Calgary Stampede...

Monday 12 July - We're off to the rodeo. Calgary Stampede is advertised as one of the greatest outdoor shows on earth and it was truly an amazing experience. Since 1912, the Calgary Stampede has been built on world-famous events. The Chuckwagons and Rodeo are one of a kind. There are six major events in the Rodeo – Bareback, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping are the backbone of the Stampede Rodeo. Add in Novice Bareback, Novice Saddle Bronc, Junior Steer Riding and Wild Pony Racing for the youngsters and you've got the best rodeo in the world.

Tonia, Les, Chris, Tegan, Fraser and myself took the drive from Canmore to Calgary which took just over an hour and luckily found a parking space in a small local church (we felt better paying for parking and giving the money to a church) just minutes walk from the stampede grounds. We were all dressed in our cowboy hats and boots and ready for a great day. Once into the grounds we were faced with all sorts of events going on throughout the day before the actual rodeo started at 1.30pm. Initially we were faced with a huge fairground but all around the grounds were smaller shows going on, a large indoor mall, an arts hall which had some amazing paintings, lots of food stalls, an Indian village, Budweiser Clydesdales Quintessential Draft horses to name a few events. After spending a couple of hours wondering around we made our way to our seats. All morning the weather had been great, however as we took our seats the skies went dark. The opening ceremony for the rodeo was great and fast paced. As with all Canadian shows/events the Canadian anthem was played and the whole stadium stood and removed their cowboy hats. All the cowboys participating in the competitions came out to take a round of applause before getting ready for some amazing rides.

The weather had been fantastic all day however as the rodeo started the skies turned black and before we knew it thunder and lightning was crashing over our heads. At first our seats were fine however the wind direction changed and at one point the rodeo stopped. We later found out that it was the worst weather for the stampede in the last 32 years. The grounds soon became a swomp of mud which made it all a lot harder for all the cowboys, however cowboys are as hard a nails - why would someone want to ride a mad bull? With so much rain the conditions were extremely hard and dangerous with one horse breaking its back and a young bull rider falling off and the bull landing on top of him, luckily (well sort of) it was only a young small bull.

The whole rodeo was amazing and credit to all the cowboys and cowgirls who rode throughout the afternoon. The prize money for all the winners in each of their categories was very surprising - the winner of the cowgirls barrel racing won $10,000 (approx £7,500) for 17seconds ride. We all left the stampede a little colder than we had arrived but had been part of an amazing experience and thoroughly enjoyed watching the rodeo. So off we drove home to Canmore where Tegan and Fraser were put to bed and we jumped into the hot tub.

Tonia & Les Arrive in Canada...

7 July Tonia & Les arrive in Canada. Chris went to the airport to collect good friends Tonia and Les who decided to visit us in Ralston and experience a bit of Canada for their holidays. They all arrived back in time for supper and champagne before jet lag set in and they couldn't keep their eyes open any longer - not bad as it was 11 pm Canadian time (6am UK). We spent the next couple of days in Ralston and Medicine Hat as Chris was still working on the prairie although he managed to get home a couple of evenings for us all the have a bbq. Tonia & Les paid a visit to Lammles which is a Western Wear and Tack shop as they needed to get kitted out ready for Calgary Stampede, they came away sporting new cowboy hats.

One of the days we went to Echo Dale Park just outside Medicine Hat which sits along the Saskatchewan river and has a man made beach. So off we set with our picnic and swimming kit - I think most of Medicine Hat were also there that day as it was extremely busy but nice for a couple of hours, Tegan and Fraser had a great time in the water.

Friday night the four of us went into Medicine Hat for a night out. First stop was Montanas Cookhouse Saloon for dinner where we all ate far too much but managed to sit outside as again the weather was great. Then we went to Ralphs Texas Bar to listen to the live band and watch a bit of two stepping by a few of the locals, I think we were all a bit tired so left just before midnight.

11 July - Sunday that morning we all got up loaded up the two cars and headed for Canmore - the Rockies where we had hired a house for 2 weeks. We left with all the girls in one car and boys in the other - apparently the girls did well as Fraser didn't stop talking for 31/2 hours - Les needed a very large G&T. The house was great especially as it came with a hot tub - so within a few hours of being in Canmore we were all in the hot tub and bbqing.

Soooo Behind - 7 Weeks....

