The First Day of School

As I walked home from the school this morning, I could help but wonder where the summer went. We have had some marvelous adventures this year. Now it’s time to set new goals and learn new things. I must say, it was a very productive day today, but I still missed them. After-school-snack was a treat–I got to hear all the news, and I felt great. The anxiousness was over, replaced by excitement and joy. Days like this, I can’t help but thank God for all the amazing blessings in my life.

Bones Everywhere

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Dinosaur Provincial Park was a little challenging to find, but as soon as we entered the gates and stopped at the first lookout point, we realized that it was absolutely worth the effort. The scenery was breathtaking – it looked unlike anything else we have ever seen – more like a sci-fi landscape marked by leveled hill, sand dunes, river and desert-like vegetation. We have even noticed cacti growing among the sage and grasses.

Once we came to the visitors’ center, we were hooked. Not only we were allowed to drive through the park, but there was also a guided bus tour available for later that afternoon. It was noon, so we set up a picnic, and then had some Popsicles. After that we went back to the center and took a lab tour where we learned about the processes of identifying, collecting, and preserving fossils. It was most interesting.

The bus tour was at 4:00 pm and it was absolutely amazing. The bus took us into the preserve that is restricted to visitors and our guide explain to us how the park was formed, why it is such a rarity, and also why there are so many dinosaurs found there – it is the world’s largest deposit of dinosaur fossils – to date they have uncovered over 300 skeletons. There are so many fossil there at once we learned what to look for, we have literarily found them all around us. Martin even found a large bone protruding from a sandy hill. It was amazing

The Hoo-Doos

In the search of the Hoo-Doos, we drove over 11 bridges that are found in the Guinness Book of Records - most bridges on the shortest distance. We got out of the car and explored the sandy hills, looking for fossil, since everyone told us that there are fossil everywhere around that area – well we didn’t find any. We saw the Last Chance Saloon and what’s left of the ghost town. Then we continued toward the Hoo-Doos.

Now the Hoo-Doos were something else. They are found in a relatively small area. It takes about half hour to walk the park, but it is worth the drive. These magnificent and unusual formations, formed by erosion, seemed to be from a different world.

Calgary Stampede

It was the last day of the Stampede. We walked to the Native village, but we were too early, since some of the Teepees did not open yet. We have seen some crafts displayed for sale and took a quick tour of the counsel teepee, then walked back to the midway.

Dinosaur Day

Drumheller is the home to Tyrell Museum, the largest of its kind, focusing strictly on the geological history of that particular area. We have really enjoyed the amazing displays and interpretations. It was wonderful.

Sunday – I got up extra early and sat on a balcony, catching up on my trip journal – the sun was still hiding behind the mountains and it was much cooler than night before. I just couldn’t wait and woke everyone up. We set out for an exiting, unplanned day of exploration

Snow in July

Whistler B.C.

The resort was beautiful, large enough for all of us, clean and well equipped. Whistler reminded me of a theme park village, minus the characters. It is superbly maintained, and very picturesque. I have enjoyed many walks through the village. The activities were endless. From ATV, to zip lines, tree treks, trapeze, horse rides, and white water rafting, mounting hikes – we loved every minute of our stay.

Columbia Ice Fields

From Banff we traveled up the mountains for hours, at times I wondered if the trip is really worth it, but as soon as we saw the mass of ice resting on the peak, I felt excitement fill my soul. It was another emotional experience. I felt tear rushing to my eyes as I tried to comprehend the magnitude of what I have seen.

Simply Beautiful

The First Taste of the Rockies

As we left Calgary, the mountains grew before our eyes. The white peaks showed off their beauty in the morning sun. We took picture after picture as we neared Banff National Park. What a magnificent work of God’s hand. We stopped at a lookout point by a blue lake and took more pictures.

Canada Quilt

Manitoba Summer 2007

In Steinbach Manitoba we visited the Mennonite Heritage Village. We walked through the old houses and looked at the artifacts, tried to use some tools and checked out the farm. The wind mill was beautifully restored and we have enjoyed the visit. After that we stopped at the restaurant and had some authentic home made Mennonite food. On the way out we have met two ladies working on a quilt. We have had a very interesting conversation with them and learned a little about quilting. The Canada quilt hanging on the wall was beautifully designed

Canada Day

July 1st – Canada Day – We visited Fort William. Before we walked in through the front gate, we had a little time to feed horses. They were very large working hoses, but they were also very shy. It took us a while to have them eat the leaves, and let us pet them.

Fort William was founded by the North West Trading Company. I loved everything about it. The history was fascinating. The staff was great, all in period costumes. The Obijawa Indians had a camp just outside the fort and let us look into their Wigwams. They also explained to us how they harvested and used wild rice.

We walked through the fort with Ms. Elizabeth. She told us about the history and about different people who lived in the fort. The doctor’s home/office scared the kids the most, especially when Elizabeth took our various tools and explained their use. The apothecary housing the doctor’s medicine didn’t bring much comfort either. Elizabeth explained that the use of lead and sugar mix to calm hyper children was a common practice. After seeing the dental tools, we have seen an increase in toothbrush usage in our house.

We have visited the trading store and saw what the natives could trade for the fur. Then we walked into the fur storehouse and looked at the various furs hanging there. The fur packers were just outside the building, and some of us got a chance to help them to pack a bunch of fur for shipments. We visited the grand hall with some accommodations for the lords, and also some simple accommodations for the clerks.

