful feeling. We sat there and visited for about an hour then he left to go home.

We had lots of long walk on the beach. It was super windy and during one of them it started to rain. Most of the time there were very few people on the beach. Just those silly Canadians. For the rest it was probably too cold.

His beach community is mostly hotels, condos, beach houses and restaurants. Definitely a tourist area. But since it was off season, things were fairly cheap, especially for accommodations.

He left us his vehicle so we could drive about and see more of the area.

His arena was nice, but it is definitely weird being in a rink where so few people really understood hockey. Most have never been on ice themselves. There was a lot of spectacle - smoke show and laser beams and all that jazz. A few other parents were down as well - from New York, from Michigan, from New Jersey and another family from Saskatchewan so we got to visit a bit. It's amazing that we knew people in common from the hockey world.

We did a lot of beach restaurants, which was ironic since I am NOT a fan of seafood. DS took us to one of the sponsor restaurants, which was definitely most costly. Thankfully he got things at half price. Definitely a place you tip well. Interestingly, there are no restaurants open after 10 PM, which is  a pain if we wanted to go somewhere after his games. Not even fast food restaurants. The only one open was called Whataburger, which reminded me of a Mc Ds.

We visited his condo and he took us for a drive on the Scenic Route, which is so very narrow and sand dunes everywhere.

The trip home was definitely more hurried. A quick flight to Atlanta and a rush to get to the proper terminal and gate. Starting to see masks. Getting off in Toronto - masks and gloves everywhere. This is probably one of the poorest labelled airports and stressful for someone who doesn't know where they are going. A short layover didn't help. It was a lot of run run look look swear run and we got to the gate 5 minutes before boarding was done.

The flight back to Saskatoon felt like forever.

For me, this was the best Florida trip possible. Low temps. Low crowds. Our own pace. Lots of sit and relax and read and walk time.

Our trip to Europe

It's amazing how fast time can go for something you were looking forward to for so long.

We spent a week in France visiting my son and his girlfriend.

I was worried going into it that I was not healthy enough for the trip. In some ways I was right and in others less so.

The travelling part was not my favourite. It was a long journey. Plane 2.5 hours. Plane 7.5 hours. Plane 2 hours. Train 5 hours. And all the joyous little in betweens. We managed each leg of our journey successfully but boy there were some fast runs through unfamiliar airports. Toronto we ran at breakneck speed and barely made it to the gate in time to board. Frankfurt was the same but add in a customs check and a security check. The train station was a big jump. Figuring out how to get there from the airport, how to buy the correct tickets and find the right track. Made a little tougher by the fact that they changed trains/tracks on us at the last minute. We barely made it to the correct train and got the last 3 seats on a jammed ride.

The train station

When we arrived at our destination we had been up and travelling for about 32 hours. It was a quick walk to my son's apartment and we visited for about an hour before I fell asleep for the night.

Once there, things were pretty good. Such amazing countryside. All those mountains are quite the site for a prairie girl. They do not have a vehicle there, so everywhere we went we walked and I swear it was all uphill. That along with a weak mama and the altitude had me huffing and puffing a lot. It did get a bit easier so that was a bonus.

This is the view out their living room window. Gorgeous sunsets.

It was fun to see all the little ways their everyday lives have changed. Different kind of kitchen, washing machine ( no dryer), the currency, shopping and carrying everything home etc.

We cooked at home for four of the nights and ate out the others. DS was glad for some mom made food, but equally excited to show us dining out in France.

raclette. a big chunk of cheese that melts under the warmers and goes with a charcuterie tray of meats,veggies and bread.

We stayed mostly local when we were there as his work schedule cut the day in  half and didn't give a ton of time to go to too many communities around. This is a big ski area so the tourist areas were dedicated to that lifestyle and it was a 2 week break for students so there were a lot of people everywhere.

DS had an outdoor game up the mountain about 20 min from his home town. They originally thought it was a scrimmage but then realized once they were there that a pick up game was planned by the other town with former players from the region. We hadn't gone with him so unfortunately we missed that.

One of the team sponsors gave us free passes for the gondola to go up the mountain (20 euros each). We spent the good part of a day enjoying the scenery up there, watching all the skiers, hearing the different languages etc. The brothers took off for a little bit, climbing up a mountain (when we were already at what I thought was the top). The checked out a big memorial cross for a climber, saw quite a few ancient burial mounds and talked with a parachute skier as he was getting ready to go for a jump/ski.

We went halfway down the mountain to the restaurant that the sponsor owns. The weather was amazing …. 16 to 19C so we enjoyed some wine and food out on the patio sitting in the bright and warm sunlight.

