Canada Day Two

 After a good night's sleep and a shower, I was ready to explore Calgary. I had a list of things that the internet told me to see. I saw those and so much more! Sheena and her oldest daughter Katherine joined me which was nice and allowed me to do much more than planned. 

We started out by driving to the Calgary Library (Central branch) which was stunningly beautiful and also a very nice library. It was very bright and open and all the stacks were like a bookstore or museum. 

Looking up from the main lobby area. The stairs are the wooden parts. It's hard to explain!

From the library we walked a couple blocks to Studio Bell, the National Music Centre. It's built around the King Edward where musicians come to Calgary to play.  The museum was quite large and had many exhibits of various Canadian artists from over the years. Several displays were dedicated to musicians who are in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. I only knew a few names but it was still an interesting time. Though I didn't take any pictures.

Sheena and I

From there we headed to Sheena's church. They were hosting a prayer vigil that Sheena was the presiding Pastor for. Sheena's church is in the heart of downtown and has a congregation made up of all walks of life. The vigil was to share space in support of individuals on a local assistance program that the government has decided is unnecessary. I support the cause but I was excited to explore the church. Knox United Church was once Presbyterian but then the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congregationalists merged into the United Church. The current building was built in 1912 and expanded in the 60's. The organ is the 2nd largest in Western Canada. When we arrived, the music director was practicing on it and it was beautiful. I even got to see the pipes from the back! 

Katherine gave me a tour while Sheena set up for the vigil. Funny story... Katherine unlocked doors, showed me the room and then we moved on. Except at one door, she couldn't get the key out of the lock. We tried for a good ten minutes, yanking, jiggling, etc. Finally we found a screwdriver and I took the lock apart and voila, key was removed. Yes, I put the lock back together but we've alerted the caretaker that they probably should look at it! We attended the vigil and helped clean up and then we headed out.

The next stop was Prince's Island but on the way there, a couple streets were blocked off and there was some sort of festival thing happening so after we parked, we walked over to see what was happening. It was a parade of sorts for the Festival of Chariots which is a Hindu celebration. There was dancing and people holding a rope that pulled a large "chariot" carrying what we presume was the holy man. Lots and lots of people! Many dressed in their finest Hindu type clothing. 

The parade actually went to Prince's Island where they were offering a free vegetarian feast to anyone who wanted (and was willing to stand in line). There were vendors and even a tent where you could go see the "deity". It was all quite fascinating.

The Chariot (the holy man is on the left in light blue)

We did also walk along the river on the island and saw a LOT of Canadian geese. And people. The Bow River was lovely. I will be canoeing on it on Tuesday! 

Our last stop for the day was Calgary Tower. It was once the tallest building in Calgary. It afforded excellent views of the city and beyond.

Only moose I've seen so far!

the white building kinda in the middle is the saddledome

me standing on the glass bottom, NOT looking down!

Canada!

 I knew that after I finished the 50 states and tried a cruise, next on the list would be Canada. I won't give you the background here but know that the planning was begun many months ago and there are reasons for certain parts, mostly the train at the end. 

I left home way too early and drove to Van Nuys where I left my truck and took a shuttle bus to LAX. This saved a lot of money but wasn't necessarily quick. But it was relatively stress free - especially since the bus had to deal with LA traffic and I didn't! We'll see how it goes at the end, but for now I'd say I'd do it again. 

Anyway....

I had plans to stay with my friend Sheena who I had gone to church camps with in High School. Her family has been in Calgary for about 15 years. She even offered to come get me at the airport which was so much better than Uber! Sheena and her husband Pete were waiting when I got done with customs. Customs was uneventful thank goodness. They had lots of kiosks set up where I scanned my passport and answered questions about why I was there and such. Easy peasy.

Sheena and Pete and I drove into downtown and had a nice dinner at a local restaurant. The whole area was very busy with all sorts of people walking around, all the restaurants were packed. Yes, Friday night, but also world cup soccer. There was a large contingent rooting for Brazil at the patio restaurant next to ours - they cheered a lot :)

I tried my first poutine!! It was fries with chicken gravy and cheese curds. I found it quite yummy. Apparently there are many varieties with different "sauces" and types of cheese and such.

After dinner, Pete played tour guide and drove all over downtown showing me various sights. Stampede grounds, Saddledome (where the Flames play hockey), the new arena they're building for the Flames, the Bow River, and so much more! 

We then went back to the house and I just about collapsed into bed. 

TOES!

 I say this so much - I really should write here more. 

I am 10 days into a 6-8 week recovery after toe surgery. Yes! Toe surgery! My left foot's big toe has not moved in a very long time. At least a decade. This wasn't too big of a deal until I started running. Once I got up to 10-ish miles at a time, I'd have horrible pain, after the run. I got fancy orthotics with a"Morton's bar" and that helped. Funny story though - they wore out so I started putting a piece of metal at the toe just like the Morton's bar, under the insoles of my shoes. And I was fine! However, I started to have pain in other parts of my left side. Last December, it was my ankle. Peroneal tendon to be exact. (Hey, I spelt that right the first time!! Go me!!). I took a few months off running and was mostly okay but then in March I did a 5k on my normal route and couple barely walk the rest of the week. Not DURING the run, but after. So I finally went to the doctor. Ended up at PT where they determined that it was actually because of my toe and the compensation that the rest of my foot was doing to make up for its immobility. PT wasn't really helping though because the toe just didn't want to move. I ended up at yet a different podiatrist because the guy I"d seen in May (?) went on medical leave. Bad for him but EXCELLENT for me!! The new guy (at this point I've seen at least 5-6 different podiatrists over the years always mentioning the stupid toe) took one look at the X-ray and said "I can fix that"! I almost cried!! I know he thought I was a freak because I was SOOOO excited and paid no attention to what he actually said but asked questions like, "and then I can run again" and "I can drive after surgery right?!" Because, you know, logistics. 

We set it up for the Wednesday before my two week Fall Break so I could have some recovery time though he said I really shouldn't work (or do anything) for eight weeks. Well it didn't take me long to decide that taking the entire recovery off would be a very good idea. So I got a sub and did a LOT of planning and here I am ten days into recovery. 

The most interesting part is that I was AWAKE for the surgery. Which was good because I really don't like anesthesia. And let me tell you it was the oddest experience ever! They put a drape thing up so I couldn't actually see what was happening which was probably okay. I did basically live-post it on BlueSky though. The bone saw on my numb foot but fully awake, was an intensely odd sensation! I heard the doc say he got it to move but he could do better. YAY!! When he had sewn me up, he moved it to show me that it does indeed move. Now it's in a cast though. Eventually, I will get to move it myself!! 

Line Fire

 I was going to write a week ago but realized I needed to be further removed before telling the story. I guess I needed to know for sure it had a happy ending. Although the fire is still burning, technically we are no longer in any danger (we never were really). 

On September 5, I took the day off and drove Dad to Riverside for a nephrologist check-up. He's doing well as long as he keeps taking care of himself - diet, exercise, etc. On the way home we stopped at Panda Express and then started up "the front way" on Highway 330. Just before the first passing lane which is right at a fires station, we passed a turn out where there was a cop, another car or two, and a fire burning. It was 115* there in Highland. We passed a fire truck headed down shortly after passing the fire. We discussed how good it was that they were on top of the fire so quickly. We made our way home marveling as the temperature dropped to what is still considered hot in Big Bear - 84*. Dropped Dad off and went home to my puppy. 

By that evening, the fire had a name which is never good - the Line Fire. By the next morning it was 1000 acres maybe. (I don't completely remember the early timeline so just go with my numbers!).  School was normal. 

Sunday evening we got a call that there would be  no school on Monday. Monday we were told Tuesday off. At some point the entire valley was put under evacuation warnings. I packed the truck with the stuff that needs to be saved and tried to enjoy the extra tine at home with Slugger. Except that the smoke was SO incredibly bad by mid afternoon that there was only one walk each day. 

That's smoke, not overcast. 

