Wow I wish I was there, it sounds like you guys had a great time. So much to see and not enough time, eh? I really enjoy reading your blogs, keep them coming! Take care!
Good to finally see your blog! Hi Gail and Rick!
Wonderful travel blog and pictures! I'm sorry that the cast is holding you back from some experiences but you'll appreciate the "freedom" all the more when you are free of it! You have seen some amazing sights by the looks of it!
We have lovely February weather which was great for the wedding of my niece in Banff on the 6th and last weekend here in PR for pond hockey, carnival, going for walks and enjoying "couch time" watching the opening ceremonies of th Olympics and drinking "bubbly" with Churchmans. I'm glad you had some travel time. Guess you're back at work again!
Hi Marg - Thanks for the note about the mail - the post office is supposed to be forwarding our mail for a year, but here is our current address in Alberta:
%Box 361
Carstairs, Alberta
T0M 0N0
Gail
:0) WOW!!! i'm sitting in my ReStore in northern alberta, in -20C, reading this after the volunteers have all gone home. my feet are always cold in the store, unless i wear extra socks..... it's actually supposed to be a day off, so i'm not dressed for work. a mistake. VERY cold feet today. and nose. so, as i read about your Harbin adventure, i almost felt like i was there. too cool!! literally. i was feeling very empathetic about your cold sensitive feet, Gail. And thinking of Rick, at home recovering and missing all of the fun. Blessings on you both, and thanks ever so much for the travel blog. it's just the greatest thing to follow along and see what you're up to. hug.
Except for the pond hockey tourney (mention of which by Gail brought a grin to my face) i have been a bit out of touch with everyone for a while. the weather was mild for it this year, and there were, i believe, 81 teams competing this year. a huge success, i'd say. and, judging by the way the beer garden filled up when we started playing, we did alright. Pat Connelan filled in for you, Rick, with some fear and trepidation. his pond hockey debut, and he pulled it off with flying colors. i've come to the conclusion that there must be a cold weather rosin for fiddle bows, something like different ski waxes for X-country skis at different temperatures. it was, as always, a 'chilling' and huglely fun gig. i think my fiddle is still thawing out ....but i missed your shining mane lighting up centre stage, and no one will even attempt the Rocky Road to Dublin. you're a hard act to follow. We have another gig the week before the biggie, then, of course, St Paddy's. i have a few harp gigs as well, and the faculty recital for GPRC, where i'm teaching for the conservatory.... so, between music, the ReStore and violin lessons, i have time left to eat, sleep, and, if i'm lucky, do my laundry. and i'm lovin' it.
the move to GP, though it put way too much distance between me and the Croakers, has been a very good thing. i spend a lot of time with my granddaughter, and i'm re-connecting with old musician friends. well, maybe old isn't the kindest word.... longstanding might be what i mean... except most of them would rather be seated these days....
HFH is looking at building a duplex in summer 2010, and possibly renovating a house before that, in spring. very exciting stuff. 3 Habitat homes in one year, after an average of one every 2 years till now. i keep telling the board we're on a rocket to the moon. they think i'm exagerating, but i'm not.... i really think we are. i'm certain HFH South Peace is about to take of in a big way. as more people get on board, and as the store gets more established, things will really start to happen. it's been suggested by a greater power that my job title be split soon, between ReStore manager, and HFHSPS Executive Director. a promotion, i guess. nice to be appreciated, as i'm pretty much doing both jobs already, with out sanction. and, when i can hire more staff, the load on me should lessen a bit, so i can take some time off..... soooooooo.....
i've been looking at Habitat for Humanity builds in that part of the world, thinking i might combine a trip to help build homes with a visit you y'all there. looking at possibly september or October...... there are builds in china, vietnam and nepal within that time window. is the offer to visit still open? i see you're not terribly far (relatively speaking) from the great wall, which is on my 'bucket list'. i'm open to suggestions and guidance.
take care
stay warm
wishing you blessings heaped upon blessings, piled up and spilling over
Diana
great pictures I finally got on to your travelog- sure glad I did, these are spectacular pictures. Hope Rick is recuperating after his injury. We are getting some of your mail- maybe email us and tell us what to do with it- thanks- Marg
great Super adventure
love your positive attitude.
keep the info coming
mention your blog address in your standard emails because some of us lose the address
Merry Christmas So enjoyed reading your post. I am sure you are missing your boys this Christmas, and the boys, I hope, will have a wonderful time, but will miss Mom and Dad, I am sure.
