June 19, 2013 - work day in Drayton Valley

     Carolyn leaves for work about 6:30 AM.  After we determine that the weather is not getting any better (rainy and gross), we decide today might be a good day to install Carolyn's new dishwasher.

to brave ducks

even they are ducking for cover

     We get started and then need some extra parts so we go to town for them and then have some lunch.  We finish up just as Carolyn is walking in from work.

here he is again; fixin' stuff

Charlie and Carolyn's new friend Bear

I think she's pleased

     We head back out to Buck Lake for a dinner of pork tenderloin and Greek salad.  We are joined by Kenny and Colleen and Janet and Murray, Carolyn's sister and brother-in-law.

Carolyn, Janet and Colleen waiting for dinner

     We sit around the fire until about 10:30 and it's still broad daylight out.  I can't get over how late it stays light outside.  My throat is feeling really bad again.  It seems to be way worse at bedtime.

June 18, 2013 - Meota, SK to Buck Lake, AB

     We set out from Meota about 9:00 AM this morning and take the route through Turtleford.  We had never been that way before.  The drive was not very spectacular and pretty flat.  Lots of oil pumps. 

     After fueling up in Lloydminster we carry on to Edmonton where we pick up Richards' mother's dining room suite at Larry and Phyllis's place.  I don't know how he does it but he manages to unpack and repack the back of the truck to fit everything in.

     We met Charlie and Carolyn at the junction to Rocky Mountain House and they guide us into Buck Lake Provincial Park where they are camped.  The weather is cloudy but no rain, yet.....

     Carolyn has brought a taco salad from home for dinner and we are joined by Kenny and Colleen Holgren.  After dinner we all go out fishing for some walleye.  Carolyn pulls in a 50 cm keeper and one throw back and I catch 2 throw backs.  Charlie and Richard get skunked!

     I have developed a sore throat and I'm feeling a little tough.

our setup at Buck Lake

June 17, 2013 - the last work day in Meota

The sun is shining today and it's beautiful except for the bugs.  And so the work keeps progressing by the men.  Shanon and I keep the chairs warm for when they are finished and Phyllis keeps cooking for everyone.  Seems fair, I guess; somebody has to keep the chairs warm.  For lunch today, Phyllis makes salmon and lettuce wraps and for dinner we have Greek ribs, asparagus, Greek potatoes and Greek salad.  Me thinks this was Greek night.  Delicious!

cutting the last of the floor boards

chair warmers

I think this was the last board to nail gunned in



finished at long last (this part anyway)





Chief cook and bottle washer and always smiling
 

a beautiful sunset over Jackfish Lake

June 16, 2013 - Happy Father's day from Meota

Well the day has dawned a little drier but no sun yet but here's hoping everyone has a Happy Father's Day!  Here are a couple of rememberances of mine......

 

 

this is how I best remember my dad...
on his tractor

 

and always with a smoke in his hand

 

And then here's to one of the best father's around.......he couldn't be with his kids today but I'm sure they are wishing him all the best for today and always.

matching cards for their dad 

and here he is; a star amoung stars

We wandered over the Larry and Phyllis's in time for a latte and warm muffins.  The men set to work right away over at the cabin.  They are making good headway. 

here he is; the superintendant

 

 And a usual, we are treated to another dinner extraordinare; steak, caesar salad, grilled veggies and yams with a white chocolate cheese cake for dessert with fresh raspberries on top.  Life is tough!

The 3 stooges in very colouful attire

 

and then with their lovely ladies

a very funky set of steak knives for our delicious steak

and here we are again....stuffing our faces



June 15, 2013 - work day in Meota

     Well if we thought yesterday was miserable, you should see it today.  The rain is going sideways!  And they say it rains in BC.....I don't think I have ever seen rain like this.

    The men are going to work at the renovations at the cabin on the lake today and the women are going into town to pick up some necessary tools, supplies, etc.  Town is about 34 km from the lake so while in town we do a little shopping for the unnecessay stuff; you know, fun stuff.

they are making progress

and then there was some plumbing needed

     Back for some lunch and then some computer time.  We hang around inside for the day as it is just too miserable to do anything else.

     Phyllis prepares another one of her fabulous meals and we relax and chat the evening away.

June 14, 2013 - On our way to Meota

  We spent the night in the church parking lot across from Sheena's house;  pretty noisy as Lewvan Drive was right behind the trailer.  Oh well, I got to see my girls again before pulling out.  I'm going to miss them like crazy...

my precious babies

another beautiful outfit sewn by Sheena

Adorable

     We made a nice midway stop along the way in Saskatoon and had an opportunity to see Richard's nephew Darryl, Ron's youngest son and had some ribs at Tony Roma's to boot. 

Uncle Richard with nephew Darryl

We pulled in to Meota in the late afternoon, just in time for dinner at Larry and Phyllis's.  But first we register at Meota Regional Park campground.  The weather is not very nice and there are many mosquitoes and fish flies.  Ron and Shanon have met us here and we are parked right next to them.  Oh well, as they say, "along with the sunshine, there's gotta be a little rain sometime".  This has really been the first bad weather we have experienced since we left home 6 weeks ago.

dinnertime in Meota

our gracious hosts

June 13, 2013 - a visit with my beautiful granddaughters.

     Well we had a good sound night sleep in the Walmart parking lot in South west Regina.  Not the best ambiance but it's cheap. (free)

     Best part of day is I get to spend it with my georgeous granddaughter and my 2 equally gorgeous great granddaughters.  Sheena surprised me with an embroidered tee-shirt that says "I may not be rich & famous but my grandchildren are priceless".  We have a tea party, pretend shopping, real shopping, swimming and we did some crafts.  After that we all went to Five Guys Burgers for some dinner.

a tea party

where's MY chair?

our new family....Sheena says they love doing this in Old Navy

painting sun catchers

 

Livi really took to grampa

she is such a good eater

 

 

didn't want her picture taken

me and Lexi and my new tee-shirt
I'm gonna miss these girls

  

  We managed to squeeze in a visit with my brother Terry and Laurie before returning to our campspot in the Sikh Temple parking lot across from Sheena's house.

my Mom's old house on Scarth Street in Regina

bro Terry

Laurie