We took a trip up to the old town one day. The hill was insane getting up to the top. I have no clue how invading armies would have managed, but they did as it was a big military fort in the 1700s and then again during WWI and WWII. I had to stop several times on the way up to try to breath and then started to hyperventilate. Ahh to be young and strong with good lungs. The area up there is now residential and a tourist area. Lots of tiny little shops tucked into the interior walls of the old fort. Jewelery, clothing, teas, gelatos, crystals etc. We had a great outdoor lunch up there and enjoyed the sunlight.

Our last night there DS played his game. The hockey is very different there, far less aggressive and DS is having a tough time adapting to it. The refs hate all the Canadians and penalize them every chance they get.  Makes it very frustrating. After four years in college hockey where the family was such a big part of the team and so welcomed, it felt very odd not having anyone say hi or welcome to France etc.

On the trip home I got sick on the long flight to Calgary. 9.5 hours of sinus migraine. It didn't get better during the four hour layover or the last flight to SK. I was very glad to be home and done with the travelling part.

The trip made me realize how much I miss DS. I am proud of him and his gf for the life they are adapting to so well there. She definitely is ready for home. She's never been more than 3 weeks away from her family so this past 7 months has been a big challenge.

I can't wait until they are home again.

I am glad that we chose to not celebrate the gift part of Christmas this year and directed that money towards the trip. At the time I really struggled with it but now I sure appreciate it.

The biggest expenses were the flights, the train tickets and the suppers out.

Summer To Do List

Summer is definitely a time to rest and relax.

It's also a time to do all the things that have been pushed off all school year and need to get done.

Here's my list. Only a little has to do with money to be honest.

• Rest
• Read
• Walk
• Weight Watchers (hoping for 12 pounds over the summer)
• Spend  a LOT of time with dad
• $400 snowflakes
• Passport - my passport expires in Oct but who has time in October to do that? So I will do it over the summer. Which meant I needed to do my pics and documents at the end of June so that my witnesses/references were actually around
• Infusion x 3 (regularly scheduled)
• Specialist appointment in the city
• Get DS to the accountant to figure out what we will need to do for Tax season for 2018 year when he moves /is employed in Europe
• Get DS to bank to decide what to do with his account here and get advice for Credit Card and Banking in  Europe
• Book DS's flight
• Dentist - cleaning
• Mammogram - weird things happening and I want to find out if there is anything to worry about
• Mole excision - That's how mom's cancer started. I want my two guys gone (and checked)
• Garage Sale
• Meet at Bank to do this year's RRSP contribution
• Meet at Bank to add this year's TSFA contribution
• Call cemetery to be sure the spots we have for mom's ashes (and dad's when it's time) is still there
• Do mom's memorial for the newspaper since no one else stepped up
• Monitor the price of Euros (I think we're screwed)
• Come up with a new budget. Our district is moving to pay twice a month after 24 years of once a month. I am not thrilled. I have a great rhythm going with once a month
• Find a new binge on Netflix for my down moments
• Clean out mom's things when dad is ready
• At least 20 large garbage bags out of my house (donate/garage sale/recycle/toss)
• Head to toe house cleaning
• 'spring' clean mom's house. She would be twitching at the dust and windows
• Lunch with High School friends
• Bake, bake, bake. I seem to have taken over mom's role there for the family. I am nowhere near as good as she was
• Gather mom's recipes together in a word document to share with the family. 
• Decide on a tattoo. One of my friends at work had something in her grandmother's writing tattoed on her arm and I think that's what I am going for. Now to see what I have in mom's writing.
• Pedicure x 2 (I have 2 gift certificates so why not)
• Perm - yeah I'm one of those who needs that for her sad sad flat hair.
• Skin Care Routine - colleagues gave me a 3 month supply of a lovely smelling product line. Might as well use it.
• Memory book - I haven't ever done one of those online photo albums. I want to do one for DS for all his college hockey time as a gift for him. Not sure how to get newspaper articles in there. I don't have any fancy software programs
• Cancel DS1's vehicle package policy since the vehicle will be parked while he is gone.

I will undoubtedly add to this list as things come to me. Nothing thus far is school related. woo hoo.

End of the school year

There were times when I didn't know if I would make it.

There were times when I wondered if my parents would be alive at the end of the school year.

I looked forward to this day for a long while....just something to keep working towards so that I could just..................... be.

It was a tough year with student deaths and a lot of chaos at work.

It was a long 6 month C journey with mom and a long month after she was gone.

I pushed aside grieving to get through the end of the school year.

And now it's here.

