We are in love all over again! Lindsay and Jeremy welcomed Connor into this world on Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 2:46 p.m. Connor was 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 20.5 inches long.
Of course he is absolutely wonderful and gorgeous! I was so lucky to be in town at the time, as I was scheduled to present a workshop in Fort McMurray on Tuesday so travelled up on the bus Monday afternoon.
Labour started later Monday afternoon, and continued through the night. Connor was delivered by C-Section.
Don left home Tuesday at noon, and met Connor when he was only a few hours old.
The family is doing fantastic! We will update you soon.
Our Travel Blog
- Don and Donna
- Driving Miss Donna - what does this mean? Whenever I want to go somewhere, if Don is home he will usually drive. He always says he is driving miss Donna! This blog is for our travels, usually with our truck and fifth wheel trailer, but sometimes in our other wheels. When we are not vacationing check in for updates, although less frequent, about our life at home and our wonderful family:)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Trying to define “normal”
January has been very kind to us. We settled into somewhat of a routine with Don working away and myself huddled at home, trying to manage 2 jobs. I have also committed to some new volunteer opportunities. I know that once April 1st arrives and I say that’s it – neither of us are working the rest of this year, I am going to start feeling unproductive. So I took inventory of what I was doing with my time and added a couple of new adventures.
Here is my volunteer life: Spruce Grove Ringette Treasurer, Friends of the Stony Plain Library Treasurer, North Central Co-operatives Association Board Member, Stony Plain Family & Community Support Services Board Member, and AURORA Foundation Vice Chairperson.
I imagine this will help my transition from working to non-working!
Did I actually tell everyone we are hoping not to work this year after April 1st? We are both open to taking some small contracts along the way to “sustain” ourselves, but not hoping for any large time commitment opportunities to come along. Having said that though this past year has proven to both of us to never say never.
Don has completed his job up north a shift earlier than expected. Some growing pains along the way for “the department”, but overall not so bad for Don. He has a pile of to do items on his list around home (and no not my stuff!). For the most part I am quite independent about household stuff, being used to Don being away from home is his government job. More like things in the garage, ATV oil changes, etc. I will sneak in some items come spring:)
On January 28 Tracy and Lindsay had a birthday party for me! I will be turning 50 on February 20, but that is too close to Lindsay’s due date of March 2 for her to venture south, so it was planned for a weekend that still felt safe for travel. The date was not a surprise for me, but the location, activities and final guest list was. It was an amazing evening full of good friends, food and laughter. We have the greatest daughters and love them so much! Thank you!!
February is a busy family month, and a full work one for me. March will bring our new baby!! Don and I are going away for April, and looking forward to that.
So as the next few months approach Don and I are trying to figure out what our normal will be in the way of daily routines, etc. I am privileged that the contracts I have allow a non-traditional work day and for the most part I work at home, and hopefully we don’t get in each others way too much unless we want to!
Have a great February everyone – and I will let you know how things are going for us! Call for a coffee if you are near…
Here is my volunteer life: Spruce Grove Ringette Treasurer, Friends of the Stony Plain Library Treasurer, North Central Co-operatives Association Board Member, Stony Plain Family & Community Support Services Board Member, and AURORA Foundation Vice Chairperson.
I imagine this will help my transition from working to non-working!
Did I actually tell everyone we are hoping not to work this year after April 1st? We are both open to taking some small contracts along the way to “sustain” ourselves, but not hoping for any large time commitment opportunities to come along. Having said that though this past year has proven to both of us to never say never.
Don has completed his job up north a shift earlier than expected. Some growing pains along the way for “the department”, but overall not so bad for Don. He has a pile of to do items on his list around home (and no not my stuff!). For the most part I am quite independent about household stuff, being used to Don being away from home is his government job. More like things in the garage, ATV oil changes, etc. I will sneak in some items come spring:)
On January 28 Tracy and Lindsay had a birthday party for me! I will be turning 50 on February 20, but that is too close to Lindsay’s due date of March 2 for her to venture south, so it was planned for a weekend that still felt safe for travel. The date was not a surprise for me, but the location, activities and final guest list was. It was an amazing evening full of good friends, food and laughter. We have the greatest daughters and love them so much! Thank you!!
February is a busy family month, and a full work one for me. March will bring our new baby!! Don and I are going away for April, and looking forward to that.
