Pain in the Neck

I woke up Friday morning with a pain in my neck. I know everyone has had a pain in the neck at one time or another either real or figuratively.

Last Tuesday I was involved in a car accident that was not my fault. In fact my car was sitting still while we were both minding our own business when a truck hit my door on the driver’s side. I was in the process of putting my vote in the drop box when I heard a sound and turned my head to the left when the truck was a couple inches away from the car and I had no chance to react. In fact the adjuster for his insurance asked me if I tried to avoid the accident. I told her that there was no time at all. I couldn’t even honk or put into drive to do so.

Anyway I am not sure whether this pain in the neck came from the accident or not because it happened three days after the accident. Most likely it just happened while sleeping unless it occurred because of the accident. Of course, I likely will never know this is the case.

The accident in itself is a pain in the neck having to spend time calling his insurance and getting an estimate from repair shop. Also, I will have to take the car in for the repair; however, I will be receiving a rental car for about a week. I probably take the car in sometime next week since this is President’s holiday weekend. I had to send several pictures of my poor car as well to the insurance company along with the estimate. Such a pain when this was not my fault. Oh well that is life sometimes.

Growing up we all experienced those other kids that were a pain in the neck to us. I tried to avoid them as much as possible. This is especially the ones who wanted to bully me. I found the secret with bullies to fight back. They are actually chicken and they will back down. Another thing having to deal with their friends too; sure glad junior high school is in the past.

Thursday night a friend of mine said that he was having issues dealing with his immediate supervisor. He is another pain the neck at least to Tom and some of his co-workers. Tom said that his supervisor likes to bully those who work under him and that he is tired of his supervisor actions. He is thinking of confronting him. Says it is hard because the bosses above him like that he gets things done. Tom works for a company that is part of local government so it is easier to confront him or talk to those above him because Tom can’t get fired especially for how long he has worked for them. I look forward to see what happens in this situation.

So if you have a pain in the neck like me or like Tom good luck to you. If not I am sure it may happen down the road. Like I say it is life.  

It’s Friday

Most everyone looks forward to Friday because it means the weekend is coming up. I have to say this is a good thing however it would be nice if we could think every day was Friday except of course Saturday and Sunday.

I am sure some businesses don’t like Friday because they know some of their employees don’t work as hard on Fridays as they do the rest of the week. I always tried to work hard on Friday’s to because it means the day goes by faster. I had a period of time though where I had to work on Saturdays so it wasn’t the same that is for sure. I had Tuesday or Wednesday off so no two days off in a row however I was able to make appointments that were not available on the weekends so it was an added plus but when Saturday came available to take off I still took the full advantage of it. Always nice to have two days off in the row that is for sure. I have to say though Sunday and Monday are good days off too. You get all the major holidays off plus can do those things can’t do on either Saturday or Sunday. The major holiday thing can be a back fire to though because you don’t get a three day weekend off however the extra money helps real well though.

So whatever your attitude is in regards to Friday think about every day in the same way. I know it is not easy thing to do unless you really love your job. This is the real secret to enjoy your job enough that you like going to work every day. We are all human after off so two days off in a week is real nice unless you are one of those people who are workaholics. In that case if you are a workaholic I recommend relaxing once in a while. Take an advantage of the time off. If you feel that you must work than find something else to occupy your time that is enjoyable as well. So a good hobby is an idea. I know some men and women have workshops next to their garage. Do something that you always wanted to do but never got around to it. I have to say doing this writing falls in for me to say things and ideas to other people. Like I have said we all have a purpose and destiny. Our jobs do not necessarily have to be all of our purpose and destiny. Remember when you retire it is important to find something else to do. If you can afford it start out by doing some traveling. I know you can’t do that all the time even if you can afford it so other things shout fit in. A good idea is to be a volunteer or find a part time job that would get you out some of the time.

Anyway enjoy your Friday today and have a wonderful weekend. Whatever you do on the weekend don’t forget to relax some to. If you have grandchildren spend some time with them. Until next time be happy!

Being Loved

The greatest gift we have is being loved

Sometimes though we are hurt by them too

Sad thing though life does not give us promises

Even so I would never take the absence of love

When love is lost we have hope to find it again

Some of us love takes time where we search high and low for a long time

For us though when love is found we will cherish it forever

There are those believe in riches while we believe in love

Let love run through your bones and those who trust in your love let them know

Ash Wednesday

Today in the Christian World is known as Ash Wednesday. It is the first day of Lent leading up to Easter.

I grew up in the Episcopal Church since it is the church my mother attended. So my brothers and sister accompanied our mother on most Sundays.  Like most kids I did not really pay that much attention to Lent or other times in the church except Christmas and Easter.  I attended the Episcopal Church until my late twenties when I decided go to a non-denominational charismatic church. I don’t really make a big deal about the charismatic part because I believe I am a Christian for what Christ did for me on the cross. I do believe in the trinity and all I just feel the church I have grown most in my walk with Christ.

For many of the traditional churches the meaning of Ash Wednesday and Lent has to do with Christ fasting for forty days and being tempted by Satan. Even in some churches today many Christians will have the symbol of the Cross with ashes put on their forehead. My church does not have a service for Ash Wednesday however I will be attending the evening service at the Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor Washington with my mother.

I know that many of the denominations do things different far as Ash Wednesday goes. I am really only familiar with the Episcopal Church where the ashes are put on forehead other denominations may wait or have done on Palm Sunday. Since I am not an expert on this I may be wrong with my understanding with this along with Lent.

I know it is common for many Christians to give certain things up for Lent and for some they may fast during this time. Since Christ said that we should deny ourselves there are some things I feel could be given up all together while other things could be given up during Lent only. This is of course on each person how they feel personally.  Instead of giving up all foods during Lent for a full fast Christians may give up some certain items. The important thing again is to deny yourself as Christ did.

This is such a wonderful time of the year because we look to what Christ did before he was nailed on the Cross for our sins. Though we should look at all times to have our lives changed at least we can do it now. So for all Christians this season may Christ be with you all and may you be blessed.

Another Beautiful February

Last year February turned out to be a wonderful month far as weather. In fact it put on a string where we had great weather until October here in Western Washington.

We have had a couple days where it has rained so far this month and we will get some more too however we are a great place to visit for people in February. Today the temperatures went over sixty degrees during the day and expect more of it.

 We don’t have the hottest weather since San Francisco area hit seventy degrees yesterday for the Super Bowl. I am sure Los Angeles and San Diego were even hotter so anyway on the west coast be good to visit. Where you visit would depend what you’re interested in seeing or doing. Here in the Seattle area we have the mountains where you can view the snow and go skiing if you like. Also we have a lot of areas to go hiking or biking. We have both the Cascade and Olympic Mountains to enjoy along with the San Juan Islands. I can’t find a better place to live especially when the weather is nice. What makes this a great place come to be that we have all four seasons to enjoy. You can not only enjoy the summer and winter, the spring and fall are great to. The important thing is to watch out for the rain if you do not like it. Most of the time though the rain doesn’t fall very hard and when it does go you can go inside to any of the number of coffee shops until it quiets down. The cost of staying somewhere should be reasonable in the Seattle area as well. Not only are there nice motels and hotels you can find really nice bed and breakfasts to stay at.

So if you haven’t made any plans to visit yet for your vacation is sure to keep the option of coming here to Western Washington. Also, maybe we can meet too.

I don’t have investment into to any place I just love to live here and believe that everyone would have a great time doing whatever they like.

According to the weather department we expect some more rain however if I can handle it so can anyone. LOL.

We do indeed have the bluest skies around. Also the water is enjoyable too. Make Western Washington a place to visit no matter the time of the year.

Believing in Healing

Last August I wrote how I believe in Miracles and I gave a testimony about my own life where I was burned when I was four years old and I had a hearing problem too. I am writing here like it being part two.

I know that some of you may think I am off the wall to some degree which is really OK with me. I just hope to encourage those who do believe and help out those who do not or have questions as well. Like I say I am not an expert by any means just what I have learned over the years.

I would say when someone is healed it is a miracle. For some people it takes time to be healed and there are those who never get healed. It is hard to know why some people do and others do not get healed. It is a question I am sure all of us have asked ourselves and possibly others too. I am not sure if I have an exact answer to the question however I think we all learn from what I am going to write next.

My belief or you may call conclusion is that there are those who may not get healed because they are not sure they can be healed or those who may pray for them as well. I would never tell anyone they have doubt unless it is real clear to do so. It is important never to put that into their head especially if we are not sure.

