Endings

My time in Edmonton is coming to a close.
Today was my last fitness class at the YMCA and my last day of work at the University of Alberta. I had perhaps my last walk with my friend Gail and her dog Cody. I ran some errands today to places I may never visit again. I've been walking around the neighbourhood talking to people whose children went to playschool or played soccer with my children, twenty years ago! 
On the weekend friends dropped in to say 'farewell'.

It's a time of endings, sad endings. 

But also a time to celebrate all the good friends I've made in this great place. All of whom have promised to visit me in Victoria. 

Keith and I head to the coast in two sleeps. Then I'll be back here for my daughter's wedding.

My Community

I hated Edmonton when I moved here some thirty years ago, and I came from Winnipeg! But soon I made friends, found meaningful work, went back to school getting a degree from the University of Alberta and most importantly had two daughters - my own little Edmontonians.
Edmonton is a quilt with many different swatches of people, cultures, arts, sports and history stitched together. I've had many different paying and volunteer jobs and lived in a community which allowed me to meet many wonderful people.  
Like most cities, Edmonton is comprised of neighbourhoods and mine is called Greenfield. What is unique is the community league system.  People coalesce around the communty league building and activities. We participated in soccer, art and dance classes, games night, we even had lobster dinners for a few years and the annual New Year's Eve fireworks - all run by volunteers. 
The girls walked to elementary school, skating, tobogganing and played tennis. Although businesses changed, we walked to the bank, post office, grocery, drug, video and liquor stores and some tasty restaurants. In fact, a small ski hill where Stef spent every weekend for a couple of winters isn't  much of a hike from here and down the slope we walked the dog in the ravine.
The other night we were talking about how safe we felt in Greenfield. I recalled an evening when Andrea in her early teens took Zazu for a walk. After an hour, when she didn't return, I went out to look for her and there she was down the street talking to another dog walking neighbour. 
Thirteen years ago I joined a women's soccer team. Most of the team's children had gone to school with mine.  Although few of us are still playing in a league we stay in touch and we all got together last weekend to kick the ball  and socialize. 

Alison, Karen, Gail, Maida, Teresa, me, Mary-Ann and Dawn in front

Being part of a healthy community is essential to one's quality of life. The girls and I were lucky to live in a supportive, close knit community with friendly neighbours, an annual block party, and the people who we have become close to over the years.  I'll really miss them.

Sold!

The for sale sign went up on a Wednesday and the calls started coming. I had an open house on Sunday and two offers. I accepted one and today all the conditions came off. So my house is sold.
The couple who bought it have two daughters, 7 and 9 years old (the same age spread as my daughters). I think they will be happy here.
Now I am ready to move on. I'm currently deciding on a moving company. 
Where am I going? Details in the next blog!