9 on the plane Halifax to Ottawa

Air Canada flight to Ottawa from Halifax. Hmmmmmm. Feels like we are going the wrong way, or long way to Nice! But alas this is how it goes. We are on the flight, in exit rows with plenty of leg room. I am thrilled, as always when I can sit with ease and stretch out my legs. One of the many miracles that is happening today and on this trip.

We stopped at the Air Canada desk and are also confirmed for exit rows on the long flight to Frankfurt. After that, not yet secured the seat so we can do that in Frankfurt during our stop over there.

Sarah is booked on flight from Moscow and meeting us in Nice. Our plans are to take a local train to Cannes for some beach time, and hopefully some markets. Local fare is usually so fun and tasty. Maybe some shopping? Looking around and walking the beach. I hope to take some pictures and send blog posts. I will keep up on Facebook when I can.

I think it might have been difficult for my mom to see us go. Our visit has been so busy, not much down time. However on Tuesday, yesterday, we went to Kingsport beach in the morning before the clouds came in. The tide was coming in and with the super moon the night before the high tide line was still evident on the high shore. Hard to believe this wonder of the world. How fortunate I was to grow up in such a magical place. Sure, I never lived here but I did spend my summers on the beach, walking in the red clay and frolicking in the ocean surf.

Yesterday was a revisit of those childhood days. Every time I go to Kingsport I have such a wonderful body memory of home. We stopped in the little wharf store and I had scallops wrapped in bacon for 6 dollars and fifty cents! Yup. We had an ice cream and I kept snapping pictures of the tide rising quickly in front of our very eyes.

I had dressed up a bit for the occasion,matching hat with flower adornment and silk scarf matching, black slacks and black sleeveless over shirt. I got comments from the locals and tourists alike. Matching earrings and bracelet, probably looking more like someone famous than a local girl grown up and come back for a visit and walk in red clay. I felt lovely.

On we went to Halls Harbour to see my aunt’s watercolour studio and store. I picked up some post cards to send to grandsons and friends back in BC. The lot art of sending mail by post sounds like a decadent way to remind people they are loved and thought about while i travel. The rain started and I dove down some country roads, admiring the scenery, rolling hills and farm houses. Herons in marsh areas, shore birds by the beaches and some sheep grazing in pastures.

We drove through Kentville where my brother was born, and then made a few stops in New Minas to check out some local stores. We picked up a phone charger and a few shirts. We saw the movie theatre and made plans to come back later tonight for Reds 2 after dinner.

Birthday celebration a few days after the fact for Steve, at Blomidon Inn restaurant. We ate sea food, I had scallops again and other people had tasty offerings from the local area as well. Dessert and drinks. Off to the nine pm movie. Exhausted and determined to do it all!

Back to mom’s for last minute packing and a few precious hours of needed sleep. Preparations and lists running wild through my mind … Remember this, did I pack that? Oh, oh and don’t forget ……

Choices of what to leave behind for pick up on the way home from Europe. Saying good bye for now to my brother and his wife, my aunts and uncle, and finally my mom for about 11 days until we return.

Today up early and I had some cruise business to do, new booking for Northern Europe in the Baltic. Cancellation for Alaska next year. Last minute emails and change my voice mail greeting to advise I will be away for a while and not able to answer calls.

Lots of time to get to our destination on time. We planned to make a few stops like Costco for some items for Sarah that she cant get in Moscow. Listening to Siri on iPhone to get us to the airport for check in and seat changes, baggage drop off and time to get through security, and water purchase.

We have been eating great food and feel the seats on the plane might be shrinking! Good thing some of my clothes were baggy when I left home. They likely won’t be when I get back.

Complimentary beverage service has arrived. I better stick to water and make sure I hydrate for the long flights to our destination.

Looking forward to reading some, maybe sudoku puzzles and hopefully some sleep along the way. It may be some time before I feel a soft but firm bed and cool sheets around me. I love to travel and this is one of the challenges that greets every traveler. Sleeping along the way ….

This time I am borrowing travel socks from my mom to assist with comfort and energy on the plane. If it works I will be stocking up for future trips.

More soon, all my love

One of the songs the boys and I sang “hands up, baby hands up, give me your heart give me give me your heart give me give me all your love …. All your love”

She loves you, ya ya ya ya …..

