Day 2 - Clean Out Your Car

Day 2 was a success. I took everything out that was shoved in my Mazda for recycling & donation. The trunk, back seats and BOTH front seats were full because we weren’t going to use my car during December trip to the Okanogan for Xmas. So I shoved everything in the back of my hubby ‘s Truck. Bahahahah. Good trick eh? Actually, he’s going into town tomorrow & not me. Just has to load up the computers by the front door for electronic recycling which has permanent bins at Redi Recycle along with glass, tin, cardboard, papers, plastic and refundable bottles One Stop Dropping, which means we don’t have to wait for the annual city held electronic recycling event in the spring.

Can’t wash the car even though it’s warmed up from -37c. And have to wait until it gets above 0c next week. Thursday is looking good. I’m going to sing at a seniors home that night & will load the car up with Donations to Salvation Army. We live too far away for them to pick up but what better thing to do in town and give instead of receive. Oh. On a side note, my motorcycle is still for sale. $3500 cash or e-transfer and it’s yours! 

Racing Through September

The long weekend of September we jumped on the Road King and headed to the Highway To The Sun Road through Glacier National Park to Whitefish. It was gorgeous weather at the start and a few flakes fell while descending the mountain but after checking in we rode around town and stopped in at the Wasabi Sushi Restaurant for a fantastic meal and wine. After a bit of shopping, we walked downtown to hit every single bar on the main drag, and after 7 stops, back tracked to the Great Northern where the Elvis impersonator rocked the bar. The walk back was a little longer than on the way to even though we took the same route.. if you know what I mean.  

The next day's tour meant bundling up with rain and hail ahead of us but it also meant frequent stops to warm up. It's not the destination, it's the journey and the stopping in between is definitely the most fun. The fine folks at the Tall Pine Lounge in Big Fork were also riders and it was great to visit with the locals who pointed us in the right direction around Flathead Lake on East Shore Road for the next stop in at Swanee's Bar & Grill in Polson before heading back to Whitefish to rest up for the ride home.

On Sept 12th. I was finally able to take part in the Media Race at the Medicine Hat Speedway on their final night of racing. After a nerve wracking race, even though my time was not that great, I still managed to make it into the trophies! I got points for my default win last month and tied for first place... even though I came in dead last! lol. We even stuck around for their wind up BBQ for some burgers around a bonfire as the nights were getting quite cool to be on the track after dark.

It's always a treat to play music with my friends Dave & his father in-law Peter and it was even more exciting to head to Maple Creek for Peter's 75th Birthday Party. We parked the RV at Willowbend Campground & jammed at the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre where the food excellent and the entertainment was entertaining. We all fell in love with Peter's birthday present, a hand made wash tub bass. First stop on the way back was to spend a night at Eagle Valley Campground located just off the #1 where the wash out occurred and was partially open after the June flood. Second stop was Peavey Mart to buy parts to build a wash tub bass!

Jam Packed June

An expansive and expensive month full of family, friends and fun. There were so many positives this month that didn't get overshadowed by the negative, but then the negative did not directly affect us but most certainly did for friends.

We began the month with friends at the Spring Dance in Seven Persons and parking the RV right on site that sure makes staying up and sleeping in late a breeze and not risking drinking and driving It's was just walking outside and continuing the party til the wee hours of the morn that is always a highlight of spending the night in Seven and bringing your own stocked bar on wheels helps too! $

The music was okay that night but the guys enjoyed way better music at the arena on June 13th when  ZZ Top rocked the old "smartie box" and shook the roof of the loudest bin in the W. While the boys rocked the n night out, we girls enjoyed a different W and hung out in front of the tv watching the W Network and TLC and got our fill of chick flicks and decorating shows. The week was filled with girlie games, when on June 13th I attended my first Lia Sophia Jewelry party and splurged on three beautiful pieces that probably means I need to get wardrobe pieces to match $$$

That weekend I was on location at Simply Water in Crescent height when one of the worst floods in Southern Alberta's history hit but it wasn't Medicine Hat getting the most damage this time around. The bridges to the Village of Veinerville were washed out but they still had to come to town for water as they were under a water advisory. From Dunmore, Irvine and Walsh to Maple Creek, life as they knew it was being washed away because of heavy rains swelling the once tiny creeks that feed the South Saskatchewan River. A State of Emergency was declared after homes were submerged in almost 15 feet of water in less than 3 hours and washing away a portion of the Trans Canada Highway closing the route between the Alberta & Saskatchewan border causing a 2,000 km detour for travelers. Homes, crops, livestock and vehicles didn't stand a chance. The cleanup is going to be massive and expensive. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Father's Day weekend was spent at a family dinner with 4 generations and young Monroe kept us entertained the entire meal at Hat Restaurant and Sunday was still a go in Bow Island for even more girl time on the Bow Island Golf Course. I spent the day with the Solberg Women. Judy, Carrie and Chelsey and I waded through lots of water from the recent rains and after a quick game of best ball, we met up in the club house with the men who where behind us and we were kept waiting quite a while. Guess they spent too much time in the rough searching for lost balls. $$.  

On June 25, the entire staff of CJCY attended the Pack the Park event at Athletic Park for the Medicine Hat Mavericks ball game. The patio party was awesome with our own BBQ and bar and Monty the mascot even joined in the fun! -$

Then we trailered the bikes behind the fifth wheel to  Manyberries for the 3rd Annual Dead Hog Boogie. The band was fantastic, (Gas City Shockers), the company awesome and the games way too fun! We even won a challenge and may have to return next year to defend our title. Better go shopping for the correct attire for next year - a mustard coloured shirt! $

The month wrapped up camping at our friends lot at 40 Mile Park. Both relaxing by the lake and invigorating on it, boating with the kids and their friends, until the tub popped. Going to have to get a new one! $$$

For the most part, Family is the foundation of the future, Friends are the foundation of fun! Both of which still cost $$ but well worth the investment!

My First Poker Run

Once again, our weekend starts on Wednesday, and we are camped at Centennial Park in Bow Island. The same gang from last year was there, so it was a visit around the fire and catching up with our old new found friends. The music on the radio was cranked from their RV sounded familiar, but Jackson and Donna are from Lethbridge and it was our sister station, 94.1 The Lounge that was on their dial!

Thursday night was a quite night of cards in the trailer, and Friday night we all headed down to the Bow Island Tavern to watch the Stanley Cup final game. With several ex Medicine Hat Tigers on the team, it was Go Detroit! Oh well, maybe next year.

Saturday morning it was up early and off to Harley Davidson out side of Medicine Hat for pancakes and sausage and our first card. 2 of Spades was not a great start but maybe for a flush or a run! Then we went fill up in Dunmore before heading down the 120 to Hwy #3. I wanted to hang back from the group so as not to feel too intimidated, but we ended up catching up to the group on the 887. What a wonderful view of all the bikes in tight formation along the hilly, winding road. First stop was the Etzikom Windmill Museum for a card. Q of hearts just ruined my prize for low hand.

Onward to Foremost to fill up with gas, and then rather take the Skiff road because of construction, it was up the Foremost Highway past the Spitz Plant (world famous Spitz Plant i might add) and onto the #3 to Taber. Lunch was on at the Oilmans Club and next card, 6 of diamonds. My hand was going down hill fast.

Next stop was Hays via Vauxhall, but we ended up driving down the Hays road or Hays Maze instead. Twisting and winding was all good but not at full speed. I was not about to risk life and limb taking the corners too fast and kept it around 55 Mph. The card pick up was the Hays' campground, so we stopped for a visit and some water and then headed back to Bow Island for the final card at the Blues Club. I forget what the last two were but they weren't worth a nickle so it was back to the trailer to change and then back to the club for supper. Mike's Meats makes the most awesome ribs! We were stuffed and in need of a nap before the live band, but I never made it back at all. My one hour nap turned into 4. After being woken by rowdy friends on their way to the lake (you know who you are) I ended up reading a novel and waiting for Ray to return to the trailer around 1 am.

Sunday it was up early as I had to work at the Parade of Homes in the Hat, and came home to all the kids at the trailer for supper and steak from the Bow Island IGA so tender you could cut it with a plastic knife! Then it was another bike ride to 40 mile to visit Monika and Ed who were just packing up from the weekend and ready to go home, but still stopped long enough to smell the roses, and the wine corks with us! Monday it was back at work and back to the farm after five days of fun on the H.O.G Poker Run. Next year we might have to pull the trailer out a week in advance just to get a spot!

The Unforgettable Forgetful Weekend

The following happens between 2 pm Friday, May 22 and 2 pm Tuesday, May 26

24 fans might think that as funny, but anyhoo...


It was a slow start to the weekend. Friday after broadcasting my show live from Merle Norman in Medicine Hat Mall for Bras For a Cause, we went to Bourban Street for dinner. I wasn't feeling well so Ray stayed in town to watch hockey with the boys and came home and cleaned and puttered around the house before being in bed before midnight.

Saturday Ray had to work, and since the house was already clean, I headed into town for shopping, with my dog in tow. Ray takes his dog Maggie most days to work, so I thought Jake and I would spend the day together. Wrong! I FORGOT you should never take a farm dog off the farm. We didn't even make it to the #3 Highway before he was stressing out in the back seat. Last time I took him in the car, past the Shnee's farm where he used to live, but would keep coming to our farm, (They were going to get rid of him but I said I would take him since he is always over here) but he would keep going back there, and I would keep dragging him back) I left him at my daughter's house in town for more than a month. (can't wander off the farm from there eh?) Was he having flashbacks? He wouldn't settle down and I wasn't about to leave him in my son's new car with leather interior while I shopped for him to possibly paw and claw and tear apart! Thankfully it was Lisa and Kobe to the rescue, who where finished their shopping when I arrived, and took him off my hands so I was able to shop without worry. On the way home he just curled up in the back seat and slept. Must have known he was headed back home to the farm!


I was 3/4 the way home when I found out Ray was already in town...at the Harley Shop! You know what that means... expensive! He was told by his nephew that he could punch a hole in his muffler to get louder pipes, but Shane FORGOT to tell him to punch it only half way. So after punching it ALL the way through and piercing a hole out the end, $880 and a new set of pipes later, Ray's bike is back on the road. His mother always said, "Live and Learn" but I wish she was a dyslexic like me and said "Learn and Live". Either that or "Research first and learn!" A costly lesson, but he loves his new and louder pipes!

