It's been a few days since the last post, so what I will do is take a look back and then take a look forward. Last Friday Gerri and I took a trip to Banff and got to stay in the Banff Springs Hotel. We stayed in the wing that was most recently renovated and had a spacious suite. We had been in the hotel years ago but this time were able to experience it first hand. While we had some difficulty finding our way around we managed to wander the halls and found some trendy shops. The lady in the gift shop was warm and friendly, very engaging and she really enjoyed her job having moved to Banff recently from the Maritimes. We had a late lunch in the lounge with a gorgeous view and enjoyed our menu choices and were most impressed by the friendly service of our lounge staff . After spending the rest of the afternoon and early evening relaxing and doing a little reading in our suite we had made a reservation in the Suishi restaurant. An intriguing meal and again great service, a dining experience that was somewhat unique. After a restful night we got up in the morning had a leisurely brunch and again couldn't help but notice the friendly service of the staff in the Grill.
The best part of our time was the fact that Gerri and I got to spend time together, relaxing, and reading, but most of all being aware of the experience we were able to enjoy, just spending time together. It is one thing that has been a staple in our relationship, we enjoy each other's company and the conversation is rich. It helps keep our relationship alive and makes me so aware of how fortunate I am to have such a loving lady by my side. We were so aware of our surroundings and have always loved the mountains.
I couldn't help but reflect on the atmosphere and the warm, friendly and engaging staff that were part of the Fairmont family. It did make me wonder about the impressions people might gather when they visit a church. Do the people seem as warm, receptive, engaging and do we show that much interest in all of our guests? Do we really like being there? Do we really understand what we have and do we want others to experience it?
Sometimes I can be too pensive!
The last few days have had a lot going on and for the highlights you can check out our Ashby Empty Nesters blog.
As I am doing the blog I still have a few things to pack and then Gerri and I are off to Radium to spend a few days at the Resort to find time to relax, read, recreate and enjoy the nuances of the valley. A few days with my best friend, partner and wife. I promised Gerri that she wouldn't have to do much cooking. And no that doesn't mean I plan to do it, we'll both be safer and happier if we eat out some. It's an opportunity to spend some quality time after all Saturday is Valentine's Day and it's an opportunity to make deposits in the Love Bank, enjoy a romantic setting and cherish some time together.
Well it's time to go! Have a great remainder of the week and weekend! Until next time!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Beginning A Tradition
When you are blessed with seven granddaughters and are fortunate enough to have three of the girls in Calgary it presents some wonderful options. Now that Jaelyn's girls are getting old enough we decided to begin a tradition and that we would take each of the girls out for lunch and shopping on or near their birthday.
February 1 was the beginning of the tradition as Preslie (Jaelyn's second) turns 6 on February 4. So on Sunday we decided to execute the plan, after church we took Preslie who had been looking forward to the day, was a little apprehensive about this excursion and showed some reluctance when it came time to leave, but decided she would be OK with the idea with some coaxing.
So lunch at Earl's it was. She ordered chicken fingers and fries and a glass of chocolate milk and without much hesitation managed to drain the chocolate milk. She ordered a refill and managed to finish that as well with her lunch. She had her favorite toy giraffe along and managed to engage in conversation with the server, the hostess and Gerri and I. It was a great experience to have some one on one time with her and she talked and enjoyed her lunch and did a good job on finishing the chicken. We ordered dessert - ice cream with chocolate in a cinnamon-sugar edible dish to share and she and Gerri made short work of the dish.
Then it was on to the shopping part of the expedition. We set out for Market Mall and on checking the store list found that a favorite - La Senza Girl wasn't in the mall, so had to settle for Old Navy. We made it to the children's section and Preslie spied out a nice top which was her favorite color blue. Grandpa found a nice two piece orange colored cotton hoodie and caprice outfit and because the tops were a better price if you bought two Preslie picked out another top. On the way to the check out Gerri found a coloring sheet so we picked up three, one for Preslie and one each for her sisters Madison and Lacey. Just before we went through the checkout Preslie spied out a necklace with some glass balls and a blue string which was on sale (and quite inexpensive) that she liked so we added that to the purchases and went through the checkout.
A call to Jaelyn found that she was in the mall so we arranged to hook-up to return Preslie. You know the thing Preslie treasured the most was the pretty necklace - she couldn't stop talking about it.
Well it was real important to launch a tradition, and next up will be Madison in May and Lacey in July. We will also carry out the tradition with our other granddaughters - Ireland, Peyton, in Waldheim and Lauren and Ella in Moose Jaw. We'll have to be a little more creative because the girls aren't near by , but we will find a way to spend some one on one time with each girl and celebrate.
After the shopping trip was completed and Preslie was safely returned it was on to the Superbowl game but that didn't hold a candle to the time with someone special and the beginning of a new tradition. Preslie taught us an important lesson too - sometimes its little things like necklaces that make all the difference - she is a special little girl and I am blessed to have six more dates that we have marked on the calendar and we need to start making plans! I can't wait!!
Have a great week!!
February 1 was the beginning of the tradition as Preslie (Jaelyn's second) turns 6 on February 4. So on Sunday we decided to execute the plan, after church we took Preslie who had been looking forward to the day, was a little apprehensive about this excursion and showed some reluctance when it came time to leave, but decided she would be OK with the idea with some coaxing.
So lunch at Earl's it was. She ordered chicken fingers and fries and a glass of chocolate milk and without much hesitation managed to drain the chocolate milk. She ordered a refill and managed to finish that as well with her lunch. She had her favorite toy giraffe along and managed to engage in conversation with the server, the hostess and Gerri and I. It was a great experience to have some one on one time with her and she talked and enjoyed her lunch and did a good job on finishing the chicken. We ordered dessert - ice cream with chocolate in a cinnamon-sugar edible dish to share and she and Gerri made short work of the dish.
Then it was on to the shopping part of the expedition. We set out for Market Mall and on checking the store list found that a favorite - La Senza Girl wasn't in the mall, so had to settle for Old Navy. We made it to the children's section and Preslie spied out a nice top which was her favorite color blue. Grandpa found a nice two piece orange colored cotton hoodie and caprice outfit and because the tops were a better price if you bought two Preslie picked out another top. On the way to the check out Gerri found a coloring sheet so we picked up three, one for Preslie and one each for her sisters Madison and Lacey. Just before we went through the checkout Preslie spied out a necklace with some glass balls and a blue string which was on sale (and quite inexpensive) that she liked so we added that to the purchases and went through the checkout.
A call to Jaelyn found that she was in the mall so we arranged to hook-up to return Preslie. You know the thing Preslie treasured the most was the pretty necklace - she couldn't stop talking about it.
Well it was real important to launch a tradition, and next up will be Madison in May and Lacey in July. We will also carry out the tradition with our other granddaughters - Ireland, Peyton, in Waldheim and Lauren and Ella in Moose Jaw. We'll have to be a little more creative because the girls aren't near by , but we will find a way to spend some one on one time with each girl and celebrate.
After the shopping trip was completed and Preslie was safely returned it was on to the Superbowl game but that didn't hold a candle to the time with someone special and the beginning of a new tradition. Preslie taught us an important lesson too - sometimes its little things like necklaces that make all the difference - she is a special little girl and I am blessed to have six more dates that we have marked on the calendar and we need to start making plans! I can't wait!!
Have a great week!!
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