Quiet on the Blog

My blog has been quiet for a few weeks but my house sure hasn't.  The next weekend after visiting Dan and Tiffany in Battleford, we headed back to Saskatchewan. 

We arrived in Swift Current on Saturday, June 23rd and checked into our hotel and went out to Bruce and Lynne's for tea.

We always enjoy spending time with Bruce and Lynne.  We have spent times over the years visiting, playing games, enjoying lots of tea and desserts, cross country adventures and especially watching our children/grandchildren grow.

The following morning we went to our old church.  We had been invited to attend a farewell for Pastor Paul and Tammy Israelson.  (Thank you June for inviting us!)  We had so enjoyed Paul and Tammy's ministry while we were living there and even after when we went to Deschambault Lake and were able to check in on services via the internet.  There kids have grown up so much.  The family will be moving to Saskatoon where Paul will take on the responsibilities of District Superintendent for the Saskatchewan District of the Pentecostal Assemblies.

After a great lunch and a wonderful celebration of Paul and Tammy, we headed to Calgary where we checked into a hotel.  It was a last quiet night for awhile.  The next morning, we flew to Ottawa and shortly after arriving at our hotel, things got LOUD.

We stayed that night in a hotel in Ottawa with our three travellers after saying goodbye to Jenn, Abby, Anthony and our wonderful friend, Hilda who had driven with Jenn to Ottawa.  The next morning, we got ourselves to the airport.

And once we were on the plane, our adventure began.

We spent that night (Tuesday) at our son's where the kids got introduced to Tanker and Beemer (and Lilly).

The next day (Wednesday), we all went to Calgary Zoo. 

The next day (Thursday), we all drove to Drumheller to the Dinosaur museum.

That night Ron and Uncle S. took the kids to the pool while I rested and recovered from a busy week.  The next morning, we loaded up the truck and headed south.

Along the way, we stopped at the Bar U Ranch for a picnic and a walk around.  It was quite interesting.

Finally, we made it to Pincher Creek!

We have been keeping busy with drives, games, walks, hikes, parks and just lots of eating and fun!

Stay tuned for more adventures to come!

This and That

Living on a reserve in a northern Saskatchewan post has given us many new experiences.  This past week I was asked to TEACH a grade 5/6 class and I did.  Interesting!

Last night Ron called me from work and said that the northern lights were dancing so he arrived to pick me up in the police truck to go and see the best skies yet.

Today he went to pick up our slippers made by one of the ladies here.  Made out of moose hide  and fur to fit us personally.  The bead work is very detailed and the fleece lining makes the slippers perfect for the winter months ahead.

And then tonight Ron calls to say that Staffing is coming to talk to him on Monday.  This will start the talks about where we will end up next summer.  More interesting times ahead!

And that is just a little this and that!

What's $5? A Little History!

Ron had a special duty to do today.  It was treaty day and it was part of his responsibility to shake everyone's hand and give them $5.00.

So the question...why would everyone come out on a cloudy day and line up to shake hands with an Indian Affairs Representative, the chief and an RCMP officer just to receive $5.00?

I  tried to do a little research on the reason behind this day.  It is a yearly ritual that has been taking place for generations.  Treaty Day is a symbolic recognition of the more than 130-year relationship between the Crown and Canada’s First Nations.  Treaty Day expresses a commitment between the government and First Nations to reconnect.

When the original treaties were made, a yearly payment of $5 was part of a package that included things such as fishing tackle, hunting supplies and other material useful for traditional life. Five bucks went a lot further 130 years ago, and nowadays not everyone goes every year to collect their treaty money. The government gives back-payments for years that were missed.

The children may not understand the significance of the day but it is made special by bouncy toys, gifts and a barbeque.  The adults shake hands and receive the $5.00 and reflect the meaning behind the handshake. 

I was thankful to be able to be there for this special day and it was another one of those moments that makes these two years interesting and memorable.

Easter Sunday and Today

Two weeks ago today was Easter Sunday but unfortunately we didn't make it to church.  It was a travel day for us.  We were awake bright and early and arrived at the airport just after 4:00 a.m.  Travel seems to be a lot of hurrying and waiting.  We checked in and waited to board our plane to Toronto.  It was a very smooth ride.  We landed in Toronto and grabbed some lunch to wait again. 

Our next part of the trip was a new adventure for me.  Usually when we land in Toronto we either grab a shuttle to Napanee, rent a car or are picked up.  This time we were flying to Kingston.  Ron had done this when he left for training in Regina and had flown back to Kingston 5 years ago after graduation.

When we boarded the plane I was thinking of my friend Catherine who does not like to fly.  This plane had a total of 36 seats.  Nine rows with two seats on each side of the plane and a very narrow aisle.  Fortunately it was a calm day and very little turbulence and it was quick.  A normal two plus hour drive was reduced to 50 minutes from take off to landing. 

Ron was busy taking pictures out of the window as he recognized so many familiar landmarks along the way.

We flew right over Napanee into Kingston to be picked up by my mom, dad and Sarah (as mentioned in a previous blog).

Napanee

Once we collected our luggage from this very tiny airport we drove to Lemoine's Point to stretch our legs and mom actually fed a bird from her hand.

Kingston is only 30 minutes from Napanee and it was nice to drive along the lake and see familiar sights.  It was nice to be with mom, dad and Sarah.  It was also very nice to feel the warmth of Spring.

TODAY....It is another cool day with just a few scattered flurries in the air.  Ron and I went for a walk this morning to the dock.  Since it is cooler the roads are not muddy and so it made for great walking and any time that I can go for a walk I certainly enjoy it.

Still lots of ice in the lake but at least we can see the dock now.  It was covered for most of the winter with piles of snow.

Yes Ron, I think it will be awhile before we go canoeing.

As for the rest of the day....Ron went to work and I went to church, well kind of.  I am able to enjoy a church service thanks to Pastor Paul Israelson and Family Community Church in Swift Current.

After "church" I will work more on my school work which is like sitting in classes all day (technology!)  And then tonight we are going next door for a steak dinner!  It is a reasonably busy day in the middle of no where.  I will be taking dessert!

Happy Sunday!