I simply can't wrap my brain around the fact that it is September already. School buses are rumbling down the roads, leaves are starting to turn and the crisp morning air tells me it's true. What a fabulous summer we had at my house, so much activity, visitors, trips, new adventures...and I would say that I'm sorry it's over but guess what? The fall is looking just as jam packed full of things to do, places to go and people to see!
With the great success of our Yardzee fundraiser we were able to make awesome trips happen for six folks that wanted to travel. The first three went to Halifax in June and in August three more people had some of their dreams come true.
Rosie, Marilena, and Britni were excited to be heading to PEI for two nights. We stayed at the Dutch Inn, Cornwall, PEI. This Inn had an indoor pool and a nice breakfast. The rooms were great with kitchen, living room and two bedrooms in each so everyone got to sleep on a bed...no cots or couches for us!
The first day we went to Sandspit Amusement Park where Marilena had her first experience on a rollercoaster and all the other rides. Once she overcame her fear and went on the first ride there was no holding her back. She laughed her way through all the rides!! Rosie was a little less adventurous but did ask to go down the big slide and smiled all the way down. Brit enjoyed all her usual favorites as well.
The next day we ventured down to Souris, it was a rainy day but it didn't dampen our spirits. After a short walk we enjoyed lobster rolls for lunch and bought a few souvenirs.
Chef Michael Smith from the Food Network shows Chopped Canada, The Inn Chef, Chef at Home etc... had a gift shop there where we spent some time visiting with the sales person. I mentioned that we wanted to drive by his Bay Fortune Inn to check it out and she told us to stop in and look around, assuring us that we would be welcomed and might get a tour. You didn't have to tell us twice so off we went.
Just as we were told, the receptionist welcomed us in, and Britni noticed cook books for sale! I went to go back out to the van in the rain to get my debit card and here is where things took a turn for the worse.
I walked carefully across the slick deck (there was no railing) and as soon as I stepped down onto the first step, my foot went up in the air followed by the other foot and I came down on my spine right on the edge of the step!! The pain was crazy and went right to my head even though I didn't hit my head. I managed to get myself up and when I looked around I saw Michael Smith himself!!! OMG! I didn't know whether to be embarrassed or cry from the pain. The next thing I know the receptionist is beside me asking me if I was ok. I assured her I was not but I could not let Britni know or it would upset her and ruin her visit and possibly the trip. So we got to the van, I retrieved my debit card and went back inside to finish the visit. To be honest I don't remember much other than taking pictures of everyone with Michael and him inviting us to come back later that evening for the Oyster Hour as his guests which was a once in a lifetime opportunity for these girls. I kept the smile on my face as far as I know and as soon as we wrapped things up there I got Carrie to drive me to the nearest hospital. From Souris I had to travel by ambulance to Montague where I had xrays and some morphine. They didn't see anything broken so I was allowed to leave 3 hours later. While I was having this done, Carrie had taken everyone else back to the hotel for a swim so they didn't know what had happened and wouldn't worry. They picked me up just in time to make it back to Bay Fortune Inn where we wandered around the property trying all the appetizer stations. We all had our first oysters which were surprisingly delicious! He signed all of our cookbooks before we left. What a great experience for this group!!!
This is a picture of my back the next day...it was a long drive home for me but and of course getting in and out of the van everyone knew I had been hurt and they all took great care of me.
I was feeling pretty good after the first week with a lot more range of motion but for whatever reason today I am back to not being able to move much due to the pain. I guess it will just take time to recover so I will have to take it easy. My incentive to take it easy is that I am looking forward to a final fund raiser trip at the end of October to take a group to Woodstock for a night of bowling with friends they have made up there.
So there is a bit of my summer...see you next time!!
