No snow

We'll, we've had a little bit - some yesterday and some a week ago but nothing to get excited about as it disappeared pretty quickly. It's been fairly cold, but is still getting above zero during the day. On the plus side, Richard's delighted, as now he's achieved part time status, he'll once again be on snow clearing duty throughout the winter. Also, we're not getting our tyres changed to winter ones until next Wednesday so if it can just hold out a little longer, that'll be great.

A step nearer

This week we completed the first stage of our bid for residency. The Govenment of Alberta has granted me 'Provincial Nominee' status which means that our residency application to the Government of Canada will fast track our applecation when we submit it so it should take only 6-18 months instead of 4-5 years. We've just sent off to Norfolk Constabulary for our police checks and then when they come back we can send off the application. Residency means we can stay here indefinitely without needing work permits, but we won't be able to vote. We'll have to apply for citizenship for that.

And yet another birthday

To celebrate 36 years of me being on this fair planet, we went for afternoon tea to the Fairmont MacDonald last Saturday. This hotel is one of the poshest and oldest in Edmonton but in the 80s was within a whisker of getting knocked down and replaced by a multi-storey car park. Luckily, the local historical group got into action and saved it and so it is still here to serve us afternoon tea on this historic day.

After various savouries, pastries, scones and an excellent cup of tea, we got a tour of the hotel including the penthouse suite where Elisabeth II stayed in 19??. It had a lot of stairs - I doubt she could stay there now. However, apparently they have quite a lot of movie stars staying there now. Presumably ones who are more agile than an octogenarion monarch.

...und Herzlichen Gluckwunsch zum dienen Geburtstag, Tanja

I just wanted to wish my great friend Tanja, from Cologne, a very happy birthday too. I'm sorry I'm a month late, but I hope you had a great day and I'm glad you had a good trip to England and were able to meet up with Carolyn.

Herzlichen Gluckwunsch zum dienen Geburtstag, Horst

We're still getting on well with our neighbours over the road - John and Sonja. So much so that we got invited to Sonja's dad's birthday party - same place we went to for New Year. Once again, lots of beer, loompah music, dancing, bratwust and sauerkraut. Richard was even persuaded to join in with the greek dance, but sat the rest of them out. Happy birthday Horst.

It has finally happened

Don't expect to get much out of Richard for the next few months. He's finally got his big TV. He also bought a blue ray player, so we're getting the full cinematic experience in our basement these days. We just need to drob a bit more popcorn and soda on the floor to make it really sticky and authentic.

Moving House, Alberta Style

Got stuck behind this on the way to Drayton Valley...