May 24, 2010. Western Head, N.S. Eric and Marg's 50th.

I have been closely connected with both Eric and Marg for many years. Eric from the years at Danforth with the Lepoidevan family and Marg way back to Calgary days, when Marg was living at The Salvation Army Children's home, ran by my parent's friends Major and Mrs. Wagner. We promised them at our 50th anniversary that we would come to their celebration in Toronto, and we did. My sister Carol and brother-in-law Ken came too, and stayed at our same hotel. It was a lovely joyous event, attended by her two siblings and other relatives along with their three children and grandchildren with of course many friends both past and present.

Ken and I spent the whole weekend talking. By planning ahead, we had arranged to see several friends. Rob and Jaci came to dinner Friday night in the restaurant on the top of our hotel. Mal came from Barrie for breakfast at the hotel in the concierge suite on our floor, and Don and Doreen met us for lunch at the hotel bar. Carol and Ken arrived mid afternoon and we chatted with them in our room before attending the evening event together, where we talked non-stop.

Sunday morning we four went to church at The Scarborough Salvation Army corps and again met and talked to old friends. Lunch at Eric and Marg's with all out of town friends and relatives where we were able to get to know Marg's relatives better. Afternoon and evening our friends Joyce and Bill entertained us for dinner in their home and invited Marg and Bill and Don and Doreen, so we were a festive group. These eight folks grew up together, all brought up in The Salvation Army so we have similar stories to tell. Our evening was full of frivolity and gratitude. Once again, we talked all day and all evening.

But the preparation paid off. Our weekend was full and tiring but valuable. Marg and Eric were delighted we came, and so were we. Now we are enjoying our Nova Scotia home once again.