Monday-Tuesday June 17-18, 2013

Tuesday June 18, 2013  update #486

Two blogs today, for Monday and Tuesday.

I awoke much too early but my brain was working overtime with a few last minute things I would have to do so I just got up and got started.  My cousin Maurice Jalbert came to visit this morning, having flown in from Regina the night before.  Maurice is coming back with me to Ecuador after we do our show in Houston to spend 2 weeks and tour the country.  2 weeks isn’t very long, especially when a trip to Mindo is a necessity. 

We went to Mr Spud for a brunch of fish ‘n chips and I was quite surprised that the lady proprietor remembered me, and my usual order!  She was quite proud that they had just been notified that they had been voted in the top 3 in the Foothills in 3 categories, getting 2 Gold and one Silver awards.  This is nothing new for them as they are one of the best food places in town.

Maurice and I discussed some of the things that would be good to bring to Ecuador, etc, and shot the breeze over many issues.

Maurice had to be away by noon so we made it back in time and he was nice enough to grab a couple of items that I could not take with me on this trip because of weight restrictions.  We will have to wait until November for good peanut butter, etc.

I began the final processes of packing, etc., doing my last laundry load and getting caught up on my Internet chores.  I tried to pre-board online, but because I am going on United, with a Canadian passport, I will have to dick around at a kiosk in the airport in the morning.

I then caught an hour’s nap before heading into Calgary to get Mom.  She was quite happy to come out to have Wings in Okotoks again, this time at Original Joe’s.    We met the usual bunch, Gord, Em, and Paul (everyone else is away until later this month), and we were joined by my sister Leonie, husband Brian, and Debbie who is our house-sitter.  A good time was had by all.

The return trip to Calgary was a little sad because it would be the last few moments I would have with my Mom until I return in February.

On return to Okotoks I had to put another $60 of gas in the Buick and pump up the tires, especially the right front which seems to have a chronic slow leak.  I may be a flaw in the aluminum rims, I’m not sure.  I then parked it carefully, backing it into the garage, and disconnecting the battery.   Hopefully that will help the battery survive until Bella gets here in November.  The last order of business tonight will be to drop the insurance coverage than maybe I can get a couple of hours sleep before getting up at 3:45 to head to the airport and to Reno.

Sorry that I just wasn’t in a picture-taking mood today, although we did see a nice deer along the highway but couldn’t stop.

That was today’s excitement.  Hugs to all.  Please see all old photos at http://souvenircuenca.blogspot.com/

Monday June 17, 2013  update #485 

I prepared more for my departure, washed clothes and bedding, etc.  I am crossing my fingers that everything left is going to fit in the suitcase or carry-on.   I didn’t get out of my grubbies because those will be last load of washing for tomorrow.

I didn’t venture away from the house at all and we only had one mild spell of rain here but they had tornado warnings to the east.

Deb came home from her trip to Hawaii and says she enjoyed snorkeling and swimming and their stay in a fabulous home.

No photos and not much news so I won’t even bother posting this today.

That was today’s excitement.  Hugs to all.