Just Among Friends
Acting on the adage of "life is short, book the trip", Greg Jackson decided to try once more to secure passage on a train excursion to the Canadian Rockies that had been sold out for months. One week prior to departure, he was able to take advantage of a cancellation and began to pack his bags.
His Rocky Mountaineer luxury train journey began with a flight to Vancouver, British Columbia for two days of touring the city. This included downtown accommodations at the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Daily tours with a ferry ride through scenic islands along the Strait of Georgia to reach the capital city of Victoria were offered. Greg enjoyed the tour of Victoria with its historic downtown and stately government buildings, and the world renowned 50 acre Butchart Gardens. The tour also included exploring the North Shore's expansive urban Stanley Park with a sky tram skyride up Grouse Mountain and walking with very careful steps across Capilano Canyon on a suspension bridge. The bridge was suspended high above the canyon and was a true suspension bridge that was narrow and swayed as people walked across it!
Greg's train journey began with a ceremonial red carpet for the passengers on which to walk, along with a bagpipe accompaniment as they boarded. They settled into their luxurious train cars to enjoy the gourmet breakfasts and lunches which were served each day as they traveled past majestic vistas from the Pacific coastline to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This journey ended in the Alpine village of Banff.
Canada is celebrating its 150th Anniversary of Confederation, so the admission to all National Parks is free this year in honor of the occasion. A full day's tour of Banff and Yoho National Parks included stops by Emerald Lake and Kicking Horse Pass before arriving at the stunning Fairmont Lake Louise for dinner and a night's rest.
The last day of the "holiday", as internationals refer to vacations, included views of magnificent scenery, and a spectacular gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. The air was clean and clear with awe inspiring 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and Banff. A motor coach carried the travelers east across rolling plains to reach Calgary, the Rodeo Capitol of Canada. The group took the pledge as honorary citizens of Calgary before attending a farewell dinner on top of the Calgary Tower in its revolving dining room. Diners enjoyed revolving panoramic views of the Bow River and downtown Calgary with a fabulous sunset.
Greg went to Ireland last year on his vacation and Canada this year. I wonder where he will go on his next vacation? He probably has some great ideas for his next jaunt!
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The charming Chapel of the Ruby Yates House was the setting for the marriage of Tina Flores and Gene Brown, Sr. on Saturday, June 3rd at three o'clock in the afternoon.
The lovely bride wore a beautiful long sheath style gown of creamy white lace. The bodice had cap sleeves and a rounded neckline. The skirt was long in the back and curved into graceful folds in the front at the waist, creating the effect of a shorter skirt. She wore a veil embellished with lace and carried a hand tied bouquet of white spring flowers.
Christina M. Colunga Flores was her mother's maid of honor. She wore a strapless floor length dress with a ballgown skirt. Pale pastel flowers were scattered over the fabric. A kabuki style bow made from the fabric was attached at the waist on one side as an accent. Her bouquet was of spring flowers that matched the colors in her dress and complimented that of the bride.
Pretty little Valentina Sofia Flores was the flower girl for her grandmother. She wore a long dress of pastel pink organza. A wreath of small flowers on her head completed her wedding ensemble.
The bride's daughter, Christina Colunga, walked down the aisle with the groom's two sons, John Brown and Gene Brown, Jr. The bride was escorted by her two sons, Marco A. Flores, II, and Daniel A. Flores Also present were the bride's grandsons, Rodrigo Colunga, III, and Marco A. Flores, III.
Family and friends attended a celebration which was held at the Philadelphia Country Club with music, food, and fun later in the evening. Congratulations to the happy couple and best wishes for much happiness!
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A group of excited children participated in Grace Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School which was held at the church during the third week of June. The theme for the program was "Maker Fun Factory".
Each day the children participated in fun music, Bible study, and were inventors in a special crafts area. The theme emphasized" building believers", using child centered materials and activities. Of course, food was also a part of the fun!
The directors were Melissa Duke and Andrea Jay Moore with Benja Sciple, Tim Moore, and Kathy Carlisle serving as station leaders. It seemed that everyone enjoyed attending and learning more about the Bible in an appealing way.
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Congratulations to Lance and Madison House on the arrival of a precious baby girl on June 28, 2017. They have named the newcomer Lilly Ann. Her grandparents are Mark and Joann Nicholson. This lucky baby girl also has great grandparents-two great grandmothers and a great grandfather! Her great grandparents are Betty and Ron DiPalma, and her great grandmother is Linda Branning What fun everyone will have spoiling her!