The Invitations.....

Hello again everyone! (waving)
I have a lot to type about and I'm unsure of just where to start so I'll begin with our departure.
First off, six of us ladies in the family were able to get away for a weekend in Toronto. We would be staying with our two male Cousins who are kind, comical and welcoming.
I was so excited to finally see their new home, they purchased it last Summer and this was my first opportunity to visit. One of our Aunt's would be picking me up and I just couldn't wait for her to arrive.
She made it here safely despite Old Man Winter's attempt at ending our trip.
As it turns out, he was waiting for us in Toronto.

The train ride was comfortable and enjoyable, five of us left from here and the last guest would be joining us in London. We were all looking forward to the time away and I felt honored and blessed to be included in this special weekend, considering I didn't offer an ounce of assistance in "The Invitations", it was even more meaningful to me. I'm not saying that I didn't contribute anything because I did, just not of the wedding planning kind. I was happy and thankful that the Bride To Be let me do other things instead. Most of my time was spent cleaning, cooking and offering anyone assistance with anything, anything except the invites that is. Thank you Shonna, it made our trip more enjoyable for me.

We spoke of many things on the train ride and it was wonderful to smile and share laughter with them all again. I'm blessed being given the chance to be there with those I love. Before arriving in Toronto, we could see that a large amount of snow would be what we walked off the train and in to. The city was in the middle of a power punch from Jack Frost and he sure shook his fist at TO. I haven't seen that much snow in a few years and hopefully won't see that much again for awhile. I would say there was at least three feet and we couldn't get a cab for over an hour so it meant the subway was our only means of getting from point A to B. Unfortunately one of our Aunt's has a real hard time walking great distances and is tripped with more trouble when stairs are involved. It pounded my blood pumper to see her suffer and struggle with every step she took. Have you ever seen how much luggage six women take with them for a weekend away?, seriously, I'm shamed that I was a guilty part in it. It's crazy how much stuff us ladies drag around with us....hehehe.

I don't think I have ever been more grateful to enter a nice, warm house, the amount of snow made the short walk from the subway to our Host's home seem like miles away. We were all relieved to arrive. Hugs and kisses were exchanged all around and we were instantly made to feel "right at home." Though we all ate on the train some of us were very hungry so Greek food was order in, it was delicious. I had never tried real lamb Gyros and was pleasantly pleased by the difference from the regular meat used around here. Our Cousin's have a beautiful home and I was in my element with those I love. After dinner we relaxed around the large wood dining table and enjoyed each others company. At one point we were even offered a little skit by one of our Hosts and a "Bad Teacher" of a guest. It was hilarious seeing them act out unrehearsed comedy. Most of us stayed up to late and I enjoyed seeing everyone relaxing. Even my Sister who is usually very careful about what she consumes, indulged in the excellence of everything.

Saturday morning would find me up before everyone else, my Sister told me later that I woke her with my bull in a china shop ways but I told her she was hurling heaps because I was church mouse quiet and spent most of the time outside with my tea and cigarettes. Once the rest of the house was awake and fed the biggest of helpers walked in with her Husband. I won't name her here because I haven't asked permission to speak about her but I will tell you that they are two of our Aunt Pam's oldest friends and "The Invitations" were made perfect because of her dedication and dictation. She has done them before and knew every detail that needed to be addressed. I want to thank her once again for the huge help she offered our Bride To Be, we all appreciate her taking the time to spend her whole day helping the family get the invites done. Our Cousin's girlfriend would be making supper for all of us that evening and as I cleaned, my stomach grumbled in anticipation of the delicious dinner we would later be having. Also, another Cousin who lives in Toronto would be joining us, sadly, her Hubby Bub wasn't able to make it as he was home sick. It was great to see Annette again and I loved being able to chat with her for awhile as the others were working on the invitations. She is a very positive and happy woman, just the kind of person I love to spend time with. We were having a very happy time, I hardly noticed the Broadway like music that played occasionally. Dinner was ready around seven and everyone was hungry, we were ready to dig in when the cook called to us. The brown haired beauty in one of the pictures below, received high  praise for the added pounds she offered us. Our palates were pleasured by Chicken Parmesan, dinner rolls and a superb Caesar Salad. Thank you lady!, I enjoyed your efforts and our conversations.

