PASSED BILBAO WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

Dad is currently past Bilbao and on to his next stop. He has been enjoying the walk thus far even in 30 degree weather. He has been sweating his nickers off and is already making friends, and that is no surprise is it. The message I received from my Mom after receiving a phone call from him on Saturday was that during his 16 km trek a police car pulled up and stopped him. I can imagine what I would have been thinking, but I couldn't imagine what my dad was thinking when he saw them. I'm sure in his own words the story I'm about to relay will be much more interesting and more detailed. He said the police pulled over to invite him over for some water, they thought he looked thirsty. Again he's walking in 30 degree weather. They then offered to drive him to the nearest bus stop in order for him to continue on as they felt it was much to hot for this Pilgrim to be walking. So the police escorted him to the bus and when he got onto the bus everyone hipped and hoorayed. I have yet to get more details of how things were on the bus and will update when I do.
Dad is doing well, but is a little sore. When he reached his destination (unfortunately I do not know which town he stopped in) he went to an Albergue to stay for the night, but it was closed. It apparently had been closed for some time. There was no where else to stay in that town and the good people opened it just for him.
My dad has done this walk 3 times previous, and I continue to be astounded by the generosity and welcoming of complete strangers. They recognize him as a Pilgram walking this Camino and welcome him and others without hesitation. It is comforting to know that there is good in this world and that strangers in another country are taking care of someone incredibly important to me and my family. God bless and thank you.

This past weekend I spared in the One Insurance Curling Classic held in Selkirk Manitoba. I played second for Tina Kozak from Brandon. Kortney Teale played third and Krystal Tille-Stewart at Lead.
I went into this weekend looking at it as practice and that is what I did. The one thing I wasn't expecting was to have as much fun as I did AND curl well. These girls brought a new perspective to the game of curling for me. I admit to be overly serious at times and expect near perfection from myself. It is a fault that I am indeed working on overcoming.
We did pretty well if you ask me. Sure we were two games away from the money, but boy did we have fun out there. What a treat and a delight these girls are. After having never met them before after a couple of minutes of interaction I felt as thought I'd known them for years. I can say that they are and will be very good friends of mine for years to come.
I had seen a picture of Tina 'Nips' Kozak so I had an idea of who I was looking for when I arrived at the club. Little did I know that they had no idea what I looked like. Through the wonders of technology and the never failing internet, they downloaded my picture and profile off of the World curling tour team site. I had to laugh because they seemed to know more about me than I did.
These girls have a wonderful connection and chemistry. They have a refreshing outlook and perspective out on the ice. They are competitive yet know how to keep things light and share a laugh. What a fantastic experience I had playing with them. They are absolute gems and beautiful people all around. What a great way to start out the season. I felt right at home playing along side of them. I really lucked out!
Not only did I get some games in and practice, but I made some great friends and learned a great deal about gas, pooping ones pants, and the magnetic urge to pee on Tina's floor if you were to ever visit. Yes I speak in riddle. If you're lucky enough, such as myself, to know these girls, have them welcome you into there circle or have the pleasure to play a game of curling with them, only then will you appreciate my experience.
To my 'dirty girls', continue to rock out with your '*ock's' out, I will always have your backs cause I'm easy that way. SUPERSTARS!!! XXOO