So as the next few months approach Don and I are trying to figure out what our normal will be in the way of daily routines, etc. I am privileged that the contracts I have allow a non-traditional work day and for the most part I work at home, and hopefully we don’t get in each others way too much unless we want to!
Have a great February everyone – and I will let you know how things are going for us! Call for a coffee if you are near…
Friday, January 13, 2012
Hello 2012!!
So what people call the busy/crazy time of year is come and gone again. I don’t see it that way, but I am different.
We had a great Christmas break in our home. I was gifted with 2 weeks vacation, which was a pleasant surprise in my contract. And Don was able to be home the whole time. As reported we travelled to Saskatchewan prior to Christmas.
Lindsay and Jeremy were home on the 23rd, and we had some great times. We visited with Warren and Cherie in their home on Christmas Eve, joined by many of their friends we have gotten to know over the years.
Christmas day started out quietly with just the 4 of us adults in the morning, then Tracy, Cal, Blake, Emerson and Reese joined us mid morning!
We all had a fantastic time opening presents and stockings – thank goodness Santa knows where everyone stops that day.
We took the kids skating as the turkey cooked – yes even Grandma and Grandpa! It was Emerson’s first time and he was very proud to move on her own.
Of course there was far too much food. We were happy to have Warren and Cherie join us to help out with that! Lindsay and I got some boxing day shopping in before we headed to the city, first to babysit the kids while Tracy and Cal took in a World Junior game, then later we were off the Rexall Place for the same.
Rather than host a pre-Christmas party this year for friends and family we decided to have a New Years Eve party, of a quieter and smaller nature. Isn’t that just when the best parties happen? LOL. We saw midnight come and go, and had some sleep over guests as well. It was quite a party for these old folks.
Some serious conversation took place, and it appears major decisions were made. (Thanks Eric for the photo)
January 2 came too soon, as Don headed north for his first 12 day shift. Working long days, but not in weather too cold. As it turns out it has been so warm he had to call it quits a couple of days early and colder weather is needed to continue in the northern muskeg. That means he has 4 days at home this weekend though.
Tracy brought the kids out yesterday afternoon for a visit – it is always so much fun having them here at our house!!
Tonight we had a great dinner with Warren and Cherie (thanks guys), tomorrow a Co-op Board gathering, a quieter Sunday, and Monday back to the race.
I am so excited as this week I received confirmation of a contract with Volunteer Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray. Don’t get all excited I will not being working up there, but rather on a home based project. As part of my contract with Volunteer Alberta, I needed to form a company, and I thought with the approaching end of that contract, I should get in circulation as a consultant. Some day you can check my website – soulutionsbydonna.com – and it will have content! Thanks Lindsay for getting this completed for me!
So January is speeding by and fast approaching is a February full of family birthdays – in order – Cal, Emerson, myself, and Jeremy. Cake and party time!!
Enjoy the rest of the month.
We had a great Christmas break in our home. I was gifted with 2 weeks vacation, which was a pleasant surprise in my contract. And Don was able to be home the whole time. As reported we travelled to Saskatchewan prior to Christmas.
Lindsay and Jeremy were home on the 23rd, and we had some great times. We visited with Warren and Cherie in their home on Christmas Eve, joined by many of their friends we have gotten to know over the years.
Christmas day started out quietly with just the 4 of us adults in the morning, then Tracy, Cal, Blake, Emerson and Reese joined us mid morning!
We all had a fantastic time opening presents and stockings – thank goodness Santa knows where everyone stops that day.
We took the kids skating as the turkey cooked – yes even Grandma and Grandpa! It was Emerson’s first time and he was very proud to move on her own.
Of course there was far too much food. We were happy to have Warren and Cherie join us to help out with that! Lindsay and I got some boxing day shopping in before we headed to the city, first to babysit the kids while Tracy and Cal took in a World Junior game, then later we were off the Rexall Place for the same.
Rather than host a pre-Christmas party this year for friends and family we decided to have a New Years Eve party, of a quieter and smaller nature. Isn’t that just when the best parties happen? LOL. We saw midnight come and go, and had some sleep over guests as well. It was quite a party for these old folks.
Some serious conversation took place, and it appears major decisions were made. (Thanks Eric for the photo)
January 2 came too soon, as Don headed north for his first 12 day shift. Working long days, but not in weather too cold. As it turns out it has been so warm he had to call it quits a couple of days early and colder weather is needed to continue in the northern muskeg. That means he has 4 days at home this weekend though.
