I See What You Mean...

Ah yes, I see what you mean.  My header no longer works with the template I've chosen.  Yes its either change the header or template.  Well I could be persuaded to do a new header - its about time. 

Since I've left posting so long I now have so much content that it would overwhelm if I were to do it all in one go.  I don't want to frighten you off so I will try to break it down into categories.  Here goes for the first one - visits. 

Each year my one and only sister comes for a week's stay.  I'm sure its what pulls her through the other 51 weeks of work.  We chatter and make plans months and months in advance.  In past years we have done things such as canning but this year we decided it was all about spending time together and relaxing.  The weather cooperated very nicely and she held me hostage on this floaty until we were both baked to a brown crispness.  I think she has some alligator blood for she could lay and lay and lay while I had to get wet every so often, disturbing her repose and serenity.  I swear she would still be out there floating around if I had not said I had to come in.  If I get all wrinkly in the next six months its due to her.  Truly it was an amazing time and I love you to smithereens Nina!  Only 11 months till the next visit - I've spruced up your room. 

Ethan:

"Are you the paparazzi?"

Next special visit was to see our brother Barry, Sister in Law Judy, Melissa, Samantha, Corey and their handsome baby Ethan.  Blushing to say this was my first time to ever see Ethan in person and to meet Corey.  Judy and Barry are still in the throes of renovating their mobile home and it was exciting to see the changes they've made.  We were treated to a gourmet meal of bbq fish - two sorts, that were melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  We had only one night as we were headed to the coast the next day to visit my in-laws.  It was so smokey in the morning, the air thick and syrupy with smoke which had drifted from the fires to the north of Kamloops. 

Judy and Barry you made us feel so welcome.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It was a precious time together.  Looking forward to our next time together - and to seeing your home when all your transformations are complete. 

The next stop was Abbotsford where we stayed with our folks (my in-laws) for 10 days.  Other than going to yard sales on the weekend (me, not my Mr) we stayed close to home as it was a "work-holiday" for my Mr who had prep to do for his school year - which started today.  While I stuck close with Mom and Dad, my man sequestered himself in the basement with his computer.  It was the only way we could manage it this close to the school opening.  The reason we visited was to celebrate both Mom and Dad's birthdays - this being Dad's 80th!  No photos here - they are shy and secretive and I respect and love them for it. 

We have others we would have loved to visit on the mainland but it would have been impossible this time.  I look forward to the next time we are able to drive into the city and spend time with our relatives.

Cicero and Mither

Ah, but I did squeeeeze in one more small outting - locally to Abbotsford.  Just so happened my friend Cicero (see blog links for Cicero - her version of our visit, Nina and Judy on my sidebar) was down to the coast to take care of some business and to spend time with her dear mother at the same time as we were there.

Cicero and her fiesty puppy Mingus, was sweet to meet me and ferry me about in her vehicle for have neither spent much time driving in the city, nor do I know my way around and surely would have gotten lost.  We drove to the home where her Mom stays and we had a wonderful chin-wag about "the good old days".  Gracious, I can only hope to be so spry at her 96 years of age! 

Mingus was a true gentleman and knew exactly how to fulfill his social obligations at the home - spending just enough time with each senior to get in a quick petting and pampering.  He was so suave and yet endearing. 

We then proceeded to the old Clayburn store where we had a light lunch.  A delightful old store turned gift shop/tea shop.  Stocked with candy of all sorts, novelties and curios I was simply dying to spend time exploring every corner with the lens of my camera - but I held back for I wanted to soak up time wiht my friend and thought to come back another day, perhaps with my Mother in Law, for tea and a photo shoot. 

Cicero - it was truly golden moments we shared - you are so easy to be around.  I look forward to our next time.

Afterwards, of course, we let Mingus out on the field as little dogs need to do when they are between visits with humans.  He protected us from this person and dog far off in the distance.  Good Dog! 

So this concludes the first part of my blog posts in the coming week.  I hope I've not talked your ear off.

I meant THIS sort of day

The sort with a little rain after a month of heat and drought. The sort with tea in a new place with a good friend. That's what I meant.




-- Post From My iPhone

Mystery Photo

It's THIS sort of day...




-- Post From My iPhone

Interesting Hey?

This August has
5 Sundays,
5 Mondays,
5 Tuesdays,

All in one month. It happens once in 823 years.


-- Post From My iPhone

More Vacation – and Tatting (of course!)

 

We continued along in Idaho with our next stop being a spot we have passed a few times and never taken in – Shoshone Falls.  Very impressive. 

 

 

We are informed that Shoshone Falls are actually TALLER than Niagara Falls! 

After visiting there we pushed on and began to put our thinking caps on in the way that when the right place to rest our heads for the night should turn up we would be ready.  We then came across this refreshing place – Miracle Hot Springs.  The sign on the highway did not in any way indicate such a unique facility was waiting for our comfort!

 

 

The water was beautifully clean and warm and… soft and velvety, really.  Its the first time we’ve noticed a silky feel to the water at a hot springs. 

 

 

Next to the main pool is this covered in area which has hotter water piped in. 

 

 

There are 15 smaller private soaking pools, each with adjustable temperatures and changing rooms, available on a first come, first serve basis.

 

 

Four VIP pools are designed for larger groups and can be reserved in advance. After every use, each private pools is drained, cleaned and refilled with fresh water.

And if this were not enough…

 

 

There are “domes” which can be rented out – accomodation.  The two on the bottom are like hotel suites – they come with beds and all the luxuries.  There is another one which has matts provided, you bring your own bedding.  The one pictured at the top is a “group” dome.  Entire groups of people can stay in this one.  Looks like fun! 

 

 

I admit I thought this was to be a joke – to add some spice, but it appears it really is so!

 

 

There are actually three large alligators (in what I thought was a small :( area for these wonderful creatures.  They do look well cared for I admit and I understand they were either brought in or rescued from the New Orleans area.  At any rate, one is invited to view them being fed.  I think my honey thinks I’m like one of these grouchy beasts when I get up in the morning some days.  Well, till I’ve had my coffee and square of chocolate every day.  I know, I’m bad. 

 

 

There are pretty touches everywhere and the prices are very reasonable.  Wish we had a facility like this just down the road from us, specially in the middle of snowy old winter.  Perhaps when we retire we will travel around to all the hot springs in the middle of the blizzards and write a book about it.  If you would like to know more about Miracle Hot Springs just click on the the pretty flower photo. 

 

And while we were away I whiled away some hours and miles down the highways tatting up my first ever doily.  Its far from perfect but I was so glad I did it. 

 

 

And since I’ve been home I took the opportunity to tat a button pattern. I got the pattern created by Lisa C. Trumble from  the This and Tat blog – you can find it by clicking on the button tatting photo.  This website is chock full of good lessons and ideas.   I am not sure what I will use this for but its very cool I think.  Its giving me ideas.  Thats dangerous.