Time to rest.

Time to think.

Time to pray and heal.

Time to be with dad.

Time to declutter and take care of a very neglected house and a very neglected me.

I laid down for a moment when I got home and I literally was asleep in under 60 seconds.

It's that kind of tired.

Flights booked

DS1 finally got his Christmas release and due back by dates from college.   He is home earlier than usual by a week. This is because he has to be back early. They fly to the East Coast to play one of the Ivy league schools before New Year's.

I booked his flight back to the US first as it was the first date I had. Christmas Day. Flights are super expensive that day and the itineraries are not fun. It cost $900 for a one way ticket back for him. This is with a 6 hour layover. One stop in the middle.

There was a flight that was $100 ish cheaper but it had 2 stops with two long layovers.  Would have taken him 16 hours to get home. Can almost drive it in that. DS also pointed out that they more flight changes, the more possibilities of flight delays and cancellations. good point.

The flight back here to Canada was listed at $547 (Same path. always cheaper flying this way than it is going down to the US).  There were a few options there too but the price was mostly the same.  When I clicked on expedia to book it, the cost came out at $267 with taxes and protection. I checked the info over and over to be sure it was the right flight on the right date going the right way.   It was. Not sure how it changed by $300 while I was clicking but I was happy to take the savings.  (As I typed this I checked again. I seem to have a paranoia that I am reading info wrong :-)

It will be wonderful to see him and have him home, even if my Christmas Day means getting up at 2 AM to get him to the city to catch his flight.

A quiet Canada Day

Ok I am attempting this post under the 'other me' I made as admin since I am locked out of my primary yahoo email for this account.   Sure hope this works so that I don't lose my blog.


Canada Day was super quiet for me. While another me dreams of a busy one filled with activity and people, the realist in me knows that I am far from well enough to make that happen.

DH went up to the Scout camp to get our canoe we had left there. His brother is coming home from BC and borrowing it for a canoe trip on the Churchill.  6 hours of driving return trip for DH

DS1 is off to Banff with his inlaws. I think they spent Canada Day in Edmonton yesterday. The little ones are super excited to spend to get a road trip with 'uncle'. I am chuckling as I picture him keeping them amused in the vehicles, watching out for them in the parks and sharing a tent with a few of them :-)

DS2 was working for the holiday weekend. I got a text from him late Friday saying he had had to work late at the park and it was an incredibly busy enforcement day for him. I suspect Canada Day was just as bad.

My parents left to go up to the lake to spend a  week with my sister.

So it was just me and my cat for the day. I was at peace with this and enjoyed the day. I managed two lovely little walks (anything more than down the street and back is huge for me colitis-wise). It's a bit like playing Russian roulette. sorry TMI.  It felt empowering to be out and know that I am getting fresh air and exercise and that commune with nature and the community I get.

The morning started with a cup of coffee out in my yard, listening to the birds and rejoicing in the fact that I can shut my alarm off for awhile.

I spent a few panicked hours realizing the troubles that darn yahoo lock out may cause. I attempted to move my blog to a new blogger but it would not upload from the file saved on my computer.  Getting this second personality approved as admin may be the life saver I need.

I spent a delightful 2 hours outside reading with my partner in crime asleep on the chair beside me. She's  at least 13 years old so I know my time with her is less rather than more. My book wasn't the greatest but I vow to push through as rekindle my devouring and love for books. This is my current read...

I realized, when I started, it was book 3 of a series which could be why I didn't click with it as I had hoped. Ah well.

I spent an hour to the continued work of Thompson's water seal on my fence. It's amazing how it revitalizes the look of my lovely cedar fence, which was turning a bit grey.

I got two loads of laundry in and listened to it flap in the breeze while I was reading. That sound is so incredibly therapeutic. Like waves on a shoreline.

I started up my WW again thanks to a summer gift from my mom.

I enjoyed fruit, knowing I was staying close to home, in case. mmmmm I missed it.

I cleaned up a dreaded pile of clothing in my room of things that might/used to/haven't in a long time fit me clothes.  Refound 3 shirts and a pair of jean capris that now fit me, that I didn't realize. I missed those jean capris.

I curled up for the Canada Day Roughrider football game, my heart breaking at the last kick that hit the post, creating a loss. We really need a win. So cool to see the new stadium.

I topped the evening off with our community fireworks. A wonderful end to a very quiet Canada Day.

Let the summer begin

so excited for summer.

No huge plans.

Just.....renewing myself.

It was so good to come home and kick off my work clothes in glee.

It was an amazing evening. BBQ and dine outside.

