~ Chubby Checker Singer and songwriter Born on: 3rd October 1941
Porte Ponderings:
Yes, I once danced with Chubby Checker. I was at Busch Gardens with my friend Kathy Collins. We sat in the front row and we got up and danced with Chubby Checker. He was amazing. I loved going to the Real Music Series with my Season Pass to Busch Gardens in Tampa. So glad I did this.
“To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing”
~ Robert M. Gates United States Secretary of Defence Born on: 25th September 1943
Porte Ponderings:
Even if you say nothing, do nothing and be nothing you will still be criticized…..
Once you get to the Alberta Badlands, you need to go to the Dinosaur Museum…Royal Tyrrell Museum. An amazing display of bones artistically arranged. The most complete collection of preserved dinosaurs in the world.
“Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he isn’t. A sense of humour was provided to console him for what he is”
~ Horace Walpole The 4th Earl of Orford was an English art historian and politician Born on: 24th September 1717
Porte Ponderings:
The main purpose for our trip to Calgary was to meet Harold’s biological brother Dave for the first time. We had an amazing meal that Dave’s wife Barb insisted on paying for at Taste of Italy in Calgary. The conversation and wine was amazing. With promises of a second meeting on Friday, I didn’t take any pictures of our intimate group. Never wait to take pictures. Our second meeting was cancelled and we may never be able to see them in person again.
On the Thursday, I went for a drive to see the Alberta badlands. Dave told me about how the Red River had cut deep into the ground and exposed layers of history. Even the glaciers hadn’t erased the huge cut into the surface of the earth. There was even the Royal Tyrrell Museum that I shouldn’t miss on my trip to Calgary. This wasn’t something Harold was interested in so I went solo into the badlands. So much to see.
Cotton-tail jack rabbit. At least 2X the size of Rickie.
Wilson’s Snipe
Alberta Badlands
HooDoo’s
Bus tour group at the HooDoo’s
Alberta Badlands
HooDoo
Alberta Badlands
Alberta Badlands
Alberta Badlands
My rental car
Huge ranches
Phoebe
Dorothy AB
Mountain Bluebird
Dorothy AB
Thanks to the cyclists for taking this picture of me on the Bridge at Dorothy AB
~ Mickey Rooney Actor Born on: 23rd September 1920
Porte Ponderings:
The first day of our holiday to Calgary Alberta started very early. We arrived at 8:30 AM and couldn’t check into our room until 4PM. So, after sleeping in the car and charging up Harold’s scooter, we went to Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. The building was only open until 4 so this worked perfectly. 400 acres in the city of Calgary, with pave walking paths, beside the Bow river. Lots of water birds to see. The Common Merganser stole the show but there were also lots of Wood Ducks and Canada Geese.
“I wanted to live like a colourful butterfly in the sun”
~ Mata Hari Exotic dancer and spy Born on: 7th August 1876
Porte Ponderings:
Today is my sister Shelley’s birthday. On the day she was born I was at the hospital waiting for my mother to pick me up after I had a tonsillectomy. Instead my mother was busy having this little sister of mine. My mother didn’t come. My father picked me up and took me to my Aunt Betty’s for a week. A summer holiday with my favorite Aunt and cousins. What could be better for a 7 year old? And my sister has been giving me unexpected joy ever since.
~ Gautama Buddha Founder of Buddhism Born on: 8th April 563 BC
Porte Ponderings:
On our first bike ride of the year the Old Ausable Channel was the lowest I’ve ever seen it.
I’m hoping the recent rain storms have raised the levels significantly. Otherwise I won’t be capable of getting out at my favorite destination. The water doesn’t even reach the dock.
Porte Photos 