I wouldn’t normally be so pessimistic as to call August 27th the end of summer but it is darn cold out and the dock in Hawkestone is empty. School has also started for Marilyn and I’m back at teaching. It does seem like ‘summer’ is over.
We had an amazing summer with lots of travel, time with family, and several music events. Our last trip was to SK to attend Malcolm and Jen’s wedding, visit with friends and relatives, and spend some quality time with Marilyn’s mom.
Pelicans on Blackstrap Lake
We rented a car at the airport which I had previously reserved. The guy said we have a ‘Soul’. I wasn’t sure what he meant but Marilyn said ‘We’ll take it”. After a bit of clarification we did decide on a Kea Soul. Apparently the Pope used it when in Korea so it only made sense that we have one although I might have preferred a car called ‘heart’.
Our Mustard Soul
Yup….it was mustard yellow. At first, I wasn’t too keen but it actually has some nice features and drives well. I really started to like it when I could find my car in the mall parking lot without having to sound the horn.
After a nights sleep in Hanley, we drove to Saskatoon to help Margie host the rehearsal dinner in her back yard. It was quite nice and we got to see the wedding party and some of Jen’s family.
Rehearsal Dinner
On Friday we drove into Saskatoon again to help with deliveries and some other tasks. We drove into Saskatoon on Saturday for the wedding and again on Sunday for the traditional gift opening. Even though we hadn’t gone anywhere, we racked up over 900 km on the rental.
Malcolm and Jen and the wedding party
Malcolm and Jen have been dating since they were 14 years old. They have grown up together, been best friends, and own their own home. Now they are married and make no secret about the fact that they are ready to start a family.
my selfie
The reception and dinner was a lot of fun with a great meal (Jen’s family are Italians), lots of conversation with relatives and strangers, and a dance that went well into the night.
Reception and Dinner
The reception was held in the Western Development Museum and everyone was able to wander throughout the museum after the dinner. The museum is set up like an old western town and we’ve been to it a few times in the past. It’s a must see when visiting Saskatoon.
The Main Street of the Western Development Museum
We stayed in Hanley the entire time with Marilyn’s mom. She has done a great job with her yard and has a lot of lovely flowerbeds and a vegetable garden. We also played Chinese Checkers which is quite popular in Hanley.
Front of Marg’s house
Marilyn and her mom playing chinese checkers
We went out to the cabin on Section 10. Marg painted the floors since we were there but not much else has been done. It actually looks a bit abandoned. A bird got into the cabin and made a nest on the ceiling fan so there was a bit of mess to clean up.
The cabin now
Marg needed an old board for a project at the Senior’s Centre in Hanley, so I drove out to the homestead where there are still two of the original buildings where Ed was born.The road isn’t a serviced road so I took my time avoiding deep ruts and looking out for wet spots. The soil here is called ‘gumbo’ and when it gets wet it is like being stuck in a drum of oil. The rental car managed okay but I was a bit worried.
On the road to the homestead
The whole time we were in SK it was very hot and this day was no exception. I was drenched by the time I got the board off which was held on by several long nails at each stud.
The homestead
Most people don’t appreciate the beauty of Saskatchewan. I too had driven through it many times without really stopping. Now I love the Province and wish my camera could capture what my eyes really see. Here’s a couple of pictures but they don’t do it justice.
On the last night of our trip we went out for dinner with two of Marilyn’s friends from high school (Heather and Cynthia) and Cynthia’s husband Jim. It was at a place called Earl’s which is very popular. The food was great and we had a great time. At the end of the dinner, Jim and I sat at one end of the table and visited while Marilyn, Cynthia, and Heather sat at the other end doing a lot of laughing.
Dinner with l to r Cynthia, Heather, Marilyn, Bob, Jim
Right after we returned we went to Amy’s cottage with Amy, Larry, and Amy’s son Jeremy. We have been going to this cottage for many many years and it is always a highlight of our summer. The weather was great and we got to swim, jump off the rock cliffs, slide down the waterfall, and climb Bear Mountain. We also had a few drinks…..yeah I’m pretty sure we did.
The dock at Amy’s Cottage
The Jumping Rocks
I’ve written a few blogs this summer to summarize some of our adventures in 2014. This is my diary of sorts but I also hope it introduces my readers to some new information about places and people. Yup, it seems like summer is over and we are harvesting our garden to prove it.
Marilyn preserving tomato sauce
Bob getting apples ready for freezing
I hope there are lots of sunny days left because there is an awful lot of work to do before it turns cold. Time will fly by I’m sure and the next think ya know it will be Christmas. I hope I have a few interesting blogs before then though.
HOW MANY FROGS CAN YOU SPOT IN OUR POND?
Now can you see some?
