Well I had to take Cali to the vet yet again today. She stopped eating her non-allergenic food about 3 days ago and just hasn't been herself. She has been sluggish and just very sad. Since the beginning of the year I've spent over $1000 on medication and treatments. Tonight was only $493.91! She had blood tests taken hoping to rule out Addison's or Cushings disease. Poor little girl.
The Movado II - 172 Cranleigh Terrace SE, Calgary
Ah, good times at the Pinkneys - dinner, the Oscars and a show!!!
It was nice to come home to the girls and find they are all well. Snoopy does have a lump on her leg that is about the size of a quarter. It wasn't there before we went on holidays so I'll keep an eye on it.
We made it to the Punta Cana airport and just had enough time to get some water and our plane was ready to leave. A long flight home and we almost didn't land because of the bad weather in Calgary. Good thing we made it otherwise we'd be stuck in Edmonton.
Typical Ken style - he checks out of his room and is sitting on the beach until he has to leave. We turn around later and he is gone. No fancy farewell for him - sneaks out like a ninja.
And to catch up with everyone to see how their day went and what was in store for the evening.
Ah, the life.
We were picked up in an open top truck and were the last to be picked up. Our tour guide - Alex - went over the rules of the tour. We wre read a list of instructions, but the most important was that we had to ensure we kept our hands, limbs and heads inside the vehicle. The other important point was that when kids came running up to the truck, we didn't throw anything out for them as the tour did not want the kids to become beggars whenever they saw their trucks.
We drove through the countryside and came upon a large lot that looked like it had just been paved. It was black and glistening in the sun. This was actually coffee drying in a field.
The tour is very environmental friendly and helps out the local people. They sponsor various families and take turns touring their homes to show their way of life (the families get some money for doing this). Our first stop was at a home and we were able to see their way of life. Everyone paints their houses and the colours have to do with religion. I forget what colours are meant for which saint. The country side is covered with greens, pinks, yellows and blues. Very simple and beautiful but very comfortable as well.
Their houses are mainly bedrooms, living areas and dining areas. They cook, clean and have outside washrooms.
Like every family, they have banana trees around their houses for food. It takes the trees 9 months to grow and have edible bananas again. Once they flower and all the bananas are off the tree, they cut the tree down. They grow from the root and 9 months later - VOILA - a mature tree with bananas growing again. 
So back into the truck we go and off to our next stop. We came to a local store where they sold Rum, knickknacks and cigars. Not many people know this but a lot of Cuban cigars are made in the Dominican. We were able to see cigars being made and rolled. 
It was a nice break but we were off to a local ranch where we would have lunch. We arrived, got off the trucks and were taken on a short walk to see some birds and a small pond. When we got to the cookout, we were greeted by a small local band playing music. There were a lot of tables made out - all covered with table cloths, cutlery and napkins. Lunch was buffet style so we got in line. The food was great and they were cooking everything on a barbeque. It was delicious. 
After lunch we had an opportunity to walk around and go through the local shop that you could buy rum, larimar, cigars, etc. In front of this shop there were paintings laying out for our viewing pleasure and we could purchase them if we wanted.
Back into the truck we went and off to a secluded beach. This beach is unspoilt and was beautiful. Of course there were a few vendors out there who setup tables to sell their wares. The waves were big and we had the opportunity to boogy board if we wanted to. All the guides from the various trucks were out in the water as there was a little bit of an undertow so they kept people from going to far.
Our adventure ended back at our resort and we all had a wonderful day. The sites and sounds of the Dominican countryside is something we'll never forget.
Papi (driver) and Alex (tour guide)
Our first trip to the beach was fun. Mom was excited about going into the ocean, but she needed some help. She got a little scared when her feet didn't touch the bottom, drank a little bit of ocean water when the waves came over but otherwise had a blast. 
By the time we ended up in our Premier Club pool bar, I was feeling good - along with everyone else. We had fun going to all 4 pool bars, mom flashing people as the towel around her started dropping.... it was a very interesting day. We had to be back at our rooms as we were having our first dinner at one of the restaurants - a BBQ by the beach. Needless to say, we were all tipsy for dinner and by the time we headed back to the main lobby we were ready for bed.
The sign really says it all.
Living room stuffed with boxes.
Dining room starting to fill up.
One good thing is that the snow has melted and it is drying out so I'm hoping the loading won't be too messy. I have hired two men to help with the heavier and larger stuff - washer, dryer, deep freeze, etc. So we can just worry about the boxes.... the loads and loads and loads of boxes. I don't think the 26 foot U-Haul we have will be large enough. Everyone else thinks so. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
This week is going to drag on by, I just know it. Monday I'm taking my car in to be serviced to ensure it makes it home on the drive. Then nothing to do but wait until Thursday. That will be the big day.
Dana, Jacki & I will be meeting with the realtor who is taking us out for lunch. Then later in the evening Rod comes into town and we are going for one final wing night with a few of Dana's friends.
Friday can't come soon enough for me. I can't wait to be out of this town and home.
