Dear All,
Well it is not a month since I last wrote, but so much has happened that it seems so much longer. I will try not to ‘waffle on’ too much, however, I can’t guarantee it. We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
We actually set out on the 19th as the weather was so bad, we figured our trip could take 10 hours because of road conditions, snow and wind, so we thought it best to leave a day early and break the trip up.
We did not leave until 3pm, as it was snowing too heavily up until around 1 pm and then it eased, so we hurriedly packed up the cars. Yes, I did say cars! Rather than have Erin sit on the roof racks in the snow (there was no room in the car), we decided that she should take her car as well. It was a wise decision, as our luggage could not be crammed into one, plus, we did need the extra car in Niagara Falls for us all to travel together.
Our journey was very slow at the beginning and the roads were really bad, even when the snow stopped. The plough trucks could not keep up and once night fell, much of the snow and wet on the roads, turned to ice. Nevertheless, we continued on. Our crossing into Canada was indeed smooth sailing, as there were few other idiots on the roads trying to cross the border, thus there was no waiting. I guess we had honest faces, or else the guy could not face the thought of unpacking and searching our car, as after a couple of questions we were allowed in as was Erin who was right behind us.
It was a major task to find a hotel with handicap accessibility for Paul, so we continued our drive until we reached London (Ontario), where we met with some degree of success. The room was what we needed, however, after the blizzard, sidewalks, car parks etc. were covered in at least 6 inches of snow as it was impossible to keep up with the deluge. That makes it very hard going in a wheelchair! Lucky we come from pioneer and convict stock!
Paul, Erin and I shared a room and we did manage to get some sleep. Erin kept telling us to stop talking and laughing and to give her some peace. Talk about role reversal, but I was on a high!
Believe it or not, the next day, we reached our rental property in Niagara Falls, just 5 minutes behind Damien and Lauren and just 5 minutes ahead of Kelly, Nate and Kyler. It was unbelievable. Damien and Lauren had been in Canada for a couple of days, staying in Toronto and had a shuttle bus to the rental. Kelly and Nate stayed in Niagara Falls in a hotel overlooking the Falls. (Yes Maureen and Michael – same one we all stayed in last time).
I had recommended the hotel to them as we loved it when we stayed there a couple of years ago and the view was spectacular. However, Kelly and Nate were not nearly as impressed as we were. They luckily enough were on the last flight to land at Buffalo New York airport before it was shut down because of the blizzard. They made it to the hotel some 40 minutes away despite the heavy snow, but once inside, they had to remain. Most of Niagara Falls shut down because of the blizzard and it was impossible to even walk on the side walks because of the heavy snow fall. As for the Falls – well Kelly and Nate had to accept everyone’s word that they were in fact out their window, as visibility outside their window was zero!!!!!! So much for a Falls view room.
They remained in their hotel room until the next day when we all arrived. The roads were sufficiently clear to navigate the short distance to the rental some 10 minutes away.
It was a wonderful joyous reunion and I was thankful to have 5 minutes with Lauren and Damien to share only with Paul and Erin before Kelly, Nate and Kyler arrived to steal the show.
As it was Lauren’s Birthday we quickly unpacked (easy with so many eager hands), choose bedrooms (7 to choose from), we had a snack (plenty of food with us), exchanged gifts, went for a tour of the area and a proper glimpse of the Falls whilst the sun was out and that evening we went to dinner (Italian if I remember correctly) to celebrate Lauren’s birthday and our reunion. We had a birthday drink for you too Michael!
On the Monday it was Kelly’s birthday, so we went out to lupper (lunch dinner combined) to celebrate and we celebrated Nate’s as well as he had his on the 17th.
Chris was to arrive on the 23rd (day after Kelly’s birthday), but alas weather conditions were once again less than ideal. His flight from Periora to Chicago went without a hitch. But his flight from Chicago to Buffalo was just the start of his nightmare. Firstly, his flight was cancelled or delayed because they had no plane. Hours later they had a plane, but alas no pilot. Then the news we were waiting for a plane and a pilot! Hooray!!
Then the airport shut down indefinitely due to heavy snow – Boo! Then it re-opened – Hooray! His flight would leave at 3.30 – Hooray. He went to grab a sandwich and go to the rest room and came back. The flight had left at 2.30 without him – Boo. There were no more flights they could get him on for maybe 2 days – Boo!
