Tuesday, June 15, 2021
In the mid 70's, Mary & Carl and Lorne and I headed out west pulling a tent trail, with all the necessary "stuff" for camping and sleeping, behind our VW diesel car. As we travelled along there was a discussion around sharing expenses especially regarding fuel. Mile after mile we went and Carl couldn't hold back any longer, "My God, how far can this car go before it needs gas?" The whole trip out cost around $75. He was astounded and said I need to get one of this (and he did). On reaching the prairie wheat fields the 2 men were examining the Black Bearded Wheat and I was able to capture the two of them showing their best sides. We spent time on the ranch of an Ontario family who had moved to Alberta!
For a number of years in the early 2000s, I was invited to travel from Ontario to Texas where Margaret and Carl spent 6 months. We drove a few hundred miles each day (never more than 300 miles). A different route each time. On this particular trip we headed for Victoria, BC to visit Doris and family; then crossed on a ferry into Washington and eventually drove the coast road to mid-California. An amazing trip of massive trees, deep gorges and hair-pin turns. Having crossed a bridge over a river gorge carved with supports. Carl pulled off to look back at the bridge, and a car with it's hood up was parked beside a family of 4 including 2 young girls, the smaller girl whispered to her mom. Later the mom shared her daughter whispered, "don't worry Mom, Santa Claus is here." Of course Carl had his full white Santa-like beard!!
After driving over the amazing Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, we quickly found out that our next day was across 6 lanes of traffic and we were on the inside one! Using mirrors, Carl being as unstoppable as he was, with my help we made it with a huge sigh of relief!! That was probably the last trip as Margie was not doing well then and I was the co-pilot!
McClenaghan's had a sizeable lawn to mow as well as many farm chores to undertake. So I wasn't very surprised to hear they had a new white lawn mower. On a visit to their farm later, we were surprised to see a white horse tethered on their lawn. Carl not only loved his horses but like a good laugh too!
I am grateful for the times our family and Margaret and Carl had together! We had singing, dancing, horses and travel in common. Especially the travel to Texas several ties. I was only ask to pay my share of food for each trip! A very generous offer. Good friends like them aren't common.
My deepest sympathy to the entire clan! Carl is now pain-free and will be joining Margie. Much love to all!
Evelyn Howe
