Fabulous February

February was full of birthdays; Brad, and Mary (80 years young) and our friend Dave on the weekend we went to Empress for to raise funds for a their friends whose house burned down. After the potluck dinner at the hall we headed to the local tavern and set up our gear there and entertained the townsfolk. First time I ever worked for wine! Too Much Fun!!!!

Jumpin' January

Holy Snow Batman! Talk about a brutal winter so far. Apparently it hasn't snowed here this much since 1978! Travel is preceeded by checking the AMA road reports and it may be fine on the way but that could change midway or on the way back. With an approaching storm, we still traveled to Lethbridge for Rob's 50th birthday party.

Arriving a day, early we checked in and went to dinner at El Comel Mexican Restaurant before heading to the Sound Garden and then to Ezzies to dance the night away and partied the next night away at Rob's birthday bash. I even got up on stage with the band to sing Me & Bobbie McGee. Even though I was the only one to bring cheat sheets, the manager loved what she heard and was ready to see a repertoire to hire me to sing in the lounge. Quite flattered, but not quite ready to turn professional, Won't be quitting my day job any time soon.

Nor will I be a card shark even though my first ever 24 hand on January 20th allowed me to stomp on the competition with ease! Sorry, just the way the cookie crumbled!

January 28the was a busy night cramming as much in as possible. After dinner at friend’s in town, we went to the Esplanade to see Rich Little! He brought back so many memories of the family watching the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson! I would post a photo but no cameras were allowed! After his performance we gathered back at our friend’s, along with the Beierbachs, who were in town for hockey tournament then headed home in dangerous weather. We were supposed to go back into town the next day but Old Man Winter would not allow. I would miss out on emceeing the Tongue On The Post Folk Festival and the men would miss out on a night of too much tequila! Thankful for at least one miss!

Damn Good December

Canada Cup came to town and the Alexander Keith's Patch was the party at the Medicine Hat curling club. For a change, more time was spent at the Arena watching games than in the Patch! It was a great experience and we met lots of curling fans from across the country. I even won a prize this time around. Not first for my impression of Marilyn Monroe's Happy Birthday where as a certain someone won first prize at the Continental Divide during the Continental Cup in 2007. 

Brad spent most of the month at the farm working on a huge doll house for his daughter Monroe and his dog Hot Rod became a regular part of the family. I know the red neck rules of etiquette state never allow a dog to eat from the table no matter how good his manners are, but it has to happen at least once, at least for the photo op!

We once again headed to Chestermere for the Beierbach's Annual Christmas dinner and I did eventually, sort of put up a Xmas tree. It may be only a 6" pre-decorated punk and the presents were bigger than the Charlie Brown mini me. It was a quiet Christmas Eve with only us two at the farm, Christmas Day was spent with family in the Hat and then it was a shooter party at friends in Seven Persons on Boxing Day. Back to Seven for a New Year's Eve Dance. Ringing in the new year with the ones you love is the best!

Not too much in November

November was busy with renovations but there was still time to squeeze in a trip to Butte Montana to check out the Copper Canyon Harley Davidson. It used to be Thunder Bolt Harley so I was on the search for anything with BOLT on it. We jumped in my car with our friends and made it as far as Helena the first night. After a night bar hopping, which wasn't two difficult as they were all attached in a row, we headed for Butte for lunch and a major dent to my credit card, then went on to Billings for another night out, meeting up with Randy & Julie for dancing at Montana Chads. Boy do I ever like late check out. That extra hour of sleep makes it easier to drive home, which ended up as plan B to avoid a major snow storm without winter tires.  

For the next while it was driving the 4x4 truck to and from work. Winter followed us back from Montana and hit with a vengance. But we were in the Christmas mood for the first CJCY only Xmas party at Ralph's Texas Bar & Steak House. Found one picture I could actually post!



Too bad it's missing Sara and Janine, who along with Kristin created the absolutely beautiful creation for the United Way's Festival of Trees at Medicine Hat Mall. The Christmas trees are here and the snow is here and soon it will be Christmas. I don't know that I will even set up a tree at the house this year. With decorating two trees under the belt already, will have to see about setting up a third in a child free home.











This month there were snow days, music days,

October Firsts

Although I had to work and missed the wedding ceremony, Wanda & Paul's Wedding social was an absolute blast. I wish I could have seen the bride ride away on her horse in her wedding dress. The Seven Person's Community Hall was beautifully decorated with saddle and cowboy boot figurines that were filled with Durum wheat and lovely souvenirs. Talk about a true Alberta country wedding. The first wedding I have ever attended in boots and Wranglers.

Thanksgiving weekend started at 40 Mile Park camping with friends and playing the board game Operation... yes, operation... for drinks! Pretty easy at the beginning but the tables turned when we used opposite hands and spent more time drinking than operating! On Monday, the family came to dinner at the farm and so did grand daughter Monroe for the very first time. It was filled with a play mate her same age, puppy dog tales and a snake! What? Isn't that what little girls are made of?

This was the month to scratch something off my little bucket list. I have never been the the Dinosaur Museum in Drumheller so we jumped in the car and headed north west to explore. There were so many new things to see and do along the way my camera was going crazy. Good thing I wasn't driving. We stopped to walk the Star Mine Suspension Bridge in Rosedale, drove Eleven Bridges Road to Wayne to check out the Last Chance Saloon and the haunted Rosedeer Hotel (would have stayed the night but it was all booked up) before checking in and heading out again to the Outlaw Saloon for a night of karaoke. After a late check out, we toured the Museum and headed home the long way after missing a turn off but still made it home. I was driving.

