My Rescue Family

There once was a little boy who said to his parents, “all I want for Christmas is a puppy and snow pants so I can go outside to play with my puppy.” That Christmas, that little seven year old boy got his snow pants and a puppy.  He called the puppy, Curley and she lived a long life.  From that time, that boy loved animals and was destined to have a houseful of rescued animals.  The good news is that he found a partner for life that loves animals as much as he does.

On Sunday, the boy who is now a man, and happens to be our son, sent a text that said, “Guess what I did.”  We figured it must have something to do with an animal. 

When we were visiting with Stephen and Kylie in August, their pets included Beemer, Murphy and Lilly.

There were a couple of neighbourhood dogs that came for regular visits.  Koda and Mika would come to the door, waiting to be let in.  If we went for a walk, they would join us for the adventure.  

If we drove away, they would wait for us to return and usually beat the truck to the house or already be there waiting.  

The owner of these two dogs would ask Stephen and Kylie to look after them went he went away.  These two visiting pups were soon spending more time at Stephen and Kylie’s and would go home only to be fed.  Well, you can imagine where my story is going.  Stephen and Kylie are moving soon to their next post and they have fallen in love with these two neighbourhood dogs.  They were going to be sad to leave them.  Stephen joked with the owner that they might find their way into the moving truck.

Over the weekend, Stephen got a call from someone in the community.  Their dog had lots of puppies and they knew Stephen would do his best to find homes for them.

With help from another friend, the puppies were getting spoken for.  He reached out to his neighbour, the owner of Koda and Mika to see if he wanted a puppy.  He told him that it was funny that he should ask that.  He talked to his daughter about a new puppy and asked Stephen if he wanted Koda and Miki.  He knew that they were happier there and so just like that the neighbour got a new puppy and Stephen and Kylie’s rescue family added two dogs. 

Some people collect oil lamps, key chains or even tea cups…some collect rescue animals.

I think Stephen has the best wife to not only go along with his fur family but actually encourages it.  He also has really good parents that are still willing to go and animal sit even when he doubles the count.

A Perfect Day For A Wedding

The day was perfect…not too hot, not too cool.  The sun was just warm enough to make it very comfortable.  Add to the great weather, a gorgeous waterfront, a couple in love and you have the perfect ingredients for a beautiful fall wedding.

Five years ago we got a message from Kathy, Ron’s cousin.  Her girls, Kayla and Jess, were going on a western adventure and we were part of their tour.  I remember how fun it was to have family come and visit.  We did some hikes and sightseeing and enjoyed their company.

Oh look, Beavertails!

Fast forward to today and another adventure was happening.  Kayla and Steven were getting married.  We, of course, arrived early for early but it was such a beautiful place to be so all was good.  When we got there, the wedding pictures were happening.  

We were able to have a little visit with Kathy before things got too busy.  

We wondered around the perfectly manicured lawn thanks to Todd! The wedding was supposed to start at 3:00 but no one seemed in a rush.  At one point, a plane flew around, taking pictures.

Around 4:00, they asked everyone to have a seat and we waited.  The stepdad’s brother received a phone call and he put it on speaker so all of the guests could hear.  Everyone was ready to go but the minister had not arrived.  We wandered around while the wedding planner tried not to look too worried.

Around 4:30, they asked everyone to find a seat.  The minister came in with a flurry scrambling to prepare herself.  The bridal party made their way from the house and the wedding proceeded.  

Some kids went by on standup boards and a canoe and stopped to take in the celebration.  A sailboat sailed by and two swans were close to shore.

No one minded that the wedding started later than expected.  Everything seemed to be happening at just the right time.  Soon we were being asked to sit in the beautifully decorated dining tent. Every little detail of this wedding was planned.  

The meal was delicious with choices of salads, potatoes, rice, chicken, salmon and beef.  Then came the desserts.  The speeches were emotional and heartfelt.  There was a lot of love and tears happening.

As the sun was setting, the photographer rushed the bride and groom over to the lake to take some breathtaking photos.  

From start to finish the day was perfect…as Jess would say, “pray real prayers for a good day.” After the dinner and speeches, we said our congratulations and goodbyes and headed to the car.  The party was just starting.  If we hadn’t been so full from the delicious meal we could have stayed for a beavertail.

This wedding had it all..including the Beavertail truck!

We were so happy to be a part of Kayla and Steven’s perfect day!

Counting Down

This has been a bit of a different week.  On Sunday, we had a fall kickoff barbeque at the church.  The littles enjoyed the bouncy castles and the adults savoured the barbeque.

Friends from our Frankford church stopped in after church.  It was so nice to have a visit with Al and Donna.

I went to the church Monday morning to count the offering with a couple of ladies.  We got back home, just in time for my doctor’s appointment.  I was lucky enough to have two spots burned off and two others cut out on my leg.  I had a quiet afternoon.

I also have been thinking lately about working.  My next contract date is coming up for renewal.  The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of retirement.  I decided to let the pastor and board know that I would not be looking for an extension.  My last day to work will be October 2nd. which means I only have seven days until retirement!  This time I think it’s the real one!!

On Tuesday, Ron and I went to Kingston and we picked up another footstool for our front porch.  I’m going to need extra relaxing material around.

Today, I worked from home….down to six days left.  We then drove to Bon Echo for a barbeque supper.

Ron already had an active day.  He went kayaking in the morning and golfing in the afternoon. While we were in Bon Echo, he went swimming.  How am I going to keep up to him?

After a hot dog dinner on the beach, we had a nice drive home.  The leaves are starting to change colours and the sunset was beautiful.

Sharbot Lake Provincial Park

Thursday night was a cool one. We did manage to sleep.  I think the biggest problem was that the air in the air mattress was cold!

The morning coffee tasted so good and the hot shower was wonderful.  Breakfast was good.  We are not suffering in the eating department.

We went for a little canoe around Black Lake and stopped at the portage spot and walked over to Sharbot Lake.

We came back to the campsite and I cooked venison chops to eat with our salad.

After lunch, we did the little hike.  I huffed and puffed around the trail.

Supper was leftovers and Ron started the fire.  

This morning, we woke up feeling good.  We had hot porridge, toast and coffee for breakfast.  A little friend has been busy around the campsite, always working…I found a few treats for him before we left.

We stopped in Sharbot Lake to visit some friends and made it home in time to clean up the tents, put away all the camping things, did some laundry and Ron even cut the grass.  We rewarded ourselves with a pizza!