Going further there is more possibilities why a person may not get physically healed. I am put this here to be clear for what I am going to say next. I am sure some of you may agree with what I say while others may think I am way out there. The reason they may not get healed because they have an emotional, mental or spiritual thing that is getting in the way. Other words maybe God wants those to be taken care of first before healing the physical. I am not saying that in all cases however it is a possibility and someone who has the knowledge and knowhow should look into. Also, if you are accustomed to praying for people to pray that they or you would get insight into those areas as well; certainly something to be aware of.

I know that doctors are needed and wanted however they don’t have all the answers even the phycologists who deal with the mind. So I think it is real important that we pray for people’s minds and spiritual being as well. We can open them up to a new world that can really help them.

I have prayed myself for other people when it comes to physical healing and in most part have been very successful however now that I have more insight I will pray for their mental and spiritual as well. If you have any questions I recommend that you contact your pastor or someone you trust when it comes to this kind of matter.  Good health to us all for sure.  

 

Contacting Family

 I feel that family is very important. I am sure that you are aware how I feel about my family. Like I have said before that I have family around most of the world. This is especially true on my father’s side of the family.

Recently I contacted by email three cousins who are sisters in Perth, Australia about getting to know each other better. I let them know that I was related to them because their grandmother and my grandfather were sister and brother. We have met before however it has been a lot of years since they came to the Seattle area. I have never visited Australia before however another cousin who lives in Colorado visited them last March. She was the one who gave me their email addresses. Also I plan to write her more often as well.

I received an email from Margaret who is one of the cousins in Perth a few days ago. She told me about her family having five children which four of them are sons and her daughter is not married. She and her husband have fifteen grandchildren among them. What I found interesting she told me that her second son James who is a civil engineer is going to visit Harvard University next month for three weeks. This adds an interesting twist to the story since my younger brother and his wife Anne both graduated from Harvard well as three of their children. The youngest Danny is now attending Harvard and is a sophomore. So I wrote Margaret back to let her know and gave her Jack’s email address so James will be able to contact Danny. Sure makes life interesting when a relative from across the world is coming to where a family member is going to school. James will be spending three weeks at Harvard so he and Danny should be able to have some contact. They can talk and learn more about family on both sides of the oceans.

What I have realized in the last year especially there is nothing more special than family and classmates that you have grown up with. No matter how many friends I have now and I am close too family and classmates are still the most treasured part of life. Both family and classmates I do not see very often at all however when I do see one of them my heart feels a special bond. I believe there is no bond like the ones you had as a child. What I enjoy right now is able to keep in contact with family and classmates through social media. It is not perfect however it is the next best thing to being in person with them. So if you have a chance to see a relative or an old classmate I would take advantage of it very much. Though I do not live in the past it is nice to visit every once in a while. Until next time…….

Welcome Home

On Friday morning I was viewing and skimming the local Tacoma Daily Newspaper. The front page had a story about a group of military men returning from their deployment to Joint Base Lewis-McChord which is just a few miles south of Tacoma.  Lewis refers to Ft. Lewis that houses the army and McChord is the Air Force base.

Here in Western Washington we are surrounded by the military all around us. Besides Lewis-McChord we have the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. I have several friends that work at the shipyard and it is about a thirty minute drive north of Gig Harbor. Many civilians work at the shipyard besides Navy being stationed. Also, you can see several Navy Shipyard anchored in Bremerton Bay. Many famous Navy ships have spent time in Bremerton.

About an hour or so north of Seattle the Navy has a post on Whidbey Island. Many Navy pilots are stationed on Whidbey Island. My cousin Peggy, her husband Cal, and daughter Erin along with her family live on the Island. Erin has three children with two boys and a girl. The oldest boy and daughter are in high school while the youngest is in middle school. Erin currently teaches kindergarten and over the years has had to say good bye to women and children whose husbands and fathers in the Navy are being transferred or deployed. It is always a tough situation.

Anyway back to the story I read on Friday came to me that I wanted say to  those men and women who came back to Joint Base Lewis-McChord welcome home, thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country keeping it safe from terrorists, enemies both known and unknown. In fact thank you to all the military men and women across our country for your service. We know that some do not come back and others who do have long life injuries. I have mentioned before we need to do more for our wounded soldier however here I only want to thank you for all you do. Not only have you sacrificed your lives for us so does your family.

Here in Western Washington we are reminded about this every day. Often we see army trucks and tankers on Interstate 5 going off to training along with planes flying from either McChord or Whidbey Island. We feel privileged and honored having you here protecting us.

