Biking, Swimming, Foot-Slogging - No Time for Blogging!!

A little damp and bedraggled after my swim - and soak in the not-too-hot tub for those sore muscles - I am swinging by the internet access to get a few lines posted, while cousin Ann goes to make a start on supper. We have been very good about 'eating in' in the evening,and making a 'wee piece' to have at noon!
As you probably gathered, our days are full, but we have been blessed with dry weather, and even sun at times, so have been making the most of that! Yesterday we walked for at least five miles, through woods and heathland, then partway around a nearby loch. Today we rented bikes - set off at 9:30am and returned at 4:30pm, so we may well be unable to get out of bed in the morning..... No idea just how many miles we pedaled, but it certainly wasn't an 'easy ride' and entailed much pedal-pushing. We came upon a herd of deer at the start of our ride, but they scattered at speed when they heard us. A little later we came upon a gentleman, of a certain age, who told us that he had camped out last night. I wasn't surprised as he was beside a lochan (small loch) and appeared to be just finishing his morning ablutions! His local knowledge proved to be very useful as he pointed us in the right direction for our destination.
During the course of the day the weather just got better and better, so that we decided to drve up Cairn Gorm. Despite the sunny periods though, visibility wasn't too good. There is a funicular railway which could take us farther up, but unless the visibility is good, not much point in making the trip.
I realize that I haven't mentioned much about the days preceding our flight to Scotland, but everything went really well. My time with Ruth and Bern in Ely, Cambs. was very relaxing and enjoyable - and the sun shone!! Saturday morning Ruth and I made an early start to travel by train to Reading, via London, to attend the reunion at The Abbey. Even though it had not been widely publicized, there was quite a good crowd there, some of whom I hadn't seen for ages. Needless to say, we were pretty talked out by the end of the day.....
Now to do a little research on the internet in preparation for tomorrow's activities - and maybe find some e-mail. (Thanks to those who have sent news - much appreciated.)

Here in the Highlands!

A soft Scotch mist was dampening our jackets as we strolled along the road leading from Sacandinavian Village in Aviemore, our home for the rest of this week. When we left cousin Ann's place near Leicester, the sun was shining, but of course here in Scotland we are at a higher altitude, plus quite a bit farther north..... All parts of our journey here went without a hitch, so that we enjoyed a leisurely drive here from Inverness, after having picked up some groceries en route. We feasted our eyes on the beautiful mountain scenery, with sheep - and lambs! - grazing amongst the tussocks of heather in the foreground. Right now, Ann is studying brochures for ideas of what we could do. Despite the fact that it is the 'quiet' season (post ski-and pre-summer tourist-) it looks as though there will be lots to do. Hadn't planned this little session at the computer, but came upon free internet access,so... carpe diem!

Safe Arrival!

The most important piece of news to report is that I arrived safely in England, just twenty-four hours ago. After a good night's sleep I feel a lot more rested, so here I am, seated at a computer in Chipping Sodbury Library, ready to do some blogging. I have just read my e-mails, so many thanks to those who sent them! I hope your queries will be answered in today's 'Flotsam and Jetsam'.
I was asked how you send me an e-mail via 'F & J' - the answer is that I don't know! However, I do know that you can e-mail me at seasiderdi@gmail.com, as well as at my usual shaw.ca. If you wish to phone, my mobile no. here in the UK is 07969 742965 (01144 7969 742965 from Canada).
As mentioned previously, I made a quick trip to Abbotsford on Monday morning. Having arrived in Vancouver by 6am, I was out to Abbotsford shortly after 8am, where I was warmly welcomed by dear friends of longstanding, Ruth and John. The purpose of my visit at that particular time, was to attend with R & J the funeral service for our mutual friend, and former teaching colleague at Oliver Elementary School in the '70s, John McRae. The service was a wonderful celebration of the life of a Godly man, who will be sorely missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary, their five kids and 17 grandkids, plus all those whose lives he touched. I hadn't seen the kids for many years, so it was very special to be greeted by name (Miss Wilkie!) and a hug byJames, whom I had taught in Grade 4. He did a wonderful job of leading the singing for the service, as well as sharing with the congregation - together with his brother and three sisters - fond memories of his father, both poignant and humorous....
I was very thankful that the weather was fine for my driving on Monday, and that I managed to get there and back without getting lost, in good time to check in for my flight. I am very thankful, too, that the flight was uneventful, and the subsequent parts of the journey, via underground and train, went smoothly. Brother Jim was at the train station to meet me, and after a few side trips in Bristol, we went together to 'The Heathers' to visit Mother. We had a good time together. She knows very well who Jim is, but was somewhat hazy about who I was. It will be interesting to see how my viasit today with her goes. Apparently she is better when there is just one person visiting....

A Short Night...and a Long Day

Just a few lines before I crawl into bed for some shuteye... My bag is packed, papers dealt with, with dear friend Merlie offering to drive me to the airport for 4: 30am.
Once in Vancouver, I pick up a car to drive to Abbotsford, where I shall visit with friends before heading back to YVR in time to catch the evening flight to London. I am anticipating being tired enough to sleep at least part of the way....
Apologies if I didn't respond to/contact you, but I just ran out of time. More details once I am in the UK!

Is Spring Here to Stay??

Wow! Back to back sunny days! It feels so good to get out there and enjoy that sunshine, whether walking or biking....

However, the countdown is on, so I need to concentrate on preparing for my trip to the UK, which promises to be an interesting and busy time. There will be visits to Mother (99) at The Heathers in Chipping Sodbury, get-togethers with family members, several gatherings of former Abbey 'girls', plus lunches with other friends, as well as a week in Scotland, in the Cairngorms, with cousin Ann. Hopefully, spring weather will be in evidence for my visit, especially during that week in the Scottish mountains!!