The 20st message from Canada

Monday, April 27, 2015

Michael skipped a day to tell us about his adventures. He was a little too busy seeing his family: 

"After a good night sleep I receive another delicious breakfast. It will be so hard to have to leave tomorrow. I enjoy being here while I’m being spoiled like this. Although I do feel wonderful to be here, I do also miss my wife and my boys to share this experience with.

Bob and Ann both have to go out today and my cousin Mike is coming to pick me up at 10:30am so that I can clean my bike over at his house.

First I connect with Jackie, a lady whom I really only know through Facebook and who lives in Perth. I call her to let her know that I am stopping by their house. She sounds very enthusiastic. I am a little apprehensive to just drop in on people I have never met, but our conversation eases my anxiety.

My cousin Ann, who has returned in the meantime, tells that Mike’s son Noah is complaining of a stiff neck from jumping on the trampoline and she leaves to pick him up at school. A while later Noah’s father Mike arrives and the three of us go back to their house. Noah is in pain. I feel for him because he cannot quite keep his head up right.

At Mike’s house I clean my bike and check everything. It is in tip top shape again.

I invite Mike for lunch in the village and Noah comes with us. We have a nice meal at “The Yellow Canoe” in Merrickville. Time flies and afterward we take the dog Carly to the vet for his shots. Mike treats Noah and I to a tasty ice cream and then we’re back on our way home. I spend the afternoon relaxing and having some great conversations with my cousin.

Mike drives me back to Ann’s at around 5:00 pm for dinner and to visit Erik and Heather. Heather is pregnant and due on May 21st; it will be Ann’s first grandchild! It’s very exciting for all of them. We have a lovely drive through the country side and an enjoyable evening. I am very pleased that I got the chance to see Erik and Heather.

Once back home, Bob and I test my cooking gear for which we found the right part and it works like a charm!

Then, bedtime: this day flew by!"

Han Schomakers, editor

Translation by Sytske van der Veen