Saturday, July 17/2010

Ride Day - leaving at 10:00 am ---Yea Right.

Jack and Brian arrived and it was good to see Jack. We had not ridden with Jack for over a year and we had heard he was just recovering from a bad bout with his MS - so it was good to see him up and moving around. I caught up on the news of his two sisters both, of whom I had worked with so that was nice.

We got a call saying that Pat and Wendy were "on their way". That meant that we definitely would NOT be leaving at 10:00 am. Big surprise there!!

We apparently would be doing the Green Lake Trail today so that will be a good ride. That was the same trail John and I did a few weeks ago - the day that I ran over his foot with the Sami!!

We rolled out of the yard at NOON!! Another BIG surprise. Raylene had come along with Pat and Wendy and that would be nice for Casey - someone closer to his age.

The trail was wet, wet and wet. Of course, this was to be expected because of all the recent rains but Brian was finding it a bit much. He wasn't expecting all the water!!

Casey was in the tracker with Hogan and with the radio on, the two of them were managing all the obstacles the trail had to offer. Arnie (of course) was the first to get stuck and needed help to extricate himself from the mud. Once that was done, we continued merrily down the trail.

Once we got to Mystery Hill, John mentioned that it may be getting too late to do the Green Lake Trail and perhaps we should re-think the plan. Not to be deterred by the time, we continued on.

We accessed the Island Lake trail and much to our surprise, the forest was being logged and the trail was virtually gone. We returned to the grid and made our way to the start of the Green Lake Trail. Once again, to our surprise, the trail had been graded (more logging to come). This made the going much quicker and within an hour, we were sitting by the lake enjoying the view and quiet solitude of the forest.

We took a side trail and ended up at the outfitter's cabin that had been built within the last two years. John and I had been here two weeks earlier and the trail had not improved. It was nice to see the tall ferns again though.

Back onto the main trail and all was going well until Brian caught the edge of a huge log and ended up rolling the quad and going over the edge into the ravine that runs along the side of the trail. Fortunately, there were plenty of trees along the trail which prevented the quad from going too far off the trail. We hooked the winch up to the quad and got it back onto the trail. Brian, was a little shocked by the whole ordeal but, being a trooper, got back on the machine and continued on. It was getting late and we still had several miles to go. This trip could easily turn into a night ride. (Arnie was hoping to be home by 8:00pm. Yea Right!!

We eventually got back into the yard at midnight!! It did indeed turn into a night ride. There is something to be said about the beauty of the forest with the headlights of the quads shining on it. The moon was up and peaking through the trees and that alone was worth the late hour.

Pat eventually rode the quad that Raylene was riding as she was getting pretty tired and a bit cold. She jumped into the tracker with Casey and Wendy drove the Rhino.

A quick supper was served (thank heavens that Shelly and I had prepared it yesterday) and it wasn't long before everyone was heading to bed. Twelve hours on the trail can be quite tiring. Wendy was the first into bed but I must say that she had worked a 12 hour night shift before the ride so had just got off shift five hours before the ride started. Now THAT is a trooper!!

Way to go Wendy!!

Fun was had by all and there was no injuries and no damage to any machine. It was a good long ride.

Friday, July 16/2010

We heard that Casey was coming up for the weekend and that will be the only kid on the trail with us (as far as we knew). I started to get the inside of the Sami cleaned and the outside washed and Shelly helped (John and Arnie watched us from the lawnchairs, beer in hand!!). That job was quickly done then I set to packing it with all the necessary "stuff" for the trail. That being done, it would free up time tomorrow so that I could easily be ready to head out at the designated time of departure. Shelly got the Rhino ready as well so we were really ahead of the game.

Casey arrived and he was just in time to get the tracker ready for the trail. He did all that John asked and finally both trucks were packed and ready.

Shelly and I then busied ourselves with preparing supper for tomorrow so that we would not have to do much once we got off the trail. Shelly cooked two chicken and deboned them. I made a potato salad and an oriental salad. This, combined with pickles and buns would be supper.

We had an early evening then off to bed with visions of tomorrow's trail in our heads!!

Thursday, July 15/2010

Mom Larocque had another appt with the doc in Spiritwood today so Arnie and Shelly once again headed out. It was a much shorter day for Mom as the appt was on time and she came back with a couple more drugs that will hopefully help with all the darn nausea that seems to be plaguing her. This being sick and getting sicker is for the birds and I have decided that I am NOT going down that road!!