The knowledge that there is nothing on the 'have to do' list for tomorrow.

And a beautiful fire in the firepit to bring on the start of summer.

Modifying summer plans

Two more weeks until school is done. Both the students AND myself are ready for a break.

My usual plan (since I started planning for summer spending) is to set aside $1000 for the odds and ends of summer fun, plus the August long weekend with my family.

This summer seems to be taking a different path and it looks as though the traditional August long won't be happening.

DS2's park ranger job has him working every weekend all summer. He gets Monday and Tuesday off instead. So he won't be able to make it.

DS1's gf has a family reunion that weekend so they will be spending it with her side of the family.

DH's brother decided to help organize a family reunion on his mother's side. I know zero of these people and they weren't exactly the warm and fuzzy type so this should be interesting.

The reunion of course is August long so that means that we will not be going to our traditional long weekend.

I am bitter sweet about this. It's the only weekend all of my sisters and their families get together and I suspect this time may be at 'the end of an era'. It's a weekend full of lots of fishing and beach time and campfires and I am sad we won't be  a part of it.

On the flip side, the weekend is costly. Three tanks of gas, the cabin rental (super pricy for around here), groceries, beverages etc. It all adds up fast and that's where the bulk of my summer money went.

The reunion is a short drive 30 min drive from here. If DH wants to tent overnight so he can visit late, we can always take separate vehicles so I can come home when my exhaustion hits. The money for this is negligible so its less expensive option.

As such, I have set aside only $500 instead of the usual $1000 for summer.

Vacationing in a big city

The bills and  charges have all come in from our trip to watch DS play hockey in Chicago.

You can definitely tell I am from a small town because the costs related to the size of the city and the transportation were a steep learning curve.

Most of my pics are personal ones and DS doesn't wish those on here so I will stick to generic.

The biggest costs for the journey was the airfare. $1800 for the two of us plus the costs associated with it. Driving to and from airport here at home  $70. Parking at airport $75. Luggage fees $120. The bonus of having colitis is that you can't eat while travelling (at least I can't) so there were no drinks or snacks or meals during all those airport ways and layovers.

One of the next biggest costs was obviously the hotel. We stayed near the airport the first night as there were no rooms in downtown C that were less than $500 US. The team and one of the moms, who works for a hotel, was able to negotiate some pretty decent group rates. We spent one night near the airport and four right on the waterfront downtown at the hotel where the families stayed. We were about 6 blocks from the team hotel so not a bad walk at all, even in the wind.  If we had had to pay the regular price for the downtown hotel it would have come to just under $2000 CAD. We paid much much much less than that.

The hotel was a modern design one. Lots of black and white and glass. This was our room. It faced a city view, which, for a small town girl, was fascinating.

This was the view from the windows by the elevator just across from our room. You can see it's on the other side and right on Lake Michigan with an upclose look at one of the beaches and the Navy Pier.

Transportation was big. Except for walking to see the boys, to the Pier, or to the restaurants close by. everything was cab. Cab from the airport hotel to the downtown hotel was 55 minutes long in what the cab driver said was medium traffic. The same journey the day before was 95 minutes during rush hour and rain, according to the very nice driver.  We could have taken the train but honestly DH was super nervous about it and our time lines were tight. Getting lost could mean missing time with the boys. One family did get lost. I hate it when DH is validated LOL.   Cabs  to the hockey arena, cabs to the meeting place before the game. Cabs to the Aquarium.  Lots of the parents Ubered. When you don't have wifi in another country, wifi isn't a possibility.

Shopping could have been an expense, but we didn't shop. I don't have a body that enjoys shopping and I don't have  a bank account to support it. That was a painless decision.

Food was another expense, even though I could only eat in certain windows to allow for...............safe long cab rides to destinations. We did two nice breakfasts, both within walking distance of the hotel.

Yolk was about four blocks away and super busy. We had to wait about 20 minutes. Really good food and lots of it. We were lucky to have a big window view point to people watch.

One of our afternoons/evenings was spent at the Navy Pier. The boys did autographs there and there was an awards presentation. There are lots of shops and restaurants along the way. During our downtime we walked there and people/ship watched.  DH was super excited about a Bubba Gump's restaurant. He loves seafood. Me...not so much. We waited there 30 min for a table in the very noisy restaurant. He was in heaven. I had a drink, some fish and chips and the best key lime pie I have ever had.

We spent $70 US going to the aquarium for admission. It was alright but crazy busy with kids everywhere. DH really enjoyed it but I found the one I saw in New Orleans so much better.

Aside from a couple T shirts for hockey and drinks with the parents that was the extent of the money expenditure.

