Gardening

A few years ago a good friend of mine invited me to one of her garden club meetings, and at the time I thought, 'I'm not really a gardener" but I accepted and was very pleasantly surprised and glad that I did. I had the opportunity to not only meet those wonderful (and wise) gardeners, but to invite them to our home and return their generous hospitality. The club meets weekly during the summer months and I hope to able to attend this season. Yes, they did welcome me into their *circle*.

As far as gardening experience goes, I did work in our family vegetable garden during the summer months, weeding, weeding and picking the fruits of our labours. Dad tended to extend the garden boundaries each year, resulting in more weeds and even more fruit, but that's okay. We enjoyed our own veggies at the supper table all winter, and "thanks Dad and Mom for teaching us the importance of "home-grown". There's nothing like a fresh plate of new green beans and potatoes, baby carrots with your own herbs for seasoning and a side of cucumbers and tomatoes to satisfy that *outdoors* appetite. Ummm-m-m, I can taste it now.

Having said that, I have to tell you that I don't grow but only a few veggies today. It's the flowers that I love. Okay Dad, I know I can't eat the flowers, but I do so enjoy watching them peak throguh the soil, spreading their wings skyward and rewarding our senses with heavenly sights and smells. In fact, Arend is out there right now planting annuals in containers, to be proudly displayed around our front patio area, as well as down our (long) driveway.

I do help, but he does the bulk of the planting and preparing. So why am I in a garden club you ask? Good question. I did admit to the "Late Bloomers" that I'm not the true gardener in the family but that didn't deter them. It's fun to meet at one another's homes and tour the variety of gardens that each one has cultivated on their property. We all share our garden *stories* and sometimes horrors, before we sit down to a delicious lunch prepared by the hostess of the week. I love that part, being a bit of an entertainer, and so does Arend. The arrangement works well for both of us I'm happy to say. And the garden ladies always walk away with smiles on their faces, so how can you hate it??

Before I close today, I did want to mention the new author's series that I've been reading and you'll see why I've included this. The author's name is Patti Hill and her 3-book series is about a garden-designer who is looking (not really, but her friends try to help her along--grin) for love, in all the wrong places it seems. The characters lured me into the plot immediately, and the laughter and tears lasted throughout the delightful story that ensued. You might want to check out her web site: pattihillauthor.com If you love gardening ( and even if you don't) you will aappreciate this author's style and sense of humour.

I have more on gardening for you in the next post so stay tuned, Barb

Reality: "A Good Thing"

Since returning to our "zone" (AKA *home*) little bits of absolute truth have been striking me at every turn.
#1. My cat did miss me; she's hardly left my side--she's watching me type as we speak.
#2. Reconnecting with family and friends means that plans are in the works for upcoming visits and over-nighters here at our "inn".
#3. The apple blossoms (note the pics, esp. the one with the dewdrops) are even sweeter on our front lawn than they've ever been!
#4. Seeing the *view* from our bedroom (pic with gorgeous sky and blossoms) is an absolute gift from God, and having coffee on the deck outside the garden door is another bonus that I will not ever take for granted again!
#5. Breakfast at our table, surrounded by windows that allow us to observe all living things, in techni-colour, is the best way to start any day.
#6. The space we have here, inside and out, is another gift from God, and oh how I appreciate being able to spend time in many corners, instead of just the passenger seat in the car (Grin).

If you've been away from your home for any length of time, I'm positive you know exactly what I'm talking about. The task of weeding (which I generally detest--okay, I realize the *wonder of it may wear off soon--grin) has even been enjoyable today, in the light rain that's been falling.

I'm looking forward to (hopefully) spending time with my son and his family this weekend. I will have new memories for my treasure chest, and pictures of my grandson in our home for the first time. Nothing could be sweeter than that!

God is so good! May he bless you and "yours" today. Till the next time on "Bits & Pieces", Barb

Back Home--YES!!

