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Pensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1
  • OaP Plus one
Apr – Jun 2023

Pensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1

Exploring the North America's. Canada, Alaska and The U.S of A. Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 29, 2023
    OaP Plus onePensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1Traveler
    1

    Departure. Qantas Lounge, Melbourne

    April 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Leveraging on connections, Melissa managed to score entry to The Qantas International Lounge. How the other half live...

  • OaP Plus onePensioner's Pilgrimage plus 1Traveler

    Dallas. Fort Worth, Texas

    April 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    5 hour layover between flights. What seemed a ridiculous amount of time to pass became just enough time as we navigated the HUGE expanse of the airport from one end to the other with the stress of Mohammed, wheel chair escort. Poor Mohammed had 5 passengers in wheelchairs instead of his usual 1, and he was stressed. His limited English and weak anti-perspirant doing little to alleviate his burden. Arriving at the gate with minutes to spare to make our connecting flight, meant spending that precious time at Friday's for a quick refuel. The balmy 27 degree temperature necessitated a fancy margarita for Melissa. To stay cool and hydrated, of course. Canada, here we come.Read more

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    Vancouver, Canada

    April 30, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Arrival at Vancouver, Canada. Canaderia. Same plane, Allan and Jan in business class. Melissa in cattle. Allan and Jan plied with wine and food the entire flight. Melissa. Nada. Melissa hangry and not at all happy - Jan.
    Exiting of the airport somewhat problematic as Jan's attempt to smuggle in marijuana halted by customs. Intercepted, her supply confiscated.
    The customs officer intercepting the heist, fortunately famous on Australian TV thanks to Border Force, somewhat softened the blow and
    Melissa assured Jan, we can visit all the stores that legally sell the stuff as compensation. 🤣
    A quick stop at Tim Hortons for doughnuts before exiting the airport and greeting concierge Dave for transit to The Blue Horizon hotel in downtown Vancouver (not to be confused with The Blue Oyster) shortly before midnight. Melissa keen to dump bags and refuel, meant a quick stop at a local bar to cheers Canada with a club and dry (double of course!) and some poutine, topped off an epic first travel leg. Cheers to you Canaderia!    Read more

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    Vancouver City: Culture Shook

    May 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Vancouver. Downtown. You could mistake this city for anywhere in Melbourne - more Collins Street/ Paris end. Opposite of the road side driving aside, maybe not as many people.
    A bit more chill, a lot less hustle and bustle. Is it the people? Or is it the weed stores? Is everyone high? Many to a block. Anywhere you'd see a booze shop in Melbourne, replace that with a retail weed superstore. Over 19, you can purchase a huge array of weed. To order! Jan (for context - legally prescribed from her neurologist) cbd oil replaced with ease - over the counter. Though this is legal for anyone over 19!
    Mum and Dad had a great time exploring the options in store 😂.

    Canada. Maple 🍁 replaced with a greener kind? So far. It appears so.    Read more

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    Plus one escapes. Scenic sights on foot.

    May 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Leaving Allan and Jan to rest, Melissa explored some of the area on foot. Maybe these stunning mountain views of the Canadian Rockies are why everyone is so chilled? The blend of city vs nature is stunning. Truly a beautiful; eclectic city.

    Convenience stores brimming with blooms. The international cuisine. Then, the community gardens to really bring some heart to this city life.

    The incredible colours of the Dutch Tulips. Blooming tree lined streets edged with views of the harbour. Snow capped Rockies in the background.

    We look forward to seeing what more Vancouver has to offer.    Read more

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    Gamers Haven. SuperMario. Found.

    May 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    On foot, and happy hour calls. I stumble upon a little place called The Den. Bar and Arcade. Super Mario poster catches my eye. An ode to my favourite game of childhood and awesome times with my own kids.

    I never did live up to their Mario Kart expertise. Though original Mario and Dr Mario, bring it!

    Super Mario Paloma - my drink of choice. Followed by a caffeine loaded wake me up cocktail resmbling an espresso martini - to support time zone readjustment. Plus. Holidays.

    The 80's lives on right here! David Bowie tunes mellowing out the atmosphere with STARMAN!

    I took advantage of the free retro Nintendo options and play a lone game of Super Mario. Not the original of my heyday (circa late 80's), though enough to reminisce my youth and gamer heyday. Original Mario, you're next on my list. Jay, Tom and Hal: This is our next family activity!