Today was another quiet day. We spent it trying to decide what to take on the trail for Saturday's ride. All of us need to be eating healthier. We don't know yet what kids are coming this weekend so that is our next mission.

Wednesday, July 14/2010

Arnie and Shelly were off to Shellbrook for Mom's appt and John and I were left to hold the fort. The weather looked rather threatening so thought I had better get my arse into gear and do the laundry before the rains came. It took a while, as it takes much longer to dry the sleeping bags that I had washed than it takes for regular clothes. Eventually got it all dried then started to dry the dill in the garden in the microwave. It is so expensive to buy it in the area we stayed last winter that I thought I could dry some of it here and take it with me. Jan had told me how to do it and I started and before I knew it, the dill was on fire along with the paper towel!!! Jesus, Mary and Joseph!!! How the hell was I going to explain to John that I had burnt the motorhome down drying dill weed. Somehow I knew he would not see the humor it that!!

Long story short, I think there are issues with the microwave in the bus as I took the dill into Mom Larocque's and used her microwave and it dried beautifully - just like Jan said it would!! By the time Arnie and Shelly got home the kitchen smelled like dill!! Awesome!!

Tuesday, July 13/2010

It was a quiet day today. We did a bit of cleaning but generally relaxed - planning what needed to be done before the weekend and our next ride. This retirement can be really exhausting!!!

Tomorrow, Mom Larocque has an appointment in Shellbrook so Arnie and Shelly will be gone for a good part of the day.

Monday, July 12/2010

We headed out onto the trails early as we wanted to get back early. Yea Right - like that ever happens!! The trails were a bit muddy but not bad. We were without any children and it was nice not to have to worry about anyone but ourselves. The weather was great. Shelly and I took lots of pictures of the various flowers the forest had to offer. One never gets tired of looking at the scenery either. John changed our desktop to the picture of the mustard crop (the one with the branches) and it looks awesome. It would make a nice picture for hanging on the wall so I had better buy a color ink cartridge and some photo paper.

One of the rules of the trails is that you NEVER turn off the trail unless you wait and make sure the person behind you sees you turn. This ensures that no one gets lost on the trails. Of course, for some reason, Bayne didn't do that and John and I missed the turn and we became separated from the other two quads. Being that John is very familiar with the trails, it wasn't a big deal but it just goes to show you that even experienced trail riders can get separated and end up in trouble. We waited for them to return while they, waited for us to catch up and after 20 minutes it became clear that we were on our own so headed down the trail to where we knew the other trail ended. I said to John that Arnie would be coming down the same trail we had taken as he would have back tracked and tried to find us. About 30 minutes later, we were reunited with the group and I reminded Bayne what his responsibilities were. Then we kissed and made up!!! It was a good ride and we all made it home safe and sound.

Sunday, July 11/2010

Today was another "work" day. Shelly and I finally finished with the one shed - 3 loads to the dump and rearranged what remained to accommodate what ever else is to come out of the "barn".

Shelly and I also cleaned out the fire place and Arnie laid four patio blocks under the fire ring so now it looks pretty!! We put all the ugly old, wet ashes into a garbage bag ready to be hauled to the dump and not realizing how heavy it would be, ended up helping Arnie shovel some of the ashes into smaller bags. (Arnie was not too terribly impressed) Some people really need to learn to relax!!

The kids returned from their adventures and the next few hours were spent getting them ready to head back to Saskatoon. The trailer returned unscathed and the kids were most appreciative. Makes the offer easier next time when you know they will look after things.

Soon, peace once again, enveloped the yard.

I sent some garden produce back to the city with Nick for Jan, so she will be happy about that.

We finished the day with a fire in our fancy, CLEAN firepit then it was off to bed as we have plans for a ride tomorrow.

Saturday, July 10/2010

Awake to sunshine. The boys had promised to quad over from the lake and pick Morgan up so that she could spend time on the trails with them and they arrived around noon. Morgan came running to the motorhome yelling "Mom, mom, come look at Cody's knee, he fell out of the quad and has a big cut on it".

