During this time of the year there seems to be an increase in phone calls and emails asking for donations for food, toys, gifts, or time. There are ads on TV and Red Kettle Bell Ringers on every street corner. It is easy to find a worthy cause to give too. These agencies put themselves out there and ask for help. They ask because they know that if they don't ask they will never receive!
A friend of mine decided to adopt a family for Christmas. She has a list of things they needed from furniture to toys. The family had nothing and needed basic things.
Now, my friend could have tried to find all of the things by herself and in fact she did have a number of items, but then an email came "I need your help!"
Within a matter of hours there were 20 - 30 people working on finding all the things on the list. Working angles and leads to find bunk beds and winter boats. Going to clothing stores, picking up groceries, and searching classified ads to make sure everything on the list was covered!
People on the original email sent it to others and all of a sudden new dolls and blankets were arriving. Children's Books and baby clothes came by the box load! All because one person asked for help!
During the holiday season it is always easy to find a way to give back, to answer the call of a friend asking for help. Maybe you have a need? Maybe you know of someone who has a need? What will you do? Will you try and take care of it all yourself, or will you ask?
If you never ask, you will never receive!
What is your need? What is your wish? What is your dream? Ask and you shall receive!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Wrought Life
Reality has set in. I am back to work, back to comfortable life, and back to just being.
As I have been reacquainting myself to my life after vacation the word tractable came to me today. It was my daily calendar ‘word of the day’. The word tractable means “easily handled, managed, or wrought”. I know what handled and managed were, but throwing in wrought seemed like a curve ball.
So I looked up the synonyms for wrought. The first one on the list was shaped, next fashioned, formed and created. Hum…so easily handled and managed to me don’t always mean formed or created in fact forming and creating is always harder to do then comfortably handling and managing things.
I reflected on the word and as I did it came to me that I really don’t want to have a life that is easily handled or managed! I really do want a life that is formed and created – In fact I do want a wrought life!
Since my vacation I have become acutely aware of how much time goes by that could be spent forming and creating. Maybe this is because my senses are still on high alert, but maybe it is also because I met kids in their 20’s traveling along, building schools in Africa in their free time or seeing the world for what they can do while in it NOT what the world can do for them!
There was a sense of wrought in them, a sense that they could create their future and form the outcomes of their lives. I knew they were special just by how they choose to create themselves. It fit perfectly with the saying ‘Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself’.
So today I pledge an even stronger oath to myself and those around me to have a wrought life. I pledge to shape my future to be more then easily handled and managed. To shape, create, form and fashion my life around my passions and opportunities!
Today is a new day, a day to move from comfort into wrought. A day dedicated to inspire and dream. A day dedicated to starting my future rather than wait for it.
May you all have a wrought life!
As I have been reacquainting myself to my life after vacation the word tractable came to me today. It was my daily calendar ‘word of the day’. The word tractable means “easily handled, managed, or wrought”. I know what handled and managed were, but throwing in wrought seemed like a curve ball.
So I looked up the synonyms for wrought. The first one on the list was shaped, next fashioned, formed and created. Hum…so easily handled and managed to me don’t always mean formed or created in fact forming and creating is always harder to do then comfortably handling and managing things.
I reflected on the word and as I did it came to me that I really don’t want to have a life that is easily handled or managed! I really do want a life that is formed and created – In fact I do want a wrought life!
Since my vacation I have become acutely aware of how much time goes by that could be spent forming and creating. Maybe this is because my senses are still on high alert, but maybe it is also because I met kids in their 20’s traveling along, building schools in Africa in their free time or seeing the world for what they can do while in it NOT what the world can do for them!
There was a sense of wrought in them, a sense that they could create their future and form the outcomes of their lives. I knew they were special just by how they choose to create themselves. It fit perfectly with the saying ‘Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself’.
So today I pledge an even stronger oath to myself and those around me to have a wrought life. I pledge to shape my future to be more then easily handled and managed. To shape, create, form and fashion my life around my passions and opportunities!
Today is a new day, a day to move from comfort into wrought. A day dedicated to inspire and dream. A day dedicated to starting my future rather than wait for it.
May you all have a wrought life!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The Great White Bear Tour - Journal
If you would like to read about the Polar Bear Trip, please see Journal at http://www.mycoffeematters.com/tripjournals.html
To Find or Create?
It has been fun writing this blog as so many of you have given me ideas to write about. It isn't the ideas that excites me as much as having kindred spirits paying attention to people, places, signs, and the world around them.
Yesterday I got a picture of a saying, from my brother, that read:
I cannot count the times I have heard "I need to find myself" or "I need to leave to find myself" or "If only I could find myself"!
People spend so much time and money trying to find themselves it can get pretty crazy. Like they are lost or something. They spend so much time trying to 'find' themselves they forget to love, to create, to live.
If you want to find yourself, look in a mirror. You are right there and congratulations you have found yourself! Now, the fun part comes--creating!
What does creating yourself mean? It means to become the person you want to be. It means to live the life you dream about. It means to do the things that you imagine yourself doing. No excuses, no limits and no mirrors! Creating ourselves starts with understanding your goals and your passions and putting them to action!
You can wander around trying to find yourself, or you can look in the mirror and began to create the real you!
What is your creative plan for yourself? What do you dream about? What do you imagine yourself being? What does your heart say?
Life is about creating yourself. Every day, every interaction, every job, every thought, every dream, and every action. Begin again and Create! Create Yourself!
Yesterday I got a picture of a saying, from my brother, that read:
Life isn't about Finding yourself. Life is about Creating yourself!
I cannot count the times I have heard "I need to find myself" or "I need to leave to find myself" or "If only I could find myself"!
People spend so much time and money trying to find themselves it can get pretty crazy. Like they are lost or something. They spend so much time trying to 'find' themselves they forget to love, to create, to live.
If you want to find yourself, look in a mirror. You are right there and congratulations you have found yourself! Now, the fun part comes--creating!
What does creating yourself mean? It means to become the person you want to be. It means to live the life you dream about. It means to do the things that you imagine yourself doing. No excuses, no limits and no mirrors! Creating ourselves starts with understanding your goals and your passions and putting them to action!
You can wander around trying to find yourself, or you can look in the mirror and began to create the real you!
What is your creative plan for yourself? What do you dream about? What do you imagine yourself being? What does your heart say?
Life is about creating yourself. Every day, every interaction, every job, every thought, every dream, and every action. Begin again and Create! Create Yourself!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
A Great Horned Owl
So the Churchill Trip has really got my senses on high alert. I thought culverts covered with snow were bear holes driving home and every time I see a Charlie Brown tree I think I am in the Tundra.
Last night after dinner we were all sitting around chatting and someone noticed a big bird sitting on the neighbors roof. Now I have heard Owls around here, but never expected to see one 40 yards away, sitting on the neighbors roof.
It was a Great Horned Owl, so very big. It sat there for a while until, of course, we tried to take a picture and off it went. I guess they don't like their picture taken!
There is just so much to see if I just pay attention. If I can keep my senses aware and focused the world becomes alive. Blue Jays flying everywhere! An Owl on the Roof! Rabbit tracks and Sparrows. I love the fact that I see everything right now.
Become aware and watch for everything. You may surprise yourself on what you will see!
Last night after dinner we were all sitting around chatting and someone noticed a big bird sitting on the neighbors roof. Now I have heard Owls around here, but never expected to see one 40 yards away, sitting on the neighbors roof.
It was a Great Horned Owl, so very big. It sat there for a while until, of course, we tried to take a picture and off it went. I guess they don't like their picture taken!
There is just so much to see if I just pay attention. If I can keep my senses aware and focused the world becomes alive. Blue Jays flying everywhere! An Owl on the Roof! Rabbit tracks and Sparrows. I love the fact that I see everything right now.
Become aware and watch for everything. You may surprise yourself on what you will see!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Black Friday or Hope Friday?
After writing my blog this morning I turned on the TV. It is cleaning day and I wanted to watch a Christmas
Special. There were a number of them on, but I got so tired of the Black Friday ads I had to turn the TV off and try the radio. No difference...ads galore so now it is CD's, I know I will not get an ad there.
I started thinking about what Black Friday is all about and how many of these hours could be used to help.
I don't believe much in Black Friday as it shows the greed in many of us. What if Black Friday were a day to reach out to someone in need and give them Hope. What about Hope Friday?
Hope Friday - when everyone gets up at 3am and stands in line to give blood or waits for the doors to open at a food shelter to help serve or sleeps in front of the doors of an elderly home who has no one who cares. What if Black Friday was Hope Friday?
There are many that can't and don't have hope or even can see a spark of hope. Kids on the street or elderly in a home. Each waiting for someone to make a difference in their lives. Each hoping for a chance at happiness. For a day or a lifetime.
Hope Friday - now there is something to plan and get excited about!
Special. There were a number of them on, but I got so tired of the Black Friday ads I had to turn the TV off and try the radio. No difference...ads galore so now it is CD's, I know I will not get an ad there.
I started thinking about what Black Friday is all about and how many of these hours could be used to help.
I don't believe much in Black Friday as it shows the greed in many of us. What if Black Friday were a day to reach out to someone in need and give them Hope. What about Hope Friday?
Hope Friday - when everyone gets up at 3am and stands in line to give blood or waits for the doors to open at a food shelter to help serve or sleeps in front of the doors of an elderly home who has no one who cares. What if Black Friday was Hope Friday?
There are many that can't and don't have hope or even can see a spark of hope. Kids on the street or elderly in a home. Each waiting for someone to make a difference in their lives. Each hoping for a chance at happiness. For a day or a lifetime.
Hope Friday - now there is something to plan and get excited about!
A Belated Thanksgiving Happy!
Well I am back in the Cities after my 12 day adventure in Churchill Manitoba. I wasn't able to post as much as I would have liked, but I am putting together a little journal book that I will share with you all on the front page of the blog. If you care to read about all the daily happenings, it will be posted there....hopefully by tomorrow.
So, what could be better then pictures and blogging/journals? How about videos of bears! Yes, I have them! I haven't figured out how to get them off the camera, but that is another task to do today.
Before I do that though I wanted to wish everyone a belated thanksgiving happy!
Yes, you read it right. I am sure we all say "Happy Thanksgiving" to friends, family and even strangers. I wondered yesterday if I was Happy that it was Thanksgiving or if I was thankful to be happy?
I decided I was thankful to be happy, healthy, and alive. Oh this year has so many thankful moments and I could list 20-30 off without even thinking about it. But did you every think about being thankful you are happy or thankful that you have a choice to be happy?
So be thankful you have the choice to be happy!
So, what could be better then pictures and blogging/journals? How about videos of bears! Yes, I have them! I haven't figured out how to get them off the camera, but that is another task to do today.
Before I do that though I wanted to wish everyone a belated thanksgiving happy!
Yes, you read it right. I am sure we all say "Happy Thanksgiving" to friends, family and even strangers. I wondered yesterday if I was Happy that it was Thanksgiving or if I was thankful to be happy?
I decided I was thankful to be happy, healthy, and alive. Oh this year has so many thankful moments and I could list 20-30 off without even thinking about it. But did you every think about being thankful you are happy or thankful that you have a choice to be happy?
