1992

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE STORIES

    I am sure we are all counting the days until Christmas Day. The weather is cooperating for the shoppers, I hope it holds for the travellers as well.

    I will be cooking Christmas Day again, for my side of the family this year. Dad and Nina and Grandma Wallace and Uncle Wendell have confirmed their invitations, Linda's are hesitating.  They have always spent it with Brad's family - old traditions are hard to break.  It would be special if we could all be together though.

    We've enjoyed more company this year than I can ever remember entertaining.  Over the year I've often remarked to Ken that I am too busy entertaining to work, but he didn't agree!

    Ken, Geoff, Dave (Ken's brother-in-law)  and Dave's son Paul went out to Banff to ski during spring break, this will likely become an annual event.

    We spent a few days in Regina and Edmonton this summer. We took in a football game and the Edmonton Mall (we've resisted this "tourist trap" for years but must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed the water park).  For me the highlight was having a visit with my cousin Joan whom I hadn't visited in years.

    Jonah finished his Grade 12 this year, except for English, and he's applied to take it by correspondence this term.  He'll graduate in June. He enjoys travelling with the band "Connexion" as a lighting technician, but this hasn't kept him too busy.  He's had regular appointments with the Employment Centre and I am sure he has taken every aptitude test they have available.  He'll keep looking until something turns up, but in the meantime, I appreciate his efforts as our live-in housekeeper.  He spends his spare time watching sports on T.V. (and in Winnipeg Stadium when he gets the chance). 

    Geoff is in grade 11 this year. He's involved in the school production (West Side Story) and is taking choir again. They travelled to Minneapolis in the spring, performing and taking part in instructional seminars.  He has worked at McDonald's for two years now and has advanced to Product Control.  He loves working there and really enjoys the financial independence it gives him.  His spare time is taken up with a newly purchased set of drums,  his friends, and now of course - the car.

    Ken is involved in the band "Guns & Horses" which keeps him busy once or twice a month. He just finished another course towards his Masters in Education. With only about nine years to go until retirement we hope he'll finish by then. 

    I've worked for Phillips Insurance for three years and was given the opportunity to take my Broker's training this fall. This meant studying at home and travelling to Winnipeg for three consecutive weekends, but I finally wrote the exam on December 5 and I now have my General Insurance Broker's license.  Now I can concentrate on my family, shopping, baking, and plans for the holidays.  I've neglected everything for the last month or so, and as a result I'm making my first attempt at a FORM letter, it seemed the only sensible thing to do.

All the best to everyone in 1993!

1995

Hi!

One week today is Christmas Day. I am depending on the postal system to deliver our Xmas Greetings on time, am I pushing my luck?   

For the past seven years January and February always flew by for me because of my job in the Insurance  business, auto  insurance was due then. I quit my job in August and have only been working part time at various jobs since then. I am enjoying having more time at home again.    

Ken is still commuting daily to Souris to work as a Resource teacher there. He is counting the years to retirement now though, only six left I believe.       

Geoff is attending B.U. and working part time at Subway. He is also playing in a band with his Dad but unfortunately the bookings have been few and far in between.   

Jonah started a computer course in the mornings and working afternoons at Consumers in September. It is a program designed by The Society For Manitobans with Disabilities. In November he started full time at Consumers through the program and he is really enjoying his work there.It is a six month program and we are hopeful he will be hired when it is over. The feedback has been very positive from everyone involved.                                                    
We sold our home privately October 13 ( it was Lucky Friday the 13th for us) and moved into our new home November 14th. We hadn’t moved in five years which was a record for us. We were amazed at what we had accumulated in such a short time and this move seemed like a lot of work compared to previous moves. Someone pointed out that we are five years older and that could make a difference. Nonsense!!!

We have purchased an older home in an older neighbourhood and it suits our lifestyle better right now. The guys are still living at home, this home is approximately 400 square feet larger and it is all finished . We also have a garage, which Ken is appreciating these past few cold days. We love the location, it is within walking distance to everything you could need. It needs some renovations but nothing that Ken can’t handle when he has some time   

We will be with Ken’s family Xmas Day at Donna’s. Ken and I will both be off for several days during the holidays this year so hopefully we will have lots of time to visit relatives and friends this year. If you are in Brandon please call.

All our best to you with wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.





1996

Season's Greetings!

