Update

Greetings to all.
Sad news from my brother-in-law Norm Vanier. His mother passed away quietly late Thursday night. All of her children were able to make it to Oregon in time to see her before she passed. She lived 88 years, mostly in wonderful health, survived 2 husbands and had 5 children, around 20 grandchildren and over 30 great-grandchildren. I guess none of us can ask for more than that. RIP Margaret Vanier-Stossel.

On another note, Donna and Scott Hillier (4X) made it home last week. They were trying to slip through Georgia in between storms but I guess their truck didn't want to co-operate. They had to hunker down while a few repairs were being made, but all in all they managed fairly well and are now back in Ontario.
I haven't heard of any other troubles so I guess the rest of the crew is making out just fine.

The weather here in Windsor is as fickle as ever. Spring in the afternoon and winter after the sun goes down. My brother-in-law Norm Depatie who is still at Avalon tells me it is a hot as h*** but strangely enough I do not feel sorry for him!

Take good care of each other wherever you are!

Just when you thought it was safe to go home....

After a great ride home on Sunday we woke up to the cruel reality that it is still winter in Canada....not officially, but that white stuff on the ground is strong evidence that Mother Nature is not finished playing tricks on us yet. Hopefully the Easter Bunny won't have to borrow a sleigh from Santa to make his rounds.
I hear from those at Avalon that the sun is still shining. Wouldn't it be nice to have just one more day at the beach?
My sister Pat and husband Norm Vanier (from Third St) arrived home last Friday, but are already on the move. Norm's mother (88 yrs old) who lives in Oregon is doing poorly and the family has been called in. His sister Vivien from Washington state suffered a heart attack just 2 weeks ago. I am sure they would all appreciate your prayers at this time.
Take care and keep in touch.

Where have all the snowbirds gone?

It is hard to believe that just a few days ago the streets of Avalon were full of merrymaking vacationers and it was hard to get from the pool to the Rec Hall without a lot of hand-waving and hello-ing! It is really quiet here! And it's going to get even quieter by the end of the month. But, it has been a good season! The weather has been awesome and the fellowship....well, you all know why we love Avalon.....it's the people who make this place a wonderful home away from home.

I heard that Paul and Jan Urquhart have arrived home safely in New Brunswick after being chased by a tornado (maybe it was just a cloud of dust kicked up by an angry greyhound trying to get his share of the winnings!)
Ansel and Dorothy had a small mishap on the way (somebody rear-ended them!) but they were able to continue on and made it home. As they say "No news is good news." so I imagine the rest of you are doing just fine.

I have added a page to the blog called AVALON BULLETIN BOARD. A number of folks have expressed an interest in being able to contact people who might have a place for sale or rent in Avalon. If you click on the page heading you will see the instructions for those interested in posting an ad. We will see how this works and modify it as we go along.

Ed and I will be leaving for home on the weekend. I will miss this place - but most of all I will miss you guys! Six months is a long time...I am sure I will be looking forward to November before I even get across that old Howard Franklin Bridge!

Happy trails to all! I will be in touch after I get back home.