Becky's Blog

Alberta bound…….it’s good to be Alberta bound!  I said it once and I’ll say it again….I love Alberta!  Growing up, I’ve lived in three different provinces and I’m most proud to call Alberta’s Lakeland my home.  I never take it for granted and I appreciate the beauty of the countryside everyday when I’m on the road. 

I am always happy to meet newcomers and welcome them wholeheartedly to our Northeast region.  Always hoping they see the same beauty I see, that they find great jobs and good friends and stay awhile….like I did…..and feel blessed….like I do.  One of the many ways to get to know your community  and the people in it is to signup for some courses.  It could be a pottery class with Pots O’ Joy in Bonnyville (780) 826-1680, or a painting class at Cafe Impromptu (780) 826-4111, or even a Yoga class at Thrive!….Naturally www.thrivenaturally.ca (780) 213-CALM. For the guys there is always Golf! Elk Point Golf & Country Club (780) 724-3733, Smoky Lake Golf Club (780) 656-2121 www.smokylakegolf.org , Mannville Riverview Golf Course (780) 763-2252 www.mannville.com/golfing.htm, and St. Paul Golf Club (780) 645-4077 www.town.stpaul.ab.ca….. all beautiful this time of year!
These are all great ways to meet people of like minds.

If your looking for a rootin’ tootin’ good time, shine up your boots and head on down to the St. Paul Lakeland Rodeo! Fun for the whole family. The rodeo Kicks off this week and the town is a husslin’ & busslin’…. always so much fun! Heck, there is even a big carnival setting up. Candy Apples and Cotton Candy…. Yummy!! One of the many highlights that I’ve taken my kids to year after year is the Rodeo Parade. It starts on Sept. 4th, Saturday @ 10:30am. Even today my own grown children with now children of their own are still lining the streets with lawn chairs and candy bags, gathering with friends and family. Anxiously the children wait for the first signs of the parade to come rollin’ down the street and as they are busy running and catching candy to fill their bags, the parents are busy chatting and getting binged in the head by the big hard suckers! No matter what the weather…the TRADITION continues. Did I mention the highlight of the parade, besides the Cowboy float, is the UFO Flying Saucer? It has flashing lights and weird alien sounds. Really, really Cool! Did you know that St. Paul is home to the world’s first UFO Landing Pad? They even have a UFO HOTLINE 1-888-SEE-UFOS 1-888-733-8367. At the Visitor Information Centre which is attached to the Landing Pad , there is a binder with all the hotline calls recorded that you can look at. I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking up at the night sky hoping to see something extraordinary. Nothing so far…..but when I do I’ll be calling the hotline and blogging it from the roof top!
For more information go to www.town.stpaul.ab.ca/UFO-Landing-Pad. Also, for more information about the St. Paul Lakeland Rodeo check out our home page under “What’s New”.

There is a whole lot of fun activities and events filling up September. What a crazy time of year. It is a real juggling act to get all the fall work done just so you can go to the rodeos and jamborees or the potluck and perogy suppers, etc, etc.
But when all is said and done it’s really about family and friends working hard to stay connected. Take time to share your life with others as we were not put on this earth to be alone. So, shine up your boots, pick your event from our summer calendar on the website or pick up a copy of the Alberta’s Lakeland Visitor Guide and go forth and have a good time!

WAIT…… I would be doing you a grave injustice if I didn’t tell you about SMITTY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT & LOUNGE in St. Paul. They have the biggest and best breakfast in town. They also have the biggest lounge in town with a mini casino tucked in the back and, big screen TVs, and Karaoke on Thursday nights. A real sports bar feel. Smitty’s is a classy, feel good place to be whether it is 7:00 am for breakfast, 12:00 pm for lunch, 6:00 pm for supper, or Happy Hour!!

SMITTY’S is rigged up and ready to feed and water all the Cowpokes and Country folks to get them to the Rodeo on time! Don’t miss out on the Hungry Cowboy Special ….. a big, fat, juicy 10oz. New York Steak and all the trimmings!

“SHINE UP YOUR BOOTS, GO INTO TOWN, SCRAPE UP $20 DOLLARS AND THROW IT AROUND” Corb Lund
COWBOY KARAOKE….. this Thursday and Friday Night…..CHECK IT OUT!!

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE…..

