My Vacation

Friday
Left work early again. It seems to work well that way, especially on a long weekend. I beat the traffic, which makes the drive a lot smoother. I arrived in town on time, ready for my hair appointment. My hairdresser, who has cut my hair for almost 9 years I think, was a sweetheart and came back to work in the evening to cut my hair. I originally was looking to get it done on Saturday, but she was also going on holidays, so she offered to do it Friday night. Such a sweetheart. I had see her last in February, right before the house got packed up, so we had a lot of catching up to do.

Saturday
After James was done work at the Den, we headed off to the lake. The drive was a breeze until just after Smeaton, when the road gets narrow and pretty crappy. On top of that there was quite a thunderstorm rumbling on. However, we made it safe and sound to the full cabin at Lower Fishing Lake. Dad & uncle Brian were nice enough to set up the tent for us, however upon entering the tent to put the air mattress in, I stepped and kneelled in a number of puddles. The mattress was quickly returned to the cabin where James & I slept in the middle of the tiny living room. It was a good thing that Mom & Dad had the motor-home, and that Uncle Brian and his kids were in a tent, otherwise I am not sure where we would have slept - the car perhaps.

Sunday
Our first full day - chaos and joyous. Eating is always a big production at the lake. The meals are full, and the clean up takes forever. The lake is, well, rustic, as James put it. There is no running water, so dishes involves heating water on the stove, getting out 3 basins - one for washing, one for rinsing, and one for drying. Doing the dishes usually takes as long as cooking breakfast, especially with 13 people.

Not long after breakfast was over, Mackenzie had James in his trunks and they were off to the beach. I stayed back to clean up, and visit. Eventually Dad got the boat in the water, and took Kevin & Jesse fishing. James & I headed to the park with Mackenzie and met up with Mom, Lorianne, and Zachary. It wasn't much longer and it was getting time to eat again. The boys caught some fish and Dad had taken out some steak. It was a scrumptious meal. Before we knew it, it was time for bed. After cleaning up supper, and visiting with family friends, we booted everyone out of the living room. With 1 -12 year old, 2-10 year olds, 1-4 year old and 1-2 year old; we tried to get to bed as early as we could.

Monday
We managed to sleep until 9 before we got trampled with kids. I must say the kids have grown very fond of James in a very short time, as he with them. It is one of those enduring qualities that I love so much in James. And it isn't just with kids, he seems to click with everyone. He is a very charismatic and likable individual.

After peeling the kids off of us, it was time to make breakfast. Of course, nothing simple. Usually pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, and fruit. The days starting running together, as they should on vacation, but I think this morning James & I made breakfast for the crew. He whipped up the pancakes and I cooked the bacon.

Uncle Brian & his kids headed for home after lunch, and the rest of us got ready for some fishing. Dad, Mike, Kevin, James & I got the boat in the rough waters, and went out for some trolling. I caught 2, however only one was worth keeping. It wasn't long before we had to head back. Mike, Lorianne and Zachary had to head home and we needed to get some food into our stomachs.

We spent the night slaughtering Kevin at D&D minis. A friend of Mom's brought over her 10 year old grandson, who was immediately interested in what we were about to play. Kevin gave him a quick rundown, and soon enough we were allied up, Good (Kevin & Carson) against Evil (James & I). After messing with their little uncertain minds (awesome James), we defeated them hand over fist, mostly with the Aspect of Hextor. Who, thanks to James, became the most feared, unkillable monster over the next couple of days. The boys and James never did have their match, and I am sure if you asked James, it is because the boys knew they couldn't defeat him. Mwahaaahaa.

After the exit of 6 people, James & I hand the pleasure of sleeping in a bed, a lumpy bed, but a bed nevertheless. Sleeps began to improve and lengthen..aaawwww.

Tuesday
The warmest, sunniest day. After breakfast, James, Kevin, Mackenize & I hit the beach. Although the long weekend was over and many people had gone home, the beach was still fairly busy. We swam, buried Mackenzie, and made a canal. Of course with the help of our resident engineer.

After lunch, we settled in for a nice long trip in the boat. With sunscreen in one had, beer in the other, and our fishing poles in the boat, we were all set to go. We were on the lake for more than 2 hours. James, Kevin and myself each had a keeper. I caught 2 others that just weren't worth keeping, and James' other 2 got away.

I spent the entire day in my bathsuit, and started a great tan.

The evening brought friends over for a campfire and bushpies. Mmmmm, gotta love those bushpies.
Wednesday
After breakfast, the kids got on their swimsuits and we were out in the boat for a little tubing. Kevin and Mackenzie road around the lake, while Dad drove and James kept an eye on the kids and the speed. I watched from the dock and tried to capture the whole event. I thought that I might be too far away, but the pictures turned out good.



Once the kids were done with their water sports, we quickly made some lunch before Dad, James & I headed up the Esker..or as it is now called, a Push Moraine. Of course, we had to show James the beauty that our lake has to offer. I never get sick of the Esker; I think I have gone everytime I've been at the lake. As always, it was absolutely beautiful.

James is a little concerned that I don't fall..such a sweetie. Always taking care of me.

Upon our return from the Esker, Kevin was ready to go fishing again. It was a fairly unsuccessful trip. Kevin caught one, but we had to throw it back, as it was just a baby.

Another campfire, bushpies, and tea ended the evening.

Thursday
We spent most of the day packing up and getting everyone organized to leave. I had to drive Gramma's car, which left James driving mine. Dad had the motorhome, and Mom was driving the trunk & boat. We finally got away, and made the slow trek home.

After dropping off and unloading Gramma and all her stuff, we were off home to James'. We ordered in some food and crashed for the night.

Friday
I decided to attempt to get my passport in Saskatoon. The line ups in Edmonton were nuts 2 weeks ago, and I thought I might have a better chance in Saskatoon during my holidays. Sure enough, 20 minutes in and out. Perfect.

We took in The Bourne Ultimatum, which was a pretty good movie. There were a number of reviews that hacked the camera work. It was a bit shaky, but not enough to ruin the movie. Check it out, it was good.

I spent my evening hanging out with Brennan. We had supper and beers at Amigos, and then went over to the Broadway Theatre to watch Inland Empire. Weird, bizarre, odd. Brennan and I both left very puzzled and confused. While walking back to the car, we reflected back on numerous scenes trying to make any sort of connection. We didn't really get any. Ah well...I was with a great friend, so it was all good.

Saturday
Up early, and off to Regina for my best friends brothers wedding. We were staying at my Uncle Daves, so had a nice brief visit with them. My cousin, his wife and 2 kids happened to be there. It was nice to see them once again.

The wedding was beautiful. Jason actually made me tear up with the personal vows he composed for Nicole. It was very touching. The supper, toasts and dance was awesome. We got to sit with Jen, Chad, and her parents. It was a privilege.

We danced up a storm, and had a fantastic time. I tuckered out around 1pm, and my sweetie took me home.

Sunday
We were back on the road early in the morning, so we could get back in time for James to open the Den. I dropped him off, packed up my stuff so I was ready to go, and then headed downtown to O'Shea's for lunch with John & Alan. We had a great visit. We talked enough about City of Heroes that I am actually considering reactivating my account. The winter might get a little long and lonely, so maybe then. We'll have to see. I got to see their new place. It is nice and spacious. A little sad I won't be around to hang out in their new abode.

After my visit, I was on the road back home. And that was my amazing vacation. I think I need a vacation from my vacation.