GO, GRANNY, GO!!

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“We’re going on the trip. I called Yo and booked it.” My daughter stirred milk into her café crema as she spoke. She had stopped by to cut her son’s (my tenant grandson) hair, and came upstairs to chat for a few minutes before leaving.

“So you managed to book that week off? Good!” I answered, as I joined her at the table. I knew she had been worried that changing the dates for her scheduled vacation would be a problem. When her brother had told us about the plans for holidays with his 6 closest friends, she had been avid to join them. These boys, who had practically been raised in our home, were like extended brothers to her. They are all going to turn 40 next year, and Bow had explained how, with much juggling of dates for their own and their wives’ availability, they had finally hit upon a week where the 12 of them could go down south and celebrate together. It promises to be a hilarious time!

Yoshiko, my son’s wife, now works for a travel agency, and was responsible for the arrangements. She had assured Shan that her name could be added to the group if she acted quickly. Vacationing with that gang could be nothing but fun; I was happy everything had worked out. I smiled as I pulled back my chair. It was a good thing I was already sitting when Shan spoke again.

“Did you hear me, Mom? I said WE are going. Double occupancy is only a couple of dollars more than single, and I’ve booked your name too. You’re coming with us. So get your butt in gear – you have 5 months to prepare.” The Cheshire cat had nothing on my daughter’s grin as she watched for my reaction. I’m sure the expression on my face did not disappoint her.

“Me??” I squeaked. “But….but …are you sure the boys will want this? They’re so much younger…and going down there to celebrate….”

“Already taken care of.” She smiled smugly. “And it’s YOU, Mom. You’ve always been invited to any of their parties, but Bow called around to make sure. They think it’s great!”

I’m still reeling.

If what my kids want is to take my mind of the difficult events of the last 3 years, I’d have to admit that they’ve succeeded. I went from total surprise, to denial, to worry, then to…wow – this is awesome – excitement! It has been so long since I’ve been on a trip to the ocean that I’m scrambling to remember what I’ll need to pack…except we’ll forget the bikini.

I don’t have to tell you that there’s a little dance in my step now, and even though I completely forgot to ask where we are going, I’m SMILING!!

Sending it out to y’all!!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

THE TRIO IN SASKATOON

Dawna had a problem setting her camera's timer. By the time it was done, we were finding it hilarious. The wine helped. “Sh*t! We’re going to miss our flight!”
And that’s how my mini-vacation began. Both Dawna and I had arrived 2 ½ hours early at the airport, had checked in, then I convinced her to spend our wait in the bar. I’m not a brave flyer; I prefer my feet to be on solid ground, and was depending on a shot of ‘spirits’ to numb my nerves. When we did cross customs, we thought we had time to spare, and that we were beside our boarding gate, number 49. As luck would have it, there was a Starbucks concession right there! Lattés in hand, we meandered past 48, towards 49…and hit a dead end. We were walking the wrong direction! A glance at our watch told us it was 4:30 PM, the departure hour…then we were running!! The West Jet rep made some wise crack about our ‘Starbuck stop’ as he shooed us up the ramp and onto the plane. Gasping for breath, slightly embarrassed, but still laughing, we scrambled into our seats. I hardly even noticed when we were up and away.

There was a short stop in Toronto. We got off to stretch our legs, and the stewardess warned us that we were to be the FIRST ones back on the plane. What was that comment about, you think? LOL!

It was on to Saskatoon and Karen…and a temperature of -23 degrees…. and falling snow! Winter had arrived before us, and yours truly was wearing running shoes.

It didn’t matter. We spent 4 wonderful days catching up on each others’ lives, laughing together, cooking our specialities, shovelling snow; all very relaxed and just what I needed. We did take a short jaunt into the city centre, and hit a bookstore (of course!), but it was mostly for a ‘wine-run’. Karen had stocked up, but those darned bottles had ghastly holes in them!

My friends endured my hollering as we watched my HABS beat Toronto on Saturday night, and we all cheered when Saskatchewan took the semi finals from Calgary on Sunday afternoon’s football game. Another girl who lives in that area drove 4 hours to drop in and visit. She worked with me during my stint with Montreal’s homeless youth, and we hadn’t seen each other for at least 10 years. We enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing and updating; she met my friends, and we were introduced to her husband. Another totally pleasant day.

It was quite ironic that my new swimsuit, which had been gathering dust for at least two warm summers in my closet, was first worn outside in freezing temperatures! Karen has a hot tub behind her house. I had never been in one, but both she and Dawna are avid users, and one night we ventured out for my initiation. It was new experience, immersed in bubbling, steaming water, wine glasses frosting in the frigid air, surrounded by the snow we had just traipsed through with bare feet. Picture an overgrown Jacuzzi in a vast white room, with the lights and the furnace heat turned off. Glorious!

Although there’s no place like home, our departure was difficult. The time had just flew by, and as we hugged farewell, it was not without a few tears. However, I think we’ve convinced our Saskabush girl to come spend a few days with us in Quebec just after New Year’s day. Seeing that the snow has followed us back, she should be right in her element!

The flight back was uneventful. I will say that West Jet crew are a nice group; smiling, joking, and very solicitous of their clients’ welfare. I didn’t feel nervous at all during the journey, and that’s something!

I called Karen the evening after our return. We didn’t do the usual 4 hour chat, but we could have. It certainly wasn’t because we had run out of things to say, even after talking a blue streak during our visit. After hanging up the phone, I reflected on how important it has become to keep in close touch with friends. Maybe it’s because our time is less taken with raising families and developing careers, or maybe it’s just that we get wiser with age. Whichever, I feel the need now for regular contact, and realise more and more how precious our friendships can be.