Tracy brought the kids out yesterday afternoon for a visit – it is always so much fun having them here at our house!!
Tonight we had a great dinner with Warren and Cherie (thanks guys), tomorrow a Co-op Board gathering, a quieter Sunday, and Monday back to the race.
I am so excited as this week I received confirmation of a contract with Volunteer Wood Buffalo in Fort McMurray. Don’t get all excited I will not being working up there, but rather on a home based project. As part of my contract with Volunteer Alberta, I needed to form a company, and I thought with the approaching end of that contract, I should get in circulation as a consultant. Some day you can check my website – soulutionsbydonna.com – and it will have content! Thanks Lindsay for getting this completed for me!
So January is speeding by and fast approaching is a February full of family birthdays – in order – Cal, Emerson, myself, and Jeremy. Cake and party time!!
Enjoy the rest of the month.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 Review...
Why is it that time keeps flying by so fast? I think I said the same thing last year. So what has happened in 2011?
Don
Donna
Don
- 55 and retired
- Working harder than ever as a consultant BUT planning on some down time February – August 32 year career with the Alberta government
- Enjoying himself
Donna
- Working as a consultant on a 15 month project with Volunteer Alberta
- Contract completed March 31, 2012
- Also planning some down time April – August
- Leased a lake lot to place out fifth wheel at when we don’t feel like pulling it around
- New fence
- New carpet
- New Dodge Journey – bye bye Charger
- Had a fantastic birthday/retirement party for Don
- Had a great week in Laughlin and Vegas
- Had a great week with our whole family at the Maureen Lake cabin
- Doing great
- Tracy and Cal’s family are Blake 4, Emerson 2 and Reese 1
- Lindsay and Jeremy – Ist baby due March 2; bought new home in Fort McMurray
2012 holds lots of plans for travelling and adventure, we will see how that goes. We know we will continue to enjoy and love every minute with the family, and very excited for the new baby!
All the best to everyone!!!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Road Trip to Saskatchewan
The last few years we have been going after Christmas, but Don will be heading north for work on January 2 so we decided to take advantage of us both not working the week prior instead.
On Saturday we headed out and stopped in Battleford to see my mom. We took her out for lunch, where my niece Jen met us. Jen is currently my mom’s roomie, and they make a fabulous pair, supporting each other. Mom fell at work this fall and she is still recuperating, so I am glad that Jen is able to stay with her and help out and just watch over her.
We arrived at mom and dad’s just in time for supper. On Sunday I drove to Prince Albert and had brunch with my sister Ginger and her partner Chris. After brunch I visited a bit longer with Ging at her house and saw Alisa and Sonny.
That same day Ken and Brenda came to visit us in Tisdale and we took mom and dad out for dinner, with Terry joining us.
Monday Don and I spent at Ron and Bev’s place and Tuesday evening I had a fantastic visit with who I call the “Hainstock girls”. There are 4 four girls in the family, two of which I met for coffee. Kathy and I are the same age, and Donna is a few years older. We laughed so much, talking about our families, our kids and life in general. It was so goo to see them.
That was a lot of visiting for a few days, and by Wednesday morning I was happy to be heading home and started preparing in my mind for Christmas to come. All I had left to do when we get home is a small grocery pick up and a bit of wrapping. Can’t wait for Christmas…. We did stop again at my mom’s for a quick perogy break!!
On Saturday we headed out and stopped in Battleford to see my mom. We took her out for lunch, where my niece Jen met us. Jen is currently my mom’s roomie, and they make a fabulous pair, supporting each other. Mom fell at work this fall and she is still recuperating, so I am glad that Jen is able to stay with her and help out and just watch over her.
We arrived at mom and dad’s just in time for supper. On Sunday I drove to Prince Albert and had brunch with my sister Ginger and her partner Chris. After brunch I visited a bit longer with Ging at her house and saw Alisa and Sonny.
That same day Ken and Brenda came to visit us in Tisdale and we took mom and dad out for dinner, with Terry joining us.
Monday Don and I spent at Ron and Bev’s place and Tuesday evening I had a fantastic visit with who I call the “Hainstock girls”. There are 4 four girls in the family, two of which I met for coffee. Kathy and I are the same age, and Donna is a few years older. We laughed so much, talking about our families, our kids and life in general. It was so goo to see them.
