Visiting Deena's World

Isn't the world a wonderful and mysterious place?  If I hadn't started this little blog, I never would have known that this lovely Deena person existed, and I probably wouldn't have ever visited Saskatchewan.  But I did, and I do, and it's wonderful.  And I can't imagine it any other way.

Last weekend I got on a plane and headed north.  Deena had been to Seattle a bunch, and it was time to see her world.  After a long day of travel (will I ever fly on time again?), and friendly Canadian interrogation (apparently I looked sketchy and couldn't be trusted to go back to the states in a timely fashion), I arrived in Saskatoon.

There are very few cities I love more than Seattle, but I feel like I could live in this place.  Here are a few of my favorite things from the trip...and to see Deena's version of events, visit Shoes To Shiraz.

1.  Meeting her people.  It's easy to see why Deena is so amazing, because she's surrounded by the kindest family and friends.  Her Dan is the sweetest, setting up a bonfire with snacks for us on Saturday night, complete with water to douse the flames when we were done.  Her kids are smart and adorable.  Her family is loving and fun, and her friends are an extension of that family.  I was so honored and grateful that they took the time to come meet me.  I want to adopt them all.

2. Experiencing her world.  As I landed in Saskatoon, I saw this.

It's flat.  And the roads are very long, and very straight, as far as the eye can see.  Self driving cars will be a big hit here.  But it's also stunningly beautiful, with wide open skies and fields of wheat and prairie grasslands.  Absolutely no traffic (no Deena, you do not have traffic) and it just feels like you can breathe.  There's a river and bridges and a university and gorgeous sunsets.  No wonder those border agents were afraid I'd never leave.

3. Trying something new.  We picked gladiolus, tasted local gin, walked across bridges, visited Deena's new acreage and home build, went to a late movie with her friends, and shopped.  Okay, shopping wasn't new.  But shopping in a super funky store that we don't have at home, and buying buffalo plaid in Canada definitely counts.

4. Eating all the food.  From the cutest Italian restaurant called "Little Grouse On The Prairie", to the waffles, and crepes, and homemade poutine, and mom's spaghetti, and butter tarts (finally), and roasted hot dogs on the bonfire, it was delicious.  I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.

5.  Spending time with blogger friends who have become real friends.  We never stopped talking, or laughing, or taking pictures.  I feel like we get each other, and I can be my strange, goofy self.  I also got to meet Bo from Bo's Bodacious Blog, and she's amazing.  So kind and down to earth and funny.  

Thanks, Deena, for letting me invade your world for a bit.  Better warn Dan now - I'll be back!

Linking up with The Blended Blog for Friday Faves.