So be thankful you have the choice to be happy!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
More pictures from the trip
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/view.sfly?fid=3f93292e572072776cbbd47cbb382743
I uploaded more pictures to shutter fly tonight so take a look.
Blog posts to follow
I uploaded more pictures to shutter fly tonight so take a look.
Blog posts to follow
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 5 November 16 - Arrival into Churchill
Tuesday, November 16
It was a harder night sleeping last night but time went fast. It is now 5:45 am and the train guy just came by and said "30 minutes to Churchill, 30 minutes to Churchill". Whoa the train is going to be early by 30 minutes!
It is still pitch black out but as the train begins to back into Churchill the lights of the town become visible. It is maybe 5 miles away or less.
I can see snow outside and the outline of trees but it is to dark to see much more. Looks like a lot of rabbit tracks in the snow, but that is about all i can see.
The train car has come alive with activity. Everyone is packing up their carry on bags and making sure they have everything. The train is going forward again after a track change so we must not back into Churchill. Okay going backwards again and a little faster and the towns lights are getting closer on the left side of the train.
I am not sure what to do first as it is to early to check into the hotel so we'll have to waste a few hours before we head over there. Maybe we can at least leave our bags there while we wait.
I talked to the rail lady that helped get the luggage off the train; all luggage arrived with the train, and she said the train usually gets in around 9am so this was unusual. As we talked her phone rang and it scared her as she had just gotten it. She said she was the 99th person in Churchill to get a phone. The town has around 600 people so it isn't like the States.
We decided to take a taxi to the hotel, even with it being only a few blocks away, with the snow and the luggage it was worth the $8 to have the cab take us here.
7:30
We dropped our bags off at the Polar Inn and the room was not ready yet so we decided to go and have breakfast.
Breakfast at the Seaport Lodge and Cafe which is less then a block from the Polar Inn. Eggs,toast, potatoes and sausage was what Dad and I had and Mom had Eggs Benedict. Is was good and the price very good at around $6.50 a piece.
After breakfast we walked Southdown Kelsey street to the Great White Bear Tour to check in for the next two days of tours. The owner said that this was the last week of tours as the bears will soon be out on the ice and not back until July.
She had a lot of good information. Dress in layers as the buggy rides are warm, but the viewing patio will be cold. She said that yesterday they saw over 30 bears and moms with cubs, so it should be a great last week of tours.
She was a retired school teacher from Winnipeg and they retired in Churchill after a visit here. She said the bears are everywhere in town now so be very careful. Last night one broke into a house in town and came right through the living room window!
She said it is pretty safe in town but stay away from the bay as well as the river. The shop had a lot of souvenirs and I will have to stop back as the prices seemed good.
So we checked in and went outside and Dad said that he just heard shots, which means there is a bear in town. Pop pop and a number of trucks go speeding north towards the bay area.
As we walked back we say a lady walking two beautiful Newfoundland dogs.huge animals. As we approached i asked if they were friendly and she said, "wait for them to come to you as you look big to them and they would attack. We all stood still and within seconds they trot over to us. Friendly huge dogs.
The owner was flying out today for a month in Toronto to see her kid so she was taking them for a walk. They each weighed around 175 pounds so four times as big as Brandy. Just big and furry dogs. I loved them. The owner got them to sit pretty and Mom took a picture.
Everyone in town has been so friendly and saying hi or ey!
We tried to go to the store but that doesn't open until 10am so back to the hotel to wait for our room. We found out that we can keep our room until 6pm so we don't have to worry about where to put our luggage before the train leaves on Saturday. This will be good.
So we wait. Mom is playing solitaire and Dad is reading about polar bears. This really is a trip of a lifetime and I am so excited to go and see the bears tomorrow.
It was a harder night sleeping last night but time went fast. It is now 5:45 am and the train guy just came by and said "30 minutes to Churchill, 30 minutes to Churchill". Whoa the train is going to be early by 30 minutes!
It is still pitch black out but as the train begins to back into Churchill the lights of the town become visible. It is maybe 5 miles away or less.
I can see snow outside and the outline of trees but it is to dark to see much more. Looks like a lot of rabbit tracks in the snow, but that is about all i can see.
The train car has come alive with activity. Everyone is packing up their carry on bags and making sure they have everything. The train is going forward again after a track change so we must not back into Churchill. Okay going backwards again and a little faster and the towns lights are getting closer on the left side of the train.
I am not sure what to do first as it is to early to check into the hotel so we'll have to waste a few hours before we head over there. Maybe we can at least leave our bags there while we wait.
I talked to the rail lady that helped get the luggage off the train; all luggage arrived with the train, and she said the train usually gets in around 9am so this was unusual. As we talked her phone rang and it scared her as she had just gotten it. She said she was the 99th person in Churchill to get a phone. The town has around 600 people so it isn't like the States.
We decided to take a taxi to the hotel, even with it being only a few blocks away, with the snow and the luggage it was worth the $8 to have the cab take us here.
7:30
We dropped our bags off at the Polar Inn and the room was not ready yet so we decided to go and have breakfast.
Breakfast at the Seaport Lodge and Cafe which is less then a block from the Polar Inn. Eggs,toast, potatoes and sausage was what Dad and I had and Mom had Eggs Benedict. Is was good and the price very good at around $6.50 a piece.
After breakfast we walked Southdown Kelsey street to the Great White Bear Tour to check in for the next two days of tours. The owner said that this was the last week of tours as the bears will soon be out on the ice and not back until July.
She had a lot of good information. Dress in layers as the buggy rides are warm, but the viewing patio will be cold. She said that yesterday they saw over 30 bears and moms with cubs, so it should be a great last week of tours.
She was a retired school teacher from Winnipeg and they retired in Churchill after a visit here. She said the bears are everywhere in town now so be very careful. Last night one broke into a house in town and came right through the living room window!
She said it is pretty safe in town but stay away from the bay as well as the river. The shop had a lot of souvenirs and I will have to stop back as the prices seemed good.
So we checked in and went outside and Dad said that he just heard shots, which means there is a bear in town. Pop pop and a number of trucks go speeding north towards the bay area.
As we walked back we say a lady walking two beautiful Newfoundland dogs.huge animals. As we approached i asked if they were friendly and she said, "wait for them to come to you as you look big to them and they would attack. We all stood still and within seconds they trot over to us. Friendly huge dogs.
The owner was flying out today for a month in Toronto to see her kid so she was taking them for a walk. They each weighed around 175 pounds so four times as big as Brandy. Just big and furry dogs. I loved them. The owner got them to sit pretty and Mom took a picture.
Everyone in town has been so friendly and saying hi or ey!
We tried to go to the store but that doesn't open until 10am so back to the hotel to wait for our room. We found out that we can keep our room until 6pm so we don't have to worry about where to put our luggage before the train leaves on Saturday. This will be good.
So we wait. Mom is playing solitaire and Dad is reading about polar bears. This really is a trip of a lifetime and I am so excited to go and see the bears tomorrow.
Day 4 November 15 train ride
Monday November 15, 2010
I don't have a lot of service areas now so wanted to send an email when I can.
Last night was the first "try to sleep on e train" night. It is not a smooth train like the one in Germany...it reminded me of trying to sleep on a roller coaster.. A moving roller coaster. Throw in a train whistle at ever road and you have quite the fun time.
They dim the lights around 7pm and now I understand why as it took 12 hours of trying to sleep to get 3 or 4 hours of sleep. But I will say that I did actually sleep.
I woke up at 2:30am as the train stopped and we were in La Pas. I didn't get out, but Dad did and said it was so nice. I woke up again around 4am as the train stopped and started backing up. A little bit later it started going forward again.
It is now 7am and although the sun is not up I can see lots of trees and snow from the window. Our next big stop is Thompson but I don't knowhow far that is. It is an 18 hour train ride from Thompson to Churchill so judging from the time that would make Thompson around 6 hours away.
Mom and Dad just went to breakfast. They have blueberry pancakes on the menu...so Mom reported. I decided not to eat this morning as it seems like all we are doing is eating and sleeping. I have a hot cup of coffee so i am set.
I was going to take a shower on the train, just to say i did, but I will have to do that on the return route. I found it today so I better use it.
I am beginning to see more outside as it is getting a little lighter out. There are electrical poles along the track that are not placed in the ground rather propped up by three other poles, teepee style. I just heard the horn again so another road ahead. They are becoming few and far between.
The trees look like a Minnesota Christmas Card. Pine trees full of snow. This could be the start of the Boreal Forest area, so i will get my map out and confirm. There is a small stream that the train seems to be following. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like open water maybe three feet wide. Every once in a while you see it cut through the trees. I can't imagine that it is not frozen, but so far it looks like an open stream.
I can't wait for the light as it is a pretty weird feeling looking out both sides of the trainu and seeing pine trees so close. It is like they cut a path just big enough for the train to get through.
Mom just came back and said the reason why the train is going so slow. I guess we are going through permafrost. It is like a frozen peat bog. So the ground is very unstable. I would think we should go 90 miles an hour to get through it, but I guess that is why I am not a train engineer.
Okay now I can see more, 7:40am. Yes in deed there is an open water stream flowing next to the tracks. It actually is very interesting landscape with pine trees and a scattering of poplar and it looks like bog grass. The train is maybe going 5 or 6 miles an hour so you can really see what permafrost looks like and is.
I do see a signal tower ahead so it must be a town coming up. Oh to the left, two black birds in a tree. Okay, now a lot of blackbirds in trees. A little Hitchcock around here. Another interesting thing, electrical poles have no lines running on them. Just the pole and glass caps. I see lights ahead so if we stop i will get out and take a picture or two.
We have a town. Silver leaf hotel in Wabowden. It doesn't look like we are stopping and all of a sudden the train is picking up speed. Houses and trailers are scattered throughout the tees and i can see a pretty good size lake as well.
8:15am
It is full light now. No sun but with the snow covered ground it is bright out. The trees have become very thick Noe and every clearing is now a frozen lake. The stream is still open along the tracks, but everything else looks a little frozen, okay a lot frozen.
9:10am
We are stopped at some little town to let people on.. All of a sudden there are four wheelers and snow mobiles galore. Where did they come from? Three dogs are chasing around as see another guy come walking down the little road with his dog. The town is called Thicket Forest.
The lady and kid that got on in La Pas last night are now getting off. Looks like one of the snow mobiles is for them.as quickly as the atvs and snowmobiles came they are gone and the train begins to move forward again.
11:15am
We are in Thompson, or at the train rail station. We had heard that we have to back into town, but we didn't. It is snow covered and none of the streets are plowed so pick-ups everywhere.
11:30am
Mom and I head to town. We have until 1 pm so we walk fast. Town is about 5 blocks from the train station and after going over the small hill the town shows up. First is The University of the North. It is a branch of the University of Winnipeg and the farthest northern university in Manitoba. Next a stop light and car dealerships - Ford and Chrysler. Turn to the left and you have a lumber yard and to the right the City Centre Mall.
We walk towards the mall looking for a gift shop to get something from from Thompson. There is an Arctic Trading Company but only sweatshirts that have Thompson on it. We walk out and what to my wandering eyes would appear but a Wal-Mart! They are seriously everywhere. But wait there's more...a McDonalds and a Starbucks also are in the mall. Crazy!