Now that I've finished the draft post that sat in limbo for 5 days, I'll try to bring everyone up to date on what's happening in our little corner of this big, wide, wonderful world. Even though I knew the *green* would be out in full force and my tulips were almost to their *blooming* end, I still gasped at the beauty that awaited us as Heather drove us up our driveway. The apple trees on the front lawn promised a bumper crop of blossoms, my lillies had grown at least a foot tall and the grass was ready for its first mowing. The house looked so welcoming, and our little grand-daughter was saying, "Home Nanny". All was good!

That was last Friday afternoon (30 plus degree temps hit as we stepped off the plane) and since we've settled back into reality, I've come to a keener appreciation of what home is all about. Hearing our little grand-daughter saying, "Nanny, Nanny" as she met us with open arms and lots of hugs, talking to my sons and catching up on their news (my new grandson is now 6 weeks old) and just sitting in my favourite chair with a good book and a glass of ice tea--well, it really doesn't get any better does it?? Experiencing the western coast, the mountains, the desert, big city hustle and bustle--that's what vacations are made of and I feel so blessed to be able to say that, "I've been there and done that".

But we all know there is just no place like your own, no matter where you live. And my cat surely agrees with me as she rests on the piano keyboard behind me while I type. She's barely left my side since we opened the front door--you might say she missed us but there's really no telling with a feline. I do know that she was lonesome and that she slept on my pillow for most of the time we were gone. As for how much she missed us--only she knows for sure.

Because the end of May is fast approaching, we made our rounds at the garden centers today (a yearly ritual for us), checking out the various bedding plants and shrubs that we want to plant this season. Between you and me, I would love to plant several more lillies, but we'll have to wait and see how that works out. I don't believe one can ever have too many fragrant lily varieties but some folks don't quite agree with that theory--yet! Till the next time, Barb
I've included a few pics of the Calgary skyline and one of the snow that lay on the cars last Thursday morning.

Back home tomorrow

It's been a couple of days since I've posted but as the title says, we've been busy getting packed up to move back in to our own B&B and I can't wait to lay down this head on my own pillow!

I must tell you about yesterday's trek "back in time" as Arend and I drove up to Westlock (about 3 &1/2 hours from here) so I could revisit the town where my youngest son was born (in 1980).

The sky looked extremely menacing and before we got back to Calgary the snow had begun in earnest, but I am getting ahead of myself here (that's partly because it's been 5 days since I first began this post--I *did* want to finish it, even though we're home now).

As we got closer to Westlock, I kept looking for familiar scenes from my memory but not many seemed to appear as they once were. Progress had led to new buildings and even highways, but the feel of the western culture was the same. Ranches of varying sizes dotted the landscape, workers were busy with new crops and here and there oil derricks pumped the "bubbling crude" from beneath the rich black soil.

I wanted to stop and take pics of every sign post that indicated we were indeed in the right area (grin) and Arend obliged, so that my sons can see that I had truly been there. However, one of the things I most wanted to see was the hospital where Ryan made his debut--it's been converted to a Sobey's store. The elementary school that Derek attended is now a library (in one wing) and and adult learning center in the other end of the building. The exterior looks exactly as I remember though, and as we entered through the front doors, I could almost hear the voices of the children who had been Derek's classmates.

We found the house where we had lived as well. It looks much the same except the colour has changed from yellow to blue. And, as we talked to a few of the residents I discovered that Dr. Watt was stil alive and well, and very active in the medical community. One lady at the library told me that he had been her doctor and her opinion was the same as mine--he was a wonderful family physician and I felt privileged to call him my doctor.

On our way back from Westlock we made a brief stop at the WEM, just so I could say I've experienced that as well. By this time however, my mind was pretty much focused on getting home.

I will update our homecoming in the next post, Blessings, Barb

Back in Canada

Even if I *could* type 1000 words a minute, I would never have enough time to begin to really tell you about these past 21 days. From the time we stepped on the plane in Fredericton on May 1, until this moment, where I'm writing in a hotel in Lethbridge, Alberta, I've savoured every waking moment in this wondrous land, all the highs and lows (literaaly) of the deserts and mountains. We've criss-crossed across 9 states, bringing to a total of 25 that I've seen so far.

