Rest In Peace

My Mom passed away in February. A year ago this past week I flew to Alaska to visit with Mom for the last time. We had some laughs and we cried. She held me and I held her. And she gave me some sound motherly advise. She said, "Nadine, remember that you will always be able to hold Jeremy in your heart, he is there". She was a wise woman.

Mom wasn't well and she had some good moments and some not so good. I helped her at meal time and I sat with her while she slept in her chair. She was in a lot of pain and it was hard to watch her grimace when she was moved. She appreciated me being there. The family had Thanksgiving together in a special room set aside for us at Heritage Place.

Mothers have an amazing unconditional love. I was not an easy teenager. I know that's hard to beleive. Mom put up with a lot and she was always there. I am a lot like my Mom and I am thankful for that. She had a good heart and she was generous to a fault. Is that possible? I think it's just a cliche but my Mom fit that description.

Years earlier on a road trip Mom showed Karen and I exactly where she wanted her ashes spread. In May, we fulfilled her wish. Karen, Owen and I took her ashes to that special place. She now rests overlooking the Helena valley in Montana. Rest In Peace Mom. I love and miss you.

McDonald Pass - photo by sister Karen

This afternoon, after we finished writing all of our Christmas cards and getting them ready to mail - complete with our Christmas note, I realized that I neglected to mention that very important event in our year. I don't know why. I'm pretty saddened by that because it had a great emotional impact. By adding this to my blog, I know that those of you who read it might understand why, at this time, I have included this story.

$58.50

Now where can you do this for $58.50 in Canada. Nothing like a cool beverage in the heat. Not included are Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice for Bahama Mama's and 6 bottles of San Pellegrino (for yours truly). Okay, maybe yours truly might have a Bahama Mama or two.

Off for a round of golf.

It's in the mid 70's today so we will shoot a round of golf early. We are on a small par 3 executive course. Just right. From the 1st hole, directly across the road (did I mention it's Wisteria Lane - which I have found out is the name of the street for Desperate Housewives) to the 9th hole, ending right in front of our patio door, it will take about 1.5 hours. A good stretch.

Yesterday and the week ahead

Rick and Dawn with the Salton Sea, Palm Springs and San Andreas Fault as a backdrop

A lone Joshua Tree

A happy group of hikers. The rock formations are magnificent.

We didn't do much of anyhing Monday and today we went to Joshua Tree National Park with Rick and Dawn Wildeman from Robert's Creek. What a beautiful day, blue sky and warm temperatures. Lovely walk, good visit and yummy picnic lunch.

I've managed to rise every morning before 7 and walk a couple of miles around the park. It's my favorite time of day and it's good to be getting the exercise no matter what else I do during the day. The mornings in the desert have been cool, the days sunny and warm, and the evenings are cold. We have no complaints.

The rest of the week is full too. We are out for dinner tonight, Thursday and Friday. Thursday is U.S. Thanksgiving and a small intimate group of 7 are having turkey dinner at the neighbours, Char and Charlotte's. Char and Charlotte are a mom and daughter team that are so darn nice. Char and June are my Desert Hot Springs artists in training friends - with art days and art play days ahead.

I will catch up with you again when the whirlwind of activity slows down to days of 'chilling out'. It will no doubt come to a 'dead stop' when June leaves on Sunday for 18 days in Canada and we move next door.

A Whirlwind of Activity

We've been pretty busy 'relaxing' and socializing since our arrival in Desert Hot Springs. As a guest of June Malchoff's until the 1st of December, one quickly adjusts to living with her bubbling personality and her abundance of generosity. Char and Charlotte joined us for dinner the night of our arrival.

June 'E' in the kitchen building our dinner salad.

It sure felt good to be back and be so warmly welcomed. Day one: Owen and I unpacked, washed vehicles and cleaned our 'clubs'.

