Tag Archives: grandchildren

Aug16

Winnipeg Week 2

Posted on by
Standard
Winnipeg Week 2

The days are flying. It’s been great seeing my friends again. I got together with Sheila for coffee, milkshakes with Della and dinner with Audrey. Rita and I got together with Natasha for dinner one night, And it’s been interesting seeing how the city has changed. It has grown. New subdivisions. New roads. But what hasn’t changed is all the construction. Driving is a challenge with all the zippered lanes and detours.

There is also an air quality alert due to all the smoke blowing in from the rest of Canada. And I thought I’d left all of that behind me in Washington.

On the weekend it was off to Brandon to see my daughter compete at the Powerlift Regionals. Watching her dead lift 147.5 kg totally blew me away. I used to see my daughter in bowling tournaments or perform in musicals and dance recitals when she was younger. This was very different. This weekend was also the first time in eight years I’ve been with both of my kids together. And an added bonus was having my granddaughter there too. I really can’t find the words to express how special the time we spent together was. It was an amazing weekend and I will treasure the memories in my heart.

Back to Winnipeg on Monday where I moved from Rita’s in St. Vital to Jacquie’s in Tuxedo. Audrey and I went out for dinner tonight and tomorrow I move to Donna’s in Westwood. The plan is to pick up my new passport Thursday afternoon and to fly out to Sea-Tac on Monday. So this may or may not be my last post from Winnipeg for a while.

Aug10

Whirlwind Wednesday

Posted on by
Standard
Whirlwind Wednesday

When I get back to East Wenatchee, I’m going to need a vacay to unwind from this one. Can’t wait for my next Tai Chi class! Really miss you Jim and all my friends.

Anyone who knows me well is never surprised at the stuff I write about on my blog. I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences and I’m sure there are more to come. But this visit to Winnipeg has a unique twist to it aside from the passport and being together with my kids and my friends. I’ll save the details for later on in this post. Instead I’ll work backwards from evening to morning on Wednesday.

After dinner, Rita, Doug and I binged on Gunsmoke. When I got back this year they were already at season seventeen. In Washington, I often watch Gunsmoke on ME-TV. I haven’t yet found it in Spanish when I’m in Mexico. But I do enjoy watching westerns and other older TV shows. Reminds me of a much simpler time in my life before all the complications and curve balls.

I got together with my computer guru in the afternoon. Della (previously Laura) is an amazing lady who could probably build a computer with her knowledge. I first met her when we both found ourselves back at University of Manitoba getting our ESL certification. At the time she was very pregnant with her second child and it was incredible that she held off going into labor before our final exams. Needless to say, even when I’m in Mexico she’s helped me with computer glitches. Last summer when I was in Winnipeg shopping for a new computer, she had already got it narrowed down to a couple of choices. We were in and out of Best Buy in about a half hour and then she set everything up for me. Della has also become a writer, another thing we have in common, and she’s helping me out with that as well. Self-publishing with iUniverse has gotten quite costly so Della has now recommended a free program to download that will enable me to publish at no cost on Amazon.

Earlier in the afternoon I got together with Sheila, a friend for almost sixty years. We first met back in middle school when we were both at River Heights Junior High. We found ourselves at different high schools and then I was off to college and got married. We lost touch there for a few years. When we reconnected she had three kids and was married as well. When we get together we reminisce over old times and then catch up on what’s currently going on in our lives. It’s interesting that we now talk about not only our children but our grandchildren as well.

So here’s the unique twist to this visit to Winnipeg. Wednesday morning I reconnected with my brother after twenty-seven years of estrangement. I had no idea what to expect. I’ll be honest. If I’d have seen him on the street I never would have recognized him. It was great to see him but here it is a day later and I’m still feeling overwhelmed. A lot has gone on in our lives over the years. It was interesting to hear about his kids and grandkids. And that he is now a retired judge. And he also brought me up to date with cousins I’ve lost touch with over the years. And I told him all about my family and my nomadic lifestyle. We’ve exchanged phone numbers as well as email addresses so we can keep in touch.

That’s all for today. Contemplation time.

Aug8

Winnipeg Week One

Posted on by
Standard
Winnipeg Week One

In my previous post I had mentioned that my passport renewal was my priority. Once that process had begun it was time to relax and enjoy time with friends.

I enjoyed a beautiful morning at a wading pool with Rita and her kids and grandkids. I sure wish they’d have had places like this when my kids were little. A large slide, water guns and sprayers. For safety reasons they limit the number of people allowed in at one time. Lots of picnic tables and benches in the shade as well.