I've had favourite moments and some not so, but still the experience will hopefully stay with me in my heart until the very end of my days. God has been so good to us, and He's kept us safe and happy (for the most part--grin) on this amazing journey that a lot of folks dream about but never take. You've heard the saying, "Follow your dreams"--well, my dreams have exceeded even my wildest expectaions, on this trip and in my life.

As I look at the handsomeness of the day, the fluffy clouds playing around the sun, I'm reminded (again)just how small this world is, and the same time how big. When your family are far away in another province and town, the boundaries seem too, too wide. But when that day arrives and you're back on your own turf, well, I know I'm looking forward to Friday--YEAH!!

Until then, we're staying in Calgary, treking up to Westlock from there tomorrow, to check out the place where my family lived for a year, 1979-80. My youngest son was born there and I told him I wanted to take pictures of the nursery where he slept for the first time. His reaction to that was, "Mom, that was 27 years ago, the hospital may be torn down by now". No matter, I'll stand on or near the spot and remember the first time I held him in my arms. I'll wander the street where my oldest son (only 7 at that time) walked to school and brought home friends to play. I'll find the house where we lived and remember the good times there, our 2 black cats entertaining us.

Life isn't about seperation, not really. It's about reconnecting and God's plan is about that too. I'm so glad to be even a miniscule part of that plan.

And, on that note, I have to scoot now and get my bags packed--AGAIN!! Grin! We are on our way to Calgary to explore a little bit more.

Wishing you and yours a glorious day, Blessings, Barb

Monday in Montana

I feel like I'm weeks behind instead of only 2 days but that's okay--I'm a tourist and I don't have a schedule right? Okay, so I'm longing for home and can picture my tulips in bloom (Arend's brother has been updating us on the garden) and hear my cat purr in my ear and see the leaves popping out on the walnut tree right in front of our breakfast nook--awww, home (sigh).

Now back to my update(s): Saturday we arrived in West Yellowstone (the town just outside the entrance to the park) and what a quaint spot this is. We've stayed here 2 nights now so we could explore Yellowstone, and that we did yesterday, from 9-9, arriving back at the hotel tired but with exciting memories to take back home (there's that word again--grin)

The pics will tell you some of our story--I'm afraid my time is running out here--Arend is loading up the car and I'm not even dressed yet. I will do my best to actually "say" something tonight, after we're settled in to our last hotel in the US, in the state of Montana. Blessings, Barb

In for the night

We had an easy day today--only travelling about 180 miles, so my stress level is down to a 5 or so on a scale of 10. Actually, the driving was a peach today and I manned the controls through the rest of Idaho. We took a side trip along the highway leading to the entrance to Yellowstone. The signs said it was a scenic route and touted all the falls and so on.

As we got further along the roadway, we began to question whether we were even on the right road. Arend always wants me to check the map, over and over, asking, "Are you sure we took the right turn? Sound familiar?

I kept telling him we were indeed on the right trail. "Can't you tell by where the sun is?" I asked. About that time we saw the sign that said the magic words we were looking for: "Falls, 3 miles ahead". When we stopped at the first place, we were kind of (okay a lot) disappointed. The falls were quite far away and were tiny--yes, I got that look again--"Are you sure we took the right turn?"

Thankfully just another mile or so and another sign--Upper Falls. Arend pulled into the parking lot, we heading along the pathway leading to our destination, and you wouldn't believe what we saw next.

A wedding party was assembled, ready to make the way down to the water's edge (right by the 101 foot falls) for the ceremony--how romantic is that?

Arend managed to get photos of the procession (as they walked down the staircase leading to the water) and even the bride and groom kissing--too sweet wouldn't you say? Come to think of it, we stumbled upon a wedding when we were in Holland a couple of years ago--hummmm--wonder what that means??

I'm finishing this on Monday (started on Saturday--I think) and then I'll post another entry for the last 2 days. Can you tell that I'm getting closer to home and I'm not keen on writing in this Blog now??? Not really, but I will be glad to lay my head down on my own pillow,
Till the next time, take care and God bless, Barb

At the Canyon--WOW!