Mom buys some more yarn and chocolate for Dad and off we go. We find a Safeway next so we pick up some grapes, bananas, cokes, and a couple cans of cherries. Mom says cherries help her legs settle down so she will be eating cherries tonight.
It is now 12:30 and rather then chance missing the train there is a line of taxis waiting to take us all back to the train. $6 forge ride and we are back within minutes.
The restrooms at the train stations are nice and as Dad says " they don't move so his aim is better." I see they have a hand dryer so i quickly wash my hair in the sink and blow dry it. It feels good to get it curly again.
Temperatures? Not bad. I didn't wear gloves and it was fine so maybe 30 degrees out or so.
1pm sharp
Train is on a roll again! We just went backwards for about five minutes and now are stopped. Okay going backwards again and a little faster. Maybe we back out of Thompson rather than back in?
Seems like all the new friends are back on the train so no one looks missing. We have a few more new people on the train but still not crowded at all. The train is now to the Y on the track so I think we are now at the end of the backing up. You can hear the tracks being changed and the train hits it.going straight again so thinking we will stay to the right now...on the tracks again and sure enough, moving forward.
There is one more stop before Churchill and that is the town of Gilman. There is no Internet service out here, but I keep trying. Between here and Gilman and Gilman and Churchill is a shattering of small dots on the track. They are the Inuit villages so it will be a different experience.
The train is now stopped as one of the men got off to switch the tracks is now getting on in the back and off we go again.
The area is still full of pine and birch trees and little rivers or lakes along the way. One interesting thing is the slabs of ice stuck on trees maybe 2 or 3 feet up on the tree trunks. It looks like the water was high, froze and then the water went down and left slabs of ice attached to the trees.
We have 17 hours to go and I am looking forward to waking up in the Arctic Tundra. Will stay up as long as I can at least while there is light out.
2:30pm
Not a lotto report. The train goes fast and then slows down to let a train pickup truck pass and then off it goes again. I got Dad playing checkered on e iPad and some bowling. Will probably need to play some three handed pinochle tonight before bed and after dinner.
3:21pm
We arrive in the small village of Pikwitonei and most of the folks we picked uo in Thompson are feting off. The town has five or six buildings and a number of houses. It is on a river so a few boats are sitting on the banks as well.
We were able to get off the train for a few minutes while the locals got off and unloaded their supplies. A snowmobile with a plastic sled loaded some boxes as well as a few pickup trucks. There are three dogs that are greeting the locals and after a few minutes to off load, the train is on it's way again.
It is starting to snow now but I am surprised at how warm it feels out. This is the first snow I have seen this year and it is good. We are still surrounded by pine trees. Jack pines but the poplar and birch are no longer standing along side them. It looks like few ash trees are sitting closest to the tracks but 99% are pine.
The landscape is starting to be more hilly and the trees much smaller. It looks like many of the trees have fallen like toothpicks in a stack. There are small towns every few miles now so we maybe picking up more or dropping off a few.we will have to wait and see.
As quickly as it started to snow it has stopped, but the sky is still different shades of grey like it is waiting and wanting to snow. The weirdest feeling so far on the train is when we take corners. It feels like the cars are tilting to one side and out the window you can see the engine cars.
The jack pines are poles here. It really is a baron land. If you ever wanted totally remove yourself from civilization, this would be the place.
The train horn no longer blows as there are no roads anywhere to be found. It seemed when we left Winnipeg the horn was blowing every few seconds, but today I think I have heard it may three times in 9 hours.
I keep a watch out for animals - moose, deer, fox, rabbit, elk or anything else. I see a ton of tracks, but nothing moving. Most of the tracks look like rabbit and deer and have small paths that run in and out of the thicket. With only an hour or so left of daylight I hope to see a little more before the night sets in.
4:40pm
Well night set in. I am amazed how instantly dark it gets out here. Maybe 10 minutes from sunset to pitch black.
We had dinner at 5pm. I had Polaco and Mom and Dad had the Salmon and Rice. For dessert a little chocolate ice cream and strawberry shortcake. Mom said the shortcake didn't taste like hers, but it was still very very good. We had the grouchy train guy again. He doesn't take a joke at all. We figured he was a year and a half to retirement so he is just here to buy his time. I will never understand buying time, if that is what he is doing. I also don't understand being in the service industry if you don't like to be friendly. No one knows his story so maybe he stubbed his toe or something.
We have two more stops, planned stops, before we head straight into the Tundra town of Churchill. One at about 6:30 and the other is Gillam, the last official town before Churchill. I need to at least go outside and step on the ground to say I have.
Interesting fact: the train changed it's horn a few years back in Canada to a higher pitched sound. Why? Well the old horn sounded very similar to a bull moose call so when the train would give a toot, the moose would come a running. Ended up to be to many along or on the railroad tracks, so they changed horns.
Just had a stop in Hilman where more people got off with supplies and a few more got on. As we were standing outside one of the train engineers was there and he said that in a month or so the locals will not use the train anymore as the rivers will be frozen 3-4 feet thick and they drive on the ice up or down to bigger towns. He also said that they have a Large Fishing Derby up here that everyone comes out for. I asked what they caught up here and he said big Northern Pike.
Also, Dad asked him what was the problem with the grouchy guy who serves in the dining car and he said " oh him, he is lazy. He doesn't want to ever do anything!" I guess bad attitudes are seen by guest as well as colleagues.
Dad also asked how cold it gets up here and he said it was to warm now, but by Thursday windchill is suppose to be -40 so that will make for some good ice.
6:30pm
Train is on the move again. Next stop is Gillam, MB. It will be the last stop for the night until we reach Churchill in the morning. Train will be a little late, but maybe an hour or two at the most.
8:30pm
The train has just left it's last stop until Churchill, Gillam MB. Another small-town but right across from the depot was the Canadian Mounty Legion. Dad has been talking about the Legion in Churchill since he found out there was one. He even brought a hat from the McIntosh Legion to give to them.
Well now starts another night of trying to get comfortable and sleep on a moving train. There should be no horns tonight as the last of the roads are behind us know, so we listen to the click a de clack of the train as it makes it's way northeast 500 miles or so.
Looking out the window I see more pine trees. I do not believe that will be the case in 10 hours when I get up.
Very strange to see an electrical plant out here. Not a small one either, it is huge and lights up the sky. As quickly as it was here it is now gone. It seems a lot quieter tonight as the rails aren't clanking hardly at all. I can tell that they turned the heat up. Whoa. Nice and toasty.
Okay, time to head to the bathroom now that we are out of town and get comfortable for the night.
I don't have a lot of service areas now so wanted to send an email when I can.
Last night was the first "try to sleep on e train" night. It is not a smooth train like the one in Germany...it reminded me of trying to sleep on a roller coaster.. A moving roller coaster. Throw in a train whistle at ever road and you have quite the fun time.
They dim the lights around 7pm and now I understand why as it took 12 hours of trying to sleep to get 3 or 4 hours of sleep. But I will say that I did actually sleep.
I woke up at 2:30am as the train stopped and we were in La Pas. I didn't get out, but Dad did and said it was so nice. I woke up again around 4am as the train stopped and started backing up. A little bit later it started going forward again.
It is now 7am and although the sun is not up I can see lots of trees and snow from the window. Our next big stop is Thompson but I don't knowhow far that is. It is an 18 hour train ride from Thompson to Churchill so judging from the time that would make Thompson around 6 hours away.
Mom and Dad just went to breakfast. They have blueberry pancakes on the menu...so Mom reported. I decided not to eat this morning as it seems like all we are doing is eating and sleeping. I have a hot cup of coffee so i am set.
I was going to take a shower on the train, just to say i did, but I will have to do that on the return route. I found it today so I better use it.
I am beginning to see more outside as it is getting a little lighter out. There are electrical poles along the track that are not placed in the ground rather propped up by three other poles, teepee style. I just heard the horn again so another road ahead. They are becoming few and far between.
The trees look like a Minnesota Christmas Card. Pine trees full of snow. This could be the start of the Boreal Forest area, so i will get my map out and confirm. There is a small stream that the train seems to be following. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like open water maybe three feet wide. Every once in a while you see it cut through the trees. I can't imagine that it is not frozen, but so far it looks like an open stream.
I can't wait for the light as it is a pretty weird feeling looking out both sides of the trainu and seeing pine trees so close. It is like they cut a path just big enough for the train to get through.
Mom just came back and said the reason why the train is going so slow. I guess we are going through permafrost. It is like a frozen peat bog. So the ground is very unstable. I would think we should go 90 miles an hour to get through it, but I guess that is why I am not a train engineer.
Okay now I can see more, 7:40am. Yes in deed there is an open water stream flowing next to the tracks. It actually is very interesting landscape with pine trees and a scattering of poplar and it looks like bog grass. The train is maybe going 5 or 6 miles an hour so you can really see what permafrost looks like and is.
I do see a signal tower ahead so it must be a town coming up. Oh to the left, two black birds in a tree. Okay, now a lot of blackbirds in trees. A little Hitchcock around here. Another interesting thing, electrical poles have no lines running on them. Just the pole and glass caps. I see lights ahead so if we stop i will get out and take a picture or two.
We have a town. Silver leaf hotel in Wabowden. It doesn't look like we are stopping and all of a sudden the train is picking up speed. Houses and trailers are scattered throughout the tees and i can see a pretty good size lake as well.
8:15am
It is full light now. No sun but with the snow covered ground it is bright out. The trees have become very thick Noe and every clearing is now a frozen lake. The stream is still open along the tracks, but everything else looks a little frozen, okay a lot frozen.
9:10am
We are stopped at some little town to let people on.. All of a sudden there are four wheelers and snow mobiles galore. Where did they come from? Three dogs are chasing around as see another guy come walking down the little road with his dog. The town is called Thicket Forest.
The lady and kid that got on in La Pas last night are now getting off. Looks like one of the snow mobiles is for them.as quickly as the atvs and snowmobiles came they are gone and the train begins to move forward again.
11:15am
We are in Thompson, or at the train rail station. We had heard that we have to back into town, but we didn't. It is snow covered and none of the streets are plowed so pick-ups everywhere.
11:30am
Mom and I head to town. We have until 1 pm so we walk fast. Town is about 5 blocks from the train station and after going over the small hill the town shows up. First is The University of the North. It is a branch of the University of Winnipeg and the farthest northern university in Manitoba. Next a stop light and car dealerships - Ford and Chrysler. Turn to the left and you have a lumber yard and to the right the City Centre Mall.
We walk towards the mall looking for a gift shop to get something from from Thompson. There is an Arctic Trading Company but only sweatshirts that have Thompson on it. We walk out and what to my wandering eyes would appear but a Wal-Mart! They are seriously everywhere. But wait there's more...a McDonalds and a Starbucks also are in the mall. Crazy!
Mom buys some more yarn and chocolate for Dad and off we go. We find a Safeway next so we pick up some grapes, bananas, cokes, and a couple cans of cherries. Mom says cherries help her legs settle down so she will be eating cherries tonight.
It is now 12:30 and rather then chance missing the train there is a line of taxis waiting to take us all back to the train. $6 forge ride and we are back within minutes.
The restrooms at the train stations are nice and as Dad says " they don't move so his aim is better." I see they have a hand dryer so i quickly wash my hair in the sink and blow dry it. It feels good to get it curly again.