I had lunch with my son and his girlfriend and then it was off to his place to sort through some bins he has been storing for me. So far the family photo albums are still intact although he is threatening to dispose of those too. Other treasures I’d saved for my kids are apparently of no interest to them, such as outfits my mom had crocheted for them when I brought them home from the hospital after they were born. Really heartbreaking for me to part with these. But I can’t exactly drag them around three countries every year. Too cumbersome and too costly. So that was a stressful afternoon.

Sunday afternoon was cemetery visiting. Lise took me to Shaarey Zedek to see my parents. That’s one of the traditions we have when I come back to visit. Lise also goes there to visit even when I’m not here. Next we drove out to Fannystelle where her husband and her parents are buried. Lots of memories of another lifetime. When I lived in Oak Bluff I spent a lot of time on Highway 2 going out to Fannystelle. Koal was my constant companion back then and I can still picture him happily sitting in the front seat. He loved to go for car rides.

I had a video call with my granddaughter on Sunday. She told me about her adventures at the park and showed off somersaults. Madeline was playing with her leggo and showing me her bookshelf and other toys. We had quite the conversation. But the best is yet to come. I actually get to see her this coming weekend when we all go to Brandon to watch my daughter compete in regionals.

Yesterday afternoon we watched President Biden’s press conference with the Houston Astros. Rita’s son is the Director of Sport Medicine and Performance for the team and was right there in that room in The White House. Very exciting!

Yesterday Audrey and I got together for a long and leisurely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. We caught up on our lives and our kids lives. We’ve known each other since my daughter and her son were in elementary school together. We’ve gone through divorces, illnesses and other life events over the decades.

And yes, I did get to Tim Horton’s for an ice cap and a boston cream donut. However Starbucks has you beat and the donut was not nearly as wonderful as I remember. But Tim’s is another tradition when I come back here.

And now on to week two.

May14

Mother’s Day Moments

Posted on by
Standard
Mother’s Day Moments

I’ve come full circle when it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day—as a child, as a mother and as a grandmother. There are some special moments I recall in every phase. I’ll begin with childhood.

At school we always made Mother’s Day cards. At home I would also make my own cards as well. My dad always encouraged us to make this day a special one for my mom. Growing up like that I thought that was the norm; that was what all families did. It wasn’t until I got married that I found out that not all families were like that.

My first Mother’s Day as a married woman I was told by my ex that I wasn’t his mother so there was no reason to celebrate. Once we had kids that changed, mainly because my kids were into making that day a special one for me. They made cards and art projects at school, Cubs and Girl Guides. I still have a few of those tucked away.

As a grandmother, that means my daughter is a mother. Video calls with my daughter and granddaughter have to suffice as we live in different countries and have yet to be together on Mother’s Day.

The last time I saw both of my kids together on Mother’s Day was in 2007. My daughter was away in 2008 and in 2009 I was returning from a mission trip with my church. In 2010 I was already living in Mexico.

That first Mother’s Day in Mexico was interesting because May 10th is the day to celebrate regardless of what day of the week it falls on. None of this second Sunday in May. Mothers are truly honored. There is a lot more to it than just going out for brunch or dinner or giving your mother a card or a gift..

A few years ago I had this gut feeling that I wanted to go back to Winnipeg and see my son on Mother’s Day. And I’m glad I went with my gut. Thanks to Covid, I didn’t see my son again for four years (or maybe five years, depending on who you talk to.)

Many years have gone by since I hosted family gatherings for Mother’s Day. One of my grandmothers died when I was a young child, the other one died when my son was a year old and my mother died in 1996. I usually go to church on Mother’s Day and sometimes go out for brunch with friends after. I receive an annual text from my son and a call from my daughter. I wish I could travel back in time to when we were all together on Mother’s Day. If only I could relive even one moment. Those memories are now treasures in my heart.

I’m going to visit my mom today. No, I won’t be in Winnipeg and I won’t be going to the cemetery. But I do have photos I’ve taken when she was still alive. And I do have photos I’ve taken when I have been able to go to the cemetery. They’re all on my Seagate and I will spend some time with them this afternoon.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Enjoy your day!

Apr19

New This Week

Posted on by
Standard
New This Week

I joined the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center. Now that I’m living in East Wenatchee, the Leavenworth Senior Center is just a little too far away. WVSAC is a much larger center with many more activities to choose from. Today I’m going to a writing group, staying for lunch and then will decide if I want to play cribbage in the afternoon. I’m also planning to going to Tai Chi and a book club.

I start teaching fitness classes again this week. I will be teaching mainly in East Wenatchee, although I will still be subbing in Leavenworth. Right now it looks like it will be three classes a week plus the subbing.