A lot of money? yes.  Pretty sure people go to Mexico for less at all inclusives.  I guess this was my Mexico. Definitely a chance of a lifetime to experience it.

Now back to our regular programming of life.

Winter Break

Friday 3:30 brought smiles to all kinds of faces, and not just to the students.

That all too familiar bell brought the beginning of our winter break up here in my world.

A whole week off!

It had been a very stressful last two weeks of school with some tough things happening there.

I had originally planned to go see DS1 during this break but I just can't swing the $5000 it would cost for DH and I to fly, rent a car, hotel and other expenses.

So I now have a whole week to rest (ohhhh have I been exhausted), to watch some curling, to blog, to clean clean clean, to visit with DS2 when he gets home. Maybe even to get in a walk or two.  Some baking and perhaps a new recipe to try.


The weather had been fantastic all week. Plus 0 temps and all kinds of melting. I can see half my backyard. It makes me long to put my patio set out, but we all know that winter is not nearly finished.

It feels luxurious and decadent.

Relaxing start

Well DS2 isn't coming home until tomorrow now. Said he is not feeling well. He gets migraines.

It was a lovely morning just curled up here. My cat was deeply concerned when I didn't get up at 6 like usual and she was certain my alarm broke so she kindly woke me up. We dozed together for another hour and then I just got up. So much for sleeping in on my first day lol

It was so nice to plug in the lights of the Christmas tree and just curl up with my coffee and watch the news and then some HGTV...all with kitty safely curled up on my lap, purring.

It was a treat to have time (and mental energy) to read through some of your blogs and see what is happening in your worlds. I feel very out of touch. My own fault.

I spent a bit of time going through my budget lines and  making sure that all the planned charges to my CCs were paid off from their planned spending categories.

Our usual payday is the 25th of each month. Our district traditionally pays us on the last day of school for the month of December. So the 21st this year.  I made sure yest morning to quickly transfer that into my savings to be 'held' until the actual 25th. It would be far too tempting to think 'oooo I have lots of money' and spend recklessly while the kids are home over the break.  Much better to wait and then handle it like  the regular paycheck it is and allocate the money to the proper categories.

And now I am off to lunch with three friends. Though most of us work in the same building, it's pretty big and we never get time to just relax and talk. This is our Christmas tradition. Always a lot of laughter.

Finally used some air miles

I don't think I have ever successfully found seats on a flight for somewhere I wanted to go and been able to use my Air Miles.  

Between DS, myself and DS's GF's mom, we wanted to send her down to the US to spend her 'reading week' in November, with him.

As I said before, flights are ridiculously expensive from Canada to the US right now. It would have cost me/us $1100 to send her, with 1 stop  to a city about 2 hours from DS. He would then drive in to get her. If I wanted to send her there all the way, $1800.

On a whim, I checked seats for airmiles. I can't use them to get her all the way there...no flights to that little city, but if they were going to drive to get her from the bigger airport anyways....

No return flights.

So I explored one way tickets there, and one way tickets home. Score. She has to go through Toronto on the way down, but she would have anyways for the $1100 ticket. Oddly, there is an airmiles seat straight home.

I sure hope I did everything right to book them. Did it online. Tried getting phone call assistance for airmiles but they will only help if the flight is in less than 5 days. I tried the 'online chat' but was 2nd in their queue for 40 minutes. So book myself I did.

Two 1 way tickets for 3500 air miles and $160 cash. Score.

Again, fingers crossed I did this right. It felt good to actually be able to use them.

Home from the US

It was amazing. It really was. Probably the best of the trips I have done to see DS.

First - the drive. 17 hours there. 17 hours home. DH and I actually got along. Miracle. I don't think we have spent that much one on one time together in years. We were going to take my SUV but the night before when DH was checking the air, the valve literally blew out of the tire. So we had to take the truck.

The colitis - I was terrified I would have an accident on the drive. I mean, I have a block from my house, so that long a drive....... eek. I threw myself back on a high dose of steroids 2 weeks before we left to try to calm down the flare. I cut myself off food at noon the day before we left. For the drive there, and for the return, I had nothing to eat or drink. zero. nada. not a sip of water. not a mint. not gum. Any one of those things can trigger urgency.  Surprisingly, I wasn't dying of starvation. I didn't get the 'I'm hungry' dizziness or headaches.  I survived.  DH was amazingly supportive, which was a first as well.  It was greatly appreciative.

Funny, as we were driving, hour 12 ish, we went by a farmyard super close to the highway. I KNOW I smelled fresh brewed coffee wafting from the yard. It smelled SO good. We laughed as my senses must have been heightened.