Happy Trails,

Becky

Have you seen all the events lined up for the upcoming months?  Holy Cow!!  The Alberta’s Lakeland fun never ends.  Thank goodness for that.  The fun just keeps on coming.   You can feel the energy in the celebrations and enjoy the warmth and  hospitality of the people.  Especially at all the upcoming Music Jamborees and all the potluck and harvest suppers. Aaahh … good music and good food, can’t get better than that!  So, if you feel like jammin and sharing a harvest meal with some friendly folk  check out the event calendar and pick your weekend of fun.  You never know who you will meet!  You might run into some old friends or meet some new ones.  After all, “Life’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get”.

Hey, want to be a part of something really great?  In the lovely little town of friendly Elk Point “The Right Place to Be” there is a special little Remote Control Airplane Club.  It consist of about 7 or 8 active members from the Elk Point area, but fellow fliers come from as far away as Washington, Grand Prairie and Wainwright to right here in our own Lakeland region.  The club is about 11 km south of Elk Point on Highway 41.  There is a 600 ft. grass runway and a fenced area for pilots & planes.  It is a family oriented facility with free camping and a big playground.  They even have an airplane candy drop for the kids.  Cool!  When you sign up with this Airplane Club you sign up for a whole  lot of FUN!  And all the learning, advice and instruction is free!

It’s open to the general public and runs from spring to fall.  There is a concession for the spectators but if you are a member of the club you get the pleasure of  joining  the families for a delicious potluck supper and a succulent juicy pig roasted on a firery hot spit. 

This weekend on August  28th & 29th is another scheduled Fun Fly!  Go see what all the buzz is about, you’ll be glad you did.  If you are coming from quite a distance take advantage of the beautiful little BACKHOME BED “N” BREAKFAST  nestled in Elk Point with two wonderful Hosts Clara & Jean Ference (780) 724-2148. If you are coming into Elk Point off the Iron Horse Trail they have a garage to store your quad  overnight so you can sleep tight.  Clara loves to make a very special breakfast for her guests.  She proudly boasts about her  Hearty Backhome Country Pie  Breakfast Special.  I’m salivating right now! Actually, she will cheerfully make  what ever your heart desires.  For  lunch you would not want to miss out on MOMS’ CREAM & SUGAR CAFE (780) 724-4939. Everything is made from scratch.  She makes Dr. Oz Protein Smoothies and I can personally say “They are Fantastic!!”

Okay, so maybe for Christmas  a remote control airplane kit could  be on your list this year!?  You could  build the airplane together as a family and have a fun and safe place to fly it in the spring.  If you have problems building it you have the support of club members to help you.  You know what they say… a family that plays together stays together.  For more information call Jody @ (780) 1572 or Pat @ (780) 614-3923.  Check out the youtube video of the most recent Fun Fly in Elk Point.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GWs8QhkPZk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GWs8QhkPZk

Happy Trails,

Becky

What a beautiful  morning!  The air is cool and the sky is cloudy.   Perfect for a  morning run,  a brisk walk,  for digging in the garden or baking some zucchini chocolate chip muffins.  What did you do?  I did none of the above but I am excited with the anticipation of doing all of the above! I love this time of year.  The leaves are changing colors and the air is so crisp and fresh. 

Although  summer is coming to an end, there is still time to enjoy the great outdoors even as we roll into the fall. Golfing is great this time of year especially at the Oilmen’s Golf Tournament in Elk Point on August  20th & 21st (780) 724 -4876.   The Fall Fair in Cold Lake at the Exhibition Park (780) 594 – 0667   sounds like a fun event to attend too!

If you want to really get in touch with Mother Nature this time of year don’t miss out on the Kikino Silver Birch Resort.  I had the pleasure of  a grand tour of the Silver Birch Resort just last weekend.  What a beautiful sight indeed!    First of all Whitefish Lake is huge & deep and full of fish.  The water is so clear and clean you can see straight to the bottom, even at   the end of the dock where it is between 15 – 17 feet deep.    The resort has beautiful log cabins right off the beach tucked up against the forest.  These log cabins can be rented year round or whatever you so desire and have all the amenities you need!  You could plan your family Christmas right here  or plan a secluded private little ice-fishing get-a-way for two!??    Think about it!  Could be family fun or a romantic get-a-way or total seclusion.  It all sounds good to me!

