On our way back from Vancouver Island Norma and I saw a whale while we were on the ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver. It was quite a distance off but at least I got to see one. Then we stopped in Surrey to visit Merrick and Darlene who were packed up and ready to leave BC to go move to Nova Scotia. They were staying at this elderly couple’s place and when we got there this couple insisted we stay for Thanksgiving dinner, although they had never seen them before. They had their entire family and welcomed David and Lynn, Rick and Marcia and Norma and I for supper. The next thing you knew there were 18 of us there for supper. They had a wonderful sit down meal with everyone at one table. It was fantastic. I could not believe the hospitality and friendliness of these people. My trip is getting better and better every day.

I’m so glad I’m retired now because it gives me this opportunity to visit for an extended time with my brother, sisters, cousins and nieces. This week Lynn, David and I went flying with their friend Dave in his plane which is a four seater. He took us all the way to Vancouver and all through the Fraser Valley. I was sitting in the front seat and it was just the most amazing tour I’ve ever had in my life. He flew really low to give us the opportunity to take wonderful pictures and to see our own houses. Then he took us up over the mountain peaks to show us what it looks like from that vantage point. We flew into the U.S. side and he showed us so many different airfields. It was remarkable to see the thousands of green houses that cover the Fraser Valley. We got to see a unique monastery that is self-contained and nestled within the mountain peaks.
All the cranberry farmers were flooding the fields and we could see them harvesting the berries. It was quite the site. All the blueberry bushes, which are acres and acres have turned red now and there were sections of red we could see from the air and then patches of yellow and then green. It looked like a beautiful patchwork quilt of colours. I think it was an excellent time to take this flight. I had a remarkable time and would love to go up again.
To all of you that are having a birthday this week and next happy birthday.