Since he was already in the Hat, I ventured on my bike alone to meet him in Seven Persons (first time riding since my dumping) but still didn't make it off the farm without tipping it over and his son Derek having to pick it up for me (farm terrain is so not conducive to street bikes). Soon I was cruising down the highway, feeling free as a bird. No one behind me to stress out, therefore I wasn't stressed out at all. Went to the Boar's Nest first then Monika and I went to Premium Sausage and we all headed out to Irvine for a BBQ. There were a lot of bikes on the road headed to the Hat so when we arrived there was no one else there (was it something we said?) But we had a great time and even better, was the fact that I found my Harley Headwear I had FORGOT there the year before. First time going to Tuesday night Bike Night and I lose my brand new attire! doh! We even went back that night to try to find it in the dark. We went back the next day and looked in the cook house. Nothing. This year, I searched for it on the first bike night and still couldn't find it. Then sitting around the campfire I look over to the tree with the Tasmanian Devil Doll perched in it...someone had slid my headgear on a the branch below the stuffed animal and even though weathered and worn from the elements, not from use, it was there!! I was stunned! But so glad to get it back. Honour among bikers is immense!

After Irvine we stopped in to see Lisa again and then before heading home, we washed my bike. It was noted earlier it was pretty filthy and how could I ride it in such as state! Apparently the dirt must have been holding it together! After the wash, it wouldn't run properly. No,... just got it wet where it shouldn't have and it crapped out on the College overpass. Ray got on and took it down the hill to the Paradise Valley Par 3, and ended up having to push it half way up the hill back. Then he had to push it to the Bohan's who lived down the block. A very frustrating day for both of us, but in the end, a great day with friends who can laugh both with and AT us!


Sunday, Ray had to work, so we missed out on the H.O.G Poker Run. It was overcast and drizzle so I spent the morning prepping, taping and painting the hallway. Then we went into town with the truck and trailer to bring back my bike. If it had dried out, Ray was going to ride it back, but I FORGOT the key in my leather jacket pocket, and had brought my work jacket instead! It was back to the Boar's Nest for dinner with our Poker Run Pals, and then home. There's a message on the phone when we arrive.. I FORGOT my Lounge jacket at the pub with cellphone and car keys in my pockets. Me forgetting my phone is nothing new (usually on the kitchen counter at home) but thankfully I had a spare key for the car, just had to knock at work to be let in (Thanks Christy!)


Monday after work, we headed to 40 Mile Park with the boys to help Ed and Monika put in their dock. I met Ray in Bow Island but FORGOT to put my leathers in my car so I couldn't ride to the Park on the back of his bike. Oh well, just means I get to go home via the short cut on the dirt roads in 20 minutes rather than the hour drive home through Bow Island. The wind was calm and the water was warmer (than last weekend but not by much) but I FORGOT to pack extra clothes so I was only able to watch and take pictures from the top of the hill in my heels and dress clothes. (How convenient eh?) 4 hours later, the job was done. Just in time before the wind picked up and a storm looked to be blowing in, so they quickly loaded the boat back onto the trailer and we sat in the warmth of the RV for beans, sausage and pulled pork sandwiches. My stomach became upset shortly after we arrived, but I figured eating something would make it feel better! FORGET that! It just made it worse.

After a rough and painful night, I sit here nauseous (tmi?) and tired and in no mood to finish painting the trim in the hallway. It's Ray's birthday today and instead of having fun celebrating with him, I will be on the couch or in bed for the rest of the day. He did however, like is birthday present I got him that had been sitting on the fireplace mantle tempting him for 4 days. The Harley watch is a big hit! I FORGOT to get him a card. If the first thing to go when you get old is your memory, then I am living proof!

Marvelous Mother's Day Ride

Another gorgeous weekend to chalk up to fun fun fun! It was debatable to ride to the Hat on Mother's Day because Ray's daugher Chelsey needed a ride into town and packages, purses and presents in tow. After rearranging and repacking, we loaded every thing up and I jumped on the back of Ray's bike to let the lass who lent her bike to me last summer, ride my own into town (the little speed demon!) One thing i do enjoy about riding on the back of Ray's Road King is that I can take pictures (like the one to the right) can chat and can gawk and NOT have to concentrate on the task at hand.

After a quick visit with Mum and Dad Voeller, Chels rode to her Mother's and Ray and I went in pursuit of a suitable Mother's Day Dinner. Even though I am not Ray's mother (his usual excuse) I am still a MOM so it was my choice! (crap, Phoa Dao is closed on Sundays) So off to Superstore for chicken, riblets and coconut shrimp. Add on pototo, pasta and tossed salad and we are set. Feast fit for a feline! The men barbequed and the women visited. The guys even did dishes! However, I still don't know how I ended up on the receiving end of the towel fight! Boys will be boys!

After dinner, it was back on the bikes. Oh how I love the fact that I get to lead since I am the rookie. It was off to Medicine Hat College where the parking lot is marked for motorcycle classes so Ray followed me around and around and around as I tested all the marking... they mean absolutely nothing to me without the pylons... but it was still fun.

Then it was off to visit Lisa in Riverside, who sat in her red flannel PJ's on her front porch while her boys slept in the 5th wheel (ha ha - you're so busted) When it was time to leave, we didn't made it very far. The neighbours across the way were familiar from bike rallies and poker runs so we had to stop, check out their bikes and compare stories even though I was itching to get on the road again.

