Wow. I can't believe Thanksgiving was a month ago! At the time I was taking all of these pictures I was thinking about all of the things I could add to my blog and now a month later I'm just getting to it. I was actually tossing around the idea of stopping the blog because I don't always make the time to write....but for now it continues.....
Sometimes I hate the long drive up to Williams Lake. Most of the time I have to drive because Jan worked the night before and we usually leave just as he gets home. Normally I drive relatively fast to cut back on some time. On this particular trip I was actually relishing the drive. It was such a gorgeous day and my car felt exceptionally sporty. Driving through the Fraser Canyon is always the highlight. I always feel so incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful province. Something about the mountains always makes me feel alive. Cheesy as that sounds I can describe it in no other way. I've been know to tear up actually for no other reason but gratitude.
When Jan is sleeping I have to entertain myself and if the scenery isn't keeping me in grandiose dreams, there's always Jersey. Here she is enjoying the ride.
When we first arrived we headed to Lisa and Glen's for dinner. Jan and I picked up some Chinese food from Ken's Restaurant and brought it over for the boys. (We always get Chinese food while in Williams Lake) We had fun bombarding Jeremy and Ezra with a thousand and one questions. It's hard to believe my first nephew is already in grade nine!
My friend Jenn G. is Lisa's neighbour and she always drops by to see me when she sees our car in the driveway. God I love that about Williams Lake. It's always fun to see Jenn and I wish we could see each other more often. She is such a good friend and one of those people who are up to trying and doing anything. My adventurous, flirty and wonderful friend.
That night Jan and I stayed up till midnight catching up with mom and dad. I was actually impressed that we all stayed up that late. (Especially Dad because he works such ridiculous hours.)
I love piddling around on the farm. I don't know what it is...maybe it's the fresh air (with only a hint of horse manure) or perhaps it's nostalgia and a longing to be young or maybe it's simply because there is land to work. I love the pastoral ideation of working the land with your hands. Although I wouldn't have admitted it when I was younger, a good hard day's work is rewarding. (Crap, don't let dad read this or I'll be picking rocks next trip.) Perhaps it's because Jan and I will probably never really own a "yard" in the city.
After helping out around the farm, Jan and I took Jers for a walk with the quad. Sometimes she rode with us and at other times she ran beside us. She absolutely adores coming to Williams Lake.
She especially enjoys meeting new farm animals and rolling in their tempting "pies." When Jan and I pulled up on the quad our neighbourhood sheep ran towards us. It was actually really strange until my mom advised us that they were expecting food. Our neighbours use their quad to bring the sheep their hay etc. They seriously chased us as we rode down our driveway and I think Jers was a little intimidated.
I decided to go through all of my old belongings that were tucked away in the garage. I stumbled upon a whole box of letters, ntes from high school and letters from when I was eighteen and going to college. I couldn't tear myself away from my past. I found some pretty entertaining letters from my sisters, Marita and Jennilyn. I am so glad that I kept them all and grateful that I have such great family and friends.
After all the "hard" work we had our feast of thanksgiving dinner. It was a strange thanksgiving because Frannie, Chris and the kids weren't there. They recently moved to Red Deer, Alberta and were unable to make it back for the holidays. We all felt their absence but tried not to dwell on it.
Luckily, however, grandma and grandpa were able to join us for dinner. Recently grandpa had to move into a care home because of his health, however, his personality hasn't changed a bit. He's still cracking jokes, telling stories and making grandma feel special. My grandpa sure looks amazing for being 91! He has been through some very serious health concerns and always astonishes me with his recoveries. (On November 6th they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary)
After dinner we always have our traditional walk around the property. Mostly to burn off all of the perogies but also to reminisce about the years that have passed. It's always a time when I start to feel a little sad knowing that I will have to leave my family the next morning.