P, on the road.
Xoxox

8- at the airport again

We have packed so much into our trip so far. After the kids left, we drove back to Wolfville and did some laundry. We gathered our things, salad and put on clothes for outdoor lobster fest at brother John’s place.

We arrived mid afternoon, still hot and sunny. Over 20 people there on premises and many more to arrive. They dribble in over a few hours as we sit, walk, chat, catch up and meet new people. All wedding guests, friends of bride, groom or both. Family including children, and pets all milling around. Beverages of all kinds, nibble food and my uncle made lobster chowder for a large gathering. It was amazing and he kept some gluten free separated for me. I share with the other gluten free women that I have met.

John has put aside many home made cider beverages, wine and other spirits are free flowing. Lawn chairs and tables set up in the yard.

Later afternoon the large cookers are heating up for the 50 (fifty) live lobsters John has invited to the feast. Large blue tarps laid on the lawn beside tables, to catch the shells of the consumed critters.

I go for a walk and have a great chat with Cindy about life in Port George and Nova Scotia as a retirement destination. It is great to spend time with her and catch up on her news.

A large feed, lobsters are consumed, with salads, breads, bevies and laughter. Melted butter for those who want even more cholesterol. The blue tarps hauled away after the meal and drippings off our arms.

Recycling is big and organized in Nova Scotia. I have noticed it on previous visits and no one even seems to notice anymore as there are four or five different categories to sort the refuse into.

Games on the lawn, and a large group gathers to watch the sun set over the Port George harbour, right behind the lighthouse, all within view of John’s beautiful summer home he uses year round. Picture after picture, each one better than the rest. I am reminded of Dewitt Jones and his encouragement that there is always more than one best shot. Keep waiting and keep shooting and see what shows up. More than one right answer. Good life learning message. Keep showing up for more brilliance.

Many shots, followed by gluten free cheesecake, wedding cake cutting, and hugs. We are on our way back to mom’s place to retire for the night, marking the end of our wedding activities.

Tracey commented on the quilt I have given them to mark their wedding date and celebration of love. Annapolis Valley Love is the title, and apples and colour mark the top. I have signed the back and dated with details from the wedding. Signed on behalf of our family, we share this quilt with them.

Love and gratitude to my family.

Pam

7 the grand babies are gone already… Morning moon

The laundry complete, bags are packed, babies sleeping. Our adventure to Nova Scotia for the weekend comes to a close.

It is time to focus on myself and the adults in my life. We rose too early to decently tell people and off to the Halifax Airport to send my daughter and her two little precious boys back to their world after a short 5 hour flight to Calgary. There they will be met by their dad and safely driven back to the comforts of home. I miss them already, I hurt. The ache in my arms and heart, the whispers from my soul breath … Painful and bittersweet in the knowing it is over for a while. We shall not pass this way soon again.

Up a wee bit earlier to make warm gluten free multigrain toast smothered in creamy Nova Scotia maple butter,to share with Sheena. One of my true comfort foods from my past, rushing forward to her present and my grandchildren’s future. Packing fruit for the trip. More toast, a fresh new loaf of gluten free cheese bread slices for the boys to eat on the plane.

Sheena hands me a warm sleepy Jack to hold while she puts a few last minute items in her overstuffed suitcase. Warm sleepy baby fills my senses. Freshly wakened, he snuggles in to my shoulder. Soft and heavy he lays in Grammies arms. Head snuggled in my neck. I breathe him in. My heart comes fully alive.

Luke wakes in full chatter. He is still warm from sleep, puts his shoes on as the big boy he has become at three years of age. He is helpful and cooperative. He talks and talks, to all who listen. Everyone buckled in to car seats.

Red sky, loved ones, sacred time. The morning moon takes my breath away. The vibrant colours of the early morning sky reflect off the farm house windows. The full moon almost filling the side window of the van. My breath catches in my throat. I want to take a picture, foiled by the flash of the iPhone camera, reminding me that this is a moment to savour in real time. Stay with the moment in mindfulness.

Speaking of possible annual treks to the Nova Scotia shores fills me with hopes and memories and possibilities of a life lived over from the very best experiences.

For now,the chapter rests and the next one is surely starting.

My heart is full and bursting with so much love.

Grammie P
Xoxo

6- a new beach.