It was so wonderful to actually enjoy riding in Medicine Hat. Each day I become more and more confident, and with the idle reset, I don't fear stalling at stop signs. So now I don't fear the city!! It was over to Ray's son's Brad, then over the Darrin and Tracey's and THEN we filled up and headed home. Okay, I still am not comfy riding in the dark, but I do it... and the heated vest certainly helps. I am going to have to learn to cut the ride shorter and to head out sooner if I want a COMPLETELY comfortable experience but it truly was the BEST RIDE SO FAR! I think I am getting the hang of it!

PS
after note - we parked the bike behind the house rather than in the shed when we got back. Tonight after work, (Tuesday) I asked Ray if we could move the bikes to shelter before the storm hits. Choke on. Idling high. Ray takes off and I try to ease the bike around. Clutch in, Clutch out. Clutch in. Clutch out. Rev is too high. Spin out on damp grass.. KATHUMP! I dump the bike and I am tangled and break the windshield! F&^%$##&!!!K!!! With a bruised and battered left leg I am typing this. At least it wasn't 60 miles an hour.. I still need more time to get the hang of it! lol!

12741.4 - 11875.3 = 866.1

I must have changed my mind at least 3 times this weekend. Ride our bikes - it will be fun. Take the car - it will be more comfortable. Just ride Ray's bike - it will save on gas. But I would have been so dissappointed in myself had I not made the effort, so ride we did.

Every time I don't want to do something, I always remember the book "Feel the Fear and Do it's Anyways." So I got on my bike and rode to Chestermere anyways. It was my friend Lana's birthday and for the past week I had been in cahoots with her hubby via text. Saturday morning at 10:38 I text him to to say we have packed the bikes and are headed to Bow Island to fuel up.

After a quick visit with Rob and Tellisa, who didn't even recognize us, I texted Evert to say we were leaving (11:35) and headed west. Cool! Bow Island now has a traffic light! Then it was north onto Hwy 879 and over the river (ew, being afraid of heights and crossing the bridge sent my stomach into my throat) and travelled past all the kids on highway cleanup of the ditches (slowing every time we encountered a group, who waved in appreciation) and we met a couple of other bikers at Hwy 524 and stopped for a quick visit before heading west again until Hwy 36 and turned north. We always stop at the Oasis outside Ranier for a bite to eat and today was no different, other than the fact that we needed to. My bike will only go about 100 miles before running out of gas. After lunch and catching the tail end of the Boston/Carolina game, I text Evert (1:30ish) and it was back on the road to the #1, then westward ho! 110 Km speed limit. I kick her up to 120.

Now I'm never one to be intentionally rude, but I refrained from waving to oncoming bikers. I mean, they are across a divided hiway, 2 lanes away. Don't expect me to release the tight grip on my handle bar while going 75 mph! I've asked Ray the rules of the road when it comes to that. Do Harleys just wave at other Harleys? Is it okay for me to wave when I am on a Yamaha? Ray's explanation was; Bikers wave at Bikers. Truckers wave at Truckers. Farmers wave at Everybody! I only wave when I am comfortable to do so, which is becoming more and more often than not!

After a quick stop on a roadside turnout to adjust my helmet (darm pony tail holder felt like a knife in my head under my helmet) we fueled up in Strathmore (3:15ish) and pulled into the birthday girls driveway just before 4 and beeped Happy Birthday in unison with our horns, then sang along for a second verse! No one in the house had an idea what the racket was (what are you tone deaf Beierbach's?) but apparently the neighbours were impressed. It was a first for them! and Ray and I are definitely all about firsts. (That and killing two birds with one stone)

So after more family arriving, dinner, hockey (Chicago/Vancouver) and crib, we were all tuckered out, but more so our hosts who partied into the wee hours of the morning the night before! After a good nights rest, it was brekky, then Seven Persons Sausage for lunch, more crib (at least I let the birthday girl win. lol) and it was back on the road again.

Just as we were heading out their gate, Ray informed me we were taking a different route home, and going through Lethbridge. I didn't think anything of it. That is until we got to Vulcan to refuel. I was already looking for an escape route. The windiest city in Alberta and you are taking me there? It's like searching for the eye of a hurricane! Driving towards a Twister! And to find out right then that his daughter had to work and going through Lethbridge wasn't even necessary? I grin and bore it. I was cursing him under my breath all the way south as I leaned to the right as it became windier and windier and it kept trying to push me into the oncoming lane. (Now I have practice in wind gusts from either side! Last trip it kept trying to push me into the ditch!) But I made it through Lethbridge (with my crib face on) and with the wind at my back on the #3 we stopped in Taber to refuel, then to Bow Island to visit Ray's brother and sister-in-law, top up the tanks and I was almost home.

NOW I can start to relax, and I start to be daring. I slide my glove off my left hand (can't release the throttle with my right), tucked it under my crotch (tmi?), grab my cell phone from my pocket and capture a picture I thought I could only get from the back of Ray's bike. But I did and now I never have to do it again. But I DID it again down the Etzikom highway, with the sun at my side and my man at my back, and my second trip under my belt. 866.1 Miles since it was registered just 20 days ago and at least 406 just this weekend.