That was a lot of visiting for a few days, and by Wednesday morning I was happy to be heading home and started preparing in my mind for Christmas to come. All I had left to do when we get home is a small grocery pick up and a bit of wrapping. Can’t wait for Christmas…. We did stop again at my mom’s for a quick perogy break!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Retirement!
As I had mentioned before Don is/has retired! The girls and I wanted to have a party for him at a small hall or something, but in honour of his retirement and the fact that it was his party – we let him pick. LOL
So we had a great gathering at our house this weekend. Don worked with me on the guest list and it was a perfect mix of people who have been a part of our lives through the years.
I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped us celebrate with Don – Ron and Bev, Jim and Janice, Paul and Mary, Todd and Sharon, Dave and Nadine, Kevin and Rita, Erica and Dion, Stu and Susan, Dean, Ivan and Bruce:) And of course our marvelous family - Tracy, Cal, Blake, Emerson and Reese and Lindsay and Jeremy. We had a great evening of visiting and reminiscing, listening to the “gravel guys” tell their tales, etc.
Don’s company DWS Aggregates Consulting Inc. is bustling as of today, with plans for some work through the winter months. Don keeps telling the contractors that call him he doesn’t want to work full time, but the calls keep coming in. Essentially his immediate future plans are working for DBH Technical Services on a part time basis.
We hope to spend April in the south, as my contract will be completed as of March 31, 2012. There are murmurings that we may be retained on some basis via Volunteer Alberta, but no concrete offers or plans as of yet, so April will be ours!
So we had a great gathering at our house this weekend. Don worked with me on the guest list and it was a perfect mix of people who have been a part of our lives through the years.
I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped us celebrate with Don – Ron and Bev, Jim and Janice, Paul and Mary, Todd and Sharon, Dave and Nadine, Kevin and Rita, Erica and Dion, Stu and Susan, Dean, Ivan and Bruce:) And of course our marvelous family - Tracy, Cal, Blake, Emerson and Reese and Lindsay and Jeremy. We had a great evening of visiting and reminiscing, listening to the “gravel guys” tell their tales, etc.
Don’s company DWS Aggregates Consulting Inc. is bustling as of today, with plans for some work through the winter months. Don keeps telling the contractors that call him he doesn’t want to work full time, but the calls keep coming in. Essentially his immediate future plans are working for DBH Technical Services on a part time basis.
We hope to spend April in the south, as my contract will be completed as of March 31, 2012. There are murmurings that we may be retained on some basis via Volunteer Alberta, but no concrete offers or plans as of yet, so April will be ours!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
I Promised BIG News!
Well here we are with lots of news! Sometimes we have to wait a long time to write and say that, sorry.
Lindsay and Jeremy are having a baby!!
YAY!! It feels different knowing our baby is having a baby! That sounds strange but you know your kids are always kids to you. We can't wait for March, but are also enjoying watching them live through this stage for the first time. All our love and best wishes to them.
The whole family is headed to their new home for Thanksgiving, that means Don and I and Tracy, Cal and the kids. I believe there are also some Fort Mac friends coming for turkey. It will be an awesome weekend!
Announcement number two...
Don is RETIRING!
October 31 is his last day. This concludes 31.5 years of government service. That is a lot of gravel experience! What next? DWS Aggregates Consulting Inc. has been formed for just over a year, and will hopefully fill as much spare time as Don wants it to. He has an opportunity to do some work effective soon, and we will see where the new path in life leads. It has been an extremely busy time getting all the legalities, pension plans, health benefits, accountant appointments, business insurance, etc. dealt with. But we think we are ready... Maybe some more time with family? Maybe more time on the road? We are flexible and excited for wherever this goes.
And the normal news...
We have leased a trailer lot at Lac La Nonne Lake, which s about 40 minutes from home. It is quite a nice spot, and we purchased the existing deck, storage shed and wood shed from the previous tenants. Although it is not our intention to stay there always and not go camping elsewhere, it is a nice option. There are quad trails and you can drive directly from your trailer site, so no hauling. We have spent quite a few nights there, and love it so far. Taking some time to get to know our neighbors has been fun, lots of campfires. My brother and his wife, Warren and Cherie, also have a site there.