Back in Canada WestJet pilots have voted to strike as have the federal public servants. It figures. This is the year I need to get my passport renewed. And I watch from a distance as Trudope continues to dig himself in deeper and deeper.

I just started a course from Wesleyan University entitled Suicide Risk and Prevention. It’s interesting how the terminology has changed over the years. The rates are soaring, much of it being attributed to Covid. The ratio from a couple of decades ago was 4.5 men to 1.5 women. It’s now 4.5 men to 3.5 women. Very significant and very scary.

I had a video call with my granddaughter yesterday. Madeline told me she went camping on the weekend and slept in a tent. They cooked hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire. She also showed me her chocolate Easter bunnies that she hadn’t eaten yet. Madeline also insisted on showing me the medals her mom won in competitions. And of course she wanted me to see Tigger, one of the cats.

It’s warming up and 60s are in the forecast for the weekend. The snow has cooperated and stayed far away atop the mountains. No blizzards or tornados in Washington.

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Sep4

Finally!!!!!

Posted on by
Standard
Finally!!!!!

I finally got to hug my granddaughter for the first time since before Covid. This has been the best long weekend ever!

Kimmy and Maddie came from Kelowna for the weekend. On Friday they picked me up at Bonaventure after I was finished teaching. Maddie wanted to see where Grandma lived so that was our first stop.

I’ve mentioned before that the friends I live with have seven chihuahuas. At first Maddie was a little overwhelmed but it didn’t take long before she was petting and cuddling with them. Christina had kept them outside when we first arrived as Maddie was a little tentative. But she was enchanted with them and it was hard to convince her that we had other places to go.

On Saturday we headed into Leavenworth. We walked in and out of almost every store on Front Street. And there were treasures to be found in all of them, especially the candy and fudge shops. Maddie was absolutely delighted with a jar of lemon stuffed olives. Neither Kimmy nor I will even touch olives.

After a delicious lunch at Soup Cellar, we stopped at Gingerbread Factory and got her a butterfly cookie. She loved Kris Kringle, the most amazing Christmas store ever. This has always been one of my favorites and it was interesting to view it through my granddaughter’s eyes.

We were in a shop where one of the sales clerks and Maddie really hit it off. Maddie was delighted when she got to sit on Sydney’s knee and help her at the cash register. Maddie got to use the tablet, ask people if it was cash or card, as well as if they wanted a receipt. She had a wonderful time!

We found a playground where Maddie liked the slide and swings. She’s a climber so monkey bars and other structures appealed to her.

Then it was off to Ann’s to have a short nap. After we sat out on the deck overlooking the river. Rafters and kayakers came by. Maddie went down to the beach and had fun throwing sticks in the water for Mitzi, Ann’s dog, to retrieve. And of course Mitzi was excited to have someone play with her.

Off we went back to Leavenworth to visit Linda and Gene. Maddie is inquisitive and insisted on exploring the whole house. She enjoyed watching Dora the Explorer for a while and challenged Gene to a game of chess, Maddie’s rules of course.

On the drive back to Wenatchee, Maddie decided that we should get some take out rather than eat in a restaurant. Visconti’s came through with delicious lasagna, chicken parmigiana and salad.

Today Maddie wants to go swimming and have a picnic. And I’m sure we will find other things to do as well.

This magical weekend ends tomorrow when Maddie and Kimmy go back to Kelowna. Grandma has had an amazing time and will miss them dearly. Hopefully Grandma will come to visit them in Kelowna next spring when she returns from Mexico.

Aug31

Ho Hum Humpday

Posted on by
Standard
Ho Hum Humpday

In Manitoba I was getting tornado alerts on my phone. Here in Washington I’ve been getting evacuation alerts due to fires. With temperatures soaring around 100 degrees and no rain in sight, the fire risk is extremely high. There are fires burning but not near where I’m living right now.

There was some smoke in the air yesterday morning on the drive in to Leavenworth. It cleared and Joyce and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the patio at the golf club after our SAIL class.

Monday morning bright and early my four year old granddaughter surprised me with a video call. She was dressed and eating breakfast before daycare. Grandma was still sleeping but woke up fast when she realized who was calling. Grandma is also excited because on Friday she gets to hug her granddaughter for the first time in three years.

Just when I thought I was done sorting through photos stored on my Seagate, I discovered another folder with close to 850. But I definitely am enjoying my new laptop.

And here is Alexa’s joke for today.

Why does a deer follow its mother? Because it’s so fawn-ed of her. 🙂

May4

Memories Of My Mom

Posted on by
Standard
Memories Of My Mom

It’s getting close to Mother’s Day so I thought I’d reminisce about my mom. In June it will be twenty-six years since she passed away. I spent days by her bedside in the weeks she lay in ICU fighting for her life. And I also made sure my kids had the opportunity to say goodbye, something I never had experienced when my grandparents died in hospitals.

