Jul 29, 2019
Enjoying visitors from my home town of Edmonton, Alberta
Paul came into my life when Colin and I hired him to video my Dad’s memorial service at U of A in Edmonton back in March of 2017. Both my Mom and my Dad had given their bodies to the University of Alberta to be used by medical students to further their medical studies. Usually the annual celebration is the end of April but it was changed that year and I was unable to get there for April 1st as we were scheduled to be on the road from Mexico to Canada. I knew that my frugal father would not have wanted me to spend the exorbitant amount of money to be there for only one day. Once we had found Paul and interviewed him I was able to relax. I knew that when we got back home that there would be a video waiting for me that would make me feel that I had been there. It was then that our friendship with Paul began. He began to read my blog and we met him here in 2018 for a quick visit to our home and then for a dinner. He truly enjoyed his visit to our RV park.
As an owner here at Holiday Park Resort I get a discount for RVers. Paul contacted me to book a site for he and Jan and another for his friends. They arrived July 22nd which was Colin’s birthday. We saw them the next day and met their friends. We arranged for them to all come over for drinks and dessert and whatever on Wednesday the 24th. Brad and his daughter Abby ( 11 ) went out for a bit in our kayaks. Finn ( 10 ) sat with her Dad in his kayak. It was a cool and very windy day and seemed to get cooler as time went on. We started a fire in our ceramic fire pit but heard a very loud bang and shut it down. More on that in a future post. Colin and Paul went to get Paul’s fire pit, the same one we have in Mexico. I think I was the one with the most clothes and jackets on. The Edmontonians thought it was nice and warm while us locals were freezing. We still had a wonderful evening complete with fresh Okanagan peach pie and cherry ice cream thanks to Paul and Jan. Best peach pie ever 😛 We were all having such a great time that no photos were taken.
We all got together again two days later on the Friday. We chatted with Paul and Jan before the family arrived.
Mom, Alexis is getting everyone sorted out. We did manage a happy hour with snacks somewhere along here.
Paul is taking photos. Abby on the board and Finn and Dad, Brad in the kayaks.
Suddenly Odie, the rescue dog, that they have had since October, dove into the water. Odie was abused in his early life and is just leaning how to be a real dog. He hit the mark this day.
He eventually came back in. No he did not have a lifejacket but he soon will. Everyone was amazed to see him in the water. Photo by Paul.
Odie kept going back out, over and over. They tried to keep him on the patio, we even blocked off the access to the stairs down to the beach. At one point he got away and scrambled down the rocks to the beach and the lake. Photo by Paul.
I was worried about Odie’s stamina but he seemed to manage going back and forth. I have to say that I think I took a very good photo here.
Each time Odie came in, Alexis would hose him off. Photo by Paul.
However each passing duck would entice Odie back in.
Eventually he came back in and stayed in once the girls and Brad came in off the lake as well. I have heard that since this particular day, Odie is into running into the lake, playing fetch and of course chasing a few ducks but not encouraged to do.
Dinner prep was happening. I don’t think we ate until close to two hours later than planned but a good time was being had by all. Thanks for the photo Paul.
Finally dinner was served. Caesar salad, coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad.
And fresh BBQ sockeye salmon.
So great to have quality time with Paul.
By the time we ate the 32C temps had declined to a tolerable temperature.
Thanks for the sunset photo Paul.
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What a fun time you and your company had playing in the lake and enjoying tasty food.
It was a fun time. I just wish that each day had been our normal perfect weather.
What a fun visit and I love the story about Odie and the water … that was a great shot you got of Odie. And the sunset picture your friend took was spectacular!
Thanks for noticing the photos of Odie. I was so pleased with myself for taking them.
Lovely blog Contessa! Love our time with you!!!
Cheers!
Paul
🙂
Awesome post!! Love the shots of Odie and that you were witness to his first attempts at being a dog. Best night and even better company! Until next time…xoxo
It was wonderful having you here and for us to get to meet Odie. He certainly has come a long way in a short time.
So nice when dogs who are rescues remember how/learn how to be dogs again 🙂 Looks like a lovely day was had by all!
Odie had a very sad past and is really doing well. This trip has really helped him.