Rutley Cousin

Series 2 

We drove from Quartzsite to Hope AZ for a visit with my first cousin, Judi (Dextrase) and her husband, Hershel Eno. They are from near Gull Lake, Alberta where they live on their son's acreage. They own a RV in Hope AZ so they can spend their winters.

Judi (Dextrase) is my first cousin on mom's side, Aunt Evelyn's daughter. The last time I saw Judi was at Mom's funeral in 1989, so it was good to be able to get to know her on a one to one basis.

She expressed her fond memories of visiting the Rutley cousins after her mother passed away when she was 9 years old. Saskatchewan has very special memories for her. Not having a mother she said she was raised by so many mothers during her visits. She brought me up to date on some of my other Rutley cousins.

We had lunch with Hershel and her at their trailer. Then Hershel gave us a tour of the area around here. (See details on www.lorrandrvers.blogspot.com)

We returned back in Hope by sunset, 4:45 pm. Judi served us home-made lemon pie, she made from the lemons picked off the trees near their trailer.

We left for home viewing the sunset as we drove west to Quartzsite. It was a good visit and tour. We invited them to come for lunch before we leave here.

Bertrand Cousins

Series I         

Contacting cousins whom one seldom sees or even have met has been a great experience. On our travels to California Randal and I made a point of visiting only a few of my Bertrand Cousins.

In December we drove to east of the Los Angles area making our stay in Banning KOA RV Park. From there we contacted two of my many cousins to arrange a visit. 

The first one we drove to see was Larry and Martha Bertrand in Carlsbad near Ocean Beach in between Los Angeles and San Diego. 

It did not take long for Martha and Randal to discuss their love and knowledge of photography. She has taken some awesome photos and has many of family picture hanging on their walls. Camping experiences were shared with some funny adventures. Martha and Larry's main interests is photography and genealogy.

Larry showed me pictures of his family research and I showed him “ Where Cut Knife Creek Flows”, a history book. He was pleased with some of the information he found and xeroxed the pages.

Larry and Martha they speak highly of their children and grand children. Their daughter, Jacqui, who lives near by, stopped by with her young daughter, Ashlinn, to help with supper. However she was called back home as her 13 year-old daughter was sick and needed her.

We did not stop talking until close to 10:00 that night, a bit past their bedtime, and ours! We had been invited to spend the night. They pulled out the hide-a-bed in the living room for us. 

Another daughter, Julie Humeston who is the Director of Loma Linda University Transplantation Institute, where the Kidney Transplant takes place. She organizes a Donate Life Rose Parade Float held in Pasadena on New Years Day. 

Before we left Carlsbad the next morning, more visiting was done. Larry took us to his favorite walking area in Carlsbad Village and Carlsbad State Park and beach area. The Village was an older section of the city. We were fascinated by the houses, businesses and the eucalyptus trees. The “Coaster Train” runs along the beach, taking passengers from Ocean Beach to San Diego. 

We stopped “Miquel's Carlsbad”, a Mexican restaurant for a quick lunch.  

Our visit to the next cousin was, Theresa Tessier in Rancho Cucamonga near San Bernardino. 

We arrived at just in the morning at her place on Cottonwood Way. It was nice to see her. The last time was in 2000 when she came to the  Bertrand Family re-union at Atton's Lake, Sask. That was the first time I met her. 

She lives in an awesome large home which she and her late husband, Norman, built 25 years ago. Her passion is gardening and it showed in her large yard. Fruit trees, flowers, sitting areas, patios and water fountains. Inside was equally beautiful. Large kitchen, bedrooms, living room and bathrooms that has a large windows in them with a fenced in garden on the outside. Her husband ran an cabinet building business and had made some of the furniture in her house. Her family now run the business. 

She took us to see her daughter, Denise, who lives close by. Denise and her family live in a much larger house. At least 4000 square feet. The hall way going in was as large as our trailer!!!

Denise and her husband, David, and one of their daughters run Norm Tessier Custom Cabinets, Inc.