Wait, there is more!!…. Silver Birch also has yearly rental sites further up on higher ground with a spectacular view of the lake. There is a gated little community of campsites, each having their own trailers set up with beautiful landscaping, decking, little storage sheds, outdoor kitchens and happy stress free people relaxing  and enjoying Mother Nature at its finest.  I think this is a little piece of heaven right here in our own back yard.  Also, there is 24 hour security on-site.  Definately worth checking out if you are looking for peace and tranquility mixed with a whole lot of fun!!  It really is what you make of it.  Contact: 1-888-330-8833 for reservations & rates.  Don’t forget to tell them Becky sent you! www.albertaslakeland.ca . 

Wait, there is one more very important bit of information!……  I have to say…….CONGRATULATIONS!!!  to the KIKINO SILVER BIRCH RESORT & CAMPGROUND .  They are the winner of the Golden Ski Award for the BEST Campsite of the year.    This award is based on staff friendliness, campsite cleanliness, washroom cleanliness, friendly atmosphere, and camping rates.  This Golden Ski is a symbol for the hard work and constant commitment for tourism that visitors view as the best campsite of the year.  Kind of like a Peoples Choice Award! Kikino Campsite of the year 2010.

Happy Trails!

Becky

Hasn’t it been a beautiful summer?  Here we are in August with all its bounty.   Amazing and bountiful indeed, especially this year with all the rain.    The gardens and crops are great!  No one should go hungry this year, not  the animals nor  the people.  So let the haying, the pickling and pie making begin!  And have I got a pie  for you!!  Colleen Graham from nothing barred ranch (I’ll get to that treasure later) has blessed us all with the most incredible pie crust EVER!!  Colleen is more than happy to share her recipe for all who love pie. Pie Crust 

Now we have the pie crust from Colleen Graham but we can’t have a pie without the filling right?  So, I encourage everyone to get picking their favorite berries whether it be in their own back yard or at the local U-Picks, such as Kerry’s Berries / St. Brides Trading Post  (780) 645-2040 (780) 645- 2582, or  Lynn Rob Strawberries (saskatoons, honeyberries, fresh vegies, raspberries) in Bonnyville  (780) 826- 6053, or Rocky Meadows Country Getaway at Bonnyville (780) 826-6053.  So,  here is a recipe for Saskatoon Pie.  It is tested, tried and true.  saskatoon pie .  If anyone has their “best ever”   pie recipe and want to share, drop it in the comment box or email  us at info@albertaslakeland.ca .

OK, back to the Nothing Barred Ranch, this is to be treasured.   The Grahams are the most gracious and warm hosts you will ever meet!  They run horse camps all summer long, trail rides every weekend and organize Pony Pals  during the week.  The horses are bomb proof beautiful and the Graham girls are bombshell beautiful!!   There are two horse camps left.  The last one being August 24, 25, 26th.  And lucky you, there is still some room left so hurry up and call Colleen at (780) 875-8205 or cell (780) 808 – 3786.  Check out their website www.grahamsisters.com .  The ranch is only 20 minutes northwest of Lloydminster Sk/AB.  They have recreated an amazing old western town.  It’s like taking a step back through time to the old wild west!    Please, please, please visit the Graham Town and enjoy a wonderful western cultural experience!!  I almost forgot to mention Colleen also hosts “Pie Making Classes” and she would love to hear from you.  There are alot of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered at the Nothing Barred Ranch.

There is alot of action this weekend!  Starting  Thursday, there is the 20th Annual Kikino Celebration Days & Silver Birch Rodeo, contact 1-888-330-8833 for reservations & rates.  The Glendon Derby is on Aug.14th. It kicks off with pancakes at the Glendon Hall at 8:00 am. Derby starts at 10:00 am.  Two Hills is having an action packed rodeo (780) 632-1560 and  the Ag Society Bench fair is happening in Elk Point (780) 724-4375.  So much fun, so little time!!  Let’s get out there this weekend and enjoy the people and events of  Alberta’s Lakeland!!  Don’t you just LOVE IT!!  I know I do!.

Happy Trails,

Becky

I always have a big “to do list”.  Actually, I have two.  One is the list of everyday tedious tasks that are a chore to complete, the other is the fun  list.  Both are time consuming but somehow the fun list always get done first!  It’s easy to complete when there is so manyexciting events in this beautiful lakeland that I am so lucky to call home.

