Sunday, January 11, 2009

Weekly Winners #53: Escape to Big White Mountain



Once upon a time in the kingdom of Souci, the Duke of Stressborough took it upon himself to book a ski vacation for his family, to commence directly after the Christmas holidays. Usually such arrangements were organized by his beloved spouse, the Princess of Souci; however, since she is a novice skier at best, it was decided that this particular journey would be planned by the Princess Consort.

As it happened, the King of Souci became quite seriously ill just days before the planned journey of his daughter and her young family. While running back and forth between the infirmary and her home, the upcoming trip became a source of great concern for the Princess. How could she leave the King and Queen while she went away, knowing that her beloved father and mother would be back home worrying and wondering when the King would gain enough strength to be discharged back to his castle? The internal battle between being the good daughter/ spouse/mother raged within the Princess' mind.

Finally, after discussing the situation with her parents, her siblings and even the King's doctor, the Princess reluctantly made the decision to go on this trip. For the sake of her husband and her family, she thought that they could at least try to salvage some quality time after what had become one of the most dismal Christmases in recent memory.

So with a heavy and guilty heart, the Princess accompanied her family to Big White Mountain.

The Little Prince and Princess excited to be on their way...


The "Do not brush your teeth" sign as described by the little Princess G:

The beautiful snowy resort being enjoyed by the Little Prince, who was well on his way to becoming quite the accomplished skier and snowboarder...

A horse-drawn sleigh ride courtesy of the horses named "Tom and Jerry", complete with hot cocoa to warm the hands...
Gorgeous, gorgeous snow-covered trees

The snowboarder in action, following his mother the Princess, (see further below ...
Who, against her better judgment, had decided to accompany her son and husband to the top of the mountain ... knowing full well that with her pal Murphy by her side, she would naturally face some injury requiring her to change her name to "Wounded Knee"...


Even the attentive and, ahem, handsome young knights of the ski patrol were of small consolation, as the Princess wondered how she would be of any use to the King and Queen upon her return to her homeland.

To drown her worries and sorrows, she decided to imbibe the infamous Gun Barrel Coffee, said to provide incredible healing qualities for both the mind and the body...




Did it help? Well, it did take my mind off of the pain for a few hours. But it didn't dullen the worry that we are still facing ahead.

If only life were a sweet fairy tale.


******************

My thanks to you wonderful blog pals for all your kind thoughts and words of encouragement. Dad was finally discharged from hospital on Friday and will hopefully be strong enough to start chemotherapy this week. I am crossing my fingers that he'll be able to withstand the ill effects of the treatment and that the drugs will kick some serious ass and kill those cursed cells that are wreaking horrible havoc on my precious, precious father.

I don't know what lies ahead, but we'll have to take it one day at a time. That's all we can really do.

As for my sprained knee, well, at least I didn't break it ... now that would have been special...

Be sure to visit other winners, at the home of the lovely hostess with the mostest LOTUS.

22 comments:

Her Bad Mother said...

So sorry about the sprain; so glad about your dad.

And SO JEALOUS of the fact that you had a holiday. LE SIGH.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots! Sending good thoughts for your dad. It's really tough watching a parent struggle with illness. It sucks, actually, but it sounds like there is plenty of room for reason to hope for a good outcome, and I'm sending virtual hugs with my good thoughts and wishes. Hope you knee feels better!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry I didn't hear about your dad sooner. I've been horrible and reading lately. Regardless, I will keep him in my prayers.

I wanna drink of that yumma-yumma!

Tara R. said...

Despite the knee, looks like you all had a wonderful trip. I hope your dad's chemotherapy goes well and that the is well on his way to recovery soon.

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

I told Murphy to leave you alone, that dolt NEVER listens to me.

As you know, my thoughts are with you as you face the mighty demon. May the demon be put in his place. Forcefully.

:)

Rima said...

I'm glad you were able to get away. Hopefully it took you mind off things for awhile . . . Still keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys said...

I love the snow and wintery shots ...gorgeous all of them.

Badness Jones said...

I'm glad you decided to go on the holiday, it looks wonderful, but I'm so sorry that you sprained your knee.

I hope that your dad is strong enough to start the chemo. It's a long process, and you might watch him in despair as he goes through it (I know that's how I felt watching my dad) but we'll all be praying for him, and hoping for success, and then he'll get his strength back.

xxxx Sarah

Anonymous said...

Those snow covered trees are soo beautiful, I can only imagine them in person!!

Sorry about the sprain.. hope your feeling better.. And I am so happy your dad was discharged from the hosptial. I will continue to pray for him Karen.. xoxo

Anonymous said...

♥ all the pics from your trip~it looks so relaxing. Sorry about your sprained knee & hope it heals nicely.

So sorry to hear about your Daddy & I hope that his body accepts the chemo so that he can get better. Take care :)

Kori said...

The snow is absolutely breathtaking, as is the news of your father, in too entirely different ways; my prayers will be with him and your family.

KJ said...

Beautiful, snowy pictures. I'm glad you got to go and have a little fun. Sorry 'bout the knee! Good news that your dad is out!

J said...

I hope taking a little time off from the stress, getting out into the snow and skiing and all, helped your spirits some. That pull between wanting to be there for your parents and wanting to be there for your husband and kids...it's a tough one. With the fight coming up, please go easy on yourself. There is no way you will be able to be all things to all people. I learned that lesson in spades last year.

You're in my thoughts. Your father, your worry, and even your poor knee. :)

Heidi said...

That sounds like a fun getaway, aside from your knee. I am glad your dad is home from the hosp.

Cherry said...

Do NOT Brush Your TEETH!
Very dangerous to the airplane.

I'm happy to hear that your father has been discharged from the hospital. You are being a wonderful daughter to worry so much and to be there for your parents. How is your mom holding up?
He and your whole family are in my thoughts as he gains the strength to fight the fight.

Doh! and the KNEE! Owee! I hope you are healing up well. Don't forget to keep it moving, you gotta get back to your bodyjam!

BTW - I am loving that picture of the horizon and the run. Beautiful color.

Unknown said...

Oh Jesus, Karen! If I had known you were up at Big White, I'd have traveled by Greyhound if I had to, to see you and have a few drinks.

Women, next time you're anywhere in BC, email me.

Beautiful pics.

Major hugs.

Let me know if you need anything xo

Miss said...

I'm so happy that you guys got a chance to get away for a bit! You totally deserved the time away.

Glad your dad was discharged.

Still sending hugs.

louann said...

Green with envy here. Family vacays rock!

Im glad to hear about your Dad. Keep encouraging him. It won't be an easy road ahead but remember, we are all here to offer you prayers and positive thoughts!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back. Beautiful pics. I hope you enjoyed your time on the vacation, despite the knee injury (ouch!). I agree with the comment that you can not be everything to everyone at the same time. You are a terrific daughter, wife and mother and the great part is that I think that your parents, dh and kids all know it and know you're doing your best.

I hope that your dad has started treatment finally and without any further roadblocks. I hope he's tolerating the treatment well. Hugs to you and your family. Always thinking about you all!

Laura said...

Ouchy...but those pictures! Holy cow. I hope your knee is soon mended.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Beautiful shots. Hope your dad is doing better. Take care.

Anonymous said...

1. Hugs re your dad. I have been down that road too many times with mine. I totally understand.

2. AWESOME holiday!

3. Totally HAWT knee.

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