Our Travel Blog

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Driving Miss Donna - what does this mean? Whenever I want to go somewhere, if Don is home he will usually drive. He always says he is driving miss Donna! This blog is for our travels, usually with our truck and fifth wheel trailer, but sometimes in our other wheels. When we are not vacationing check in for updates, although less frequent, about our life at home and our wonderful family:)

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Still Brrrr

Sometimes it’s hard when things don’t go as planned. I would tell you I’m pretty flexible but when I have my head and heart ready for something then it is not as easy. And yes I know weather is not predictable. Let’s go back a bit.
We usually leave for the south after my annual Co-op Conference and AGM is Saskatoon. That means typically that we leave by March 1. This year I had no work commitments past February 16 and the Co-op event was March 2. I had the brilliant idea of leaving early and since we fly to the conference anyways, flying form somewhere yonder rather than home. That would allow us an early departure of February 17. I saw this as almost a gift to Don, who I know would like to be away even longer, and a chance for me to start breaking myself away from home sooner. This year we will be on the road for 10 weeks!
All this drama is not leading up to anything serious, just a snowstorm both at home and farther south, that prevented us from leaving for 2 days. Don followed the roads and weather into Montana closely and things were a mess with snowfall, wind and warnings. So we departed home at about 5:30 a.m. February 19.
It was a nasty drive all the way to Dillon Montana where we stopped for the night. Our goal is always to make it to Idaho Falls. We have never taken a hotel room before as the temperature was always around –5, but this time we couldn’t do it. Look at the temperature!!  Yikes. We had a great room though, and we thrilled that they offered a soup and bun buffet. Odd but welcome!
Excuse the odd photos from my phone .
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The next day we set out with determination and expectations. Some not met. Don took every challenge the roads and weather provided, and after the 2 – 3 hour delays the day before, we were still at our destination of Sand Hollow Park in St George Utah by 6:00 p.m.
It was my birthday and we were going to go for a nice dinner, but honestly we didn’t have the energy to do anything. We loaded up on groceries and selected some take a way from the deli and that was it.
The weather was nasty and windy, although no snow. We appreciated the full hookups as we de-winterized the trailer, ran the fireplace almost non stop and filled the pantry.
After 3 nights it was time to make a break and try yo get back into our regular pattern! We knew Ivan was in the area, which for RV’ers might not be as close as readers think, and agreed to meet at Stewart’s Point. Ivan introduced us to this boondocker’s delight and it has become a favorite of ours.
After getting the rig washed in St. George we were off. Still not shorts weather but I am sure we’re getting there, right?

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Brrrr

That sums up January. I don't really know if it was actually cold, but I felt cold the whole month.

January started out with a sleep over with Connor and Mason on New Years Eve. I had a few plans we could initiate, but the weather was cold and the boys found lots to do inside. It was a quiet and peaceful ringing in.

There were the usual work days for us, interspersed with watching hockey, ringette and swimming. We visited Red Deer and watched Emerson and her team in a tournament. Being at the rink and watching Ringette never gets old for us, it just feels like we are back 20 years.

Emerson and Reese were also both in their home tournament, the Silver Ring, and as well as watching a few games, I worked a volunteer shift at the registration table. Now that takes me back as I was the tournament director in Spruce Grove for more years than I would like to remember!

We went to Lanigan to celebrate Don's brother Ken's 65th birthday, and continued to Tisdale to visit more with his family. I love that my sister Ginger is working in Tisdale - it gives me a great chance to see her more often. I reserved my spot for lunch with her both days:)

We also took some time to shop for a new truck this month and were successful. The only small change is the color - form white to a light silver. It will be interesting to see how it pulls without the delete kit, and I am happy to have heated seats, even if I don't ride in the truck in cold weather too often.

As the grandkids get older and their birthday parties get more hectic (to us), I was looking for a way to make their birthday time with us a bit more special. So I decided that we could take them out on a special day with us where we let them pick a present, have lunch or supper, and get some one on one.

Mason was first. We picked him up at school, went to McDonalds for lunch, and Toys R Us for the gift. It was a lot of fun watching him get down to the business of gift selection, and he is at that age where he doesn't study prices, so we topped up the Lego present he picked with a gift card. He turned 4 on February 3, and it's hard to realize he truly is not a baby any longer. Independent, strong willed and very funny.

Next up is Emerson. She turned 9 on February 16. We picked her up and went to West Edmonton Mall for supper at the food court and then some clothes shopping. She is pretty set in her style sense, had a great time trying everything on, and came away with lots of new things. She spent her money very wisely and had enough left for one squishy toy. Emerson is quite the girl; deep feelings, loves her friends and family so strongly, and loves ringette and Ukrainian dance.

The last grandchild birthday in February is Connor. Our day out with him is extra special as we are not going to be home for his actual birthday. We went to watch him and Mason in swimming, then headed out for lunch and shopping. He picked McDonalds as well, and rather than a toy store only wanted the Lego store. He is a cautious shopper, taking a lot of time to think through his purchases and the money he is spending. Connor is such a deep thinker, very considerate of others, and like Em loves his family and friends very deeply.

Both of our son in laws celebrate their birthdays in February as well! I didn't give them a special day and meal with us though. LOL

And last for February birthdays is me!!! I like to think of it as my birthday month. First I had a great brunch and spa date with Maria and Anne, then I had a birthday day that started with a manicure, pedicure, and haircut. the day was finished with the most mazing supper at the Melting Pot with Tracy and Lindsay. I can't remember the last time the three of us sat for over two hours with no kids and just visited. Thank you so much girls!!

And the takes care of our time at home in January and February. On February 17 we were hoping to head to warmer climate and an extended vacation, but the snow storms and roads in Montana kept us home for another few days. That gave me a chance for a few meals out with some girlfriends and Don and I went ice fishing with the Stecyks!

We are attempting another departure tomorrow so I’ll let you know how that goes!