Wasn't that a party!

What a weekend it’s been- where do I start?

Friday: After work, I met Brenda at the Rec Centre for the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. I’m still so pleased to have been invited. We arrived, took off our coats, and were immediately given 2 tickets for free drinks. Let’s just say that set the tone for the next few days. Anyway, we were treated quite royally to a feast of delicious steamed mussels, baked and/or mashed potatoes, peas, carrots and chicken or steak. The steaks were huge but I managed to find a piece not quite so large. They were tender, juicy and pink inside and very yummy. Then a variety of sweets for dessert. A great time was had by all and I felt privileged to have been included in this event.

Saturday: I went into town early in the morning and got groceries, then back home to quickly put them away and back to the Rec. Centre. Brenda and her group of ladies had done an amazing job of organizing things for Dave’s party. The stage at the front of the hall was set up to look just like Dave’s store – it was remarkable. You truly thought you were in Wakelin’s again. There wasn’t a lot to do in the morning, so after a little while I went home to bake some cupcakes for the party. I had a bit of fun with those. I even had time for a wee nap before showering, changing and heading back to help set up for the party. Even that part was minimal as lots of people were bringing food so all we had to do was wait for them to arrive. And arrive they DID! We estimate there must have been at least 300 people in that hall. They just kept coming and coming. The tables were filled, the chairs that were set out along the side were filled, and then more chairs were put out. By the time the festivities got underway, it was standing room only – a real reflection of the respect that the community has for Dave and his family.

It really only hit me then just how important that store was to the area. Everyone just wanted to come out and say good bye and best wishes. It was a truly amazing night and I’m sure the family won’t forget it for quite some time. The ladies on the organizing committee are to be congratulated on a job well done! After everyone had listened to some speakers, the gifts had been given out, everyone was fed, the bar was opened and the dancing underway, I decided it was time to head out. It had been a really fun evening and I was totally shocked to get into the car and look at the clock and realize it was 12:30. I’d had no idea it was that late. Needless to say, everyone else got out of there MUCH later.

Sunday: Jana was arriving at 2:45 Sunday afternoon so I spent the morning prepping for dinner, which Brenda and Bernie were going to join us for, and just the last minute tidying. Then in to town to pick Jana up. Unfortunately, it was cold and windy, and rainy and it pretty much stayed that way for her entire trip. But after picking her up, we did a little tour of the downtown area before heading out to Fort Augustus. First stop, the Bunky. She was there from the start- to hear all about the purchase of the land, the building of the bunky, and every holiday taken there, but she had no concept of just how small it is until she got here. Like most people who see it for the first time, they can’t believe that people could actually live in it, and just how much ‘stuff’ is inside.

Then on to the house. She agreed it is totally me! She was a little tired and we had a coffee to wake up, then it was time for a glass of wine- then another, then another. Brenda arrived, a little wet, having walked to my house from home, in the cold, and rain, and wind! We could not believe she did that. As a matter of fact we were still amazed each time we passed her house later, at how far it was.

We had dinner of “Sesame crusted scallops with Asian Vinaigrette”, followed by braised lamb shanks, with red wine reduction served over mashed potatoes and baby carrots and snow peas. Apple strudel, frozen yogurt, and mini butter tarts for dessert – and of course more wine! Again, a good time was had by all. There was much conversation and laughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my friends and being able to supply the hospitality.

Monday: Again, it was cold, windy and rainy. But that didn’t stop us. First stop of the morning, was the radio station. I was a guest on Ocean 100’s community connection to talk briefly about our upcoming Administrative Professionals Day. That went well and it was very funny to have Jana with me as she took photos of me talking on the radio. Unfortunately I had forgotten the peanut butter balls I’d promised Kirk so I have to take them in later this morning.

After leaving there, we headed to Timothy’s for coffee, the out to see the sights. We drove out to Borden-Carlton to see the bridge, and we got a bit of a view, but it was so cloudy and foggy on the water you only saw a tiny portion of it. But it was interesting to tour around. We drove around down by Argyle Shores, where Mike Mitton, the company controller, rents a cottage sometimes with his family. Then we went back into town and had lunch at the Gahan House. We were suitably impressed with the seafood chowder, packed with mussel, lobster and scallops, topped off with a biscuit. We then walked up to the Cows store to get ice cream but unfortunately they were not open for the season yet. She’ll just have to come back! After leaving town we drove out to Crowbush to tour around. I had hoped to touch base with Chef Jill while I was there but the gates to the resort were still locked, however the gate into the golf course was open so we drove in. She was able to get a picture of the ocean off the course. I offered to take her to Lakeside Beach so we could go walking but she declined that offer. I think the rain and 50 km winds may have been a deciding factor.

By the time we got back to the house, we were both a little tired, so a nap was in order. Upon waking, we had tea, oatmeal cookies and then it was time to get changed to go out.

We picked Brenda up a little after 5:30 and headed into town for some supper. Brenda suggested the Pilot House as it was close to the Confed Centre and it was a great choice. We sat and talked, and laughed and had a great dinner. I truly enjoyed being out with the two of them. While we walked back to the theatre we were trying to get a picture of the sign outside with Jesse Cook on it but it kept changing. A very kind young woman offered to take our picture but we’re sure she regretted her offer as it took forever for it to come back again, but her patience was finally rewarded. Then it was inside for the show. Jana and I knew we really enjoyed Jesse and his music but I was a little worried that Brenda might not be so keen on it. But I think she really enjoyed herself. Jana and I had just enough alcohol into us to make us act ever so slightly silly and being right in the middle of the front row didn’t hurt either! . I suspect we were also a source of entertainment for her as well, if not an embarrassment!
We wanted to get up and dance but you can’t really do that in the first row. Fortunately Jesse instructed the entire crowd to get up for a ‘rhumba party’ and we were able to have some fun. In the middle of the show, we went out for intermission and got wine – in plastic cups with a lid and a straw that we were allowed to take back in with us – sippy cups for adults – ya gotta love it!
Talk about your middle aged groupies! After the show, we went out to the back door and waited around until everyone came out to get on the tour bus, which was parked out on Victoria Row. We finally got what we were waiting for – autographs and a photo with Jesse. Brenda wasn’t quite so caught up (someone had to have some common sense) and offered to go and get the car. But she had bought a CD and by the time we all got in the car, the music was on the stereo and the inside was warm. She did get out of the car though, to take the pictures when Jesse came out. She is such a good sport!!

We finally had what we had waited for and it was time to go home. We dropped Brenda off and headed back. It was close to 11:30 by the time we got sorted around and ready for morning, cause it was going to be an early one. My alarm was set for 4:10 this morning but I was awake at 4:00. It’s going to be a long day today, as Brenda and I are talking about going out tonight to hear the “Men of the Deeps” in Georgetown. I’ve seen them on TV but never in person, and neither has she. So we’ll go and expand our music repertoire even further.