Cody did indeed have a cut on his knee but it was really a deep "road rash" and had one little "bleeder" in it making it look worse that it actually was. He also had several other scrapes to his shoulder, both forearms and the other knee. I looked at him and said "I don't want to know what you were doing, do I?". He said "no" but he did eventually tell me and I shook my head and wondered - are you having fun yet? He is going to be sore tomorrow in places he didn't even know he had!! Good thing he is young.

Once the wounds had been tended, the kids fed and watered and Morgan ready, off they went again. Good luck and be MORE careful!!

Quiet, once again enveloped the yard and Arnie changed the oil in both his truck and Morgan's car. John was busy attaching the new bumper to the samurai and Shelly and I cut all the lettuce in the garden and cleaned it. As you can see from the pic, there was LOTS of lettuce.

Leftover stew was on the menu for supper then, it was time to huddle up and watch the Roughriders play football. This is what retirement is all about.

Friday, July 9/2010

Shelly was to return today after a couple days work, she was now on holidays. She was supposed to be back here yesterday but had chipped a tooth and couldn't get into the dentist until this morning. The kids were also supposed to be arriving for their weekend at the lake.

After yesterday's activities, no one was too terribly interested in starting any work projects so spent the day waiting for the troops to arrive. I put a stew into the slow cooker so that supper was taken care of and we could eat whenever it was ready with very little work involved.

Kellen and Chris were the first to arrive and we got a first hand look at Chris's four seater Rhino. I loved the canary yellow color but thought four seats make it look big and bulky. John offered the use of the trailer for the group to sleep in so the boys loaded the two rhinos into it and Kellen's quad into the bed of the truck. Off they went to secure a camping spot eager for their fun weekend to begin.

Morgan was the next to arrive with the cat. She had been working hard all week so was tired and with that comes crabbiness. Good thing we love her!! Hogan was thrilled to see the cat and I am sure the feelings were mutual!!

The rest of the boys arrived, boat in tow and of course some of them had forgot a few things - pillows and sleeping bags and lawnchairs!! I don't want to know how many of them forgot their toothbrushes!! Once the forgotten items were found, they too were off to their fun weekend.

Oh, the exuberance of youth!!

Thursday, July 8/2010

Woke up to a cloudy day - a perfect day for working outside. Arnie decided that he wanted to bring a front end loader into the yard to do some much needed leveling and this meant that the wood pile would have to be moved and today was as good a day as any to do this. Hogan and I commenced to moving the pile and with a slow steady pace, we had the pile moved in a few hours. Now all we had to do was finish sawing what was left of the old shed, carry it to the new pile, then get the loader in to do the leveling and that nasty job is done. Arnie wants to seed the area to grass so he can mow it with the riding lawnmower - that would be a good thing.

We decided to get a load of wood from the forest so John and I jumped into the sami with Bayne's trailer and Arnie, Bayne and Charlie (Bayne's son) jumped into the tracker with Arnie's trailer. Off we went - John and I went one way to get wood and Arnie and Bayne went another way and we were to meet "in the middle". With the wood gathered, we came home and started to cut it into lengths suitable for the fire pit. This alone proved to be quite a gong show with Arnie (damn him) being too stubborn to change the chain on the saw to a new one - no instead he "sharpened" the old one and let me tell you - it was NOT sharp. I damn near wrapped that "sharp" chain around his neck. John, who unfortunately couldn't help with the sawing, found it too "painful" to watch the struggle and left the scene. Eventually the wood won the battle with the dull chain and Bayne (bless his heart) put the new chain on the saw and in no time at all, the wood was cut and stacked and the job was done. Not one to say "I told you so" I told Arnie he was a stubborn man and he didn't know everything --- he responded by telling me he was going to go sharpen his chain!!! Redneck!!! Good thing I love him because there could very easily have been a Leoville Chainsaw Massacre!!

Wednesday, July 7/2010

A dreary day once again although, there are periods of sunshine. Arnie is busy with the whipper snipper and since that is a one person job, I will attempt to make some rhymm and reason out of my filing system!! This, could take me ALL day!! Who really wants to find out that they are over budget anyway!!

I eventually got the job done then helped Arnie cut some more wood. The pile is nearly gone but there is still some good burning to be had. This wood is from an old shed and is sooo very dry that I am sure that it will take no time at all to go though it.

Arnie wants to go to the forest and get some REAL wood as well so that would be another adventure for tomorrow. John can drive the tracker and tow the trailer and Bayne and Arnie will follow in the samurai. It should not take us too long before we have a trailer full and head home to cut it up.

