: Hey Rob,

: Thanks for looking around for spot for us to stay, Kerri says "Please
: find one with a pool", good idea cause it'll help entertain the kids,
: and that will make it easier for me to slip away for a paddle. If you come
: across a good place let me know the name and phone number so I can reserve
: a room. Don't sweat it though if you don't have enough time to look around
: we can find something when we get there or I'll check the net.

You want to stay at the Ramada Inn and Waterpark. They ahve a waterpark (goodone I hear), hot tubs/whirlpool and exercise facility. Phone no: 780-434-3431. It just happens to be only a couple of miles from my place. It's a renovated hotel that always seems to be busy (a good sign it's clean). I'm not sure what the rates are but see at the link below.

: My wife
: just has to find a co-worker to take a couple of shifts so she can get
: away for our trip (nurses are in short supply in MB), hopefully we can
: make it work though.

: If we do manage to make the trip, we would be honored to join you in renewing
: your wedding vows, as long as it is no trouble for you, you know how
: unruly us darn kayakers can get.

It promises to be a relatively laid back affair so comments about taking the tumble all over again would be in line. Free food, too! I'll make sure there's a Guinness in the fridge at home for later. Wine at the luncheon after the ceremony. You're in, Ken.

: Good news, went to the little restaurant/corner bar near home for a kids
: hockey meeting last night, they have a deal on...when you order a Guinness
: they give you a little card, each time you order a Guiness they stamp your
: card, 4 stamps and you get a Guinness beer mug, how can a guy go wrong.
: Only 2 stamps last night but I'll work on it. Can't you just see us
: talking to the wives if they still have the deal on when you
: visit..."Yeesssh, Dear, I know we're drunk, but look at the dozen
: 'free' beer mugs we've got!!"

I don't think the cops will care if we paddle drunk unless we take out a bridge pylon. Besides, who watches the river after midnight anyway? *hic* I'll be sure to get my free Guinness before we head home after the trip is done. Remember, I have some scot in me and know how to get my moneys worth if I can't keep it between my teeth.

: Pull some strings to keep the ice of the N. Sask till mid Nov. and I'd love
: to get out for a paddle with ya.

You'll be ok for the NS in mid-Nov. It just started to freeze up but it's a ways away from going solid. Paul will likely not be able to paddle the floes but we'll ahve to wait and see if this global warming thing is real or not.

: What'd ya call the dog?

It still hasn't got a name. It has a vertical sliver of silver between the eyes. I was trying to convince the kid to name her "Rashide" or "Gupa" but he isn't biting, only the pup is. Man, I'm telling ya, Ben is pretty picky about a name. He is contemplating "Tripper" but he threw out "Ella" a couple of days ago. He didn't like "Guinness" or "Stout" so I don't know. I figure I should slip the dog a little Guinness and let the dog choose. Then she'll owe me one, I like that idea.

Hope you get booked at the Ramada. Try Greenwoods (780-431-1100) if Ramada doesn't work out, it's just south of the Ramada. Hey look, if worse comes to worse, I'll find a way to squeeze you in my place. I have a futon in the back room and a guest bed in Ben's room. I have a HD 34" TV with Bose sound for the movies, beer and snacks. I can flood the backyard if your kids really want a pool to play in. The petting zoo comprises of a Netherland Lop bunny, two beagles and the next door neighbours cat if they can catch it. Arts and Crafts are in the garage but only if they clean the thing out, otherwise it's a hazzard for kids to walk into.

Robert N Pruden