Dusty Recipes and Legacies

It's weird when your loved one dies; especially when she was your only remaining matriarch...it's taken longer to process than I originally thought. When my Gram passed away last August, I thought I was prepared for it. She was 84 years old and failing from Alzheimer's. I truly felt and still do for that matter, that her passing was a blessing. I was relieved that she didn't have to suffer anymore especially when she lived such a great life. My feelings also gave me the courage to stand in front of a packed congregation at St. Stephen's Anglican Church and deliver the eulogy with my cousin Trevor. I dug the eulogy out of drawer just now because I would like to share it with you as today would've been her 85th birthday.

Life Tribute of Gertrude "Aileen" Gates
April 3, 1923 - August 18, 2007

Trevor: Gertrude "Aileen" Gates was born April 3, 1923 in Disley, SK to Frank and Mary Seidler (McLaughlin). Aileen was the oldest of six girls, two of which died in infancy. Aileen attended school up to grade ten in Disley, where at that time, she found it imperative to find work and help her parents support their family.

Gillian: Throughout the years she has gained skills with numerous jobs. Aileen obtained her first job as a waitress at ButterFry Restaurant in Regina. Shortly after, Aileen joined the War Efforts in Regina and Pierce, AB, instead of following her passion for baseball. In her job with the War Efforts, she was responsible for basic maintenance and repairs of air crafts which led up to becoming a mechanics assistant. At that day and age, it was very rare for a woman to be in a position such as that.

Trevor: The next stage of her work journey started wit the Federated Co-op in Regina. While in Regina, Aileen met and married the love of her life, Virgil Lyle Gates on November 24, 1944. In 1958, Aileen and Virgil moved to Swift Current to manage the new Federated Co-op branch which later became the Pioneer Co-op Agro Center. On September 29, 1973 Aileen's heart was broken with the passing of her husband Virgil. Needless to say Aileen stood strong and refused to give in to her sorrow. With a family of 5 children aging from 6 to 20 years old, this remarkable lady forged ahead and did again what needed to done. Aileen continued with her full time managerial position with Pioneer Co-op while she also helped develop and operate the family trucking business, Swift Current Freightlines. She later retired from Pioneer Co-op and shortly after was offered the Manager's position with a new feed supplier to Swift Current known as Feedrite. Her vast knowledge of the products she sold coupled with her demand of superior customer service produced devoted customers whom many became close life long friends. Although she would never say so, Aileen's work ethics produced 3 successful businesses. Even approaching her 80's, she still had the desire to be devoted to work.

Gillian: In Aileen's spare time she became a member of the Pioneer Credit Union Board of Directors, Treasurer for the Grace United Church, participated in the Alpha Course with St. Stephen Church and coach for various competitive girls fastball teams. She participated and enjoyed bingo, bowling, curling, softball and dancing with her husband. Aileen was an avid sports fan who supported and attended Indian baseball games, Saskatchewan Roughrider football games and Bronco hockey games. It was not enough for Aileen to idly sit and watch a Bronco game; rather, she would carefully watch every player on both teams and document every statistic for them. Aileen had a keen eye for hockey talent and it would not be out of the ordinary for certain hockey scouts to phone and ask Aileen for her list of up-and-coming stars. Of course she also found it her responsibility to let the referees know when they did wrong by throwing a peppermint that would somehow find its mark with pinpoint accuracy. Looks like Aileen's ball skills were still being showcase.

Trevor: Her passion and talent in softball is very evident through out her life. In 1944, Aileen was a team member of the Senior "A" Ladies Softball Canadian Championship team, the Regina Gems. Along with having a Canadian title in 1944, Aileen went on to help produce a Western Canadian Championship title in 1954 and 1956 with the Regina Govins. She often shared stories from her illustrious softball career. Not so much as the success she had in the sport but rather the friendships and good times she attained along the way. The passion for the sport continued in later years in the form of coaching Ladies Softball teams at the Provincial and Summer Games levels. As much as Aileen loved ball, she passed up the opportunity to play in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. Instead, she and Virgil chose to raise a "league of their own."

