Hallowe'en Night in Three Hills

Amy's family made these paper mache pumpkins this year - it looks like they all have their own different personalities. The creators from Left to Right - Garron; Solomon; Journey; and Amy

Amy's house was the gathering place for tonight's Hallowe'en with the kids. The pumpkins above were made by Solomon and Journey. I arrived at a great time too - Amy and Garron's international student from Mexico just finished making burritos with nachos for supper. They were delicious - thank you Edgar.

The gang is ready to go trick-or -treating - Journey - the cat; Sierra the horsewoman; Logan (one of Mr McQueen's crew members - okay you have to know about the movie CARS to understand this costume); Solomon the bubble-bee; Baby Emily the pretty princess in pink being held by her mom Meagan and there is Amy - let's see going out as a French painter (she is very artistic)

Well, I did something I haven't done since I was like 9-10 years old - went out trick-or-treating. Sierra, Journey and Solomon need to let loose some energy so while waiting for Mike and Meagan to come up from Calgary to join us, I took the 3 kids out to just around the block to get some candy. I must admit it was quite fun walking around with them. They all said thank you when they left the houses and Solomon held my hand as we went house to house and crossing the road - telling us it was safe to cross the road (no cars coming). Thank you Sierra, Journey and Solomon for a wonderful time tonight. It was great spending time you at dinner and then hanging out with you as you went to get your candy. Love ya guys!

Solomon - the Bubble Bee

Solomon decided to be the same as last year - a bubble bee. His mom Amy found an example of a bubble bee face painting in Ocean's face painting kit we were able to borrow tonight

Solomon - the bubble bee!! Buzzzzzzzz!!!

Hey - watch out for that stinger!!!

Just as Amy was finishing up with Solomon, her niece Sierra came over with Grandma Char. Sierra went as a horsewoman (for those who haven't seen previous entries on my blog - Sierra is quite a natural horsewoman. Beautiful to watch her ride). Amy finished off her costume with some black freckles on her cheeks.

Journey - the Cat

Journey decided to be a cat this year for Hallowe'en. Here is Journey's mom Amy getting ready to face paint her face so she can look like a cat. (thanks to Journey's cousin Ocean to allow us to use her face painting kit - had an example of a cat, bubble-bee and many other ideas too).

Face painting is complete - Journey has transformed into a cat!! Meow!! Great job Amer!!!

Landscaping: Before and After Photos

I know I have posted these photos before - but here are the before photos of my backyard. Full of weeds and had seen better days that is for sure.

Here is the after photo - dramatically different I would say. Yes, there is no grass. My theme was low maintenance and I definitely got that!! I will have to have a proper backyard party in the spring time (after I have some flowers in the flower gardens that in the backyard).

Thank you John P and Jon J for doing a great job on the fence. I will be able to enjoy all your handiwork inside and now outside of my house. Thanks for all your help in my renos over the past couple of years. It has throughly been appreciated.

Before and after

This is the gate that John P and Jon J made for me to make my fence complete. The guys did awesome - I am one happy customer!!

Before and after

Before and after

Happy Birthday Logan!!

On Saturday, we celebrated Logan's birthday - he turned 3 years old. After blowing out the candles, he couldn't wait to take the cars off the cake. I guess he is like every little boy - loves his cars/trucks.

Logan and Solomon looking at the cake - maybe figuring out what kind of piece of cake they want

"Hey I am out of juice guys!" Logan says to Ethan and Solomon, "See my cup is empty."

Logan's parents - Mike and Meagan (getting the camera ready for birthday photos)

Time to open presents Logan - let's see what's in this shiny bag...

Logan had plenty of helpers for opening his gifts - there is Journey (pink); Ethan (black shirt); Sierra (purple) and Solomon (blue)

Since August, I have babysat for Mike and Meagan - mainly to look after baby Emily but I have looked after Logan a few times. I do remember how he enjoyed cars and transformers. So Logan is holding the cars while Journey is holding the transformer car that I got him. I had to giggle - his expression and excitement seeing them was so adorable. Glad I got the right thing for you Logan.

Logan's dad Mike was showing Solomon and Logan the new books he received.

Hard to tell what this present is - it was from Logan's parents - CARS bed sheets. Logan was very happy as he loves the video CARS

What do you want me to do with this Casendra? (John P asking his daughter Casendra) - it is baby Emily's teething ring I believe

Sara and Ethan discussing about the new cars that Logan. Sierra playing with this gooey stuff that all the kids seem to enjoy playing with. The compare it to play-doo.

The Fog Rollin' In...

