As I write this I am sitting at the kitchen table in Hilary and Dane’s newly purchased home in Hinton, Alberta. We just got home from the park after having a picnic with the grandchildren that live in Hinton. Blair’s boys, Ethan and Barrett and Hilary’s daughter, Norah. They are now watching a movie and Hilary and Richard have gone shopping so I thought I would take this opportunity to do some writing.

As of the last writing, we were back in Russell, planning for a final family barbeque at the farm and finishing up with the packing of the house. On June 30th we did indeed have the family over. Though it threatened thunder storms all day, it cleared off for a beautiful evening of fun, food and family. It was great to see some cousins, aunts and uncles that I haven’t seen for a while and of course will not see for a year or so. Again, as is with most family reunions and farewells, we talked of the days when we were kids and are amazed that we all made it to adulthood. Another great evening was had by all.

Robin drove out for the weekend and we spent Canada Day in Inglis enjoying the festivities that included a parade, petting zoo, and beer gardens. Supper and a visit at my mom’s place. I am so happy that I have been able to spend the last six months in close proximity to my mom. She is an amazing woman and has embraced life in town to the max. She has many friends and is active within the community and church. I am so proud of this woman and if I am half the person that she is, I will consider myself extremely lucky. I love you so much Mom!!

July 2nd was a very emotional day. The family came for coffee in the AM, Robin left at noon, we dropped off our final load for the Sea-can that we are storing at my brother’s farm, locked the doors to the farmhouse, jumped in the motorhome and headed west. I cried much of the day and though we didn’t leave until 7:30 that evening, I didn’t think that I could handle another day that was so emotionally charged. We drove about three hours and pulled into a truck stop to sleep.

I have been away from home for 40 years and though I went back as often as I could, I realize now that I missed so much. These six months at the farm where I grew up, not only refreshed childhood memories, but gave us the opportunity to make more. My brother, Richard and I have always gotten along well but I really enjoyed the extra time that I was able to spend with him these last few months. He works hard, is proud of his kids and his farm and is always there to help anyone that asks. I will miss him and Wendy, Tessa, Sarah and Wyatt more than they know. The kids are all out making their way in the world now but I hope that they will always remember that “there is no place like home”.

So, in a few days, we are off camping north of Hinton. We will be doing so off and on until August 11 at which time we board a plane to Vancouver, in order to catch our train to San Fransisco. Other than some pictures, I think that this will be the final entry until we start to fly.

Thank you everyone who is following this blog and we look forward to your feedback. Please pass it on to anyone that you think would be interested. I am sure that we missed sending the link to a few folks along the way.

Until next time,

God Bless