I am backing up to last week, which I spent with Laurel and Ashley. We met at Oungre Regional Park on July 1 for their annual Canada Day celebrations. There was a good turnout and there was something for everyone. The main attraction for Ashley was the four bouncy houses that were new this year. For the price of a $10 wristband, she could play all day until the houses closed at 8 pm.
We also enjoyed the parades. One was of vintage tractors followed by a children's bike parade. There was also a display of classic cars, a T ball game and a slow pitch game. The main attraction was the gospel jamboree taking place in the rink from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. Ashley's favourite group was the Sundrops, four children who sang and each played several instruments. I always enjoy the local talent, the Daae family and the Hansen Trio. The Daae family organize this jamboree and bring in many talented groups each year.
On July 2, the three of us headed to Minot. Ashley was anxious to visit the zoo so that's where we headed first. It was a beautiful day, some cloud cover but warm. We were impressed with the many animals there. Ashley's favourites were the zebras and the peacock. For $5 she could get to feed the giraffes! We walked over a bridge to see the other part of the zoo across the Souris River. We could visualize the damage caused by the flooding in 2011 when there was four feet of water over the grounds. The animals were moved out to many different zoos until the grounds and building could be dried out and repaired.
I enjoyed our overnight stay at the Sleep Inn, my first time there. The motel adjoins the mall so you don't have to go outside to go shopping. That must be especially great in winter! We found lots of good sales. I had ordered online from JoAnn fabrics and had a coupon for 15% off, which included sale items. Quilt batts were 50 % off so I bought several of those. Ashley and Laurel enjoyed the adjoining swimming pool and large water slide but Grandma was content to stay in the room and do some reading. We also toured the grounds of the Scandinavian Cultural Center. Here's a picture of the Norwegian Stave Church.
We got back to the farm on Thursday evening. In the morning I washed up some clothes, watered my tomatoes and did some weeding and grass cutting before following Laurel to their farm.
Saturday was a full day. We headed for Regina to attend the memorial service for Terry Vinge, who was married to Howard's cousin Freeman. They had no children so Freeman's brother Don had planned a beautiful service of remembrance for his sister-in-law. Several nieces shared their memories of Aunt Terry.When Jerry closed his accordion medley with "How Great Thou Art" it seemed like Howard should be singing along with us. A mixed quartette sang an old favourite hymn, "My Jesus I Love Thee." That song brought back memories for me of Merv and me singing that song years ago. He played the ukelele as we sang from the Concordia hymnal. I still treasure my copy with my name engraved on the front. Inside are the words "Presented to Elaine Erickson by Bethel Lutheran Sunday School for perfect attendance 1955-1956." My dad said that he was the one who should have had the award for getting us there every Sunday no matter what the weather or the roads were like. He was right, as without our parents encouragement and making it a priority on Sundays, we'd have missed out on those Sunday School days with their valuable lessons, songs and Bible verses memorized.
Luther College catered to a lovely luncheon for the family with ample visiting time before the interment of Terry's ashes. Then we went to Terry's apartment where we took part in a family version of the estate sale that will be open to the public this weekend. Ernie and Linda Wacker did an exceptional job of organizing. It was said that Terry had four hundred pieces of jewellery. All their possessions were to be sold and proceeds given to designated charities. Ashley had a great time picking out things, many of which were free. She found several pairs of clip on earrings, no pierced ears for Terry! We all came home with keepsakes of Freeman and Terry.
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| Don and Peder |
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| Siri and Ashley |
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| Some of Terry's extended family |
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| Lots of visiting taking place |
Fun to see the pictures, you have had a busy week. Will be exciting to see most of the family next week.
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