Only the tip of the Golden Gate Bridge is showing now that the fog has rolled into the habour

It was so neat to watch this thick wave of fog/cloud enclose the San Francisco Habour - sweeping behind Alcatraz Island

San Fran Wax Museum

George Clooney

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The Future and Past collide - Keanu Reeves (The Matrix) and Johnny Depp (Captain Jack Sparrow)

Governor Arnold S, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Mel Gibson

Harrison Ford with Tom Cruise

Gone with the Wind

The Duke (John Wayne) hanging out with Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford)

Comics - Jim Carrey and Robin Williams

Reese Witherspoon; Marilyn Munroe and Julia Roberts

Selma Hasek; Oprah and Halle Berry

Donny and Marie Osmond; Dick Clark and Tom Hanks

"Crikey" says Steve "You scared me Rambo!!"

Van Gough - a self portrait

Mona Lisa

American Gothic

Jackie O with her husband JFK; Ronald Reagan; George Bush and Bill Clinton

The Last Supper

Moses with the 10 Commandments

Sermon on the Mount

Leo and Kate - on top of the world!!

Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth II

Lady Diana

Dorothy with her friends following that yellow brick road

Golden Gate Bridge

To rest my foot but still as much of San Francisco as possible - I rode one of those open-top hop-on and hop-off buses. Oh my goodness - the wind was brutal as we drove across the Golden Gate bridge - I am so glad I didn't have to walk against that just a few days earlier at the 3-day walk. It is quite something seeing the GG from a far - the first thing you see and the last thing you see when you ride a ship.

As we were waiting for the light to change colour - I saw this sign. I couldn't help by chuckle - never saw a sign for a future paving project. I can tell you though - they are running a bit behind schedule - it is now Fall 2009 and the roads didn't look smooth to me.

What a view!!

When we realized how far our original hotel was from downtown - Kristy let her fingers do the walking and found this great hotel - Suites at the Fisherman's Wharf. We were like a 20 min walk to Pier 39 (Fisherman's Wharf) and just up the street from Ghirardelli Chocolates (oh that brownie was so yummy!!). It had 2 bedrooms (the master suite had a queen and a flat screen tv to boot and the other room had a double. The living room had another tv and a sofa bed as well as a small kitchenette - perfect. Will definitely have to remember this hotel the next time I find myself in San Francisco. Kristy and I were on the top floor with a great view of Alcatraz from our small patio, but these photos were from our roof top baloncy - amazing views.



the famous San Francisco trolley - this one is Powell & Hyde line

You can just make out the Golden Gate bridge in the distance

Celebrity Cruise line ready to set sail - thinking heading to Canada then to Alaska

A Tallship and Alcatraz

The Crooked Street at Lombard & Leavenworth

Flowers of The Crooked Street

Streets of San Francisco

The steepest street in San Francisco - Filbert at Hyde. According to the guy on the trolley - this street was used in the TV series - The Streets of San Francisco (starring a young Micheal Douglas from 1972 to 1980)

I would seriously have some tough times driving around San Fran being I don't like heights - YIKES!!

My hotel (Suites at Fisherman's Wharf) is just down the next part of this street - I took my baby steps and eventually got down the hill. Great view - so couldn't really complain can I?

The Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies - Victorian homes painted in more than 3 colour to embellish the architecture design of the homes

For my generation, "The Painted Ladies" were made famous as a part of the opening credits for the TV show "Full House" (starred John Stamos - formerly of ER)

Shopping anyone??

Macy's or Louis Vuitton

Saks 5th Avenue

Tiffany & Co.

Sea Lions at Pier 30

After enjoying our caramel apples, we walked down abit on Pier 39 and found the star attraction to this Pier - home of the Sea Lions. Oh my - never though sea lions could be so entertaining and boy were they noise. I have to say though - I think the kids would love it though. I did take some videos of a few sea lions having some play time, but I don't know how to load into my blog (going to have to ask Erin for some help on this one). I just sat there memorized by all the sea lions - they were just piled in layers and not really taking much notice from us. Quite a site. Kristy and I figure close to 700-800 sea lions were there enjoying some sun and relaxation. Amazing really.

Hey - you took my spot!!

I now call this meeting to order - Hey wake up we have business to take care here!!

An afternoon swim - cooling off from the warm sun rays

Hey - I am ready for my photo op!! This is my best side too.

Scratch...Scratch...Oh that feels much better now.

