Bears, Bells, and Maple Syrup

It has been a crazy 3 weeks.  Since arriving in the States June 6th, I have been a busy little bee, pulling everything together for our wedding.  I knew living in Russia was going to make wedding planning difficult, but nothing could have prepared me for the marathon finale.  But, no need to dwell, everything is DONE! :)  My deadline was today, June 28th because I board a plane for Canada!  Not to mention, now I can think about my birthday!  This will be my first birthday celebration in a foreign country, which also coincides with my first visit to Canada.  

Ryan has been in Calgary for business, and I will join him today, for a long weekend.  Friday afternoon we will depart from Calgary and travel to Lake Louise, which I am told is an incredibly BEAUTIFUL location.   I have never been before, and I am looking forward to our adventures.  You may wonder the reason for the post's title.  I have high hopes of encountering (in a friendly, not too close interaction) a bear, and consuming an ample amount of maple syrup (I know, stereotypical).  Bells?  I was once given some advice, from an Alaskan woman, that if you are ever hiking, you should wear bells, so the bear hears you, and you do not startle them.  I am sure the bells would be no comparison to the blood-curdling scream that would come from me.  I have never tested this advice, but what is the harm?  The least it could provide is a funny memory.  My recent purchase of bells at Hobby Lobby made for an interesting check out experience.  The cashier was shocked when she commented that it was a bit early for Christmas decorations, and I responded that the bells were not for Christmas, but for bears.

I must finish packing.  The task has proven itself difficult considering I didn't bring many warm clothes to the States, and Calgary is averaging a high in the 60s/70s (cool by my standards) and lows in the 40s/50s (freezing by my standards).  It's ok if I suffer a chill, because Sunday we leave Calgary for the lovely, sunny, warm, HOUSTON!

I am excited to visit our great northern, neighbor!

Ryan is planning a hike on Saturday, and I am ready.  My new camera, camera bag, and BELLS. :)

First Day of School

Tonight, Macy attended her first obedience class.  Obviously (since I am posting about it), the class went well, and Macy excelled.  We could not enroll her in obedience classes before we moved to Russia, and since she will be in the States (living with my parents until November) she now has the time to participate.  She will be 2 in October, so I know she is not the young, little puppy she once was, but it's better late than never to attend school, and receive a little "fine tuning."

She met some new "friends" a great dane, and german shepherd, to name a few.  I can't guarantee they are friends yet, but she did meet some new acquaintances, whom I am positive she will become friends with over the next 6 weeks.

Fingers crossed the remaining classes go as well as the first.

New collar, all ready for school. 

Car ride to school.  

"Wait a minute, Papa Pagels.  We have to find an escape, there are too many dogs here. "

She was sitting like a pro.  

Class is hard work.  

Oh, so sleepy.  

It Could Have Been Three...

Dear Mr. Rosewood,

I know you graced us with your presence at our dinner table last night, unfortunately, you turned down our invitation for dinner tonight.  I know pizza is not Atkins friendly, and I respect your commitment to your weight loss goals.  You were missed at the table this evening, our dinner of two could have been three.

As you read this only a few floors above us, I would like to make you aware that there are leftovers.  :)

Sincerely,

The Langs

P.S. I anxiously await your comment (since you now know how to).

P.P.S.  If you are no longer satisfied with your olives, you know where we live, come get some food. :)