We had 2 lap tops working overtime at the house, plus a phone, trying to find flights with any airline. Erin found a flight to Buffalo and called to tell Chris who had just accepted a flight an hour earlier to Toronto. Chris decided to stick with the Toronto flight as he was just about to embark.
Erin got on the phone to arrange shuttle service from Toronto (about 1 ½ hours away) and called to say it was organized, but she did not cancel the Buffalo flight just in case.
Chris was on the plane and seated waiting to be de-iced. He called to say they had no power – boo! He called back to say they now had power – Hooray! He called back to say they had to get on another plane because maintenance crew were concerned about why they lost power – Boo!
He should have taken the Buffalo plane, but an hour had passed and it should have left, but a check on the computer showed it had problems and it had not taken off – wow!
Chris called – he is on another plane, he has a pilot, he has power – hooray! He still has to be de-iced!!! Boo
He finally takes off – Hooray!!!!!
Alas the shuttle bus was not there to meet him – the snow on the roads too bad! He waits until another comes and the roads are clear and arrives safely at 5 am!!!! Thankfully after that roller-coaster ride of emotions we can all sleep soundly for a few hours. Chris does not want food – he wants a shower and a bed.
The rest of our stay was awesome – we viewed the Falls on several different occasions after the storm when all the trees were coated with ice – it was like fairyland – at night when it was all lit up and in the sunshine with the ice melting. We dinned in a lot and dinned out a lot, we played pool (pool table in rental), we drove to Toronto for the day – Erin tried on wedding dresses and chose one all us girls just loved! We checked out China Town and even met the men (Paul, Damien, Nate, Chris and Kyler), who went in one car and us girls in the other. We were just driving up the road in China Town to park and spotted them walking up the street!!!!
Christmas Day was special – it was wonderful to have a baby in the house, but his favorite was the tissue paper from the gifts! Paul was a wonderful romantic – he gave me an anniversary/eternity ring and proposed to me again formally in front of the kids! The kids gave us a professional photographer who came to the house for 2 hours a few days later to take whatever pictures we wanted and we get a CD with them all on and get to choose one to have framed! What a great gift – I can’t wait to see them.
The days passed quickly in a blur – filled with lots of food, drink and laughter. The kids went out a bit at night, and Paul and I got to baby-sit a bit which we loved. It was a bit difficult to get time with Kyler – too many doting Aunts and Uncles in the house. Kelly said we spoilt him and that he will have to go to “baby boot camp”! He is just adorable and so much fun.
Whilst there, we also had a special birthday day for Damien and one for me. As our birthdays are in January and we wouldn’t be together, they were celebrated early. So as you can see, we had lots of special days and lots of reasons to celebrate.
Chris had to leave on the 28th as he had to go back to work. The shuttle bus picked him up on time at the house, and after having checked that all was well with his flight and the airport he set off. It was not long before he called to say that his flight had been cancelled. We were all a bit baffled as the weather was not too bad at that point. However, weather was not the reason for the cancellation – it once again was an issue with the plane. The roller coaster ride started again and it proved to be useless trying to get him on a flight that would get him to Chicago! After much ado, his boss agreed to let him work from the house and to drive back with Erin on the 1st. Erin then set off to Buffalo, New York to pick him up.
New Year’s Eve we all decided to stay in and be together. It was a lovely evening, but with undertones as we knew the next day we would all have to say goodbye and go our own ways!
We toasted the New Year and headed to bed as Kelly, Nate and Kyler had an early morning departure. With a heavy heart and a deluge of tears instead of snow, we said our goodbyes and headed to our various homes.
Our trip home was much less stressful as the weather was good and the roads clear. It took a little longer than expected, because the duty free shop was great, and evidently, I lost all concept of time once I entered the store. Paul waiting patiently in the car and became a little concerned, but I did manage to get a few bargains!!!!
We had a wonderful time which went all too quickly and it was very difficult to say goodbye, not knowing when we could all be together again. It was nice also to arrive home where our handicap accessible home, makes life much easier for Paul who had found the rental very difficult from a physical aspect.
