Winter Play

This last week, all the school teachers in Alberta have been at the annual Teacher's Convention, so, as the saying goes, the mice have played. One day they went to the ski hill for $5 day. $5 lift tickets, $5 rentals on equipment, $5 tube hill pass, $5 hot dogs (just kidding on the last one)

Another day they went to see the ice sculptures (Joseph took a date!)

Today, they went to Heritage day.

Before they got stuck to the sign.

Making old fashioned maple snow taffey. You start with fresh 100% pure maple syrup, add nothing, heat to 232 F, pour on well packed snow, freeze for 25 seconds, roll on Popsicle stick, eat. It helps if the outside temp is below freezing too, but it is not required.

Near the finish of the ice track. similar to a luge track, but the youth and children use magic carpets, not sleds.

Our new car. 6 dog power, convertible. No radio to distract the young drivers.

The dog harness. The ribbons are more than decoration. They also help identify the team and musher. This musher is Native from Fort Chipewan (about 400 km north of here) He competed in a 3 day race earlier in the week from Fort Mac to Fort Chip.

It was a tight fit. About as much leg room as the back seat of a 911.

Getting ready for rugby season. The boys are really looking forward to the snow melting this year. They play indoor touch right now, and are hoping to get the team together for a Sevens tournament in Jasper this spring.

On the way to practice.

It is that time of year again. Presenting the 23rd annual German Chocolate Cake to celebrate a certain cumpleanos. We will alert the fire department tomorrow night before we light the candles. (just kidding) You should come on over for a bite of cake after church tomorrow. Monday will be too late to get a bite. We'll miss you.

Hugs and Kisses,

to be continued...