1st July Canada Day - We started off the morning going to Rod and Laura Keller's (Suffield Base Commander) house for breakfast, along with the rest of the village. They were great hosts serving up pancakes, bacon, sausages, maple syrup and other bits - what a great start to the morning. Luckily the sun was shinning which was great as breakfast was served in the garden with kids running around, lots of people dressed appropriately in red and white. After a couple of hours interval, allowing all the pancakes to go down, we set off to Medicine Hat to continue Canada Day celebrations at Kin Coulee Park along with Noo and her children. The weather really was great so we ambled our way round the park stopping and looking at the activities going on including a skateboarding competition which Fraser and Harry particularly liked, I think the girls also liked the young boys skating - very cool!








There was also a display of old cars that were in immaculate condition which we passed on our tractor ride. After an ice cream and snow cones and a bit more wondering round it was time to go home.







4 July Independence Day - our friend Karen (who is American) decided to hold a party to celebrate Independence Day. Most of the guys were out on the prairie but a couple made it and Chris managed to turn up for some cold hot dogs and beer (all that counts really). So yet again more eating and drinking - great fun. Karen organised some games for the kids but I think the big kids had more fun. There was egg throwing and spoon racing - however the eggs were not hard boiled - there were quite a few 'splats' going on. Fraser then joined in the rugby game along with some of the grown up boys (men) and had a fab time.

Days inbetween we went to the splash park in Ralston village which is great in the hot weather and easily passes the afternoon. Noo very kindly turned up with her bright pink chairs - which are very comfortable - although the kids thought they were for them?? not a chance.

Quietish Week in Ralston...

Wednesday evening was the last meeting of the Girl Guides prior to the summer holidays. Laura (who is the Guiding Leader) had kindly opened up her back garden for the Guides Advancement ceremony. Luckily the weather was perfect and everyone brought along dishes for the 'pot luck' supper. All the Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders were awarded with their certificates, badges and other awards that they had earned. Unbeknown to me Tegan also had to 'jump the toadstool' as she will go up to Brownies at the start of September. We had a great evening and it was good to see how many girls from the village are actually part of the Guides, although like most things in Ralston there is a big turnover of families due to happen this summer so numbers will change. So we left Laura's garden with more badges to be sown onto Tegan's sash but a happy girl with the thought of moving up to Brownies.
Thursday morning I dropped Tegan and Fraser at their respective schools and jumped onto a bus with 11 other girls and we headed off for a trip onto the Prairie. We had been invited out to the village of Hetar, this is a mock Afghan village out on the prairie which is used during the Prairie Thunder exercises. After a briefing of what to expect and our role for the day we again boarded the bus for the hour long drive across the prairie to the village, however this time with our Berkas at the ready. Whilst travelling on the prairie we had to wear helmets as we bounced along in the bus. The bus stopped just outside the village where we donned our berkas. The construction of Hetar is amazing and a very important part of the training for the soldiers going to Afghanistan. There are actors who work within the village as market stall holders and elders who remain in character at all times including speaking the language and wearing tradition clothes. So wearing our black berkas we were told to find ourselves a husband and follow them around the village, we soon learnt that Afghan women must walk behind their husbands and are not allowed to speak the husband does it all. Wearing the berkas in the sunshine was hot - also at one point I had my hands outside the berka, this is not allowed as it is taken as a sign of flirting with the opposite sex. Unfortunately during our time in the village the soldiers on exercise did not enter the village as the exercise is very fluid and our timings did not cross paths. However it was a very interesting to see a little of what goes on on the prairie. My appreciation of the distance Chris can sometimes be when he says he will be home in an hour and the environment he is working - still beats sitting behind a desk.

The remainder of the week has continued in glorious sunshine. The weekend has come and gone with doing a few jobs including mowing the lawn where I managed to break the lawn mower - I need to make a phone call Monday morning. I took Tegan and Fraser to the splashpark on Saturday morning along with friends and their children. Sunday we were kindly invited to a bbq where the 9 children had a great time running around in the water toys and playing in the park which is very conveniently situated just across from Sam's house whilst we soaked up the sun. We were supposed to be watching the England v Germany football game - but hey living in Canada with the time difference everyone already knew the score and it was better sitting on Sam's decking. Prairie Thunder 2 finishes next week so it will be great to have friends to our house for a bbq and I can prove I have a husband - once again Chris does miss out on many things.

For those of you who remember last year Jinx's catch and kill record for gophers stood at 5 - well she caught her first gopher of the season today, still not a pleasant experience picking up a dead gopher with a dog looking very pleased with herself.

Week of Parties...