Some cuddle time

Pier 39 - Fisherman's Wharf

The Golden Gate Bridge - wow and I walked that whole way across (such a cool feeling)

Kristy and I enjoyed a carmel apple from this store - oh my so good!! The best part - the apples they used were Granny Smith apples - my favourite!!! How did they know? The fudge was great too. Below is Kristy enjoying the view of the habour as well as her carmel apple.

Stores on Pier 39

Kristy and I had brunch here - the crepes were awesome. They filled your whole plate!! When I think of crepes - I remember them like roll-up shape - these ones were just like the above photo - a pizza triangle. I had the ham and cheese - soooo yummy!!! Kristy had the Florentine Crepe and when we were done - not one crumb left on our plates. What a way to begin our day of adventure on the famous Fisherman's Wharf!! Pier 39 had all the wonderful shops to visit - places for munchies/sweets, to find that perfect purse or tea store.

Never went inside - but loved their sign

Unfortunately, I just missed seeing Forrest Gump - oh well next time.

Escape from Alcatraz!!!

We did it - we all escaped from Alcatraz in one piece - we even have smiles on our faces. It was incredible to see what a prisoner would see. I think the crueliest punishment is seeing outside the city lights and the city's bustling noises each day - freedom within their sights but in the end it would be out of their reach.

My night photos did not turn out - it was beautiful to see the San Francisco city lights as we were driven into port/wharf. Thank you Kristy for organizing this tour of a "must see" in San Francisco. It was quite a night.

Happy 75th Anniversary Alcatraz!!

These two movies I have seen - above (great action movie) and below (great drama movie - Kevin Bacon was so good in it)

Way before my time - I don't know any of those actors/actresses names

Alcatraz siege - May 2 to 4, 1946

June 11, 1962 - Escaping using a Spoon

Who knew that a spoon could cut through concrete? That must have taken like forever to get a hole that size for a person to fit through - now I call that plenty of patience and a guy with plenty of time on their hands too.

We need your help - Does anyone have bail $$$?

Sara must have known the secret pass work - maybe it was "open sesame" or was it "Please officer?" Either way, she was sprung free from her cell - you can see she is happy by that smile on her face.

Prison BC - Kristy

Well - when Mother Nature calls you listen, right Kristy?

Help - I swear I never did that crime. Can I come out now?

Inside Alcatraz Island Prison

The hospital rooms

Hydrotherapy room

Prisoner guard outfits

Military to Federal Pen to a Reservation to the Native Americans

More rules - you could only visit your family once a month and it could only be from 1:30-3:10pm Monday to Friday only

Playing checkers against himself - I wonder who was winning - Me or Myself?

Kept busy doing pencil sketching - they didn't look too bad either

Looking at the cell below, not only did the prisoners read alot, they also took up art work - those look like oil paintings on the shelves to me. Reading such in-depth authors, meal time or spare time in the rec area must have had some good conversations or debating over theories (I wonder how the prisoners there would settle those disagreements?)

Games to pass the time away within the walls of the prison - baseball, horseshoes, and even cribbage!!

Al "Scarface" Capone -a 5 year Alcatraz resident

Caught a photo of a visitor within one of the isolation cells - they sure didn't want you to come out - double doors!!

Public Showers anyone?

I guess it depends on your crime - to have a bed or not have a bed - how nice if you get the bed you can even receive a blanket

That is a lot of prison cells - 3 levels.

Interesting quote. So the question is - if they break the rules at Alcatraz, where do the prisoners go then?

The layout of Alcatraz Island Prison

After Alcatraz Prison was closed, the Native Americans took over the island as their land - hence you have the combination of the US Jail sign with a welcome sign for all Native Americans to come and live on the island.

Views from the boat

The Golden Gate Bridge as the sun is going down.

Wow - the sun looks so huge!!! Sorry the photo doesn't do it justice - it was beautiful.

San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf and the city behind it

The captain called this "Little Alcatraz" as it is where they found one of the escaped prisoners who couldn't make it across the Bay to the city. Looks like the seagull enjoys its resting place though.

Heading to Alcatraz...

The sun was setting and we are ready to head for our evening tour of Alcatraz - I would imagine the most famous jail in US History. If films were made about this jail - last one I saw was The Rock with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery.

It is the day after the walk - the night before Sara's friend Kristy from BC joined us in San Francisco - it was Kristy who organized us this evening tour of the Bay and Alcatraz. I had the guy sitting across from us to take a photo of us (nice British accent). Thanks Kristy - it was neat to walk around history and all the stories those wall have (I am sure some were not shared on the headset they gave us).

