Happy Birthday to me....

I can say now that I can no longer say I am part of the 20s club...

It's hard to believe that I'm actually 30...

Here's to the next decade of life... and to many more!!

Santa visits Iqaluit!

One of the things I wanted to do while in Iqaluit was go to the Santa Claus parade... My friends went along with it...although they knew it would only last about 10mins..and we watched it at the begining--and we stood across from the Northmart--where they wanted to shop!  It was pretty fun... I even got a candy cane! And about 20mins of shopping in the Northmart later--I finally felt my toes again...I should have woren my 'big boots' not my Aussie Boots!

Here's Nathalie and her friend....(they were properly dressed--and were toasty warm!)

...Here come the floats!! (the three cute kids in this picture are my friend's daughters!)

"Polar Man" is a local super-hero of Iqaluit... I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting him..but he was on the 'super-hero' float..very appropriate!  He is always doing random acts of kindness...like shovelling snow....etc

Kim and I we can't wait.... is that HIM? the big JOLLY man in the RED suit!?

Oh yes! it is.... I got home only to discover that he was also in Pang for a parade on Saturday! 

(man that Santa can get around with that sled and reindeer eh?)

...let the BIRTHDAY WEEKEND Begin!!!

Leaving on a jet plane.... headin' to Iqaluit... Can't wait to see some friends... and enjoy a few beverages a 'dry' community does not have on offer!! 

If you are live or are in Iqaluit and want to come out to meet me....

I'll be at the Legion on Saturday night... I'd love to say hi!! 

Remembering...

It's hard to believe that it's been twelve years since I said goodbye to my Grandfather.  I was in my last year of high school...I've done so much since then...but it still seems like yesterday we were at the cottage talking! I wish we could have one last visit at the cottage and I could tell him all I've done in the last 12 years...but then again... he's probably been watching me...  My grandpa was a storyteller, historian and teacher....part of the reason I have a history/english undergrad...was because of him. This photo of him and I was taken at my Aunt and Uncle's wedding--26  1/2 years ago... (I was 3 1/2 years old!)

My grandpa told me once... "Life is like a train....there are many stops along the path... many side trips you can take...but in the end...when the whistle goes, it's time to get back on the train and continue on the journey".  Now that's something this week I've been thinking about a lot....

Grandpa I hold you in my heart still...

Flying back north on Sunday... had a bit of a delay landing at the Iqaluit Airport... about 11am a private charter ended up sliding off the runway--and going through the fence at the far side of the runway.... So this meant my plane that was about 15mins ahead of schedule had to 'circle' and wait for the runway to be given the 'all-clear'.... circle we did... (I have on occasion been known to get motion sickness--thankfully that didn't happen today!)  I got some amazing photos.... the one below is of Iqaluit.... the airport on the left....

I think this photo will be blown up and on my wall someday in my house..... I love how you can see the ice that has been forming... the wind blowing snow across the land... and how there's nothing for miles to see... Nunavut really is a gorgeous place...and I've been so blessed to be able to call it 'home'!

Walking home for lunch today.. the sun was just hitting the Mountains.... the Pang Pass... I'm lucky to have this my 'living room' view....

Looking out towards the Sound...and downtown Pang... the Ice has formed in the 2 1/2 weeks I was away from Pang.... the Sun has been rising around 9ish... and setting to darkness by 2ish... and for the most part we just get to enjoy gorgeous colours in the sky until the darkness comes.....

In 10 days.... 3 provinces and 1 territory....

Yes, I'm home.... yes I'm shocked at the coldness of home now... I was spoiled in Toronto and didnt' wear a coat for almost 10 days!!! 

My last trip was kind of crazy.... I travelled from Nunavut to Ontario to Quebec to Nunavut to Quebec to Ontario... to Manitoba to Ontario to Nunavut!!!  I'm glad I'm staying in one place for a little while!!

I had a great trip...and was so thankful to be in my own bed Sunday night.... there is lots going on with me right now... but frankly I can't tell you all of it yet....(let's see how long I can keep that secret!?)  All I'm going to say... change is in the air.... I'll keep you posted!!

Am loving looking out the window and seeing the last of the sunlight land on the mountains in all it's pinky glory.... I need to shoot that!!

Happy Birthday KAT!!!

Hope you have a fantastic day...and get everything your heart desires!! (nice job 'rockin' the hat!)

Thanks for being an awesome friend..I'm so glad that we have put that horrible phase of our relationship behind us...and have pulled through to become become even closer friends!! 

Shopping with you this past week ROCKED... thanks for putting up with my 'crazy' from the arctic comments!! (nothing more needed to be said!)

I'm so glad that you are a part of my family... and that you and John are so happy...

Wish I was there to have cake with you,

luv ya... Sarah