The farthest I've been and the most confident I've felt, other than the 50 miles in wind that makes biking so not fun, and me so not happy. How would 50 DAYS of no fun and no happy sound to you mr razor?!? KIDDING, KIDDING! Just check the weather forecast before you take me anywhere. I can be a fairweather biker if I want to! Can't wait to get my licence so I can ride my bike to work. On the warm, sunny, calm days that end in Y!

Biker Chick-en Rides Again

No sooner had we come home from Saskatchewan and my first big ride on my own bike, we were back at it again. Tuesday after work, we leathered up and rode to Irvine to meet our friends Monika and Ed. Oh how I love the 120 and NOT having to drive through the Hat. We filled up in Dunmore and headed east, I was a little worried about going through the narrow gate when we got there, but the big gate was open and I sighed a sigh of relief and maneuvered through all the other bikes to park safely away from everyone. For THEIR safety not mine. I still don't feel in control and I don't think the confidence will come until I do.

After a quick visit with old friends and new, we headed out (big gate closed but I made it through and uphill to boot!) and even though i stalled twice at the highway (damn idle) we were on the road again, with me leading the pack to Rusty's Roadhouse in Dunmore for a bite to eat. Well, i was in the lead for a while. I forgot the speed limit was 110 kmph and having a U.S. bike, 65 mph is as fast as i like to go - in the dark - when you can't find the high beam/low beam switch... Guess I Should have checked BEFORE we left Irvine at dusk! But after all was said and done, and a little swerve here and there where I shouldn't have, no major wind to contend with, no major stall or falls and no bee's in the bonnet.

oh yeah, forgot to mention last blog, last time we left Dunmore, Ray could see my brushing the hair around my ears, thinking to himself... oh, we're going to town, (just to walmart for dog food) and she has to fix her hair... NOOOOOO - riding along I heard a THUNK above my ear, so I looked in the mirror and saw a little black fuzz in my helmet - I try to dig it out and it's a BEE and it's stunned and it's stuck in my hair. So i start trying to flick it out and it won't get unstuck!!! When it finally did, I didn't know where it went, so I had to stop and take the helmet off, the jacket, the neckguard, you name it, I didn't want ANYTHING under my leathers that shouldn't be there!!! Plug the heated vest in a wee wee wee, all the way home! First time riding in the dark. I must say, I'm getting pretty good at the mile of gravel to the farm too. I'm already looking forward to a bigger bike, maybe that will help my confidence. Maybe I won't feel like the prairie wind is going to blow me to the next province. Maybe I better learn to keep her between the ditches first.

There was no riding for the rest of the week and weekend as the weather was crap and it's turning crappier as I type. More snow on the way, but not as much as expected. And I don't feel like wrapping up in leather right now. I'm a bit tender from the two new tattoos I got today. Revolution Tattoo on Dunmore Road had the exact tattoos I've wanted since the Dead Hog Boogie but didn't want to have to ride to Red Deer to get them. So today, I got a mouse in honour of my home town, Souris Manitoba (souris is French for mouse) and a little butterfly on my hip just because. An early mother's day present to me but I made Ray come into town to be there when I got them. Almost chickened out after he finished the first one, but grinned..or ground my teeth through the second.



I think that's it for a while. Tattoo wise that is. I mean, have I been going through mid-life crisis or what? The only thing left on the list of things to do before I'm 50 is sky-diving, but I think I will leave that for the rest of the Voeller Clan to persue. Maybe I should go back to knitting or bowling. Maybe I should join a club. Maybe I should just shut up now and enjoy what I've got...and go put ointment on my wounds. lol

Burstall or Bust - Biker Babe-y

I finally got the registration signed over and registered my new bike. New to me, the 1985 Yamaha Maxim X 700 sat in a hangar for 12 years and after spending the winter getting refurbished, Monday I got the plate and was ready to ride. The weather however didn't cooperate all week, so finally, Friday night, I rode down the mile of gravel (alone) to the Etzikom and waited for Ray, who got off his bike when he arrived and faux choked me not waiting for him when he had to stop and get his back rest from the shed. So down the Etzikom highway, and no hitting the ditch when I cornered to head to Medicine Hat, my first trip to the big city. I'm so excited.

Since I am not licensed, Ray has to ride behind me at all times, so I get to lead the way. The whole ride down the #3, not a bike on the road for me to salute with the low 5 wave. East onto the 120, North on 13th, stop light at Strachan... stall. I need to get the idle set higher. Stop light at Dunmore... stall (grrrr) Pull in to Dayz Off Pub... not a friend on the patio to see me pull in. I'm so disappointed.

Couldn't stay long since my headlight was burned out, but as we were going to lock it up for the night, it suddenly came on. Just a sticky starter button, so after a couple of O'Douhls and dinner, I get to lead the way to the hotel of my choice. Howard Johnson. Jacuzzi Suite. I'm so spoiled.

The next day we head down the #1 to Dunmore to fill up with gas before going to Burstall. Stop light at Dunmore Rd... stall... but it wouldn't start. I ran out of gas. I'm so embarrassed.

Ray switches it to reserve tank but the gas station is to the left and we're in the right lane so while turning right I spin out on the gravel and end up in the other lane in the path of a truck. omg ... stop light... stall... turn to left... stop. Ray rides my bike to the gas station and i sit and wait. I'm so rattled.