This next part of the trip is probably my favorite fine moments of the whole weekend.
Our Aunt Shannon kept saying she was smelling gas and wanted her Son to go outside and have a look-see.
Though I was made aware of who would be soon entertaining us, what she said didn't bring him to mind until a knock on the front door was heard and once answered, a lone man dressed in Fireman's attire, entered. Instantly, I scurried to the safe haven of the back patio and plopped my large load on the bench my backside warmed more than any other that weekend. The newest edition to our pile of people was a male exotic dancer, I don't care for the other word so that's how I'm slinging this sentence out. :)
I am so glad that I knew about it in advance and could settle my mind before "he hung around". You see, I have never been comfortable with that sort of thing, it really makes no sense, as I can speak about anything sexual with just about anyone, never have I been able to handle the whole taking off your clothes in front of strangers thing, oddly I am, I know it.
You may be asking, "then why was this her favorite part?", well, plainly put, it was because of all the laughter, squealing and taunting I heard from my seat outside. It filled my heart with such happiness to experience the superb sounds of my loved ones enjoying themselves so much, nothing is more pleasing to my blood plumber than seeing them happy and living largely in any moment. That Was Gravy In The Boat Of Life for me and I am still beaming from it!
I'm so glad you all enjoyed yourselves and Shonna, I did sneak a peak at your smile and laughter from the back porch. I'm sorry that I couldn't be inside with you all but I'm just not past certain things yet.

There was a wee bit of ugly that took place this past weekend but none of it is worth mentioning here so I'll continue on with the telling of our last day, Sunday. :(
I once again woke before anyone else, even earlier than the day before. Awake before 8am and though sleep didn't serve me sweetly, I was in a well way and happy to be spending another day with everyone. "The Invitations" were almost done, so they thought and I was excited to be making breakfast for anyone who cared to ask. I made egg in a cup along with fresh fruit and toast. Usually I don't eat until I have been up for several hours but if there is any day of the week I will have a good breakfast, it's on a Sunday morning. After cleaning up and chatting for a bit with everyone I took to outside where I attempted to speak squirrel. Yes I looked foolish but the furry little guy started stepping cautiously towards me. He came within four feet of me before I got up to get him something to eat. That was it, he raced away as I giggled thinking I had called him to me. Later in the day an error was discovered in "The Invitations" and of course it was while other friends were joining us. It was then that I felt sad for all of them who had dedicated so much time and effort in every little detail. I'm so glad I wasn't doing them, I would have lost my mind. The two gentlemen that joined us are two of my Sisters Friends that are Brothers and I hadn't seen either of them in years. It was wonderful to see them again, I have always enjoyed sharing smiles and shakes with them. Seeing them reminisce with Julie and Brandon was even better. It felt good when they all laughed as I asked "so are you still aquatically adventurous, Sir?"....winding words and adding to existing ones is what I enjoy doing! :)
They didn't linger long as the younger Brother had a plane to catch later in the day. He would be heading back to the bitter Canadian cold in the far North. Better him than me, I say...brrrrr!

The train ride home was not without it's own excitement but I won't derail it here, far to embarrassing for me to repeat and I'm shamed that I took part in it, bad Ger, bad, bad, bad (slapping my hand). I forgot to mention the very thoughtful gift that we received just before leaving. Our Cousin's roommate was out for the afternoon and when he returned he handed us a box of expensive donuts for our trip home. We were all touched by his generosity and thanked him repeatedly for his kindness.
Well if that isn't lineal enough I don't know what is. I'll leave here with a few pictures of our terrific time.
I will also include a song that will now bring this wonderful weekend to mind, whenever I hear it. Thanks for reading what's in the mind grounds and I hope you are happy and well in this day!