Temperatures? Not bad. I didn't wear gloves and it was fine so maybe 30 degrees out or so.
1pm sharp
Train is on a roll again! We just went backwards for about five minutes and now are stopped. Okay going backwards again and a little faster. Maybe we back out of Thompson rather than back in?
Seems like all the new friends are back on the train so no one looks missing. We have a few more new people on the train but still not crowded at all. The train is now to the Y on the track so I think we are now at the end of the backing up. You can hear the tracks being changed and the train hits it.going straight again so thinking we will stay to the right now...on the tracks again and sure enough, moving forward.
There is one more stop before Churchill and that is the town of Gilman. There is no Internet service out here, but I keep trying. Between here and Gilman and Gilman and Churchill is a shattering of small dots on the track. They are the Inuit villages so it will be a different experience.
The train is now stopped as one of the men got off to switch the tracks is now getting on in the back and off we go again.
The area is still full of pine and birch trees and little rivers or lakes along the way. One interesting thing is the slabs of ice stuck on trees maybe 2 or 3 feet up on the tree trunks. It looks like the water was high, froze and then the water went down and left slabs of ice attached to the trees.
We have 17 hours to go and I am looking forward to waking up in the Arctic Tundra. Will stay up as long as I can at least while there is light out.
2:30pm
Not a lotto report. The train goes fast and then slows down to let a train pickup truck pass and then off it goes again. I got Dad playing checkered on e iPad and some bowling. Will probably need to play some three handed pinochle tonight before bed and after dinner.
3:21pm
We arrive in the small village of Pikwitonei and most of the folks we picked uo in Thompson are feting off. The town has five or six buildings and a number of houses. It is on a river so a few boats are sitting on the banks as well.
We were able to get off the train for a few minutes while the locals got off and unloaded their supplies. A snowmobile with a plastic sled loaded some boxes as well as a few pickup trucks. There are three dogs that are greeting the locals and after a few minutes to off load, the train is on it's way again.
It is starting to snow now but I am surprised at how warm it feels out. This is the first snow I have seen this year and it is good. We are still surrounded by pine trees. Jack pines but the poplar and birch are no longer standing along side them. It looks like few ash trees are sitting closest to the tracks but 99% are pine.
The landscape is starting to be more hilly and the trees much smaller. It looks like many of the trees have fallen like toothpicks in a stack. There are small towns every few miles now so we maybe picking up more or dropping off a few.we will have to wait and see.
As quickly as it started to snow it has stopped, but the sky is still different shades of grey like it is waiting and wanting to snow. The weirdest feeling so far on the train is when we take corners. It feels like the cars are tilting to one side and out the window you can see the engine cars.
The jack pines are poles here. It really is a baron land. If you ever wanted totally remove yourself from civilization, this would be the place.
The train horn no longer blows as there are no roads anywhere to be found. It seemed when we left Winnipeg the horn was blowing every few seconds, but today I think I have heard it may three times in 9 hours.
I keep a watch out for animals - moose, deer, fox, rabbit, elk or anything else. I see a ton of tracks, but nothing moving. Most of the tracks look like rabbit and deer and have small paths that run in and out of the thicket. With only an hour or so left of daylight I hope to see a little more before the night sets in.
4:40pm
Well night set in. I am amazed how instantly dark it gets out here. Maybe 10 minutes from sunset to pitch black.
We had dinner at 5pm. I had Polaco and Mom and Dad had the Salmon and Rice. For dessert a little chocolate ice cream and strawberry shortcake. Mom said the shortcake didn't taste like hers, but it was still very very good. We had the grouchy train guy again. He doesn't take a joke at all. We figured he was a year and a half to retirement so he is just here to buy his time. I will never understand buying time, if that is what he is doing. I also don't understand being in the service industry if you don't like to be friendly. No one knows his story so maybe he stubbed his toe or something.
We have two more stops, planned stops, before we head straight into the Tundra town of Churchill. One at about 6:30 and the other is Gillam, the last official town before Churchill. I need to at least go outside and step on the ground to say I have.
Interesting fact: the train changed it's horn a few years back in Canada to a higher pitched sound. Why? Well the old horn sounded very similar to a bull moose call so when the train would give a toot, the moose would come a running. Ended up to be to many along or on the railroad tracks, so they changed horns.
Just had a stop in Hilman where more people got off with supplies and a few more got on. As we were standing outside one of the train engineers was there and he said that in a month or so the locals will not use the train anymore as the rivers will be frozen 3-4 feet thick and they drive on the ice up or down to bigger towns. He also said that they have a Large Fishing Derby up here that everyone comes out for. I asked what they caught up here and he said big Northern Pike.
Also, Dad asked him what was the problem with the grouchy guy who serves in the dining car and he said " oh him, he is lazy. He doesn't want to ever do anything!" I guess bad attitudes are seen by guest as well as colleagues.
Dad also asked how cold it gets up here and he said it was to warm now, but by Thursday windchill is suppose to be -40 so that will make for some good ice.
6:30pm
Train is on the move again. Next stop is Gillam, MB. It will be the last stop for the night until we reach Churchill in the morning. Train will be a little late, but maybe an hour or two at the most.
8:30pm
The train has just left it's last stop until Churchill, Gillam MB. Another small-town but right across from the depot was the Canadian Mounty Legion. Dad has been talking about the Legion in Churchill since he found out there was one. He even brought a hat from the McIntosh Legion to give to them.
Well now starts another night of trying to get comfortable and sleep on a moving train. There should be no horns tonight as the last of the roads are behind us know, so we listen to the click a de clack of the train as it makes it's way northeast 500 miles or so.
Looking out the window I see more pine trees. I do not believe that will be the case in 10 hours when I get up.
Very strange to see an electrical plant out here. Not a small one either, it is huge and lights up the sky. As quickly as it was here it is now gone. It seems a lot quieter tonight as the rails aren't clanking hardly at all. I can tell that they turned the heat up. Whoa. Nice and toasty.
Okay, time to head to the bathroom now that we are out of town and get comfortable for the night.
Day 3 November 14-Churchill or Bust
Churchill or Bust!
Today is the day we get on board. After breakfast at The Pancake plac again we packed up and off we went. Mom drove the car around and we loaded the bags to drive a block to the train. It was easier then trying to pull suitcases over cobblestone roads. Mom went and parked the car again and once back we checked our luggage.
It is interesting seeing the types of people who go on trips like this. Mostly older, retired, but 2 families with kids as well. Some of the older couples look the outdoorsy part with the hicking boots and coats with Park patches sewn on. Others look like they should be going to the theater with mink coats and high heeled boots. It will be interesting to see them when we grt up there.
I didn't see the train come in, but at high noon the attendent comes on the speaker and says "Your train is ready"! The doors open and the escalator takes you up one floor to the train. The sleeper car is in the back of the train, then the dining cars, then two economy class coach cars and finally the engine. I counted 7 cars total, but will recount when we stop.
Seconds after we got to our seats, which is where ever you want to sit, the train man comes by and collects your ticket and the train begins to move!
It goes faster then I thought it would and within the hour we are pullung into the first town, Portage, but no one gets on. Still no snow on the ground, but I. am pretty sure that will change. Dad wants to check out the dining car so I go with him and we see the guy who took our tickets. Dad asks if they have coffee or beer and the guy says "tell me what you want and I can get it" . Not mister nice guy so that is two bad. Dad gets a Canadian Molten Beer and I grab a cup of coffee. $2 for coffee and $6 for a beer. we sit down in the dining car and there is a Mom and son sitting across the aisle. He is writing a journal of his trip and his Mom said "you should interview people on the train and find out where they are from?" You could see the kid was not really into talking to people. he didn't know so I said "Hi, I am Janice and I am from Minneapolis, MN and I am writijg a journal as well". He smiled and wrote down Minneapolis and then Dad said " and I am from McIntosh" and. he wrote that down. I am sure we will see him again as it is a small train and lots of hours.
2:38pm We finally see snow! Not much of it, but a little in the endless field. Cows galore as well and a few more trees. We are heading more north now and ere are more and more trees here. The water in the ditches is frozen and the fields are no longer plowed as much. Strange sight to see are bird houses along the tracks. Blue ones and then a red one. Not sure what they are out here for. All the roads now look to be gravel where as in Portage most were paved. Still houses with cattle every where. Talk about living with no neighbors.
4:40pm
our first officialstop is Dauphin, MB. It lookslikea goodsizetown so everyone got off and either had a smokeorwalkedaround the train station which is now a museum. the sun is set so it will be dark soon. Dad wants to get something to eat and my Mom is playing Solitaire. not sure how long the train will stay here. They start serving dinner, aka supper, at 5pm so I would guess we will be eating soon.
email is working pretty good but the mapping apps are not picking up exactly where we are at. we are right here so not a problem.
Today is the day we get on board. After breakfast at The Pancake plac again we packed up and off we went. Mom drove the car around and we loaded the bags to drive a block to the train. It was easier then trying to pull suitcases over cobblestone roads. Mom went and parked the car again and once back we checked our luggage.
It is interesting seeing the types of people who go on trips like this. Mostly older, retired, but 2 families with kids as well. Some of the older couples look the outdoorsy part with the hicking boots and coats with Park patches sewn on. Others look like they should be going to the theater with mink coats and high heeled boots. It will be interesting to see them when we grt up there.
I didn't see the train come in, but at high noon the attendent comes on the speaker and says "Your train is ready"! The doors open and the escalator takes you up one floor to the train. The sleeper car is in the back of the train, then the dining cars, then two economy class coach cars and finally the engine. I counted 7 cars total, but will recount when we stop.
Seconds after we got to our seats, which is where ever you want to sit, the train man comes by and collects your ticket and the train begins to move!
It goes faster then I thought it would and within the hour we are pullung into the first town, Portage, but no one gets on. Still no snow on the ground, but I. am pretty sure that will change. Dad wants to check out the dining car so I go with him and we see the guy who took our tickets. Dad asks if they have coffee or beer and the guy says "tell me what you want and I can get it" . Not mister nice guy so that is two bad. Dad gets a Canadian Molten Beer and I grab a cup of coffee. $2 for coffee and $6 for a beer. we sit down in the dining car and there is a Mom and son sitting across the aisle. He is writing a journal of his trip and his Mom said "you should interview people on the train and find out where they are from?" You could see the kid was not really into talking to people. he didn't know so I said "Hi, I am Janice and I am from Minneapolis, MN and I am writijg a journal as well". He smiled and wrote down Minneapolis and then Dad said " and I am from McIntosh" and. he wrote that down. I am sure we will see him again as it is a small train and lots of hours.
2:38pm We finally see snow! Not much of it, but a little in the endless field. Cows galore as well and a few more trees. We are heading more north now and ere are more and more trees here. The water in the ditches is frozen and the fields are no longer plowed as much. Strange sight to see are bird houses along the tracks. Blue ones and then a red one. Not sure what they are out here for. All the roads now look to be gravel where as in Portage most were paved. Still houses with cattle every where. Talk about living with no neighbors.