After filling up in Dumore we head north on the 41 and the wind is gusting....REALLY gusting. I stop and ask if this is a good idea for my first solo ride of the year. Ray says I can't be a fair weather rider, even though his sunglasses where blown off his face. I have to lean to the left to keep the bike on the road and I have no feeling in my hands from gripping the handle bars so tight. I pull over at the first rest stop and as much as I try not to, I just start crying. I'm so terrified.

After a short break so I can stop shaking, we continue down the road and then head east to Burstall. Thankfully the wind is at my back the rest of the way there. Ray fills the bikes up and after an O'Douhls served by Blanche at the Burstall Hilton, and we are on our way again. The street sweeper isn't due through until Monday, and there is far too much gravel on the roads for me to practice, so we head to Leader where the streets have been cleaned and the 2 hour rain that morning has dried. I still am stalling at most intersections but after touring the town, we stop at the Leader Inn. Bar hopping is out of the question since it's the only bar in town, so we spend the night. I'm so exhausted.

The next morning, the sun is shining, the wind is calmer and we retrace our route back to the Hat. 65 mph all the way home. I'm so happy. And so is Ray. I made it home safe and didn't give him a heart attack. And I'm not sure that riding is my thing. I miss talking to Ray, taking pictures, enjoying the scenery, heck even resting my head, closing my eyes and taking a nap! I'm so glad I am not taking my bike to Sturgis this summer. I am SO NOT READY!!!

March Madness

I've been lax on blogging since i've been busy on life... okay make that on facebook. lol - i try to post at least once a month about me personally - but facebook sucks you right in but it's so great to keep up with all my friend's activities and posts - which i have trimmed down to less than 200, and that's with high school and college friends that i want to KIT with for future reunions. I can't Believe it's been 30 years since graduating from high school in Souris Manitoba and 10 years since i graduated from Camoson College in Victoria BC.

I got the biggest compliment ever the other day from a listener (which we call lounge lizards by the way). He asked if i ever worked in calgary because I sure sounded like Charlie Morgan. My first program director that hired me after college to do midnights, gave me her tape to listen to and said i should model myself after her. It may have taken me 10 years but to be put in the same category as one of the best female radio personalities in canada has just made my day.. heck week, month, and year! Oh i may not be quite as smooth as she is. I may not be as flawless, but I sure am trying my darndest. We all try to be perfect, even knowing there is no such thing, but to not even try would be a waste.

So every day i try my hardest balance work and life. Weekdays are spent doing a job i absolutely love and am blessed to have. Weeknights are spent with my razor and his two boys when they are home from hockey, snowboarding or hanging with friends. Weekends are spent on the occasional remote broadcast (which i usally spend more money at the client's than i make, but look at the lovely chairs i have flanking the fire place now - thank you Parkers Countrywide.) or at hockey rinks watching derek play on the iron horse hockey hounds midget AA team. Just being with ray doing whatever crosses our path...okay, make that trying to keep up with ray which is a challenge and a half.

Soon, weekends will be spent camping, fishin and riding bikes. This year i will get to ride my 1985 yamaha maxim x 700 that i just got out of the shop. I was a little choked that ray got to ride it before i even did (he took it off the trailer - lol) but yes - i rode in february - and i think it's the only month that ray didn't ride HIS harley since he bought it march of 08, but he did ride A bike! i don't think i will be ready to ride on my own to sturgis this summer, but hopefully i will get more comfortable and confident and stay out of the ditch. What ever this summer brings, i know it will be spent with my hunny, who loves to spoil me with flowers every big occasion (valentine flowers most recent) and to spoil me with every little thoughtful thing he does for me every single day. I am truly blessed.

another nickname

we found out last week that you don't need a learners licence to drive a motorcycle with another licenced rider, your class 5 licence was good enough, so friday after work, ray gave me my first lessons on his daughter chelsey's honda 750 custom. after a few tours up and down the etzikom highway, yesterday was my first solo trip. i rode her bike the mile of gravel to the paved road, and went to the number 3 highway, pulling over just before the turn off. we stopped to get more pointers, especially about me being scared to give it a little more gas from the get go. after all was said and done, i stalled out and lost balance and the bike went over and my legs were still not strong enough to reset it upright, so over it went, not completely, just on it's extra stand and engine guard, but i still was not able to set it straight, big ol ray on his 1200 lb bike had to lift the 800 lb honda back up. no damage (that's what i worry most about is damaging chelsey's bike). so off we started again, and came to the number 3. my first 90 degree left turn, after waiting for all traffic to pass, i started off, and oops, didn't lean into the corner, and instead of grabbing the break or clutch, i gave it more gas, and went straight into the ditch. ray's going turn turn TURN in his head, and all of a sudden i disappeared, down into the ditch. but you know what? i didn't panic. i just kept going. thank goodness for dirt bike riding over the past 2 summers, i just avoided obstacles (like road signs and rocks) and guided the bike back along the edge of the ditch at an angle that would take my back up to the road. i made it safely and just kept going. we filled up in bow island, rode to the burdett bar and laughed and laughed and laughed. ray had tears running down his cheeks from laughing so hard. then we stopped in at the bow island tavern on the way home, and told the story to the patrons, and they laughed and laughed. they asked what ray was thinking and ray said his heart can't take stuff like that any more. i wondered what the semi driver that had just come over the hill. probably saw it thought - stupid bitch! ray has a hat from daytona beach that just has the initials DB on the front, and we have always joke it was dumb bastard when he wore it, and dumb bitch when i did. now there is a new saying. DITCH BITCH! i don't think i will live this down for a while, but i am proud of myself for not DITCHING the bike, and held my cool the entire experience. can't wait for the next ride. will practice on cornering first!