It's been a year of special occasions. My Aunt Alma & Uncle Harold celebrated their 50th Anniversary Easter weekend. Jonah and I travelled to Gull Lake to attend it. Mom & Dad Storie celebrated their 50th in Brandon May 10th. We enjoyed company for several days for this special event. I attended the 1st annual Reshaur Reunion in Portage in July, hopefully next year we'll have even more relatives attend. On Oct. 5th the family hosted a tea at Hillcrest in honor of Grandma Wallace's 100th Birthday.

Grandma was thrilled to see so many friends and relatives and we were too.
   
Ken skied at Banff during  March break  again. This summer Ken & I enjoyed a few days of camping along Lake Winnipeg. It has become a favorite summer destination! The summer passed too quickly with hiking and canoeing activities and on-going home renovations to devour our time.

I've been actively job searching again, without success to date. I've been a casual worker for Versa Food Services since Oct/95 and the change has been fun but not very satisfying.

Jonah was laid off in Sept. He was really disappointed when Consumers closed. Jonah is our housekeeper and yard maintenance person again. He spends alot of time on the Internet. He has also been job searching and has some prospects for the new year.

Geoff and his friends took their annual ski trip to Banff during the University break in Feb.  Geoff is an Associate Manager at Domino's Pizza. He moved into an apt. with one of his school pals Sept. 13th. Even though we visit in person or by phone quite often it has still been a big adjustment!

Ken & Geoff still have a band. Ken fills in for a couple of other bands and he will actually be fairly busy over the holiday season.

Dad & Nina moved to Summerland in July so this will be the 2nd Xmas without them here.
\
We'll have a quiet Xmas Day. I've invited Linda & Nick to join us for Xmas dinner. Cynthia & Wayne will be at his parents.

All our best to you with wishes for a Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year!

1997

Holiday Bulletin 1997

It's been a busy year. We spent part of the winter continuing renovations to our house. By March we had completed refinishing the hardwood and papering the living room. Ken took his annual Ski Trip. This time he went to Fernie with his brother-in-law Dave and nephew Paul. Bev was working in a greenhouse and at the office of a cleaning supply company for most of the spring. As of Dec. 14, she is working for Save-Smart Insurance and Financial Services.

Geoff was awarded a trip to Las Vegas by his employer and was able to defer taking it until the day after he turned twenty-one. He had been working as a shift manager for Domino's Pizza and apparently they appreciated him. He moved to Calgary in June, and he is now managing a location there. He intends to go back to school next year.

We were largely unaffected by the flood, but in mid May Bev traveled with Ken to meetings in Winkler and in Winnipeg. We saw the Brunkild dike and many of the effects of the flooding were still apparent. It was amazing to see 10 ft snow drifts still hiding in the sheltered areas in some areas between Carmen and Morden. 

Bev's dad (Alan Wallace) and his wife Nina, from Kelowna visited for a few days in May.

Donna and Dave August (Ken's sister and brother-in-law) celebrated their 25th anniversary this year, and as is the tradition in our family, we partied. Our parents, and every one of the siblings and nieces and nephews attended and we joined forces to give the happy couple a trip to Nova Scotia.

In early July we travelled to the east coast, spending time in the Gaspe region of Quebec, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Nova Scotia. Ken started his new job as Coordinator of Student Services for Souris Valley School Division in August. He works out of the office in Souris and is responsible for Special Education programs and curriculum implementation for the division. Ken and Bev did find time to visit some of their favorite Manitoba campsites, beaches and hiking trails this summer and Ken found time to do some canoeing play a little music., and, as you may have guessed, start messing around with Web Publishing.

Grant (Ken's brother) and his wife Carol, from Regina visited for a few days in September. Ken created some Web Pages for Carol's Business and their son Dale's Comedy Group. 

We also had a few short visits with Tim (Ken's brother), and wife Debbie from Winnipeg.

Jonah worked at Christie School Supply for a few months in the spring, then started a full time job at Hood Auto Parts in September. He moved into his own place at 344 7th St. in November. He now has his own e-mail address. 

Donna (Ken's Sister) and her husband Dave celebrated their 25th anniversary this summer, and as is the tradition in our family, we partied. Our parents and every one of the siblings and nieces and nephews attended. We joined forces to send them to Nova Scotia. They came back though.

Ken and Bev took in some of the acts at the Classic Rock Weekend in Minnedosa, but the entertainment highlight of the year had to be The Stones Concert on Sept. 30 in Winnipeg.

Speaking of entertainment highlights, they also visited Ken's brother, Jerry and his wife Betty, in the frozen north. It all happened on the Thanksgiving Weekend. The weather was cold, but it was a damp cold. We had a wonderful time - we had lunch at a secluded lodge overlooking a lake, and visited the Creighton Landfill Site... Or was that visited a....

We also had to spend some time in Calgary this year to visit Geoff and his girlfriend, Joelle. We were there for a very short visit in early July, and returned for a slightly longer stay in November. They showed us the sights, which seemed to consist mainly of bars and restaurants. That was fine by us. We look forward to their visit near Christmas.

It has been an exceptional fall here, weather-wise. Bev and I hiked the trail in the Brandon Hills in mid November and as of Dec. 13 we've had no real winter weather.



1998

Holiday Season Bulletin

It's been a strange year. The start of the year found Bev starting a new job with Save Smart Insurance. The winter was a mild one here. Bev took up downhill skiing after some time away from the sport. We visited Geoff in Calgary during spring break and spent a few days in Banff.

In the spring Ken made yet another career decision. He is currently on leave of absence from Souris Valley School Division and doing some contract work for them out of the home. He has designed their Web Site, writes policy, and is developing some Multimedia Courses. He expects to return to teaching next year.

Bev's job ended unexpectedly when the company closed their Brandon Office, the result being that we had lots of time this summer for camping, canoeing, hiking, and hanging out at the beach. We spent many days at the Lake Winnipeg & Manitoba beaches. Highlights included a canoe trip along the cliffs at Steep Rock and lakeside camping at Hanusa. We spent a few days at a cabin at Grand Marais.

Ken did lots of canoeing this summer. He and Dave took advantage of the high water levels and were able to complete several trips on both the Souris and The Little Saskatchewan Rivers. Bev started canoeing this year, and we completed several trips on the Assiniboine and Souris Rivers.

In the fall we made another lifestyle change and sold our house. We now live in a newly developed third floor studio apartment in an old house. We are loving it. The weather this fall was excellent for hiking and Bev accompanied Ken on his search for abandoned townsites and other historic locations in the Westman area, as he continued his research for a few projects he has going.

In October Jonah had completed over a year at his job at Hood Auto Parts and took some holidays. The three of us headed west. We stopped in Regina to see Ken's brother Grant, his wife Carol and their kids, Dale and Tara. Jonah and Grant took in a football game while we got to see a performance by Dale's improv comedy group, "The General Fools".

While in Calgary we attended a Stampeders/Wpg. Blue Bombers game (oops, shouldn't have mentioned that!), lunch at the Calgary Tower, visited the zoo on Oct.22, +22 that day, & visited Geoff before heading on to Kelowna (by way of Banff where we spent a night, to see Bev's dad Allan and his wife, Nina & other relatives & friends there. Dad & Nina moved to Grand Forks, B.C. the day we left. The weather was beautiful in the mountains. We had a brief visit with Aunt Alma & Uncle Harold in Gull Lake on our return trip. We had enjoyed longer visits with them, Aunt Joyce & Uncle Bob, & Dad & Nina in the summer when they were down for Cynthia's wedding.
Geoff is still employed with Domino's. He is flying home for a few days at Xmas. He was home for a week in the spring, a few days in Aug. to attend his cousins wedding( Cynthia), & he was home for Thanksgiving so he keeps in touch with his family & friends in Mb.
Bev's sister, Linda got married May 25 to Ron Catt from the Holland area. She is now employed in Portage so Bev really misses her daily phone calls. We're happy for her , and she has married a terrific man. Nick is attending school in McGregor - he is in Grade 11. We've visited their farm in the Assiniboine Valley a few times - great place for hiking.

Grandma Wallace turned 102 in Oct. so Bev joined her for lunch to celebrate her special day.

We see Ken's Mom and Dad quite often as they are just across town. They are both busy with their lodge. Dad is Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Manitoba.

Ken's brother Jerry & his wife Betty moved to Killarney in July where Jerry is the new Superintendent for the Division. We have enjoyed a few hikes & several suppers with them since they have become neighbours again.

For Ken's fiftieth birthday a small group got together for supper at the Keg and assorted hijinks at Dave and Donna's afterwards. On the actual day Bev took Ken for supper at the "Church Caffee" - a restaurant located - you guessed it - in an old church north of Russell, Mb. We stayed overnight in Russell and visited a few other places in the area

We wish you & yours a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!



1999

It's that time again! January found Ken continuing his leave of absence from Souris Valley School Division and doing some contract work for them out of the home. He has designed their Web Site, written some policy, and developed a Multimedia Course. He also completed some program evaluation for two school divisions. Bev was not working so we had plenty of free time for skiing and travel. We visited Geoff in Calgary for a few days in February and skied at Sunshine and Nakiska. Ken returned to the ski hills in March with Dave. We did a mini tour of Fernie, Panorama, Lake Louise, and Fortress.

We motored to Regina for Easter to celebrate Grant & Carol's 25th Anniversary. (4 down, 1 to go!) Everyone was able to attend. Geoff returned to Mb. for a few days. We had a warm and pleasant early spring, and we had lots of time for hiking. Jerry and Betty, and Dave and Donna joined us for a few trips to the Souris Bend Wildlife Management Area and to Spruce Woods.

In June we again headed west. This time to visit Bev's Dad and Nina in Grand Forks B.C. Of course the trip involved stops in Calgary.
As the summer progressed we also had time for hanging out at the beach. We spent many days at the Lake Winnipeg beaches. We rented a cabin at Grand Beach for part of a week, and were joined by Linda and Nick for a few days and Dave and Donna for another two. We also spent time at Gimli and Hnausa.

We did a bit of canoeing this summer (Surprise!). Ken and Dave took advantage of the high water levels to complete a trip from Rivers to Kirkham's Bridge in record time. Jerry and Betty joined us for a few trips on the Souris River. Donna and Dave also participated in a trip through the Lauder Sandhills.

We paid a brief visit to the Dauphin Country Fest where Ken played on one of the stages with Armadillo. It was brief because we had to rush right back to Brandon where Armadillo was in the middle of a four-day engagement at the North Forty. That was Ken's last booking with Armadillo, as he had decided to "retire" from that busy band and focus on other musical interests. He has taken the opportunity to re-join some old friends in a band called "Billy", and he continues to jam with another group called "Slow Rotor".

Geoff was home to attend the Minnedosa Classic Rock Fest, which we attended also.
Aug.27, 28th, &29th the first annual Storie Reunion was held at Kenosee, Sk.

In the fall, alas, we had to return to the routine of regular jobs. Ken started teaching at Souris, and Bev started a job with Bran-U Day Care. We find that having to go to work each day has really interfered with our lives, but we do have a new appreciation for weekends.

Jonah continues to work at Hood Auto parts, and Geoff, after spending most of last year managing a Domino’s Pizza location in Calgary, is now working with Kelsey's Restaurants.

Last, but not least, our big news for the year is our trip to Orlando and Miami for part of the Christmas Holidays. The whole thing was Jonah's idea, and Geoff also joined us.
 
 


2000

Late  again!!!!!

I have a good excuse this year, we moved Dec.1 & 2nd!  Never again, that time of year!  We are finally getting settled again. I thought this would be easy move, just moving from one apt. to another,  but I was mistaken!  We are beginning to enjoy our new location. We are on the 10th floor, what a view !  When we move to a larger city I would definitely choose a high rise & I wouldn't hesitate to live on a higher level either.

Highlights of the year ...

I returned to my Daycare position in Jan. & also was offered a loans clerk position at Fast Cash in Jan.  I worked more than full time until the end of May when my term position ended & have been unemployed & enjoying it since.

We enjoyed 4 nights with Geoff in Calgary in March, even skied one day at Fortress & one day at Louise with him, staying overnight at Canmore. We spent one night with Grant’s in Regina & timed it just right, attended another performance of the General Fools, Dale’s improve group!  They are great!!!!

Geoff moved back to Bdn. May 30 after 3 years, almost to the day, of living in Calgary. He is working in a bar until he can begin the Radio / T.V. Broadcasting Course at Robertson in Wpg. in Apr. He jams with Ken occasionally & he played one gig at the City Center since returning.  We have spent many hours over family meals catching up.