Many times I have talked to guys especially who came here from somewhere else in the country and most them are veterans who decided to stay here when their time was up serving our country. I want to thank them to for their service as well. Though our country has faults like us all we are still a great nation for all the men and women who have served in our armed service. Next time you see a serviceman thank them and welcome them home.

Being Inspired

Truly to be the person we want to be it is important that we become inspired. What I mean by this is we must listen or read from those who we feel can make us a better person.

I have found that we can all be champions however to be so we must find those who have lived a life of a champion and follow their example. Many champions do not begin looking like one. In most cases the true champions had to make mistakes before become a champion. They learned from their mistakes and overcome obstacles as well. Other words like all of us they were not perfect. In fact I would say they did not consider themselves champions before they became one.

I am not an expert on champions by any means however the ones I feel are champions came from small beginnings. They did not consider themselves in the beginning that they would become champions. I say the odds of them being champions were against them too. I am sure if you desire to be a champion all those around you can’t see it either however it does not mean you are not a champion.

I can give you an example of a championship team in the world of the National Football League who others did not give them a chance except their general manager, coach and themselves. The Seattle Seahawks the last two years played in the Super Bowl winning the first and losing the second. In the second game they lost by one yard. Not many teams repeat going to the Super Bowl besides being that close. Even in the second game they considered themselves champions. You see the Seahawks were made up primarily of players that were not even drafted by any of the thirty teams in the NFL however general manager John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll new they could turn these guys into champions. Even those who were drafted most of them were low draft picks or those who were higher were not all taken that serious; an example quarterback Russell Wilson was drafted in the 3^rd round in the year he came out. I am sure other than the Seahawks most teams did not consider him that high in the draft because he is 5’10 and most experts would say a quarterback should be at least 6’2 to be a successful or even start in the NFL however Wilson started his first game and has won more games than any quarterback in their first four years in the NFL. When he came to the Seahawks they signed a free agent quarterback Matt Flynn who had been the backup quarterback with the Green Bay Packers. No one considered Wilson would even start a game his first game however he showed the Seahawks coaching staff in preseason he was the best man to play quarterback. He has started every single game of his professional career. There are other players on the Seahawks like Richard Sherman who was a fifth round draft pick and is now the best cornerback in the NFL the last three years. Another is a teammate of Sherman’s at Stanford University in Doug Baldwin who was undrafted and now is the number one receiver on the Seahawks. I can go on and on not just on the Seahawks but other teams as well. In fact if you read off many of the players in the NFL Hall of Fame you would find many that were low draft picks or free agents from small colleges.

There are many other people I could name that became champions in their field. So you see believe in being a champion.   

So back to the title of this writing being inspired. Not only read about those who can inspire you be one too. That is what being a champion all is about. Everyone can use someone to lead them to a higher calling. In the end it starts out being a friend.

 

 

Two Local Grocery Stores Open

I mentioned a month ago that I would write occasionally on news stories especially those locally so here goes. I decided today to write about two grocery stores that opened in Gig Harbor yesterday Feb.3.

We had three grocery stores for many years in the Gig Harbor area however one closed for bankruptcy just before Thanksgiving 2015 and the other remodel temporary closing in October. It made grocery shopping pretty crazy for a little more than two months having one remaining store. I won’t go into much detail about the bankruptcy because it is now history.

The store that closed for bankruptcy was Haggen’s which corporate headquarters is out of Bellingham, Washington. Now the store in the same location is Safeway. I am sure a lot of people are familiar with them. Safeway actually was in the same location however because of a merger they were called to sell the store and it did not work out so now they are back. I did not go into the store yet because I figure things likely are the same.

The other store being remodeled was QFC however they changed the name to Main and Vine. The reason for the change of name the corporate company Kroeger decided they wanted to try something new so I did go in to see what was new. You see Main and Vine is what many of the QFC stores will change to if things here workout. Other words this is a test market for Kroeger.

