August Long Weekend - Parry Reunion '08

On the weekend we surprised my grandmother with a family reunion. Her plan was to spend the weekend at my aunt's cabin up at Crooked Lake but what she didn't know was that all of her grandkids and great grandkids were going to be there. The only person missing was my Uncle Garth who was unable to make it. The idea was hatched by my cousin, Ashley and my sister, Michelle a few months ago. It all came together pretty well. I was convinced that someone had spilled the beans and that Grandma knew what was going on but apparently she was caught completely off guard. It had been many years since the entire family was in the same place at the same time like this. It was such a wonderful weekend for everyone I think. It was really nice to catch up with everyone and meet some of the newer family members whom I hadn't yet met. It was also great meeting my cousin, Rebecca's fiancé, Geoff and my other cousin, Ashley's boyfriend, Carlos who happens to be from Guinea-Bissau and speaks Portuguese. Speaking with him in Portuguese made me very happy! I posted a ton of pictures on facebook so go check it out.

Group shot of the entire family taken on Saturday.

This is the cake that I made to celebrate the occasion. Any excuse to make a cake! This was my first attempt at a tiered cake, turned out pretty good I think.

India Here WE Come

This was a busy weekend for me. I went to Regina on Friday night to take part in Ray and Ellen's India night. I got to eat some great Indian food and even wear some Indian clothes for a fashion show. I did a lot of visiting and it was an all around great night. One of the most exciting things about Friday night was that I found out that I'm not the only person going to India with Ray and Ellen in January. Raysha Perry is also coming. I think that it will be great to have someone else around to share the adventure and the workload. This is a picture of Raysha and I in our Indian finery.



I left Regina right after the India event came to an end. I drove to Weyburn with a mission, surprising one of most speacial ladies in the world, my Grandma Parry. I had spies working for me last week trying to inconspicuously discover whether or not she would be in town and what kind of plans she had for the weekend. Thanks Aunty Lorna and Aunty Jewel! My mission ended very successfully! When I arrived I called her on my cell phone and started chatting just like I would normally. Then I told her I had a little surprise for her and that she should buzz the appartment building door open because I was standing outside. Her response, "You're joking." "No Grandma, I'm not joking, it's snowing and it's cold out here, let me in!" I wish I could have seen the expression on her face but if it was half as good as the tone of her voice it was priceless! I don't think I've ever had so much fun surprising someone before. Part of my mission was not only to surprise Grandma but also to tell her that I am going to India. It wasn't something I wanted to do over the phone. I think she was surprised but I think she is excited for me as well. As per our usual visits we spent our time together looking at photos, playing double solitaire and Rubbykub. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my weekend!



I left Weyburn after lunch on Sunday (and one more game of solitaire for good measure) and headed back to Regina to meet with Ray, Ellen and Raysha. We covered a lot of details and I was pretty excited by the time I was climbing back into my car to head to Saskatoon. By the time I arrived in Saskatoon I already had itineraries in my inbox. Talk about fast! We leave January 9th and will be returning to Canada on June 19th. On the way there we will be spending the weekend in Hong Kong with Harmony, Ray and Ellen's daughter who is working there as a teacher. I've never been to Hong Kong, should be fun. :)

So now the countdown is on. I know that time is going to fly between now and January 9th. I have a lot to get done. Visas to apply for, immunizations to get, fund raising to do and normal everyday life and work to attend to. Please pray for me and also pray for my new partner in crime, I mean co-worker, Raysha, as we take care of details and prepare to go.