The city - oh the weather was glorious. About 24 C. Amazing for end of October. We walked along a few of the scenic trails. We played in the huge waves coming in off the lake. Enjoyed all the sights. Hit a couple local breweries for a taste. Not really beer drinkers but it is very popular there. I learned I am not really an ale person.

The people - I found the parents group friendlier this year. Or maybe I am three years in and more comfortable. It was much more relaxed and chatty. There was a bonfire the first night we got intot he city but we were wiped from driving so far. We just met with our BFF parents and our boys and did supper together. Amazing pasta.

The parents did a brunch together, met for drinks before the first game, and again before the second at an outdoor patio down by the water. I still didn't get to meet all of them. Some are harder to approach - or maybe it' s my shyness. I have trouble around people who .........how shall I put this........are wealthier, have had more success, have all the fancy clothes. I feel .....lesser. They are probably wonderful people but it just feels different. Probably all in my head.

I also got to meet an internet friend..... a big longtime fan of the team whom I follow on twitter. We've chatted a bit on there. There was a jersey auction and she bid on DS's and won. She was so excited to get to meet DS and get a picture with him. She's met a lot of the players over the years and blogged that it was her #1 interaction with one of the boys from the team. The mama in me was 'awwww'. In their picture they are both laughing as he is 6 foot 4 and she is 5 foot 4 and he had to squat so they both could be in the picture.

The hockey. They won both their games. DS got to play in both games (which is less common - there are NHL draft picks here and DS is not on the top 2 lines). I even got to see DS score a goal and get an assist. I realized how much I miss when I don't get to see his games.

I need to tally up the costs for gas to see how much it came to. Certainly less than the cost of 2 flights at the current prices.

It was a phenomenal trip. We drove in thick rain from the border up and it snowed the night after we got home. I am so glad we didn't have to drive in that.

Definitely not flying

It's getting close to family weekend down for DS's hockey team. This will be our third trip down.

The past two years we have flown. Last year, I bought our tickets on August 16th for $547 each. Family weekend was at the end of October.

This year, it's at the end of September and what a dif the price is. I have been tracking prices since May and they are astonishing. They started out at just under $1000 each, which I was significantly more than last year. I thought they would drop. Nope. They maxed out at $1800 each for the same flight (about 6 weeks ago)  at the same time of day with the same airline. Over 3 x the price per ticket compared to last year.

The one month earlier is part of it. But should it be THAT much different?

We are even leaving on a Thurs and returning on a Monday. No Fri, Sat or Sun flights.

As of this morning, the best flight time is not listed anymore. The less optimal time is $1100 per ticket with 2 stops and crazy lay overs.

So drive we shall. 17 hours. x 2

I am very concerned about colitis needs across the long stretches without a small town (bathroom). It pretty much means I can't eat or drink during the journey.

We will add one extra  hotel night on the way down but will be powering home the last day. I will be exhausted going back to work the next day.

It will be interesting to see what gas costs for the journey. Certainly less than the $2000+ the tickets would be.  But we did have to take an extra day off work.

First week of holidays...

...went so fast.

I wish a work week went that fast :-)

It was a quiet week off. To many, a boring week off.

For me, it was restful. I did baby walks outside (10 min ones seem to be the 'safe' distance before colitis wants to play). I dusted off treadmill and walked there too. I realize how sick I was. How weak. (and even more overweight). I think of the hour or more walks I used to do and feel sad that those are not currently in my wheelhouse.

I cleaned out many of those clutter collector spots: top of fridge, junk drawer, top of my dresser. Amazing how much crap collects there.

I had to send off copies of my tax form to my colitis med provider so they will (hopefully) continue to pay for the almost $4000 a shot med.

I sat out and had coffee at my little patio and felt the breeze and heard the birds.

I got to catch up on my blog reading.

I cut our lawn, twice. I cut my mom and dad's as well. Thought I was going to pass out (refer back to incredibly weak from illness and out of shape from.............yeah anyways).

I got the oil changed in my car.

I read and read and read.

I hung laundry on the line and watched it blow in the breeze.

I talked to two of my neighbours. Not much time for more than a wave during the school year.

I started watching Nashville on Netflix.

I did NOT crack a school book.  A record for me I think.

I ate fresh fruit and veggies. If I have to stay close to the bathroom I might as well enjoy!

I drank a  ton of water.

I lost weight.

I am very appreciative of this past week.

Quieter Sunday

I was honestly surprised by my energy level this past week. It came to a screeching halt today when I woke up super tired and feeling like I had been  on a week long bender, with a little colitis thrown in for good measure. There was a lot of HGTV, some Canada Jr hockey and Netflix.