Here is a little history: Norman Tessier began his career in custom cabinetry in 1955 with his brothers. In 1978 he opened Norm Tessier Custom Cabinets Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Norm built his business one project at a time; his commitment to quality and craftsmanship was unequaled. When passed away in 1991 the business was sold to his son-in-law and daughter, David and Denise Beavers. Since then, the business has tripled in its size.

There are many more Bertrand Cousins we could have visited, but we will leave that for another time. 

Pencil Drawing

Lexi Hilderman attends the Calgary Arts Academy along with her siblings, Kaney and Nikki.

Their studies take them through music, writing, visual arts, sports, drama and many other forms of art as well as academics.

Lexi is always keeping busy. There is never a moment that she has nothing to do!

I am so proud to see what she creates.

Graceful Old Trees in British Columbia

SEEK A TREE AND LET IT TEACH YOU STILLNESS-----Eckhart Tolle

Randal and I spent a few weeks travelling and camping through British Columbia in September and October.During that time we took walks into some of BC's old forests.

While walking through these treasured areas we enjoyed the serenity and silence of these elegant and majestic trees. They have been there for countless years answering to the divine energy of the universe.

We are in awe by the size of their circumference, with new growth that grow from many 500 year old stumps.

We traveled along the Trans Canada Highway through Revelstoke and stopped 28 km east at Shunk Cabbage Boardwalk. We walked along the 1.2 km trail and boardwalk that lead us over a swamp inhabited by muskrat, beaver, skunk cabbage and a host of birds. Signs helped us to identify the plants and animals along the way.

Giant Cedars Boardwalk is located in Mount Revelstoke National Park, Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail offer ed us the chance to see old growth forest with trees over 500 years old. We started at the Giant Cedars Picnic Area, 30 km east of Revelstoke. A half kilometre boardwalk took us into the heart of the park's old-growth forest, among cedar trees that may be more than half a millennium old. Signs along the way relate the importance of functioning ecosystems.

At our stay in Salmon Arm on the Shuswap we made a trip to Margaret Falls. The trail leading to Margaret Falls passes through a rock chasm that feels like an enchanted forest. The unique and sensitive ecosystem of flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage. The water from Reinecker Creek cascades down a sheer rock face creating a natural shower. We could see the hidden cave in the rock directly behind the falls.

One afternoon we went for a walk with our friends, Iris and Richard, in  This park officially opened to the public in 1912 and has been a popular destination among tourists and local residents ever since. Lynn Canyon Park has grown from 12 acres in its early years to 617 acres today and contains second growth forest with most of the trees aged approximately 80 to 100 years old. Lynn Canyon Park features a suspension bridge that sways 50 meters above the canyon. It was built privately in 1912 when the park opened. There area good selection of walking and hiking trails that connect to other parks in the region such as Lynn Headwaters, Rice Lake, and Inter River Park.

Hazelmere RV Park also has an old-growth area that is not far from our site in the RV Park that we take walks through.

Moving On

What an enjoyable summer Randal & I had! With our trip to Saskatchewan for a few weeks and spending the rest of it at the Bow RiversEdge Campground, in Cochrane Alberta.










We walked along the walking path every morning for an hour. As the spring came and summer was here we watched as the foliage come out, develop and turn colour. The skies were always interesting  Nature is so spectacular. We often went for walked in Calgary and Bow River Ranch Provincial Park.

We were able to take in some events of Kaney, Lexi, and Nikki.

On our last day together we went for ice cream at MacKay Ice Cream  in Cochrane.

We are now on our way to British Columbia for a few weeks.

My Spiritual Journey

Life takes different turns.

As I reflect on how people and new inspiring information comes to me I feel that life has come to me with "Ease, Joy and Glory"  During these past few months this year I have learned more than I can imagine!