Main and Vine will continue with the standard groceries that QFC have had for many years however decided to go with some new local flavor. One of the local coffee shops has a new location in the store as well as a local microbrew. They have added in a salad bar similar to Safeway however they have servers to help you instead of serving yourself. It is nice because you don’t have to worry about getting other people’s germs. Also, you can order sandwiches and pizza. They still continue having a deli and added a buffet. Being the grand opening the place was very full of people so I did not see everything going on I will go back again in a few days when needing to buy more groceries to see more of their new things. Another thing they are doing is serving produce from a local farm. So Main and Vine is looking to at being a new kind of grocery store. Safeway and Fred Meyer the other store that had stayed open during this period of closer I am sure will make changes according to the popularity of Main and Vine. So grocery shopping in Gig Harbor may never be the same again. It will be interesting to see how things go for sure.

Another thing to add right now Fred Meyer is building another larger store. It is estimated to open either later this year or early 2017. Not sure what will happen to the existing store. Gig Harbor stills a small town however big in groceries.

 

 

 

 

How You Feel

Today I feel good tomorrow is always a mystery

One thing I know for sure

Everyone has good and bad days

What you do about them makes the difference

Even on the bad days I try to use humor so they get close to the good ones

When I wake up in the morning I have left yesterday behind

Let’s see what today brings

Whatever the case is we are blessed though we do not always know or remember

We all have a purpose today for tomorrow may not come

Let the sun shine even during the darkest hours

Though we may not know we are created in God’s image so we do have a purpose

We are fallen and imperfect humans however we are still the apple of his eye

Let’s see and feel what is before us for those who come into our path may need us today

Go in peace though we are at war

For we cannot trust in our feelings only in today

Honor My Father

Today is February 2 also known as Groundhog Day. Another thing today is the 100^th anniversary of my dad’s birth 02/02/1916 so I am here to honor him on this great occasion.

We always found it interesting that he was born on Groundhogs Day. We laughed about it every year almost as much as when my parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary. You see they got married on Halloween Oct. 31, 1952. I am sure they didn’t think about it at the time however they never really celebrated their anniversary because it landed on Halloween until we became teenagers.

My dad was born Herbert John Nightingale son of Richard and Beatrice Nightingale in Seattle, Washington. He was the youngest of four children Emily, Marian and William. Though he was born in Seattle he grew up in Tacoma, Washington south of Seattle. During the summer he spent time in both Bremerton and Gig Harbor where the family had cabins. Back in those days there was no bridge so the family had to go by ferry to reach Bremerton and Gig Harbor. The population was quite smaller than what it is now. The cabin in Gig Harbor later turned into a house a short time after my younger brother Jack and I were born. At that time his parents lived downstairs while we lived upstairs.

Dad graduated from Stadium High School I believe in 1934 which is still around and the oldest school in Tacoma. At that time Stadium had more students than College of Puget Sound now known as University of Puget Sound.

After high school he went to college at University of Washington for two years before going to work at Bremerton Naval Shipyard Company where he worked as a draftsman. He  went to work in the Drapery business in the late 40s until about 1987 when he retired. His business partner died a few years before my dad did and they met working at Bremerton Naval Shipyard. His experience as a draftsman helped him in the drapery business making and installing large Gym Curtains as well as Stage Curtains. I worked for my dad about twelve years. I enjoyed and learned a lot from him working all those years. I can’t say it was always easy but fun anyway.

In his early teens along with his brother William known as Bill they both fell in love with sailboats. Bill designed several different models of sailboats while my dad enjoyed racing more than Bill. Just before his death though Dad did design and build his own boat. He wanted a boat that could race fast. Unfortunately he was not able to race it as much he would have liked because of his death in June 1993. He built the boat on my property I had in Arletta, Washington which is only a ten minute drive west of Gig Harbor. He told me shortly before his death that he considered it an honor to build it on my property and want to do so he could be closer to me. It meant the world to me because he never told me often his feelings for me.

Uncle Bill and my dad built their first sailboat when he was about sixteen. It was called the 24. It was an old boat of course when I came on the scene however it was on dry dock until I was about eighteen. One of my brother Dick’s high school classmates asked while in college if he could restore the boat. My dad of course was glad for him to take the boat. The last thing I knew the boat was taken to Alaska. It was many years ago so probably gone now unless it was restored again.

Dad was a member of the Gig Harbor Yacht Club and he was a past Commodore as well. For the duty he served at the Yacht Club in his memory the sailor of year is named after him.

I have to say we had our moments like most father and sons however I have to say overall I couldn’t have had a better Father.  I have the honor being named after my dad but I am not a junior since I have a different middle name. He died on June 11, 1993 while visiting cousins in Southern France. It was almost to the day a year later after my older brother Dick died in New York City.

