Something to look forward to

The last few posts have had a somewhat doom and gloom outlook to them; or maybe its just me and how I'm feeling about this whole pandemic thing. Not this post though! Today I want to share something I'm very much looking forward to: VACATION! Now, Canada has a strict self quarantine policy for citizens travelling abroad and for visitors from outside of the country - 14 days. While an extra two weeks off work would be fabulous, being stuck in my house and not even being able to go and buy groceries just isn't my idea of a good time. Therefore, international travel is out of the question. Not even Hawaii, which I enjoyed visiting a few years ago and who's said Canadians can visit there without quarantine. Sorry, but 6 1/2 hours on a plane? I don't think so! To be honest, I don't even want to fly to Toronto (no offense to the T.O.). That doesn't leave a prairie girl with a lot of options. So... what do we do in the west when we can't jet off to warmer climes? We head to the mountains!

Jasper National Park is probably my favourite place in the world. Its less commercial than Banff and usually less crowded (although that doesn't mean much and chain restaurants are making inroads - booo!).The closer you get to the park gates, the more relaxed I feel. I'm sure most folks can understand when I say "I NEED this!". Its been 7 years (!) since I've been there. The last trip I took to the mountains was a girls' long weekend with Mommikins and the always fabulous Auntie B. Horseback riding, hiking and white water rafting were how we filled our days back then. 

And no, we didn't coordinate our outfits. Not every day ... 

This time around it will just be Mom and I but we'll raise a glass to Betty. We're going to be trying Becker's Chalets this time out. Its outside of the townsite and right along the Athabasca River so we'll feel like we're really "getting away from it all". As usual, being the super duper advanced planner that I am, we already have our activities booked. We didn't want to repeat what we've done previously (although we will be horseback riding again but in a different area of the park) so we're going to take advantage of a "local's discount" for Alberta residents and do a boat tour of Maligne Lake. And keeping the frigid fall water temps as our theme for this trip, we're taking a canoe trip! 

I found Wild Current Outfitters while doing my research on things to do in Jasper. We've booked a full morning trip around Pyramid Lake. Sure it'll be late in the year and the water will probably be bitterly cold but we thought we would go for it. Out of everything surrounding this trip, this is what I'm most excited about. I've never been canoeing before so this'll be quite the adventure and a fun way to wrap up our latest trip. All of this is, of course, dependent on the Alberta's Covid-19 numbers remaining relatively low, neither of us getting sick and smaller crowds.

Fingers crossed...

Changes in the Land of Covid-19

First there was Covid-19. Then there were the mental health issues I experienced while attempting to work from home. Then, as if things weren't stressful enough this year, we said goodbye to this little Snickerdoodle. My beloved fluffball, Nero, had a significant downturn when it came to his kidney disease at his checkup back in early June. After an upsetting but not unexpected conversation with the vet, we made the heart crushing decision every pet owner wants to avoid. Nero lived a fabulous 19 years and was spoiled for most of that time. The folks at the Glenora Family Pet Clinic are absolutely amazing and feel like family. They gave us a lovely card and surprised us with a small vial with a tuft of his ultra lush orange fur. Needless to say, I sobbed uncontrollably yet again when I saw it. Even though it has been almost two months, I got choked up in a meeting yesterday when I mentioned him. Always in my heart buddy, always.

To help heal myself, I welcomed this crazy little nugget into my life a short time later. Some may say it was too soon and to allow myself time to grieve. I'm a woman; I can do both at the same time. Hudson was just what I needed and while I don't believe in a higher power, sometimes I have to wonder if the universe sometimes gives you just what you need at just the right moment. He's a cuddly monkey who drools uncontrollably when he's in his happy zone. This usually means sleeping near my face where it drips all over me. I'd be annoyed by this but look at that face.

Other than returning to the office and wearing a mask pretty much everywhere I go not much has changed lately. Still can't visit family here in the city or within the province. Still feel uncomfortable going to a restaurant even though many have reopened. Won't go to the movies even though they're open too... maybe soon though. Lots of hand sanitizer and lysol wipes (if you can find them!).

Hope you're all doing better than just surviving. Take care of yourself and one another.

Blog Failure - Not A Surprise

So much for blogging my way through the pandemic. I should never set expectations like that for myself! Anyways, quick update. I'm back at my office and have been here for about 5 weeks. There are only about 5-6 people on our floor at the moment. While my employer said everyone is expected back at work by the end of July, its obvious that hasn't happened. Our floor is exempt as our bathrooms are being renovated: a hazard. But even going to other floor within the building, there is still a large portion of employees who appear to be working from home. Frankly we're fortunate - most of the jobs in our department don't require us to be physically in an office and we've been managing quite well with Skype and Webex for meetings. If I had the space I might like to go back to working from home but honestly I'm just not that productive unless I'm in the office. 

And yes, I did put my name on my stapler. That way only other Karens can steal it.