Fall Harvest

Fisher Farms..."Like Nature Intended". We joined a food "collaborative" with a fine young couple who have, "through hard work, devotion and creativity, entered the local food production market practicing sustainable agriculture, Permaculture, and being conscientious stewards of the land".
We bought a half share in their weekly produce and enjoyed a bounty of fresh, organic produce all summer long. And, at the end of the season, we got to go out to the farm and help harvest the last of the year's bounty. 
Not only was it a great day in the fresh air, digging in the dirt and discovering the hidden treasures therein, but we very much enjoyed the positive aura and warm hearts of our hosts. Such an attractive and energetic young couple who seem to glow from the lifestyle they've chosen and the way they are contributing to the local food network. Kathey and I certainly are some of the lucky beneficiaries of a worthy endeavour!
Thank you Kari and Nolan!

On the road to Didsbury

Fall farm

It's easy to find the farm with this bright beacon

Kari and Kathey in the field

I  <3 spuds

Sam came out to help the harvesters

Weather worn

Li'l tractor

Some of the harvest

Repurposed chicken coop

The herb garden

Piggies in a blanket, of straw

Can you make a silk purse from a sow's ear?

Quintessential pig!

Little porkers

Little girl likes little piggies

End of the day and heading home

The Hat

I hit the road on Wednesday and headed south east to check out what was going on in Medicine Hat. It was a chilly day with black clouds threatening to pour rain at any time. Had a few minor showers on the way down, so it wasn't too bad. As much as I love the mountains and all of that majestic beauty, the prairies have their own charm, and the wide open space and straight stretches of road certainly allow you to take your eyes off the road a bit more than usual. Got to cruise along side this 100+ boxcar and train for a spell. Also saw some pronghorns drinking at a water hole so i pulled over to watch and snap a few photos. I walked in a bit closer to get a better shot and found out why they are considered the fastest land mammal in the western hemisphere. They took off like a bolt, though I doubt they felt the need to reach their top speed of 55+ km/h.
After checking out the world's biggest teepee, I went over to see the good people at Medicine Hat Harley Davidson and had a great visit with Cara, MH-HD business manager. Cara is one smart young lady, doing what she does, but she also happens to have a history in the insurance business, so we got to share some thoughts on that subject. I also had the pleasure of meeting Ivan Karsten, who owns the dealership with his wife Wendy.
It was good day, though I hit a major storm on the way back to Calgary, with some high winds and torrential rain. Just hoping for better weather for our BCI 'Burger Ride' this Sunday!

What's the prairies without a train stretching out into the horizon

These Pronghorns sure perked up when I stopped to get a closer look.

Run away! Run away!

The big teepee

Medicine Hat Harley Davidson

The bikes arrive for demo day

The rig can take 35 bikes when fully loaded

Stacked two high

Random Rex

Spoiled dog has his own lounge chair!

Guess The Year Of This Beauty?

Is it a bike, or is it art? I'd say both, and I want it!! A nice piece of Art Deco with a 1200 c.c.in-line 4 that was capable of speeds up to 100 m.p.h. and extremely aerodynamic in an age that really didn't incorporate such a concept in motorcycles. This marvel was well ahead of it's time in many respects. Can you believe this was designed and built in 1930? It does have that Buck Rogers feel to it and the "suicide shifter" gives a bit of a clue to the era. Designed by Orley Ray Courtney, it was a beautiful piece of work but apparently quite difficult to ride. Pretty cool, none the less!

Bow Cycle North

Stopped in to see the good folks at Bow Cycle North, located on Bowfort Road, across the Trans-Canada Highway from Canada Olympic Park. As bike riding season winds down, there's a few clearance sales going on and some great deals to be had on some nice bikes!

I had a visit with Brad, the assistant sales manager, and spend quite a bit of time talking to James, who also works in sales. We swapped "trade secrets", as well as bikes and riding, so it was a great afternoon.

Sadly, the regular bike riding season is coming to an end soon and we are all hoping to get out and do some more riding before the white stuff arrives. Of course, Bow Cycle sells quads and sleds, so they are actually looking forward to some snow and that kind of fun. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

James, at his station in the upper level showroom

The TT that Trevor, over at Too Cool Motorcycle School, uses for his "Taste Of Dirt" motocross training course. A dirt bike is always a great ride option!

Clean and shiny toys!

2013 "Inglewood Federation Of Bowls And Cups" Lawn Bowling Championships

It was a beautiful sunny morning, with a bit of dew on the greens as we set up for the Championship at The Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club. We had to herd a few slugs off the greens as we got set to for some trials, a bit of practice before the real games started. By the time the first end of Game 1 got going, things had dried up and the bowlers got the feel for just how fast the greens were and what kind of line to play in each lane. 

There was some pretty tense action as the games progressed, and everyone needed a rest break part way through the day to chow down on some amazing food cooked up by fellow bowlers "The Kingpins", who also represent such fine establishments as The Libertine, Below Deck and The Unicorn. Many thanks to those great guys.

As for just how the day went, the pictures tell the story, so scroll through and see the results.

Gotta keep your head on straight if you want to win this Championship trophy,  sculpted by Jeff DeBoer

Pre-tourny announcements....game delay to allow snails to cross the greens

Hurry up!

All kidding aside, it was a serious affair with quite a bit of contemplation

"The Myrmidons" sort out their strategy

Blue Circle's very own "Blue Bowls" take a break

Libertine/Below Deck/The Unicorn fed us their fine fare!

"The Kingpins" don't just play the bowls, they cook up some mean chowder and know what team work is all about!

Game two and things are getting sorted out

"The Culinary Award" goes to Blue Circle's "Blue Bowls" for their amazing dinner

The Blue Circle "Presidents Cup", awarded for first place at the end of the season, goes to "The Bowling Stones"

"Orange Crush" took the 'B-Side', winning "The Woody" trophy

"The Bowling Stones" pulled off the double whammy by also taking The Championship Trophy as well.

Getting "the piggy", the Championship winners get their personal award

BCI's Kelly gets her "piggy"

Blue Circle is well represented in the league, with 5 players on three different teams

Traditional corner to corner, one shot, closest to the jack takes the pot to finish off the day

Carol Flood Memorial Poker Run

The Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade held their annual poker run in memory of Carol Flood, who died of cancer while working with Lundgren and Young Insurance Brokers. Today's ride was captained by Thom Young, with quite a few other good people pitching in to make it a fun day. Good people, good roads and good weather, all while on the back of the bike! Gotta love it!

Gettin' organized

The ride

More bikes rolling in to register.

Some tom foolery

The riders

Our first stop andKathey and I  both drew Aces!

Our youngest participant.

It's the Prairies, so better expect a train!

It's the Prairies, better expect a granary.

Second stop in Mossleigh

Welcome to The Outpost

We're running late, so it's time to roll.

My little biker momma XO

A.J. Young's 9-11 Road King Fireman's Special

The ride ends with some BBQ at Bragg Creek Insurance