January 2024 marked my attendance at the funeral for Gary Nelson, the discovery of Randy, a son to Eileen, our return to Kananaskis for the leader’s retreat and Jason turning 40.

February 2024 marked Philip’s 37th birthday, Carlyle celebrated her 11th birthday, Fitz and I attending an Oil Kings game, the planting of our seeds for the garden in the green house, attending the Edmonton RV show and celebrating OUR 45th anniversary!

March 2024 and Mom celebrated her 90th birthday. The original plan had Leanne, Cath and I flying to Toronto, but health concerns for Leanne blew that apart. Ted and Beth celebrated their 10th birthdays, The seeds in the greenhouse were getting lots of leaves, Philip completed the built in cabinets for the dinning room and I made a visit to Alberta Legislature..oh, and I decided that I would not continue in my PR role after June.

April 2024 saw the first evidence of the garden coming back to life, the celebration of Easter and Fitz turned 8! The condo board had their AGM and I received a letter from the Mayor of Edmonton appointing me to the Civida Board.

May 2024 saw us make a road trip to Missouri to meet up with our friends Stan and Debi to visit Hamilton and Branson Missouri. I also had the opportunity to go to Ottawa which afforded a visit to Jason and the kids. I also had a chance to meet up with my good friend Doug.

June 2024 saw the passing our good friend Floyd – still a stunning note to me – and I finished up my PR gig – the most frustrating work experience ever! There was a late attempt to woo me into a different role or at least appease me, but alas no. Noah surprised us with a visit and I played in my first golf tournament in ten years…my golf partner, Patrick LaForge was very kind and encouraging. Oh, and we decided at the last moment to drive to Ottawa and back.

July 2024 saw our driving 3571 km to Ottawa and a lovely visit with Jason, Celine and the kids. Rachel became a teenager, Wendy had her birthday and I almost bought an MGB but apparently I am too tall for this vehicle. Cath and Mom came for a visit and that we terrific!

August 2024 saw me buy a money tree which I am happy to say has been thriving! We went on the river – had a great day with the family in our most wonderful summer weather and we continued to talk about buying an RV and went to see a few that fit our budget.

September 2024 meant the end of gardening and we harvested a ton of tomatoes, in fact I just finished the last of them as November ended. Chipotle opened in Edmonton (yeah!) and I took a trip to Saskatoon for a strat planning session. I started a new job with TSA in social mission. I took a trip to Toronto as part of my new job and had a chance to have supper with Terry.

October 2024 saw the passing of two aunts – Florence and Freda. A real shock for us all I think. Of course it was Thanksgiving and we had lots and lots of things to be thankful for. I flew to Toronto for an IT committee meeting and we had a leak in our bathroom! October 20 is always marked in our family as we remember the day Dad passed away and went to be with Jesus.

November 2024 saw the election of Donald Trump in the USA – still hard to believe on this side of the border. Jason came for a short visit – yeah! The snow arrived and we dropped into a deep freeze rather quickly. I had a quick trip to Fort McMurray and Calgary. The job is going well.

December began with the surprising news of the sudden passing of Wendy’s brother Wayne. Just 64 he lived in Mississauga, and while keeping much to himself, had two children and a grandchild.

Thanks to Philip, we had the joy of replacing our main bathroom in the house! It is another step forward in the renovation of the house. Maybe next will be the ensuite to our bedroom. Our friends Ron and Toni came for a meal. We celebrated an early Christmas in Edmonton as we headed to Ottawa for the week on Boxing Day to spend some time with the “Eastern Waters.”

As 2024 came to an end, we could only express our gratitude to God for His many blessings in our lives!