Soon after our arrival home, John and Alex arrived to return Mack to us and they had also prepared our dinner. Imagine how nice that was to arrive and not have to think about preparing food? They left food also for lunch for the next day – talk about good friends and being spoilt!
On Friday (2nd), we left Paul at the house to rest and Chris to work and Erin and I set out to look at wedding invitations and tuxedos. The day flew and we didn’t get home til 9pm but at least we found a great place for tuxedos and had an idea of what she wanted regarding invitations.
When she arrived home, Lauren had a letter waiting for her from Immigration advising her that her ban was for 3 years. This in itself was good news I guess as this month will be the 2 year marker. However, the letter did state that she could not return to the US under any circumstances during that time (sometimes with permission, they will let you visit for a special reason). This means that she will not be Erin’s bridesmaid, nor will she be able to come to the wedding.
Okay, guess I have broken my promise not to ‘waffle on”, so time to get this finished.
I began this several days ago and today is now my birthday – thank you for all the good wishes – it seems that it will be a very quiet one as we are in the midst of a snow storm. Paul ploughed yesterday and we have had possibly another 6 inches overnight with forecasts that the snow will continue thru much of the day. Paul wanted to take me out to eat, but it is not worth risking the roads. I had a wonderful celebration in Canada with the kids and I am happy with that. We will have a wonderful day at home together.
Lots of love to everyone,
Kathy
Well it is not a month since I last wrote, but so much has happened that it seems so much longer. I will try not to ‘waffle on’ too much, however, I can’t guarantee it. We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
We actually set out on the 19th as the weather was so bad, we figured our trip could take 10 hours because of road conditions, snow and wind, so we thought it best to leave a day early and break the trip up.
We did not leave until 3pm, as it was snowing too heavily up until around 1 pm and then it eased, so we hurriedly packed up the cars. Yes, I did say cars! Rather than have Erin sit on the roof racks in the snow (there was no room in the car), we decided that she should take her car as well. It was a wise decision, as our luggage could not be crammed into one, plus, we did need the extra car in Niagara Falls for us all to travel together.
Our journey was very slow at the beginning and the roads were really bad, even when the snow stopped. The plough trucks could not keep up and once night fell, much of the snow and wet on the roads, turned to ice. Nevertheless, we continued on. Our crossing into Canada was indeed smooth sailing, as there were few other idiots on the roads trying to cross the border, thus there was no waiting. I guess we had honest faces, or else the guy could not face the thought of unpacking and searching our car, as after a couple of questions we were allowed in as was Erin who was right behind us.
It was a major task to find a hotel with handicap accessibility for Paul, so we continued our drive until we reached London (Ontario), where we met with some degree of success. The room was what we needed, however, after the blizzard, sidewalks, car parks etc. were covered in at least 6 inches of snow as it was impossible to keep up with the deluge. That makes it very hard going in a wheelchair! Lucky we come from pioneer and convict stock!
Paul, Erin and I shared a room and we did manage to get some sleep. Erin kept telling us to stop talking and laughing and to give her some peace. Talk about role reversal, but I was on a high!
Believe it or not, the next day, we reached our rental property in Niagara Falls, just 5 minutes behind Damien and Lauren and just 5 minutes ahead of Kelly, Nate and Kyler. It was unbelievable. Damien and Lauren had been in Canada for a couple of days, staying in Toronto and had a shuttle bus to the rental. Kelly and Nate stayed in Niagara Falls in a hotel overlooking the Falls. (Yes Maureen and Michael – same one we all stayed in last time).
I had recommended the hotel to them as we loved it when we stayed there a couple of years ago and the view was spectacular. However, Kelly and Nate were not nearly as impressed as we were. They luckily enough were on the last flight to land at Buffalo New York airport before it was shut down because of the blizzard. They made it to the hotel some 40 minutes away despite the heavy snow, but once inside, they had to remain. Most of Niagara Falls shut down because of the blizzard and it was impossible to even walk on the side walks because of the heavy snow fall. As for the Falls – well Kelly and Nate had to accept everyone’s word that they were in fact out their window, as visibility outside their window was zero!!!!!! So much for a Falls view room.
They remained in their hotel room until the next day when we all arrived. The roads were sufficiently clear to navigate the short distance to the rental some 10 minutes away.