I told myself, and prayed, that if anyone in the valley got put on orders then we'd bail. I was already contemplating going anyway because of the smoke. I already had a cough when all this started and I was at the point that all I did was cough. I knew the smoke wasn't good for any of us (i.e. me or Slugger). Dad evacuated himself on Monday evening. That helped the stress level for sure. David was busy helping his community help others, as they do. At about this point, school had been canceled for the week. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the area of Boulder Bay, inside the valley, was put on evacuation order.  I"d had enough smoke, and I knew that Sarah and Derrik and dogs would welcome us with open arms, so we went.  We didn't hurry, we didn't stress, we just finished packing the toothbrush and meds and such, and we drove away. It was VERY hard to leave. I never imagined that my house was in danger, but still, it was hard to leave, knowing that technically I didn't know what I'd be coming "home" to or when. 

Oh by that time the fire was over 20k acres. Anyway, while we were driving, the Bridge Fire that was burning on the sister mountain was apparently growing by leaps and bounds. Here's the view of OUR  mountain and then AWAY from our mountain toward that fire.

What we'd just left.

What we had to drive toward.

Clear sky on the left is where we would end up.

We stopped once we got past all the smoke and found ourselves at Del Taco with some firemen. They were on their way to the Bridge Fire that was now 30k+ and bigger than "our" fire. We thanked them profusely and then made our way to our safe haven in Placentia with S&D and dogs.  

I tried hard to prep Slugger as we drove. He had met Loki, the Great Dane, but not Freya the Husky puppy (3 years old?). To make matters even more fun, Loki had dental work done that day and was totally loopy from the anesthesia. I think that actually helped in hindsight - Slugger only had to deal with Freya. Sarah and Freya met us outside and we went for a walk around the block together. Freya welcomed Slugger inside and they quickly became friends. I don't think Loki even knew Slugger was there that evening as I kept him away as much as possible. 

Derrick works from home and I didn't want us to be an intrusion, so Slugger and I left for much of the day. We grabbed some food and then we headed to the beach! 

There's video but I'm not gonna bother. 

We ran some errands (Target pick up for the stuff I forgot like dental floss) and made our way back to S&Ds. Slugger and I spent some time sitting on their very nice patio. And visiting with Freya and Loki. 

Lots of sniffing

We had a nice time visiting and eating dinner with S&D on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, we made ourselves scarce again by visiting a local card shop (only spent $10, be proud!) and then having lunch with a firmer student who's in school nearby. It was fun catching up and learning how college life is going. I rarely get that opportunity. Especially with awesome students like Carlos. Another nice dinner and visit with S&D and it was time for sleep again. I had decided that it was time to go home on Friday. Nothing had changed with the fire, it was starting to get contained and I felt like I could be getting stuff done at home, like cleaning! 

Slugger was SUCH a good boy the whole crazy time. But he was very happy to get home to "his chair".

When we got home, we learned that during our drive, our evacuation warning had been lifted! Just us and one other. Everything else was the same. And the smoke wasn't great but better than when we'd left. But golly, our house REEKED! Luckily it had cooled off (which helped a lot with the fire and smoke) so we could leave doors and windows open at least most of the day. Also, the fire was now about 25% contained. That doesn't sound like much but it's actually pretty good. 

I did in fact clean the kitchen the next day and then just released. We went back to school on Tuesday but with minimum days all week to help with the afternoon/evening smoke issues. Though really the smoke has been non-existent for almost a week now. 

We're at 59% contained and the acreage has pretty much stalled at just over 31k or so. It's still burning and won't be "out" for some time but it rained yesterday and that helped. Except it brought lightning snags. Storms can truly be wins or losses! Luckily this was more win. 

And this weekend I'll unpack the truck and we'll be pretty much back to normal. Oh, except that highway Dad and I drove up on Sept 5, will be closed for a while. The fire jumped it in at least 3 places from what I know - burnt road, guardrails, etc. It'll be a very sad sight for a very long time even once it opens. 

Oh, and the fire was arson! Dad and I believe that one of the cars we saw was likely the culprit. They cops caught him and he's in jail with no bail :) I have some suggestions for his punishment but they probably won't ask me. 

Summer 2024

 Well, summer break is over. I went back to work on Friday. Yes, that's weird, but also kinda nice to get a weekend after just one day of getting up early, etc. 

Summer 2024 was a mix of doing, and doing nothing. I began, of course, with my Epic Road Trip. It was amazing, but also exhausting. I'm glad that I didn't really have any other big plans. The rest of the summer included the following:

Enjoyed 4th of July with my favorite family in Temecula. 