We finished off the day with the ever growing rivaly at the card table. John and I eventually won the most sets but, not before we were schooled several times by the other two bozos!!

Tuesday, July 6/2010

Up early and FINALLY getting the blog caught up. It is so easy to say "I'll do it tomorrow" and you find that "tomorrow" isn't for another week!! Procrastination is the thief of time and I am the world best procrastinator.

Another quiet day today. Arnie and Bayne headed into Spiritwood, Mom and John rested and I worked on the blog.

It rained a few times today for short periods but the gardens received a good soaking so that is good.

After supper, Bayne came over and the cards were once again brought out. Someone was seeking redemption!! Arnie and I really kicked some ass tonight!! I think John and Bayne are bleeding!!

Monday, July 5/2010

Mom Larocque feeling even better today. Her and I went for a little walk to see the two gardens in the yard and she has plans for the one garden next year. It is good to hear her talk about "next" year.

Shelly and Casey headed back to Saskatoon with a detour through Prince Albert, to drop off Morgan's cat.

The sky is looking VERY NASTY. Looks like rain and wind (tornado??). Gray, gray and gray skies - definitely ominous looking. Casey text us and said ugly rain headed our way. I guess him and Shelly had driven through it. The clouds were looking so awful that I got the camera out and shot some video. Might just as well get some footage if anything were to transpire.

As it turned out, the ugly cloud formations drifted away and we ended up with a nice steady rain. It didn't last very long but, the garden received a good soaking.

John, Bayne, Arnie and I played cards for the rest of the evening only taking a break for supper (left over chinese). Mom ate better although that lousy nausea still persists. I think it was pretty even as to who won the card games although I am sure John and Bayne will most definitely dispute this fact!!

Sunday, July 4/2010

Mom Larocque woke feeling much better. Her pain was under better control and her voice was much stronger.

The guys busied themselves outside for most of the day and Shelly and I were busy preparing a wonderful Chinese food supper. Shelly makes wonderful Chinese food (as well as pizza). She loves to cook and can hardly wait till she is retired and then spend lots of time in the kitchen cooking and baking. I think I will tell her that I will tend to the gardens as long as she does the cooking!! I don't mind helping and at one point in my life enjoyed cooking and baking but it seems that I would rather be weeding the garden than cooking.

The Chinese was great and was enjoyed by all. Mom still a bit ragged around the edges and just took it easy today.

Cards completed the day. Casey found out that he did not have to work until Tuesday so Shelly will drive him back to Saskatoon tomorrow as she also has to be at work on Tuesday.

Saturday, July 3/2010

We got a call from Mom Larocque that she had been discharged from hospital so Arnie and Shelly were off to bring her home. The rest of us busied ourselves with this and that.

Mom arrived home and although she was happy to be out of the hospital, the trip had obviously been hard on her. She was in pain and needed to go to bed. With painkillers on board, she lay down and rested.

Shelly and I made pizza (Shelly being the best homemade pizza maker in the world) for supper and once the dishes had been cleared, the cards came out.

Mom got up, feeling a bit better, sat for a while then called it a night and returned to bed.

Cards continued till everyone was tired, then, it was lights out for the rest of us.

Friday, July 2/2010

Quiet day today spent relaxing and reliving yesterday's adventures. It was general clean up - the vehicles were filthy and there were a few dirty clothes in need of the washing machine.

Arnie and Shelly headed to Shellbrook to visit Mom and I headed to the laundromat - oh joy, oh bliss!!

The remainder of the day was spent just relaxing and playing cards. There are some nasty rivalries forming at the card table.

Thursday, July 1/2010

Canada Day and the ride is upon us - yeah!!! Believe it or not the sun is shining and there are no clouds in sight. Once breakfast is done and out of the way, it was a matter of packing the trucks and off we go on yet another trail adventure. Casey, Charley and I rode in the tracker while Bayne (aka Beef) and John were in the samurai. Arnie and Shelly of course rode in their rhino. It was great fun, we all had a riot. Casey had a great time and was glad he had come for the visit. He loved driving the tracker and is hoping that we eventually give it to him - not sure about that one!!! We had mud, water, sunshine and lots of laughs. Good memories all around. Another Canada Day over and done.