It was a wonderful joyous reunion and I was thankful to have 5 minutes with Lauren and Damien to share only with Paul and Erin before Kelly, Nate and Kyler arrived to steal the show.
As it was Lauren’s Birthday we quickly unpacked (easy with so many eager hands), choose bedrooms (7 to choose from), we had a snack (plenty of food with us), exchanged gifts, went for a tour of the area and a proper glimpse of the Falls whilst the sun was out and that evening we went to dinner (Italian if I remember correctly) to celebrate Lauren’s birthday and our reunion. We had a birthday drink for you too Michael!
On the Monday it was Kelly’s birthday, so we went out to lupper (lunch dinner combined) to celebrate and we celebrated Nate’s as well as he had his on the 17th.
Chris was to arrive on the 23rd (day after Kelly’s birthday), but alas weather conditions were once again less than ideal. His flight from Periora to Chicago went without a hitch. But his flight from Chicago to Buffalo was just the start of his nightmare. Firstly, his flight was cancelled or delayed because they had no plane. Hours later they had a plane, but alas no pilot. Then the news we were waiting for a plane and a pilot! Hooray!!
Then the airport shut down indefinitely due to heavy snow – Boo! Then it re-opened – Hooray! His flight would leave at 3.30 – Hooray. He went to grab a sandwich and go to the rest room and came back. The flight had left at 2.30 without him – Boo. There were no more flights they could get him on for maybe 2 days – Boo!
We had 2 lap tops working overtime at the house, plus a phone, trying to find flights with any airline. Erin found a flight to Buffalo and called to tell Chris who had just accepted a flight an hour earlier to Toronto. Chris decided to stick with the Toronto flight as he was just about to embark.
Erin got on the phone to arrange shuttle service from Toronto (about 1 ½ hours away) and called to say it was organized, but she did not cancel the Buffalo flight just in case.
Chris was on the plane and seated waiting to be de-iced. He called to say they had no power – boo! He called back to say they now had power – Hooray! He called back to say they had to get on another plane because maintenance crew were concerned about why they lost power – Boo!
He should have taken the Buffalo plane, but an hour had passed and it should have left, but a check on the computer showed it had problems and it had not taken off – wow!
Chris called – he is on another plane, he has a pilot, he has power – hooray! He still has to be de-iced!!! Boo
He finally takes off – Hooray!!!!!
Alas the shuttle bus was not there to meet him – the snow on the roads too bad! He waits until another comes and the roads are clear and arrives safely at 5 am!!!! Thankfully after that roller-coaster ride of emotions we can all sleep soundly for a few hours. Chris does not want food – he wants a shower and a bed.
The rest of our stay was awesome – we viewed the Falls on several different occasions after the storm when all the trees were coated with ice – it was like fairyland – at night when it was all lit up and in the sunshine with the ice melting. We dinned in a lot and dinned out a lot, we played pool (pool table in rental), we drove to Toronto for the day – Erin tried on wedding dresses and chose one all us girls just loved! We checked out China Town and even met the men (Paul, Damien, Nate, Chris and Kyler), who went in one car and us girls in the other. We were just driving up the road in China Town to park and spotted them walking up the street!!!!
Christmas Day was special – it was wonderful to have a baby in the house, but his favorite was the tissue paper from the gifts! Paul was a wonderful romantic – he gave me an anniversary/eternity ring and proposed to me again formally in front of the kids! The kids gave us a professional photographer who came to the house for 2 hours a few days later to take whatever pictures we wanted and we get a CD with them all on and get to choose one to have framed! What a great gift – I can’t wait to see them.
The days passed quickly in a blur – filled with lots of food, drink and laughter. The kids went out a bit at night, and Paul and I got to baby-sit a bit which we loved. It was a bit difficult to get time with Kyler – too many doting Aunts and Uncles in the house. Kelly said we spoilt him and that he will have to go to “baby boot camp”! He is just adorable and so much fun.
Whilst there, we also had a special birthday day for Damien and one for me. As our birthdays are in January and we wouldn’t be together, they were celebrated early. So as you can see, we had lots of special days and lots of reasons to celebrate.
