Ups and Downs

On Ron's last day off we headed towards Radium, BC.  It's a perfect place to spend a few days off.  On our way, we got the good news that Ron had an extra day off.  That was great news.

We booked into a quaint little chalet on top of the hill that had a beautiful view.

We spent a little bit of time that evening in the hot springs and it was exactly what we needed because we got more news.  I got two calls from the specialist who wanted to see me right away. 

I made the appointment for Friday so that we could still enjoy our time in the mountains.  The next morning we headed to a beautiful spot in the woods.

 It was quite mild and the snow was rather sticky but the trails were amazing.

It took us quite some time to actually figure out the maps and many times we ended up exactly opposite from where we thought we should be.

It was kind of slow going and often we were stopping to clear off the snow from under our skies.  I took a couple of falls down hills but still enjoyed the day and the views.

The next day we felt that we deserved another visit to the hot springs so this time we travelled to Fairmont.

It was cool and windy but the heat of the pool felt wonderful.  It kind of made my husband of almost 35 years feel like a little boy again.

On our way back to Radium we had to stop for some of the locals crossing the road.

We checked out of the chalet and headed back to our son's.  It was a bit of snowy drive and quite beautiful.

The next morning we arrived at the doctor's and got the news.  The results showed that one nodule was suspicious of cancer.  An appointment has been scheduled for a consultation with a surgeon.  And so now we wait.

These few days were full of ups and downs...but together Ron and I enjoyed the days away and we will be together to get through the weeks ahead of us....along with special family and friends!

Just Another Day at Work

It's that time of year again when we send a team from the college off to another part of the world and that is a big part of my job.  After lots of planning and preparing the team was spending the last morning at the college.

Emma led the team in a devotional encouraging them to "step out of the boat" and see what God has in store for them.

Right after lunch the students packed their luggage into the vehicles.

It was time to say goodbye to their friends.  We gathered in the Atrium at the college.

There were hugs and tears and some nerves floating around the room.  Then it was time to pray over the team.

One more last photo...

And then we were off to the airport.

After a few more hugs and waves goodbye our little team were on their way.  First, to Germany, then to Turkey, South Africa and finally to Mozambique.  In five weeks we will greet them back at the college anxious to hear all about their experiences.

Until then, I watch their itinerary relieved to hear that they have arrived in each place where we have scheduled them to be.

First Ski of 2018

Last week we went back to Kananaskis County to find some good snow and great trails.

There is quite a maze through the woods with many trails and different levels of skiing.  The day was beautiful and the trees were heavy with snow.



We started along the hydro line with great groomed trails.



It was hard not to have a smile on your face when you are skiing with these views.

 



 

 

Along the way there was a beautiful trail that had enough hills to glide down and almost up the next hill.  It was wonderful.

 

 

Pictures don't give this day justice...looking forward to going back.

 





Christmas Part Two

The next morning our son arrived after working all night.  

The stockings for the dogs were even ready for them.

Lilly wandered around the tree looking for the perfect place or the perfect gift.

Soon the gifts were all opened and everyone felt quite spoiled.  Papers, boxes and dogs were scattered around the house.

We had a turkey dinner and all the trimmings in the evening and felt like we had our full Christmas day just a few days later.

 The next day Ron and I purchased our Christmas gift and we celebrated our son's 27th birthday.  Then the games began!

And we still have two more days to eat, play and visit!

Christmas Part One

We still haven't had our official Christmas.....meaning that we still have wrapped gifts under the tree as we await the arrival of our son and his fur family.



But....we have had lots of warm ups to the idea.  First Brianne and Andrew came over and we exchanged gifts.  We were totally spoiled by our Alberta kids.  They know us well and bought us and made for us very thoughtful gifts.  We shared with them our cold...sad face!

Ron was working on Christmas Eve, Brianne and her mom went to church with me.  It was great to have someone to sit and enjoy the service with.

On Christmas day, they invited us to share their Christmas dinner with them and their family.  The table was beautifully set and the meal was delicious.

We then spent the evening playing games...perhaps not a real friendly night.  First, we played a game with stealing gifts from each other and then slid into the Family Feud game but we all left as friends.

One of the highlights of the evening was when the gift that I gave Brianne caught on fire and while Andrew rushed to get his uniform on in anticipation of a 911 call, I was able to extinguish the flame. 

It wasn't suppose to be a wood burning set!



It was a really nice Christmas day and we were thankful that our Alberta kids shared their family day with us.



And so now we wait....very soon our quiet, semi-clean house will change to a much more exciting place to be when the fur family arrives.  Can't wait!!