This summer has been pretty great. We’ve done long (for me) bike rides, a couple prairie hikes, had fires in the backyard, and eaten more hot dogs than I have in years. Since we haven’t been very far from home and Kevin heads back to work on Monday (teacher), we decided to make a quick trip to Calgary/Canmore/Banff/Kananaskis.

(In Calgary) We woke up early to get on the road at a decent time. We were about to load the bikes and head to Canmore to do the Legacy Trail and walk around Banff when we discovered Kevin’s vehicle had been broken into. Everyone was very helpful. Livia and Liam cleaned up the glass and Adam called around for quotes for a replacement window - hoping we could get it fixed before Sunday morning. Ivy found out from a neighbour that there have been other incidences in the neighbourhood (they are hoping to find video evidence as a number of neighbours have security cameras). Kevin then dealt with the rest.

Not what we had planned for our weekend getaway.

I am always so amazed at how patient and calm Kevin is. I would have reacted much differently if it were my vehicle. I am so grateful to have him in my life.

After a quick lunch, we ended up borrowing my sister’s vehicle and continued with our original plan for the day.

Legacy Trail - Canmore to Banff. My legs were shot after 14 km. No pictures. I knew if we stopped I wouldn’t want to get back on the bike. Once we arrived we walked around for a bit and had a quick bite to eat.

Legacy Trail - Banff to Canmore. This was a breeze (comparatively). It was down hill for the most part and we were able to ride side by side for a lot of it as there were less people in the evening.

I’m proud of us. Kevin was very encouraging and I only complained in my head (but not very much honestly). We treated ourselves to ice cream before heading back to Calgary for much deserved showers. Total 42.83 km. Total time 2:25:00*. 

Day 2 was a BIG day. Thankfully we weren’t too sore from yesterday’s ride. We drove about an hour to Little Elbow/Sheep Valley Trails. We went up Nihahi Ridge Trail to a point called the Saddle (which was a challenge in itself). Adam convinced us we could make it up to the Ridge. He said “see those two trees, it’s right there”. It was all or none, and since we were so close we decided to do it. Little did we know (Adam had "tricked" us) it was around the back of the mountain and much further than the “two trees”. Livia (the mountain goat) led us up the steepest parts. Adam and Kevin stayed back to make sure I was ok. After much scaling we made it. Livia was our guide once again. I am thankful I asked to bring hiking poles, they came in very handy. Once we were done the technical part, Laurel took over the lead and led us back to the start. She was a trooper the whole way. Total 7.00 km. Total time 3:58:11. Unsure of the elevation gain. Fitbit said 642.82 m (this may be cumulative). But online accounts have much different numbers - we only did the first ridge of two.

Before heading back to the city we made a quick stop at Forget Me Not Pond. As he often does Adam took at dip into the ice cold water.

Before the girls went to bed we had a nighttime chat in their room. I’m glad they get to see me in this light and not as the person I used to be. I think they have some understanding of my past (their dad is a therapist as well so mental health is not a taboo subject).

In the morning Kevin taped some plastic over the “window” to make the drive back to Saskatoon more tolerable (it came off as we left the city limits). Blankets and sweaters kept us warm until the sun came out.

This weekend showed me I have quiet determination (as Adam put it), perseverance, mental toughness, and a desire to take on new challenges. I already look forward to our next big bike ride and hike.

I can’t think of a better way to wrap up summer.

*2024 edition - we brought our time down ever so slightly

I received a letter from one of my nieces today.  My heart exploded. My life has meaning because I am an auntie.

He gives the childless woman a family,
    making her a happy mother.

Praise the Lord! Psalm 113:9

When I think of the word gratitude, having a 'thankful heart' comes to mind. For me, it is the little things that matter most. A hug from someone you haven't seen in awhile. An email or text from a friend saying 'Hi, I've been thinking about you'. These small actions show more love than any gift could ever offer. These small actions will remain in my heart for a lifetime.

Today I am thankful for: the time I was able to spend with my family in Calgary this past weekend.
Today I am thankful for: beauty among the construction.
Today I am thankful for: an appointment with a psychologist after such a long wait time.
Today I am thankful for: a few laughs this morning despite a rough night last night.
Today I am thankful for: brunch with old friends and quiet time to recharge for the week.
Today I am thankful for: my physical health.
Today I am thankful for: an employer that invests in its employees.
Today I am thankful for: a few quiet moments to myself.
Today I am thankful for: a house.
Today I am thankful for: a stress free day in Toronto.
Today I am thankful for: the ability to be mindful and live in the moment.
Today I am thankful for: a fun filled day, and all the wonderful messages on my birthday.
Today I am thankful for: a peaceful mini holiday.
Today I am thankful for: for my GP, she is such a kind soul.
Today I am thankful for: long lasting friendships.
Today I am thankful for: the thoughtfulness of a coworker (and her un-birthday gift).
Today I am thankful for: surprise visits from the bestie.
Today I am thankful for: old friends, good music, and a few drinks.
Today I am thankful for: my parents.
Today I am thankful for: kind words reminding me I am beautiful.
Today I am thankful for: pushing through one day at a time.
Today I am thankful for: God's beauty.
Today I am thankful for: witnessing the final goodbye of a family and a father who is now in a better place.
Today I am thankful for: time to myself catching up on podcasts while cleaning.
Today I am thankful for: encouraging words from a friend.
Today I am thankful for: honesty.
Today I am thankful for: encouraging words from a stranger.
Today I am thankful for: a good cup of tea.
Today I am thankful for: a quiet evening on the patio.
Today I am thankful for: the beautiful flowers I received from my boss.