funeral part 3

After a number of years since our Mothers passing, and with a new headstone in place, my sister and I decided it was time to head out to the cemetery where Mom was buried.




Now, as Moms burial plot is not in city proper, this translated into sister day...definitely fun, but always expensive.









Pointing the car in the right direction, two daughters headed off, to pay their respects, to their Mom.

Upon arrival, we noticed, two things...

first...

there's alot of frigg'n Canada geese visiting our Mother

 and the other residents daily...

  

and second...
some city employees were working on neighbouring plots in the area.






Unloading the car of necessary paraphernalia we went about setting up our space, just as Mom had taught us during our camping days.






After finding the right location...no sun in our eyes and flat land to sit, we start reminiscing about all the years gone by.

Now, as was mentioned in part 1, our Mother Liz, 
enjoyed being comfortable, 
craved the outdoors, 
endless camping
 and the thoroughly ridiculous...

 so we came prepared.

After an afternoon of hilarity we headed home...but there was one stop on the way we just had to see...a house with no sidewalks, lots of beautiful grass and a swing out on the huge chestnut tree...our grandparents home.









Being two old ladies sitting out front in sis's car, we could be mistaken for spies..






but then the new owner came over and asked if we needed help. Hearing whom we were, she immediately invited us in as if we were celebrities!

Finally we headed home...

knowing that we would be returning again next year 

to pay our respects to the woman that taught us...

right from wrong...

we only have each other...

try to keep our mouths shut...

and don't feel sorry for yourself. 

There is always someone worse off than you! 

So smile damn it!!

All in all it was a fun day...

and we did it...

'Lizs way'!

Just another day in the life of a Canadian,

living and loving it in Mazatlan...

my home in Paradise!

Linda

funeral part 2

Sometime after the funeral, my sister and her husband made their first trip to Mazatlan to surprise me on my 60th bday. 

It was during this spectacular visit that we all decided that enough time had passed to enjoy a toast to Moms long life. 

Of course, this was Liz we were talking about and that ment NOTHING was ever normal or mundane where she was concerned.










First, we made sure we had all the paraphernalia necessary for such a memorable event...and that ment shopping of course!







Next on the list...where to have this actual remembrance...







And of course, weather would be a very big factor in our decision, so we had to check the local forecast...









Final preparations were packed into the car and two sisters and one husband set off to pay our respects.





We all assembled on the cliff, methodically checking the breezes...







All was ready. The wine was poured as the 3 of us reminisced while looking out into the vast ocean...

A light breeze had stayed steady...

Gently we arranged the delicate Chinese lantern. Taking the lighter, I carefully lit the little candle and we all said goodbye to our mother and mother in law, as I released the lantern into the beautiful night sky.

And, as we all know Liz...we were sure she was really enjoying the show, from up there!

Just another day in the life of a Canadian,

living and loving it in Mazatlan...

my home in Paradise!

Linda

funeral part 1

The two sisters and one husband quietly watched as the funeral director left the room.

Thinking for a moment...









the sisters eyes locked and they burst out laughing.

It was at this time my brother in law shook his head, knowing the train had already left the station and there was no turning back!

And why? Because it was common knowledge that our Mother (the deceased) knew exactly what she had wanted for her last party.

And 'the viewing' was just the start...







Family and friends arrived to see the deceased, laid out at her best, in full makeup and in her complete 'tiger mascot' designed outfit...
for the home football team she had loved for decades.

The two daughters reminisced with everyone, watching as children, family and friends were all encouraged to take a marker, crayon or pen and leave their memories, thoughts and signatures on the simple, wooden coffin.

This 'service' was definitely far from ordinary, as everyone was encouraged to NOT dress in their good clothes,...
but rather comfortable attire would be the dress of the day...
just like 'Liz' lived her life.






Some family arrived in kilts,











others in scouting uniforms,










and the girls themselves arrived in knitted pigtail hats,

matching pajamas,









and it should be noted that all three, mother and girls alike, each wore muppets on their feet...pink (orange lining) fuzzy slippers as Mom preached comfort!

It was a remarkable few days, filled with family, friends and loved ones, just enjoying a wonderful life...our Mothers long life, the way she wanted it....smiles, laughter, memories and most of all FUN!

And it must be said, we still hear even 2 yrs later that it was....
'the best funeral ever.'

Special Note.....
It should be mentioned that near the end of the actual service,
a special appearance was made by 'Pigskin Pete'...

giving one last cheer, to the ultimate Tiger Cat fan for decades,
as she headed to the best seats in the never ending stadium in the sky...

(ohhh,and to finally meet Mr. Frank Sinatra)!

Oskee wee wee..... Liz.

Just another day in the life of two Canadians,

living and loving it in Mazatlan...

Linda and Hub

Grand-babies and vacation 2013

So I arrived in Canada to stay with our 'kid' and his wife along with their children, our gbabies...'M' a 5 year old boy and 'P' a 2 year old girl. 

Hub will arrive a month later...the day 'M' goes back to school. Definitely planned I'm sure.





If you're not living with creatures of this age anymore, sit back and get ready for a ride...And if you are living with children of this age, I'm sure you know where the cocktails are, so we'll wait before I begin.

Waiting....





After being in Mazatlan for almost a year since the last visit, I now REALLY appreciate the quiet and slow paced lifestyle, where we hear the birds, a dog barking in the distance and people laughing and partying throughout the day. But here, it's the parents of a 5 yr old boy and a 2 yr old girl..day in..day out that I hear....

1.  'M' get off your sister!

2.  Stop your pinching!!!

3.  'P' drop the cat!

4.  'M' go sit in the corner for a time out!

5.  Stop biting!

6.  'M' stop playing with your nipples at the dinner table!

7.  'P' leave your brother alone!

8.  Both of you stop jumping on the bed!

9.  Go sit in the corner for a time out NOW!

10. Stop running in the house

11. 'M' did you hit her?

12. Did you wet the bed again?

13. 'M' the cats did NOT close the shower door on themselves!

14. Go...corner...now!!!

15. 'P' let go of your brother, NOW!

16. You kids get away from the gate!

17.Get your foot out of your mouth.

18. 'M' there will be NO spitting in this house!

19. Both of you get away from that window.

20. Put the cat down NOW!

21. 'M' Stop picking your nose.

22. 'P' Sit on your bum NOW!

23. 'M' it's not any ones birthday...stop singing happy birthday!

24. 'M' nobody wants to see your butt. Pull your pants up, NOW!

25. And the best one....our lovely daughter in law was pulled over at 11AM for a 'ride program' with both kids in the back seat. The officer was pleasant, chatted, looked in the back seat and asked...'Is there a reason why the boy isn't wearing his seat belt?' Turns out Hudini was bored.

Hub skyped today and when I asked how his day was going he said...'pretty good, quiet and sunshining.'

Accidentally I hit the disconnect button...ooops!

Just a day in the life of 2 Canadians, living and loving it in Mazatlan...our home in paradise.

Linda and Hub