My first peek at the Grand Canyon stopped me in my tracks I can tell you. We drove through a huge pine forest, climbing to 8,000 feet in altitude, and we both wondered if we would ever get there. The curved roadway leading to the edge of the natural wonder seemed to take us on a wild goose chase and actually served to heighten our curiousity--God's intention I'm sure.

But I'll quit babbling now and get those photos on here. Please let me know what you think. I'm still in awe of what we saw there and always will be.
More "bits & pieces" later, Barb

On the way *to* the Canyon

I have to do today's photos on two posts--the scenes are so stunning--at least I hope they come across that way to you.
As we left the city of *glitter* this morning, the temps climbed into the mid 80's and stayed there while we drove across the desert. This harsh land saddens me (for some odd reason) and fascinates me too. It makes me sad because there are so many desitute people living amidst the sage brush, cactus and animals that somehow survive in the extreme heat. I can't tell you how many times Arend said, "How do they live like that?" Out of the desert haze, small hovel-like structures appeared, if you looked closely. It was the strangest thing.

The different plant life (or the lack thereof) fascinated me and when I get home I will google desert life and see what I can find. (I have included a pic of a tumbleweed sitting on top of a fence post for my Dad--he keeps asking "Where are the tumbleweeds?")

After leaving I-15, we began to see a different landscape and the rock formations rising above us were simply breath-taking. You might notice the cloud formations as well--I think they give "softness" to the *oh so* blue sky.

Hope you enjoy this "album" today and check the next post for the "Canyon" shots--WOW, WOW, WOW is nowhere near close to describing what we saw there.
More later, Barb

Moving north

We didn't see the Grand Canyon yesterday--just so much to see around this area that we decided to leave that for today's adventure. It's another beauty of a day--temps crawling up to the mid 80's already at 8 AM. And I'm not going to complain either. Our daughter Heather told us it was supposed to snow 10-15 cms back home last night so I'll take this warmth. Thank goodness for AC though.

On that note, I'll just post a few more pics for you right now. I have had several comments from family that they're enjoying those and I'm glad. I'm only giving you a sample--Arend has literally taken hundreds of photos--lots of editing to do when we get home.
Wishing you a great day, Barb

A very HOT day

Before I get to the focus of this post, I must tell you that I believe that the test of true love comes when you are on a 24 day holiday, spending (most of) your daylight hours in the confines of a car with your spouse, trying to read maps and road signs,moving along at 70-75 mph--well, you get the picture. We are having such a great time, don't get me wrong, but...I'll just leave it at that--if you've ever been on an extended vacation, you know what I mean, and Arend, you pass the test. As for *moi*, that's another story.

Now, for this day's (combined) post, including scenes from Tuesday and Wednesday.
10 things I loved about our experieces for both days:
1. That western blue, clear sky
2. My first glimpse of a real desert
3. My first tour of a Ghost Town (picture all the western movies you've ever seen)
4. Seeing Arend's face light up when he got to speak Dutch to fellow tourists (from Holland)
5. Feeling the *heat* when we know it's now snowing back home
6. Eating strawberries last night at 11 PM, enjoying the AC after a hot day's travelling
7. Seeing the Hover Dam for the first time--WOW!
8. Drving over the Hover Dam for the first time (I drove back from our day trip, right on into the city)
9. Supper at Cracker Barrel
10. Coming back to our cool room for a much deserved R&R

I'll post the 10 *not-so-favourite* things in the next entry, if I may. I'm getting so very sleepy and need to turn in.

Hope you enjoy the pics, Barb
I am also including a recent pic of our new grandson--he is *so sweet*

Leaving LA

I know I haven't posted since Saturday evening and I have to tell you right off--this vacationing business is so very tiring, after al the exploring that goes on during our long but wonderful days. While we waited for our laundry to spin and dry yesterday (yes, even on holdidays one must attend to laundry) I jotted down a few highlights of these past days.

Sunday: Before we left Santa Barbara (I see no one took a stab at guessing--LOL!), we drove to the Fisherman's Wharf to blend in with the beachgoers and soak up a few rays. I relished the feel of that California sand on my toes, and the warmth of the sun on my arms as we walked. Our goal this day was to make it to Newport Beach, where we would lay our heads down for the night. Distance-wise, the mileage wasn't that great, but it took hours to get through the traffic lights through all the communities along the way. The scenery was worth the small inconvenience of slow driving however and because I'm running out of time here (Arend is pacing now, waiting to pack up the laptop so we can hit the road) I hope the pics give you a fair glimpse of our last couple of days.