Tonight mother and I will be going out for dinner to honor and remember him. Dad I salute you and a day does not go by that I remember you. I look forward to the day that I see you again. Happy Birthday Dad!

Family Spread Out

 If you have read my blog already you know that my sister Barb lives in Quebec while my brother Jack lives in Virginia, my mother and I here in the great fantastic amazing Pacific Northwest in a small town called Gig Harbor about thirty-five miles south and west of Seattle, Washington. Did you like this long sentence.

Anyway I have cousins spread all over the world as well. My Nightingale first cousins are pretty close though. Most of them live in Washington State. Actually all did until this last week when my cousin Jennifer who lived pretty much all her life in Seattle until now moved to the Oregon coast. She and her husband decided to retire there. Actually he is going to retire while she continues to work out of their new house. It will be nice to go visit them after they settle down. It has been a few years since I have been on the Oregon coast. If you have never been there I recommend it very much for a vacation. I will tell you more when I go for my visit.

Jennifer’s oldest sister Lorna is retired with her husband living east of Seattle. They have lived over there for many years. It is a very nice suburb of Seattle to live in. They are not too far away from Microsoft.

Then there is her other sister Bronwen who lives in Lakewood, Washington. Mother and I see her more often because Lakewood is pretty close to Gig Harbor. It is south of Tacoma and near the joint base of McChord/Ft. Lewis.  It is about a twenty minute drive from Gig Harbor. To get there we would go through University Place where the U.S. Golf Open was played last June. In fact we had a visit from Bronwen on Christmas Eve; always a great time seeing her. Jennifer, Lorna, and Bronwen have three much younger siblings to who live in the Seattle area as well.

Also, on the Nightingale side of the family I have a couple cousins Peggy who lives on Whidbey Island which is about an hour and half drive north of Seattle. It is a beautiful place to visit and you can get there by ferry well as by car. Her brother Jimmy lives in Bellingham which is less than a half hour drive to British Columbia and the Canadian Border. We used to go up there a lot when we were kids; another wonderful area to visit. Peggy and Jimmy had a brother Peter who died a little more than five years ago. His widow Cindy and her daughter along with their family live a little south of Bellingham. One of my Grandfather Nightingale’s sisters settled in the Bellingham area after coming to U.S.A. from England about one hundred years ago. So I have a lot of second cousins living up in that area as well. Last fourth of July we had a Nightingale family reunion near Bellingham where a lot of second cousins live. Also, some came from Arizona, California, and Colorado as well.

My grandfather Nightingale had another sister who ended up going to Perth, Australia. I told you I had family all over the world. I recently sent an email to three second cousins who I met quite a few years ago when they came for a visit. So I hope to keep in good contact with them. Also, my grandfather had two brothers who moved to Durbin, South Africa. We had a visit when I was a teenager from one of them along with family. It has been many years and we have lost touch of them. I am sure they still are in the Durbin area.

On my mother’s side of the family I have three cousins living in British Columbia all being siblings. Rob the oldest lives in eastern British Columbia and works in real estate. He is trying to retire as soon as he can. He has two sons Anthony, and Michael. Anthony lives I would say about an hour west of Rob while Michael does some traveling so he can be anywhere in Canada. I will tell you more about him at another time he has quite the story.

Rob has two younger sisters Susan and Christy. They both have husbands name David. Susan and her husband own a ranch that has more than two thousand acres. So you can see they keep pretty busy and they have some of their grandchildren around a lot as well. Though the grandchildren are young Susan and David are teaching them the life of being a rancher. Their two oldest sons are in construction of framing new homes. The youngest son Robin lives with his wife and two children in Alberta near Calgary.

Christy and her husband live less than an hour drive from Susan. They are both retired school teachers and they spend some of the year in Arizona too.  Like Susan they have three sons as well. All three of them live in Edmonton, Alberta which is a where my mother grew up and went to college. I look forward to visiting Edmonton someday however I don’t think it will be in the winter time since it gets really cold. The last time I was in Edmonton I was thirteen months old so obviously don’t remember. Recently Christy and David’s youngest son Brock had a daughter so they will be spending more time in Edmonton now.

Now you see why I say my family is spread around the world. Also, I have second cousins in Nova Scotia, Canada and in France. I am sure some living in England too. So if I can find the time and money you may see me writing from these places down the road. So to you all happy travels.