I have experienced sessions in Access Consciousness  at Britannia Bodyworks and Wellness Centre  Calgary Alberta. I listen to Rikka Zimmerman talk about "Clearing and BARS"

A book by Dr. Joe Vitale and Dr. Hew Len "Zerolimits, The Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace and More" has given me ways to understand who I really am. The Self I-Dentity through Ho'oponopono method to clear your life and heal yourself has been outstanding. An other site is: Business By You

I follow what Gregg Braden has to say on his You Tube presentations.

I am following the Durkan Diet and have lost close to 10 lbs in two weeks. Now that makes me feel really good!!

The Wonders of Nature

Every morning Randal & I go for a walk. We usually take the same path along the Bow River in Cochrane Alberta.


Randal takes his camera and captures  the changes in the plants, river and the sky.

I am over whelmed with the camera images. 

Fernie Trip

Last weekend Randal and I joined Kerry, Lynne and the girls in Fernie, BC
 
We had a lovely drive through the foothills of Alberta. Met up with a triathlon along the way. The bikers had quite a challenge with the hills, curves and narrow roads.  So did we as the traffic was steady for the Saturday as we tried to  avoid them.

We spent the night in the Barbara Lynne Country Inn.

While there we took in some of the walking trails; toured the Alpine Ski Resort and watched the mountain bikers; Show and Shine Car show, a musical festival, and joined up with Lynne , Kaney, Lexi and Nikki for a Gelato  at the Bean Pod Chocolate.

Alaska Salmon

Randal and I have been in the Bow RiversEdge Campground, Cochrane, Alberta all summer. We are always  meeting wonderful people.

Lately there has been many Motor Homes arriving from summer trips to Alaska. The Americans like to spend their summers travelling North.

The other day were had Edwin and Ouida from Mississippi  parked next to our Open Range Travel Trailer.

They had gone out for the day and had left their yawnings out. During the afternoon a storm blow in bring strong winds, dust and rain.  The winds were play havoc with them. Randal went over to pull them back in to save anymore damage.

To show their appreciation Edwin gave us a piece of Alaska salmon they brought back with them.

It made a delicious meal.

Birthday Appreciations

   

A Flower from Randal

     How quickly the years go by!

    I have family and friends to remind me of another birthday.

   The thoughtful greetings from everyone who used Face Book, phoned me and sent cards is truly appreciated.

   Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts!

Visiting Family in Saskatchewan

July was a good month for visiting some of my family, a few cousins and my only Aunt.

David's birthday with Nicole 

Lucille and Jim

The Rutley homestead of my mother's parents brought back memories as we were toured the house. 

It is  now owned by a first cousin.

Bob and I

Jim, Dot and I  

Lois and I 

Aunt Ruth and I

Robert , Dee and I 

Doreen, Beverly and I

Gallivan School Gathering

On July 1st nineteen former students attended a gathering while they took in the Cut Knife Centennial Celebrations.

We met at the Gallivan School the old elementary school which was moved to the Clayton MacLean Historical Museum, Cut Knife, Saskatchewan.

The students at this special gathering had started the one-room elementary and high schools from 1927 to 1956.

The schools were closed in 1958 and the remaining students were bused to Cut Knife to further their education.

This is where the Elementary School, built in 1919, was situated in what was once a thriving Hamlet of Gallivan East of Cut Knife, one mile south of Highway 40.

In 1923 the High School was held it the Community Hall, the former Grain Growers Hall that was built in 1915.

This is the "Two-Seater" Out House that was used for many years.

This is the half mile grid road that I walked to get to school.

Water Valley Celtic Festival

On Saturday Randal and I were picked up by Lynne and Kerry to go to the Water Valley Celtic Festival, an annual event.


 Water Valley Celtic Festival 2012   Bow Valley Fiddlers out of Calgary were playing in this event. 


My grand daughter, Kaney, is one of the participants. 


Water Valley is situated in the foot hills of Alberta north of Cochrane AB.  It was a cool, rainy day but when we arrived it had stopped. We were able to enjoy the music and atmosphere surrounded by lush, green rolling hills, making for a very peaceful afternoon. 