I will try to write more tonight after we're settled--evening is the best time to post actually.
Wishing you and yours a very good day--blessings, please drop by again,
Barb
We did stay in LA last night, on Sunset Boulevard, walked the "Walk of the Stars", ate lunch on Hollywood Boulevard, walked Rodeo Drive last night--just simple beautiful area.

Unfathomable beauty

We've had such a wonderful day, and the pictures I'm posting tonight will tell a bit of the tale.

Travelling along this coastline has been (to quote my neice Megan) Aaa-maaaa-zing!!!! Mountain vistas, seaside views from high above the shore and close to sea level--it was ALL GOOD!!!! We didn't log a lot of miles today but the views more than made up for that.

We did stop and tour the Hearst Castle--mafnificent, and that word no where near does it justice of course. I'm showing you just a bit of the "ranch" as our tour-guide referred to it. And technically that's what Mr. Hearst called it. The original castle is in the British Isles, so we were told. This *small* ranch house cost only $10 million to build and $3 million to furnish back in the early 1900's. Now just one of the paintings may demand an asking price of 55 million--totally unbelievable to us mere mortals. But then what can one expect from a media mogul?

It has been a long day and I'm ready to turn in. We're sitting in the hotel lobby in order to pick wi-fi and I want to get to our room and relax.
I do hope you enjoy a glimpse of our day,
More bits and pieces tomorrow,
Barb
By the way, we are staying in----your clue: two words: the first is that jolly old man in a red suit and the second is my name--now how easy is that??

California surfing

It's been a long but ideal day for sight-seeing. I say that because we are here in May, before the crowds roll in, and secondly because the cool ocean breezes make it comfortable for walking around.

Arend got great shots today of San Fran, including a few around Fisherman's Wharf--you'll see the sea lions sun-bathing and entertaining the tourists (bus loads did come into the city today), a couple of pics of the market and what it has to offer, and the Golden Gate in the fog. Different areas of the city had various levels of sunshine and the bridge was pretty much shrouded but the pics are good nonetheless. And yes, we had our warm coats on--the winds on the hill overlooking the bridge were gale force and temps up there were less than 50 I would gestimate.

Leaving the city and heading south, we climbed through more hilly terrain, stopping along the way to photograph the wind surfers--looks like fun but I couldn't talk Arend into trying that sport. And for my Dad's info (grin) we saw a huge horse ranch but I could NOT talk Arend into getting up on one of those beautiful animals either. I do think riding along the beach would be the *best* but what can you do??

A very special point of interest for us today was seeing where a lot of the strawberries that we buy in our stores back home grow. We actually stopped at a roadside market and bought a couple of boxes, and enjoyed them as a snack just now--umm, ummm.

By the way, we are staying in Monterey tonight, and then moving on towards LA tomorrow. Our schedule is open so we don't know how far we'll go but there're a couple of things we want to see along that route, one being the Hearst Castle, which is not far from here I guess.
Hope you can make sense out of this post, and especially enjoy the photos,
Blessings, Barb

Pictures from Thursday

I'm just going to send along the pics that I wanted to post with yesterday's blog entry. Hope you all enjoy them--look for more in the next post,
Barb

Dizzy (not "Notre") Dame (from all those mountain roads)

We have covered just about every terrain on the planet today, except maybe the desert!!

As we left the hotel this morning, I was thinking I would be driving over the Golden Gate by evening and we would be on the other side of San Fran, but I soon put that idea away when we started into the redwood forests.

Mountain roads, complete with hair (raising) pin turns (that Arend kept wanting to do 60 mph around) and signs that kept saying, "For Elk info, turn your radio dial to - - - ---that was my first clue. It was all up and down hill from then on, until we got to Eureka. I pried my fingers from the dash and stepped out into the fog (okay, I'm always in the fog I know) to still my heartbeat even a little bit as Arend snapped picture after picture and of what you ask?? The beaches and rocks and beaches and rocks--no, I'm kidding really. I did want to kiss those rocks though after my race-track anxiety settled down a bit.