    An advertisement across the road for a novel hotel offering all the mod cons - including the phony McRing Ring (telephone) and, COLOUR TV!
    You too can book accommodation with all the mod cons of 2023! How radical!

    Adventures around every corner in Vancouver.    Read more

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    Denny's. An Aussie Fail.

    May 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Denny's. Another tried and failed American / Canadian franchise in Australia. Denny's, launching in Oz in 1982, bought out in 1989 and rebranded as The Keg (another fail), though remains in Canada, and the US I'm sure.
    https://australianfoodtimeline.com.au/dennys-re…

    Driven by a need to find food Jan would enjoy, and pancakes a staple on the Denny's menu, we ventured on foot and wheel to dine at Denny's. American style all day breakfasts and more.
    Surprisingly, delicious food. A sirloin for Allan (referred to as Rump in Oz), cooked perfectly. Jan impressed even herself, devouring 2 x 7" pancakes with cinnamon and cream cheese. The most Jan has eaten at once in a long time. It was a big call, but Jan has called it. The best. She's. Ever. Had.

    In true 3rd Wheel style, Melissa continues to eat for free from adding or eating a side (Eggs / Bacon and Hash brown is the delicious side pictured!) Though nothing, NOTHING compares to a healthy spread from a smuggled jar of Vegemite on toast for breakfast.

    Thankfully, Allan's Vegemite was not confiscated. The story of Vegemites ban in the states, an urban legend after all.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite#:~:text=….    Read more

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    Foodie finds. Cultural Cuisine.

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Amidst a day spent on foot exploring the city in what felt like a balmy 22 degrees Celsius. Some Foodie finds.
    Japanese cheesecake. It's been in Australia major cities for a while, but the opportunity to try within a block of our hotel made it easy. I don't like cheesecake. It's tasty. For sure! But that brick the cream cheese comes wrapped in? That's how I feel it in my stomach. One bite is enough.
    But. Japanese Cheesecake. The elegant, light and airy sponge cake made babies with the rock of the cheese dessert world.
    Delicious. Light. Fluffy. The only way to eat cheesecake in my opinion.

    Goldfish. Close your eyes and you're eating savoury shapes. In cat food cut out. Meh?

    Junior Mints! I only buy these thanks to Seinfeld and have tried before. It's an after dinner mint. Maybe a Cadbury Peppermint Creme. Nothing amazing. Ours is better.

    Charleston Chew: New to this, the description sounded delicious. Plus. The Charleston! How adorable. It's awesome- a cross between the proper nougat you get in deli's and the polly waffle marshmallow (another tragedy of the Australian market). Worth the $1.25 CAD.

    Crab cakes. My fancy late lunch today, waterfront. If I knew for sure they hadn't pureed the "dead man's fingers" (I'm not adept at taking apart a crab), I may have enjoyed a lot more. Though they were tasty.

    Pepto Bismol. Classic. To ease all that ails you in this foodie addition.    Read more

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    1

    City. Harbour. Snow capped peaks.

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    A day largely on foot exploring both the harbour. A brief footprint highlighting the diversity and influence of mother and human nature in photographs.

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    Stanley Park 1 of 2

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Traversing through the streets of Vancouver for a few kilometres, we arrived at our destination. Stanley Park. A meld of Port Melbourne, meets Mount Dandenong, meets the snowy mountains. Planned, manicured, a combination of dutch and english formal, erupting in the final bursts of spring as it rolls into summer.

    As we now leave autumn and head into winter at home. Canada is in the reverse.

    I got lost today. Not in the map sense (though that too!), but lost in how beautiful a planned garden can become. En masse. The bulbs. The annuals. The stars of the season. Amidst a backdrop of old faithfuls. Ash. Myrtle. Maple. Hundred's of years old. The stars of all seasons. Shelter from the sun in summer, access to sun through the bare branches in winter. There is something truly magical about the seasonal garden.

    The use of colour - a few simple and sometimes contrasting shades. The visual drama of both the complimentary colours and the clashing.

    Framed against a beautiful old stone building. The yacht house. The magnolias!

    Today was magical. The weather perfect and I forgot the world as I immersed myself in the beauty. To all the residents of Cohuna Village, you were in my heart and mind as I explored with joy around every corner, and know it was on your behalf ❤️    Read more

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    Don't forget the Fauna!

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    American bald eagle. Let's call them Fred. And Wilma.