Got my first colonoscopy (all is well!).

Organized the shed - this was the big to-do list item. Pics below.

Cleaned up the new property - SO MUCH glass and trash. 

Watched a lot of TV - CSINY, old game shows, etc.

The Astros went from 10 games back to first place. And are still holding on by the hair on Altuve's chin. 

Helped Dad clean and organize his house to make life easier for him, hopefully. 

Walked and walked with Slugger. Attempted to cuddle but it was limited due to the heat. 

Overall, it was a good 6 weeks. Never long enough!

recovery

I've been home for over 3 weeks now. I think I might be recovered! I spent a week doing absolutely nothing basically. That was nice. Slugger and I didn't leave each other's sides :) Since then I have slowly tried to do some of the things on my summer to-do list. One of the issues is that most of them are outdoors and it's been way too hot to be outside! But this week I have finally been able to work in the shed and it's almost organized! That will get another post another day, when it's done. 

Slugger and I have walked a lot. Most days twice to get in enough steps but also not die of heat exhaustion. We've helped Dad clean up his house. We've cleaned up our own house, including breaking and then fixing, the bed in the process of deep cleaning the bedroom. I had a colonoscopy. A friend came over for lunch. So it's been a good summer, just quiet and relaxing and HOT. 

One. More. Week.

The Fifty

Here are my stories for each of the 50 states. I decided to go alphabetical cuz chronological might hurt my brain. The notes might not be the first visit, but they're the memorable visit

Alabama - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

Alaska - June 2023

Arizona - numerous trips across country

Arkansas - numerous trips across country, most notably when moving to TX in 2005

California - live here!

Colorado - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?)

Connecticut - summer 1996 with Ma

Delaware - lived here! 

Florida - Spring Training 2005 for 30th bday

Georgia - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

Hawaii - Summer 2018

Idaho - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?), Craters of the Moon was memorable

Illinois - moving Bev! (Feb 2004)

Indiana - moving Bev! (Feb 2004)

Iowa - Road Trip 2024 (#50)

Kansas - Dan's wedding trip with Mere (2009)

Kentucky - okay so the memory is of the Cincinatti airport, which is IN Kentucky, I learned when I Was there for a layover, thinking it was my first time in OH; also ,when asked if we'd ever gone through KY on a trip across country, both parents said,  "yeah probably"

Louisiana - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

Maine - summer 1996 with Ma

Maryland - lived here!

Massachusetts - summer 1996 with Ma, baseball trip 2003

Michigan -  Road Trip 2024 

Minnesota - this was where my plane from Paris landed - I was so happy to see that gigantic American flag! Also,  Road Trip 2024

Mississippi - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

Missouri - UMW trip  2010

Montana - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?) we saw a sign that said Montana 15 miles so Dad drove 20 and we called it good; also Road Trip 2024 

Nebraska -  Road Trip 2024 

Nevada - several but let's go with Michelle's wedding! (2006)

New Hampshire - summer 1996 with Ma

New Jersey - summer 1996 with Ma (amongst other trips when living in DE)

New Mexico - numerous trips across country / to TX

New York - summer 1996 with Ma, baseball trip 2003

North Carolina - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

North Dakota -  Road Trip 2024 

Ohio - moving Bev! (Feb 2004)

Oklahoma - several but notably gambled at Winstar Casino as a 40-4-40 new thing

Oregon - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?) - I think it was this trip but I know we drove through Bend to be able to "get" Oregon. 

Pennsylvania - oh so many baseball games in Philly! plus summer 1996 with Ma

Rhode Island - summer 1996 with Ma

South Carolina - moving to DE trip with Karie (1997)

South Dakota - Road Trip 2024 

Tennessee - several drives across country

Texas - lived here! plus moving to DE trip with Karie

Utah - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?)

Vermont - summer 1996 with Ma

Virginia - born here! lived here! visit Ma here!

Washington - RHA conference in college (1998 or 99)

West Virginia - family reunion trips, various other trips

Wisconsin - moving Bev! (Feb 2004)

Wyoming - Yellowstone with fam 1986 (87?)