Day two: 1st round of golf in a year and a much needed hot tub in the evening. Day three: A small dinner party for 6 to celebrate our return. Day four: Off we went to the La Quinta Blues and Brews festival. An event we attended in 2009 and couldn't miss the chance to go again. The Blues - it was fabulous. I think my favorite was Candye Kane (I came home with 2 of her albums) but all the groups were good. 30 different beers to try!

Hundreds of people come out for the LaQuinta Blues Festival.

Owen and George Grafton enjoying the show. A couple of good looking guys.

Candye Kane - tells it like it is.

We were double dipping that day because the next stop was the Happy Wanderer RV Home Park to see Sue and Joe. Sue parents live in the park and we were there to visit, attend the Chili Cook-Off and hear Joe Stanton play in the desert. It was tons of fun. We will not forget the ride home with the 5 of us in the car on Dillion Road - squealing through the roller coaster waves and listening to June make up lyrics to a few new songs for Joe. He did not invite her to co-write for a new album. No surprise.

Joe Stanton playing the Happy Wanderer RV Park

Willie, Hilde, Sue and Joe at the Happy Wanderer Chili Cook Off

Day five: Next morning included a quick shopping trip to K-mart (an experience Joe would probably preferred to have not endured - he is such a good sport), and decorating for June's 'The Canadians Are Back' party. 52+ Hidden Springs Country Club guests spent the afternoon entertained by Joe and a Trivia game with both Canadian and American trivia. The teams were mixed with Yanks and Canucks and a good time was had by all.

Joe, Sue, Nadine, June and Owen - the Canucks of #245 Wisteria Lane

Does he look mesmerized?

Owen drives 1600 miles and we arrive in the Coachella Valley safe and sound. Did I mention that I drove 5% of the trip? Not sure that counts.

Sister Deb's 60th Birthday

There was a great gathering on Saturday for Deb's birthday. At least 25 plus people showed up to visit and help her celebrate another decade. Congratulations Debbie. You have the most amazing husband and wonderful daughters. We love you.

More Aidan

Aidan with mommy in his 'old man' sweater from Auntie Nadine and Uncle Owen.
Too cute!

Hello Aidan

I finally meet my great nephew after 8 months. Aidan, born in Misawa, Japan, March 13, 2011, Dad (US Airforce) and Mom (my niece Sara), are home on US soil. Matt is currently an Instructor Pilot at Luke Airforce Base just outside of Phoenix.

DO NOT cross the border on a Friday holiday

We are experienced 'border crossers' and knew full well that crossing the border on 11-11-11 was going to try our limited traffic patience. We checked 730 AM radio for the traffic report and the internet before we left Coquitlam at 11 am, thinking we were so smart not leaving until after the early US shoppers rush hour. They said the wait was 1 hour at the Aldergrove crossing and 2 hours plus at Peace Arch and the truck crossing - a no brainer. A quick trip across the Port Mann and off to the Aldergrove crossing. How can 1 hour turn into almost 3 hours? I really should have emptied my bladder at the gas station a few miles before the border. We loaded some tunes into the stereo, I settled into a book and we hunkered down for the stop and go that led us on the longest 6 mile journey in our border crossing history. But with a smile and a nod from the customs officer when we finally 'turtled' across the border, Owen put petal to the metal and we were on our way. BUT not without foul weather.

It blew and rained cats and dogs going through Bellingham. Ominous clouds lurked ahead. Stop and go traffic in Everett. Evening approaching. But we are determined and the new 'ride' delivered us safely into Seattle (Bothell). Deb, Cara, Sara were waiting and we met our new great nephew Aidan for the first time. He is so darn cute.

1st leg of our trip south 2011

A successful colonoscopy yesterday where Dr. Goddard gave me the thumbs up to head south. I know, how can a colonoscopy possibly be successful - anything was better than preparing for it the night before! And today, another test at Lions Gate - an echocardiogram. They said things look just fine.

Lovely sunny day. The leaves were showing off their deep red, yellow, orange, magenta and even purple in the sparkling sunshine. We are spending the night with Mal and Karen and head to Seattle tomorrow. Nice evening with good friends.

The moon is full. I feel close to Jeremy and miss him so darn much.