We attended Don's nephew Aaron's wedding in Saskatoon. It was a great family time, and Daryl and Aaron make a beautiful couple!
September long weekend saw Don and I headed to one of our favorite areas - Coeur d'alene, Idaho! Farragut State Park was booked for the long weekend, but we made reservations at Tamarack RV Park right in town. This is usually a gamble, as the in town parks are sometimes more long term communities than campgrounds. As it turned out though this time we were lucky. The campground was nice, prices reasonable, and in a quiet part of the city. And Starbucks was within a block!
On Monday we headed to Farragut State Park, which if you've read this blog you know is a favorite spot of ours. We have stayed in the area for a few days at a time, but this week was spent exploring new places we had not taken the time for before, such as the Priest Lake area. We did some shopping but honestly not as much as before. I think we go to the states enough that it wasn't quite as entertaining as it used to be:)
I tried hard not to work but circumstances did not turn out too well, and I ended up almost putting full hours in. Thank goodness Don is a patient person! When I did my September expenses it reminded me how expensive american air time is. Four days off was all I wanted! ARGH. Oh well - better luck next time. My contract expires March 31, 2012 and then travelling can become our own again. Who knows where life will take me?
So as I say good bye this time, lots of new things to think about and ponder. Fall really set in today, the furnace is on in the house finally.
Have a great October everyone. Part of us will be with those friends travelling south this winter, Pat and Walter, Ivan, Ron and Bev...
Lindsay and Jeremy are having a baby!!
YAY!! It feels different knowing our baby is having a baby! That sounds strange but you know your kids are always kids to you. We can't wait for March, but are also enjoying watching them live through this stage for the first time. All our love and best wishes to them.
The whole family is headed to their new home for Thanksgiving, that means Don and I and Tracy, Cal and the kids. I believe there are also some Fort Mac friends coming for turkey. It will be an awesome weekend!
Announcement number two...
Don is RETIRING!
October 31 is his last day. This concludes 31.5 years of government service. That is a lot of gravel experience! What next? DWS Aggregates Consulting Inc. has been formed for just over a year, and will hopefully fill as much spare time as Don wants it to. He has an opportunity to do some work effective soon, and we will see where the new path in life leads. It has been an extremely busy time getting all the legalities, pension plans, health benefits, accountant appointments, business insurance, etc. dealt with. But we think we are ready... Maybe some more time with family? Maybe more time on the road? We are flexible and excited for wherever this goes.
And the normal news...
We have leased a trailer lot at Lac La Nonne Lake, which s about 40 minutes from home. It is quite a nice spot, and we purchased the existing deck, storage shed and wood shed from the previous tenants. Although it is not our intention to stay there always and not go camping elsewhere, it is a nice option. There are quad trails and you can drive directly from your trailer site, so no hauling. We have spent quite a few nights there, and love it so far. Taking some time to get to know our neighbors has been fun, lots of campfires. My brother and his wife, Warren and Cherie, also have a site there.
We attended Don's nephew Aaron's wedding in Saskatoon. It was a great family time, and Daryl and Aaron make a beautiful couple!
September long weekend saw Don and I headed to one of our favorite areas - Coeur d'alene, Idaho! Farragut State Park was booked for the long weekend, but we made reservations at Tamarack RV Park right in town. This is usually a gamble, as the in town parks are sometimes more long term communities than campgrounds. As it turned out though this time we were lucky. The campground was nice, prices reasonable, and in a quiet part of the city. And Starbucks was within a block!
On Monday we headed to Farragut State Park, which if you've read this blog you know is a favorite spot of ours. We have stayed in the area for a few days at a time, but this week was spent exploring new places we had not taken the time for before, such as the Priest Lake area. We did some shopping but honestly not as much as before. I think we go to the states enough that it wasn't quite as entertaining as it used to be:)
I tried hard not to work but circumstances did not turn out too well, and I ended up almost putting full hours in. Thank goodness Don is a patient person! When I did my September expenses it reminded me how expensive american air time is. Four days off was all I wanted! ARGH. Oh well - better luck next time. My contract expires March 31, 2012 and then travelling can become our own again. Who knows where life will take me?
So as I say good bye this time, lots of new things to think about and ponder. Fall really set in today, the furnace is on in the house finally.
Have a great October everyone. Part of us will be with those friends travelling south this winter, Pat and Walter, Ivan, Ron and Bev...
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