No excuses and no reason to be bored this summer.  My Mom used to say if you are bored it must be because you are boring.  I am never bored!  How can I be when I’m rock climbing at the C2 Centre in Bonnyville with a group of awesome adventurous ladies and an amazing  instructor named Matt.  No matter what happens on the wall you always have a Matt to cushion your fall.  I know which one I’d prefer!  There are many reasons to try your hand a rock climbing.  One is the fitness aspect of it as it is quite a workout.  Not only are you using your leg muscles,  but your entire body, right down to your finger tips.  It’s challenging, it’s alot of fun and Matt is an awesome instructor. When I was trying to scale the wall for the first time, I learned one very important thing, don’t look down!  That was my first mistake.  The second was staying up to long because the longer I was up there the shakier my legs got and a wee bit of fear began to creep in!  The hardest thing for me was when Matt said “just let yourself  fall back”.  Are you kidding!!  At that moment you learn to trust the ropes, the harness and the Matt. 

Matt is an experienced climber originating from Canmore and works hard at planning group trips back to canmore to scale the mountains there and experience the elements of the great outdoors!  If you are interested check out www.centennialcentre.ca or call (780) 812-3400 and let Matt  “Rock Your World”.

Another thing I put on my to do list is Haying in the 30’s in Mallaig.  It’s a cancer fundraiser where the money goes to the families who are going through cancer treatments.  Not for the research itself but for the suffering families who’s world has been turned upside down by cancer.  It was an emotional and spiritual journey for me that day, and might I add Ashmont donated a beautiful old church that stands proud on top a hill  overlooking the grounds and watching over us all.  Very symbolic indeed.

On Sunday I had a delightful time at the EnSante’ Winery by Brosseau.  Alberta’s 1st organic-orchard Wines and Mead (honey wine).  It was their 1st annual Saskatoon Stomp Wine Tasting Event.  A totally new experience for me and a whole lot of fun.  Xina the warrior wine maker, who by the way is one of the very few female wine makers in the world, gave us all a tour of the families organic farm.  Very cool!  Mother Nature is amazing.  Xina’s sister Tonia, the licensed bootlegger, gave us a tour of the wine cellar and a history of the winery’s humble beginnings.  Also very cool!  People came from miles around to mix and mingle all the while eating cheese and crackers, organic saskatoon pie with ice cream, and tasting delicious wines.  What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon!  I ate alot, sipped alot and learned alot too.  I learned that #1 means 0-10g of sugar per litre and #2 means 10.001 – 20g of sugar per litre.  #1 is my favorite, what’s yours?  Did you know that 700 years ago Irish Monks were making Rhubarb wine?  Did  you know that  a’ nossa means cheers to your health in Portuguese and salud means cheers in Spanish?  I left that day with my husband driving of course, feeling very happy and much smarter then when I arrived.  I have to say that for me the big highlight  was not just the drinking of the wines but the actual barefoot stomping of the saskatoons that we picked to make the wine.  Don’t worry this batch will not be for public consumption!!    Did I mention that the honey bees were trying to make home in Xinas really big hair and the organic dog was chasing the organic chickens around the organic apple trees!!??    What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon.  Don’t miss out on next years 2nd Annual Saskatoon Stomp @ www.EnsanteWinery.com  (780) 657-2275.

I’ve come to realize that my “to do List” is more like a “bucket list”.   If that’s the case I better add on alot more exciting things to it cause a bucket list has a time line!!  Who knows when my time is up!  Hey, speaking of lines, how about zip lines??  That’s what I’ll put on my list for tomorrow.  I’m going Zip Lining  at Metis Crossing in Smoky Lake.  Care to join me?   www.metiscrossing.com  (780) 656-2229.  You can camp there all summer long, ride the zip lines and celebrate the Metis Crossing Voyage on August 28th & 29th.  Let’s experience an exciting culture!

Don’t forget to check out the August Summer Fun Events.  Kikino Silver Birch Rodeo is August 14 – 17 and the Glendon Derby is also August 14.  Sounds like fun!!  Hope to see you there.

Even this weekend on August 7th – 8th there is lots of fun happening at the Victoria Trail Annual Fair in Waskateneau, Heritage Days in Ashmont, and even an Owl River Pig Roast.  Now, I know first hand that a pig roast is really something fun to experience.  Go and try it out, you just might like it!

Do you know what makes our Lakeland Region so special? …… You Do!!

Happy Trails,

Becky

Another beautiful morning!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I say that out loud  to myself every morning.  It’s amazing what that does for me.  Feels like the day just easily unfolds in my  favour.  Weird…. ya, I know!  But it seems to work.  Try it sometimes, you can thank me later.  So,  today is another day to set goals and plan your day.  Good health is always the top of my list.  I start by planning my food choices for the day and take my vitamins. If I have aches and pains I book a massage.  Finding time for myself is not always easy, and  so what, in the big picture of life lots of things aren’t easy but what does that have to do with anything?  Just Do It!  Get up earlier in the morning  to find the extra time if you have to.  It’s tuff to do, but once you do you’ll be glad you did!  That I can promise you!!

