~ 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.
~ Avril Lavigne Singer and songwriter Born on: 27th September 1984
Porte Ponderings:
The afternoon of our last day in Calgary, we met with Harold’s friend Cal. Cal had been an usher at Harold’s first wedding. Cal took us for a pickup ride to the Provincial Park near Carseland AB, Wyndham-Carsleland Provincial Park.
The size of the area was overwhelming. Thousands of seagulls, but none were close enough to ID.
“Life is a lot like jazz… it’s best when you improvise”
~ George Gershwin Composer Born on: 26th September 1898
Porte Ponderings:
Friday was our last full day in Calgary. I wanted to go hiking at Fish Creek Provincial Park. I followed the GPS to the entrance and started to walk, then I had to go to the washroom. None were open in the area I was walking. The swimming areas were closed for the season and so was all access to washrooms. So, I had to leave after only a very short walk. I ended up going to Winners (they always have a washroom) and buying a pair of earrings and glasses. I couldn’t figure out other accesses to the park and had promised I would be back by noon so…
But I did get to see a Northern Flicker, 2 great horned owls and a Downy Woodpecker. I would never have seen the Great Horned Owls if not for the generous birders on the trail.
“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.
“You’re never going to be the same person you are right now”
~ Robert Redford Actor and movie producer Born on: 18th August 1936
Porte Ponderings:
My first Granddaughter turned 7 this weekend. We loved the family birthday party. I’m so grateful for being able to spend time with my family, making memories, and enjoying the moment before it’s gone. Who we are changes so fast. This year my first grandson starts high school. The others are growing just as quickly. ❤
Porte Photos 