Getting to know Manitoba

March 30,2020

7:17am

Oh what a beautiful Sunday we had!

After being cooped up in the house for more than 2 weeks, a new found friend and almost distant cousin/Pangasinan neighbor ( Malasique native of the Mamaril clan) of Ruel invited us to go on a road trip around the prairie lands of magnificent and expansive Manitoba.

It was a rush-rush of bathing and getting ready.

At past one, we were on the road. Temperature was bordering a few degrees below zero, and thus, the fluffy new neck scarves were a must. White for Marina and I, pink for Marcelina.

Bebe sis prepared some pancakes for brunch which I had to for go in favor of the left over pizza of Saturday night.

We had one stop before heading for the highway to St. Agathe, Coop Gas.

Our super eager tour guide exclaimed through text, pump price of 69 cents is something he has not seen in their 30 years here in Canada.

Indeed, these are extra ordinary times we live in.

Once you get into the highway 75 South heading towards Emerson, you pass through vast and vast flat land with birch trees and evergreens lining up the highway in endless procession. All holding countless stories, witnessing the rise and fall of many passers by…

One sign I missed taking a photo of went this way: God? Heaven knows! Knows so.

Speed limit was 100, thus, my wish to halt the rental Kia Rio was aborted mid thought.

Remo’s  beautiful house was located behind a wonderful French church…St. Agathe church looked old, yet stately  and well kept with a dignified small cemetery behind it which looked similar and so familiar in movies watched through all the years

Marcelina dozed off to sleep as soon as we left the city limits but was awakened to see lots of things along the way. She oohhed and ahhed a lot to sightings of horses, cattle, several species of birds especially the Canada Geese flying always in formation. I was so happy to see numerous BIG RED BARNS of nursery story books.

The moment we left Bridgewater trails, I sighted and counted more than 7 couples, at times with children in tow, walking their dogs along our  journey to nearby towns and cities like Steinback, Dominion and town of St. Agathe, Niverville, St.Pierre Jolys, Vita, Sundown and finally to Piney. The sun was decidedly scorching the snow into runny water and March saw spring before its last days.

I am so eager to experience Autumn for the first time. I long to see the play and blast of colors in nature screaming bright orange, yellow and red.

Meantime, I remind myself to focus and enjoy every step of the way.

Spring brings in new hope after the freezing below zero readings.

Remo’s  rented out farm in Piney is  150 hectares of land devoted to wheat, canola and beans. He and his wife Chun with their furry babies Mac and Jazz ( German Short  Head Pointer) patiently saw us into snow boots so we could see their very own, handmade Mongolian Yert.

A Yert is a round tent traditionally made of skin. Theirs was made with tarp and had a sun roof. It had a wooden patio wrapping around it with 2 sets of deck chairs positioned to make you admire the wonderful surroundings. One of Remo’s DIY clay (alien eye) head greeted you from one of it’s corners. Upon close inspection it was a wonderful work of clay art of some mystical aqua monster.

I was super awestruck that Remo and wife Chun built all the structures in their farm themselves. How I wish I could be as handy with wood work and carpentry. What projects could I launch perhaps?

 Marina and Marcelina tried on( Quebec proudly made) snow sandals made of birch and animal skin. It looked like a bigger Pelota racket.

It made walking in almost 2 feet deep snow a breeze for them while I had so many hearty laughs sinking into every other step I made.  Surprisingly , my cotton army camouflage pants didn’t get soaked.

On the way back to the cars, a quick breeze whiz pass by us with a loud crack. Marina had visions of the Ice Age movie when the snow cracked for more than 5 meters a few feet away from us.

It was nothing but sure gave me a fright.

We were just given a tidbit of geological lessons by Remo on why the Red River that snakes through Winnipeg is a river that flows north ward, not downward. It sits on the Agassiz glacial plate which tilted during an earthquake 100 years ago ( thereabouts.)

I expressed my wish I wouldn’t be here to witness the time it decides to tilt again.

We grabbed sandwiches from Tim Horton in Niverville before heading back home. We hoped to see deers along the way but didnt. Next time perhaps.

In the meantime, I end this blog with some photos and prayers that no matter what the situation  we may face us in the days ahead, we always have the choice to remain CALM and KIND.

As Jesus showed us His might and strength in calming a raging storm, we rest to sleep each day with that assurance, that He will not abandon us when we call on Him for help.

Jesus, cover and heal us all from the Covid 19 virus. Mary, Our Mother, pray and intercede for us.