The forest was breath-taking (however I think Arend is figuring in that head of his, how to take even a small piece-say, maybe 20 lbs. or so) of that gorgeous red wood back with him on the plane. There are redwood carving shops all along the roadways (check out the pics again today) and the things they make include birdhouses, plant hangers, baskets, small trinkets, coffee tables, clocks, you name it, they make it. And some of the pieces are remarkable works of art--again, check the pics. It is too bad we can't take any of this stuff back with us--I saw a couple of really interesting bowls I loved--oh well, I guess I'll save my money for the grand-kids.

In the valleys we oohed and awwed over the side hills, covered in *wine bushes* (Arend's term for them--too funny)--acres and acres of vineyards, nestled in between mountains and small sheep herds. Just simply charming and peaceful--what a place to live. ( I still love my teeny corner of the Maritimes, thank-you very much)

We are in for the night (except for a walk) and your clue for our locale today is: the name of this place has 2 words--think of Christmas for the first word, and a flower for the second word. Another clue--we're about 55 miles from the Golden Gate, off highway 101. I'll be checking to see who got this one.

I feel the sandman knocking, so we'd better be going out for our walk. I tried to nap this afternoon but Mr. Earnhart (?) foiled that plan--grin, grin.
Blessings to you, Barb

I'm just going to add that due to technical difficulties I didn't get all the pics uploaded to this post--will try again tonight. I also wanted to tell you that we saw the *Grandfather* of the redwoods yesterday--it was over 1600 years old--yes, that's correct--1600 years old and was 55 feet in circumference, 25 feet in diameter and I do forget how high but what a massive tree--so interesting these giants--a pity they can't grow back home.

Moving on

The fog is *not* driving us away but we do have to move along this morning, sad to say. We will still be along the coast for the most part, so the sights will not disappoint I'm sure of that.

We've certainly enjoyed this time in Crescent City, California (I'm letting you off the hook for the guessing game), exploring the *land of the giants* as Arend likes to refer to it. Jed Smith National Park was beyond my wildest epectations in terms of seeing, smelling and touching those magnificent redwoods. I believe at last count, Arend had taken over 150 pics during our walks among those mighty trees. We stopped at a shop along the road, where they make all kinds of items made from the local woods and the pics I'll show you today will just be a sample.

I loved the vegetation, the burrels (not sure of this spelling) on the sides of the trees, the hollows in the still-standing *older* growth--I loved it all. The best part though was watching Arend with his camera, and listening to him talking about those redwoods--he was like a kid in a giant candy store. I'm sure, if he could, he would have bundled one of those trees up and taken it home with him. I hope the pics I post here will do them at least some justice.

We had a good rest here too in our extra large room with a view. I guess I *could* live here, but my heart would always be at home so I won't be staying--grin!

I miss everyone back home and posting this Blog just makes me think about all of you so know that you're ALL on my mind as we travel and enjoy. It's fun being *away* but the sweetest will be the *homecoming*.

Stay tuned--you won't want to miss these next days on California's coast, with us.
As always, I'm wishing you and *yours* a wonderful day and thanks for sharing your comments. Blessings, Barb

Rugged Coastline

I should be writing a long post right now, but afer all, it's way past our lunch time and I couldn't wait to show you a few pics of the rugged Oregon Coast. There's also a pic of our hotel we stayed at Monday night. And, I had to almost beg Arend to stop and take the "Welcome to California" sign picture--I may never be back here and that sign was proof that I was.

I will post more details later on but have a look at the views we say yesterday, and this is just the beginning believe me. We've just gotten back from the Redwood Forests and you won't believe your eyes when you see those giants. I expected T-saures Rex to pop out of one of those ancient trunks, but I'd better not give away too much information right now--more later on folks! Barb
You will notice the pic that shows a warf and huge sea lions sunning themselves--this was our view as we munched on Dutch apple pie and coffee--nice, eh?