3-Day End Breast Cancer Walk - Words of Encouragement

3-Day 60 mile Susan G Komen End Breast Cancer Walk - San Francisco - Fri Oct 2 to Sun Oct 4, 2009. Our team met our goal for fundraising - $10,000 US. At the closing ceremonies they said that our San Fran event raised over $4 million dollars towards finding a cure for breast cancer as well as towards programs for education, support and prevention of this disease. Thank you to all my supporters - financially as well as being a part of my cheering squad - I can't tell you how much I appreciated your encouragement and support. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Doing this walk allowed me to support a disease that will always be a part of my life. It allowed me to accomplish 2 goals I never thought I would be able to do or capable of doing - completing a Half Marathon (my first time) and walking across the Golden Gate Bridge (of note this was also on my Travel Bucket list of things I wanted to do in my lifetime - so cool to cross off an item from my list.). Throughout the walk, I met breast cancer survivors as well - young mothers especially or a man who is not only walking for his wife but his daughter too - both had just completed their treatment. Those I spoke to - positive thinking - their purpose being - have to be there for their children to grow up. Hearing the cost value put to each chemo visit ($2,000.00 and this person's health plan covers only $1500 per visit), I am so glad to be living in Canada too.

"We walk because we must. We are strong because the journey demands it. Together in body and united in spirit, we lay down our footsteps for this generation and the next. This is our promise.."

A gentle reminder at the opening ceremonies - "Take you Time - It's a walk, not a race. Savor the experience"

60 miles = 120,000 steps!!!! Wow!!

Our supporters came in all ages - children to adult. The community support was simply put - AWESOME!! At times they lined the street holding out bowls of candy or red licorice, clapping and cheering out words of encouragement and some saying simply a "Thank you" for doing this for them. I was told that San Frans don't like to honk their horns - well they broke that rule 10 times over this weekend - the amount of honks from local drivers were amazing - windows down waving to us as they drove passed us. One part of our walk I remember this lady across the street on her patio yelling out to us - "Thank you!!". So cool.

The Wonders of Duck Tape

One of the major side effects of walking 60 miles - Blisters. Well, here is another function to add for duck tape - preventing blisters or at least protect them for increasing once you have them. Sara choose the fitting colour - hot pink!!

Closing Ceremonies

The banners of who we were walking for...

Words of inspiration for survivors of cancer - Courage, Patience, Hope, Healing, Opthism, and Commitment

Knowing I can wear my emotions on my sleeve and having a personal connection with this disease - surprisingly it was at time moment that my eyes became wet (so were so many other around me too). The last group to walk into the closing ceremonies were all the breast cancer survivors - as they walked in, fellow walkers took off their shoe and held it in the air as a sign to shoe their support. Of course, my thoughts were to my mom and sister -hence why there were tears running down my face.

The Reason we are here...

This is why we walked for 3-day - To end Breast Cancer. Below is another sea of pink - these are all breast cancer survivors - they are either had gone through treatment or are currently in treatment for their breast cancer.

Survivors holding hands together - united in a circle with the same dream - "A World without Breast Cancer"

The 3-F Crew Crossed the Finish Line

You ladies rock!! Sandy, Sara and Katie completed the 60 miles in 3 days - with blisters on their feet and sore leg muscles too.

When we walked across the finish line we were given our white shirts indicating we were walkers and they also gave us a pink rose.

Mother and daughter - Sandy and Katie

The 3-F Crew together at the end - together we were there for each other to see us reach our goals we set for ourselves for this incredible event. It was an honour to participate in this event with you Sara, Sandy and Katie. An unique experience to have been a part of.

Sandy - what a lady!!

Here is Sandy - she conquered her last hill of the 3 day walk (must say it was good one). This was the first time I had met Sandy. She is quite a lady. She was a determined lady that had a schedule to meet - completing 60 miles. With her walking stick, her steady pace and walked through the pain of her blistered feet - Sandy who happens to be 60 yrs old completed her 60 miles!!! Congratulations Sandy - you rock!!

The view from the top of the hill.

Lunch Pit Stop - Day 3

Some of the walkers dressed-up for this walk - butterflies in this case

My teammates awaiting to cross the street to have their lunch - Sandy, Sara and Katie

Katie carrying the banner "Celebration" - Katie has overcome so many health issues this past year - definitely a survivor in her own right - she was one of the most energetic persons that weekend. Hard not to feel her passion for this case and in life - thanks Katie for your example to us.

