Jun30

Founders Day, Cashmere, Washington

Posted on June 30, 2018 by iamkaren23

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Founders Day was celebrated in Cashmere, Washington last weekend. On Saturday we braved the 90 degree temperatures and took in some of the festivities. Cashmere is my favorite town in this state and is also home to my tree that I photograph constantly throughout my stay here.

Cashmere was originally slated to be called “Mission” but there was a conflict with the name as it was already being used by more than one town in the state. The town of Mission was incorporated on July 1, 1904. In 1909 telephone lines were installed. Paved walks were next in 1913 followed by electric lights in 1914. Paved streets arrived in 1919.

Cashmere is a charming town that boasts the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village as well as Spirit of America, a tribute to 9/11. We began our afternoon on the grounds of the museum where a barbecue was being held along with a small flea market.

Next we explored the outdoor area at the Pioneer Village.

We then headed over to Riverfront Park. There was nonstop entertainment featuring local talent. A handful of vendors were selling everything from kettle corn to jewelry. Helicopter rides were available for brave souls and a children’s activity area was quite popular.

An added feature was the steady stream of rafters on the river.

After a few hours the heat got to us and we decided to return to Leavenworth before the ping pong drop from the helicopter and the grand parade. Back in Leavenworth the accordion festival was in full swing. Alas there are only so many hours in a weekend…………….

Jun22

This Weekend in Washington

Posted on June 22, 2018 by iamkaren23

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Is it really Friday again already? It was just Monday!

The Accordion Festival started yesterday here in Leavenworth. There will be music galore throughout the weekend at the gazebo and in the Festhall. Saturday will feature a parade throughout the town. I enjoyed all of this immensely last year.

But I have different plans for this weekend. I’m going to Cashmere with friends to take in Founders Day celebrations. A barbecue and time at the Pioneer Museum are on the list. Upper Valley Connection are performing The Little Mermaid again this year. One of my friends will also be on a float in the parade.

The real kick-start to the weekend happens tonight at Icicle Junction. The Nazarene Church is holding a mini-golf and pizza event for the kids and I am one of the many volunteers. Here’s a shot of us all at last year’s event.

Also on my to do list for the weekend are visiting a friend in hospital, buying tickets for summer theater performances and regular Sunday church services. My characters are talking up a storm today so I will dive into my current work in progress once I get this post up.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jun18

Today and Yesterday

Posted on June 18, 2018 by iamkaren23

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Today is Father’s day. The last time I celebrated Father’s Day with my dad was in 1976, months before he passed away. He never met his grandchildren. He missed out on so many milestones in my life and in their lives. My dad was my world and I think of him often, not just on Father’s Day. This is one of the last photos ever taken of us together.

As a child, I remember creating elaborate cards with interesting verses for my dad. We often enjoyed barbecues on that day with my Auntie Jan, Uncle Harry and my cousins. I have fond memories of those childhood Father’s Days.

My dad taught me how to ride a bike and how to drive a car. He taught me the importance of getting an education. Although he was around when I received my first university degree, he was already gone when I achieved subsequent degrees and diplomas. He never lived to see his grandchildren graduate from university, but I know he would have been proud of them as well.

Today is June 17th. Back in 2012 I was one day away from my first knee replacement surgery. And I was convinced that I was going to die. My mom died after having the same surgery and I was terrified that I would meet the same fate. Not only did I survive that first surgery, but a year later I found myself having my second knee done on June 17th.

Today is Father’s Day, June 17th and I am in Leavenworth, Washington. My children and my granddaughter are in Canada, so there are no family barbecues for me today. Instead, my day has not shown a hint of Father’s Day as I once knew it.

This morning I passed on the church I usually attend and went to Faith Lutheran with my friend Karen. To my surprise, I knew several of the congregants although it is an extremely small church. People from my fitness classes, bridge group and the senior center were there. The pastor was Hispanic so I got to practice my Spanish with him. The service was interesting and different from other services I have attended here in Leavenworth, in Canada and in Mexico.

We then headed over to the First Methodist to bid farewell to Pastor Denise. Although this is not my usual church, Denise had become a familiar presence here in town. She came to the senior center often and attended many local events here and in Cashmere. She will be missed by the community.

Now I know it is definitely not proper church etiquette to take photos during a service, but those of you who know me know all too well that my philosophy is that rules are there to be broken.

The first photo was taken at the Lutheran church. I was determined to get a photo of the pastor in his garb. The other photos are of the incredible artwork on the walls of the church.

This next photo is on of Pastor Denise at the Methodist church. Note the ladies wearing hats, a tribute they had decided upon for Denise’s last service.

