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A stare-down for the final bites of a burrito. When I asked Carson to hang on while I grabbed my phone to take a picture, he wanted to know why I wanted this particular picture. I told him about the blog, that I like to post funny things that happen when I come over. This stare-down was today’s funny moment.

Later, “Hey Grandma, take a picture of this. Put it on your blog.”

Oh yes, very funny. My loss in the game Memory.

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When I came into the house, I found two boys in their respective caves. Sophia had a babysitting job. Avery was in his room, Carson was … where?

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your patience later this afternoon when you come home to this creation.

Question of the day from Carson: “Grandma, how old were you when you kissed a boy the first time?”

Play groups

This was our play group when we visited Saskatchewan in 1957. Back row: Kathy and Wade. Front row: Jeannette, me, Doug, Ruth, Gordon, and Sandra

1959. Back row: Grandpa Manz, Ardyth, Joy held by Eleanor, Norman, Olga, Fernie, Ronnie, and my dad Ed. Front row: Doug, Sandra, Ruth, me, Jeannette, Grandma Manz, and my mom Alma.

Ruth

My family visited family in Saskatchewan only twice when I was growing up. I think I was about 7- and 9-years old. We visited Uncle Norman and Aunt Eleanor’s (my mom’s younger sister) farm with its long curving tree-lined driveway and there were four (!) kids in the family. I always enjoyed playing with Ruth the most. Joy and Julie were younger, brother Wade was older. I especially remember a 2-wheeled cart ride. Wade hooked up the horse, the four of us (Wade, Ruth, me and Doug) climbed in over the high wood-board sides and off we went on dirt roads. Quite the adventure for two little kids from California.

When I visited Saskatchewan a few weeks ago, Ruth and I started talking about e-bikes. She began checking out bikes and doing research, I answered questions she had via text, and .. drum roll ..

Congratulations on your new bike Ruth. You are about to start your own 2-wheeled adventure.

And … I hear Prince Edward Island calling my name.

Parcheesi

At last, four players. The player to the left sensed he was behind and began to lose interest. Sophia, the eventual winner. Carson, busy dancing to a song playing in his head, waiting for his next turn. Grandkids are so much fun.

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“Grandma, can you fold your ear three times?” I tried but never passed Carson’s inspection. Then he showed me how it’s done: fold the lobe up, top down, side in. This was followed by a comparison of 74-year-old ear cartilage (larger, thicker, somewhat bendable) v 7-year old ear cartilage (small, thin, supple). The result: “Ready for a board game?” Sure. LOL.

Ravine:

Pick up sticks:

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… on my calendar stands for Sophia Avery Carson. Long summer days and no camps this week. Tuesday’s accomplishments:

On Thursday, I found a game I could win at.

Canada – postscript

At one of our gatherings, Ruth brought some pictures from her album. One of them was quite special. My brother Doug, maybe 17 years old, with my cousin Julie on the back of his motorcycle. My mother’s youngest sister, Eleanor, and family had come from Saskatchewan to visit.

About 55 years later, here is the little girl on the back of the motorcycle, Julie, with granddaughters Riley and Ella.

Canada – day 3c

Our final evening together. A big dinner at the Regent.

Jeanette & Steve and Sandra:

Reg and Tammy:

Kathy and Charlie:

Glenn did a fantastic job planning our long weekend. So many cousins were able to be together. Glenn with daughter Andrea, holding Archie, and Roman and Rosie:

Thank you, Glenn, for everything you did to make our visit special. Thanks to everyone who came from near and far. I am so grateful for the memories. As my cousin Terry in BC said, there is nothing like “Saskatchewan hospitality.” We all agree.

Canada – day 3b

Julie and Reg’s dairy farm:

Also a robotic barn although a different design.

This machine removes all the manure. Not robotic but quite effective.

We gathered in the backyard to visit. Julie, Glenn, Steve, Jeanette:

Sandra and Ruth (Joy and Julie’s older sister):

Two of Julie’s granddaughters came over to ask Sophia if she wanted to play.

Addie woke up from her nap and joined the group, they soon became fast friends. Riley is in pink, Ella in yellow.