Blowhole at the waterfront of Xcaret Park near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Toluca on December 24th!

Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Great White North

Welcome to Canada, the great white north! That title is sure living up to it's name for our visit. Snowing this morning, on the first full day of spring! Daytime temperature not bad, hovering around the freezing mark. But, still unseasonably cold at night. Supposed to go down to -17C (2F) tonight. Brrr!

Took a blog break yesterday, so here's what we've been up to...

Of course it started with our Thursday morning surprise for Ruth's dad, Tony. We (including our son Alex) had spent the night before at Ruth's brother's place right next door to her dad's place. Then, we called him using skype, and wished him a happy 80th birthday. Sure was difficult not to trip up on anything! At one point, he jokingly asked if we were coming for morning coffee...and we hesitated before reminding him that we were in Las Vegas.

Then, Alex went over to next door. His grandpa was expecting him anyhow. Ruth and I stayed in the attached garage and waited while Alex made up some excuse to get his grandpa to come to the door.

Alex took a short video using his iPhone. It's not the greatest, but you get the idea...


He was definitely surprised! Ruth's sister Lesley had driven up from Toronto area the day before, so she and her husband Jay were there as well. 

Lesley and Jay brought their two dogs as well, so we got our doggie fix while we were there.

Kevin with Zeva. She's only a year old, and she's a super friendly pup.

One of the neighbors had offered to host the birthday dinner, and Ruth made a trifle for dessert. One of her dad's favorites, and mine too!

Mmm. Trifle for dessert!

12 people for dinner!

Tony, the birthday boy! Happy 80th!!

Then, we played a few games of cards, and had a great evening. Fun being back with family. Haven't seen them in almost a year.

Yesterday was a kind of a lazy day, and as I said, I even took a break from blog writing! We did go for a drive to the nearby town of Carleton Place because Tony had an errand to run, and Ruth and I went with him. Didn't do much besides run into the bank and pick up a couple of groceries.

Ruth's sister Lesley and husband Jay had to go back to Toronto, about a five hour drive so they left yesterday.

Lesley, Ruth, and Tony, happy to have his two daughters home at the same time.

Tony is an Ottawa Senators fan, while Jay is a big Boston Bruins fan! Boston lost the matchup the night before.

Kevin, cooking dinner on the BBQ.

What we woke up to this morning!

We had tried to bring some Arizona sunshine and warm temperatures with us, but the border agents wouldn't let it through customs. 

Today, we're headed down to Ottawa and I'm looking forward to going out to meet up with some old friends for a couple of beers and a few games of pool.

Rhinoflex sewer hoses on sale at Amazon.com. Either 15 ft or 20 ft versions. This is the sewer hose we use, and we wouldn't buy anything else! We've had ours for 7 years...

Rhinoflex 20' Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fitting


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28 comments:

  1. SherryMarch 21, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    What a great surprise for Tony. He really does look well pleased to have his children home for his birthday. No gift could have meant as much I'm sure. Drat those customs people. We've always found that Canada would let us bring anything in but the U.S. wouldn't. So probably that means you won't be bringing the snow back with you.

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    Replies
    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:08 AM

      Yes, it was certainly a surprise for him. He knew my sister was coming but he didn't know we were coming and my brother lives right next door to him.

      You would think the Canadian customs agents would have loved to have let that nice hot sunshine through the border but I guess not! ;-)

      Delete
  2. Elspeth ReadMarch 21, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    Great blog - enjoyed the pictures!

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  3. Rita from PhoenixMarch 21, 2015 at 11:16 AM

    Tony looks fantastic at 80 years young :-) Happy birthday. It's awesome to have family together. We are celebrating my twin nieces 16th birthday today...a picnic in the park with badminton, Crockett, and other games on the agenda. Of course lots of grilling to do, the salads, dessert, and the big cake to cut...should be fun.