And now it’s time to call one of my best friends who lives in Toronto who is celebrating a birthday today. Happy Birthday Deborah!

Jun10

Writing About Life

Posted on June 10, 2018 by iamkaren23

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As a young child, I delighted in writing short poems and creating birthday cards with rhyming verses. I even continued to write throughout my teens. I began a novel but somewhere along the line the magic vanished. When depression and anxiety entered my life as an adult, I began to journal. Next came the publication of two self-help books. I then discovered the art of blogging. Unfortunately the journaling has fallen by the wayside at the moment, but a new course in writing memoirs has taken its place.

This week’s homework entails finding a childhood photo and sharing a memory. This has proven to be quite a difficult feat as all the family photo albums are back in Canada and I am not. While I do have countless photos of my own children stored on my Seagate, I have only a handful of myself. I think my appearance as well as taste in clothing has changed significantly over the years. The bonnet and dress have been replaced by jeans and t-shirts.

Another writing challenge that has occupied my time recently is an article to be published in Scoop, the newsletter at the Leavenworth Senior Center. I submitted two articles last summer about my life in Mexico. The article I’m going to share in this post was co-written with my friend Karen. We are two of the instructors in the S.A.I.L. program here in town and highly encourage seniors to attend these fitness classes. We both recognize how the exercises have enhanced our health and well-being, and are eager to share this experience with others.

Here is the article:

STAY ACTIVE AND INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE

(S.A.I.L)

The Senior Falls Prevention Study was undertaken in 2003-2005 by the Washington State Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The WSDOH recognized the need for a program and sponsored research in social marketing in 2005-2006 aimed at how best to motivate seniors to participate. Also in 2006 S.A.I.L. instructor training was developed and funding provided by the WSDOH. In 2007 the results of a study of the participants showed improved balance, mobility skills and leg strength, as well as a reduction in fear of falling. Further research continues to support these findings.

S.A.I.L. is a strength, balance and fitness program geared towards adults 65 years and older. The activities have been designed to help seniors to stay independent and active as well as to prevent falls.

S.A.I.L. is evidence based as participants are assessed regularly by experienced and skilled instructors trained by professionals associated with Wellness Place in Wenatchee.

Classes follow a format of warm up exercises, aerobics and activities that promote balance, strength and flexibility.

Due to the nature of the program, a doctor’s consent is required prior to enrollment. Please drop by to observe a class and obtain the necessary forms.

The one hour classes are free of charge and are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church, 429 Evans Street, here in Leavenworth.

We hope you will join us soon!

And now it is time for me to put the finishing touches on my submission for my writing class. I will leave adulthood for the present and delve back into my childhood.

May31

Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 31, 2018 by iamkaren23

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This past weekend marked the Memorial Day Weekend here in the USA. Canada celebrated Victoria Day last week with a long weekend. But I’m in the American mode now.

A fabulous brunch at Wild Huckleberry on Friday was a great start to the weekend. This restaurant serves the most amazing eggs benedict and also boasts a magnificent view of the golf course.

My friend Laurel and I decided to go hiking at Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee. Flowers were beginning to bloom and the views were spectacular. With the aid of walking poles, we tackled some of the more difficult trails. The steep, rocky terrain was well worth the effort. And it was definitely strenuous for yours truly with two replaced knees, although Laurel was more like a mountain goat.

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I attended an Alpine concert at Snowy Owl Theater with some friends. The music was delightful and the Alpen horns stole the show. The first time I ever saw one of these horns was decades ago at Epcot in Florida. They are 12-1/2 feet long and are quite a difficult instrument to play.

I was so entranced that I went downtown to the gazebo the following day to see them perform once again. Out at Snowy Owl there had been only three horns. Have a look at the number of horns that played at the gazebo.

On the weekend we also went to Cashmere. The flagpole at Spirit of America as well as the one at the post office had added a second flag to commemorate Memorial Day. The black flag signigied those who were prisoners of war or who were missing in action.

A barbecue one evening rounded out the weekend. All in all, it was a relaxing weekend enjoying good times with great friends.

May23

On This Day

Posted on May 23, 2018 by iamkaren23

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Facebook has this remarkable feature entitled “On This Day” where I am reminded of what had gone on in my life by the posts I had made on that particular date. These memories are amazing. Some of them I can’t believe I had the audacity to share on Facebook while others are absolute treasures.

For example, this past week I saw photos of Mother’s Day celebrations with my kids in Winnipeg. This photo goes back to 2013 when I had returned to Winnipeg for knee surgery. Another photo dates back to 2015 when I had returned to Winnipeg for my book launch of Alive Again.