    Vs. Syd McStanley. Park local and prey for aforementioned.

    Videos posted.

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    1

    Stanley Park. 2 /2.

    May 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Video and balance of photos from a perfect day.

    #howmanytimesdoesshesaybreathtaking?!?

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    Grouse Mountain. Mt Not So Grouse.

    May 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    A lazy start with a decadent French bakery breakfast at Paul's Pattisserie in Vancouver - just across the road. Coffee, better than most we've had here, though as a Melbournite and fan of Gordon Ramsay - "My gran could do better! And she’s dead!” (I absolutely jest as my Gran, Grandma and Nan were all great cooks); it's still crap coffee.

    We can't get our heads around the creamer / half and half.
    Lady, mademoiselle. I just want milk that tastes like real milk?

    https://youtu.be/7QphMaa4wxI

    A short uber ride to Mt Grouse. Maybe grouse at some times of the year. The scenery is stunning though the service? The disabled access? Disabled toilets down multiple sets of stairs - inaccessible. Snow slushed paths a wheelchair can't navigate - at least not for us, without pimping Mum's ride.
    Full Karen mode and a refund later - all is forgiven.

    The weather is amazing. Though bizarre. I stood outside in 10 degrees in a t-shirt and jeans. Surrounded by snow. Feeling warm in the sun.

    In spite of all - a lovely day out in the beautiful weather had by all.
    But. Be more Grouse. Mt Grouse.    Read more

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    Joe Fortes: Seafood meets Art Deco

    May 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We ventured out tonight for dinner on Melissa's request (and insistence to pay!); noting Melissa had been subsisting by seagulling Allan and Jan's free sides and discounted Australian wine.

    It did not go unnoticed by Allan, ever the accountant, that Melissa's insistence to pay (and choose restaurant) correlated with some of his funds having been refunded to her credit card.

    Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House. Chosen on the basis of a google search of good seafood in town and proximity, the latter the priority and little research - equated to no big expectations.

    Joe Fortes. Not what I / we expected. Fancy. A stunning art deco interior. Jazz / swing playing in the background. Exquisite seafood. Half lobster from the Atlantic, giant scallops from same. Fresh. Butter. French style. The. Best. Seafood. Ever. Eaten. #bigcall.

    Steak, sirloin. Cooked to perfection.

    French waiter Vincent completes the experience and does a very good job of tolerating the fussy Aussies (not Melissa) on food swaps.

    The surprise of the evening? Lobster oil. Years of masterchef viewing tell me this is made by delicately browning lobster shells, then immersing in a confit of oil (aussie translation: gently brown lobster shells in large pot, fill with chosen oil and cook long, low and slow, sieve through muslin). The original armchair chef I am.

    That lobster oil though. Incredible. Served with balsamic. French baguette. Bloody delicious.    Read more

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    3rd Wheel: Lone traveller

    May 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Travelling can be challenging when you've not got your full health and the big days so far meant a day of needed rest for Mum.

    I ventured out alone today and explored the city.

    No destination, other than Capilano Park. I walked the city entering shops on a whim. I dared enter designer stores like Prada. I could never justify the cost of even a small item ~ though the designs were beautiful.

    I crossed the suspension bridge at Capilano Park. Walked the treetop walk.

    I had no schedule. An 18km day on foot. Beautiful weather. A lovely way to explore the city of Vancouver, British Columbia.

    ~ Melissa    Read more

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    Day 5: Foodie Finds

    May 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    French pastries. Cakes. Tarts. Flans. Tortes. Bread. A mastery of both technical skill and artistic talent.

    I really didn't anticipate spending so much time indulging in the food scene, but the French influence in Canada is captivating.

    Macarons. Gosh, they're over-rated. Sensitive little discs, just waiting to collapse and waste your time if you err at most steps in the recipe. I've attempted them a few times with success. The level of skill required does not justify the outcome. But! They. Are. So. Beautiful! I couldn't resist venturing into this Macaron store. Such a beautiful store. The packaging! The detail. It's exquisite.

    Canadian cheese tart. I didn't know this was a thing, but you had me at cheese and tart. The best in Vancouver (self-proclaimed). A little savoury. A little sweet. A lot delicious.

    Another self proclamation of THE BEST from a Vancouver pattisserie. The humble croissant. Over a million sold! The Cube Croissant Cafe lived up to its claim. Filled with a light Pattisserie cream. Fresh raspberries.