Gillian: Their team started with a lead off single by the birth of their oldest son Virgil James on December 24, 1953, followed by a double with the birth of Daniel lye on February 10th, 1955. They hit a home run with their first and only daughter, Lynda Marlene who arrived on January 20, 1960 followed by a triple with their third son Kevin Charles on July 25, 1963. Late in the 9th inning, they scored their final run as Baden Warren Arthur stole home on November 27, 1966.

Trevor: Aileen and Virgil's dedication to each other has inspired their children to emulate their love. Weddings over the years included the uniting of Virgil and Kathy, Danny and Mary-Lou, Lynda and Myron, Kevin and Jill and Baden and Deanna. No trades so far!! She was a loving Mother-in-law to all of the "pick-ups" on her team.

Their franchise expanded to include grandchildren who have several memories that they wish to share with us. These memories begin with the oldest of the grandchildren:

Gillian: What can I say, but she instilled the best in me. Whether it was to follow the Girl Guide motto of "Be Prepared" by ensuring that there were always softballs nestled in gloves in the trunk of her car because you never knew when you might play catch, or, the bottomless pit of her purse; you could always score chocolate almonds, licorice jaw breakers, fruit & nut bars, scotch mints and the occasional chiclet or stick of juicy fruit. And need I mention, the wilted Kleenexes that she would lick and rub your face with before going out in public? And with Gram, it was work hard, play hard and if you fell and hurt yourself, she was there to laugh as she picked you up and dusted you off, and told you to, "Rub it! Rub it!" I can't really say that there's just one memory that I can pinpoint. It was the moments that didn't matter that made the impact. Like after a long summer day of playing with my cousins, sitting down to a supper of fried hamburgers and taties while my Uncles were scolded for reciting Monty Python at the kitchen table as Gram watched the six o'clock news. And finally, in the cool of the evening, my sister and I would settle on each side of her lap as she rocked away in her rusty red velvet chair, sipping Coke floats and were given our dose of Gram's commentary along with Lloyd Robertson's. I truly feel fortunate to say that I knew my Gram for almost 29 years.

Trevor: My first memories of Grandma were around Christmas time. She always had a real Christmas tree and under it I knew awaited a fresh new pair of underwear. Christmas dinner was always fully loaded with all the trimmings, a sight that would put a smile on any one's face. And then there was the warehouse, which in hindsight was a lot of learning, but not so much fun for a 12 year old. The countless hours of invoicing or loading dog food bags and feedbags that were twice the size of me! The forklift was fun, although I probably owe Grandma a couple of pallets of feed from damages caused by learning how to operate the lift. It was at the warehouse working with Grandma that I also learned that a chicken or pie or turkey or eggs is as good as money only when dealing with the Hutterites. There were also the sports. I remember Grandma at my hockey and baseball games, although I remember her being a lot more vocal at the diamond. Finally, I remember the Caddie. Grandma's prized possession. When I was 18, I had the privilege of making the 14 hour trip from Swift to Salmon Arm with Grandma and GG in the Caddie with no A/C 'cause it made GG sick and no tunes 'cause Grandma didn't like today's music. The trip was surprisingly pleasant as we snacked on mints, jawbreakers and homemade sandwiches. I learned a lot about both the Seidler's and the Gates', but more importantly, learned a lot more about Grandma. I will greatly miss her...

Gillian: Crystal - I have so many fond memories from the past 26 years, it's hard to pinpoint my best memory. Not only was she my Grandmother, but she was my partner in crime when it came to road trips. We would be all set to go if we had her favourite jawbreakers from Nutters, scotch mints and Werther's Originals. It didn't matter if it was a short trip to the Dairy Maid or the Dairy King for a maple walnut sundae or touring all parts of Saskatchewan including Lumsden where she pointed out the barn where she met Grandpa Gates at a dance so many years ago. Then there were the long hauls to Salmon Arm for family gatherings. She always told me that she cherished her family. Grandma also taught me how to earn my pay cheque with a little bit of elbow grease. That woman even taught me how to drive when I was 16 years old. We started out on the back country roads and eventually made it to the highway. When I advanced from the silver Buick, I taught Grandma how to do a burn out in the white Caddy. Well Chaufkeuf, it is time to keep your eye on the ball and choke up on the bat. Love you always.

