Time is ticking.....

...and it is hard to believe it is only a couple of months until we all get together.

We have now confirmed the reunion will be at Antler Hill from June 30 - July 3. We have been advised (Thanks Uncle Brian) that construction will not pose a problem for us, so that is a relief, now we only have to keep our fingers crossed for the weather.

There has been some concerns expressed about the ability to post comments to the blog. It is our understanding in order to post a comment you have to have a google account. If you do not have a google account please feel free to send your comments to scresort@telusplanet.net and we will post them on your behalf.

There are still a few outstanding items that we need to deal with. They are all important so it would be appreciated if you would take a few minutes and provide a quick blog comment or email response at your convenience.

ONE WORD - we are looking for one word that comes to mind when you think of the Quaife family, reunions or events that have taken place.

WHO IS COMING - it is appreciated if you would advise us how many in your family is coming. Please be inclusive of the kids that don't live at home, or the parents that have not responded. We are looking for numbers to determine how much food is needed.

SURVIVAL GAME - please remember to enter your answers to the Survival Game, posted in February. There will be a draw for all those that provided their answers.

As the time gets closer more things will be happening so please keep looking at the blog for updates.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at scresort@telusplanet.net.

Thanks!

Happy Hop Hop

The snow is finally starting to take a hint and leave so the bunnies can come out to play. In the spirit of Easter we thought we would share some Easter traditions from around the world.

For many, the thought of colorful hard-boiled eggs and chocolate bunnies come to mind when you first mention Easter. But Easter food traditions vary around the world with different cultures enjoying their own favorite dishes.

Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake are both popular Easter treats in the U.K. Traditionally, Hot Cross Buns are eaten on Good Friday and Simnel Cake, a light fruit cake covered in marzipan, then toasted, is enjoyed on Easter Sunday.

In Italy, no Easter table is complete without eggs, bread and La Colomba - a traditional Italian Easter sponge cake sprinkled with almonds and sugar crystals on top in the shape of a dove, the symbol of peace. But, the traditions vary from region to region. Neopolitans love Pastiera, a pie filled with ricotta and candied fruit.

Eggs are the most recognized symbol of Easter, and choclate eggs are especially popular throughout the world. Germany and France were the first countries to intoduce a solid chocolate egg at Easter (thank you very much).

In North America, it's all about the ham. Whether it's smoked, glazed ham or honey ham - there are plenty of ways to showcase the meal's center piece. Let's not forget about the decorating of eggs.

We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend with family and friends, decorating eggs, enjoying some chocolate, sharing a meal and enjoying family traditions.

Happy Easter!

April showers bring May flowers...

... is what we learned as children. Well, for those of you living south of Red Deer the song needs to be changed to April snow flurries are frustrating and it is only 3 months until the July long weekend.

I know that for some of you it will be a very busy year with weddings, graduations, other reunions and who can forget the new babies that will be arriving soon. We are hopeful that everyone will be able to make time to join us for the whole weekend, but if not, at least be able to stop by for a visit.

Here comes the biggest question - we need to know how many of your family will be attending and if it is for the whole weekend or just part of it. This will help in planning the meals and specific activities. it would also be great if you would let us know how many of those attending are under the age of 14. If you don't know right now a guesstimate would be appreciated so we can start looking at the numbers.

You can provide this information in a post comment or please send it to scresort@telusplanet.net.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed for good weather on the July Long Weekend!

Funny Times

Do you remember when .... lol

Everyone has a memory of something funny that a family member has done. I remember the time when Leo startled Delbert right out of his chair, still brings a chuckle when I think of it.

It would be great if you would please take a moment and think of a memory that brings a smile to your face and share it with us. We are always interested in these stories and the opportunity to share them with each other.

Also, a reminder that every person that provides answers to the Survival Game will be entered into a draw. We are also looking for the ONE WORD that comes to mind when you think of the Quaife family, and last but certainly not least if you have any photos that you could share it would be appreciated.

We ask that you send this link to family members that may not be aware of its existence and encourage everyone to comment on the posts.

Until next time - The Reunion Committee

Not much else to say - stay warm!

Feedback and Responses

Time is going by really quickly and we wanted to just recap what is happening to date.

We are currently negotiating with Antler Hill for Reunion 2011 to be held from June 30 - July 3rd. It has been confirmed the County will be doing some road repair and hope to have the trees on the north side of the area removed prior to the July long weekend. With that being said, we are concerned about the mess that the road may be in and are looking at other options in case we experience a very wet spring.

In February we asked if you would take a few moments and share some family photos that you have of either Grandma and Grandpa, aunts, uncles or each other at previous reunions. it is appreciated if the photo(s) were digitized and sent (along with the story that accompanies them) to scresort@telusplanet.net at your convenience.

We also asked for ONE WORD that comes to mind when you think of the Quaife's (reunions or family in general). I know everyone has a story to share but we are looking for ONE WORD ONLY right now.

And last, but definitely not least we asked you to participate in a game of survival. Each participant will be entered into a draw at the reunion, you will however have to wait to see what the draw prize will be.

And as always, any comments or suggestions are welcomed. We look forward to planning the event and ensuring everyone enjoys their time together. Please ensure you pass the link to this blog along to anyone that is related. Please do not assume we have a complete listing of email addresses.

If you have received this link from someone other than scresort@telusplanet.net please send a quick email so we can add you to the email listing for future updates.

Survival Game

With the recent, or should we say everlasting, crappy weather the idea of a survival game came to mind. So here is a "Survival Game" for you to do. For everyone that completes it your name will be entered into a draw at the Reunion.

You and your companions have been stranded in the Canadian north - or more specific, central Alberta. It's March and the daily temperature is -25C with nights going down to -40C. There is snow on the ground and the countryside is wooded with several creeks and large rivers criss-crossing the area. The nearest town is 25 kilometres away. You are dressed in city clothes appropriate for a business meeting. Your group managed to salvage the following items:

ball of steel wool
small ax
a loaded .45 calibre-pistol
can of Crisco shortening
newspapers (1 per person)
cigarette lighter (without fluid)
extra shirt and pants for each survivor
20 x 20 ft piece of heavy-duty canvas
sectional air map made of plastic
1 quart of 100 proof whiskey
a compass
family-sized chocolate bars (1 per person)

Please rank the items in order of importance for survivial with #1 being the most essential item and #12 being the least essential item for survival.

Remember - everyone who completes the game will be entered into a draw at the reunion.

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!