I bet Karen is reading this now and thinking ‘Aw, enough with the sentimental crap!”, and that thought is making me SMILE. Actually, I’m giggling!

Have a good day, folks. I’m hoping there will be many occasions on this holiday (for USA) weekend to make you giggle too!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.

WILL I LEAVE?

It’s 10:35. I was to pick Suzie’s sister up at 4 AM, which meant I need to be up around 2:30 AM if I want to be awake enough to drive, plus cover the distance to arrive at her house for that hour. However, seeing how the day unfolded, I decided to call and warn her that I may be a touch late. She was very agreeable, although I know she is anticipating the trip with much excitement. She has never been to visit Suzie’s home, so it will be quite a treat. We agreed that I will phone her when I get out of bed – she’ll have ample time to do her last minute things, and I won’t feel rushed because she is waiting.

I won’t write a list in here, because it will sound like I’m whining, but it seemed that today everything and everybody was throwing obstacles in the path of my planned departure. Delay after delay, all of it leading up to me throwing my hands in the air and yelling ‘What next!!???” and very close “To hell with it. I’m staying home.” Suzie made sure THAT wasn’t going to happen, LOL. She called, and called again, just to tell me how lonesome she was and how she couldn’t wait for our arrival.

So, most things are taken care of now. Except….my dog-sitters, who were supposed to arrive tonight, have promised to show up at least by noon tomorrow. If not…well, besides being livid, I’ll contact my daughter and she’ll come to let the doggies outside for a bit, and make sure they are fed and watered each day. Worse come to worse, I’ll cut my trip short and return on Sunday instead of Tuesday. I have full confidence that Shan can deal with them until then.

The idea of shutting off my cell-phone won’t work either, but that can be taken in stride too. Hey – when we have NO work we’re allowed to complain; it won’t kill me to take a couple of calls. The timing for this vacation fell right into the period where most companies are back from holidays and ready for business, and the requests are coming in. I’ll be smarter next time and try taking my vacation during the same months as most of the clients do. We live and learn…even at 60, LOL.

Obviously, my idea of making it an early night is scrapped. I have filled my Jacuzzi while writing this, so will now try to seduce my friend Morpheus. A long drive in the rain, and sleepy to boot, is NOT a good idea. Then again, although Suzie’s sister can’t share the driving, she can chatter enough to make sure I stay awake.

In spite of the hassles, I can’t help but be pleased with this day. The doctors confirmed that, although the biopsy showed malignant cells, the operation was successful and there is no more sign of cancer in my brother’s mouth, throat, or tongue. They are quite certain that the spot on his lungs is only pneumonia, and have promised to give him an earlier date for his scan. Relief!! And the idiot bro of mine dared to grouch that our trip to the city was for nothing!! He came very close to needing the hospital for wounds inflicted by his sister!! He did agree that his grumbling was stupid when faced with the other possible diagnosis. DUH!

Okay, I’m outta here! Once again sending SMILES and hopes that you’ll all have a great weekend!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec

AND THE RAIN COMETH

I read Kilroy’s blog this morning, and part of his message did not please me. After so many beautiful (although hot) days of sunshine, it is going to rain on the one I picked to drive to Detroit. I checked on The Weather Network Site, and it warns me that there will be similar weather all the way down - the whole 8 to 10 hours. That means I need to get new windshield wipers as soon as my brother and I get back from his appointment at the hospital today. Poor Kilroy is heading east, and he will be seeing the same conditions. Bah! Humbug!

What’s more, the Network predicts rain for my full stay at Suzie’s, with only Tuesday, the day we drive back, being sunny. That doesn’t matter so much, I guess. Suzie’s home is actually in Troy, a nice suburb, with a huge, fenced backyard, lots of parasols, and an open garage. So rain or shine we’ll be sitting outside. I’m not in the money these days, so there won’t be much shopping. I will, of course, drop in at Barnes & Nobles. I can’t drive by that store – my truck turns into its parking lot automatically, LOL! You can practically inhale the scent of thousands of new books before you even open the door. Paradise!

I arrived home late from the office last night. Traffic was heavy. It was so nice to finally relax on the quiet of my gallery. A beautiful evening, stars galore, and the only noise was that of the doggies scrambling off now and then to see whatever had caught their attention in the bush. My brother and his friend, Fran, will be house & doggie sitting while I’m away, and I know Bird really enjoys being outside here. He tells me that the air is different, fresher, and he finds it much easier to breathe. He and Fran will stay over tonight so that I can show them where things are, the doggies’ routine, Bud’s medication, etc.

I spoke by telephone to both my sons last night. My eldest was upset. Yesterday morning he awoke to find that thieves had broken into his car, which was parked in the driveway of his new house, and had stolen his GPS, his Cell phone, his Fed Ex badge, his new sunglasses. To add insult to injury, they left both doors open, so his battery was dead too. He hasn’t been living in that area very long, and complained that such a thing never happened when he was living downtown Montreal. Poor guy was NOT having a good day.

I’m taking my laptop with me for my trip, but I am not sure how much time I’ll have to use it, other than for a couple of hours work. This will probably be my last post until I get back next week.

Have good trip, my friend, Kilroy, and to all of you I wish a great long weekend. I’ll post my adventures when I return – if I remember them. Suzie is sitting waiting on me with a bottle of tequila in hand, LOL!

SMILES for you folks!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.