Monday Sunshine

Before I give you the scoop about Monday's journey, I *need* to supply you with the clue(s) for the locale we visisted Sunday when Meg took us to see Bill and Carol, her friends. Here's the clue: This area was settled by Icelandic Explorers in the early 1800's--Clue #2: The US gave Canada a little part of Ontario, in exchange for this "jog" of land. The question is: Who got the better deal?? I'll be anxious to see if you do *your* homework!

Now, on to the the next day. We did travel through Washington state for the biggest part of the day, after spending the night in Bellingham--okay, I could back-space and make you guess where we stayed, but the truth--I can't think of a good clue for you so you're off the hook. Besides, I was so tired by the time we got off the road on Sunday that my brain just wouldn't allow anymore information in, sad to say.

In the early part of the day, the landscape was rolling hills, farmland and small town signs posted along the highway. I kept asking, "When do I get to stick my toes in the Pacific?" Plus, as the lay of the land changed and we were driving through mountains again, my eyes were too busy trying to see what was around the next bend. It was breath-taking to just look up at the cliffs to our right and then to our left, with me hanging on tight while Arend negotiated some of those wild and wolly curves. I can't tell you the state we ended up in without giving everything away so here's your clue: the quaint ocean town was dubbed, "The gateway to the ------ Dunes". The high point of the day, I will tell you, was when I could dip my little Maritime toes (and size 5 feet) in the mighty Pacific for the very first time in my almost 54 years on this earth (check out the pics). I was yelling so hard you might have even picked up a few sound waves where you are. Arend captured the sunset, complete with gulls and white-caps. I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven, the aura of that place was so spiritual--again, check the pics. Of course, you can never capture *being there* on camera, but you can sort of see what I mean.

I think I'll stop here--it's almost time for brain *meltdown* again. We've had a late supper and now my body just wants to curl up in the horizontal position.
Please drop by again for more of our travel tales and *scenery*, the likes you might see in a national travel magazine. Blessings, Barb

Catch-up

I kind of feel like a delinquent student who's behind on her assingnments and the Prof is going to give me a failing grade--it's been forever it seems since I've even had the time to write and this is the day--thank-goodness. I've told everyone to watch for clues and pics and now I'm making good on my word!!

I have to tell you that at this moment I'm in a lovely hotel room, not far from the ocean (you can actually see the Marina from our front window) and even though I would love a bite to eat, I'm excited to tell you all about our travels. I will, however try to keep it to the short version.

I just checked to see where I had left off, and I see that I really didn't tell you much about Saturday. Arend and went to visit his Dutch family in Lynden, Washington, not far over the border, and not too far from Meg's place. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with them, visited at Arend's cousin's home until 7 or so. They have a farm and lots of sheep grazing right around their house--pics to prove that included. Oh yes, we toured the town of Lynden too that day, taking in the Ducth Days festival--more pics for you to see too.

Sunday, Meg and Daniel wanted to take us to their friend's place, and I will tell you where that was because I Have to get to the clues for yesterday and today--silly me I know. Bill and Carol (Meg's friends and mentors) treated us to a delightful meal at their cottage, sharing not only their table but their warm smiles and very entertaining stories. At one point, we even had a band going, using Bill's very diverse instruments (check out pics)--everyone joined in. What fun! I just met those folks and I miss them already!

After the drive back to Meg and Daniel's, we packed up and said our (tearful) good-byes and motored to the US border, to cross and avoid the Monday morning rush, and I'm so glad we did.

Now, I will save the rest for another post--two in one day, but that's how it goes when you're having such a terrific time exploring. Do you think Chris Columbus would have Blogged when he landed on our North American shores--I think NOT!! More later (after Arend downloads pics from today and yesterday) Blessings to you and a big thank-you to anyone who's been praying for us on this trip of a lifetime--Barb

I hesitate to mention that I miss my new grandson back home because I know that waves of sadness and loneliness will wash over me, but I'm going to mention that anyway--I love you all back home, and I miss you too--"Hi" Eden, and "Hi" to her Momme and Daddy, "Hi" to my sons, mom and dad (does this sound like I'm on a live TV show or what???--laugh with me please!!!!)

