Time is sure flying - but I am having fun - that is good.

I am in TO visiting my buddy - we have been having a lot of fun. Monday we headed to Niagara Falls - have never been there - we got a bit of a late start and then took the 'scenic' route - so we did not arrive very early - all the 'attractions' - the Maid of the Mist (boat ride) and the observation deck were already closed by the time we got there - but it was wonderful to see the Falls - talk about awesome - makes one feel very insignificant in this world. We had a lot of fun - took lots of pictures - if the computer cooperates I will upload a few of them. We are thinking that next time we will spend a night - so much to do and see - would not want to go there during the high holiday season - I can imagine it would be a real zoo - would feel like I was in Egypt - and I do not appreciate the crowds.

Weather here has been pretty good - although as per usual the weekend was wet - although we did some walking in the rain as it was in the mid teens - so not too bad for walking in the rain - Sunday night there were big winds (we did not experience them where we are) - big enough to topple trees and of course they fell on cars - so people were not happy - they are attributing the winds to the last huffs and puffs of Hurricane Ike. Gas prices increased 15 cents overnight - talk about gouging the public. Must admit this just gets my back up - they are so fast to hike the price when there is the slightest increase in the price of oil - but when oil prices fall - it takes forever for the price at the pumps to reflect the decrease.

Thursday will see me heading back to Calgary - where I will be hanging my hat for a couple more weeks before I head out to Creston to spend the last leg of my holiday with my parents. Will actually meet up with my folks on the 21st of Sept. as my dad has an eye appointment on the 22nd - so will be good to see them. Figured I would spend Thanksgiving with them - as I will be in the country - and since I am using their car - best plan was to save the visit until just before I departed so I would not have to pay to drive out there twice - with the price of gas as high as it is. Must admit I do not look forward to the bus trip back to Calgary - I am thoroughly spoiled - but such is life.



A wonderful shot of the falls - awesome.




Dig the hat - I do believe I will have started a new fashion trend - on the green 'ribbon' it says 'Let's Party'.


Me and Safa with the falls behind us.


The two of us in front of one of the gardens.


Me with the falls behind me - notice the rainbow over my right shoulder.

Here it is Sunday, August 31 - tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan - Ramadan Kareem to all my muslim friends.

This is the last long weekend of the summer - and as per usual it has been cool and wet. Friday was a nice day - Saturday we had some sun - then it started to rain in the evening and is still cloudy - not sure if it is raining at the moment - but when you go out it smells like earthworms - and wet. Miles is very happy for the rain - he has been working very hard on the grass - he had just put some more seed down so is tickled green with the cool damp weather - great for new grass.

I spent most of Thursday and Friday with my sister Marian, and some of her brood. My eldest niece has recently moved back to Calgary and had a baby at the end of July - so it was quite a gathering - my youngest nephew was with my sister - he has decided - after living for 2.5 years with his father in Nanaimo,BC - to move back with his mom. Friday my niece dragged us on a 'short' walk to the Farmer's Market - only to get there after they were closed - so then we walked a 'bit' further to an ice cream shop - mmmmmm - very good ice cream - we then had to walk 12 blocks home. Unfortunately I was wearing my sandals so my right foot is giving me grief.

Thursday evening I drove out to Okotoks and spent the evening with a good friend of mine - left much to late - did not get home until around 11:30 - 4:30 a.m. came much to early - after working out at the gym on Friday I hit the hay for a few more hours of sleep.

I have been going to the gym every day - meet up with my workout buddies at 6 a.m. and exercise and then on my way home by 7:30 - unless I go out to Tim Horton's for hot chocolate and a donut - only done that once - LOL.

I have been busy with visiting friends - although I must admit the list gets shorter every time I come back - but such is life. I have also been busy shopping for my list of must haves to take back to Egypt when I head back.

I am hoping to spend some time with Maurine this coming week - she has been busy working - and her husband broke his arm and wrist last Wednesday - when I spoke with her last night he was still in the hospital - she is quite concerned - as five months ago she fell and injured herself the same way - different arm though - and she was only in the hospital one day - so she is wondering what is up with the extended hospital stay. And as I am persona non grata with her husband it may be tough to see much of her while he is home recuperating - but I am sure we will figure something out.