Who's that knocking on the door?

Is this a Trick or Treat?

Some locals thought we might make it to Halloween before the first knock of winter. We almost made it. Apparently the trick this early in the season is not to use a shovel but let the snow melt.The treat is that we might have the opportunity of using snow shoes and skies before we leave.

The Trick or Treat season is well under way.  Halloween in North America is second only to Christmas in retail sales of trimming paraphernalia and a 1/4 of all 'Candy' sold in the USA, in a year, is bought during Halloween.

Halloween - Celtic festival or Celebration of the coming of winter? 

The locals have certainly done their share to celebrate this superstitious festival.

And when in Rome, do as the Canadians do............

 In addition to the preparations for being scared witless on Monday 31 October, the "Fall" season at Bishop Lloyd Middle School has been event full:

• Muffin Morning
• Penny Wars
• Parent/Teacher conferences
• First School Dance
• Halloween for Hunger
• Soccer Season
• Volleyball Season
• School photos
• Intra-murals
• Home Room 'Thanksgiving" pot luck
• Report Card preparation
• Library Week
• Chocolate Sales fund raising
• Preparing for "Take Your Child to Work Day"
• Signing up for Discovery Day                                    

and there has even been some teaching amongst all these extra-curricular events.

Seeing the beautiful white sheet out of our window gives us mixed feelings. It reminds us that winter is almost here. The geese have flown south and we must start thinking of our plans to travel to warmer climes.

Oot and aboot - Australian style

Having visitors always provides an opportunity to get out and about. We had a wonderful week showing Peter and Suzie the little slice of Canada we currently call home.

"So this is how you BBQ in Canada"

Happy Chappies at the Berry Barn - Saskatoon.

The Alberta Legislative building - not sure if we should stand to the right or left.

We did not have time to see the real thing, but these Grain Elevator Icons look impressive.

Palm Trees in the middle of Alberta

Giving due reverence to our Head of State.

North Saskatchewan River

This building transforms into the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Peter and Suzie  fitted into the Canadian way of life, like Kermit the Frog at a Rough Rider game. They enjoyed the beer, had Tim Hortons everyday, knew who won the fight at the Bobcats hockey game and appreciated poutine as a culinary delight.
It was a wonderful week sharing their company and we hope the rest of their Canadian tour is filled with adventure, excitement, bears, moose and Molsons.

Rocky V - Jasper with the nearly weds.

All rugged up, with plenty of places to go.

Fresh from their European sojourn Peter (our son) and Suzie (soon to be our daughter in-law) graced Canada with their presence. Taking the train from Vancouver we met up with the globe-trotting couple  in Jasper.

As always Jasper and the Rockies were magnificent. We were treated to some kind autumn  weather, including snow, sun and rain . We were able to venture up ice covered mountains, get up close and personal with an ancient glacier and hike through amazing fall colours. Despite the lack of wildlife (apart from a giant squirrel and dragonfly on the way home)  the long weekend was awesome, with an opportunity to re-connect with precious family and treasured environments.

Maligne Canyon

"I'll just sit down so Dad looks taller"

Walking near Mount Edith Cavell

nearly there

"This better be the top!"

The Hills are alive with Happy Hats

Holding up a Glazier

The edge of a glacial cave

"Is it safe to go in here and get out of the snow?"

Autumn colours over Pyramid Lake.

Indignant squirrel having to put up with low flying aircraft and a nut or two.

Worlds largest dragonfly (the one on the pole).

As we drove out of Jasper National Park the oldies were somewhat sombre, wondering when they would next have the opportunity to visit this special part of the world. The youngies were looking forward to the next Tim Hortons and eagerly awaiting the delights of Lloydminster.

Just delight Fall

 Colour Fall

What a beautiful time of the year;  nature winterising, cold mornings, cool days, glorious sunrises and sunsets, stunning colours everywhere.

Angus Shaw looking for a large Perogy

A fork flavoured Perogy.

 
We ventured up to picturesque Bonnyville (North of Lloydminster) to see trapper Angus Shaw, the world largest Perogy, a friendly muskrat and every hue of yellow, orange and red in the trees and fields..

No legless shooting

Oh that's a little cool.

Jessie Lake

 We hope this wonderful season continues for a few weeks more.

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