Another puzzle!

Brian worked on his puzzle on the weekend!!  There was trouble in paradise (church) and he needed some down time to think and just let things be.  It took a couple of days but he was happy to see that all the pieces were there. 
I was busy with cards for my class which worked out well!

Therese

Piano recital

We were headed into the city for Mina's piano recital at the Mount Royal University on Sunday morning.  There was intermittent fog and in some places is was so beautiful the way the fog softened the sun and hid the landscape.  I got this one shot through the car window.  It was a good driving day!!

 We took the opportunity to take a few family photos while we were waiting for our admittance into the recital room at the university.  Mrs. Farshori was there and it was good to see her again.  

We made an effort to be quiet as there was a recital going on ahead of us and there would be a group behind us as well.  Outside, the water was running everywhere as the day was beautifully warm. 

Mina has only been doing piano lessons since September and is doing very well.  She certainly has a gift and an aptitude for the piano.  There were seven children of various ages who each took their turns to play the piece they had selected and then a quiet time in between while the adjudicator made her notes.  Mina was last of her group and did well.  All the children all played well and received praise and practice tips from the adjudicator.  Kale did a good job keeping quiet while the children were playing and whispering while the adjudicator was making her notes.  It was all over and done in 45 minutes.  

We headed back to the north west and had lunch at Mina's favorite eating place - Eggs Oasis!!  Great lunch and it was fun to to spend some time with all of them.  After lunch Mina was headed home to work on her Blue Nose project which is due this week and Kale was looking forward to her being finished so they could play some Minecraft.  We visited the new Goodwill store and bought some sales at Superstore before heading home!!  

Therese 

Amaryllis - orange and red

 The amaryllis that bloomed red last year is still working on growing its shoot.   The one that did not bloom last year has bloomed orange with two stems with flowers.  I am hoping that the red one will bloom again this year.  I was late getting them out of hibernation this year so they are a bit behind from last year but they are providing

a wonderful pop of colour in the living room right next to the beautiful geranium I got from Aunty Yvette with its wonderful pink blooms!!  Therese

Trip to Montana

We took a trip to Montana for a bit of a break and took advantage of the trip to get a few things shipped to the hotel before we arrived.  It really saves on shipping for some times and for some it saves on the total cost as well.  In the case of one of the items it was the only way to get the item at all because they do not ship to Canada.  Fortunately, all the parcels were there when we arrived so it was rest and relax for the next day.  We had supper at Applebee's which was one of our favorite places until they closed so many of them in Canada and there no longer was one close by.  It was great!  Oriental Chicken Salad for me and Steak for Brian. 

Unfortunately, they no longer offer the half size of the salad so I ordered the large which is more than I can eat but Brian willingly had some of my salad as his did not come with one anyway!!  We did the second hand stores, several craft stores, a few big box stores as well.  Did not buy too much but did find a few deals.  The weather was excellent above 0C so were eventually left our winter jackets in the car!!! Better for shopping that way anyway!!  Had several great Mexican meals!! 
We could see the Rockies from Red Deer when we left.  That almost never happens - only one other time since we have been here. 

A great drive down with mountains most of the way.  I took these photos from the car.  Once over the mountains and into the valley it was straight south down the valley with mountains on both sides.  There is mostly just ranching in between.  A hour past the border and we were in Kalispell.  There were varying amounts of snow along the roads along the way from LOTS to very little with stubble showing through. 

At the border on the way back we finally saw mountain sheep!!  There were signs to be careful of wildlife on the highway all along the way and we thought for sure we would see something but we did not until we were on our way back.  This bunch was just munching away and once I walked towards them with a camera they all spooked and headed for the hills.  Fortunately, I got a couple photos before they disappeared. 

 Brian had started this puzzle before we left and finished it off when we got home.  It was really nice to be away and so we tried to keep the feeling for at least a day once we got home. 
It does not take long for regular life to creep back in but that is the way it is and we are back at the to do lists!!

We are so glad we were not traveling in this!!!!!!!  It has been snow clearing today and they are predicting more so we may have to do this again tomorrow!!  It was good though - the sun was trying to shine and the snow was fluffy but I was happy enough that Brian was willing to take the snowblower to this last snowfall. 

Therese