I do not own a dress. Why not? Don’t all women love to wear dresses. Not this one! My mother always made me wear dresses, and I can still feel those scratchy crinolines more than six decades later.

My mother was an amazing seamstress. She was also talented when it came to knitting and crocheting. Somehow those genes were never passed down to me. And since the Brownie pack I belonged to focused on the above, I can’t say I have great memories of those days.

My mom was an artist when it came to baking. Not only did the cakes and cookies taste amazing; the decorating was astounding as well. Her shortbread and chocolate torte were famous and were always in demand. I have memories of birthday cakes that were envied by all my friends.

I learned the importance of volunteering from my mother. She served as president of the sisterhood at her synagogue and volunteered in other charitable organizations.

At her winter home in Port Charlotte, she persuaded a group of women to do water aerobics. Now that gene she passed down to me as I was certified as an instructor and taught classes at the YMCA in Winnipeg.

Other memorable feats were getting a driver’s license for the first time at age sixty-seven and winning the award for erasing the most movies by accident when she learned to use a VCR.

I know very little about her childhood and teenage years. She once told me she’d had a dog that had been run over by a car and that’s why I’d never been allowed to have a dog when I was growing up. She had also belonged to a group called Sunshine Girls, but I don’t know if that was when she lived in Boston or Winnipeg. I honestly don’t even know how she met my dad, although I have heard different stories from family members.

My mom adored her grandchildren. She was blessed to not only live in the same city as her children and grandchildren, but we all lived merely blocks away from each other. She proudly came to her grandchildren’s concerts plays, dance recitals, bowling tournaments and graduations.

We used to talk on the phone at least twice a day and twenty-six years later I still miss those conversations. We always had so much to talk about. If she were still here today I can literally think of a million questions I’d like to ask her. There is so much more I would like to know about her.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, and especially to my mom in heaven.

Feb27

Thoughts

Posted on by
Standard

I’m now in Culiacan. Gracias ETN for yet another smooth journey across this beautiful country.

I usually head to the USA at the end of April, not the beginning of March. But Covid threw everything out of whack. So the Jacaranda trees aren’t blooming yet.

Aguascalientes is home to me here in Mexico. My third time and it has really grown on me. I was here for the Ferria three years ago and will miss it this year. Covid affected that too. There was no celebration in 2020 or 2021.

I’m having a wonderful visit with my Mexican family. My grandsons have all shot up in height since I was here three months ago and the youngest turns three on Friday. I absolutely adore the curls!

My granddaughter in Kelowna turned four yesterday and we had a video call. She went swimming and then out for sushi. Today she’s having a party with her friends.

I spoke to my son in Winnipeg yesterday and was totally devastated to hear that he tested positive for Covid. He says he feels fine but I’m  thousands of miles away, feeling helpless and concerned. A peril of living in different countries than your kids.

And now Russia has invaded the Ukraine. Why can’t we live in peace?

Jun21

Last Post From Sacramento

Posted on by
Standard
Last Post From Sacramento

I’m sipping a last cappuccino at Old Soul as I write this post. This quaint coffee shop not only has amazing coffee, but the food I’ve had here has been delicious as well. The air conditioning and WiFi are added bonuses.

This is my last day in Sacramento and I’m reflecting on my life. I am thoroughly enjoying my travels on Amtrak. The view out the window more than makes up for the lack of WiFi. I’ve seen towering trees, humongous mountains, tranquil lakes and charming small towns.

When this is posted, I will be on amazing train ride along the coast to LA. Can’t wait for those ocean views! I read about this particular train ride a couple of years ago when I was in Mexico. I need to pinch myself that I am actually taking this trip now. When Covid reared its ugly head I doubted I’d ever be able to do this. But here I am, on a train headed down the coast.

This has been an amazing and much-needed trip. I’m just not used to spending 11 months in one place in Mexico without traveling and then eight months in Leavenworth without traveling either. Covid has really slowed this nomad down.

I am determined to seek more adventures for as long as I can. I’m not getting any younger but I must admit that the knee replacements and the cataract surgery have definitely enabled me to do what I do. Life is just too damned short and the days fly by even faster as we age.

June 19th marked 25 years since my mom passed away. I wonder what she’d think about my lifestyle. She lived within 10 minutes of her kids and grandkids, and hated going away for the winter without seeing us for a few months, although we did visit her in Palm Springs or in Port Charlotte. I’ve been living in different countries from my kids for the last 11 years and only see my kids if I travel to them.

I think my kids want me to settle down somewhere. Maybe someday I will. I’m just not ready yet.