Then it was off to Edmonton to celebrate my nephew Matthew's  birthday via Calgary for the first night to spend the evening with two of my sisters and cousins reminiscing over many laughs and glasses of wine. After a late check out~lol and a 3 hour drive to Edmonton it was the big birthday party and check in to a hotel with all 4 sisters (another first) and head downstairs to the Monkey Cage to make plans where to head next. We decided on the West Edmonton Mall to find entertainment. And that we did! From dancing and bonding with Rider fans at Whiskey Jacks to singing along with the dueling pianos at the red piano, it was a late night and check out again and a long drive home after visiting my wonderful friend Tami in Sherwood Park. My daughter even met us there and surprised us by bringing a guy friend, who joined right in the girl talk! Another first! Then I was on my way home. Then it was the first time ever handing out Halloween candies out at the farm, most years I've either worked or partied so it was nice to see all the kidlets dressed up! Now to emotionally prepare for our first Xmas alone at the farm. Our kids are all grown up!

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!

Awesome August

The Laval Family Reunion wrapped up on August 2nd after days of fun and games. Everyone of all ages took part in Wii Dance, Bolo Ball, Washaroo and the Picture Scavenger Hunt was a hit! Teams drove from Elgin to Souris to take pictures on a list in the most creative way. A major thunder storm put a slight glitch in the BBQ as everyone ran for cover and the power outage delayed the viewing of team photos, but creativity of Laval Family made everyone smile, laugh and proud!

The trip home through Saskatchewan encountered more bad weather but cleared up long enough for a photo stop in Corinne as well as Roleau at the site of the CTV series Corner Gas. After a stop in Regina for fuel it was home to go back to work and renovations and time with more family and friends.

Sierra flew from Penticton last month & we brought her to the Medicine Hat Speedway. I presented the Junior Crew Chief Award & we all handed out trophies to the racers but since I was the only personality that came out for the Media Race, I won by default! First win in a stock car race & I never even got IN a stock car! Next time!

I also celebrated my 50th birthday in a big way that was drawn out for a week. From cake and presents delivered at work to a party at Union Hall with music, karaoke, cake and more. It was so much fun camping the entire weekend outside the hall with friends from The Hat, Seven Persons and Chestermere. Setting up the night before was as much fun as spending the day with Family from Souris, Penticton & Calgary. Thanks so much to everyone for putting on the shin dig!

Jumping July

July in Medicine Hat always begins with Canada Day Celebrations & The Sandfly Festival in Kin Coulee Park. This year, CJCY emcee'd the stage that included The Stampeders. Ray & I got the back stage view of the concert & hung around with the rest of the staff while ogling the stars. Will have to work on getting to know the Stampeders another time. lol

Simon and Chelsey both celebrate birthdays in July and most of July was spent at 40 Mile Lake with family and friends... and dogs. My daughter's dog Izzy, aka Turd, looks very sporty in the neon green life jacket trimmed in grey. Quite the fashion statement but not to be outdone by Brad’s Miniature Pinscher Hot Rod, who rocks it out in neon orange and black! lol. Both dogs love the boat although Hot Rod won't be going out on the tube again after her last dumping. At least she wasn't wearing sunglasses to end up in the bottom of the lake!

Mid month my daughter Liz moved to Edmonton to go to the University of Alberta and I spent the rest of the month at my duplex ripping out baseboards and carpets before redoing the floors... which turned into redoing the kitchen..which turned into redoing the bathroom... etc... you know how it goes. Lot's of hard work in a short time means a need for renewal and thankfully a much needed break was in the form of an 8 hour drive to Manitoba for the Laval Family Reunion. Elgin look out! Lavals are rockin' da house!

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!

Maniacal May

Graduation month. Yikes! Errands, meetings and more to get ready for the big day and then add into the mix a freak snow storm the beginning of the month and then taking off to Penticton for Jr A hockey try outs for Derek the weekend before grad! CRAZY!

But lots of fun! And lots of snow in the mountains. We stopped in Castlegar the first night, then by the time we got to Penticton, spring was in full bloom. Between running back and forth to the arena, hockey banquets, family dinners, shopping and all in the midst of staying in a house in the midst of renovations, there was still time to find peaceful moments on the deck with a glass of merlot enjoying the view. There was only one vineyard stop on the way home at Road 13. How could I pass up a place where my lucky number was right on the bottle and right on the money! YUMMY!

After stopping in Osoyoos to visit friends, it was back to the hustle and bustle of decorating for grad on Tuesday, rehersal Wednesday, grad dinner and ceremony on Thursday, grand march and party on Friday, and safe grad party Saturday. We were all gradded out but now know what to expect next year when the youngest one graduates and leaves the nest. FINALLY!




At the end of the month, we pulled the trailer to Bow Island to celebrate Cindy's 50th birthday with a party at the Legion. After setting up the RV in the town pool's parking lot, it was an awesome time at the hall and then wandering the town from party to party til the wee hours of the morning and still having a soft place to rest a weary head at the end of a long night, and a long month. MERCY!