Trevor: Dustin - Some of my fondest memories of Grandma are many trips to A&W for a good thick rootbeer shake and a cruise in the Caddy for a round of sore necks from Grandma's two-foot driving style. I always looked forward to our night time cruises in the Caddy with Grandma.

Gillian: Andrew - Grandma wasn't afraid to teach us how to show our political colours by booing and putting thumbs down to a particular political dignitary at our July 1st parade.

Trevor: Kyle - I was helping Grandma by sweeping at the warehouse and Grandma put dustbane all over the floor and right in the corners (including under pallets) to make sure I did the job properly.

Gillian: Nikki - I looked forward to Grandma's popcorn balls every Hallowe'en and helping her make and sample them. Everyone looked forward to coming to Grandma's house and receiving their tasty treats.

Trevor: Madison - My favourite memory of Grandmas was always helping her in the kitchen whatever she was making I always wanted to help. Some of the things I remember helping her with was making ice cream, dill pickles and nuts and bolts. I also enjoyed it when Grandma came to watch me play ball and everyday she would ask if I had a ball game, and also the days she was there to watch, after the game she was always asking when the next one was so she could come and watch. I love you Grandma and will miss you.

Gillian: Mikayla - I have many favourite memories of Grandma. One of my favourites is Grandma and I always had cravings for ice cream; her and I both bugged the whole family to go for ice cream. We usually got our way! Also, whenever I got close to grandma she was ready to start a fight. We always had lots of fun with our play fights and especially the big hugs at the end! You will always have a special place in my ehart! I will miss you! xoxo

Trevor: Kenzington - I enjoyed doing makeovers with grandma. I put makeup on her face and she always looked beautiful. Grandma came and watched me skate lots. When Grandma was in the Pioneer Lodge, I loved brushing her hair. My favourite memory of Grandma is her and I tickling and hugging each other. I miss you and I will always love you.

Gillian: Connor - I liked Grandma coaching me on how to swing my baseball bat.

Trevor: Dawson - Grandma always shared her Eatmore chocolate bars with me.

Gillian: Her sisters and husbands Florence and Bill Cockburn, Helen and Ray Clayton and Meryle and Ed Fairbairn and their families were an integral part of her "team" with the Manger, being her mother, Mary Elizabeth McLauchlin leading them all to success. Aileen showed us the importance of having a strong family bond by hosting and being present for all family gatherings near and afar. Because of this, a close and lasting relationship was achieved and spawned priceless memories for numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

Trevor: Aileen you were so many things to us: daughter, sister, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend and our team captain. We have joy in our hearts knowing you have been called up to a higher league, but you will be dearly missed by all. We love you and thank you for fulfilling our lives in so many ways!

So, if you managed to get through the whole eulogy, you can begin to understand some common themes like how food and family were foremost. For my inheritance, I didn't want jewelery or money but the things that brought us together. It might sound a little weird because I don't have kids yet, but I asked and received 2 old high chairs; one that had been my Dad's (and then everyone else after him) and a second that had been bought for me (and was also used for everyone else after). Both chairs need reupholstering, but the the chrome legs and accents are in great condition and are totally vintage 50's and 70's.

The other item I asked for was her old recipes...the more used, the better. I was leafing through a box of them tonight which is what spurred this post and discovered that some of her best recipes are in that treasure box: pickles (1961), and pot roast...I've yet to come across the popcorn ball recipe though. Some of the index cards are now caramel coloured around the edges and have God knows what food stains on them. I love flipping through them and seeing familiar names (from another generation) like Gertie, Helene, Betty, Norma, Wilma, and Pearl. I just pulled out her recent beet pickle recipe from 2001; on the back of it, she'd written my old cell number down plus my name and Chris' as well as our ages...just goes to show once again how food and family were close to her heart and now ours.

Welcome to the New Planet Hoth

Okay, to begin with, it's frickin' cold outside. For any of you who think I'm complaining over nothing, you've probably not endured -50C for consecutive days. I'm not exaggerating either. (I wish!) So, I'm reporting the temperature including the windchill but once you're passed -30C, you can report what you like because explaining how cold it gets at that point, well is a mood point.

I knew it was bound to happen, but denile is a wonderful thing. On Sunday when the snow started to drift in, and the temperature dropped, it was a bit of a novelty. Perhaps great for shock value when conversing with friends in warm climates. I spoke to my friend Charlotte who now resides in Sydney, Australia. She was happily skipping around Bondai Beach, and over to art gallery in celebration of Aussie Day when she decided to ring me. We get on the topic of the weather. She tells me it's +28C there when I tell her it's -38C and still dropping.

Lottie: Come again?!
Gilly: It's minus thirty-eight degrees.
Lottie: So what's that in Celcius?
Gilly: Dude, that is Celcius.
Lottie: But aren't we on separate conversion systems?
Gilly: No we are on the same system; the States use Fahrenheit. You are at plus twenty-eight, we are at minus thirty-eight.
Lottie: I can't understand how it can be that cold.
Gilly: Then I won't even explain what windchill is.

After Sunday dinner, Peter suggests that for the upcoming work week that he drive me into work. I'm thrilled by the idea. Albeit, I'll have to get up at 6am instead of my usual 7am, at least I'll be downtown by 7:30am. I don't start work until 9am so I can flit off to the gym for some cardio, a quick shower, and then to the office. Normally I leave the Highlander at the Park N Ride and catch an express bus into the core; however, with the extremely cold temperatures, if I left the vehicle there, it wouldn't start when I returned to it at 6pm. A block heater would be nice but unfortunately there are no outlets at the bus stop. Yet another shortfall of Calgary Transit.

On Monday morning, Peter drove me into work. I'm still incoherent at that time, but Peter's cool as a cucumber as we drive in, passing several cars in the ditches. The walk from the garage to the warm cacoon of the car practically did me in. Anything warm and moist in this climate is robbed immediately by the cold - the air in your lungs for starters. Someone said to me on Friday that it's drier here than it is in the Sahara. I'm not sure if that's true but even the snow is dry. It takes on a chalky texture, like corn starch. As we drive carefully down the Deerfoot, whiffs of snow snake across the highway like dry ice.

I remember my Gram Joan telling me stories about weeks when it was fifty below. On mornings like this one, I can't fathom how they used to endure this weather...especially with no polar fleece, micro fibre, Gore-Tex. I remember when she was baking in our kitchen and I squeezed a box of corn starch. She winced at the sound. She said that sound always sent shivers up her spine. I said it sounded like footsteps on snow. She only looked at me and nodded.

In the evening, I brave the snow and icy winds wearing my parka, 2 hats, 2 scarves, 2 pairs of gloves, and 2 pairs of wooly socks. I'm still cold though. The floor of the bus is as cold as a skating rink. People rush on the bus in a panic as if they're boarding trains escaping the Gulags.

So Monday comes and goes, and Tuesday is like Monday; the only difference being Vancouver has now been hit by by a snow storm. My friend Jono told me that the media was reporting it as the "Second Coming" due to meteorologists calling for 5-15cm. On my lunch break, I called my friend Kazzy as I suspect she's opted for a Snow Day. She picks up the phone by the third ring, happier than anything. Not stressed from any commute but thinking about playing in the snow with her son. You gotta love people from the Westcoast. But why whine about it when I can incite my own Snow Day on Wednesday? (insert Cheshire grin)

A Long Time No Hear until the New Year

This is the time of year for reflection. The time to hunker down in wool or downfilled jackets like little birds puffed in their nests. The sun barely has the motivation to rise into the icy blue sky. I’ve wrestled with posting any entries for quite some time – March 15 in fact. So much has happened since then. It’s like I was sucked out to sea by a raging storm. It’s not like the Captain of a ship has time to make any journal entries during a tempest; he’s too busy trying to keep afloat. It’s really taken this long for me to find the cat (Cheshire?) that caught my tongue so many months ago. But not to worry, it’s not like life’s been all bad since then. There’s been so much good, and more importantly, so much processing time. I know I’m long winded at the best of times, so I’ll try to summarize.

In April, I lost my job temporarily due to a compliance issue which eventually shook me from a rock and a hard place. The result was that I had to find my own place. By June, I had found a lovely little heritage house – all hardwood floors, and a claw foot tub in the bathroom in Mission; stumbling distance from the Ship & Anchor Pub.

Did I mention that I met someone too?

Just before the compliance fiasco, my friends Karen & Ken (and their son, Brandon) made a trip to Calgary to visit family as well as myself and Ken’s friend Pete. Pete had contacted me a few weeks before their arrival, and we had hung out a few times but I didn’t think to much into it. We had met back in 2002 at one of Karen & Ken’s hockey games in Burnaby and had kept tabs on each other since then. But during Karen & Ken’s visit, Pete and I forged a good friendship. So when I phoned Pete on that cold April morning, to tell him that I had just been fired all he had to say was, “I’ll be right there to pick you up.” I don’t know if it was the shock of losing my job or the shock that a man actually stepped up to the plate (and more importantly, I was willing to accept his help). It’s been a very, very long time where I felt that someone had my back. And really things have blossomed since then. I would love to give you more deets about Pete but because he’s a RCMP, I’m resigned to not posting anything else. So if you want the dirt, well, you’re just gonna have to give Gilly a call.

In July, I experienced my first Stampede. It’s like cowboy Martis Gras! The first weekend I went out to Nashville North with my colleague, Shannon and her friends. It was such a riot to be at Stampede with a whole lot of queens! The second weekend my sister, Crystal came out to party. Now between the both of us, Crystal is definitely more Calgary, and I’m more Vancouver. She’s the country mouse and I’m the city mouse but we had a riot going to all the attractions.

Now for a bit of bad news...

When Pete and I were visiting my Mom in Kelowna during the Canada Day long weekend, we received a phone call that my GG (aka. Great Gram Mary) passed away quietly in her sleep. We all new that this was going to happen at some point - she was 104 but still that loss of such a cherished loved one was hard to endure. I, as many of my good friends know, have always held her in such high regard. She was a woman that had been through so much (2 World Wars, The Depression, 3 husbands...I could go on and on!) I attended her funeral on 21 July in Salmon Arm. I was proud to see that my sister had the courage to say a few words during the eulogy.

Now I wish I could tell you that this was the end of my bad news but the summer continued to be an emotional roller coaster. At the end of July, my Mom, sister and I made the trip down to visit my Dad's Mom, my Gram Aileen. She was suffering from Alzheimer's and was in the final stages of it. It was difficult to see a woman that had been such a powerhouse in her day, be in such a state. She was still so physically strong too. I had to keep telling myself that it was the disease that was making her forget about her loved ones. Well, at least I said my good bye.

The following weekend was such a happy time. I was in Vancouver celebrating my friend Lindsay's marriage to her long time boyfriend, Chris. I was one of seven lovely bridesmaids. As tired as I was when I returned to Calgary that Sunday from seeing so many friends, I was barely through the door when I received a call from my Mom saying that my Gram Aileen past away while I was in Vancouver. It felt like the rug I had been dancing on had been pulled out from underneath me. But I pulled it together, and a few weeks later, my cousin Trevor and I delivered her eulogy to a packed church in Swift Current, SK.

So with the two significant deaths of my matriarchs and my 29th birthday, I started to really process my life and began to feel confident with the changes that were made and are still being made.

By September, I went to Austin City Limits with my cousin Sibavaughn in good ol’ Austin, TX. Once I got over the heat and humidity it was a killer 4 days. I hadn’t been to a festival of this size since I went to the Electric Picnic in Portalaoise, Ireland. I saw so many bands that it was sensory overload. Some of my highlights were listening to Damien Rice, The Killers, Arcade Fire, Muse, Paolo Nutini and Peter Bjorn and John. And that was just during the day! In the evenings, we would head out to the clubs, Stubbs in particular and catch the after shows – I saw Ryan Shaw on Thursday night, on Friday, Peter Bjorn and John opened for Paolo Nutini and on Sunday night I caught Ghostland Observatory. One of my favourite memories was walking past Stubbs on Saturday night and realizing Bob Dylan was on the other side of the fence playing, “Tangled up in Blue”...that moment was then interrupted by the Austin SWAT team telling me to move along. Oh! And don’t get me started about the food! I ate Tex-Mex for almost every meal of the day and discovered avocado margaritas. I salivate just thinking about them!

In December, Pete and I took a trip to Ricon de Guayabitos, Mexico. It’s a quaint little fishing village that's about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. The week before I left, Calgary was minus 30 degrees and I counted down the hours to lying on a beach for a week. We stayed at an all inclusive for 7 days for stupid cheap - $750/person – flight, taxes all included. This only aggravated me when I went to purchase my Christmas flight to Kelowna - $530 for just the flight, and no blended drinks in sight.

The following week I returned completely relaxed only to encounter the most stressful week of the year – the week before Christmas. I flew out to Kelowna to spend the holidays with my Mom, Dad and sister. Dad’s birthday is on Christmas Eve, which I spent most of the time in the kitchen preparing a dinner of pan fried oysters.

New Years was (thankfully) quiet. Pete and I spent it rearranging my things (did I forget to mention I’ve got a new address?) and making a lovely dinner followed by a bundled up stroll with the dog at 11pm before popping the champagne cork at midnight.

Well, that wasn’t too long-winded was it? Happy New Years to all. One of my many resolutions is to keep my blog updated. And with the help of my good friend Kazzy, I don’t think that will be too difficult.

The Final Installment of Tuesday Night Presents

It was one of those days were you desperately try to make it through - exhausted and another (I stress another) day of watching the snow fall in Calgary but that's when I get an email from my friend Doug asking if I'm coming to the Brock Zeman show at his place. Uggh! What else to do but drag my pale arse to watch some music. But what a great perk on a school night!

Brock (lead guitar), Dan (dobro) and Joel (acoustic bass) got started soon after Sib and I arrive. The boys have a great sound - I guess the best way to describe it as alt-country: Tom Waits (before the JD got the best of his voice) vocals with a sexy shake of spanish guitar. His songs takes us on a journey through a carnival.

Two days later we catch up with the boys at the Ironwood. Again, it's such a treat to see a group unplugged as well as juiced up. And God, did they play! Dan managed to break another guitar string during the first set but man can he play...and I gotta say, I love the sound of the dobro!

After the show was said and done, a few of us are hanging around the table. Now the boys have CDs for sale and my spidey senses are tingling over a potential buyer at the merch table. I mention it to Dan; he looks over at the chunky band geek, and says, "Uggh! I'm lazy; why don't you go over there and sell me a CD?"

Gilly: (looks at Sibavaughn and then back at Dan) Really? Are you sure?
Dan: (nods.)
Gilly: How much are they going for?
Dan: 20 bucks.

So I mosey on over in my red lizard skin heels and ask the customer if he has any questions. After establishing that the CDs are 20 dollars, he scratches his head and says, how much for all 7 of them. I give him some bullshit about, I'm not really sure as each one of the artists had to recoup for production costs and the like, but also add that I'm sure if I speak with one of the band, I can get him a good deal.

So I clip clop back over to Dan and Sib and with a cocked eye brow, and a huge cheshire grin, I ask Dan how much for ALL 7 CDs. Stunned silence followed with an answer of $15 each. Sure enough aging band geek will take all 7 for $105 but needs to head to the ATM.

So back I saunter to our table.

Dan: So? Is he going to buy?
Gilly: Umm! I think so?! (and doubt sets in) We'll see...he said he was going to get the cash.
Dan: I can't believe you sold 7 CDs to one guy!
Sib: It doesn't surprise me.
Gilly: I haven't got the cash in my hand; only time will tell. (A beat.) If he does come back, Dan, do you have a sharpie?
Dan: Uh! No, but I can get one for you. What d'ya need it for?
Gilly: Well, if he does buy the CDs, you're gonna f*%$ing sign them because it's the least you could do. (Laughter erupts from Sib and Dan.)

And the band geek returns to the merch table with the money in tow. I motion to Dan and he runs off to find the requested sharpie. I return to the table and ask Dan where Brock and Joel have run off to.

Dan: They're out front having a butt. Why?
Gilly: Because they're gonna sign the CDs too. I just made them $100. (insert Cheshire grin)
Dan: Girl, you gotta come on the road with us.
Gilly: Hey, I ain't no groupie!
Dan: I wasn't thinking groupie...maybe merch girl -
Sib: Or band manager -
Dan: Yeah, that's it! Band manager.
Gilly: You couldn't afford me. (smiles and laughter ensue)

County Fair at A Bar Named Sue

I've been counting down the days to see County Fair play. I discovered the band a few weeks back at the Ship and Anchor jam. They had only formed the week before the jam, but their music sent chills up my spine.

They're the closest that Gilly is coming to country...their sound is folk rock/roots music. I discovered their first gig was at A Bar Named Sue after reading an article on Sam Masterton in FFWD magazine while I sipped my skim milk mocha at Cafe Beano one lazy Sunday morning.

A Bar Named Sue is cozy (ok, a very small bar with a stage). I don't think I would've been able to hang there before the smoking ban because it was so cramped. Not that I really minded the tight space...Calgarians have a much different idea of personal space...maybe it's because they've got so much of it. There was a huge crowd boppin' to County Fair, but on a closer look, there was a good four feet of free space right in front of the stage...perfect for people who have recently returned from London and don't take the extra room for granted - it might as well have had a sign up sayng, "reserved for Gilly".

Music and Museums

This weekend was an absolute blur.

On Saturday, Sib and I managed to catch The Roger Marin Band at the Ironwood. I loved seeing Roger's solo show, but his gig displayed another side of his music. He and his band totally rocked out! Kayla and Susie practically had to drag me up on the dance floor...but if you belive that, well, then you'll believe anything. (insert Cheshire grin.) I had "Blondie and Dagwood" stuck in my head for days.

After the show rapped up, Roger invited Sib and I back to his friend's Doug's house but I declined because I had an early morning planned on Sunday.

I caught up with my friend Ashley at the Avenue Diner for brunch before catching the Greek, Roman and Egyptian exhibit at the Glenbow Museum. There's something about that kind of Sunday that recharges my batteries...It's different from the days where I yearn to be outdoors; this soothes my cosmopolitan soul. A strong cup of joe, a perfectly prepared eggs benny with good company followed by sensory overload in the classical sense. There is an ornately painted sarcophagus on display covered in blue feathered falcons. We must've spent an hour contemplating on who the man was, what he did and how he died. Then we eventually discovered the display's sign - amazing, the amount of humility and shoulder shrugging that occurs when you read the facts on the Cartonnage of Pennu after you spend so much time debating the intricacies and then find you're totally off the mark. (insert Cheshire grin)

A Happy Reunion

A few weeks ago an old friend from high school named Laren was talking to another old friend of mine, Adam. I don't know how they got on the subject but my name came up, which then motivated Laren to google me. Lo and behold, this blog was the first hit on the list.

This weekend I met up with my old high school crowd: Adam, Cheryl, Laren & Dave. First, it was just the four of us chatting over breakfast getting reacquainted. I gotta say, the first moments of the reunion were surreal. We could barely look at each other, but would rather catch glimpses to see how we had changed or stayed the same. But little time passed before it was back like old times. I had mentioned to them that I had had a bad dream the night before. In it, I hadn't been invited to the official ten year reunion. That was Adam's cue to say, "Oh! That explains why you weren't at our reunion a few months back?! We forgot to invite you!" Stunned silence for Gilly and then I catch a bullshit tell of Adam's (one he's had since he was kid) - a slight curl to one side of his mouth. Cheryl chimes in by saying he's full of it. So it was pretty much game on after that.

The rest of the day, and well into the evening and again over Sunday brunch was filled with, "Do you remember so and so?!" The memories spilled over the rest of the weekend and so did the laughter. Remembering all the foolish things we did only proved we must have had angels looking over us.

After the reminiscing came the part where you try to explain what you did in the past 10 years. School, the exes, the loss of loved ones and the inevitable parental move from the familial home. It's amazing how you gain a better understanding of how your life has been formed by looking back at the choices you've made. It's like back tracking the moves on a chess board. (I had to put 1 Alice in Wonderland reference in!) And you're more likely to see how breakups and turmoil occurred because you're not in the middle of being emotionally hijacked.

After brunch on Saturday, we all headed out to Strathmore to Laren and Jason's. The evening began with the boys and girls going off to their separate camps; the boys watched the hockey game while the women visited as they did their makeup and hair. We kicked it up a notch by heading out to the pub for the interactive musical quiz, which is where the madness ensued with our team winning part of the bar bill paid by the house.


All and all, it was wonderful to discover how we've grown up and at the same time how we're all big kids at our core.