Canada Trip

Dad, Kelly, Dan, Linus and I all made the trek northward to Canada. We had plenty of adventures right away. Our first night Dan was attacked by a Marlin Falcon. It was just a baby and couldn't fly but that thing still had some huge talons! We called "Birds of Prey" which apparently catches hurt birds and helps them get back on their talons and sends them back to the wild. We had to catch it in a box though so Dad distracted the bird while I snuck up from behind with a cardboard box. We then put rocks on the box so he couldn't get out nor could the cats get in overnight. Then the birds of prey came out the next morning and took the little fella away. We then went to Waterton which is in the Glacier National Park. While stopping in Cardston we witnessed the Blood Indian Reserve Police chasing a red Jeep Cherokee. Funny enough the Jeep did make a complete stop at the stop sign with the cop right on his tail. I guess he didn't want any further infractions added to his possession of narcotics charge! Once we got to Waterton we met up with a large family of mountain goats. The only thing missing to make the day more adventurous was a bear snatching up one of the goats. I am terrible I know, but admit it would be kind of cool to see. Other than that we played frolf, shopped, bought lots of candy bars, ate at a Chinese place, visited family and had a great time. Glennwood has the best ice cream in the world! We also got to visit my grandparent' grave. Their plot is in the middle of nowhere and was very peaceful. The weather was also beautiful in the mid 70's. I was glad I could visit. I always love the beautiful farm landscape, cool weather, and peaceful feelings that Canada brings. It is well worth the drive.

Lemonade 25 Cents

Today I was driving home and noticed two young ladies that had a lemonade stand set up. One of them saw me coming and enthusiastically waved her "Lemonade 25 Cents" sign in the hot summer air. My initial thought was, "I'd like to buy some from them to help out, but I am in a hurry to get home. Someone else will buy from them." I thought further that it would only take a moment and I had plenty of cash on hand to help these girls out. I turned around and pulled up to the curb. I said, "Hello may I have some lemonade?" The girls were happy to oblige. I gave them $2 and told the young entrepreneurs to keep the change. I drove off feeling good about myself. Sure enough I saw in my rear view mirror that another car had stopped but I was happy I did my part. I have thought over the past year that the time for me to think, "Oh someone else will do it" has passed. It is time for me to take more initiative even if it is something as trivial as lemonade. Hopefully, we can all stop at the lemonade stands in our lives!

Happy Canada Day!

Yesterday was a celebration for those of us from the northern lands. July 1st marks Canada Day. It is not necessarily Canada's Independence Day, according to wikipedia, but rather a holiday marking the the joining of the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces on July 1, 1867. (The province of Canada was divided into Ontario and Quebec.) The celebration included Canadians who now live in Saratoga springs and their families. I found it funny that I was related to a third of the people there. We had a BBQ which consisted of delicious hot dogs, chips, veggies and dip and custom made donuts with red and white "Canadian" sprinkles. Following the BBQ we all participated in a parade through the streets of Saratoga Springs which you may watch here. The parade included a 1950's style police cruiser compliments of the Utah Highway Patrol as well as a canadian red fire truck from Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Candy was thrown to the kids and their parents who lined the streets to join us in our celebration with the sounds of the national anthem, "O Canada" in the background providing a patriotic feeling. I had a great time and will look forward to next year!