Best Friends Forever (BFF) and Sisters in Faith (SIF) - Sara and Katie

2nd goal met - Crossed the GG

Well - my foot made it through the 3.5 mile walk from our base camp, across the Golden Gate to the Coast Guard Base Camp. How can you come to San Francisco and NOT walk across the GG. I had been told it can be quite windy on the GG - so I count myself quite lucky that we had a beautiful sunny morning to do this walk.

Lunch Pit Stop - Sara relaxing and Katie is multi-tasking: Updating her Facebook while eating her lunch. As I was heading back to camp after lunch, I took whatever extra clothes my teammates did not need for the second leg of their walk.

Sights from the bridge

Base camp - the sea of pink tents with our white mess tents

View of the Bay

The other side of the Golden Gate Bridge - the last leg of the walk were a killer on the quads as we walked down to the Coast Guard Base Camp for Pit Stop 1 on Day 2.

Golden Gate Bridge

Fellow walkers ahead of Sara and I - there were some fast/power walkers along the route

Sara lied down to take this photo - man that is high - I tried to look up but I couldn't - thanks for taking the photo Sara.

Peek-a-boo: There I am with the tallest section of the GG

The San Jose Police Bike Force were awesome in ensuring we all stayed motivated, enjoyed the experience and most of all, kept us safe. I believe they have been taking part in this event since 1997. As we were not able to bring music with us (Ipods, MP3 players etc), it was great having them cycle by as they had portable boom-boxes attached to that back of their bikes - great way to get a pace to got with the song playing.

Crossing the Bridge

As we began our walk across the Famous Golden Gate - we were greeted with a sign " Crossing the Bridge for a Cure" - organizers has messages of encouragement and reminders of why we are walking throughout all the whole walking route.

Sara walks towards the beginning of the bridge. Okay - wow that is high - so glad that I don't have to scale those poles for this walk.

Halfway across the bridge - didn't look over the edge - just straight ahead - I have learned if I do that, my fear doesn't over take me. Thanks for being there for me Sara.

Day 2

Woke up to the sun shining and the sky blue with no clouds. Here I am in front of my tent with the Golden Bridge in the backdrop. Now having to pace myself for the next 2 days - new goals were set - my next one - Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. I was tickled to learn that that was our first portion of our walk on Day 2. From Base to the Coast Guard Base at the other end was 3.5 miles.

As we started this together back in Calgary/Three Hills, it was so cool to be able to walk across the bridge with my friend (sister) Sara.

Okay - conquering another fear - I have a fear of heights. I was determined not to let that fear get in the way of my goal to walk this landmark that is linked with San Francisco.

Base Camp - Sea of Pink

As I was the first one at base camp, I took the role of preparing camp. When I arrived the open field was becoming a sea of pink tents - our homes for the next 2 nights. There were 1500 walkers and with 2 per tent, you can only imagine how many tents were needed. The Boy and Girl Scouts volunteered to assist us to prepare our tents. They were great too - they also help me retrieve all my teammates luggage too.

We were E-03 and E-04 - the furthest distance to walk for the bathroom, hot showers, and mess tent (dinner and evening entertainment tent). The grass was thick and lush which also covered the gopher holes so it made walking back and forth a wonderful challenge too.

Great view to wake up to in the morning - Alctraz across the way and the Golden Gate Bridge standing proudly.

Meeting Day 1 Goals

Throughout this whole experience I have been dealing with tendonitis of my right foot. As this is basically a recurrent injury, you do learn to work through the pain it provides. Knowing before arriving I would not be able to accomplish 20 miles per day - my original goal was 10 miles per day. Here I am meeting my first goal - 10 miles on Day 1. Unfortunately, I learned just down the street from this sign, my foot would not be allowing me to meet my original goal, so I had to re-set new goals for me.

A new goal met - after spending some time at the Medical tent at the lunch pit stop (icing and massaging of my right foot) and my crew mates moved ahead with their walk - I read that it I was able to make it to the next pit stop - I would have walked 13 miles = Half Marathon (21 km). Meeting me at the 13 mile mark was the Energizer bunny!! For me - this moment was very symbolic - it is a distance I have never done before and I remembered my sister Kathryn and a famous Canadian - Terry Fox.

One of the things cancer survivors look for - signs of Hope. For Canadians, the words Hope and Marathon symbolize what Canadian runner Terry Fox did in bringing awareness of cancer to the forefront. Terry Fox ran The Marathon of Hope - running from St John's NFLD and the goal of reaching Vancouver, BC. Unfortunately, he had to stop his dream just outside of Thunder Bay (my hometown) as his cancer had spread to his lungs. Terry Fox and Kathryn both had osteogenic sarcoma (he in his leg and she in her upper humerus bone); both had to have a limb amputated (he had a below the knee amputation and wore an artifical leg; Kathryn had to have a full arm amputation(including part of her shoulder) and had a prosthesis but in most cases never used it).

Relaxing scenery while waiting for the bus to take me back to base camp - near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Lunch time - Day 1

We made it - 10 mile marker put us at the Lunch Pit Stop.

Our running backs - Katie and Sara

Multi-tasking - stretching, resting our feet and refueling with our lunch meal before heading for our last leg of Day 1.

Ocean Beach, CAL

Sara showing off her skills of being able to walk backwards as she keeps well hydrated with her water bottles. Every pit stop had food (Lays potatoe chips, granola bars, bananas, PB&J sandwich pockets - great source of energy) and fluids (water and gatorade).

A wonderful view of Ocean Beach, as we walk towards our lunch pit stop - the wind off the ocean was nice and refreshing and cooling too.

Pit Stop 1 on Day 1

We made it - Pit Stop 1 - YEAH!!! As we walked into the Pit stop we were greeting with a team of cheering supporters - gave us our first reward - a palm tree sticker to add to our ID badge.

Still together and smiling too - Lincoln Park

Anyone need to go to the bathroom? Every pit stop had a line of these port-a-potties. It must have been a sight for passer-byers.

Lt Sullivan of the San Jose Police Biking Squad - seranading a female walker with an Air Supply song - he was great source of encouragement on the road. He drove by us later on with his boom-box attached to his bike - I think one of the theme songs of our weekend is the new single from the Black-Eyed Peas "I Got a Feeling" (heard it plenty of times on route and at base camp too). Lt Sullivan also was great moving things along at the port-a-potties - riding with his bike hitting the top of them informing the ladies to hurry as there are other people out here who need to go too. Definitely put a smile on your face - and hey he was cute too!! (lol)

Day 1 - and we are off...walking

Beginning our walk along the streets of San Francisco

Sara and Katie loving the cheers from the community (they were awesome) - Katie's t-shirt says "Fueled by Sweat, Driven by Desire"

These gals were awesome - honking their horns, cheering out their windows or stopping along the side of the road clapping for us. What amazing strength you get from those simple things - definitely know you are not alone walking.

Who I was walking for...

My mother - next week it will be 23 years ago that my mom received the news that she will be forever linked to breast cancer. Her doctors took aggressive treatment and surgery with her - for that Thank you for giving me 23 years (and counting) with my mother. It has been awesome to see how our relationship has grown. Love you mom - you are a true survivor.

My sister Kathryn - a 2-time survivor of osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) - a true inspiration of a fighter, an example of showing how your faith can bring you through your darkest hour, and embracing that moment in time spent with those her who were important to her (family and friends). One of her sayings - "Life is a gift and how we spend our time will determine the price tag". Though she is no longer here - she lives on in my heart and the wonderful memories we shared growing up as sisters.

My friends - this year alone - 2 of my friends (Inez and Diane) both were diagnosed with breast cancer and currently under going treatment. Other friends - sisters Jan and Nancy are breast cancer survivors; Andrew - testicular cancer survivor; Guido - lymphoma survivor.

My future - in medical terms, I now have a 1st degree family history of breast cancer and therefore it puts me in a higher risk to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. My mom was 44 years old when she was diagnosed, so for cancer surveillance I have been taking the proactive approach - self examinations as well as mammograms since I was 35 yrs old (for any cancers, they recommend you have your first diagnostic test done ten years prior to the earliest detection in your family). I am happy to share - all my results have been negative and clear of any lesions or masses. I walked for myself - doing my part to raise awareness of this disease that has affected my family and the donations raised will lead to a cure in the future too.

The 3-F Crew Begins their Journey

We were looking for a team name and in the end, my suggestion was selected to represent our team. Our team is: Katie Burkhardt (our energenic leader/captain); Sandy Burkhardt (Katie's mom); Sara Paterson (Katie's BFF) and myself (dear friend of Sara and I know Katie from my Dorion Bible Camp days). Our team's name was The 3-F Crew - Faith, Family and Friends -
Faith - we are all Christians (our faith has seen us through individually some challenging times and is important to us)
Family (biologically - Sandy and Katie; Friends that are family - Sara and myself) and Friends (we are all friends).
Plus it should be said that those 3 words were our source of encouragement and strength for us all throughout our 3-Day 60-mile walk around San Francisco. To me, they are forever linked when facing whatever life tends to throw at you.


Ta-da: We arrive at the opening ceremonies at the Cow Palace - a short shuttle from our hotel. (L to R) Sandy B; Sara P; Laura R and Katie B. The Energizer company was one of the main sponsors - hence the pink bunny ears that Katie is wearing (the Energizer bunny). The shawl that Sandy is wearing has multiple pink ribbons from her supporters back in Ontario, in honour of survivors of cancer (breast cancer as well as other types of cancers) or honouring those who lost their battle against this disease (cancer). Seeing the number of pink ribbons it really hits home the number of people in our lives that are affected by cancer.




My partner Sara and I - ready to face this challenge together as well as with our teammates (like our matching jackets?)

The 3-F Crew - Sara, Laura, Sandy and Katie - our pink colours worn proudly.

We were only allowed to bring one piece of luggage - here Sandy is sitting on her suitcase to make sure she got all that she needed for her 3 days.

A wonderful day with Amy

Amy and I at the lake - we had a beautiful day for our picnic. I think we will need to go on another one next summer. I had such a wonderful day - Thank you Amy.

Journey with a small version of the hoo-doos - a cool nature art form

Journey was very excited to show me the little minnows that were swimming near the shore. Thank you Journey for a great day - it was special to spend some time with you and your mom.

Journey - our hiking leader

Journey was our wonderful hiking leader. Many times we heard - come up here Auntie Laura!! Come on Mom, come up the hill with me!! Journey enjoyed herself climbing up and down the many hills the campground had to offer. She went up and down this one hill (the first 3 photos) multiple times trying to intice Amy and I to go up with her. My fear of heights got the better of me, unfortunately. Journey told us how beautiful it was at the very top.

Journey - our climber

Queen of the castle - Journey on top of a hill overlooking some of the campground

"Come on Auntie Laura - come up with me to the top of this hill!!" We made it Journey!! It was beautiful scenery too.

A message left by someone there before us. Very cool. Never seen one of these landmarks up close and personal before.

Amy and Journey

Amy and Journey showing me around Tolman Bridge Campground.

The clay ground was so cool to walk on too.

Heading back to the campground for our picnic

Tolman Bridge Hiking - Sept 19th

On the weekend of my birthday (Sept 18-19th), I spent it up in Three Hills with my friends (Amy, Amanda and Sara and their families). On the Saturday, Amy and her daughter Journey and I drove maybe 30 mins east of 3 Hills to this beautiful campground area. We had a warm, sunny day - not a cloud in the sky. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to walk around this campground. It is amazing in Alberta, how in such a short drive you can see such beauty in our surroundings - so fortunate to live in a province like this - in our own backyard - awesome!!

Love the creation of the clay. Definitely God's hands at work here.

A beautiful sunny day as the signs of Fall are present in the trees.

The Birthday Gals!!

On Saturday, Sept 19th, I celebrated with Amanda our birthdays. Amanda's is Aug 19th and mine is Sept 17th - we kid with each other saying we are like twins but with two different birth dates though. There is this wonderful Tea House in Three Hills where you can have a beautiful pot of tea and a yummy as well as delicious desserts on Saturdays and Sundays. They also serve a great dinner. On this night we had chicken crepes with a type of Hollianda Sauce and Rosemary on top of the sauce, with a fresh organic salad. I had the organic lettuce and toasted almonds and Amanda had the berry salad with the roasted almonds. We were stuffed by the end of the night - but no worries we still had room for dessert. Ended the night with a light chocolate mint stick. Thank you for a wonderful evening Amanda (sorry Amanda - tried my best but I couldn't get that flash off the fireplace glass)

The Birthday Gal!!

Amy and Garron and family gave me these beautiful garden patio stones - perfect for my new landscaped garden beds. I also received some bulbs and some more flower seedings.

The look of surprise on Casendra's face after Uncle Garron took a photo of her after putting the whole oreo cookie in her mouth. Still is a cutie-pie though.

Casendra enjoying the Sunday morning sunshine with her favourite pink blanket - think I know what her favourite colour is at the moment - maybe it is pink (lol)

Here comes the Birthday Cake!!!

John did the honours for bringing the yummy Oreo cake - it was delicious; as they all sang Happy Birthday.

I was protecting that yellow ducky - Logan had it too close to the cake candles - that's all we would need a fire.

Ethan was my great helper with blowing out my candles - we blew out all the candles in one shot!!

Friends at the Birthday party

Pretty in Pink!! I love this photo (thanks Garron) - Grandma Char with her granddaughter Casendra showing what type of glitter she is going to have in her hair.

