Hints of summer, a new resident at the Seidlitz bed and breakfast, and multiple short trips

Spring is sort of here... and is still here... and it is June already. Even with our chilly weather, we have still gone out to do a few things.

First off, we have a new person living with us! I know, eventually that statement is not going to surprise anyone... Staying with us this summer is Wendy's cousin's daughter (Christine). She volunteer's at the hospital with Wendy's manager. This opportunity for some healthcare system experience could prove useful for her future goals.

Hiking at one of Hamilton's many waterfalls

Although a month later than normal, our crabapple tree bloomed gloriously this May. It was so cold out that the blooms also lasted far longer than expected. Guess they were needed for insulation.

One day, Wendy was looking at a picture of her father (Ron) and his older brother (Roy) and decided to take a photo of their two grandchildren (Parker and Christine) holding the photo. This also gave me a chance to try out the portrait mode on my new phone (Google Pixel 3a, if you are interested).

We recently decided to go into Toronto to take in a Blue Jays game, stopping first at our niece's place nearby for lunch. Leanne, Scott, Elyse, and Brynn joined us at the game and sat in the next row from Wendy, myself, Ying, and Fanfan. The girls seemed to have a great time; the dads found the one discount beer stand on our level (hint, instead of buying an $11 beer, the same one costs $5 at the Dugout Deals stand on each level of the Rogers Centre).

Ying and Fanfan under the CN Tower

Scott photobombing our selfie

Elyse taking it all in

Brynn likes the camera

Fanfan also loves the camera

 Since the game was a "Junior Jays" event, the girls got to go onto the field after the game (the Jays won by a mile) and ran the bases. Fanfan wasn't completely sure what the big deal was, but she enjoyed it nonetheless.

On the field

Our spring flowers are in full swing now (yes, in JUNE), but they will soon wilt as the heat comes rushing in later in the month.

Last week Wendy took a trip with her manager to attend a conference in Detroit. It was purely a work trip, but she noted that her hotel was directly beside the border crossing as you come out of the bridge from Windsor. They decided to drive there, since it would be too much hassle to fly.

Another last minute trip was scheduled after Adam called us last week and asked if we could come up to North Bay on the weekend to attend the Annual Parade and Banquet for the Cadet Squadron where he is a civilian instructor. He acted as the MC for the parade, and this occurred in the hangar at his college. Over the course of the long day, we got the full tour (inside the aircraft as well - including the 727), and learned how he helped move all the aircraft around to accommodate the parade. We also got to meet many of the people that he has talked about over the last year.  If all works out, the next time we are up in North Bay, we may be able to get a guided tour of the NORAD facilities at 22 Wing, the air force base next to the college. Adam may  no longer be a civilian in the next few months, but that event may appear here in a later post.

The MC at work

The weekend ended with a nice breakfast at our hotel, where they said Adam could come to eat for free. Small towns are great!  Long drives home through Toronto cottage country traffic... not so much.

One last note, here is a photo to show Christine in her uniform at the hospital. Although we frequently drive in together to work, Wendy is the only one who see her 'at work'.

Coming up this week, I go to a conference in New Orleans that I stumbled upon only a few weeks ago. Wendy won't be able come along, as I will arrive Friday late afternoon and leave Sunday noon (I need to get back to teach on Monday). Too expensive for 1 day (while I am in conference). Looks like it will be a very interesting meeting (it is called the Teaching Professor Conference!), and the weather there is likely going to be very hot (30-35C, plus humidity).

Later this summer will see a short trip to Calgary and Banff, then a week at a rented cottage on Sauble Beach (Lake Huron). Glad I bought a new carry-on bag - it will likely pay for itself in the next several months!

We've gone empty nest!

Well, time certainly flies! We have officially become empty nesters. Both Adam and Parker have left home to go to school. We had planned on them taking turns going to school (they are nearly 5 years apart in age), but that is not how things have worked out. Cha-ching, cha-ching,...

Adam left first, just before Labour Day. He headed up to Canadore College in North Bay, about 4 hrs drive from home. He is in the Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance and Avionics program. This is a 3-year intensive hands on training that seems to be right up Adam's alley. He is living in a basement apartment, sharing with his Dundas friend Neil, who is also going to Canadore for a different program. We don't have any current pictures of Adam of his move out date (we were at work), but if you check back to July 1, there are some pictures of him packing his first of several loads to head up to North Bay.

Parker left home last week. He is only about an hour away at Waterloo University in Kitchener-Waterloo. He is in the Bachelor of Arts & Business (Honours) Co-op program. He is planning to do a double major in Legal Studies and History. He is staying is residence at St. Jerome's University College (one of several colleges that are part of Waterloo U). It looks like a fantastic place to live and learn, as the Arts & Business program has a strong connection with St. Jerome's, having a number of his classes very close to his residence. He has a roommate and is on the 5th floor of a relatively new residence.

Parker heading out for his first day living away from home!

Parker setting up his room. 

Outside waiting for mom and dad to leave...

Parker's room a week later, after 'decoration'. He likes grey.

Adam is getting adjusted to his crazy schedule and the way things are run at the college. He really only had a few days during the Labour Day long weekend to get their apartment rearranged before classes began. We suspect that he may come up for air later in October, potentially coming back to our home for a few days.

Parker recently finished many days of orientation and was often too busy with friends to call us. Apparently there are a lot of females in Arts... and lots of card playing.  He is still figuring out textbooks and where everything is on campus. We dropped by just today to bring some things he needed, although he seems to forget that he has his own car there with him!  Maybe he will explore the area around the university with some friends.

Both boys seem to be adjusting well to not living under our roof. Time will tell whether they will see the opportunities and losses associated with living on their own. We are hoping that they have great adventures in their new environments.



And now, a teaser for a post that may come your way later this week...

Yes. That is a car booster seat.