The days in Penticton drained away. There was swimming (Ann) 
, and droning (Mike) 
, and Maxi to serve … always Maxi. But eventually the days drained away. Dave & Leslie arrived back from their southern travels, and we spent one more lovely evening with them before packing our lives into our little red car to begin the journey east.
It was sad to leave Penticton, but wonderful knowing we’re coming back. Leslie & Dave have invited us back for another winter. So we get to see Maxi again! (And spend more wonderful time at what is feeling like our winter home).
The drive through the mountains was probably one of the nicest we’ve had of late. There were no storm clouds, no heavy snows or slushy/slippery roads. We actually got to see the mountains through Roger’s Pass. Pretty stunning stuff!
We pulled into Calgary and were warmly greeted by Donna & Sam. They still seem to like seeing us, so I guess we haven’t worn out our welcome … yet ;-). Always great to be back with them — especially when greeted by a margarita!
We spent the next week hanging out with S&D, and meeting Big Sis Peggy and her Philoneos. One day they invited us to visit Spark Science Centre. The main draw was the visiting exhibit on whales, but it was the kids-oriented displays that caught most of our attentions. Ann was her normal pesty self, so we eventually had to wash her potty mouth out.
One sunny morning while having our morning coffee a sudden cloud blanketed the sky. We looked out to find thousands of Bohemian Waxwings had landed in the backyard. They are migrating north and seemed to target D&S’s place as a good spot for a rest stop.
We spent our days relaxing, droning, reading, being pestered 
, and being amused by morning puzzles (or in my case, being amused by the puzzlers 😉 ). After about a week, and to ensure we don’t over-stay our welcome anywhere, we moved our lives over to Peggy’s Place on the Hill.
It’s so relaxing being at Peggy’s place. It’s quiet, and overlooks Fish Creek Provincial Park. Lots of deer and pheasants wonder by. Some people have seen cougars. One morning we watched a coyote hunting in the tall grasses. Great place for walks, and for drone flying … which I did one day when Phil brought little Theo over for a visit.
To earn our keep, Ann and I went over to Peggy’s other house to help get it ready to sell. We cleaned and painted some of the living room walls. Then Ann and Peggy did some organizing and cleaning while I repaired a few holes in the drywall.
On the weekend Donna and Sam joined the work team. The boys hauled a lot of dirt and garbage out of the garage and over to the dump, while the gals worked on trimming hops, and cleaning up the front patio area. With the help of a neighbour and two kids they were looking after, they laid down new patio stones.
Sadly, our time in Calgary came to an end. As a departing gift of song, and at the insistence of Ann, a gang of us (Ann & me, Peggy & Phil, Donna & Sam, Monique & Chris) all went to a Martyn Joseph concert. Small venue, great music!
We finally said our good byes, and once again loaded up our little red Fit, and pointed the bow east once again. With Stan Roger’s ode to Alberta playing, we headed for the flatlands, hitting Moose Jaw, then Kenora, and finally Thunder Bay.
We arrived at the Lakehead to spend time with sailing buddies Paul & Julie, as well as to stop in on our wonderful friends Ben, Sherilyn and their sweet little girl, Olivia. We had a grand dinner with the three of them, and even changed out our winter tires. We’re ever-grateful for Sherilyn & Ben’s generosity in letting us store our storage trailer on their land. You guys are the best!
(Unfortunately, we didn’t take any pics while we were there this time. Gotta remember the camera next time).
Julie and Paul (and Coralie) opened their home and their hearts to us once again. We spent a few nights catching up, eating and drinking, and trying to bully Paul into finally retiring. Not sure what he’s decided…
While we were there Ann visited our old neighbour Pat, out at Sandy Beach Rd. She also got to see where our house used to stand. Beautiful place. Pat is still holding out against the insanity of the City of Thunder Bay. Good for her!
After a few days of revelry we did a short hop to our friends Cathie and Joe near Rossport. Thanks to their generosity, it is here that we are storing our little motorcycles. I wanted to stop in to make sure the bikes were doing OK. But mostly we love stopping here to renew the wonderful friendships, and to relax at this little slice of heaven; a cabin right on the shores of Lake Superior.
Our stays are always too short, and in a few days we were back on the road, heading for Ottawa. Sault Ste. Marie was our first night, followed by North Bay. We once again drove the north shore of Lake Superior, and were reminded of what a stunningly beautiful place it is.
We arrived safe and sound in Ottawa, and have been hanging out with Mom and Sis since then. Ann has been busy getting her final dental sessions in regarding her new tooth. And we’ve both been to our new family doctor. So far, we both seem healthy.
We’ve also seen Colleen and little Connor (who is getting bigger all the time!). They both seem well, and Connor is making huge progress with the autism challenges.
Otherwise there’s been too much drinking and eating, and being amused by sweet Annnnneeeeeeeeee: