Monday, April 6, 2009

Antique Saskatchewan



I have been fortunate to experience the beauty and antique side of Saskatchewan over the last week. It all started with a hotel stay at the 102 year old Wolseley Hotel in Wolseley, SK. Wayne was a bit skeptical at first since they were hesitant to give us a room. The hotel is full of old antiques, paintings, copper doors and frames, an ancient piano, books, one "lavatory" per floor, gorgeous, old radiators and funky carpets.
The hotel is located above a bar and the owners live in half of the building. We had been living in the RV for four days so it was time to find a real bed and shower. Luckily, they agreed to have us stay for two nights at a discounted price. At first it felt like we were staying in a haunted house. The walls creaked and moaned, the radiator tapped all night long and the dark hallways seemed to whisper of past affairs and long forgotten travel adventures. Cool!

That same night we were invited to Sandra and Ken Dobra's home in Grenfell, SK after our speaking engagement at the Grenfell Health Care Center. Sandra is a social worker and Ken is a retired teacher who is working on setting up the new 9-11 services for the province. They are a lovely couple with huge hearts, open minds and an active lifestyle! We spent a wonderful evening chatting, philosophizing and wining and dining over a fabulous homemade meal! Again, I was lead through an old, beautiful home with tons of Victorian flair! Sandi and Ken rescued their 100+ year old dream home over 20 years ago when they decided to settle down in the quaint town of Grenfell.
There was a great structure in place and with a few additions and new pieces they created a fabulous home for themselves and their two kids. I was in awe all evening and managed to capture some good shots on my way to the bathroom. Wayne and I left town energized and drunk on good vibes! Thanks Sandi and Ken for being our angels in Grenfell!

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