Once again I start off with my weather report. It has been outrageous for this time of year - for 3 days last week we have had rain and high winds - it is supposed to be really hot and sunny for the middle of June. Needless to say the prairie is yet again mud and the mosquito's are going to love it. The local news channels have been reporting on the floods within 'the Hat' including parts of the Trans Can highway that has been closed due to the floods, this is all very unusal for Medicine Hat. Luckily Fraser woke up on his birthday (Tue) to glorious sunshine.

Wednesday morning Noo and myself (kindly at Noo's house) hosted a breakfast as six of the girls are due to leave Ralston in the next couple of months, so we thought we would combine them all. Everyone kindly brought different bits and once it was all popped on the table there was a great feast for us all to tuck into, a good start to the day.

Friday morning was Fraser's Graduation from Little Gophers. Within the Canadian school system as students move up a grade they have a graduation, hence Little Gophers did the same. Fraser is not usually known to be shy however recently if the attention is directed at him and everyone is looking in his direction he becomes very shy - hence on Friday he was not going to do any of the singing or bow infront of all the parents. All the children did really well and it was quite touching seeing them all in their mortar and gown. Luckily Little Gophers took photos of the children earlier in the week as there was not a chance for a photo of Fraser on the day. He will start kindergarden at the end of August which is in the same school as Tegan and will be full time by the end of October.

Friday night came a BIG surprise. Sam & Andy invited Chris and I round for a Mexican dinner along with some other friends, Sam did throw in that we had to dress up as it was Mexican. I didn't suspect anything as Sam is a crazy fun lady. So with Chris wearing his rug bought from the high end shop called 'The Post' in Medicine Hat (this is a renowned charity shop that we all go to buy our fancy dress from) any myself sporting a large pair of hoop earings from Dollar store, off we went. Sam met us outside the house and then told me I had to close my eyes - when I opened them her house had been transformed into a Mexican festival with about 30 friends from the Village all shouting surprise happy 40th birthday. Everyone looked fantastic and we had a brilliant night dancing, drinking and eating - I think I got home about 2am! Although my birthday is still 4 weeks away this was the only weekend that everyone was free - so I get to have more celebrations to come. Ralston isn't such a bad place to be for a party.

So after a lazy weekend with a trip to the cinema with Tegan & Fraser to see Toy Story 3 I then had to give some thought to Fraser's 4th birthday on Tuesday. He decided that he wanted to go bowling & softplay along with a Spiderman cake. The morning started early with Fraser announcing at 6am that it was his birthday (he doesn't usually wake up until 7am). Chris was able to see Fraser open some of his presents before leaving for the prairie. Fraser then announced to everyone that walked pass our house that 'it's my birthday'. So with a friend Zoe helping out with wheels we collected 6 children from Little Gophers plus Tegan and Holly (the older helpers!) and transported them all into Medicine Hat for an afternoon of fun. Luckily we had the 5 pin bowling lanes virtually to ourselves followed by the softplay area. So after 21/2 hrs of play I think most of the children were worned out. So another birthday over for a
year - however Tegan is now on countdown for hers.

Sports Day & Chuckwagon Racing...

Tegan took part in Ralston Schools Track and Field sports day on Tuesday. Unfortunately the weather wasn't great however it didn't rain or snow so it was fine, just a little chilly for the adults, the kids didn't seem to mind. Tegan and all her classmates took part in all the events during the day with a break at lunchtime for a bbq run by the parent council. I went up to the school initially to watch but then helped out with racking the sandpit, measuring the shot put distances and dishing out the food at lunchtime along with several other mums. This is one of the lovely days where I am very glad that I don't work whilst living in Canada as the look of pleasure Tegan had on her face every time I appear is great. At the end of the day all the children received ribbons for all the events that they had taken part in. Although Tegan didn't come first in any event she had a great time.

The week has been taken up by the usual events, school, swimming, sparks, running, bobypump, dog walking, shopping, girls lunch and a village bbq - not a bad life!!! Oh yes and the boring bit including house jobs which really are on the bottom of my 'to do list'.

Chris is still busy with Prairie Thunder 2 but had a great 3 days hosting Andy (CO from Hohne Royal Engineers) as some of the lads from the regiment are currently on PT2. Andy experienced a little of the prairie weather cold and wet Friday glorious sunshine Sat/Sun, probably with a few mosquito's thrown in. Saturday night we decided to show Andy some of the entertainment that Medicine Hat has to offer - the Dodge World Pro Chuckwagon Races. So after a very quick bbq (the boys didn't get home until 4.30pm where some other friends that Andy also knew popped round for a beer) and we had to leave at 6pm to get down town. The grandstand at the rodeo arena was full as this is a big 3 day event for Medicine Hat. Each race has 3 wagons (consisting of 2 drivers, 4 horses and a wagon) and 2 out-riders per wagon. They line up and on the sound of the hooter the barrel is thrown into the back of the wagon and the driver has to turn the horses around a marker and then thunders round the 1/2 mile track chased by their out-riders who must finish with the wagon. The races started at 7pm and were finished by 9pm so not a late night but great entertainment, truly a cowboy experience.

