June 5-10/07

We have had a busy but wonderful week. It began with a visit from 3 generations of our American relatives the Chinns, from Walla Walla, Wa. They are always a great bunch who fit right in and easily become part of our household.

Trevor, Donna, Clarence & Catherine. Catherine is Father Sankey's sister.

Trevor got to help us with some branding & took home some "digested grass" stains on his pants to prove it!

This last weekend CUC celebrated its 100th Anniversary & Homecoming wknd. Cousin Gloria Pierson came from Visalia, CA. On Saturday for supper some 50 family & friends were able to surprise her with a 60th birthday party.

We know Gloria loves parties & is a great sport so we dressed her up in a fashion more suitable to her maturing years, complete with a grey wig, birthday tiara, birthstone pearls and a wheelchair for her faltering steps!

Notice the anklets. Perhaps she will find them so comfortable they will become a staple in her wardrobe?
Gloria visiting with Jim & Vonnie.

Many thanks to all the family for keeping a secret and helping out in many ways. A special thanks to cousin Donna for providing some ideas for added humor. Although Murray told me it couldn't be done, we did mange to surprise Gloria and render her (temporarily !) speechless!

Over the course of the Alumni Weekend we saw many faces from past years . Memories of good times and seeing old friends made it very special.

Darlene (Dudar) Bisgaard & Ruby (Kizema) Parmele. These gals were (are) some of my Ukranian sisters from Maple Hall when we were in high school too many years ago.

Sunday moring it was up early to get Murray's 1981 Corvette vacumed, washed & polished for the Car Show.

I am sure Murray never dreamed he would someday park his "Vet in front of Maple Hall!

Sunday afternoon we entered the CUC parade - a first!

The Alberta Conference Executive dressed for the occasion!

Of interest to some former Acros was the Acronaire float with Dustin Dudar & Ryan Hodgins on the balance blocks.

To round out the weekend was a Southern Gospel Concert Sunday night by the Booth Brothers from Nashville. It was most enjoyable and was followed by a fireworks display coreographed to music and viewed from the south side of the CUC PE center. It was the best I have seen- ever. Yes even better than Expo'86 or the "88 Calgary Olympics.

Monday morning at 6:30 A.M. Leo Ganson came over to help Murray topple some tall, dead evergreens at our Red Deer yard. They were so quick & effecient that I didn't make it outside with my camera in time! Whew! After all that activity I need to sleep for a day!

Next week we head to Vancouver Island. Stay tuned.