The Aber Fair

The 100th anniversary of the Abernethy Fair in 2007 was the last big social event that Isabel attended before her West Nile trip to hospital in Regina four years ago.

This year, the 104th year of The Fair never being rained out, saw Isabel back at the big community event.

Mum said she would come to The Fair for two hours. With her hand stamped and entry fee paid, Mum headed in through the gates. Nearly seven hours later, back at the BICC, she rolled passed the nurses' desk to her room and said: "I hope I am not going to be kicked out for being so late!"

Isabel sat in the car watching the horse show and talking to people non-stop all afternoon.

One small boy remarked: "Isabel is just like a star. There are really long line-ups to see her!"

A Wascana employee who rides at the Aber Fair each year rode up beside Isabel so she and her horse could have a chat.

Gratitude for 104 years of volunteers who make this special day happen, and for old friends and community folks who lined up to express their special version of WELCOME HOME, ISABEL!

Cruising by the Coop

Isabel returned to Abernethy last week for a leisurely drive around town.

Her old stompin' grounds are only 9 miles from her new home at Balcarres so there is much you can see on an evening's drive.

Visiting "the gals" at the Coop......wishing Bill M a "Happy 80th Birthday".....stopping by the homes of 6 sets of old friends...and then driving the rural roads to see all the water.

It's good to be home!

A Move Down the Hall

On Tuesday, June 28, we received the call that Isabel was packing her bags in her "hotel room" (a lovely large acute care room) as her new room in longterm care was available. So Mum has her room at the BICC ~ a small single room with a window that opens. Over three years ago, when Mum learned that she would be moving from hospital to Wascana, she painstakingly asked through nods as we pointed to letters on her letter-board whether she would have a single room and if the window opened. YES!

We are thankful that this is the case at the BICC as well. Isabel is settling in. It's a new environment, a new "culture", and she and we are thankful for the welcome and hospitality that has come from old friends that live at the BICC and in the Balcarres and Abernethy communities.

Mum and Rufus lll are whizzing around the wide halls, and she is thankful to have her old faithful walker from Wascana accompany her on daily walks outside and inside.

Gratitude for long summer days and friends and family so close.