The last week or so, I have had a very tight, knotted up neck and shoulders and today is my lucky day!  Today I try a Bowen treatment with Peggy Chick at the Lakeland Holistic Centre in Bonnyville.  I hope she’s ready for me!

Oh My Goodness!!…. I justed walked out of there  and I feel free as a bird and loose as a goose!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I would  definately go again.  Lucky for me, come September the Holistic Centre will be open on Saturdays too.  This Bowen technique is so unique.    You wear comfortable  loose fitting clothing.  Jeans don’t really work so well as the material is to thick for her to really get a feel of the muscles.  It is nice to walk into a room and not be told “take off your clothes and slide under the sheets”. Ha, ha,… a little massage humor!  Anyway, how would I describe a Bowen treatment?  Let’s see…… it feels like Peggy’s rolling  the muscles into place and the tightness just slides off your back.  It really is a freeing experience.  My whole body and my mind felt so relaxed and renewed.  She says it has different results for different people depending how “worse for wear” you are.  Sometimes it takes one treatment, sometimes more, and sometimes you see results immediately and sometimes it takes a bit.  The Bowen Technique  reminds the body how to heal itself as it sends neurological impluses to the brain resulting in immediate responses of muscle relaxation and pain reduction.  How cool is that!  Peggy Chick is heaven sent for sure!  She is a soft spoken, gentle, warm  & wonderful woman who is also a life coach.  Go figure!   That would be another cool thing to check out at the  www.lakelandholisticcentre.net . 

So, here is another road trip idea, zip  to the Bonnyville  C2 Centre www.centennialcentre.ca .  Choose your weapon of choice, whether it be a spin class or weights then when you and your body are totally exhausted and you spent all your energy, crawl over to the Lakeland Holistic Centre to be renewed and recharged.  Once your up and running again skip on over to the Cafe’ Impromptu, settle in at a little corner table, have a Nicoise Salade, a cup of Cha Cha Chai Bubble Tea and enjoy the wonderful French summertime sounds of Richard Anthony singing Itsy Bitsy Petit Bikin. 

Life’s good and I am grateful.

 As you drive along  the highway of life this summer do you notice all the  roadside crosses?  Do you see the ball cap or cowboy hat or teddy bear  hanging on that cross?  Do you see the flowers carefully placed on and around that cross?  How does it make you feel?  I feel the sadness and emptiness that the families left behind now have to endure for the rest of their lives here on earth.  Today I feel that pain. 

Today I feel grateful to be alive.  To love and be loved…… what else is there?

This weekend is Haying in the 30’s, a cancer fundraising annual event in Mallaig.  Thousands of people  come from miles around with open hearts and hope.   For the last few years I have been meaning to go but never have.  You know, always to busy.  This year we are going to give  a donation, hope for a cure, and  pray for my family.

Please open your hearts and join us in Mallaig this weekend.  You will get back so much more than you give.

Check out more  summer events on our website .  There is always something fun and exciting to do!  Just make the plans and let it happen.

Happy Trails,

Becky

I’m on a road trip today and you get to hear all about it, aren’t you lucky?!!

Here I sit at the 3 Sisters Cafe & Catering in Mallaig.  Just a cute little cafe about a block off the Iron Horse Trail.  It’s a rainy, gloomy day outside but not where I’m sitting.  Helen greeted  me with my first “good morning dear” of the day, a cup of fresh ground coffee and the best cinnamon bun hot out of the oven.  A good morning indeed!  Good thing I ran this morning.

I can’t believe what just happened….. a lady walked in directly up to the counter, stood tall and preceded to tell Helen that she had ordered a couple of burgers and fries yesterday and when she got home she opened the bag  & to her amazement (this is where I thought a complaint was coming), there was an extra order of fries and this beautiful woman actually came back here today to pay for them!!  Now, how often does that happen?  So, instead of witnessing a complaint I witnessed a miracle!  Helen never did take the money either!

