Moose Javians

Gerry and I have been Moose Jaw residents for two months today. This morning, we reflected on what we were doing two months ago at this time and agreed——we were busy! We took possession of our new home at 9:30 a.m. and by the time we got there, our mover was already waiting for us. Our realtor showed up a few minutes later and we got the first real look inside the home we had just purchased.

Yes, you read that right. We had never set foot inside the house until the day we took possession. Crazy kids! (Our realtor took us on a thorough virtual tour when things went south with the home we intended to purchase across the street. In hindsight, we’re glad things worked out as they did. We’re very happy with the home we ended up buying.)

To celebrate this day, we went to Regina to stock up on a few things at Costco and then enjoyed a delicious lunch (or lupper!) at Red Lobster.

I had intended to show you some photos I took yesterday when I took a drive around Moose Jaw by myself. I didn’t have time this morning, so I’ll do it now.

First stop: Moose Square and the house my dad and his six sisters grew up in. It’s not too far from the home Dad would one day draw up blueprints for and build himself on weekends and after work—the house on 7th Avenue Northwest where I spent my childhood. There’s a green space across the street from this house with a playground and skating rink. I can only imagine what it looked like a century ago when Dad was a boy, but I picture him skating on a rink that looks very similar to the one there now.

Next stop: Grandma’s house. My mom’s aunt lived in this house. She was always “grandma” to me and played a special part in our life. We share a name—she was Abigail and my middle name is Gail. Whether I was given that name in her honour, I don’t know. I like to think so.

One of my earliest memories is of Mom dropping me off at Grandma’s house so she could look after me while Mom went to an appointment. I clearly remember the sense of feeling abandoned as she left. I stood at the door sobbing as I watched her leave, then ran and hid under the bed until I calmed down.

Here’s a photo of Mom, Dad, and me in front of that house.

Finally, here’s the elementary school my dad went to. It’s almost identical to the one I attended and reminds me of the school Ralphie and his pals went to in the classic movie The Christmas Story. Can you picture it?

Well, that’s it for today. It’s been another good one. Hope you’re enjoying yours too.