Pics for Dad

I've not posted for a couple of days now I know and my Dad has been asking for pics so this morning I'm going to post a few from our first day in Vancouver. I did give you a clue as to our location but now I'll show the evidence.

I will write more tonight, with more clues and pictures and highlights of our weekend. Arend and I had such a good time with my sweet neice and her boyfriend Daniel. They treated us like royality and we loved every minute in their company. Thanks guys for your hospitality!!
More later, Barb

These pics were of the area right around Meg's apartment, and the one with us at the table in the Spaghetti Factory was Friday evening--Meg and Daniel insisted on taking us out to dinner. WE insisted on taking them out to breakfast the next morning to the I-HOP for pancakes--so, so yummy. More later--please stay tuned!!

It's a good day!

Congratulations to TLB for correctly guessing "Golden" BC as our location yesterday!! And thank-you to the other folks who commented as well. Eden is only 2 and already she's on the web talking to Nanny and Bampie--can you believe it??

This morning we are heading out for a walk-about around the neighbourhood. Oh yes, the clue for today's location is: This is the oldest city in BC, rich in history and culture. Of course that clue may be too easy but that's okay--I'll give you a little break today.

I will tell you that the mountain drive yesterday was beyond even my wildest expectations in terms of the WOW factor! On a scale of 10, the views scored 1000!!! Some of those curves made me queasy and I can't even begin to imagine what it's like here in winter, in a big rig, manuevering those steep cliff-side hills, reading the signs along the highway that say, "Danger, avalanche area". Even in May there are still plenty of areas where that could still happen--snow is still deep in the higher ranges.

But I believe one of the best sights I saw today, was when we came around a street-corner, on our way to our final destination for the day, and saw my neice standing there. She was waiting for our arrival, after we had called several times to say, "We're only 3 hours out--we're now only 40 minutes out". We took a wrong turn--okay, I took a wrong turn, and ended up going over a bridge that was not on the directions but since Arend was reading the "map" to me, I can blame him right?

It really doesn't matter, cause when we got out of the car and hugged Meg, all the frustrations of getting mixed up dissapeared. We did have to take our greetings inside eventually, to save Meg from total embarrassement. What a bonus ending to a phenomenal day--to hug "family" so far away from home. I wish we could do that every day on the trip.
I must go and catch up on their news now--till the next time, Barb

Magestic

"Oh my"! "Ooh-h-h-h look at that!" "Oh, look at THAT!!!"
Those were the most used words yesterday as we entered the foothills, and continued on through the Great Canadian Rockies. I still can hardly process that we're in BC, in a delightful B&B, listening to the sounds of the train yard and gazing out at snow-capped mountain tops that defy description from my mere and simple words.

It's been a fantastic journey so far. Lake Louise, even though the lake itself was still frozen over (and if I don't mess up you'll see for yourself from the pics included), the awesom handiwork of God in that place was breath-taking. What more can I say. Let's hope the pics display that for you today.

Yesterday was a day out of a dream for me. I mean, really, little girls from Carleton County, N.B., never invision that they'll one day be standing in a spot, surrounded by glorious peaks rising out of the clouds, and snapping photos left and right, literally. I mean, little girls like me who were born 53 years ago in a small farming community with gravel roads running by her door.

I kept saying to Arend, "Thank-you for bringing me on this magnificent trip!". And his response, "Of course I would be bring you Hon, you're the only wife and best friend I've got--who else would travel across the county with a Dutchman like me?"

It is almost time for a lovely hot breakfast of eggs benedict and cups of coffee, enjoyed at a large wooden dining table, surrounded by windows. And you know what the view is like already!

Oh yes, where are we you ask? Well, let's give you a clue. This area is home to the major switching yard and repair shop for the CPR. Can't guess? Okay, here's a bigger clue: In 1858 a gelologist named Sir James Hector's horse kicked him in the chest and knocked him senseless (so the brochure tells me). The men named the river that runs through here, The Kicking Horse River. That's all the clues for now--do your research and you'll see the "best kept secret in BC". That's where we are this morning and it's time for breakfast now. More later today, so do drop by again.
Blessings, Barb