jumpin' july

all year long i have been waiting to be able to do something. I have been waiting patiently for the opportunity and it finally arrived. i was able to write a huge love note to ray on a big marshmallow bale of hay. finally it was the season, and for a short while, anyone driving down the etzikom highway would be able to see my profession. forget john deer green, forget two names on an overpass. corona loves razor in black marker on a bale. not sure if there's a country song in there some where, but i am sure if i tried hard enough, one will come to me. ray took a picture with his phone and it's now his wallpaper. i never did get an answer back on another bale of hay, but ray said - why, was it a question? lol



so much has happened since cleaning up after the storm. our friends from calgary brought their trailer to our place and after bbq and bonfire, spent the night and were gone. then it was stampede week. i decorated the station (martha stewart on speed another of my nicknames) and it was dress western week. the stampede princesses competing for the queen's crown visited the studio, so i bought dollar store tiaras and crowned christy the queen of news, karen the queen of sales, and i, the queen of google. christy had to work during the stampede parade but karen drove the station vehicle with her daughter shotgun while i walked the entire parade route, taking pictures of people i knew watching the parade. that night we went to the sawyer brown concert at the stampede grandstand and after work on friday, it was back on the bike to visit our friends 80 acres of forest near cremona.










for a change we packed lightly and added tent and 2 sleeping bags, arrived near midnight and set up the tent. on the way we passed an acreage that had a beautiful metal art sign. i missed seeing it the first time we passed, so ray turned the harley around so i could take a picture.

the weekend was spent quadding, swimming and biking, and though back home called for sun sun sun, rain was forecast for the foothills of the rockies, so the next night we pitched the tent in the old cabin. fun fun fun. we weren't planning on leaving til later, but we could hear thunder in the distance and packed quickly and we on the road, racing ahead of the storm. 20 minutes after we left, lana texted to say they had nickel sized hail. it was back to work monday but the fun was about to start again on thursday for mj's surprise 50th birthday party and camping at 40 mile lake. more on that next time. i have to get back to yard work. with my bad back, it's 1/2 hour of work and a 1 hour break. Life is good.

Dead Hog Boogie

Since my man works 9 days on and 5 days off during the summer, his weekends start on wednesdays so i am usually extremely tired at work on thursdays and fridays. so it was because wednesday night we went to ralph's texas bar and steakhouse for karaoke and stayed in town, in the trailer, in the walmart parking lot. yup. there's a first. did you know that all walmarts across north america let you stay in their lots for free. Glad to know this infomation since i made a deal with ray that when we retire and travel i will pay for the campsites and he pays for the rest. sweeeeet! more money for me to shop - at walmart where else? it was a nice change having a 5 minute drive to work rather than 50.

after work thursday we moved the trailer to morgan and dee's farm where the a bike rally would be happening the next day. Ray has joined the south eastern alberta riders (SEAR) bike club in seven persons and it was their 2nd annual dead hog boogie. so we had an awesome dinner at their bar "the boar's nest" in seven persons and then spent the night in the trailer listening to the rain pour - or it could have been the pivot irrigation spraying us in the middle of the night, but either way we woke to sunny sky and drying dirt so the farm wouldn't be a pig sty for the dead hog boogie, as fitting as it might be.

friday night was night one and ray and i had to work or 2 hours selling t-shirts and raffle tickets. i looked through the tattoo artist's books and was this close to getting 3 tattoos that night, but thought it better to wait til the next day and let the man get partying. unfortunately for me, he was thrown in the drunk tank and thrown off the property so i was out of luck, that is until the new crew came in from sleeping dragon tattoo in medicine hat and ow, ow, ow, ow ow. felt like someone sawing me with a steak knife - but only for 3 minutes, thankfully it was a small tattoo and it was only 1. i will save the other two for another day. i want a little butterfly on my hip and a mouse on my ankle to cover a scar and to represent my home town in manitoba. in french, "souris" means mouse and my home town was named after the mouse river which flows through it, and the water is the colour of a field mouse, hence it's name. i would love to get corinthians 13 tattooed somewhere because it's my favourite bible verse - because my name corinne stems from corinthian, and i was born on the 13th.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
but i think i will just wear my bracelet that has it on instead... that would be super OW

Saturday there we bike games and ray didn't want anything to happen to his new bike, so i ended up pair up with a fellow from saskatchewan for 2 events, the mattress pull and the outhouse race. too much fun even though we didn't win, i will have to remember next year not to put sun tan oil on BEFORE being dragged across a dirt field with chunks of dirt flying on me from the bike wheels spinning to get the mattress going from a dead stop. and the outhouse race - we girls had to down a drink, jump into the out house - whip our pants down (don't worry, had my bathing suit underneath) and then hang on for dear life. then it was another night of dancing and no dunk tank, or drunk tank for that matter.

sunday morning we pulled out of seven persons and went to 40 mile lake to camp with ed and monika and visit with her friend wendy - and enjoy eddy's new toy. what a boat! the fun never ends with my forever fiance. ray keeps me forever young... or aging me quickly... it's hard to keep up with ray but i will try til the day i die... might just kill me trying.

