A SPECIAL WEEKEND

My new orchid

 I have enjoyed lots of family time these last few days, so much so that my blog post is behind schedule!

On Saturday I was thrilled to have Sandra arrive just in time for supper.  She almost surprised me, but I had a feeling that she might be coming as she had talked about it earlier in the week.  I had heard no more so phoned the house on Saturday afternoon.  When there was no answer I thought they might be on the way.  Merle called a little later and I thought, "I guess they aren't coming."  My number had shown up on their phone so he wondered if I had a message or something.  When I told him that I was just wondering if they were coming this weekend he told me that Sandra was on the way and would likely be there around seven, unless she stopped to shop on the way!  She drove up at quarter to seven and thus began a wonderful long weekend.

On Sunday morning we went to the 10:30 service at Trinity and enjoyed the coffee fellowship that followed. Sandra brought donations of baby items for layettes that we'll be packing come January when our ladies start gathering for quilting every Tuesday. Some she got at garage sales and a big bag of baby clothes came from a lady in Frontier who was glad to donate them to a good cause.  We really appreciate these gifts towards our We Care projects.

When we got home from town, Laurel, Greg, Dawson, Eric and Ashley were waiting for us at the farm!  Laurel was busy frying bacon and I soon had a batch of pancakes ready for our brunch.  The kids were anxiously awaiting Kirk's arrival.  Soon six cousins were having a good time together and then an even better time when the seventh cousin arrived with Clare.  It was a cold day, but they spent many hours outside playing football.  It was great to see them having fun together and getting good exercise in the process.  Ashley and Jamie spent more time inside.  They love to dress up with items from Grandma's "tickle trunk".

The adults were keeping track of the Rider game versus the BC Lions while doing lots of visiting.  The game ended with a victory for the green team so the Riders move on to the semi-final next weekend against Calgary and are one step closer to making it to the Grey Cup game in Regina on Nov. 24th.

We enjoyed a pizza supper with pumpkin pie and whipped cream for dessert.  Soon it was time to head for home.  Abbey got a ride back to Weyburn with Laurel's and Clare stayed at the farm.

I enjoyed going "shopping" in my own bedroom as Sandra brought a bag of clothes that are now too large for her.  I found many outfits that fit me so it was a great way to extend my wardrobe and the price was right too!  Sandra is a shrewd shopper so finds many items at garage sales or swaps with friends.  Now I'll have to follow the "one in, one out" rule and weed out the clothes in my closet before it overflows.

On Remembrance Day we watched some of the activities taking place in Ottawa at the service there.  We talked about the sacrifices that have been made so that we can enjoy the abundant blessings we have in Canada.  Sacrifices were also made by the pioneers who left behind family and a comfortable life to move to the prairies, live in sod houses or simple shacks and face untold struggles as "They Blazed, We Followed," which is the title suggested by our Aunt Ruth for the history book of Frontier and district.  They could never have imagined the changes that have taken place since they first set down roots in this seemingly barren land.

Sandra and I enjoyed a coffee visit with Hartley and Louise on Monday afternoon.  Then they were off to Estevan as Louise's mom is not well.

My landline has been out of service since Saturday and won't be repaired until next Monday!  My cell is 421-6490 or you can reach me through email at hejohnson@xplornet.ca.

Sandra is heading home this morning.  It looks like a good day for driving, sunny with a breeze but no rain or snow to contend with.  It will be quiet here again but I have precious memories of these special days together.