Thanks for keeping in touch during Rick's adventure... and I do not want either of you to start playing bridge and other old folk related activites! Keep up the fun stuff, and you will deal with whatever happens!!!
Oh, and by the way, Gail, green is your colour.... you look awesome! China is agreeing with you!
Hugs to both of you, have a Blessed and Peace Filled Christmas......
Dianne.
Season's Greeting Greetings of the Season form Surf side - Saint John NB. I'm surprised, to say the least, at the turn of events for Rick... good to hear he is hopping back into action... still has the spunk that I admired him for back at X.
Rick and Gail's your awesome adventures sure are impressive. Gail looking good in the dress .. Rick maybe something a little more conservative next time though...Cool looking couple. All the best of the Season and with your continuing adventures.
Fantastic Merry Christmas,
I am so happy that you guys took the plunge and set off on what has turned out to be an awesome adventure! There is so much to see and do in our world and so few take advantage of it.
I am learning quite a bit about China through your experiences, too bad we aren't still studying China in social.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a terrific New Year! Keep on blogging!
Finally... Hi, guys. It sure was good to hear from you. I thought we must have messed up on the emails somehow. I didn't have your blog address either. Now we have it all, we will be in touch more often. Work is busy. Lots of changes and trying to keep up. Going to a Grey Cup party at Pat and Donna' next weekend...Saskatchewan and Montreal. Go green! Do you get football there, Rick. Roger bought a new lens for the camera so maybe we will come to China to try it out:) I wish. Keep in touch. We really enjoyed the blog.
Greetings from PR Hi Gail and Rick,
Funny, I was just thinking of you guys when low and behold I get this e-mail from you. Thanks for sharing your trip. It looks like you guys are really learning a lot about China and its people. Keep on sending your blog, it is very interesting. Sure wish we were still studying China, these pictures and comments are so informative.
Take care and stay in touch!
Along for the ride... Just finished going along for the ride on your most recent adventures... would like to see a classic easy rider pic of you and Gail on the motorcycle..they didn't have any Harley's I gather...
Wow, we're amazed! Keep the updates coming, we're so amazed by all your adventures! Your pictures are great and give us an idea of what you are seeing - we love reading about it too. We often think of you two and how you're doing. It's so neat seeing the people and culture from a Peace Riverite's perspective. Love the blog!
Awesome stuff Incredible adventure. One of my tenants, a Richard Oland, of the Oland brewing family, had made that trip several years ago. I spent a couple of hours as he showed me a multitude of pics he had taken on the voyage. So I have seen some incredible detailed photos of what you saw and experienced....and I think boating on the Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers are mystical experiences... Really appreciate being included in your travel log... Nice to hear all about your incredible adventures in China. All the best
Congratulations on your new life Am really enjoying following your China saga and thanks for posting the photos, which really expand the experience. Jo
:0) i passed a 3 wheeled truck almost identical to the one here, yesterday evening in GP. it was new, and very noisy. Minnie and Mickey look different from how i remember them. i'd love to walk the aquaduct.... or the great wall.... what adventures you're having! it's very definitely autumn here. the leaves are just beginning to transform, and the nights are chilly. i took a walk in the bush last weekend. the air was rich with cranberry smell.
it has begun! you're there! and finding your place in all of it. very exciting, and, i'm guessing, a tad daunting at times. the kitchen is a big change from its beautiful equivalent in PR. how will you cook those international dinners now?! ;0) but though it's small, i feel certain there's always something to share with a visiting neighbor or a new friend. Chinese beer, perhaps?
i love the photos. do you have a mailing address yet?
Hi from the Peace! Hey Gail and Rick!
This travel blog is great! Gives me a little taste of what you guys are living and seeing!
Looks interesting! Nice pad! It looks "cosy".
Here the leaves are starting to fall in the valley. Haven't yet found a "recruite" for our band but I just sent out an email to the group re:same.
Have started playing in church. Miss not seeing you guys there!
Well, take care and keep us posted! Love to get news from you guys!
Hugs to you both!
Marie :)
Hi Rick and Gail
I'm at Mom's looking at your travel blog - have only to this point so far - will try to figure out where your pictures are. I'm going to put it on Moms favorites so hopefully she can get to it!!
Hope all is going well
Barb
Hello Great to have the blog, nice to see where you are at, it does seem very exciting. This week at work is much quieter than last week, starting to get back into the groove. Have fun and take care.
dennis Baxendale
non-member comment
another great blog
You don't have your mittens on!!!!! txs for sharing