Amy with her mom Char

Myself and Andy (thank you Andy for a wonderful prayer before dinner)

Sara (my walking partner for this weekend's Susan Gorman End Breast Cancer Walk (Oct 2-4, 2009) in San Francscio)

Garron - one of our photographers using my camera (Sierra was the other one that night)

Sara and John

Journey

Ethan

Casendra - Grandma Char put in glitter in her hair

Solomon - he sure has come out of his shell - he is just so cute to watch

Likes his cuddle times with his Auntie Amanda

Mike, Meagan, Logan and Baby Emily

Meagan with Baby Emily (5 months old)

Mike on his crutches (recovering from a major work-related accident)

Meagan with their son Logan at dinner time

Me with Baby Emily (just before she started crying for her mom). For those on Facebook - this is the Baby Emily I speak off of who I have been babysitting. Her big brother Logan has been going to swimming lessons with their mom. Despite doing this for a few Sundays now - Emily still cries as soon as she knows she is not in her mommy's arms. Our cuddle time comes when she becomes exhausted from her crying. I must say though, this past Saturday, it was our best day yet - only like 30 mins of crying - but found a soft blanket she liked and found her eyes tired so she did sleep for a short time too - did have some success - she did get me a couple of smiles before I left.

Sierra - our Reserve Champion

Sierra - our Reserve Champion for the Horse Show. Stylish and Confident young lady. In the morning before the horse show, Sierra was excited to share that she will be the first person to ride Pebbles - watching them in the ring - they both enjoyed each other's company.

I must admit - it was great to see some healthy competition going on - I know I have said it before - in my limited knowledge of horsemenship - both Guido (??) and Sierra looked the most comfortable and most natural on their horses compared to their classmates. Both Amy and I figure you will see Guido taking part in the Calgary Stampede one of these years. Right out of a scene from a movie, as Guido galloped to the finish line after completing going around the 3 barrels - his cowboy hat comes flying off. Hard not to smile when it happened.

One of the ribbons they received was presentation of their horses. Grandma Char braided Pebbles tail (adding some pink glitter to the tail and rump area I believe too) and Sara braided the mane. Here Sierra is being pinned with a ribbon for one of their skill demonstrations.

Sierra's Fellow Riders

Runner-up with a blanket; Champion (Guido??) with a shiny silver belt buckle; Sierra - Reserved Champion - a beautiful duffel bag with their trainer/teacher. Seeing her belt buckle - she must have one a few of these horse shows too.

A closer photo of your Top 3 Riders

Sierra with her fellow classmates/riders

I had never attended one of these things before - as it was a competition for them - the one thing I was so encouraged about - was how they ran the horse show for this age category. Total encouragement despite obviously seeing they were having difficulties with handling their horse - the announcer and those in the ring were encouraging the student with positive reinforcement (doing that clicking over the mike which might help with motivating the horse too). Everyone received a ribbon and the audience applauded for everyone and cheered for me during and after their skill demonstration. A wonderful example of how to encourage and build up someone's self esteem level despite not finishing "first" all the time.

Sierra's Cheering Squad

Sierra's Cheering squad - Mom (Sara), Grandpa Andy and Grandma Char (not pictured was the international student living with Sara and John and the kids - Dom who is from Thailand)

Cousin Journey, Auntie Amy and Sister Casendra

Grandparents Andy and Char enjoying the sun in between the skill sets. Sierra is a 3rd generation of horsewomen - Grandma Char, Mom Sara and now Sierra - all have a natural ability to ride and understand their horses. Their calmness and TLC was an obvious positive outcome to Char's horse Rosie who suffered a major injury at the beginning of the summer. It is amazing to see (and very happy about it too) how the leg/chest wound has been healing and getting smaller daily.

Sierra's Horse Skills Showcased!!

Sierra showing us her control and coordination with Pebbles as they go around the poles. I was in awe of how well she did - total confidence. Thank you Sierra for allowing me to be a part of your day - it was a true pleasure.

Sierra showing us her quick reaction as she goes around each post

Barrel racing - look at her go!! Very impressive Sierra!!

Sierra's Horse Show

On Saturday, Sept 19th - I had the privilege of seeing Sierra's wonderful horsemenship - for only being 8 yrs old, it is obvious to see her natural ability to ride her horse - Pebbles. She has been taking riding lessons at a ranch outside of Three Hills. I do not know much about horses, but I must say, she "backed up" Pebbles straight and gracefully too. It was quite cool to watch her calmness as she demonstrated her skills that she has learned during her lessons.

Sierra - our horsegal - she is the leader of the herd - #32!! She is riding Pebbles.

Sierra and Pebbles - looking great