4:40pm
our first officialstop is Dauphin, MB. It lookslikea goodsizetown so everyone got off and either had a smokeorwalkedaround the train station which is now a museum. the sun is set so it will be dark soon. Dad wants to get something to eat and my Mom is playing Solitaire. not sure how long the train will stay here. They start serving dinner, aka supper, at 5pm so I would guess we will be eating soon.
email is working pretty good but the mapping apps are not picking up exactly where we are at. we are right here so not a problem.
Day 2 November 13
Saturday.
The agenda of the day is to tour the train station and figure out where we are going as well as go to the Train Musuem. We got up around 5am..why...I have no idea, but that is what time they get up. I made two pots of coffee and we all showered, seperately, and it was around 7:30 went we went out the door.
Breakfast was at The Original Pancake House. I had the Grandma's Special which was an apple stuffed crisy pancake the size of a plate. Mom had a cheese crepe and Dad a waffle since he didn't know what else to get..
after breakfast Mom wanted to find a small purse as she didn't bring hers because she thought it would be to big. I asked the lady at the front desk and she gave me directions to the shopping center. It was only 15 minutes away so we drove over there and what do you know, another wal-mart. Mom bought the exact purse she has at home but in tan and you could tell instantly that she was comfortable again.
We got back to the hotel and headed to the Museum. The Museum is in the train station so we made sure we knew where we were going and of course where the bathrooms were.
The museum is upstairs in the station and on one of the old rails so it was chilly in there. $5 to get in, but worth it. Lots of old train cars and vehicles to see as well as the history of the Canadian Rail. One area was dedicated to "The Rosies of the North" which were the women who worked for the rails during WWII war. pretty cool story.
It took about an hour to go through the Museum and afterwards we headed outside. The Santa Claus Parade was tonight so we were going to watch that. Problem was it started at 5pm and it was only 1pm. We walked a bit and decided to see what Earl's was. It is a bar so Dad had a beer and Mom and I Daquaris. A spinach and articoke dip as well as chicken wings was lunch.
We headed back to our room as it was getting a little chilly out.
around 4pm we headed up the street to the parade area. the people were already gathered but we found a good spot to. sit on a ledge. We wereabout an hour early but time went fast as the people next to us were talking to Dad. I am surprised at how easy Dad talks to people now. I never remember that about him.
A little after 5:20 the parade finally made it down to where we were at. An hour later it was still going, but so was the drop in temperature. Standing for 2 hours in the cold wasn't to fun so as the end of he parade neared we decided to head bsck and get something to eat at one of Mom's favorite places " The Olde Speghetti Shop". Food was good and we were all glad we got there when we did as the parade crowd all showed up about 10 minutes after we got there.
It was about 8:30pm when we got back to the hotel and after a quick check of email it was bed time. Oh, bring ear plugs when sharing a room...they work wonders keeping it quiet.
The agenda of the day is to tour the train station and figure out where we are going as well as go to the Train Musuem. We got up around 5am..why...I have no idea, but that is what time they get up. I made two pots of coffee and we all showered, seperately, and it was around 7:30 went we went out the door.
Breakfast was at The Original Pancake House. I had the Grandma's Special which was an apple stuffed crisy pancake the size of a plate. Mom had a cheese crepe and Dad a waffle since he didn't know what else to get..
after breakfast Mom wanted to find a small purse as she didn't bring hers because she thought it would be to big. I asked the lady at the front desk and she gave me directions to the shopping center. It was only 15 minutes away so we drove over there and what do you know, another wal-mart. Mom bought the exact purse she has at home but in tan and you could tell instantly that she was comfortable again.
We got back to the hotel and headed to the Museum. The Museum is in the train station so we made sure we knew where we were going and of course where the bathrooms were.
The museum is upstairs in the station and on one of the old rails so it was chilly in there. $5 to get in, but worth it. Lots of old train cars and vehicles to see as well as the history of the Canadian Rail. One area was dedicated to "The Rosies of the North" which were the women who worked for the rails during WWII war. pretty cool story.
It took about an hour to go through the Museum and afterwards we headed outside. The Santa Claus Parade was tonight so we were going to watch that. Problem was it started at 5pm and it was only 1pm. We walked a bit and decided to see what Earl's was. It is a bar so Dad had a beer and Mom and I Daquaris. A spinach and articoke dip as well as chicken wings was lunch.
We headed back to our room as it was getting a little chilly out.
around 4pm we headed up the street to the parade area. the people were already gathered but we found a good spot to. sit on a ledge. We wereabout an hour early but time went fast as the people next to us were talking to Dad. I am surprised at how easy Dad talks to people now. I never remember that about him.
A little after 5:20 the parade finally made it down to where we were at. An hour later it was still going, but so was the drop in temperature. Standing for 2 hours in the cold wasn't to fun so as the end of he parade neared we decided to head bsck and get something to eat at one of Mom's favorite places " The Olde Speghetti Shop". Food was good and we were all glad we got there when we did as the parade crowd all showed up about 10 minutes after we got there.
It was about 8:30pm when we got back to the hotel and after a quick check of email it was bed time. Oh, bring ear plugs when sharing a room...they work wonders keeping it quiet.
November 12 day one
we left Mcintosh at 9:30 am on Friday, november 12th heading to Manitoba throught Pembina. we stopped in Grand Forks, ND to see Moms sister LaVerda who is in the hospital and after about an hour there headed to Walmart to get Dad a pair of snow pants. he was going to bring his Carhart bibs but they are so big so he decided on a pair of snowpants.
it is about 90 minutes from Grand Forks to the border crossing town of Pembina and we were going to stop at the duty free station but thought it would be at the border. it isnt. it is in the town of Pembina, so we missed that. we stopped at the border and the Candian officials asked thhe basic questions: who are you, where are you coming from, where are you going, and do you have any weapons, cigarettes or alcohol with you. well no weapons or beer but Dad had cigarettes so Mom told him that and he said " have fun with the bears" and off we went.
first stop was the tourist info station on the Canadian side. we exchanged out money and could all re,ember when the American dollar was worth over $1.50 over the Canadian dollar. no more. 96 cents on the dollar going and coming. We got a couple maps and info on Churchill that the lady, Lateria, said wehad to have and she only gives it to people who say they are going to Churchill.
about an hour later we were in Winnipeg. we stayed at the Inn at the Forks which is a block fromm the trainstation and close to the eating and shopping areas. got all checked in and i have to say the young woman behind the counter was truly wonderful. Yoni was her name and she was giving Dad a hard time about looking like Santa Claus but he would have to gain some wieght. all good fun. she set us up on a night for the return trip and gave us a complimentary parking pass for the whole time. i love quality service.
The two young guys behind the counter were giving Mom a hard time as she had diet coke in her hand and they asked if she had brought them any...later that night they said the same thing about the pizza and ice cream she was carrying as well. of course the parents loved the teasing!
thursday night we had a drink at Joe Flarneys and Dad is into dark beer so he tried a Fort Garry Ale. A few salt shakes later he was good to go. Mom of course had her Mikes Hard Lemonade and me a diet coke. we walked around after that as the Forks has a lot of little shops as well. mom founf a couple things...floaty pens and Dad went from sitting bench to sitting bench waiting. There is also a farmers market area there but most is eating places. Pizza, subs, stir fry, Sri Lanka food, candy, ice cream, and mini donuts that will need to be taste tested on the way home.
it is about 90 minutes from Grand Forks to the border crossing town of Pembina and we were going to stop at the duty free station but thought it would be at the border. it isnt. it is in the town of Pembina, so we missed that. we stopped at the border and the Candian officials asked thhe basic questions: who are you, where are you coming from, where are you going, and do you have any weapons, cigarettes or alcohol with you. well no weapons or beer but Dad had cigarettes so Mom told him that and he said " have fun with the bears" and off we went.
first stop was the tourist info station on the Canadian side. we exchanged out money and could all re,ember when the American dollar was worth over $1.50 over the Canadian dollar. no more. 96 cents on the dollar going and coming. We got a couple maps and info on Churchill that the lady, Lateria, said wehad to have and she only gives it to people who say they are going to Churchill.
about an hour later we were in Winnipeg. we stayed at the Inn at the Forks which is a block fromm the trainstation and close to the eating and shopping areas. got all checked in and i have to say the young woman behind the counter was truly wonderful. Yoni was her name and she was giving Dad a hard time about looking like Santa Claus but he would have to gain some wieght. all good fun. she set us up on a night for the return trip and gave us a complimentary parking pass for the whole time. i love quality service.
The two young guys behind the counter were giving Mom a hard time as she had diet coke in her hand and they asked if she had brought them any...later that night they said the same thing about the pizza and ice cream she was carrying as well. of course the parents loved the teasing!
thursday night we had a drink at Joe Flarneys and Dad is into dark beer so he tried a Fort Garry Ale. A few salt shakes later he was good to go. Mom of course had her Mikes Hard Lemonade and me a diet coke. we walked around after that as the Forks has a lot of little shops as well. mom founf a couple things...floaty pens and Dad went from sitting bench to sitting bench waiting. There is also a farmers market area there but most is eating places. Pizza, subs, stir fry, Sri Lanka food, candy, ice cream, and mini donuts that will need to be taste tested on the way home.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
5pm update
Churchill or Bust!
Today is the day we get on board. After breakfast at The Pancake plac again we packed up and off we went. Mom drove the car around and we loaded the bags to drive a block to the train. It was easier then trying to pull suitcases over cobblestone roads. Mom went and parked the car again and once back we checked our luggage.
It is interesting seeing the types of people who go on trips like this. Mostly older, retired, but 2 families with kids as well. Some of the older couples look the outdoorsy part with the hicking boots and coats with Park patches sewn on. Others look like they should be going to the theater with mink coats and high heeled boots. It will be interesting to see them when we grt up there.
I didn't see the train come in, but at high noon the attendent comes on the speaker and says "Your train is ready"! The doors open and the escalator takes you up one floor to the train. The sleeper car is in the back of the train, then the dining cars, then two economy class coach cars and finally the engine. I counted 7 cars total, but will recount when we stop.
Seconds after we got to our seats, which is where ever you want to sit, the train man comes by and collects your ticket and the train begins to move!
It goes faster then I thought it would and within the hour we are pullung into the first town, Portage, but no one gets on. Still no snow on the ground, but I. am pretty sure that will change. Dad wants to check out the dining car so I go with him and we see the guy who took our tickets. Dad asks if they have coffee or beer and the guy says "tell me what you want and I can get it" . Not mister nice guy so that is two bad. Dad gets a Canadian Molten Beer and I grab a cup of coffee. $2 for coffee and $6 for a beer. we sit down in the dining car and there is a Mom and son sitting across the aisle. He is writing a journal of his trip and his Mom said "you should interview people on the train and find out where they are from?" You could see the kid was not really into talking to people. he didn't know so I said "Hi, I am Janice and I am from Minneapolis, MN and I am writijg a journal as well". He smiled and wrote down Minneapolis and then Dad said " and I am from McIntosh" and. he wrote that down. I am sure we will see him again as it is a small train and lots of hours.
2:38pm We finally see snow! Not much of it, but a little in the endless field. Cows galore as well and a few more trees. We are heading more north now and ere are more and more trees here. The water in the ditches is frozen and the fields are no longer plowed as much. Strange sight to see are bird houses along the tracks. Blue ones and then a red one. Not sure what they are out here for. All the roads now look to be gravel where as in Portage most were paved. Still houses with cattle every where. Talk about living with no neighbors.