A post from 2009 has me teaching an aquafit class at the West Portage YMCA and then going to a church service followed by lunch with friends. In 2011 I was in Culiacan, enjoying my first year teaching in Mexico. Back in 2015 Donna and I had gone on a tour of the Legislative Building in Winnipeg.

In 2016 I was in Mazatlan and in 2017 I was here in Leavenworth. And I wonder where I will be next year at this time.

On This Day is much more than a conglomeration of posts and events. It is the story of my emotional and spiritual growth. It depicts the trials and tribulations of being single again after thirty-six years of marriage. It hits on some of the more sensitive experiences and awesome adventures I’ve had in the past ten years.

Of course there are numerous posts I could have written about my life, but the more personal issues are not things I care to share with the Facebook world. Much of my life will always remain private and will be known only by those closest to me. And that’s the way it should be.

The past ten years has seen me living in three different countries and in seven different cities. And yes, Kyle, your mother is still a nomad. Even U.S. Immigration has adopted that term in my conversation with them last month when I returned to Washington.

I think a lot about the meaning of life these days. I guess that comes with growing older. Time is precious and life is to be lived. The life I have chosen involves extensive exploration, exciting discoveries, constant change and adaptation. It is not the conservative, conventional life that I once so tightly embraced. It has drawn a magnitude of criticism from family and friends. Nonetheless it has become my mantra. And I’m sticking to it.

On This Day, I reflect on all the remarkable people who have shared in my life in the past and continue to do so today. I am truly blessed to have friends wherever I may go. And I always look forward to the new friends I will meet on my journey, wherever that may take me.

And now it’s time for a Facebook post……………

May18

Nomad On The Move Again

Posted on May 18, 2018 by iamkaren23

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For someone who despises routine, I apparently do have one that includes packing, moving and unpacking. And it seems to be done on quite a regular basis. In the past month, I have repeated this process on my journey to Leavenworth from Mazatlan which included stays in Culiacan, Frankford and Toronto. And I have just moved again here in Leavenworth. While I am getting more efficient in organizing this whole process, it’s nice to finally unpack with the idea of staying here for a longer period of time.

My room is quite comfortable and is bright even on a gloomy, rainy day like today, a day very conducive to writing. It’s nice to slow down after a hectic week of packing and running around. Once I get this post up on my blog, I hear my characters calling in my current work in progress.

I once again joined the Bavarian Book Club at the Leavenworth Library. These meetings will be held immediately after my memoir writing class at the Methodist Church, so Mondays will be busy days. The book we are currently reading fits right in as it is a memoir of a family and culture in crisis entitled Hillbilly Elegy by author J.D. Vance.

I spent all day Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Wenatchee with other fitness instructors. It was a most informative professional development day with presentations by physical therapists. It was also a great opportunity to interact with other SAIL instructors from across the state of Washington. The SAIL program is aimed at seniors and focuses on preventing falls as well as remaining fit.

Wednesday was moving day in the morning followed by lunch and bridge at the Leavenworth Senior Center. And then it was major unpacking and organizing my bedroom. No idea where I found the energy but somehow I got it all done.

Yesterday I unexpectedly taught the fitness class in the morning as the scheduled instructor was unable to teach. Then it was off to Wenatchee to do some shopping in the afternoon. Dinner with a friend rounded out the day. We ate outside and to our delight saw a deer wander down the street.

The rain began last night and has continued throughout the day. It’s a great day to stay in and write. Skies are predicted to clear tomorrow so I intend to pursue some outdoor activities.

The view from my bedroom window at sunset, just a tad different from Mazatlan.

Have a great weekend!

May14

Maifest and More

Posted on May 14, 2018 by iamkaren23

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We’re halfway through May and I’ve been back for two weeks. My calendar is filling up but I found myself fully immersed in Maifest over the weekend. This is a festival to celebrate May Day. Downtown Leavenworth was a sea of both tourists and locals for three days.

Friday featured a parade in addition to music and dancing. On Saturday afternoon I found myself down by the gazebo enjoying Alpine music and the Tyroleon dancers. Sunday there was dancing around the Maypole, followed by more music and dance performances.

Yesterday was also Mother’s Day, a bittersweet day for me. Last year I was in Winnipeg with my son. But this year I’m in Leavenworth and my children are back in Canada. How I longed to hold my new granddaughter in my arms………

My life is a flurry of activity here in Leavenworth. I enjoy having lunch at the Senior Center with my friends during the week. There are fitness classes, craft afternoons and bridge games. I’ve joined the Bavarian Book Club at the library and next month will start a memoir writing class. Tomorrow I’ll be in Wenatchee for a professional development day for instructors in the SAIL program. Planning meetings for Vacation Bible School in July are now underway. And I’m moving on Wednesday.