    Over 18km of walking today - needed with this indulging!    Read more

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    1

    All Aboard! Rocky Mountaineer

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    An unwelcome 0500 wake-up and rainy start to the day as we bid adieu to Vancouver.

    Hotel checkout, a half kilometre walk in the rain to meet the coach. The sensational weather this week replaced with a Melbourne winter's day. Mum in wheelchair (she can't self propel) 5 (large!) pieces of luggage to tow between Dad and I. Over uneven footpaths and puddles. As always, we make it work.

    Scheduled coach transfer, not a viable option. Multiple stairs and no lift - not wheel chair friendly. A taxi ride instead to meet the train. I'm reminded of how often you need to adjust plans when travelling with disabilities.

    There is absolutely not enough coffee in the world to deal with this start. The american percolated. Why? Please, allow me introduce you to the espresso! These fleeting woes, however, are soon replaced with immense gratitude.

    I scan the passengers awaiting to board this 22 carriage beauty, and note I am an outlier as a middle-aged female.

    The average age of the group is 60 plus. Then there are those older, those needing more assistance. Oxygen cylinders and 4 wheel walkers. I get a little emotional as I realise how special this trip is for so many on board. They've dreamed of this for years! For some, like Mum, it was just in time as her health continues to decline.

    I get to experience this! I get to travel the Rocky Mountaineer, first class viewing carriage and all the luxury inclusions. I get to see this breathtaking part of the world. But mostly? Mostly I get to help make sure my parents put a big tick next to this on their bucket list.

    And I'd travel in a Hessian sack for that.

    ~ Melissa    Read more

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    Rocky Mountaineer: Day 1 to Kamloops

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops.

    I could weave a colourful narrative in words in an attempt to describe the experience of travelling the Rocky Mountaineer.

    The landscape. Prehistoric. Snow. Landslides. Bushfires. Water marks of rising waters in seasons past.

    The birds of prey. Huge nests, resembling an architectural masterpiece rather than a home.

    The freight trains and train traffic. We waited yesterday as a 170 carriage long coal train passed. Black coal.

    Freight trains. Long. As many as ten passed during the course of the day.

    The buildings. Old huts and farming structures, weathered and perhaps no longer functional, taking on a beauty only years of weathering can produce.

    The changing valley and turbulent rapids.

    The rock. Ironstone. Sandstone. A kaleidoscope of thousands of years of wind, rain, snow and baking sun.

    The Rocky Mountaineer. The gold leaf, first class experience.

    The food. It just doesn't. End.

    The full glass dome windows with panoramic views from our reclining, heated seats.

    The wine and cocktails. The service.

    I hope the pictures tell the story better than I can.

    ~ Melissa

    Addit: Late Entry:
    TL / DR: Melissa renders nursing assistance to fellow passenger (M-70's), 3 x collapse. Receives awesome gift bag from crew to say thanks.

    Below ~ for my nursing friends.

    Lunch day 1: Melissa selects her wine of choice (red, shiraz). 2 sips in. Member of staff runs past, with haste, walkie talkie, and first aid kit.
    This scenario in the kitchen isn't the usual code for my hollandaise has split. A quick check in with self (how much have I had to drink?), and I follow her down the long galley kitchen.

    Nursing progress note: 5/5/2023: AM / PM Shift:
    Guest Mr Passenger, mid 70s, 3 x concurrent episodes of collapse at 1330 hours. First episode upon entry to bathroom, and subsequent syncopic episodes ccurring in seated area immediately adjacent.
    Denies head strike and no apparent injuries. Alert and oriented to place and time. Reports NKA (no known allergies). Denies any pain.
    ▪︎IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), ▪︎hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension.
    ▪︎Diabetes pump in situ
    ▪︎Polypharmacy. Antihypertensives, Statins, Antihyperglycaemics ++

    GCS / Obs / Neuro obs all within normal limits.

    Mr Passenger reports nothing different to his diet today. He had cranberry juice x 2 at lunch. Upon further questioning, Mr Passenger reports to having this everyday and no impact to his diabetes management.

    Mrs Passenger adds; But I buy you the diet cranberry.

    Mr Passenger's mobile phone now enough charge to review insulin monitoring app, BGL spike confirmed. Mr Passenger handed over to paramedics, assessed and cleared to continue journey.