4:40pm
our first officialstop is Dauphin, MB. It lookslikea goodsizetown so everyone got off and either had a smokeorwalkedaround the train station which is now a museum. the sun is set so it will be dark soon. Dad wants to get something to eat and my Mom is playing Solitaire. not sure how long the train will stay here. They start serving dinner, aka supper, at 5pm so I would guess we will be eating soon.
email is working pretty good but the mapping apps are not picking up exactly where we are at. we are right here so not a problem.
Today is the day we get on board. After breakfast at The Pancake plac again we packed up and off we went. Mom drove the car around and we loaded the bags to drive a block to the train. It was easier then trying to pull suitcases over cobblestone roads. Mom went and parked the car again and once back we checked our luggage.
It is interesting seeing the types of people who go on trips like this. Mostly older, retired, but 2 families with kids as well. Some of the older couples look the outdoorsy part with the hicking boots and coats with Park patches sewn on. Others look like they should be going to the theater with mink coats and high heeled boots. It will be interesting to see them when we grt up there.
I didn't see the train come in, but at high noon the attendent comes on the speaker and says "Your train is ready"! The doors open and the escalator takes you up one floor to the train. The sleeper car is in the back of the train, then the dining cars, then two economy class coach cars and finally the engine. I counted 7 cars total, but will recount when we stop.
Seconds after we got to our seats, which is where ever you want to sit, the train man comes by and collects your ticket and the train begins to move!
It goes faster then I thought it would and within the hour we are pullung into the first town, Portage, but no one gets on. Still no snow on the ground, but I. am pretty sure that will change. Dad wants to check out the dining car so I go with him and we see the guy who took our tickets. Dad asks if they have coffee or beer and the guy says "tell me what you want and I can get it" . Not mister nice guy so that is two bad. Dad gets a Canadian Molten Beer and I grab a cup of coffee. $2 for coffee and $6 for a beer. we sit down in the dining car and there is a Mom and son sitting across the aisle. He is writing a journal of his trip and his Mom said "you should interview people on the train and find out where they are from?" You could see the kid was not really into talking to people. he didn't know so I said "Hi, I am Janice and I am from Minneapolis, MN and I am writijg a journal as well". He smiled and wrote down Minneapolis and then Dad said " and I am from McIntosh" and. he wrote that down. I am sure we will see him again as it is a small train and lots of hours.
2:38pm We finally see snow! Not much of it, but a little in the endless field. Cows galore as well and a few more trees. We are heading more north now and ere are more and more trees here. The water in the ditches is frozen and the fields are no longer plowed as much. Strange sight to see are bird houses along the tracks. Blue ones and then a red one. Not sure what they are out here for. All the roads now look to be gravel where as in Portage most were paved. Still houses with cattle every where. Talk about living with no neighbors.
4:40pm
our first officialstop is Dauphin, MB. It lookslikea goodsizetown so everyone got off and either had a smokeorwalkedaround the train station which is now a museum. the sun is set so it will be dark soon. Dad wants to get something to eat and my Mom is playing Solitaire. not sure how long the train will stay here. They start serving dinner, aka supper, at 5pm so I would guess we will be eating soon.
email is working pretty good but the mapping apps are not picking up exactly where we are at. we are right here so not a problem.
It's the Train Day
Good Morning everyone and what a fine Sunday morning it is. Today is Train Day! The day we board the train and begin our journey north 1200 miles into the Arctic Tundra. The parents are so excited they can't sleep and Dad must have smoked 2 packs yesterday.
We went to the train station yesterday and figured out where to go and what time to be there and that, yes they do check baggage so we won't have to worry about that. The Station is nice but not what I expected in a station. I have been to Grand Central in New York and though it would be more that size. The trains go over the building so a little freaky while walking through and the trains are going over where you are walking.
The hotel has been awesome. Dad keeps saying "This is no Super 8". My folks ONLY stay in Super 8's when they travel so this is like 20 steps above that. Pretty funny.
I am sure Dad will want to be over at the train station around 9, but we do not leave until noon so hopefully I can keep them busy for a while longer this morning. Get some breakfast and drink coffee will definitely be on the mornings agenda.
If you want to track the towns we are going through today go to: http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/prairies-and-northern-manitoba/winnipeg-churchill/schedules this will give you an idea of all the places we will see today and tomorrow.
We will be arriving in Churchill on Tuesday morning so I will try and write more from the train as we go. They are suppose to have Internet access (wireless of course) from the train, so will try it. If not I will keep writing and post when I get there.
So, for now...let the ride begin!
We went to the train station yesterday and figured out where to go and what time to be there and that, yes they do check baggage so we won't have to worry about that. The Station is nice but not what I expected in a station. I have been to Grand Central in New York and though it would be more that size. The trains go over the building so a little freaky while walking through and the trains are going over where you are walking.
The hotel has been awesome. Dad keeps saying "This is no Super 8". My folks ONLY stay in Super 8's when they travel so this is like 20 steps above that. Pretty funny.
I am sure Dad will want to be over at the train station around 9, but we do not leave until noon so hopefully I can keep them busy for a while longer this morning. Get some breakfast and drink coffee will definitely be on the mornings agenda.
If you want to track the towns we are going through today go to: http://www.viarail.ca/en/trains/prairies-and-northern-manitoba/winnipeg-churchill/schedules this will give you an idea of all the places we will see today and tomorrow.
We will be arriving in Churchill on Tuesday morning so I will try and write more from the train as we go. They are suppose to have Internet access (wireless of course) from the train, so will try it. If not I will keep writing and post when I get there.
So, for now...let the ride begin!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
What to do on a frosty Canadian night?
Well? Did you guess? Tonight in downtown Winnipeg was the annual Santa Claus Parade!!
So much fun but dang cold already after standing outside for 2 hours....hum really, Polar Bears in November...what was I thinking?
Pictures are coming...need to figure out how to get them in. Will try tomorrow morning!
So much fun but dang cold already after standing outside for 2 hours....hum really, Polar Bears in November...what was I thinking?
Pictures are coming...need to figure out how to get them in. Will try tomorrow morning!
Churchill or Bust!
Well our first night in Winnipeg was uneventful. We walked around once we got here. Dad had to have a couple beers so we stopped off at an Irish Pub and had a few. The Forks in Winnipeg is one of the theater and farmers market type areas so after the drinks we walked around a bit more.
Mom commented how cheap some things were--50 cents a pound for onions and Folgers coffee for $4.99 while other things were or seems very high in price - Spam $5.99 for a small can....hum drink cheap coffee for 2 months or a lunch of Spam? Hum..hard choice isn't it.
We just got back from the Winnipeg Train Museum which is inside Union Station where we will catch the train tomorrow. Excitement galore and so many questions. Thankfully there was a wonderful gal at the counter who didn't seem to mind having all the questions.
The Museum was good and you could walk inside a number of the old cars so that was fun. Lots of old pictures and dishes and stories so Mom and Dad loved it. Mom said to the guy who was collecting money (also the same guy who did the tour, ran the gift shop, played carpenter, and wished you well) "this is one of the neatest things we have ever seen"! It was pretty cool, but I figured if they were getting excited over an old train just wait until tomorrow.
Dad already has his clothes out for tomorrow and already figured out how to rearrange a bit so he could have a clean t-shirt on the train as well. Mom decided she DID need a purse after all! Story is that she didn't want to carry hers so she left it at home and just had a small wallet. That lasted 8 hours and around 7pm last night her and I are off to find a coin purse and small purse. No luck last night, but today we scored as I asked if there was a shopping center outside of town at all and there was one about 10 minutes away. After breakfast we were off and found it and Dad said, "look they have Wal-mart up here too"! Mom knew they would have a purse so off we went and she bought the same exact one she has at home except in tan. Now she feels so much better and safer.
So, 3pm here and now what to do. Folks are in the room going to the bathroom (note to self--always know where the bathrooms are when with the parents) and Dad wanted a cup of coffee. I will have to share the rest tonight as there is something really really special happening around 5pm tonight...but you all must wait!
Today I have a B+ but tonight will surely be an A! Can you figure it out? I will blog about it tonight.
Mom commented how cheap some things were--50 cents a pound for onions and Folgers coffee for $4.99 while other things were or seems very high in price - Spam $5.99 for a small can....hum drink cheap coffee for 2 months or a lunch of Spam? Hum..hard choice isn't it.
We just got back from the Winnipeg Train Museum which is inside Union Station where we will catch the train tomorrow. Excitement galore and so many questions. Thankfully there was a wonderful gal at the counter who didn't seem to mind having all the questions.
The Museum was good and you could walk inside a number of the old cars so that was fun. Lots of old pictures and dishes and stories so Mom and Dad loved it. Mom said to the guy who was collecting money (also the same guy who did the tour, ran the gift shop, played carpenter, and wished you well) "this is one of the neatest things we have ever seen"! It was pretty cool, but I figured if they were getting excited over an old train just wait until tomorrow.
Dad already has his clothes out for tomorrow and already figured out how to rearrange a bit so he could have a clean t-shirt on the train as well. Mom decided she DID need a purse after all! Story is that she didn't want to carry hers so she left it at home and just had a small wallet. That lasted 8 hours and around 7pm last night her and I are off to find a coin purse and small purse. No luck last night, but today we scored as I asked if there was a shopping center outside of town at all and there was one about 10 minutes away. After breakfast we were off and found it and Dad said, "look they have Wal-mart up here too"! Mom knew they would have a purse so off we went and she bought the same exact one she has at home except in tan. Now she feels so much better and safer.
So, 3pm here and now what to do. Folks are in the room going to the bathroom (note to self--always know where the bathrooms are when with the parents) and Dad wanted a cup of coffee. I will have to share the rest tonight as there is something really really special happening around 5pm tonight...but you all must wait!
Today I have a B+ but tonight will surely be an A! Can you figure it out? I will blog about it tonight.
Friday, November 12, 2010
How Blessed I am
Well it is Friday morning and before we take off for vacation I wanted to give you all an update.
Last night my Mom went to see her sister (My Aunt Laverda) before the family meeting. During that time Mom read to her and asked her questions and told Laverda to squeeze her hand.
Like the strong German she is, Laverda did it. She would nod her head yes and no and Mom said she squeezed her hand like a wrestler! It is a small miracle at this time. Well, maybe a big miracle, so the prayers are working.
At the family meeting the doctor was amazed and he said he never thought it was possible after what they had thought 2 days ago. Last night the doctor told the family that with the improvements so far he feels that Laverda has a real fighting chance to make it through this. The road will be long and hard, but she is on the road at least and not on the edge. So, it is with a thankful heart and calm spirit that I ask for your continued prayers for her recovery. The power of prayer can NOT be underestimated, never and no how.
So, this is good news and news that has lifted my folks up to be excited to go again on our vacation knowing that Laverda is doing the best she can to be strong and make it through. Again, a long road and lots of challenges ahead as they still need to remove the ventilator and have her breath on her own, but to know there is a better chance for her survival right now makes my heart sing.
I guess the question for me is why has the last week brought out the prayer in me? Why do I question the powers from above? This event has been a spiritual journey for me and as I asked for God's peace and calm yesterday, He provided.