I’ll leave you with a few photos of the town that I took on my walk today.

May9

Ontario

Posted on May 9, 2018 by iamkaren23

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I arrived in Toronto around 6 am on April 11th. With the time change I lost 3 hours and felt completely disoriented as it felt like 3 am to me. My Interjet flights were wonderful and my bag was one of the first off the carousel. Customs and Immigration was a breeze and a half hour later I was at Tim Horton’s sipping a much needed coffee.

My daughter picked me up and the gloom of a rainy day was brightened as I saw my granddaughter for the first time. Soother firmly gripped in her tiny mouth, Maddie was half asleep in her car seat. Such a sweetheart!

We headed for a mall and I finally got to see Maddie and hold her. I had hoped to wheel her around in her stroller, but the trunk space was needed for my suitcase. Kimmy had a type of shawl she wrapped the baby in but Maddie was a little fussy being carried around in this manner.

We had lunch at Moxie’s and Maddie slept through the entire meal. This was very different from my experience when Kimmy was a baby. It seemed like wherever I was and whenever food was put in front of me, my baby always wanted to nurse.

Our next stop was to pick up my son-in-law who had been writing an exam for his pilot license. We then headed for the 401 and the drive to Frankford. The dreary rain continued and a couple of hours later we were home.

The days flew by. I held Maddie as often as I could despite my daughter insisting that Maddie could sleep very well in her crib. When I wasn’t holding her I watched her in her swing when we ate, or sat with her in the back seat of the car when we drove.

When it was time for me to leave, I totally fell apart at the train station. Maddie had a firm grip with her tiny hand on my finger, and it was just too hard to tear myself away from her, not knowing when I would see her again.

My daughter has requested that I not post any photos of Maddie on my blog posts, so you will have to take my word for it that she is the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world.

This is a photo I took out of the living room window. Rain had turned to an ice storm and then snow. How I missed Mexico!

The weather did not deter us from going out. One afternoon we checked out a couple of wineries.

By the time I got to Toronto, there was no evidence of ice or snow. I stayed with my friend Deborah whom I hadn’t seen in almost three years. We had a lot of catching up to do. She lived right on the lake and there was a beautiful trail close by that ran along the water.

One afternoon I wandered around downtown and visited Queen’s Park.

We also went out to Woodbine to see the races one day, and of course we headed for a shopping mall.

It was now time for the final leg of my journey to Leavenworth, Washington.

May6

My Last Days in Mexico

Posted on May 6, 2018 by iamkaren23

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Easter came early this year on April 1st. Although I am not Catholic, that morning I went to the Cathedral for the mass. Later that day I went out for dinner with my friends to Al Chile, one of my favorite restaurants on the malecon. We enjoyed chicken mole instead of the traditional ham served up north.

On Monday I had lunch at St. Lorenzo with a friend. Then we went to El Recreo to see a movie. A walk along the malecon and hanging out with my neighbors in the evening completed the day.

Tuesday was supposed to be a beach day. But the morning fog was thick and I settled for a walk on the malecon. The tedious task of packing began that afternoon. Dinner with friends followed.

On Wednesday my first stop was Telcel at Gran Plaza. I had to renew my phone plan. Next was a badly needed haircut. Then we headed to the Gold Zone for one last dinner at Friends. The band that night was great as well.

Wednesday also marked the start of Moto Week, an annual event that attracts thousands of bikers.

On Thursday I once again attacked packing. It’s amazing the stuff that accumulates in five months. I met a friend for lunch and went to one last movie at El Recreo.

Friday once again was a major laundry and packing day. I went to my friend Koren’s for one last Friday lunch. Koren is a caterer and on Fridays we would still have lunch there although the mixed market never really did fly this past winter. In the evening I once again hung out with some of my neighbors.

On Saturday we went to Casa Arabe for an amazing dinner. Then we headed to the malecon to watch the motorcycle parade. It went on for hours and it was interesting to see all the customized bikes.

The following morning I closed up my bags and took an Uber to the bus station. I was off to Culiacan to spend a couple of days with my Mexican family. Juan and my three grandsons were waiting for me at the bus station, and we went over to his brother’s house where the kids enjoyed time in a wading pool.

All too soon it was Tuesday and Lucila drove me to the airport to catch my flight to Mexico City. A few hours later I boarded a flight to Toronto.

Adios Mexico until the fall.

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