On the Road, Cards on the Table, and a Very Long Night

My body clearly thought we were heading on vacation. I woke at 6:30, drifted until 7:30, then lay there as the mental to-do list began rolling nonstop. Eventually I got up, made a coffee, and scrolled Instagram before making one for S and rousting him after 8:30. Sausage and hash brown patties were thrown on while last-minute items were packed. Harley shadowed every move, fully aware something was up.

It looks tropical during morning sunrises ... minus the -20

B and Cooper arrived around 9:30, ate, and then she headed out to feed the horses. S washed dishes while I packed beverages, and before long everything was loaded. We were on the road just before 10:30. I caught up on the blog while we drove. The Boysis car passed us, already ahead, though they stopped in Brooks for McDonald’s. They went straight to Whitney’s to drop off their luggage and have a wee visit.

We parked at Grama and Papa’s since the main lot was full and took the dogs out for a quick pee break. S was dropped at their apartment on way by, then B and I hauled bags—dogs included—over to the guest suite where we’d be staying. We discovered it only had one bed, so B claimed Grama and Papa’s couch for the night.

We stopped briefly at Grama and Papa’s to collect party goodies. S joined us, heading back to their car, and dropped us off so we could start setting up with Candace and Reese at the rented room in Candace’s building. He then went back to pick up Grama and Papa and brought them over. We visited with Reese until he had to leave for work.

The Boysis family arrived after 2, Riley around 4, and Darren’s family shortly after. Around 5, B, Renn, and I took the dogs out for a walk and fed them supper while Darren picked up Chinese food. There was an abundance of food to snack on as everyone visited and watched hockey. The Boysis family headed out before 7 to get Renn settled for the night.

Renny's dog walking service

B, Grama, Candace, and I played cards while the Gooch family left before 8. The Flames game came on for S and Papa as Riley and Brendan headed home. Colleen and Elton stopped by for a visit, and Colleen joined the ladies card table.

Cleanup followed—vacuuming and getting everything back in order. Candace stepped out to give Colleen and Elton a house tour while B and I played Spite and Malice with Grama. When Candace returned, she joined in for a game, and eventually we all wrapped things up.

B and I helped Grama and Papa back to their room while S parked their car again. B and I took the dogs out one last time, we visited briefly, then headed back to our suite. B settled onto the couch, the dogs came back into the room, and it was finally night.

I tried watching a movie and listening to a sleep meditation, but I kept checking the clock—3:30 came and went. I drifted off at some point, only to hear Harley snuffling around at 5:30. By 7:30, I was awake for the day. A full, busy, family-filled day—ending with far less sleep than planned.