He provided loved ones, amazing friends, an amazing career, trips, health and so much more--but yet I doubt Him at times. As I was driving home yesterday I made a promise to myself to remember that through Him all things are possible. Life is possible as is death. Our job is to live a positive Christlike life and find purpose in every day. It is our calling and our duty. Not a right nor a need, it is a must.
I go back to my values. Giving. Achieving. Believing. It is who I am and what God had made me. Believing in the power of the possibility. Believing that where there is hope there is faith. Believing that when you put things in His hands, all things are possible.
How very Blessed I am.
Last night my Mom went to see her sister (My Aunt Laverda) before the family meeting. During that time Mom read to her and asked her questions and told Laverda to squeeze her hand.
Like the strong German she is, Laverda did it. She would nod her head yes and no and Mom said she squeezed her hand like a wrestler! It is a small miracle at this time. Well, maybe a big miracle, so the prayers are working.
At the family meeting the doctor was amazed and he said he never thought it was possible after what they had thought 2 days ago. Last night the doctor told the family that with the improvements so far he feels that Laverda has a real fighting chance to make it through this. The road will be long and hard, but she is on the road at least and not on the edge. So, it is with a thankful heart and calm spirit that I ask for your continued prayers for her recovery. The power of prayer can NOT be underestimated, never and no how.
So, this is good news and news that has lifted my folks up to be excited to go again on our vacation knowing that Laverda is doing the best she can to be strong and make it through. Again, a long road and lots of challenges ahead as they still need to remove the ventilator and have her breath on her own, but to know there is a better chance for her survival right now makes my heart sing.
I guess the question for me is why has the last week brought out the prayer in me? Why do I question the powers from above? This event has been a spiritual journey for me and as I asked for God's peace and calm yesterday, He provided.
He provided loved ones, amazing friends, an amazing career, trips, health and so much more--but yet I doubt Him at times. As I was driving home yesterday I made a promise to myself to remember that through Him all things are possible. Life is possible as is death. Our job is to live a positive Christlike life and find purpose in every day. It is our calling and our duty. Not a right nor a need, it is a must.
I go back to my values. Giving. Achieving. Believing. It is who I am and what God had made me. Believing in the power of the possibility. Believing that where there is hope there is faith. Believing that when you put things in His hands, all things are possible.
How very Blessed I am.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
First official day of Vacation
Well today is my first official day of vacation, when I was suppose to be gone, but being with family in a time of need is more important right now. My Aunt has no change and her family will be making difficult decisions today. God be with them.
It is also Veteran's Day and I give thanks for all the men and women - including my Dad, Grandfathers, Uncles and Cousin who have served and given up so much so that I could so much. Thank you!
It all got me thinking though how much life really should be celebrated every day. Life should be lived every day. It is a gift to wake up in the morning.
Although the vacation isn't starting out the way it was planned, I do find peace knowing that I have no regrets in life. I have loved unconditionally, given with an open heart, and lived with purpose. I have lost loved ones and will again, but as they leave this earth I know my faith and belief will hold me steady and get me through.
I will write as much as I can from the trip and find peace and living along the way. Celebrate a Vet today and tell them thanks. Say a prayer and tell Him thanks!
It is also Veteran's Day and I give thanks for all the men and women - including my Dad, Grandfathers, Uncles and Cousin who have served and given up so much so that I could so much. Thank you!
It all got me thinking though how much life really should be celebrated every day. Life should be lived every day. It is a gift to wake up in the morning.
Although the vacation isn't starting out the way it was planned, I do find peace knowing that I have no regrets in life. I have loved unconditionally, given with an open heart, and lived with purpose. I have lost loved ones and will again, but as they leave this earth I know my faith and belief will hold me steady and get me through.
I will write as much as I can from the trip and find peace and living along the way. Celebrate a Vet today and tell them thanks. Say a prayer and tell Him thanks!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
It has been a very hard week
Last Wednesday my Aunt Laverda walked into a hospital to have her breast removed due to having found two cancerous lumps. The surgery went perfect and no other cancer was found, but Laverda had a very hard time coming out of it. They sent her home on Thursday and after 48 hours of my uncle and Mom trying to take care of her, they called the ambulance and Laverda was taken back to the hospital.
Now, three days later the doctors have said the outcome looks grim as she wasn't getting enough oxygen and has severe brain damage and if they unhooked the breathing tubes she would not survive.
Seven days ago she walked into a hospital.Seven days ago she was on facebook. Seven days ago she told me to keep her in my prayers. Seven days ago there was anxious feelings not grief. Seven days life was good.
Tomorrow the immediate family will decide what to do. Laverda had a living will so they will follow her instructions. I now pray for her family who seven days ago had a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Now, three days later the doctors have said the outcome looks grim as she wasn't getting enough oxygen and has severe brain damage and if they unhooked the breathing tubes she would not survive.
Seven days ago she walked into a hospital.Seven days ago she was on facebook. Seven days ago she told me to keep her in my prayers. Seven days ago there was anxious feelings not grief. Seven days life was good.
Tomorrow the immediate family will decide what to do. Laverda had a living will so they will follow her instructions. I now pray for her family who seven days ago had a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Daylight Savings End
I never really understood daylight savings time. Why move clocks back and forth? Isn't there the same amount of sun and dark no matter if the clock says 8am or 7am? So I did a history check on this to better understand why.
It started long ago with Benjamin Franklin and was put into place so that less energy would be used. There have been studies upon studies on the impact of moving the clocks forward, when daylight savings begins, and some have found significant electrical savings due to people not being home when the sun is out or home less so they aren't using TV's, Stereos, the Stove or lights. I guess that makes sense.
Other studies have seen that is really has no impact on energy use as the energy is just moved from night to morning as the previous studies had the waking up time of 7am for the majority of people. Seeing that the bus is packed by 7am when I get on, I am thinking more people get up before 7am then reported in studies.
So, okay we may save some energy...always important, but important enough to change the northern hemisphere's clocks twice a year?
It wasn't until the mid 80's that a private company did a study on what the PEOPLE thought. Amazing concept--ask the people! What they found is that a resounding 78% of them liked Daylight Savings Time because of the long summer nights. Because many of us have 4-6 months of cold and dark, we all seem to like the fact that the time change can impact our life's satisfaction!
I guess I agree! I love summer -not because of the heat but because you can be outside and enjoy it pass 7pm at night. BBQ, play games, garden, fish...the extra hour allows for more fun without having to get up at 4:30am to enjoy it!
So, today we fall back and "lose" the hour we gained in March so the mornings will be a little lighter and my nights a little darker. So for the next 125 days we will need to put up with our normal sunlight! Four months and then 240 days with more sunshine!
I guess I can handle four months of normal! Fall Back and wake up tomorrow knowing that you only have 124 days to go until more sun comes your way!
It started long ago with Benjamin Franklin and was put into place so that less energy would be used. There have been studies upon studies on the impact of moving the clocks forward, when daylight savings begins, and some have found significant electrical savings due to people not being home when the sun is out or home less so they aren't using TV's, Stereos, the Stove or lights. I guess that makes sense.
Other studies have seen that is really has no impact on energy use as the energy is just moved from night to morning as the previous studies had the waking up time of 7am for the majority of people. Seeing that the bus is packed by 7am when I get on, I am thinking more people get up before 7am then reported in studies.
So, okay we may save some energy...always important, but important enough to change the northern hemisphere's clocks twice a year?
It wasn't until the mid 80's that a private company did a study on what the PEOPLE thought. Amazing concept--ask the people! What they found is that a resounding 78% of them liked Daylight Savings Time because of the long summer nights. Because many of us have 4-6 months of cold and dark, we all seem to like the fact that the time change can impact our life's satisfaction!
I guess I agree! I love summer -not because of the heat but because you can be outside and enjoy it pass 7pm at night. BBQ, play games, garden, fish...the extra hour allows for more fun without having to get up at 4:30am to enjoy it!
So, today we fall back and "lose" the hour we gained in March so the mornings will be a little lighter and my nights a little darker. So for the next 125 days we will need to put up with our normal sunlight! Four months and then 240 days with more sunshine!
I guess I can handle four months of normal! Fall Back and wake up tomorrow knowing that you only have 124 days to go until more sun comes your way!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Conversations with Mom
Well as I have said earlier, I am heading up to Churchill Manitoba with the folks next week for a 10 day adventure that includes a 2 day train ride up, 4 days of polar bear viewing and town exploring and another 2 day train ride back. It takes me a day to get up there and a day to get back and somehow get to Winnipeg and back.
We have been planning this for 10 months now and the forth person that was to go with was my brother. He is unable to go so it will just be me and my folks. Thanks Steven!
So, as normal with my family, the adventure starts early and will last way past getting back home. This week has been the beginning of the serious talk about what to bring, what to wear, what it will be like and so much more. Now I have never been to Churchill nor have I experienced a 36-48 hour train ride anywhere so I know as much as anyone, but for some reason the folks seem to think I have all the answers to ALL of their questions. What are we going to do, where are we staying, how much does a sandwich cost on the train, what is the temperature like, is there a grocery store there, is there a place we can get a cup of coffee...the list goes on and on.
Yesterday and today have been especially interesting. So I thought I would share my conversations that have happened as set up to the "Great White Bear Adventure". Now, please know I love my folks dearly and I love the fact that they ask the questions and are like kids in a candy store most days. What I write is out of love and total understanding that I am as bad as they are!
Mom is regular text and I am in Italicized:
Mom calls:
What are you doing? Working, what are you doing? Driving but say I was wondering about a few things. Now Janice this may sound strange but I need to know. Okay Mom, what's up? Well I don't know what to bring with and they had cheese and crackers on sale at Olgen's and I wanted to know if you thought it would be okay if we brought that with. Yes, that would be fine in fact it says that you can bring things to eat and drink on the Train. Well it would be nice to know how much it cost as I can't believe we are going to eat three meals a day on the train. No Mom we don't have to, but a sandwich is about $10 and a coke or beer between 4-8 bucks, so we should bring a few things with to munch on.
So how about silverware? Well, will we need silverware or can we get by with finger food like sandwiches and stuff. Well, I was thinking about that but not sure. How about chips? Do you think we should bring a couple bags of chips? Sure that would be fine. Well I was thinking about getting some smaller packs as they come in sacks of 24 now so we could have an assortment. That would work. Well that would be easier so we don't have to bring a clip to close them or eat all of them at once. Yep, sounds good. We may want to take a few apples and such as they may not have a lot of fresh fruit on the train. Well, if we bring a can opener we can bring cans of fruit. Well, that would work but if you are going to do that get the cans that have the pop tops so you don't need a can opener. That's a good idea.
Well I was thinking about bringing my pink bag. It is like the Susan B. Komen ones but it is a VFW one. It has a lot of pockets on it and I am not bringing a purse, but need something for my knitting and books and I can fill it in with other things as well like the chips. Perfect, whatever you want to bring with. Well I have to bring my knitting as I have to have something with to keep my hands busy.
Well I thought we could bring a small cooler and put a few pops and stuff in there to have so I will bring that. Well it that going to be your luggage? No, just my carry on or Dad can have it as I am sure he won't have 2 bags for luggage.
