Heading Home (Humboldt) for the Weekend

Not long ago my buddy Darren enquired if I had plans for the July 20th weekend and if we were available to help celebrate his parents Tony and Sandy Stroeder's 40th anniversary.

As Chrissy and I didn't have plans we set in motion a trip back to my hometown to help celebrate one of my favorite/best hockey and baseball coaches of my youth. It was a no brainer decision for us...Drive 6 hours each way along blooming canola field to visit family, some old friends and eat way too much. That's just a good time.

We headed out Friday after work arriving in Saskatoon at mom's a little late in the evening, but not too late for a quick drink on the patio at Specklebellys.  The next morning we breezed through the 2nd Avenue Sidewalk sale (no purchases but the following picture) before meeting Stephanie and family at the Saigon Rose for lunch.

From there we headed out to Humboldt for the big anniversary party. We actually ended up being the first to arrive -Which was great as we got a guided tour of the impressive Stroeder backyard garden.

Eventually, other well wishers showed up including my buddy Jeff (Son #1) who I probably haven't seen in about 7 or 8 years. Much like myself, he had a few grey hairs and a couple of extra pounds but he definitely earned them through raising 3 kids.

Eventually, Darren (Son #2) and his entourage from Oragami Accounting showed up. Their arrival was almost comical; as a group they are a motley bunch of all ages, physical sizes and ethnicity. Shortly after Darren and his crew arrived we headed out for a touch football game at the site of my old HCI Mohawks glory days at Glen Hall Park.

It was a humbling experience being back on the old field a dozen plus years later and a lot slower. Thankfully I was playing a bunch of accountants and computer programmers (zing!).

After spraying my sweaty self down at the local campground Chrissy and I took a quick run out to Humboldt Lake (Stony Lake) to check out my brother Lawrence's cabin. Much to Lawrence and Betty's surprise we got a quick visit and tour of the cabin. It's amazing to see the difference in the building within a short time. Lawrence did an awesome job - pictures to come in a future post.

We got back to the Stroeder's in time to raid the giant food spread and get in some more visiting.

Jeff, who is now a Vice Principle had some fantastic tales of elementary school children. If you happen to see him ask for the 'Juicebox' story.

We capped the night off with some pictures before rushing back to Saskatoon.

The Stroeder Family

Tony and Sandy on their 40th

Jeff and Family

Jeff and myself

Sunday for lunch we joined Stephanie and her family for a bbq lunch at her house. Even with renovations ongoing they were fantastic hosts. We didn't visit for too long though as the Yellowhead was calling.

On the way out to Saskatoon from Edmonton we marvelled at the full color of the Canola crops and on our return we stopped to take a few pictures.

I am sure there is more canola planted this year then any other year ever. We pontificated that prices were high and sure enough, it is pretty high.

Nearing Edmonton we stopped at one of our usual pit-stops; the gas station along the highway in Innisfree.

I initially sat on an ant hill, and once I de-anted myself I was accosted by a grasshopper. Obviously a plague of biblical proportions was upon me.

We stretched our legs with a little wedding waltz practice and then continued on home from my homeland pilgrimage.

It was good to see the old hometown and my Saskatchewan family and friends. Thank you to the Stroeder's for the invite. Congratulations again on 40 years.