Sunday has been a glorious day with temperatures in the high 20's. Tegan went off to a birthday party so Fraser and I took Jinx for a bike ride. This afternoon was spent playing and a trip to the splash park which has again opened for the summer - a great facility for the village.

Indians & Sunshine Celebration...

The Leonard's purchased a new car this week. Chris is in mourning as he was looking at large cars that guzzled petrol with their V8 engine, leather interiors, all the gadgets a bloke could desire and the 'cool' factor - instead we have gone for a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan. I on the other hand think it is great as we can choose to have 4 seats or 7 seats as the back row can be removed, thus giving me a very large boot where I can throw in the dog, bikes and plenty of bags, great for days out and shopping.

Saturday morning I loaded up the Dodge with bikes, Jinx and the kids and set of for a day at Elkwater, approx 1hr 10mins drive the other side of Medicine Hat. We were off to see 'History in the Hill's' to go back in time and experience First Nations and Metis culture. Before we actually got into the car the morning hadn't gone too well with several incidents happening, including the bathroom cabinet falling off the wall onto Fraser's head and thus breaking the toilet seat in the process. Followed by Jinx having a cough which at first I didn't think anything off until I was speaking to Chris and mentioned that she had eaten 2 Raid Ant killer products which contain poison, so I ended up taking a diversion to the Vets. The vet kindly checked Jinx all over and concluded that as she hadn't been sick she really should have some charcoal solution put into her to help with the poison. Two large syringes of black charcoal was put down her throat and a bill of $110 later I left and continued with our trip. As we drove out of Medicine Hat we left the sunshine behind and headed to the only large black cloud hovering over Elkwater with lightening and rain. Luckily by the time we got there the rain had moved on.

We got to the field where the tepees had been raised just in time to see some traditional dances and even managed to join in one. After which we wondered around the tepees looking inside to see what they were like. We were informed that the trees used to form the tepee are stripped of their bark so that when it rains the water runs down the poles instead of dripping onto everyone inside the tepee. Tegan and Fraser got to look and touch skins of coyotes, raccoon, beaver, weasel and a few other animals along with looking at the tools used to skin and clean out the animals. Did you know that weasels are white during the winter and then they turn brown during the summer!

We left the exhibition mid afternoon and went to find Andy & Sam (and girls) who were staying at Elkwater for the weekend in a campervan. They had a great little pitch, sandwiched inbetween all the other campers who had had the same idea this weekend, but great for the kids with a playpark opposite. So after a quick tour round the campervan - you would be surprised what amenities can be found in an old van, we had a bbq. Unfortunately the rain decided to return just as we finished eating so we made for cover inside the van - Andy had just lit the fire in order to make the kids smorgs (toasted marshmallows sandwiched between 2 plain biscuits and chocolate) aided by his assistant Fraser they carried on cooking. So with full tummys we said goodbye and set off home after what turned out to be a good day out.

Sunday morning after a family bike ride round the prairie with Jinx (minus Chris as Prairie Thunder 2 started on Saturday - 5am starts again) we jumped into Jeanette's car and all set off into Medicine Hat where we headed for the historic downtown area to participate in the 'Spectrum Festival - a sunshine celebration'. The sunshine was certainly shinning today which was great as last years festival was halted by snow. This has been a 3 day event with a variety of events taking place all day. On arriving we went straight to the pony rides which all four children loved and they got to stroke a 6 day old donkey. We then meandered through the park where there was a central stage with performers entertaining the crowd. After having lunch we went to watch the Spectrum dancers on stage entertaining the crowd with bellydancing, bollywood dancing, bikini boot camp and street dance, we decided to move on before they invited members of the audience up to participate - considering that we were sitting in the front row and knew a couple of the dancers it was a good move. Tegan and Fraser also got to stroke a Bearded Dragon lizard along with other animals that were in a small petting farm area. After playing on the bouncy castles and face painting we decided to call it a day via Tim Hortons for some 'tim bits' for the kids - a great day out.