Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Visiting the West Coast

Punch and I left Chelmsford on September 5th for B.C. It was sad to leave our family there and in Alliston but we were happy also because we would get to see the girls and their family. On our way we visited a few places before stopping in at Marc's our nephew in Sylvan Lake, Alberta for a visit and it was really nice to finally see his family. It happened to be the same time that my sister Marie and Len were visiting so it made it even more special. We also went to see our friends in Crossfield, Alberta. Lorraine and Bill made us feel like a part of their family. We were treated with alot of kindness and can't wait to see them again in Mesa, Arizona this November.
Click to play this Smilebox photo album
We arrived in Logan Lake at our campsite to be our home for a month. We settled in comfortably and then visited with the Gagnons and the Fournier families. It was so nice to see all of them again. Renee and Nat took some time off to spend with us and we got to spend a whole day with just them. We visited Clearwater. What a beautiful spot. We had a great day.
While we were there we also got to see the salmon run. They come back every four years to span and then to die. It's to bad but that is their circle of life.
Punch and I got to spend some quality time with both families during our stay. Jessie, Sam and Danika sure are growing up to be some beautiful little ladies. We sure enjoy every minute that they could spend with us. They are all working and going to school so they really have to squeeze the grandparents in there somewhere. We love you girls so much.
Thanksgiving was hosted by Renee and her family in Kamloops. She had some friends, other family members and all our family for supper. It sure made it special. It was nice to see Pierre, Tiffany, Paige and Landon during our stay. They are a really nice family.
Our departure from B.C. was a joyous but sad moment for all. We were anxious to get to our destination but very sad to be leaving them all behind. At least we do cherish the time that we get with them.
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Goodbye for now girls see you in March.

Charlie

I know that it took me awhile before I could write about Charlie but there is never a good time so here it is.
On April 12, 2010 we lost our dear little dog Charlie. Charlie was 13 years old but he lived a very good and long life. He had spent most of the winter with Natalie while we were in Arizona so he lived his last months with his best dog friends Maddux, Jake and Ziggy. Chris and Nat really took good care of him while we were away. I'm sure if he could have talked he would have thanked them for all they did for him. We got to spend some time with him at Christmas but only a few weeks on our return in March.
Charlie lived a long time since he was born with a very bad heart murmur and was only expected to live a few years. He got to share the first seven years of his life with his good buddy Higgins our other dog whom he missed a lot after Higgins passed away. Charlie managed to walk almost three miles a day with me and these walks will be forever remembered as some of our favorite times together. He was really close to Punch and loved to go for rides with him. The empty space he left in his heart will take a long time to heal. Charlie was always good for a laugh. He did leave the whole family with a lot of good memories. He will be missed by all.
Charlie was laid to rest with his best bud Higgins in Logan Lake B.C. in Nat and Chris's yard. We knew that he would be at peace there since he would be forever close to his friends.
Charlie we will miss you and you will never be forgotten. Have a good time with Higgins up in doggy heaven. Be well our friend.
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Spring and Summer of 2010

We returned to Sudbury on March 28th after four days of travelling. Now we have to get busy and pack our belongings since Nat sold her home and will be leaving for Kamloops to join Chris on April 26th. They found a really cute home in Logan Lake about half an hour from Renee's. Moving day finally creepsup on us and we have to say goodbye to Nat and the dogs, what a sad time but we are hoping to see each other soon. Thanks guys for giving us the opportunity to live next to you. It might have been short but it was great. Wishing Nat and Chris all the best in their new home.
During this time we also lost our little dog Charlie. It was a lot to take in at the same time and I will post something about him in the future. We have decided to put all our stuff in

storage for a year and then try to figure out what we want to do. Settled down in one place or keep travelling. Time will tell.
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We have been spending a lot of time and camping with the family. Punch got himself a small boat and motor so we did quite a bit of fishing in the spring and summer. A few of my family members came to join us for a week in May. It was really a great time and so nice to be able to see them again. Hope to be able to do it again next year.
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June was spent babysitting our grandson Owen while his mom went back to her teaching job.
Owen celebrated is first birthday on June 6th, 2010. We were glad to be able to celebrate it with him. Many more my little boy.
We really enjoyed their company and had a great time reconnection with Owen. He loved Pepere's truck. We stayed at the Earl Rowe campsite which is only about 5 minutes from Denis' so Owen got to come and visit and enjoy the park also.
We also got to spend time with the Beaudry family again in August before heading out to B.C.
July we went to Massey Chutes for 12 days with my brother Rock, Nicole and Marie and Len. Rock, Nicole and I celebrated our July birthdays. We had a great time and good cake. My friend Carolle managed to come and see us at the Chutes for the day. Thanks Carolle for the nice visit. I miss your friendship when I'm away. See you on the rebound. Click to play this Smilebox collage
We headed out to Katadowa Lake near my sister Reggie's camp. Some members of our family came to spend some time with us at various intervals. Fish fries were great, weather fantastic and still no mosquitos. Very good company also and we even had fresh bread delivered by my sister Mado right at the door. What good fun.
In August we returned to Chelmsford for awhile and managed to see Punch's family and have supper together. Finally the Vale strike was over and life was getting back to normal for a lot of people. Good luck to everyone!!!
Well we did say that we wouldn't get another dog...We didn't we got two. They are cockapoos. My nephew Rock and his wife Natalie's dog Blossom delivered these nice new puppies and we couldn't resist. The last three weeks of August we spent with Denis, Laura and Owen since we were leaving for Kamloops B.C. at the beginning of September to visit with Renee, Nat and their family.
Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook