Still cool around here ......eh!

Yes, I had a five hour class in how not to offend a Canadian yesterday and they also told us the proper use of the infamous Canadian "word" eh. Let me back up a little bit because there is a theme developing around here. We got up early, like we always do, then we walked about 11 or 12 city blocks to get to the building where my class was. I was happy because I found a Canadian dime on the sidewalk. The class was in the building where ConcoPhillips has office space but not where Peter works. When we got there we had a nice breakfast. I had roasted veggies and scrambled eggs and of course a nice cup of coffee.

After the class, Peter picked me up in his rented car and we headed back to the apartment. We then walked about another 10 blocks to the local Safeway. The area where we went was a lot like the Montrose area of Houston with a hint of the Rice Village area. The area was full of teens that obviously had nothing to do. The Safeway was just like ours on a slightly smaller scale. Prices were not too bad.

The evening was very interesting. There was a company sponsored party at a place called Heritage Park. We walked about another couple of miles or so to see all of the park. By now you have probably figured out that the theme is walking. Wow! I was not ready for all of the walking but I have figured out that it is really good for me. The entire park was closed to the public and much of it was available to the 1,000 or so employees of ConocoPhillips. We took a 20 minute ride on a huge steam powered paddle boat on a beautiful lake. It was really cool, especially on the water. I was so glad that I had my jacket. The snow capped mountains were in the distant background. We also took a ride on an old ferris wheel. Peter took great pleasure in rocking the seat that we were on. They served what they called a BBQ but it was not like what we would call a BBQ although the food was great. We had salmon cooked on a cedar board, salad, hot rolls, veggies, and prime rib. Huge tents had been set up around the grounds. There was a dessert tend, a dink tent, etc. I met several of the people that Peter works with which was nice. We were part of the, lets just say, more experienced group. Okay, we were much older than most of the crowd. We did not stay too late but it was great fun.

To end the evening, I took a nice warm bath in this really nice deep bathtub that Peter has. I am not used to taking baths but these last two nights, I have really enjoyed it. I was so tired from the previous two days that I fell asleep in that nice warm tub. Peter came to check on my and I think that I had been asleep for at least 15 minutes. My nice warm water had cooled off considerably. I think that there is a nap in my future today!

Cool and blustery

When I arrived yesterday it was drizzling, about 48 degrees and the wind was blowing about 15 - 20 miles per hour. What a change from Houston. Chris and I had stopped over one night in Calgary many, many years ago. I had forgotten how the airport is staffed with a groups of retired people who wear white cowboy hats and red vests. They are called the white hat people and they are there to answer any questions that you might have and give you a friendly smile. That was nice. It made me smile and remember that trip with Chris.

Peter picked me up and brought me to his apartment which is in downtown Calgary in the Eau Claire section. He lives on the 14th floor of a 15 story apartment building. It is a lovely apartment with two balconies that over look this part of the city. However it was too cold and rainy to sit out on the balcony last night and he has no wine. That will change for this weekend. You all know my party on the patio fettish. :-)

We did venture out for dinner though. It is never to cold for that! We do have priorities as you all know. There is a Pakistani Restaurant named Mirchi about a block from the apartment that Peter had never tried so we tried it. Can you say VERY spicy! It was really good but our mouths were on fire when we left. We enjoyed our dinner so much that we decided to go for a walk.

We went to bed with the curtains in Peter's bedroom open so that I could see the night lights of downtown. He has about a 30 ft. span of curtains which makes for quite a view. The only problem with that whole scenario is that the sun doesn't go down until about 10:00p.m. That was interesting. We did see a beautiful rainbow that was tucked in in between and over the buildings.

I have a full day scheduled today. At 8:30 I have a five hour meeting telling me how to be Canadian. Tonight we have a BBQ with others from ConocoPhillips at a park across town. I will let you know how it goes. BTW-the sun is sopposed to shine today and the temp. should be around 65. A warm front for these hearty Canadians!

Let the countdown begin!

I am about 3/4 packed. I have left directions for Megan I think even Peter would approve. Karla will be here at 6:00 to pick me up because my flight leaves at 9:00 and I have to be at the airport 2 hours early. I will arrive in Canada about 12:30. Peter has a meeting and won't be able to pick me up at the airport until after 2:30 sooooo I will spend my extra time at the coffee shop or Tim Horton's. Apparently Tim Horton's is the place to be. He is a famous Canadian hockey player with a chain of restaurants. I will let you know what I think about Tim Horton's. :-) I don't know how much extra time I will have as I have to go through customs and apply for a work permit. No, I am not planning to work in Canada for years but Peter says it is best for me to go ahead and apply now. The high is supposed to be in the 50's! Let the countdown begin!

Getting ready to go

I will be in Canada in less than 48 hours. Wow, do I have a lot to do before I am ready. I have started packing but it is not my favorite thing to do. Packing for a five week trip is a daunting task as I am not sure how cool it will be so I don't know what clothes to bring. Karla has graciously agreed to help me pick out some new clothes for the trip so tomorrow we will be doing some last minute shopping and having our toes done! I am so glad that you can follow this journey with me. Both Peter and I hope that many of you will take time to join us in Canada at some time while he is there. I am hoping that my blog and pictures will entice you all. Please let me hear from you.