Memories of a One Room Prairie School

I was raised on a small farm one-half miles from the school. I was the fourth child in a family of seven. I will always cherish my memories of going to a one-room school on the prairies Some time they made me unhappy at the time but these memories are now very comforting.

Most of the time I walked to school, but sometimes there would be a neighbour who came be going by and offered rides, especially on the rainy and winter days. I remember during the cold winter days Mom would bundle my siblings and I up. We could not see much through the scarves over our nose and eyes. As I grow older I did not like the long underwear, stocking, garters, and layers of clothes. Often I would dress very lightly, with my jeans rolled up, leaving bare legs showing. There were times that I would come home with frozen legs.

The Gallivan School District No. 3857 was formed in 1917 and at it's peak there were as high as 45 students attending during those early years. There was a small barn near the school for the horses some of the students would ride to school. There two outdoor “three-hole seater” toilets for usage in the warmer weather and a toilet pail in a small room off the porch in the school. It had a coal furnace in the basement with a heating grate in the middle of the floor. There were old styled desks with ink wells and seats that folded up. The windows faced north with large bk-boards lining the walls and a roll down group of maps at the front.

I started school in 1944 at the age of 6 years, with a tin lunch pail that carried my noon lunch. There were two students in grade one that year, myself and a boy. During the next six years my class increased to five, at one point.

When I was attending the public school was from grade one to seven with 13 students. The high school was in the Gallivan Community Hall with grades eight to ten. Grades eleven and twelve were taken by correspondence or the students went away to schools that taught those grades. During my time there the numbers were not much more than the lower grades.

Some of our summer games “Auntie -i-Over” (We divided into two groups of students, each an opposite side of the school barn. One of us would through a ball over the barn to our opponent and they then ran around the barn with the ball to tag their opponent students) “ Red Light green Light” “Pick-up Sticks” “Hop-Scotch”. Sports was always popular, ball, high jump, broad jump racing and relies. Sports Days in Cut Knife was also our favourite at the end of the school year.

In winter there was an outdoor rink that we would skate, hockey, or broom ball. “Fox and Goose” was another winter tag game we played. Making snow men and angels was always fun. Snow ball fights and being hit by the boys throwing them, was not so much fun!!

The Christmas Concerts always will hold great memories. Decorating the school room with hand made colourful streamers and cutout figures, practising for weeks the songs, skits, tap dancing and plays with the highlight of the evening and the coming of Santa Clause. The presents and candy bags gave such joy.

The Gallivan Schools were closed in 1958.The Public School is now located in the Cut Knife McLean Museum. “Education spanning a term of forty-one years and involving thirty-eight teachers and two hundred and ninety-four pupils.” from “Where The Cut Knife Waters Flow” Historical Society Book. 1980

Grade Nine Graduation

It was truly heart warming to watch Grade Nine Graduation from Calgary Arts Academy The young students were wearing their best. Some of the girls were trying spiked-heeled shoes for the first time and having a painful time walking across the stage.

Randal and I picked up Nikki' from her school on the way in from Cochrane so she could also attend the Graduation. It took three vehicles to get there. Lynne drove us in the van, while Kaney took her car and Kerry came from Britannia Bodyworks Wellness Centre. It was held at Boyce Theatre, Calgary Stampede Park, McLeod Trail,

The tributes, entertainment and video presentations were spectacular. The Calgary Arts Academy gives each student great personal development.

I am very proud of what Lexi has accomplished this year. She took grade nine in her stride when she should have been in grade eight. Way to go Lexi!

Gala of The Arts

On a Friday night Randal and I took in the on Gala of The Arts at Calgary Central Memorial High School, the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.










My granddaughter, Kaney, was in the String Section and had played the violin. 

The high school students of grades 10, 11 and 12 who participate in these programs displayed their art, music, dance culinary and acting skills.

The school was buzzing with youth and their parents. The hall way was filled with framed art work

During the intermission the school Jazz Band played in the cafeteria. More art on display and we were treated to a beautiful selections of pastries, made by the culinary class.