Winter Update

Just a quick note to update everyone about what has been happening this winter. I have been out skiing a lot to try and build a bit of endurance, in the hopes of skiing across the province this winter, but family obligations are pressing and those plans remain to be proven.

I have kept busy writing and spreading the word about Alpha 1. It is amazing how many people have not heard of the disorder. Of course, before the death of my granddad, I never heard of it either. But word is getting around slowly but surely.

I have finished writing one short story, and will be soon starting on another, but will not be publishing until I have enough for a short collection.

I found this little dog breed game on the internet, and I just may have to look into making something like this for my own site.

Created by PetsDirect.co.uk

PASS THE LIGHT

For the ones we love,

For the Alphas we know,

And the ones we don't.

CHERISH THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

Please join Alpha-1 Canada in lighting our annual multipurpose Ecandle.

What better time of year to spread awareness, education and support about our disease locally, nationally and internationally in combination with your Season's Greetings.

All you have to do is forward this Ecard (using the forward button below) on behalf of Alpha-1 Canada, to your family and friends and ask them to do the same.

We thank you in advance for your participation and we look forward to making this simple activity a resounding, annual, global success.

Wishing You All the Blessings of the Season.

Staff and the Board of Directors of Alpha-1Canada

Duck Hunting

I went duck hunting with Christine and her dogs. She has a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a yellow Labrador Retriever. She is an adventurous young woman with a knack for dog training.

Christine likes to write a bit of poetry and short stories, so take a look at http://www.arctictoboggan.com/ArtistsCorner.html and look for some of her work.

She also won the Photo Contest for Sled Dogs In Summer. Her winning Photo can be found on http://www.arctictoboggan.com/Contests.html

Falling Behind

Well, I suppose I should update this blog.

I have been working a lot on finishing the sled orders for the year, and training a new litter of puppies. All in all, I have fallen behind on posting updates on the internet, but hopefully I will get everything updated this next week.

Batoche

The sign from the river indicating the Batoche historic site.


There used to be a ferry here.


At the top of the hill there is a parking spot and an outhouse.


A map of the area made it easy to find our way around.


Lots of information, but I am not going to write it out here. Hopefully the pictures will be large enough for blog followers to read.


I couldn't get a very good shot of this placard.

Before and After

Here is a great comparison picture to show the physical change that took place this summer.

In the first picture (which is posted early on in this blog on May 13th) I had cycled my first 100km day. I had also been cycling for about a month before the picture was taken. My health had already improved dramatically.

The second picture was only taken a week or so ago when Will and I were stopped for a break on a tiny little sandbar having lunch and enjoying a rare visit from the sun.

There has been almost 4 months between the two pictures.

Thanks to all the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin support groups and charities, who published lifestyle and dietary options for those of us suffering from Alpha 1. You have made this incredible change possible.

Autumn Colours

Autumn seems to be coming early this year, but then again we had such a long cold summer, that it is a welcome change.


Here the leaves are only just starting to change.


Lots of poplar in this shot. This was taken near Nisbet Provincial Forest.


There were so many overcast days while we were out on the River. In fact I don't think we had more than two days in a row where there was sunshine. I wonder if we will get a lot of snow early in the year? If so, the ice won't be ready for travel until well after Christmas.

A Mix And Match Of A Few Pictures

Adjusting some gear and the balance of the canoe. We had too much weight to one side and consequently kept drifting toward the port.


This buck stood majestically at the crest of a hill. He was too far away for my little camera to get a clear shot. Standing still for so long just watching us, he reminded me of the scene from Bambi where Bambi's father was standing on top of a hill watching over his children.


The banks of the river were quite high here, but it made the river very peaceful. Just over the banks were houses and traffic and the hustle and bustle of urban life.


Will and I found a tiny island the looked more like a sand bar covered in willows. Since all the land on shore is owned and we did not know who owned what, in order to ask permission to camp, we just made camp on this little sand bar of an island and hoped that we didn't wash away by morning.