Trip To The Valley

Home after a whirlwind visit to the Ottawa Valley gives me a great appreciation for the wonderful country in which we live. Staying with trusted friends for a few days and catching up on all the news makes one realize that distance is only a word. We feel like we were never apart and carry on as if we were together the day before. I think that is what real friendship is all about, a wordless connection between people who have similar feelings. You know it and feel it when you meet as there is no need of introductions but just a look and off you go and take off where you left the time before.

Theresa and I have a few friends like that and we cherish the gift. Over in the Valley we have several and we are never able to visit all of them each time but manage to have a quality visit with a few each trip. This was no exception and with Joan and John serving great food and drink we got off to a good start. We talked of the old times and the people here and gone that impacted our collective lives in one way or another. Around midnight we realized we have been conversing for seven hours over some good cards and a few drinks.

Leaving we left with some blue plums which made great jam and a whole lot of plans for the winter in Florida . A memorial service for our brother in law was on the agenda for the next day and a reunion with the family and friends. It was an appropriate service for a man who made a big impact on the community of Petawawa. His family were proud of Joe's life and the highlight of the service was a tribute by his daughter Lori who delivered a moving goodbye to her father. Her tribute touched all who were there and I felt her insight was exceptional and captured the essence of her love for Joe.

We travelled then to Arnprior and a home on the mighty Madawaska. This is home to our close friends Doug and Patty. Trees, flowers and gardening fill Doug's time with a little hockey thrown in until he blew out his knee. Doug is caregiver to his wife Pat who battles MS and along with his family have made life a caring one for many years. We love to visit here and this time brought some strawberry plants and two trees. A walnut and lipstick tree. He may not thank me for the lipstick tree as it can grow way beyond its boundaries. In return we left with a quart of valley maple syrup. I would say we got the better of the bargain as we love the taste of syrup on pancakes.

This short visit was terminated after our lunch as we had to make our way down to Ottawa. Next visit to Doug's will be in the spring and we hope to renew our golf game which has been missed over half the time because of poor weather. This time Doug had a legitimate excuse as he showed me the scars of his knee operation.

Arriving at our daughters home in Ottawa we immediately unloaded the flooring for a bedroom which we were going to install. We did take time for greetings but I had a mission and wanted to get right at it. By next day at noon the job was completed and after another great lunch we left for Oakville. It was so good to talk with a teenager, Shawna who is doing so well and has shown that maturity which comes wit 16 year olds.

On the trip home Theresa and I made plans for the next few weeks before we go south. Most of our conversation was about our garden and appointments . We had a busy time but a good one. Life is really wonderful when you have your health and have the freedom to move about. We thank our lucky stars and feel for those who have issues with health. Finally we spoke of the good friends we have and were looking forward to our next visit.