Mosquitoes

Those nasty tiny bloodsuckers are back with a vengeance! They hurt and leave huge welts behind. Rainy weather created so many puddles and standing water it is no wonder there are so many mosquitoes. These not the “Culex” or West Nile carrying mosquitoes but they still bite. The bite seems to be more painful and they certainly are annoying. I love the wind because it blows them away. Calling in the cats for the night I heard a high pitched buzzing sound in the trees. It took a minute before my brain identified the sound of millions of mosquitoes in the bush! Yes, mosquitoes! The dark, ominous, buzzing clouds of mosquitoes were just waiting for unsuspecting victims to step outside. My trusty fly swatter stays by my side until these nasty creates are gone, or until the next windy day.  Take Care. June30

School’s out!

School is officially over and summer vacation starts. DS1 wrote one compulsory math exam on the 16 th and has been off since then. His report card overall was good but a couple of subject marks dropped since Christmas. Ah well, it is high school and life changes all the time. DS2 was off since the 13th and only went back for the last week because of all the field trips. Why do they save all the field trips until year end?  DS2 did great at the annual music concert this past Sunday (his new cousin’s birthday). He had another great school year and is on the Honour Roll and received the Grade 7 Athletic Award. The school awards are next to his Air Cadet ones. Both boys are doing very well in school and are looking forward to summer.

Take Care.  June 26

Very Sad Day

Our friend Gregg passed away today after a courageous fight with cancer. I first met him when Mary and I worked at CUSO over 20 years ago. He was always a kind and gentle man who had a quiet, reassuring presence. Whenever I picture him I see a gentle bear of a man with a full moustache who was always smiling. His death has left a giant hole in all our lives. I will always remember his kind and gentle smile. Gregg may be gone but he lives on in our hearts and memories. Goodbye Gregg.        June 23, 2008

I’m an aunt!

My DB1, Ray, is engaged to Raylene who is called Ray, and now they have a baby named Ray. Sooo…R1 plus R2 equals R3 or is it R + R² = R³ ??  I’m having so much fun with this. I’m not sure how they are spelling my niece’s name. Rhay, Rae, Ray???  I’ll find out soon enough. GmomB is so happy she finally has a granddaughter. My sister had a boy and I have 2 boys and my brothers seemed to be confirmed bachelors so GmomB is ecstatic for another grandchild especially a granddaughter.  Happy Birthday to my brand new niece.   Take Care.  June22/08

Driving

I drove school bus this week and of course it rained. The roads north of town were mud puddles even after a few days without rain. We, the kids and I, were very late getting to school but we made it. Both boys are not in school this week. DS1 wrote the mandatory math exam on Monday and DS2 doesn’t have exams in middle school.

The dragonflies are here! The hummingbirds have returned after disappearing for awhile. The last few days of sunshine helped brighten everyone’s spirits and is making the grass really, really green. The grass is so “lush” we spent the longest day of the year mowing. Yes, Summer Solstice was mowing day for us. Enjoy the sunshine. Take Care. June21

Father’s Day

DH enjoyed a relaxing day at home, well relaxing for him. He was busy in the garden planting and weeding. The sugar maple tree will be planted by the southwest corner of the house. He wanted a tree for Father’s Day, a sugar maple if possible. I’m thinking maple sugar may be in our future. Wonderful day at home especially without any rain. Take Care. June15

Sunshine at last?

It was overcast driving to Gimli for supper but still it was not raining! It was great to see the Grandparents. As always it was a wonderful visit. Checking out the boys schedule it looks like they may not be able to spend a weekend at the Grandparents this year. DS1 is working casually at the library and will be gone for a 3 week canoe trip. DS2 will be away at camp for 2 weeks then home for a week and then at Cadet camp for 2 weeks. The boys are really busy this summer. Take Care June14

DH is home

DH was in New Brunswick for a conference and his plane landed after 8pm. Dropping him off at 5am was rough but picking him up late at night was worth travelling into Winnipeg. I missed him and am glad he is home.

I’ve been driving as a spare bus driver while DH was away and it rained almost everyday. The roads are mud slick roads caused white knuckle driving and several detours. June14

Annual Inspection

DS2’s annual Air Cadet Inspection was Saturday. What a difference from what I remember as a cadet. It was a windy and cloudy day which was perfect for the outside parade and presentation. The awards banquet afterwards saw many cadets receive awards and DS2 received Rookie Award and a medal for attending Golden Falcon.  He was a happy, tired and proud kid. Take Care June7

Rain, rain go away

It feels like Vancouver here in Manitoba. I’ve been driving bus on really muddy back roads. Not only was I trying to keep rain off the windshield but mud as well. Yes, mud. The rain created wet runny mud that was almost impossible to drive on. The kids thought it was great fun fishtailing along the roads while I had a death grip on the wheel.  Somehow the bus made it into town, very late but safely. Take Care