I might not have bothered with a blog today but things have got weird, and I just had to share! Technically, I guess I "lived" in Calgary, Alberta about 20 years ago. We gave my cousin Gordon's address as our home address when we bought a truck and an RV trailer and toured Canada and USA in 2002/03. We registered and insured the vehicles in Alberta and we still have the licence plates on our wall at home. (Different system - they are personal to you, rather than to the vehicle)
What I never quite anticipated is that 20 years later I would be summoned for jury service! And what are the chances of it turning up, while I am in Canada, in Calgary, in Alberta!!
My initial reaction? Of course, it's a hoax perpetrated by my cousin! But if so he has gone to some considerable lengths and he is adamant it is nothing to do with him. And to be honest it just looks too real. I have asked to be excused using the online form, and can only hope they take my plea for exemption - ie, I don't live in Alberta and I'm not a Canadian citizen. Seems reasonable to me, but if not I'll come back if they are prepared to pay my airfare and hotel costs!
So, assuming I'm not going to get arrested for the criminal offence of refusing to serve on a jury, on with the journey! Not that we have been far in the last 48 hours or so.
Another few fabulous days visiting with yet more family. First in Red Deer with my youngest cousins Stu and Kimmy. Cue yet more food, wine and talk into the wee hours. Great to see them on home turf as all too often they are "forced" to make the trip south to Calgary. We had a riot, which of course meant there was no time for photographs, even of the attempt to snow on the day we left! We did remember the obligatory silly selfie though.
Then the hour and half drive south to Calgary, through the sleet - in this part of the world the temperature can rise or drop by 35 or 30 degrees in a matter of hours. So the small rise that turned the snow into sleet then rain, was small beer. And by the time we reached Calgary the sun was shining and we were in the balmy teens.
I've met my cousins Gordon and Helen all over the world, as we say "for a beer", and was last here at Christmas 2020. As soon as I arrived it felt like only yesterday as it does in all my cousins' houses, but then, as far as the provincial government is concerned, I still live here!!
So my apologies that there are so few pictures of any interest to anyone expect family but there has been little time for anything else in the last few days. And we did of course have a celebratory jaegerbomb to celebrate the return of The Great Escape in Brighton tomorrow, even if we can't be there. But there is always next year and mad cousins, Erin and Tom have vowed to be there with us for their third escapade. They send their regards to all our fellow TGEers - you know who you are. Enjoy it over the next few days. We are with you in spirit - of both types!
Rather annoyingly we even forgot to take a picture of us with cousin Jakkie, when we quaffed wine with her last night. It must be time to go on the wagon!
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