Do you want to know some more coffee house gossip?  Well…… Helen has a river running through her carrots and the coffee connoisseur at the next table holds the 20 year record of having the highest cholesterol count of 11.5 in  Glendon .  This dare devil also builds his own airplanes.  Has his own landing strip and flies with the birds when ever he feels flighty!  He’s a 65 year old man with a bucket list.  He wants to build an acrobatic airplane, you know the kind that do loop d loops in the sky.  What a nice guy with an amazing zest for life.  You hardly see that in 20 year olds these days never mind 65 year olds.  Do you have a bucket list?  I do!  You show me yours and I’ll show you mine!

I paid my $3.00 and bid my ado.  I was in a hurry and didn’t see any washrooms so I hope I can make it to the next town.  Yes, I made it!  Just in time…. for Dinner.  I pulled up to the busiest street in Glendon.  Right in front of the Green Acres Restaurant and the Poacher’s Corner hunting and hardware store.  I’ll go hunting another day because today is Wednesday, fish day!  The infamous French woman, Nancy has really put her fish day on the Map in this little Ukranian Pyrogy town.  She has a wonderful French accent and a cheery little smile.  When  I walked in, the place was a buzzin, the fish was a fryin and the bathroom was a vacant!  Perfect.

All the tables were filling up and there in the corner were two familiar faces.   These two ladies looked like they found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Originally from Newfoundland & residing in St. Paul, these 2 cheery listtle  sisters  drove all the way to Glendon on their lunch hour for Nancys famouse Fish & Chips!  I was salivating just tasting a french fry!  How crazy is that?  But really it is the fish that steels the show today and deserves a standing ovation!  Let’s not forget the tartar sauce.  It is the best I’ve ever tasted!!  Sure wish I had someone to share it with.  Everyone has a friend for lunch except for me.  If the food wasn’t so damn good I’d be feeling really sad right now,  but that is Impossible!!  You can’t feel sad and happy at the same time. 

Nancy insisted I try a little bit of everything.  So I did. Plain and simple, no excuses.  I figured I already sabotaged my diet with the cinnamon bun so what the heck … let’s keep it coming!  And she did……. with fresh baked bread buns (light and fluffy like a cloud), buttery croissants, beef barley soup, coleslaw, fish and chips, tartar sauce, peach & fresh picked wild strawberry crumble, and creamsicle cake.  I tried to dilute it all with a couple glasses of water, but that didn’t make me feel any better.  I could of shoved my fingers down my throat, but that would be a waste of the best food ever!! 

The Green Acres Restaurant makes people happy.  They are ordering  the fish like crazy!  Everyone is chit chatting anxiously waiting for the catch of the day!  Nancy’s wound up like the Eveready Bunny, zipping around a hundred miles an hour, greeting everyone as they come in with a big Bonjour and a big Merci, Thank you, Gracias & Dyakuyu when you leave.  Apparently the fish at the Atlantic Kitchen in Ft. Saskatchewan doesn’t compare to the fish at the Green Acres in Glendon, so says a lovely couple from Smoky Lake who drove all the way up here to buy a  brand new side by side with which they plan to enjoy on the Iron Horse Trail this Summer.

Isn’t it ironic, here I am wearing my skinny jeans eating my way from town to town to get to my hypnotherapy session to talk about why I feel fat!!  It didn’t take the therapist long to figure out that apparently I have a tendancy to sabbotage myself!! 

 Did you know that taking a bit of salt under you tongue grounds you and keeps you bright eyed and bushy tailed.  I drove all the way home from Bonnyville wide awake, which for me never happens.  I get really sleepy really fast behind the wheel.  That’s not wheely good!

My Hynotherapy Session was with Lorraine Mercier at the Lakeland Holistic Centre in Bonnyville.  This was a new experience for me and a very good one.  Lorraine worked with me on a subconcious level.  Although I can’t tell you all my problems, I can tell you that it is certainly worth your while.  I really think everyone should  take the time and book yourself in for a new you at www.lakelandholisticcentre.net .  Next week, I’m booked in for a Bowen Technique appointment.  Does anyone know what that is?  Well, it is a technique that involves a gentle, rolling motion with very light touches.  The rolls are supposed to either tighten or loosen off muscles depending on the way the move is done.  Bowen is not a massage, but does release areas of built up stress in the muscles.  I’ll know more once I have the treatment.  I’m really looking forward to this experience.  I believe everybody  needs self improvement whether it’s holistically, spiritually, or mentally.  And today on my road trip I think  I’ve covered all the bases…. especially the Mental!

Tell me about your next road trip.  Where you went and what you did.  Don’t be shy, drop me a line.  I really would love to hear from you!