okanogan over

the final day in the okanogan was spent biking from one end to another. we rode to kelowna to visit my sister ,debbie and al, who live in the dolphins, a beautiful condo overlooking the canals by the lake. i was not just hot and flushed but thirsty since i only brought one bottle of water for the hour and a half drive - and after a beer (wrong choice) i felt a little better, then we turned around and went back to penticton. by the time we got there i was just exhausted. Grabbing 2 bottles of water this time (and a monkey's lunch - wrong again. ) and after another hour or so drive to osoyoos, i was shaking. heat exhaustion and dehydration. i never realized riding on a motorcyle in jeans and a t-shirt in 40 degree weather is a big no no. but i know know now - after a quick swim in the lake and lots of water, i was back to my old self and was enjoying dave and rosies great company and beautiful view from their deck. the drive home was cool, both temperature wise and view, with the lightning from a distant storm lighting the way. thank goodness we were following it rather driving into it and made it home without a drop - the only water to hit was in my belly on the drive home.

okanogan 08

it's been too long since we went to penticton to visit ray's daughter lisa and grand daughter sierra - so this year - we towed the bike and dragged the boys along for 5 fun filled days in the sun. we spent the first night in sparwood and unloaded the bike the next morning and took turns driving the truck. jesse started on the back of the bike in the coolness of the morning and i drove - then derek drove while i rode, and then it was derek's turn (in shorts and a tank in the pelting rain) while jesse drove until we reached osoyoos - what a treat to ride in the mountains compared to the prairies. from there on in it was sunshine and just a goat or two in the middle of the road to keep us on our toes.

then it was my turn to ride in to penticton, through oliver and okanogan falls and talk about hot - i learned my lesson to never ride uncovered - jeans and a tank top is not protection from the dehydrating effects of the combination of sun and wind. more on that later. the first night was spent relaxing and bbq'ing and getting all caught up and organized.

day 2 ray and i went on a wine tasting tour. i googled (yes, how else does one find information) okanogan wine tours and discovered the red rooster, so off we went and saw free wine tasting along the way, so had to stop - besides, we live on township rd 84, so when i saw township 7, it was a must. after a couple of whites, a rose and a few reds, i picked up a bottle, tucked it in the saddle bags and continued to the red rooster, or so we thought til we met the manager in the parking lot and she informed us of the soaring eagle further down the road which had an amazing view. so we passed the original destination and continued on and enjoyed more wine tasting at the soaring eagle, bought two glasses to enjoy on the patio, and another bottle of red to tuck in the saddle bag.






on the way back we were supposed to have lunch at the red rooster - but being the ADD DJ that i am, 'hillside cellars' caught my eye with a beautiful patio with umbrellas and a lunch menu posted. so we stopped in and had a wonderful salad with strawberries and nuts and vinagrette dressing. ran up and down the stairs to every level to check out the HUGE stainless steel kegs of wine (no ray, you can't do a keg stand) and then found even BIGGER ones after cutting through the kitchen. after another glass of wine and another bottle of red to put in the bike (might be running out of room soon)
and THEN it was off to the red rooster - by that time, we are wine tasted out, believe it or not - and grabbed another bottle of wine, took a quick tour and pictures and were back in penticton getting ready for dinner and a performance by a couple of jazz artists with Lisa and Walter. after wine and port and good food, we were ready to find a couch and it would be sooner than later if we didn't hush during the show... lol. so we left early and went back and played poker til the wee hours of the morning.

manyberries acres

It's always an adventure camping and always a rush no matter what. This time it was me in the middle of starting a new job, so pulling long days and not much help in preparations, other than pack my suitcase and guitar in the 5th wheel, everything else was up to ray. after i was done work at 9pm, he picked me up and we were off to cremona...and the manyberries acres there, name aptly for all the wild berries and for the wild man who owns the 80 acres off burnt timber road, who is originally from manyberries. we arrived at 2 in the morning, and parked and hit the hay. the next morning was when we rearranged the trailer and unloaded the quad, dirt bikes and the harley - and then i heard a scream - ray forgot the key and fob to turn off the security alarm for the harley back at the farm in his overalls. I should have taken video instead of a picture since that is ray making harley noised - He was ready to drive the 5 hours back just to get it - but no sense wasting the entire day - good thing his daughter was running out to the farm to pick up the cheque for her new motorcycle - so she was willing to jump on her boyfriend's bike and meet ray half way with the key. after a quick ride to the cremona hotel and back, we settled for the night by the fire and the karaoke machine - or 'oakie doakie' as we call it out there.

I've always said things are bigger in alberta, and the bierbachs have double of everything. they built a bigger cook shack, with two beds, two gas stoves, two fridges, two picnic tables... everything is either twice as big or two of them. It's also twice as fun camping with them too. This was the first time we ever took our dog Maggie camping and she was awesome. she has to work for a living - she wasn't our waiter - but there was a bit of a wait if she didn't go straight to the out house out back when sent.

the next day we ventured to sundrie on the bike under billowy clouds and blue skies. i took pictures the entire drive there and tried to capture the mountains in the horizon - we headed north up the highway and then hung a left - and the signs directed us in the right direction - either that or called us names - oh well, i thought it was funny.