    RN: Melissa    Read more

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    Foodie update: Rocky Mountaineer

    May 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    No commentary required. Food. Good food. On the Rocky Mountaineer. All alcohol included - including cocktails. A review of profit and loss for month of May required based on allowing Allan on board. #budgetblown.Read more

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    RM: Day 2: Kamloops to Banff

    May 6, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Another early start with train departing Kamloops: 0630. Taxi booked to transfer Mum. Taken by another guest. The taxi they'd booked for themselves? Allocated to us instead. He was, in nicest possible terms, a little lost for the most part.

    Thank you, sir, for watching me lift and pack the boot, fold and stack, reposition, and repeat. I'm not sure my comment - "Gosh, I'm strong, aren't I?" was received with appreciation.

    I realised after the 6th request, getting louder each time - of "open the boot!" - and receiving no response other than a look of anguish, I should have been asking him to "Open the trunk."

    A magical day of breathtaking scenery. Snow capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Pine scented air, so fresh you can almost feel yourself energising.

    Canada. It is absolutely beautiful and the vantage point from the Rocky Mountaineer is unparalleled.

    A very late check-in to Banff - Caribou Lodge (Anthony - Hotel Impossible, needed! Stat!), and a big sleep for us all before our next adventure.

    But more on that in another post.

    ~ Melissa    Read more

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    Banff pie and Maryanne Pollock's pastry

    May 7, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Lunch in Banff today. A little Cafe called Coyote's. I chose the Pecan pie. I've both made it and ordered it a few times in Australia over the years. Caramel, fudgy custard with caramelised pecans on top.

    It's a lovely dessert when done right. This was good, but it was missing something. And I remembered how good Maryanne's cooking is.

    The crust of this pie? Puff pastry. I'm sure it was baked with baking beads or stones (blind baked), though the pastry was probably frozen.

    I was reminded of an apple pie Maryanne made a few months ago for our Village family. I knew Maryanne had some skills when I spied her rolling the dough on the cool stainless steel bench (keep your dough cool). I'm so glad I got a piece of Maryanne's apple pie that day.

    Perfect shortcrust pastry. Soft, but not too soft, slightly sweet apple cinnamony filling and a perfectly cooked shortcrust lid.

    This. Is what this pecan pie needs. Maryanne's shortcrust pastry.

    Sorry Banff. Maryanne from Cohuna wins.    Read more

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    11

    Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

    May 7, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Hire car collected from Banff. A white Buick. Nice. Big ol' American fuel guzzler. That was the easy part.

    Next? Driving. On the wrong (right hand) side of the road. Dad and I. Pressing imaginary brakes when the other was driving. Stop signs and no line markings. Pedestrians and their right of way?

    We survive the one hour drive. And arrive at our most anticipated destination. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Absolutely. Magnificent. Palatial. Royal.

    We check in. Then discover our beautiful lakeview suite has no disabled access. Not at all practical or what we had booked and not sustainable for our stay.

    The solution? A fully equipped disabled room offered as an alternative. The only problem - that room only sleeps two.

    Second solution? We keep the original suite, plus take the additional disabled access suite - no charge. #freedomisimminent

    Um. An $1800 a night suite for 2 nights? No charge? I get to stay alone in the lakeview room (luxury suite!)?

    Lake Louise Chateau Fairmont. Thank you. Thank you, and thank you.

    #melissaescapes    Read more

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    High tea. The royal experience.

    May 8, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 5 °C

    When in Rome! We extend our immersion in luxury with a high tea. Also. It's Ferdies 1st birthday today and, well, this is his party 🥳.

    The view and company- beautiful though the food - lacking the finesse and English formality of ours back home.

    Cucumber sandwiches? Nope. Chicken sandwiches, all fancy like with chopped toasted nuts and fresh herbs? Also, no.

    Though. It was delicious. An experience to remember forever.    Read more

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    Ferdie's 1st Birthday. Mum AWOL.

    May 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Ferdinand! Ferdie! One year's old today! (Tue 9 May, AEST).

    I'm missing my little snuggle buddy, though a little party planned for today with Aunty Ro-ro and her office crew.

    Thank you so much Loz for looking after him in my absence. Lots of surprises in store for today, and when I return xx

    Love you Ferdie 😘

    Update: Tuesday 9 May, 12pm Alberta CA time. Pics / Vid added.

    Loz and workmates. Thank you so much for celebrating with Ferdie yesterday. I hope you all had a lovely day and enjoyed lunch!    Read more

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