I made some cookies for the kids and made up tacos for his supper as per his request. There was another hockey game last night but it just wasn't in the cards for me. Too bad really as there was a shoot out last night. Fans bid on the registered players. The winner player's bidder wins a portion of the money.  There were five special guest shooters last night - DS and four of his alumni from their year.

I listened on the radio but it was happening at the same time as the post game interview with the coach so it was tough to hear a lot of details.  I was so pleased to hear the emotion in the coach's voice as he spoke about how good it was to have 'his boys' home again. 

DS2 sent me a few more pics tonight. He said it sure rains a lot there. They venture out, but quickly get soaked.  Here are some pics from the deck of their house, and from Port Rupert Harbour.  DS is in one of the pics looking at the boats.

It was SO nice not to set an alarm tonight. Blessed.

Snowy Saturday

After my quiet coffee this morning, I whipped up a batch of banana muffins. Something about the smell of home made baking or cooking that makes me feel productive and domestic. The kids were still sleeping so I puttered about quietly up here until the house woke up.

It was a great day for starting that never tackled 'to do' list for the house. I altered between visible things and invisible. Visible meaning anyone visiting would notice, like dusting or cleaning the toilet or a load of laundry. Invisible meaning things that I know no one would probably notice but me (or my mother)...the pen drawer, the spice cupboard, my purse.

I hit the liquor store for the very short list of things for the holiday season - a bit of wine, some Baileys, some mudslides and a couple of wine gifts for DD's parents. I made sure to use up the last of two gift cards I had received for that store in June of last year.  For those outside of Canada, alcohol is super expensive up here compared to our US neighbours.

My splurge for the day was Murphy's Oil Soap ($4.99). As I cleaned out  each cupboard, the oak gets a good scrubbing with that to remove a bit of grease and make it look healthy again. That's been on my to do list for at least a couple years.

I made a promise to myself that I would drink a boatload of water every day. Safe to do since I am at home much more and can make it to the bathroom if colitis rears her b*tchy head.

It was nice to have some baking ready when my nephew stopped by to return a crock pot, and I could feed him something fresh out of the oven.

DD's family came into town for the hockey game. We went for supper before hand (man I wish my house were bigger) and headed off to the game. I used my husband's season ticket and the kids used some passes I got from a board member a couple months ago, so that was free.  It was fun to see DS visiting with other former team members and team fans.


DS2 sent me a couple pics from his trip. They went to the Juan de Fuca Strait early this morning to watch the sunrise and the waves coming in. They also headed to the forest to see the Redwoods.

First day of the holidays

Actually began Thursday night....

I had had precious sleep Wed night as the steroids woke me up about 2 AM and would not let me drift off again.

Morning began and I spent 4 periods with my class and then, with my co coach (the real coach), we headed off with the senior curling team to a community about an hour away. It was great to watch four different schools come together for a little bonspiel before the holidays. We laughed (and laughed) on the way home. I got back to my empty house (well ok the kitties were there) about 8 PM. DH was already gone on his Christmas gift from me trip to Victoria to see his brother.

DD (DS1's girlfriend) arrived about 8:04. She and I would be heading into the city to pick up DS1 at the airport around 12:15 AM.  We hung out and chatted and waited for DS2 to get home, only to get texts from DS1 that his connecting flight in Minneapolis was delayed. and then delayed. and then delayed. He has flown  home three times from college and he has yet to have a flight without issues.

DS2 finally arrives home and we begin power doing laundry as HIS flight leaves at 11:20 on the 18th, to join his father in BC. (that  DS's gift from his mama). The three of us had a good visit and watched Planes, Trains and automobiles, then off to the city went DD and I.

DS1's flight finally came in about 2 AM, and he quickly cleared customs and zoom home we went. We got to the house about 3:45 AM and he was bouncing about, so glad to be there and happy to see the cats. DD and I just laughed, watching him. I headed off to bed for about 2 hours sleep before I had to wake up to get DS2 going.

By 9 AM DS2 and I were up, ready and done the 1.5 hour drive to the city. This is the first  time he's flown alone, but after a couple questions, he was fine.  I watched him go through security and then my exhausted butt started the drive home again.

By 10 AM a text came from DS2 saying the plane he was waiting for was delayed in Calgary.

By 11 AM I was back in my city and stopped at a couple places to get gifts and then home I went.  DS1 and DD had gone out for lunch. He was missing REAL A and W as he called it.  I had a little 45 minute nap then headed off to the bank, the post office and grabbed a few groceries. DD wanted my home made sweet and sour meatballs, rice etc. Grandma was excited to hear this and offered to make home made buns and a raspberry pie if we wanted to bring the main course over to eat at her place.