Sometime in the night one of the boys, the youngest, stirs. He lets out a cry from the night. I don’t want him to wake his brother sharing the room. I gather him in my safe arms, whisper cooing sounds in his ears, send love messages through soft touch and steady breathing. He snuggles in to my neck and gently drifts into safety and slumber once again. I place him safely in his sleep space, so grateful for the opportunity to be his loved one.

Breakfast and check out at 11 am. Plans are proposed by me for another beach adventure. We set our iPhone to Hirtle Beach not too far from Lunenberg. Sandy with surf. Perfect. No slimy red sand, just beautiful freezing cold waves and sand like brown sugar, so soft to run on. No shells on this beach.

Luke and I frolic for what seems like hours. He falls, I fall. We jump and squeal with delight at the big waves, big splashes and out running the surf to the shore. For Jack it is a bit cold and once he tastes the cold on his feet, he makes the choice to enjoy the warm sand and comfort of dry land close to his mom. My mom and Steve hold our precious belongings and watch with interest from up on very dry land. Sheena stays close by and gets cold feet when she does not pay attention to the surf stretching out to claim her.

I am in heaven. Beaches with surf in the hot sun are a pull for me. Like an addiction I can’t seem to, and don’t want to stop. Time stands still. And my heart races with the excitement of a young girl who has body memories of such a sound, smell, taste and sensation of this space in another time past.

Wish you were here,

Love Pam
Xoxo

5- A new day dawns in Nova Scotia

20 July 2013, we wake to a sunny beautiful day in Lunenberg NS, Canada. My great ancestors, maybe great great great ancestors, arrived from the old country to this land, this place in 1753. Given a plot of land for signing on with militia or so the story goes, and the spelling of the surname is changed due to language differences and here we are.

I see the fabulous view out the window of the bay, the sea, and sailing boats in the harbour. I note a few family are downstairs on the outside deck having coffee. Not to miss a thing, we get dressed enough to socialize, a quick comb of the hair, brush of the teeth and off to find grandsons to entertain and hug.

We have an incredible gluten free buffet, poached eggs, bacon, gluten free raisin bread for toast, fruits and creme fraiche. Cool water, no ice, lightly freshened with mint or lemon or lime, for the choosing. Of course there was more to eat, but I am focusing on my story here!

Enjoying the conversation and catching up on news and plans for this day, a family wedding.

Soon people start their preparations, the bride and her friends to the hair salon and spa, kids get taken to the park. A wee bit of shopping for last minute forgotten items. All within walking distance. Lunch time comes soon enough and lobster rolls can be found most places. We stop and select items for take out and rush back to the Inn so we can dress and eat and entertain children in shifts. About 30 minutes is all we have to share.

We take shifts watching boys and showering in the heat of the day and struggling into wedding clothes found and stepped in to. I choose a large brimmed hat to make a statement, to cover my disheveled hair and to create shade for me and anyone in my arms.

Off to the pier which is marked off for guests of the wedding only, part of the royal Lunenberg treatment, attached to the Maritime Museum where we had last nights dinner only hours previously.

Here comes the bride …. Walked down the pier by her very proud papa, my older brother who looks adoringly at his little girl grown to be a fine young woman making a life stand. Not a dry eye as the vows are spoken and the sweltering sun keeps the pace moving along. John has donned his tall fatherly appearance in a traditional hunting MacDonald tartan kilt, complete with belt and buckle, kilt pin with traditional Scottish emblem. He wears a white lace up kilt shirt, long socks and his signature Keen sandals. He looks happy, proud, a man of culture. My father would be so proud of the man he has become. The first wedding day in our family without the presence of my father, missed. John looks so much likemy father once did, with strong resemblance also to my uncle Vern and my mother in some of his features. A handsome happy man on this glorious celebration day.

Tracey is stunning. She is tiny and stunningly beautiful in her form fitting lace dress with ribbon around her waist. Her hair is picture perfect, high green shoes. Three brides attendants in navy blue short dresses all a bit different. The men in suits, green shirts and the groom stands in wait for this day, this woman and this life together.

Simple vows of deep meaning and promise. Rings exchanged. The kiss seals the event.

We take the boys back to the Inn for afternoon break, maybe a nap for the little one and his mom, in preparation for the nights festivities and partying promised.

Dinner, speeches and tears are all part of the ceremony of the day. Followed by dancing and an open bar. Tracey takes a moment to say a special thank you to all the guests. She recalls that i taught her to shop and Sheena was her cousin, companion and dear friend, getting into bad more than good as they grew up together.

As Grammy, I am off to sit with sleeping precious babies …. Some 5 and a half hours in a dark cool room ….. I miss all the dancing and frolicking of the cousins and friends.

I wish I had seen my daughter dance, filled with life and love for her cousins on this special happy reunion. I am glad I get to make it possible. I sit in a padded chair in the dark listening to the breathing of these little angel boys.

An awesome and spectacularly special day for all in attendance.

Aunt Pam
Xoxoxo

4- Boscawen Inn, Lunenberg NS

We arrive just before 615 pm on the night before the wedding in Lunenberg. Reservations have been made for 40 plus at the Maritime Museum, the Old Fish Factory, on the bay in Lunenberg. The family wedding is tomorrow. Tonight we gather and feast.

I have been in Nova Scotia just 24 hours and have already tasted gluten free toast with maple butter. Not yet lobster or scallops, but we are out for dinner. Lobster special is on, with mussels and I ask for local made sauerkraut. Some German decent in my background, in the 17 hundreds my mother’s family was given a plot of land here, as a gift for a militia tour. We have stood in that lot, and toasted our coming to Nova Scotia.

My mother was born here, my brother and I as well. Here we stand in this historic place. In the parking lot, we gather. My mother, my eldest daughter, my partner, the two grandsons and me. Something starts the great giggle. Almost unable to contain our excitement we laugh. Over tired maybe but things just seem so darn funny. Sheena, mom and I all share that delight and a belly laugh from generations of love. Tears flow easily from the eyes of love.

Then to the restaurant with kids in tow, we order wonderful tastes from the sea. Sheena and I share Sangria. My aunt Linda, aunt Sheila, uncle Vern all sit together. The rest of the family finds us and stops in for a few words. John, Ashley, Tracey, Cindy, the parade of folks who have come to the wedding of two wonderful young people.

It is a celebration. We feast. The kids do great. We find our rooms, get sorted and enjoy the home style comfort of 17 room bed and breakfast inn, Boscawen.

After settling, we meet in the main foyer for a wee glass of wine and a chance to share stories before resting up for the party that tomorrow will surely bring.

Thanks to all of you for following my tales. I wish you were here …. It is so beautiful in my life!

Love P

3- Day at the beach in Nova Scotia

I have stepped in to my past with such excitement. Seeing it again from the eyes and experience of my grandsons.

Evangeline beach, red clay like sand. Tide going out. Almost the biggest tide in the world, that would be Kingsport Nova Scotia on the Bay of Fundy.

More than 4 stories of an apartment building, surfacing every day twice at low tide. Today the tide was going out and we were chasing it. Visibly obvious with each salty red wave, my memories surfaced like the tiny sea creatures uncovered and suddenly exposed to the warm sun rays.

What a delight. Forgetting how the red earth stains clothes, I have put on my white light cotton sweater and a black jacket borrowed from my mom. A hat in case the rain picks up. The boys in sandals and hats, little sweaters. They need a little encouragement but then delight in the wild world of the sea. I share and introduce this world to them. My special place.

We walk and explore, splashing, falling, laughing, running and rinsing in the tiny river like paths of water rushing to meet the sea. Wait for me, they say, trying to catch up.

Exhausted and completely satisfied we have to practically strip down to get in the van, turn clothes inside out and rinse sandals in puddles. Back to GG, great grammas house.

I was a little person, once again, same age as Jack, only 18 months old, or Luke, just three. I was there once upon a time, delight on my face and excitement fills me once again. The smells of the sea. The feeling of the red clay squishing between my toes. The sight of the beach laid out long and wide around us. A seal out a bit bobbing in the water watching us frolicking and playing.

In a moment I am both the Grammy and the babe. I have bent time and enjoyed the very best of the world. No fear, no struggle, no angst, only body memory of a simple time of sheer delight to be alive and enjoying all my senses can feed me.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For taking me back and bringing me forward. I love this place and time and connection to myself.

Wish you were here,

With much love and sand in my shoes,

Grammy Pammy

Xoxoxox

2- Airport arrival

The first leg of my flight is to Calgary. I arrive and immediately seek and find Sheena and her two energetic and wonderful boys. I am filled to the brim with excitement and love for these three people. How lucky and special am I!

We board the plane and have paid for the front bulk head row seats. 2 A, B and C. We turn our space into five hours of eating, resting and reading books. We look out the window, we open and close the window coverings, we watch people line up to use the facilities …. We talk to the attendant who is helpful and nice.

We are all tired, and no one sleeps. Not one wink of sleep. Too excited, not sure why. That is how it is with new experiences. We are not sure what brings it on. The unfamiliar becomes the anticipated and we rejoice in the moments of togetherness and expectancy for what is about to happen.

When we arrive, so does all the luggage and car seats. Perfect. Then we find my mother, now dubbed GG by Sheena and the boys to keep people easy to identify. My aunts Linda and Sheila are along as well. We head to the parking lot, leaving the aunts to wait for Steve’s later arrival with Air Canada out of Toronto.

We drive to Wolfville and get settled in to GG’s luxury condo apartment. We have a bit of supper, cold roast chicken and veggies and fruit. Beds are made, kids are changed. We enjoy some quiet time and a glass of wine and then head off later for a nice night sleep.

Morning arrives soon enough, up before the boys. We shower and prepare as we may not have time to ourselves for days!

Glorious summer vacations with loved ones in the most beautiful province, my home, Nova Scotia.

You and I are welcome, always. I love you, thank you.

P

I am happily sitting aboard Westjet flight speeding toward Calgary. I will have only a few minutes to find my lovely daughter and her beautiful sons at that airport. They will be waiting for me at the gate, ready to board our flight to Halifax.

I have iPad with great stories and games loaded. I have a Dora the Explorer paper book I found for reading on take off and landing. Construction paper but no pens or pencils …. Hmmmmmmm. I will need to be creative for sure.

I get to practice with a wonderful young woman sharing my row and her almost two year old sitting on her lap. Reading Princess Disney book and picking out pictures of puppies and horses. The flight attendant provided cookies and the little girl has some water to sip on to help with the ear popping. Hopefully I will have time for water purchase, and maybe a pen and postcard between flights but maybe not.

Last trip I took I sent post cards to the grandsons from airports and countries visited. Only six weeks ago, packing was fresh in my mind. This time I still overpacked but am under my luggage weight so room to grow :). Looking forward to a lulu store and Tall Girl shop in Halifax. And France and Italy will hold delights …. Back to the present!

Travel and shopping are so intertwined for me. How very fun to combine a few of my favourite activities.

I did all my out of office notices on my gmail and Cruiseshipcenters and will do my phone in a few days.

Steve’s daughter has made a last minute decision to fly from Moscow to meet us in Nice for a few days next week. We have to find a suitable arrangement for her room. Nice to have so many family on this trip.

My niece Tracey is getting married this weekend in Lunenberg and we, the family, have booked up a hotel or two in that town for the festivities. A few days also with my mom in Wolfville and an overnight or two in Halifax for ease of airport travel. My aunts and uncle, brother, nieces and nephew will all be there.

Lovely farewell wishes from wonderful friends and I am on my way on this great adventure.

Wish you were here. With love Pamela

Notes to self

I love to travel and it is always worth it

Helping others with travel is also fun,

I love the rush of excitement for myself as I pack and then prepare to board

I love early mornings.

Don’t drink too much wine the night before a major trip

Don’t leave last minute things to the wee hours in the morning, before I leave because in the morning I forget what I wanted to remember

Send letters and cards to loved ones before I leave town. This is a new idea and I love how it feels. Follow up with post cards. Remember to put postal addresses in to cell phone.

Always travel with nuts, or protein foods in case there is nothing gluten free to eat along the way.

Remember alarm clocks are not intuitive. If you don’t set for a.m., the clock does not know that is what you mean …..

Always set a back up alarm clock!

Hang out in airports every chance I get

Surf the Internet for great travel ideas. Keep the bucket list current and add to it daily

Carry jewelry, makeup and vitamins in carry on bag.

Always travel with iPad and iPhone and connect to Facebook at every check in point.

Feel special and loved …. It is true.

When you find a bathroom, use it even if I don’t have to …. Not sure when the next one is.

Hydrate by drinking water often.

Live the dream I have.