Tuesday, June 29/2010 and Wednesday June 30/2010

I was up early, anxious to get the day started and spend some time with Casey. We hadn't seen him since April, when we got back from Arizona and had stayed in Saskatoon for a few weeks. Once John was up and at it, there were all kinds of orders flying around and lots was accomplished. Beef came for a visit and refreshments were enjoyed by all. It turned out to be one of those rare lovely evenings and John suggested that we go on a "booze cruise". Just what we need after a few wobbly pops - take the trucks into the trails. Off we went and I must say, it was a lot of fun with both John and Casey getting stuck once. Casey had not been on the trails for over a year and he seemed to enjoy the evening.

Once back in the yard, it was time to fire up the BBQ and it was steak and baked potatoes all the way around. It was great and a good time was had by all. I think Casey is glad he came to "hang " with his parents!!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30/2010: (pics are from June 29th)

I woke up feeling a bit ragged around the edges - a direct result of the previous day's activities soooo....was a bit slow to start. After a rather large infusion of caffeine, it was time to get into gear and get as much done as possible as tomorrow was the annual Canada Day Trail Ride.

Casey and Bayne's son Charlie were going to be the only young people with us this year. The other kids all claim to have a life of their own and so had "other fish to fry"!! Good - less food required and less headaches for the parents. Casey and Charlie could easily be handled!!

Arnie and Shelly were to be back today, so we quickly hurried with our jobs so we could be done by the time they arrived. John got on the riding mower and cut the grass and Casey did whatever needed to be done to the trucks.

Arnie and Shelly arrived with Morgan's cat in tow and news that Mom Larocque was feeling better. Good news about Mom but Hogan will once again be traumatized by the cat and may require counseling - AGAIN!!

Big day tomorrow so off to bed we go eagerly anticipating the mud, the blood and the beer!!!

Sunday, June 27/2010 and Monday June 28/2010

SUNDAY THE 27TH: I somehow managed to screw up the posting order and now the only remedy I can see is to combine two days soooo... here goes!!

I woke up this morning truly grateful that we had made it home last night and that I was able to spend the night in my nice warm comfortable bed and NOT in the mosquito infested forest in "full combat mode"!! Oh, did I mention that there are bears and wolves in this forest. Thank You God!!

Today, we have to get into gear and head into Saskatoon. John has an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon at 9:30 tomorrow. Since the bus has been sitting a while, there are all sorts of things sitting around that will become "projectiles" when we start moving soooo......my job today is to get the bus "road ready". THAT, could possibly take me all day!!!

Friends stopped by for a short visit and when they were gone, I raided the gardens for onions and dill for Jan then, we were off to the city.

It was an uneventful trip and we were able to park beside the "Urban Lake Project" - and here all this time I thought it was just a slough!! It was actually quite pretty and with the "lake" just outside the door, I was able to watch all the wildlife that call this place home. Our Granddog Coors would love it here. He loves the water and retrieving sticks from it. He actually taught Hogan how to swim! Coors and Hogan will be able to play here for hours. I quickly let Jace know where we were parked and invited him to come see us tomorrow.

MONDAY THE 28th:
We we awake early - some loser was outside cutting the grass right beside the bus!! Oh well, we had to get up early anyway because we had to be at the hospital by 9am.

We arrived on time and after seeing the doc, John can now start putting 60lbs pressure on his leg. He was pleased with John's progress and John was thrilled that he could now start weight bearing. Progress is a slow process. We stopped at Jan and Ron's for a quick coffee and visit - Jan was working. All is well with Ron and his heart - thank heavens. We picked up our mail then headed back to the bus. I had shopping to do and Jace was coming for a visit.

Jace arrived and did not bring Coors. I was disappointed but Jace explained that Coors had killed a raccoon while he was at the farm and had received a cut on his foot and after the vet visit, was told that he had to rest his foot and keep the cut clean so, Jace left him at home. Well, there go my plans for the dogs frolicking in the lake!! We had a short visit and then I was off to shop.

I had phoned our youngest son Casey and invited him to come back to Leoville for the rest of the week and much to my surprise -- he said ok!! As you can see by the pics, him and Hogan relaxed (rather comfortably) on the way up. We had left late so had a nice sunset to view on the trip North.

Once back home, Casey unhooked the little tracker (we had towed it into Saskatoon so we had wheels) and we settled back into our parking spot. It was late and tomorrow was filled with things for Casey to help with.