The gang's (almost) all here. Zach and Kate arrived the next day
The first one here from out of town was Sarah. She arrived on the plane on Thursday evening from Toronto. Chris and Sarah from Calgary arrived next, then Cameron and Katie, Graham and Marsha, Al, Andrea and Josh, and John and Betty Lou.
Kate and Zach had to overcome trials and tribulations involving a fender bender, waiting for parts, watching paint dry, then on the highway with seized calipers, a search for a rental car and then a long drive. But they made it; and we are all glad they did.
John thought he had found a great deal in a Bed and Breakfast; but it turned out the B & B was in St Walberg Saskatchewan. 8 hours away!
Directions: From Lloydminster take Hwy 17 north to the junction of Hwy 3, then east to the junction of Hwy 26, which is immediately south of the town. Approximately 1 hour travel time from the city.
Some quick searching on the Internet got everyone settled. Kate and Zach found a wonderful B & B called the "Dragon's Nest" with Fen Shui, dragons and wonderful breakfast. http://www.fengshuiworldwide.com/
Feng Shui is the Chinese system of arranging our environment so that we can live more in harmony with our surroundings. It is an extremely ancient and well-developed system dating back at least 5,000 years. Find out how you can channel positive life energy to bring about health, happiness and prosperity.
After a family outing to the Liquor Board Store and the Wine Store we all gathered at the care home to share a glass of wine and snacks with Dad. Some drove and some made the journey on foot, enduring the cross country trek in heels without complaining too much. At the Care home there was of course a photo op and lots of flashbulbs. Dad was proud and happy to see everyone.
Then it was back to the house for Pizza from the Copper Kettle and more wine and lots of visiting. There was another family outing as some joined Greg on the picket line; while others stayed back and greeted the returning comrades with a chorus of "Solidarity For Ever".
On the Picket Line
Unfortunately Andrea and Josh had to leave very early on Saturday morning to enjoy family festivities for Josh's grandfather's 90th birthday.
In the morning there were Montreal Bagels with Saskatoon berry jam for the lucky ones
Then it was time for another family outing to the Regina Farmer's Market.
Some necessary purchases of flowers and more Saskatoon Berry Jam were made.
During the day some made visits to the care home while others visited at my house, and there was another family outing to the wine store. Dad made a request for his favourite Joey's Fish and Chips, which was easily accommodated thanks to Gregory and crew.
There was more visiting and another photo op at the care home.
Dad with the five of us
Then back to the house again for more visiting and bison or beef on a bun with veggies and home made pie thanks to Kate.
Cousins
Some went picketing again, while others stayed back to sample the wine.
On Sunday morning there was the rest of the Montreal Bagels, muffins and fruit and yogurt, and farewell to Sarah on the plane to Toronto. Cameron joined us for breakfast then off to do family things with Katie's family. Kate, Zach, John and Betty Lou went up for another visit with Dad before they set out on the road home.
Chris and Sarah, Graham and Marsha went up for another visit before coming back for a final meal together of Viet Thai, and then it was time to take Graham and Marsha off to the airport.
We totally tired Dad out, but he was happy to see everyone.
So, that was it for another family gathering. Lets not wait so long before the next one.
