Hats are back with a flair

Darlene's birthday is coming up fairly soon so I need to start thinking about an appropriate gift. One of her weaknesses happens to be hats and since they seem to be coming back, thought I'd start looking. Thanks to the internet, a man no longer needs to be seen in those "ladies only" stores to get something for his special lady.

I was never a good shopper and always have a problem making up my mind, so thought I could get your opinion on a couple of numbers on my wish list.

Let's call this one the birds nest. If you vote for this one, remember I have to walk beside her and that thing could really tickle.

Have to admit, I'm leaning a bit more toward this one. Makes you think you're watching the fireworks or maybe seeing some new creation at the art gallery. It might tickle too, but it's way more colourful. Let me know what you think.

Trick photography?

Having our newest grandchild and his parents with us for two months this summer while they've been waiting to get into their flat, this little man has had many photo ops. Before heading back to the UK on Sept. 3, Kelly and Jody Schwartz came by with a coveted birthday gift for him - a Calgary Flames hockey jersey. Kindred spirits since youth camp days, Jody and Sandra also served together on the district youth council and later toiled side by side with the same Edmonton marketing firm. So, you would think it would have been an Edmonton Oilers jersey in the gift bag. But no, Kelly and the kids had another team in mind.

But look! You can see our budding hockey player has discretely put a crosscheck on the Flames insignia - no doubt with grandma's coaching. You will notice she has also slipped a little subliminal advertising into the shot by placing grandpa's Oilers cap at Leon's feet. Is this trick photography or what?

All that travelin' makes a fella hungry

So! This is a zoo.

I thought we were supposed to see
some animals. All I can find are
plants and bugs.

Well, might as well make the
most of it. Who knows? Could
be interesting.









No such luck. Looks like more bugs down there.


What's this I wonder? Finally something bigger than a bug. Looks like a large chicken. But, where are the animals?

All I can say about going to the zoo is - all that travelin' makes a fella hungry. I know - we'll send Grandma over there to that food place and see what she can find.




Oh yeah. Nothing like a hot dog
to take away those hunger pains.

This is more like it.








Back home again and it's
already time for our
afternoon snack.

Maybe have a few of those
berries we picked this morning.
That should hold us for a while.







Already time for some supper. Is it my imagination or are we always eating?

Gotta finish my dessert and get out there. Need to get the corn ready for tomorrow.

A day in the life of Leon and Grandma

There they are, planning their day. I wonder what they've got up their sleeve. It will be interesting, you can count on that.

For sure there will be a walk down to the lake to see the geese and throw a few stones. All in a day's work.




Surely not! I thought she quit teaching. But here he is, going over his scales. So much for his childhood.

But, all work and no play makes Leon a dull boy, right? So guess what Grandma has in mind for later in the day?

Will it be a trip to the zoo? More on that later.

Will it be visiting the animals at the Stampede breakfast? Wait and see.

Will it be hot dogs at the other lake? Nope. Today it's going to be a family picnic at Riley Park.




But, what about all those chores back at Grandma's place?

Definitely need to water those plants.

Water, water, water! There's no end to it.







Maybe do some mopping up. Oh man, where did all that dirt come from? What would grandma do without water and soap?













Guess we'll all need a touch up before supper. I don't know why they don't let me bath in here. Everything seems so handy.