Suggestion:  Check out our summer July Events!!  There’s alot of family fun filled events to be enjoyed by all!

Happy Trails,

Becky

My Mom always talks of someday.  “Someday I’ll ride the train to B.C to visit my sister.  Someday Charlene and I are going to go to the Lac La Biche Mission.  Someday we are going to go to the Fort George Saskatoon Festival in Elk Point”  and so on and so on.  “Someday” never seems to come for her, but I sure hope it comes for you.  Make your “Someday”  Today!!

Create an adventure this summer!  It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.  July is a very berry  good month as the saskatoons, raspberries, and strawberries are ripe for the picking!  Big, fat, juicy and yummy!!  If you don’t have any of your own, look no further than Kerry’s Berries U-Pick at St. Brides (780) 645-2040 or Lynn Robb Strawberries in Bonnyville (780) 826- 5959 or Rocky Meadows Country Get-a-way also by Bonnyville at (780) 826-6053.  All  you need is an afternoon, a couple of bucks and an empty stomach.  You can pack a picnic lunch, a couple of kids and a husband (or wife) and make the day something special.  If you are planning the Rocky Meadows Country Get-a-way the best advice I can give you is save room for Lori’s FANTASTIC PRAIRIE BERRY PIE!!!  You can blog me a big thank you when your belly is full and your licking your lips!

Speaking of pies, I had the pleasure of visiting the 3 Sister’s Cafe & Catering eatery in Malliag  www.3sisterscatering.ca .  We were greeted with a great big smile and a table full of beautiful pies to sample.  Tough job but somebody has to do it!.  Helen served up some fresh ground coffee and a DELICIOUS CANDY APPLE  PIE which by the way was my favorite!  Just enough cinnamon to make my heart sing!  She also served up home made lemon meringue, coconut cream, blueberry and rhubarb pies.  We were stuffed but so happy we came.  The 3 Sister’s Cafe is just off of the Iron Horse Trail & a hop skip and a jump from the Mallaig Museum.  There again, another perfect little outing.  Bring somone you love (or like) and enjoy your day quadding on the Iron Horse Trail, visiting the Mallaig Museum and having a delicious dinner with pie and ice cream for dessert at the  3 Sisters Cafe. I wonder if they get along like my sisters and I did! Oh Boy!! 

Have you ever been to an Indoor Drive-In-Movie?  Me neither, but doesn’t that sound great!  This experience could be  romantic or this could be family bonding time or just a good old time with a good old friend.  On July 10th at the C2 Centennial Centre in Bonnyville www.centennialcentre.ca has just the ticket for you… a movie ticket  at the field house that is!  Soooo Coool!!…. Bring your blanket & your chair, grab some popcorn at the C2 Cafe, settle in and snuggle up to enjoy a moment to remember.

The C2 Centre is amazing.  It has all the amenities you could possibly ask for.  I have been to the wellness centre, never actually worked out though…but I did use the washroom to change  so I could run the 10km loop around Jessie Lake with my running buddy, Terry!  Even their washrooms were great!  This gym is crazy awesome.  In fact Terry & I are going there on Sunday morning to meet with Susan, one of the many personal trainers they have on staff.  The consultation is FREE and we qualify for group rates as there is two of us.  Pretty good to have a group.  Anybody care to join us?  Blog me.  The more the merrier!  The fitness classes are not available through the summer but the trainers are.  So we can get started at the gym first, then maybe come September take a spin class or an ab ripper class.  Hey!… how about a Wall Climbing Course??   Right now… July 12th, 19th, 26th.  Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:00. Let’s sign up on-line today or phone (780) 812-3400 and I’ll see you there.  What a great way to jump start your fitness regiment!

I also want everyone out there to take a drive to Elk Point for the  Saskatoon Festival & Craft Fair at Fort George Buckingham House Interpretive Centre (780) 724-2611.  This annual event is not to be missed.  Also check out our event listings for more exciting and interesting upcoming events. 

Remember, start  your summer adventures TODAY not Someday!!!

