granddaughter coraline

granddaughter coraline

grandson mason

grandson mason

grandson jaxson

grandson jaxson

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

01-07AUG07 Brandon, Manitoba (happy birthday)







Corrie spent Wednesday and Thursday visiting family and old friends in and around Brandon. Dan used the time to install a spare car stereo of his into one of the outside storage compartments of the RV, so that we can have tunes while enjoying the great outdoors. Since the heat wave continued in Manitoba, we also made frequent us of the C&L Scuba indoor pool.

On Friday evening we all (Ed, Elaine, Corrie, Dan and Gumbo) headed to downtown Brandon to view the annual muscle car and hot rod gathering. About six hundred cars from all of Canada and several USA states were lined up on both sides of Rosser Ave for about twelve blocks. The gathering of cars had a family connection because Corrie and Ed’s youngest brother, Rob, had his car on display, a fire engine red, 1934 five window Chevy coupe. Since Rob was a volunteer for the event, we only got short chance to visit with him; so the next morning Corrie, Dan and Gumbo headed to the Keystone fair grounds to see the “official” gathering of all the cars. While there we had a nice visit with Rob and his wife Yvonne, and their car club buddies. The cars on display ranged from late twenties Mercedes Benz Gazelle(?), to street rods and Honda “rice rockets”.

We then headed back to Clear Lake and Riding Mountain National Park for another relaxing weekend with Ed and Elaine at their cabin. Although the weather was much cooler this weekend, we still had a good time. First we walked around the town of Clear Lake and the park headquarters; which are one and the same, since the town is inside the park. Ed made two attempts to lower the pickerel population but only succeeded in catching two fish. But as any fisherman knows – a bad day on the water is always better than a good day at work! Sunday was another return trip to the local market for fresh veggies and homemade pies. We spent the rest of the day drifting on Ed and Elaine’s pontoon boat, while bar-b-que’ing and enjoying the sun.

www.pc.gc.ca/ridingmountain

Tuesday was a Riesmeyer family gathering at Ed and Elaine’s place in Shilo. All the Riesmeyer’s were there, including Corrie’s older sister Alie, except for middle brother John. Included in the gathering were several nieces, nephews and grand kids (fortunately none belonging to us). Although Dan tried to ignore it, Corrie had let everyone know it was also his birthday. Dan received cards, kisses, hugs, and very nice original art work from Alie’s husband, Janek, whose is very accomplished artist. Dan smoked a pork roast for pulled pork sandwiches; Ed bar-b-que’d burgers and dogs; and several side dishes were brought by the family. It was a great day visiting with Canadian relatives and swimming in the pool! The only low point was when a bee stung Dan on the neck in exact spot where he already had stiff neck. Every time he moved in bed that night the pain woke him up.

Trivia – 1) On Saturday, 04AUG, what sea going service was 217 years old (see http://www.uscg.mil/)? 2) What is Brandon’s nickname?

2 comments:

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

Happy Birthday-you old fart! 217! wow and I thought you were younger than me. Do you still have the letter that Alexander Hamilton gave you?

Corrie and Dan Ryan said...

Chuck - not only are you older than me, but i'm better looking! don't have Hamilton's letter, but Hopley Yeaton and i were classmates. - dan