By 3:30 PM, DS got a call with a little voice asking if "Uncle" could come visit him at gram's. My niece was doing a whistle stop through on her way to the city and her son adores mine. So over we went for a quick visit and a game of ministicks.

By 4:30, we went over to my oldest sister's for  a quick visit (she's the one with MS). She is alone a lot and was happy for the visit.

By 5 PM, DS2's flight had finally got to Victoria, several hours late.

By 5:30 we were back at gram's for a delicious supper and a great visit.

By 6:30 we were back home and everyone crashed for a quick nap.

By 8PM I was up and making an appy as DS and DD were heading over to a nephew's house for an ugly sweater party. DH texted to say that DS2 had had a big turkey supper  and was crashed by 6PM BC time.

By 9 PM I drove the kids over to the party and nestled in on the couch at home. I should have been exhausted,  yet I sat here, in a weird state of "I should be doing something", so I spent a half hour marking  a social assignment. Silly girl.

I picked the kids up at 1 AM.

I am certainly glad I sacrificed one of my earned days off for Friday's adventures. No clue how all highway driving would have worked out, if I had tried to work too.

Money spent:
Gas for Two trips to the city - $75
parking at airport - $10
groceries - $80
gift shopping - $120

Now it's just after 8 AM. It's dark outside. My little tree lights are on, the cats are curled up on the couch, and the house is quiet, except for my fingers clicking on here, my coffee sipping, and HGTV on in the background.

Let the holidays begin!

A quick visit with DS1

It went far too fast. Honestly. Four days with part of two spent travelling. But two days was all I could get off from work through earning my extra curricular hours so I had to make the best of it.

Originally it was supposed to be me, DH and DS2 flying down. Tickets were booked in early September. Then with DS1's accident, a dif vehicle had to make it's way down. So DH's seat was empty, but very paid for, on the plane.

DS2's school schedule was free when we booked and he very much wanted to go. Two weeks before we left DS's schedule was changed and he had field experience exams that he could not reschedule. His seat was empty, but very paid for, on the plane.

Neither was refundable, through expedia. With DS'2, I ended up getting a sort of a credit with Delta.. has to be same passenger, from same departing airport, within a year, and I have to pay a $200 fee. Doesn't sound like much of a deal to me.

Losing out on that money hurt, a lot.  I have to do things differently next time.

DS1's BFF cousin ended up driving down with DH. It was his first trip to the US so it was exciting for him. Lots of first experiences. We had room in our hotel room, but he ended up crashing at the house with the boys. Why he'd rather spend time with kids his own age instead of going to bed at a reasonable time with his aunt and uncle is beyond me :-)

DS's girlfriend was there too, so Cousin and GF got to hang out while DS was busy doing team stuff.

Taking the vehicle down let us take a few extra things we wouldn't have taken on the plane. Tim Hortons K cups for one of his roomies. Tim bits for the sports reporter for the city, who asked if we wouldn't mind. I had never met the guy, only tweeted to him now and again about hockey.  Old Dutch potato chips - ketchup, and some all dressed chips. DS also requested some Canadian beer, in bottles if you please. It just tastes so much better. With two adults over the age of 21 (State law age, not our province's) I  sent 2 x 24...one of which was DS's favourite - Bohemian.....a very old SK brewing company.

I got to see DS1's house  - wow college landlords sure can charge a lot for a dumpy, and very old, place.

I got to reconnect with a few of the parents who are easy to talk with, including his roomie's parents, who are very good to DS. I met a few others who are new to the team.  There is very much a 'local kids/non local kids' divide, mostly through them knowing each other for years. Some of those parents have a LOT more money than we do, and I have always struggled with being able to do regular conversation with folks who have such a different life than I do.

We didn't cook a meal for DS this time. With six roommates and their parents, that house was bursting. So we took him out for a couple meals. In my 'we won the lottery' fantasies, I have a house down there...well a condo really, over looking the water, where I can have DS over and cook for him :-)

It went far too fast.

We flew out on Sunday morning, and cousin flew out on Sunday afternoon. Girlfriend was supposed to leave on the Wed, when the team left on their road trip, but her flight got delayed, and delayed and then cancelled. She spent the night alone in the big rental house. After multiple cancellations the next day, she finally got a flight to come home. Darn that fog.

Now I am just figuring out bills and costs and such and will try to figure out a way to save for another trip down. 

I miss him.