Chris had to leave on the 28th as he had to go back to work. The shuttle bus picked him up on time at the house, and after having checked that all was well with his flight and the airport he set off. It was not long before he called to say that his flight had been cancelled. We were all a bit baffled as the weather was not too bad at that point. However, weather was not the reason for the cancellation – it once again was an issue with the plane. The roller coaster ride started again and it proved to be useless trying to get him on a flight that would get him to Chicago! After much ado, his boss agreed to let him work from the house and to drive back with Erin on the 1st. Erin then set off to Buffalo, New York to pick him up.
New Year’s Eve we all decided to stay in and be together. It was a lovely evening, but with undertones as we knew the next day we would all have to say goodbye and go our own ways!
We toasted the New Year and headed to bed as Kelly, Nate and Kyler had an early morning departure. With a heavy heart and a deluge of tears instead of snow, we said our goodbyes and headed to our various homes.
Our trip home was much less stressful as the weather was good and the roads clear. It took a little longer than expected, because the duty free shop was great, and evidently, I lost all concept of time once I entered the store. Paul waiting patiently in the car and became a little concerned, but I did manage to get a few bargains!!!!
We had a wonderful time which went all too quickly and it was very difficult to say goodbye, not knowing when we could all be together again. It was nice also to arrive home where our handicap accessible home, makes life much easier for Paul who had found the rental very difficult from a physical aspect.
Soon after our arrival home, John and Alex arrived to return Mack to us and they had also prepared our dinner. Imagine how nice that was to arrive and not have to think about preparing food? They left food also for lunch for the next day – talk about good friends and being spoilt!
On Friday (2nd), we left Paul at the house to rest and Chris to work and Erin and I set out to look at wedding invitations and tuxedos. The day flew and we didn’t get home til 9pm but at least we found a great place for tuxedos and had an idea of what she wanted regarding invitations.
When she arrived home, Lauren had a letter waiting for her from Immigration advising her that her ban was for 3 years. This in itself was good news I guess as this month will be the 2 year marker. However, the letter did state that she could not return to the US under any circumstances during that time (sometimes with permission, they will let you visit for a special reason). This means that she will not be Erin’s bridesmaid, nor will she be able to come to the wedding.
Okay, guess I have broken my promise not to ‘waffle on”, so time to get this finished.
I began this several days ago and today is now my birthday – thank you for all the good wishes – it seems that it will be a very quiet one as we are in the midst of a snow storm. Paul ploughed yesterday and we have had possibly another 6 inches overnight with forecasts that the snow will continue thru much of the day. Paul wanted to take me out to eat, but it is not worth risking the roads. I had a wonderful celebration in Canada with the kids and I am happy with that. We will have a wonderful day at home together.
Lots of love to everyone,
Kathy
Photos below for those of you interested.
Paul in the kitchen of the rental
All out to dinner for a wonderful meal!
My honey!
Kyler enjoying one of his favourite meals.
Spaghetti!
Kyler with Uncle Damien
Damien's birthday
The kids and I -
braving the elements at the Falls
Ice at the Falls!
Ice at the Falls!
Kelly Nate & Kyler at the Falls.
All the kids at the Falls
Erin & Chris
Lauren
The Falls (Canadian side)
Strange man - ice on posts!
Damien and Nate
Another view of Falls
(American side)
Bridge connects Canada to USA
Canadian side
Damien & Nate
Canadian side
Damien & Nate
Nate on Christmas morning
Chris on Christmas morning
(Jacket fits!)
Kyler playing in tissue
paper
Kyler unimpressed by
gifts
Damien & Lauren
Damien & Lauren
Christmas morning
Okay - lets get some paper
Kelly playing pool
Lauren & Damien
in pool room
Kelly and Lauren having fun
with Damien watching on
Paul telling me how its done
Damien planning with Lauren
Me with my girls
Kelly modelling her birthday
gifts
Lauren playing with the boys
Lauren playing with the boys
watching on
Kelly, Lauren & Erin
Kelly & Nate
Kelly, Lauren & Erin
Kelly & Nate
Erin & Chris
Kelly making a snow angel
Kyler playing in the snow
and again
Hopping in for a ride
Forget the box -
I want freedom!
Some of the goods for the car -
Some of the goods for the car -
Add an electric wheelchair
Add a high chair
Add a cooler/esky - big
one for food
Add a couple of cases
Add a few more boxes
ADD ANOTHER CAR
