As we begin another week, I need to pause and reflect on a very special weekend. Carlyle is now a teenager! And this past weekend was her birthday and a couple of very special celebrations! At 13 she can now boast that she’s taller than her grandmothers and mother! She’s not only growing up in stature but in personality and character. She is KIND, thoughtful, smart, and incredibly curious.

She is a delight to have around, and as we shared supper and the evening together last night, she went off to bed, having given everyone a hug, with a big smile! We are very proud of her.

Sunday evenings are, to say the least, a wonderful way to end the week, feel connected to one another, and have some very special time with our family nearby. And Nugget always joins us, and he loves that too. He gets lots of attention and be “with his pack”.

I was trying to remember when I turned 13. Not much that I recall other than I do remember it being a big deal, and my Dad saying “your Mom and I have been talking and from here on we’ll be giving you more freedom and responsibility each year as you mature into adulthood”.

From later bedtimes to more freedom to come and go…I took note that they took note.

There is a definite need for kids to have milestones in their lives, I think.

Saturday, I went to the RV show with Rob – now becoming a tradition of sorts. One of the trailers I looked at 2 years ago and LOVED…but it was $39K (ouch – that’s expensive) was again on display. The 2026 model now selling for $65K.

It is crazy for us to buy another trailer. I would really like to buy another trailer. And there I lie between these two thoughts. I want something small, light, and easy to tow. And I don’t really think we should be buying a new trailer…they are too pricey. We’ll see what happens.

Speaking of trailers, I came across this huge piece of equipment loaded on THIS trailer and ready, or almost ready, to head somewhere. The safe assumption for its destination would be Fort McMurray.

And finally – Nugget and I were out for a walk on Sunday afternoon. The weather has been remarkably mild with about 2/3 of our snow now gone and still about freezing. Going for walks is comfortable, though a bit wet and mucky for Nugget.

And let me close with a discussion of Alberta’s separation from Canada. I don’t hear anyone talking about it in my circles, but I don’t live in rural Alberta. It is silly and an exercise in futility. Alberta would need its own central bank, its own currency, its own police, pensions, etc., etc. It is impractical. But our leadership seems to think that the discussion is not harmful to our national fabric. I strongly disagree and reject any of this foolishness.

I was born in Alberta and am a Canadian.