Happy Trails,

Becky

Summer Time… when the livin’ is easy, fish are jumpin’ and the river is high.  That’s for sure!  Easy and Busy.  It’s  important to find the balance between the two.  Some people go through life living only half a life not even knowing it, not even seeing the beauty that surrounds them or appreciating the little everyday things.  I am not one of those people and I hope, neither are you!  Everyday  there is something in the northeast Alberta’s lakeland region that patiently waits to be seen and appreciated by YOU!  Take for example the music jamborees, if you check out our event listing in the www.albertaslakeland.ca  you will see that the Jamborees  are the roots of our region.  The Riverhurst Music Jamboree is June 25th to the 27th, contact (780) 639-3392.  Also, Kikino is hosting a Jamboree Fundraiser  – contact  Connie @ (780) 623-8389, Paulette @ (780) 404-4844 orViolet @ (780) 404-4059.  Jamborees are just simply good ol’ fashion fun.  The people are warm & friendly,like one big happy family!  Let’s don’t forget about the Saddle Lake Cree Nation Pow Wow this weekend (780) 726-3829.  Thousands of people attend this spectacular event.  If you’re looking  for a cultural experience this is it.  And if you’re looking to buy beautiful authentic native art stop at  St. Brides Trading Post (780) 645-2040.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised as there is something for everyone.   They also have a Kerry’s Berries U-Pick.  So in about 3 weeks or so you can come back with empty pails and leave with full pails of big, fat, juicy saskatoons and maybe even a recipe for delicious saskatoon pie!  Yummy!!  If anybody  has an awesome recipe for  saskatoon or rhubarb desserts email them to me @ info@albertaslakeland.ca  and I will post them on our website.  The recipe collection could be endless and so could the possibilities!

July 1st… Canada Day! Just around the corner…. think about it…….It’s Canada Day, it’s the celebration of the nation!!  That’s a big deal.  Make plans now for July 1st and visit a town near you for the biggest celebration of the year.  Every community has all day long activities and events for you to enjoy.  So, be amazed and be proud of who you are and where you’re from!  CANADA…THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!!

Happy Trails,

Becky

My goodness…time sure flies when you’re having fun!  Why, it seems like yesterday that I finished my last blog and here it is time to express my opinions  once again.  I’m excited to  share with you all my new found knowledge of fun and exciting things to do and see this summer.  Let’s see…where do I begin?  Well, school is almost out and everyone gets a holiday.  Everyone except the janitors. ” It’s a tuff job but somebody has to do it” is what they say, but really, it takes a special someone to work that hard scrubbing and waxing the school floors and do all that needs to be done so it’s beautifully shiny once again come September.  Hats off to the Janitors!  OK, let’s all get our families and friends together and take a road trip to our regional museums.  They are all shiny and beautiful too and  are waiting for you to visit.  In May I visited the Bonnyville & District Museum and just last week I visited the Mallaig Museum. It feels great to walk in the front doors  of  a museum because it’s like walking back in time.  I love to hear the stories of times gone by, of true pioneer  spirit and often wonder if  I could have survived  the same hardships they did.  I’m thankful I never had to but yet wonder if I ever could.

So, pick a day, pick a friend and take a road trip back in time.  Now, go hug your Grandma and Grandpa  and ask them what  was there best memory and what was their worst of days gone by.  Believe me, time flies and if  you don’t take the time to ask  the questions one day it will be too late and there will be no one to ask.  Then what?  I was lucky enough to have hugged my Granny many times and spend my summers helping her.  We would go down to the orchard to  pick the apples and raspberries all the while sharing  little secrets and words of wisdom. My Grandpa would show me how to pick an apple the “right way”.  Did you know there was a right way to pick an apple?  Well there is.  You twist it off by the stem not just pull it straight off.  School may soon  be over but the learning never ends especially if you visit a museum.

The Mallaig Museum opens June 1st from 10:00 – 4:00pm.  Call (780) 635-2112

The Bonnyville & District Museum Opens May 15 to Sept. 30th 10:00 – 3:00pm. They also sell yummy ice cream!

Muse’e St. Paul Museum Opens July & August 10:00 – 4:00 pm.  There is an Open House and Free BBQ on June 27 from 1:00 – 4:00.  Come one come all!!

Check out our website under attractions for the Museums in your area and learn about life from days gone by.

This weekend, June 19th is the Glendon Roughstock Rodeo.  What a Great Weekend for some Great Fun!!  When is the last time you’ve been to a Rodeo?  Come on down and join in the fun on this beautiful sunny summer weekend. YaHoo!!!!

Check out all other events on our Events Calendar on the website.    June is packed with  events and activities.  Pick one and have fun!  Blog me and tell me all about it!!! 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE DADS OUT THERE!!!  Take time to spend time together. 

Happy Trails,

Becky