Jan 16 - Jan 27 The unexpected brings, celebration, love and confirmation.

Harold is a resident crow at the Vancouver airport

Luke and I were delighted to be in the presence of Harold, the crow who lives in the Vancouver airport. The sound of his calls and his magical and natural demeanour brought joy to our traveling bodies and minds. We were so surprised when he was still in the same area of the airport on our way back through, two weeks after seeing him the first time. Apparently, the airport has wildlife biologists who are monitoring his behaviour, to ensure he is safe and choosing to live there.

When I think of these last few weeks, I think of family and honouring the bloodline that my grandparents started (at least in my life time). I think of extremely cold wintery days, and white crystal flakes falling from the sky. I think of the message of confirmation that Luke and I are exactly meant to be in the big wide world, navigating the unknown.

Our view at Bland Line - the sun setting at dusk, the super blood wolf moon setting at dawn.

BLOODLINE FAMILY

This is Luke taking over the writing now. We are co-writing this entry. A highlight for me, of the time in the Peterborough, ON area, was definitely all the amazing niece and nephew time we got. Margo went to watch our niece Molly (8) and nephew Marek (5) ski at Batawa ski hill. I was super keen to ski with them and unfortunately wasn't able to, because I got sick right after we arrived in Ontario, and then on another occasion had to turn back because of unsafe winter road conditions. We did go on an icy hike in the woods with Molly which filled us with a lasting glow, watching her climb trees, balance on logs, slide down hills and listen to her philosophical musings. One of my favourites was, "adults and kids cry about different things. Kids cry when they get hurt but when my daddy gets hurt he just says, "oh shit." Adults cry when someone they love dies, but that doesn't make any sense because the person has gone to a better place."

We had Margo's other sister's children for a sleepover at my dad and Carolyn's beautiful house, at the end of Bland Line where we were staying. (My dad and Carolyn are in South America for a couple months). The children assessed the home and decided it would be a perfect house for hide and seek, it seemed they could play forever. During that evening, Riley (15) got on the piano, Kayla (11) pulled out her harmonica, Carter (11) got on the drum, I played guitar and Margo, a shaker. We made music together in a way that was so connected that at one point we all looked at each other with the awe of recognition. The recognition of musical magic, that transcendent space.

We also drove two hours to Barrie to go out for lunch with my brother and then back to his place to soak up the entrancing cuteness of his son Hayden (3).

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

My turn, it is Margo writing now...

Margaret Winifred Joan Lord Riley was celebrated in a ceremony at Hendren's Funeral Home in Lakefield, On. It was a beautiful setting, overlooking the river, the sun was out and the sky was bright blue. It was a very cold day, which Granny would not have liked, but the scenery she would have liked, as well as the old character space we gathered; it would have suited her just fine. We gathered in a circle, shared memories, through tears and laughter, heard beautiful poems read by Hermione Rivision, who facilitated the service; Luke, gifted us with a Glen Miller Band flavoured song, that many family members contributed to with lyrics that highlighted how much Peggy Riley offered to us all. During the service the lights flickered and there was an omnipotent knowing among us all that Granny was approving and sending her love. Behind clear dew drops in my eyes, my heart glows for my Granny.

Memories captured of Granny

COLD

Wooeee Burrr... I have to admit I was delighted to experience the extreme cold of Ontario with fluffy snow to play in. When we first arrived it was just really cold, and super icy, a typical winter scene in Jackson Park is shown below.

Several days later, still with a minus 20 frost bite in the air, snow came down and created layers we could play in. ... it got as low as -39C with the wind while we were there. Luke and I took a long snowshoe and I made snow angels (one of my favourite winter activities!). Luke also visited his oldest friend, the property he grew up on, named Jyotir - a place of Light. This is him, dressed warm and cozy.

As he walked, my Grandma Yvonne (my Dad's Mom) and I went for a donut at Tim Horton's. I was delighted to spend a few hours with her. She is a feisty and loving woman, who I am blessed to have in my life. She always surprises me with her humour and her stuck-in-her-old-ways, way of living. We got to spend quite a bit of time with Luke's grandma too, Georgette, who lives in the same retirement home. They are friends now, which is very special to both Luke and I.

BACK TO THE WEST

Being up above the mountains gave me a wistful feeling of vitality. We hadn't planned on flying during Horizon Travels, however, we are deeply thankful for the privilege to do so. We are currently staying with my Aunt and Uncle for 7 days, originally we planned for 4 days...another house sit cancelled due to the owner's Mom being sick. I think we are here to offer and support during a challenging time with my Aunt's mom being very sick. A door to serve and a place to sleep. An exchange. Blessings to all the Mothers.

I am in awe of what comes in the unknown. Luke and I have gained much insight (with the unexpected shifts) in how we want to keep blossoming through Horizon Travels. We are more dedicated to a life of abundance, joy, and deep gratitude.

Next we head to Sooke, BC, where we found a last minute house sit to cover some of the time from the second cancelled one. Stay tuned to read about our adventures with seven animals!