No, he is so worried about getting new t-shirts and socks. So, he wanted me to buy pinochle cards - one red set and one blue set so we can play double deck or single and they are easier to sort. Okay, Mom that sounds fine. What else is happening. Not much, I got my hair cut today and I told them to not cut it so short so will see what it looks like tomorrow after I wash it. I hope it isn't to short. Well you can always wear a hat. Janice, you know how good I look in a hat! Well, remember it is going to be very cold as the high is around 4-8 degrees right now and with the wind it will get...Janice, I don't wear gloves ever so why would I there? Mom, you need to at least bring them with and if you are warm you don't need to wear them but at least you have them. We'll see. Okay, well I don't have much else. Me neither it is just coming so fast and I know it will be over just as fast. Can't wait! Okay, well drive safe and we will talk to you later. Okay, behave. Bye.
I LOVE these conversations as it reminds me of why I am who I am and how much I joy I find in my daily world.
We have been planning this for 10 months now and the forth person that was to go with was my brother. He is unable to go so it will just be me and my folks. Thanks Steven!
So, as normal with my family, the adventure starts early and will last way past getting back home. This week has been the beginning of the serious talk about what to bring, what to wear, what it will be like and so much more. Now I have never been to Churchill nor have I experienced a 36-48 hour train ride anywhere so I know as much as anyone, but for some reason the folks seem to think I have all the answers to ALL of their questions. What are we going to do, where are we staying, how much does a sandwich cost on the train, what is the temperature like, is there a grocery store there, is there a place we can get a cup of coffee...the list goes on and on.
Yesterday and today have been especially interesting. So I thought I would share my conversations that have happened as set up to the "Great White Bear Adventure". Now, please know I love my folks dearly and I love the fact that they ask the questions and are like kids in a candy store most days. What I write is out of love and total understanding that I am as bad as they are!
Mom is regular text and I am in Italicized:
Mom calls:
What are you doing? Working, what are you doing? Driving but say I was wondering about a few things. Now Janice this may sound strange but I need to know. Okay Mom, what's up? Well I don't know what to bring with and they had cheese and crackers on sale at Olgen's and I wanted to know if you thought it would be okay if we brought that with. Yes, that would be fine in fact it says that you can bring things to eat and drink on the Train. Well it would be nice to know how much it cost as I can't believe we are going to eat three meals a day on the train. No Mom we don't have to, but a sandwich is about $10 and a coke or beer between 4-8 bucks, so we should bring a few things with to munch on.
So how about silverware? Well, will we need silverware or can we get by with finger food like sandwiches and stuff. Well, I was thinking about that but not sure. How about chips? Do you think we should bring a couple bags of chips? Sure that would be fine. Well I was thinking about getting some smaller packs as they come in sacks of 24 now so we could have an assortment. That would work. Well that would be easier so we don't have to bring a clip to close them or eat all of them at once. Yep, sounds good. We may want to take a few apples and such as they may not have a lot of fresh fruit on the train. Well, if we bring a can opener we can bring cans of fruit. Well, that would work but if you are going to do that get the cans that have the pop tops so you don't need a can opener. That's a good idea.
Well I was thinking about bringing my pink bag. It is like the Susan B. Komen ones but it is a VFW one. It has a lot of pockets on it and I am not bringing a purse, but need something for my knitting and books and I can fill it in with other things as well like the chips. Perfect, whatever you want to bring with. Well I have to bring my knitting as I have to have something with to keep my hands busy.
Well I thought we could bring a small cooler and put a few pops and stuff in there to have so I will bring that. Well it that going to be your luggage? No, just my carry on or Dad can have it as I am sure he won't have 2 bags for luggage.
No, he is so worried about getting new t-shirts and socks. So, he wanted me to buy pinochle cards - one red set and one blue set so we can play double deck or single and they are easier to sort. Okay, Mom that sounds fine. What else is happening. Not much, I got my hair cut today and I told them to not cut it so short so will see what it looks like tomorrow after I wash it. I hope it isn't to short. Well you can always wear a hat. Janice, you know how good I look in a hat! Well, remember it is going to be very cold as the high is around 4-8 degrees right now and with the wind it will get...Janice, I don't wear gloves ever so why would I there? Mom, you need to at least bring them with and if you are warm you don't need to wear them but at least you have them. We'll see. Okay, well I don't have much else. Me neither it is just coming so fast and I know it will be over just as fast. Can't wait! Okay, well drive safe and we will talk to you later. Okay, behave. Bye.
I LOVE these conversations as it reminds me of why I am who I am and how much I joy I find in my daily world.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
I voted!
Well the day is finally here. One I have waited for since May. A day that I can feel good about the world I live in again! Not because I was able to vote as a free citizen, but because I don't have to hear another negative message from our Countries "Leaders" for at least a year! Can I get an AMEN!!
This year has really gotten to me and I think a lot of it was because of this blog. Trying to be positive and purposeful while watching our "Leaders" live in negativity can really get a person down!
Rather than beef about it, I decided that I would give you all my thoughts about behaviors.
1. Personnel performance - Can anyone who works in an organization go into a yearly performance review and instead of telling your boss and those you work with and for, how bad everyone else was so that makes you better? I can hear the conversation: I didn't get a DUI like the other guy! I didn't screw up like Janie! I didn't miss as much work as Michelle! I didn't hit anyone! Think about it! How many of us judge or are judged off of someone else's performance?
Solution in Politics: Everyone runs as an independent and the only think you can talk about is your personnel performance. Not compared to anyone else, but YOUR performance. Not what your couldn't do because of someone else, or what you would do if you could have...actually tell me/us what you did. No parties, no mud slinging, just you in front of your boss and your staff saying why you should keep your job!
2. Financial Resources - Can anyone of you think of a time you spend any money to keep your job? Most of us would call that a bribe and we would be escorted out the door!
Solutions in Politics: Everyone is given a 100 pages of white tag board and markers. You can color them and put them around your house. Otherwise you must personally visit ALL areas or people in your area. Give the 16 Million spent on your campaigns that say nothing about what you can do and give it to a charity who could feed all the kids starving in the USA for a year!
3. Stereotypes and Labels - I do not know of anyone who likes these. I am a white female. I am athletic. I am gay. I am a middle age man. I am black. I am a Lutheran. Who CARES! Why do we want to try and fit the whole world into our little labels? Democrat, Republican, Tea Party, Ecology Democratic, Green Party...WHO CARES!
Solution in Politics: Everyone runs as an independent. No labels, no affiliations. No one is better supported and no one is left out. If you want to run for an office you can run.
So, there you have it. Behaviors I would change if I could! So what would this mean?
We would have everyone sitting around tables with their friends, coloring pictures and saving money while helping others out! Sounds like a very sound plan and one I believe would not only change the political situation but also society!
Now, go gather some friends, color and help someone out--including yourself!
I voted!
This year has really gotten to me and I think a lot of it was because of this blog. Trying to be positive and purposeful while watching our "Leaders" live in negativity can really get a person down!
Rather than beef about it, I decided that I would give you all my thoughts about behaviors.
1. Personnel performance - Can anyone who works in an organization go into a yearly performance review and instead of telling your boss and those you work with and for, how bad everyone else was so that makes you better? I can hear the conversation: I didn't get a DUI like the other guy! I didn't screw up like Janie! I didn't miss as much work as Michelle! I didn't hit anyone! Think about it! How many of us judge or are judged off of someone else's performance?
Solution in Politics: Everyone runs as an independent and the only think you can talk about is your personnel performance. Not compared to anyone else, but YOUR performance. Not what your couldn't do because of someone else, or what you would do if you could have...actually tell me/us what you did. No parties, no mud slinging, just you in front of your boss and your staff saying why you should keep your job!
2. Financial Resources - Can anyone of you think of a time you spend any money to keep your job? Most of us would call that a bribe and we would be escorted out the door!
Solutions in Politics: Everyone is given a 100 pages of white tag board and markers. You can color them and put them around your house. Otherwise you must personally visit ALL areas or people in your area. Give the 16 Million spent on your campaigns that say nothing about what you can do and give it to a charity who could feed all the kids starving in the USA for a year!
3. Stereotypes and Labels - I do not know of anyone who likes these. I am a white female. I am athletic. I am gay. I am a middle age man. I am black. I am a Lutheran. Who CARES! Why do we want to try and fit the whole world into our little labels? Democrat, Republican, Tea Party, Ecology Democratic, Green Party...WHO CARES!
Solution in Politics: Everyone runs as an independent. No labels, no affiliations. No one is better supported and no one is left out. If you want to run for an office you can run.
So, there you have it. Behaviors I would change if I could! So what would this mean?
We would have everyone sitting around tables with their friends, coloring pictures and saving money while helping others out! Sounds like a very sound plan and one I believe would not only change the political situation but also society!
Now, go gather some friends, color and help someone out--including yourself!
I voted!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Why do Mondays have to be the start of the week?
As I walked into work today I was joined by a number of people in the elevator. After the flor buttons were pushed and we began our asend, one of the people said "I can't believe it is Monday already". The person replied "yeah, why do Mondays have to start our week"!
I was not really paying attention until the door opened to my floor and as I exited the elevator I thought to myself "what if the work week started on Wednesday? We could work three days -- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and have two days off and work only two days -- Monday and Tuesday before the start of the new work week!
What an idea! Now I know what you are thinking, "Janice, we still work five days in a row" but what do we know about life? It's all about perspective and attitude! Would your perspective be different if you knew that at the start of a new work week that started on a Wednesday you only had two more days until the weekend? Oncethe weekend was done you only had two days until the beginning of the next work week!
Wouldn't this create a more positive attitude?what do we know about positive attitudes? They become more real when you can have small successes. Right? I know I can work two or three days in a row without going nuts, so what if today and tomorrow are just getting ready days for the start of the new work week that starts on Wednesday!
It may be a little far fetched, I understand, but pretend for just a few minutes that this was reality. That Monday wasn't the start of your week, rather the middle of your week! You would be back in the groove, ready for the rest of the week, and motivated to do more!
Humor me...better yet, humor yourself and as you go off to work tomorrow think to yourself "whoa tomorrow is the new work week already I made it"! See what happens!
I was not really paying attention until the door opened to my floor and as I exited the elevator I thought to myself "what if the work week started on Wednesday? We could work three days -- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and have two days off and work only two days -- Monday and Tuesday before the start of the new work week!
What an idea! Now I know what you are thinking, "Janice, we still work five days in a row" but what do we know about life? It's all about perspective and attitude! Would your perspective be different if you knew that at the start of a new work week that started on a Wednesday you only had two more days until the weekend? Oncethe weekend was done you only had two days until the beginning of the next work week!
Wouldn't this create a more positive attitude?what do we know about positive attitudes? They become more real when you can have small successes. Right? I know I can work two or three days in a row without going nuts, so what if today and tomorrow are just getting ready days for the start of the new work week that starts on Wednesday!
It may be a little far fetched, I understand, but pretend for just a few minutes that this was reality. That Monday wasn't the start of your week, rather the middle of your week! You would be back in the groove, ready for the rest of the week, and motivated to do more!
Humor me...better yet, humor yourself and as you go off to work tomorrow think to yourself "whoa tomorrow is the new work week already I made it"! See what happens!
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