So much happened

The problem with going on a long trip is that so much happens, you can't really discern which stories to tell and which ones are just boring babble to other people. Of course, if we'd had internet access, I could have blogged along the way, but we didn't. So here is what is popping up in my mind readily tonight.

In Canada, we really enjoyed seeing our friends. It is funny for me because my friendships started with all the men, whom I worked with, and then I met their spouses. But the activities and conversations seem to be set up along gender lines, so that puts me squarely with the women. Patricia, who just turned 50 and puts up with Craig (I love him, but he'd be a pain in the ass to live with, I'm sure the feeling is mutual), looks so spectacular you want to model your every move after her, is a strong force with a sure but quiet voice. Kit is married to Bob, my old boss, and I have never really gotten to know her very well. She enjoys being an actress and is a far FAR FAR FAAAAAAAAAAAAR right wing Republican. Diane is married to John and has recently really gotten into working out (Go Diane!) and has two small boys who are opposite ends of the spectrum (one is hockey, the other acting/singing).

Patricia is studying integrated medicine. I find it fascinating. I am not the poo poo-er of things that make me uncomfortable that I was when I was younger. I am particularly proud of Al, though. After a day of fevers and sore throat, he was very open and desirous of a "treatment" which left him cured within 12 hrs and included acupuncture.

Ashleigh helped take care of Paige and Graham, and it was so nice to have her around. Her personality is a lot like Paige's and gives me some insight into what Paige might be like later if I manage to navigate the waters of a strong-willed daughter half as well as Patricia has.

The city of Calgary is always so warm and welcoming. We get into the spirit of things and love the rodeo. From our seats you can smell the excitement! After one beer, I am a party girl. Sheesh, mommies are lightweights.
Ofcourse that is because we spent the morning hauling the kids to the Stampede Parade and the Calgary Zoo.

The Stewart's ranch house outside of town is such a spectacular piece of land. Here is a picture of me on one of their horses Not to mention the "humble abode" they have built there. Woah. Then we WestJetted over to Kelowna. I had never really heard that there was a Canadian wine country, but this was it. Beautiful vineyards on cliffs overlooking an 80-mile lake. And the Stewart's house has enough acreage to bring the horses, an orchard, a home to house many many guests, and it fronts the lake. Unreal.

Graham and I took an outing to a lavender farm one day when he needed some special time with mommy. He was a charmer. After I shopped for some gifts to bring home, he spied a lavender stuffed pillow. When I asked, "Should we get one for Paige, too?" he replied a resounding, "Uh huhuh!" while nodding his head. Then he played "nigh nigh" on his pillow as we checked out, and blew kisses to all the ladies in the shop. Both kids are tucked in bed upstairs right now with their snugglies AND their Okanagan Lavender pillows.

Ashleigh, Maehgan, Patricia and I went to a goat farm. The people who own it were from Israel. They had a large goat farm in Israel, but shortly after the birth of their second daughter, they were involved in a car accident that left the man a paraplegic. They moved to Canada, started a small goat farm to make cheeses (good match for all the wine in the area). Just as they got it set up, there was a brush fire that devestated Kelowna and many many of the fine lakefronting properties. All around their building there was damage. But the farm survived. They named many of their cheese after their daughters. Neat operation.

Maybe everything I have written tonight is a little too broad brush. Here are some details, really the things that I think are so wonderful about having children and travelling with them.

*We picked cherries straight off the tree and ate them until our cuticles were stained black

*We threw rocks into the lake, then spent hours studying rocks and picking certain ones out for their unique characteristics

*We took Paige and Graham on their first boat ride. Not too shabby a boat, I might add -- Craig had a beautiful Cadillac.

*We made pizzas one night and each person got to come up with their own masterpiece (proper attribution was paid to my sister Jennifer for the idea and dough recipe)

*We watched bats, racoons, dogs, ducks, horses, birds and butterflies like there was nothing pressing to do, because there was nothing pressing to do.

*Paige and Graham got nudie and giggled rolled and scampered across the soft grass on the lawn.

It was a great trip.