Seven Years Ago

July 31, 2009 - Day 212

It was seven years ago today that mom was killed in a head-on collision on the highway on her way home from work. An 86-year old driver heading the opposite direction swerved into her lane at highway speed, directly in front of her, leaving mom no time to react or respond - she was killed instantly. The 86-year old man walked away from the accident with a scratch or two.

It’s hard to believe it has been seven years. Mom is still so much alive in my thoughts and memories. She is also very much alive in the dreams I have of her from time to time. I love mom so much and miss her dearly and even seven years later, it makes me cry to write these words.

Mom was 16 years old in the picture Darlene included in the paper; she was 60 when she died.

Mom lived 18 minutes south of Barrhead when the accident occurred and my sister Darlene faithfully puts a memorial in the town’s newspaper (the Barrhead Leader) on the anniversary of mom's death each year. She also makes sure that we each (her sisters) get a copy of the paper. I haven’t received my physical paper yet but my sister Cathy sent us an online link http://www.barrheadleader.com/update/announcements.pdf to the memorial a few days ago (I printed that copy and took a picture of it).

Sleeping Beauty

July 30, 2009 - Day 211

My sister Darlene watered my flowers while we were away camping. She stopped by today to return our house key and she was so exhausted from packing, moving and working this last while that she asked if she could nap in the guest room for a couple hours. It wouldn’t have made sense for her to drive, through rush-hour traffic, all the way back to her new place on the south side (where her bed is) when she had to be back to her old place (to do some last minute cleaning) on the north side about 2 1/2 hours later.

She asked me to wake her up in a couple hours, and I did. My plan was to “sneak” a picture of her sound asleep before I woke her up but, as you can see, it didn’t work! She was already waking up when I started taking pictures – but that didn’t stop me! lol

Anyone else want to come take a nap in our guest room?

Metis Cookbook

July 29, 2009 - Day 210

Adam went to Grande Prairie on Monday and returned today. My daughter-in-law, Amanda, sent this cookbook back with him as a surprise gift for me and he brought it by on his way home.

The recipes look very interesting. I’ll be able to try many of them but the Wild Game chapter will be difficult since I don’t have access to moose meat (although I love it), deer, bear steaks, grouse, etc.

I love the cookbook - thank you Amanda!

Comforts of Home

July 28, 2009 - Day 209

Holidays are wonderful but it sure felt good to sleep in our own bed last night!

Packing Up

July 27, 2009 - Day 208

Michelle had to work on Monday so she had to leave on Sunday afternoon. Ian also had to work on Monday so Christine's family packed up and returned home Sunday afternoon as well but they returned to the campground to have supper with us and visited until about midnight.

The rest of us (Travis and Adam shown here) packed up and headed home on Monday.

My Children

July 26, 2009 - Day 207

It’s not often that all four of my children are together in one place at the same time anymore so I took this opportunity to get a picture. Left to right: Travis, Michael, Christine and Adam.

5-0

July 25, 2009 - Day 206

Part of the reason for my kids and grandkids making the effort to all be together for this camping trip was to celebrate my 50th birthday. I don’t turn 50 until November but it’s easier for everyone to travel during summer.

It was emotionally overwhelming to come out of the tent (where I’d been putting a few things away) to see every single child and grandchild of mine, and my niece Michelle, walking the path into our campsite on Saturday night. Christine and Ian were in the lead, each carrying a black forest cake.

We played some incredibly fun camping games, ate cake and enjoyed one another’s company. I appreciate my family making the effort – it was a magical birthday celebration I will never forget!