April 2016
Dawson Creek, BC

Typical spring in the Peace River country – warm sun, water running, mud, dust, geese are returning (haven’t seen a robin yet); as patches of snow recede green grass appears, leaves are beginning to think about popping out. We relished the unusual mild temperatures of our winter. I wore my heavy winter boots only 2 times, the heaviest winter coats, mitts and toques remained in the closet. The biggest snowfall of the season fell while we were in Vancouver; our neighbor kindly shoveled so when we got home the snow bank was at the side of the driveway.

Spending time in Vancouver was on Ray’s bucket list, so we chose December 15th, 2015 – January 31st,2016, hoping to escape shoveling mounds of snow and experience milder temperatures – how were we to know Dawson Creek’s winter would be the mildest ever?
The big city offers opportunities that are not available to us in northern BC.
*We soon learned to allow ourselves plenty of time to get to a venue as often we waited in line for as long as an hour;
*The sleigh ride over Canada with Santa was spectacular with Betty holding on tight even tho buckled in;
*Services in 3 different churches each with distinct personalities different from each other;
*Our apartment was right down town so we could walk where ever
we wanted to go, claiming our space on the sidewalk was a challenge without bumping someone and dodging umbrella spokes or dodging seniors in their motorized wheelchairs who seemed to claim the right-of-way ;
*Strolls along the waterfront observing huge freighters waiting to unload, boats of all sizes and grandeur, small ferries zipping passengers short distances, including us;
*High tea at the prestigious Wedgewood Hotel due to Betty talking the Maitre de for a table although we had no reservation:
*Dazzling Christmas lights, elaborately and creatively decorated Christmas trees.
*The sky train took us to a huge mall, (there was nothing there we could not live without);
*Time spent with children, grandchildren and friends living in the lower mainland;
*Receiving news of 1st cousins’ deaths – one on each side of the family and serious health problems with our daughter.
*Most of all we will remember the people that we meet, some only briefly, some chatting over coffee and cinnamon buns. Every person we meet brings something to our lives that was not there before; we are learning to cherish every person we meet. Our lives are so enriched by these brief encounters.

It is now just over a year ago that Ray was flown out to St. Paul’s hospital to remove a blood clot that was threatening his leg and life. The clot was removed and he came out of surgery with life and limb intact. He spent several weeks in hospital resting and recovery while hassling the staff and flirting with the student nurses , then Dr.s’ visits and home care nursing after we were home. Betty had to give me (rather volunteered) a series of shots in the stomach with a menacing look on her face. It was an amazing
experience. At no time did we feel afraid, we always knew that whatever the outcome, it was going to be OK. We learned to TRUST! Trust that someone who knew a lot more than we do was looking after us. We were once again reminded of how vital and important the support and company of our friends and family that share our values and experiences is. It brings us strength and courage, we are so grateful. We are presently almost back to pre-emergency surgery condition; nerves in Ray’s foot are growing back, he is working at bringing the yard back to where he wants it after a season of doing its own thing, working a full day, giving Sharon an entire day off. Has not yet returned to once a week bowling – maybe next year.

Spent a wonderful 10 days in Indiana with my siblings and extended family. A time of sharing memories, taking trips down memory lane, times of laughter, eating together, being silly and just quietly being together.

Plans for upcoming summer – nothing definite yet but some possibilities:
An Oswald reunion in Nebraska – is there anyone out there willing to offer me a place to stay for a week or so? Already have an offer for rides to and from Omaha airport.
Trip to southern Alberta;
Family coming to visit;
and who knows what adventure awaits or who might decide to look us up as they pass through our town.

How would you finish this sentence? My favorite thing about Spring is. . . . . . . . . . . . .

It is now May, the landscape has changed. Bushes are flowering, leaves continue to break forth from the winter rest, the Mayday trees are sending
us their almost overpowering aroma from a block away, large patches of yellow – pesky dandelions. Apparently spring is early all over BC, they are telling us the fruit crops in the Okanagan are ahead of schedule and that we can expect BC cherries in June. Unfortunately the warm, dry windy weather brings devastating wildfires burning north and east of us in Alberta, and north of us in BC; people have had to evacuate on very short notice. Costs are estimated in the billions of $ thousands of people displaced, (how can the effects to humans be measured?), awesome pictures on Google – (Fort McMurray, Alberta). Closest to our home about 40 miles, we are seeing no effects from our home.

Our goal is to eat healthy and be active, staying away from processed and packaged foods – (we make exceptions for ice cream) and cook like our mothers taught us – the buzz words are “eat clean” or “eat green”. I’ve tried kale, it chews like leather but leather tastes better. The yard work, sessions at the gym, and daily walks keep us active.

Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us.
So be swift to love, make haste to be kind, and may the blessing of God be with you.

Thank-You For Loving Us!
Ray and Betty Good