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:23 AM

      Thank you Rita, he does look great. he does have issues with his feet so walking is getting difficult for him but other than that he is good and healthy.

      Happy Birthday to your nieces. Sounds like you have a good party in place for them at the park. Hope that you had great weather for it.

      Delete
  4. CheapchickMarch 21, 2015 at 11:17 AM

    So glad you pulled the surprise off and that you could visit with more of your family. Did you bring all your warm clothes?

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:24 AM

      We are happy that we were able to pull it off as well. We had left winter coats in a storage bin in his basement so yes we have some warm clothes and we have certainly been needing them.

      Delete
  5. Dianne (20 Years From Now)March 21, 2015 at 12:34 PM

    Great birthday surprise, especially with a good portion of the family present. Not sure I like the snow any more than you do. Hope it's gone in a month's time when we return to the Great White North! http://www.20YrsFromNow.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Other than 3 of the grandchildren and the 2 great grandchildren the rest of us were there so yes, it was nice to have us all together.

      With the way the temperatures are going I wouldn't count on the snow being gone. It might be down in the southern part of Ontario but maybe not so much in the northern part of Ontario.

      Delete
  6. our awesome travelsMarch 21, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    What a wonderful surprize for her Dad's 80th. We did the same couple years ago, quick trip in the car from Mobile Alabama for Suzie's father's 80th as well.
    A great way to celebrate.

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:43 AM

      Yes, it was a great surprise for him. It is nice when one can make the effort to make it back to family for these very special occasions. So glad you were able to do the same thing both back then and now.

      Delete
  7. EstherMarch 21, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    I'm going to be in Ottawa in early April, so I'm really hoping that white stuff will be gone by then!!!!

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  8. Connie and BarryMarch 21, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    Ahhh, what a neat video - your dad really was surprised - so glad you could all be there with him! Loved the pic of your sister, dad, and you, Ruth. How do you make the Trifle? Is is like fruit salad? Looks yummy!
    Connie in PA

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:46 AM

      Thanks Connie and Barry and yes, he really was surprised. We are so happy that almost all of the family could be here for it. I like that picture too!

      It is sort of like a fruit salad but much, much better! I will send you the recipe that I use.

      Delete
  9. Donna W.March 21, 2015 at 6:33 PM

    if his smile had been any bigger seeing Ruth his face would have split. You can really tell they are sisters, same eyes same smile.
    So glad you were able to make it there

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:48 AM

      Lol, that is funny but yes, he sure did have a big smile. Yep, it think that we definitely look like sister's. We were glad we could be here too!

      Delete
  10. living.boondockingmexicoMarch 21, 2015 at 8:30 PM

    Looks like a good time was had by all. Your dad looks fantastic! I'm sure he enjoyed your surprise.

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:49 AM

      Thanks Chris, he does look good and he sure was surprised and he is certainly enjoying his time with us.

      Delete
  11. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsMarch 22, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    What a great birthday gift!

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  12. Roadrunner ChroniclesMarch 22, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    I liked the picture of Ruth, her sister and dad. Hopefully the snow will go away soon until next year. Looks like fun family times!

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    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:51 AM

      Thank you Randy, I like it too! By the looks of the weather ahead, the snow will be sticking around for a while yet. Wait until we get out to Nova Scotia on April 1st, then you will really see lots of snow!!!

      Delete
  13. KarenInTheWoodsMarch 22, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    What a great family surprise!!!!
    KarenInTheWoods and Steveio
    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    (Blog) RVing: The USA Is Our Big Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com
    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:52 AM

      Thanks Karen, it really was a nice family surprise!

      Delete
  14. DebbieMMarch 22, 2015 at 11:27 PM

    Beautiful snow. Happy Surprise. 90 degrees in southern AZ, it's a little overrated :-)

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    Replies
    1. RuthMarch 23, 2015 at 9:53 AM

      At this time of year I think most of the people living here aren't thinking of it as lovely any more! ;-)

      Delete

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