I liked the canoe maker; the native girl was very skilled and did a lot of work. We have also visited the bakery and tried some bread and cookies. The farm was interesting – there we have seen our horse-friends again, this time they were hitched, ready to give us a ride.

We have been offered a canoe ride, which had to be shortened, because of the arrival of chief’s daughter, who was to marry one of the voyagers. It was very interesting and entertaining. We also learned a fancy dance. The wedding went well, until it was interrupted by an unhappy voyager, and then duel that followed. It was fun.

I’m fascinated by the stories of voyagers. I admire the hard life they had, and can’t imagine living in such conditions. After the visit, we stayed outside the Fort William and had another picnic. The weather was perfect.

We drove to Thunder Bay to see the 7th Annual Cruiser Day Block Party. We saw some interesting rides, went for a short walk downtown Thunder Bay. We decided not to stay for the Canada Day celebrations and the late fireworks. On the way to our hotel, we stopped at Tim Horton’s and had some treats.

Martin took the kids swimming and I had a chance to pack up. We BBQ’ed, just outside the hotel, and enjoyed the wonderful view for one more time. We took some more pictures and then went to look for a good spot to see the fireworks. We drove all the way to the water and around the great silos. It is amazing how much grain get transported through that port. We asked a security guard for directions and drove to an overpass bridge where we found a number of cars already parked, waiting for the fireworks.

The display was great. The kids were so tired that they fell asleep on the way to the hotel. I was glad we got most of our packing done before we went, because we were really beat.

Day Two

Today we drove from Sault St. Marie to Thunder Bay. The road was clear, no traffic, the sun was bright, the forest and lakes breathtaking. When a moose ran across the road in front of our car, Martin quckly reached for the camera.

We stopped at Terrace Bay for a picnic lunch. After the BBQ, we took a walk to Aguasabon Falls.

About 60 miles east of Thunder Bay we stopped at Amethyst Mine Panorama. The tour was very informative, but the best part was grabbing our buckets and searching the property for amethyst. Martin found the best patch. We all collected quite a bunch of crystals. They are wonderful. I’m sure we will treasure them for a long time. The only downside were the black flies.

Just before Thunder Bay we stopped at Terry Fox Lookout and set up a picnic. The BBQ turned out great. After dinner we drove to Thunder Bay and checked into our hotel. Best Western, just outside the city, with an amazing view of the mountains. The grounds were nicely landscaped; there was also a pond. We even saw an otter there.

Go West 2007

After weeks of planning, we were finally on the way. Our trip West started June 30, 2007 at 4:30 a.m. Before any serious traveling took place, we stopped at Tim Horton’s – it is a tradition.

The van was packed to the brim. Hopefully we did not forget much – so far so good. I have not noticed anything missing yet. Just outside Waterloo, a car in the passing lane, directly in front of us, hit a deer – not a pretty sight. The deer rolled down the highway, shattered glass scattered everywhere. We quickly checked on the driver who managed to stop, his air bag deployed - he seemed OK.

After that, the drive was great. The traffic was light as we traveled through Sarnia to Michigan State. We have visited Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, then crossed over the Mackinac Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in North America. We entered back to Canada shortly after.

Sault St. Marie is a small town. We found a park and had a picnic, then watched a tugboat parade. We stayed at a City Center Lodge – it was OK, no swimming pool. After a family movie everyone tucked in. It was an early night. We would be getting up at 6:30 a.m. for the next leg of the journey.

Dusting Off

A lot has happen in the past year and half. Those who have read The Confession of a Workaholic already know of our decision to change our life style, slow down and focus on what’s really important.

The past 18 months have been busy – we have started a new business, moved to a new city, renovated our house, sold it, and now we are renovating and moving again – this time just across our street. Yes, across the street! The benefit? A house we’ve always dream of in a great neighborhood, where our kids love their school, have friends and feel at home.

I have to admit, this still sounds a bit ‘workaholic’, but in all honesty, this has been a time of slowing down for us. We love living in a smaller town where everything is only a few minutes away, and aside from the five o’clock rush hour, there is no traffic. What’s more important, we are finally getting settled in a great church - www.themeetinghouse.ca.

I feel our great transition period has almost come to an end, and we have finally landed. The dust hasn’t settled yet, and I already feel a soft tug at my heart – it’s time to dust off the keyboard - tingeling fingers and head spinning with ideas - I would love if you'd join me for this exhilirating ride.

Words Like Birds

An analogy came to me - words are like birds. Our sentences are sent into the world, and they rarely return. A writer has no idea how many pairs of eyes skimmed over her work, how many souls were uplifted by encouraging words, or how many felt empty sadness for the lack of meaning found in a particular paragraph.

I love to write. I always did. Thinking back to grade school, I always wondered why we all get only one sheet of lined paper, when there is so much more to write.

With maturity comes responsibility. During the past five years I have purposed to become a writer, a better writer. I take my words seriously. I feel that I have received a talent - a free gift from God. But that comes with a responsibility to use it with wisdom, to use it to the best of my abilities for the benefit of others. I have set out on a long journey of learning - learning how to be better at what I do.

Thank you for walking with me for a few minutes at a time.