Well the Christmas season this year was a little different. Both Joanne and I were on call over the holidays. Not much to celebrate this year.


Well the Christmas season this year was a little different. Both Joanne and I were on call over the holidays. Not much to celebrate this year.


Well here we go!! Trying to get Matthew his moose!! (Update: No Moose this year!)






When I received the call confirming the 65th birthday party, I was filled with excitement and determination to make it a truly memorable day. I decided to add a personal touch by offering to create decorations for the tables. Armed with vinyl designs and sayings, I embarked on the task, only to face the challenge of vinyl that refused to stick to the tablecloths, making the job more difficult than anticipated.
I am deeply grateful for Joanne’s and my kids’ patience and understanding as I tackled the challenge of placing every vinyl piece on the tables. Their unwavering support and cooperation were instrumental in transforming potential frustration into a successful and visually captivating addition to the party. A heartfelt thank you goes out to them for their invaluable contributions and steadfast encouragement throughout the entire process!
The day unfolded into an extraordinary celebration for Mom and Dad. The food exceeded expectations, perfectly complemented by our ideal venue that struck the right balance of space – with outdoor tents for smokers and ample room indoors for lively conversations without crowding.
Marianne’s impeccable touch added elegance to the event, with her exquisite centerpieces finalized just as 2pm approached. As the last piece was set, guests began to arrive, starting with the warm presence of Uncle Jim, Auntie Eileen, and their daughter Tamara. Soon after, our friends from the Calgary Stampede joined, filling the air with laughter and camaraderie.
As friendly conversations flowed, the ladies gracefully unveiled the sumptuous feast, prompting an almost synchronized entrance of Ken, Karen, and their kids, followed by Jim, Liette, and their little ones. It felt as though there was a public announcement signaling the readiness of the food!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making this day exceptionally special for Mom and Dad. Your efforts and presence made it a truly unforgettable celebration. Well done, indeed!
After a delightful lunch, it was time for the much-anticipated heartfelt 65th Anniversary Video tribute. We hope you’ll enjoy it and share it with your families as a cherished keepsake of this special occasion.
Click here to DOWNLOAD Mom and Dad’s 65th Anniversary Video
THANKS TO ALL THAT CAME OUT!
I have proven that you can grow long stem ref roses in Alberta! 


It’s a common belief that roses 🌹 don’t thrive with too much water. However, with a summer that blessed us with rain almost every day or every other day, my roses surprised me by flourishing beautifully. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how well they’ve done under these conditions. It’s been truly rewarding to see my efforts pay off in the growth and health of these roses.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m already planning to make them even bigger and better. That means more fertilizer, ample water, and a bit of strategic pruning with silicone (yes, silicone – it’s crucial for sealing the stems after cutting). The amount of work involved might seem daunting, but every minute spent tending to these roses has been absolutely worth it! 😁
Today I spent the day on Gull Lake with the grandchildren and their uncles!! Wow!! 31 degrees and very little wind 😁 such a beautiful day with the kids!!



❤️Such an amazing and memorable day!! Thank you boys for taking care of the little ones!! ❤️





Today, we laid Melissa to rest beside her sister in the peaceful Horn Hill Cemetery. Surrounded by loved ones, we bid her farewell with heartfelt words, knowing that our paths will cross again someday.
As we made our way to the cemetery, I decided to give Melissa one last ride in the Corvette, a tribute to her love for speed and thrill. I can only hope that she enjoyed it, especially the three burnouts and the dark, lasting imprints they left on the pavement. These memories will forever remind me of this bittersweet day.
Following the cemetery service, we returned to the acreage for a heartfelt family supper. Initially, we attempted to dine outdoors, but Mother Nature had other plans, sending us scurrying indoors as the weather turned unruly. Despite the change of scenery, we gathered around the table and shared a wonderful meal together, cherishing each other’s company and creating cherished memories.








Finally, a glimpse of sunshine after a cool and rainy Spring/Summer 2019! With the weather looking promising, it was high time to dust off the boat for its maiden voyage of the season. I set out bright and early in the morning to ensure everything was shipshape since the boat had been sitting idle for quite a while.
After a somewhat eventful launch that may or may not have involved a few comedic mishaps, I cruised down the lake, only to hear a slight hiccup in the engine. Cue an hour of intense troubleshooting and engine tinkering – but thankfully, all was resolved, and the boat was back in top form.
With the engine purring contently, it was time to crank up the tunes and bask in the glorious sunshine. Later in the day, Joanne joined me after wrapping up her work, and together, we relished in the serenity of the breezy lake, soaking in the sights and sounds of a perfect evening on the water.