Nina & Dad spent from July-Oct. visiting in Mb.  I’ve missed Robin’s since they returned!  They are well & living in Grand Forks, B.C.

We attended a Reshaur Reunion in Gladstone in July.  I have been lucky to have visits with Aunt Alma & Uncle Harold, Ruth, Denise, Norma, Nina & Terry, besides all the relatives at the Reshaur Reunion.

We attended the 2nd Annual Storie Reunion at Kenosee in Aug. A very successful gathering in spite of the weather. Everyone except Nicole, Lindsay, Ben & Andrea were able to attend it.

Ken played with Armadillo at Dauphin Country Fest & with Billy at Minnedosa Classic Rock. He has had several gigs with Armadillo this fall. He continues to commute daily to Souris to teach.
Ken & I canoed the Souris & Assiniboine Rivers this year & did a few hiking trails alone & with Jerry & Betty, Donna & Dave, even one with Tim’s this year.

Ken & I rented a cabin at Grand Beach for a week this year & had Donna & Dave & Linda & Ron visit us while we were there. We also spent some time camping north of Gimli at Hnausa & spent a night at a motel at Wpg. Beach & Gimli. We camped as late as Sept. 15th &16th this year at Hnausa. The lake was numbing though but had to go in for a swim!

 Oct. 19th Ken had a conference in Wpg. so we spent one night at the International & he surprised me by suggesting we go for a drive to Gimli for supper the following day. He had rented a lakeside room at Misty Lake Lodge as a surprise for my 50th Birthday.

We travelled to Wpg. Sept. 30 to welcome Cynthia & Wayne home from a 16 month stint in Taiwan. Linda’s, Wayne’s family, Dad & Nina, & Ken & I met at the International for a welcome home party. They are living in Wpg. now.

In Sept. Jerry & Betty, Donna & Dave, & Ken & I rented an A-frame Chalet at Elkhorn Ranch & went hiking both days, were fortunate enough to see a lynx & moose. Great time!

Jonah has been at Hood Auto Parts for 3 years now & he is currently on holidays.
For Xmas we are going to have a quiet day at home, Geoff’s request. The last 3 have been hectic.
All the best to everyone in 2001!




2002

Another year, another location! We have gone from a one bedroom apt. on the 16th floor of a high rise in downtown Wpg. to a three bedroom bungalow in a small town. A drastic, but pleasant change of scenery!

I was working 35 hours a week in a very busy downtown Insurance Agency and I am now a full time homemaker without any kids at home.  A pretty easy job! This is the first time we have lived anywhere without at least one of the guys & I don’t like it! Grenfell is a very small ,friendly, town but it takes a big effort & time to make new friends. I have met several people in town & have done some volunteer work, no shortage there!

Ken has returned to the Special Education area of Education. It is a challenging position here. He loves the scheduling here & has several Fridays off during the year. We have already taken advantage of several 3&4 day week-ends & travelled somewhere.
Our boys have new homes htis holiday season as well.

Geoff moved to Bdn. when we moved to Grenfell so we were able to share a moving truck. He is sharing a house with his first room mate of several years ago at 824-12th St. He is currently working at Wray’s.

Jonah moved into a new bachelor suite at 8-117-14th St. He is still working on a ”call as they need him basis” at Hood Auto Parts.

They will be joining us in Grenfell for Christmas Eve, day, & Boxing Day.

The highlight of the summer was our trip out west to visit Dad & Nina at Christina Lake, B.C. An awesome location! We also visited relatives at Kelowna & Gull Lake.

The 4th annual Storie Reunion was held at Kenosee the Aug. 23rd week-end with the best attendance ever.

We spent several days holidaying in the Lake Wpg. area & exploring the lakes in our new area. We beat our record of several years & enjoyed a swim on Sept. 15th at Round Lake.

We are anticipating a white Christmas here. We have had varying amounts of snow on the ground since Oct. 1.

Look forward to hearing from our relatives and friends at this time of year.
We are right on hwy. 1 so please drop in if you are passing by.
 
All the best in 2003! 

 2006

‘December of 2006 finds us well. Ken is finishing up his third annual contract with the Historic Places Initiative. Bev worked with Ken this summer. The work involved quite a bit of travel in western Manitoba as we had 50 Historic Sites to visit. Each visit involved interviews with owners or caretakers, extensive photography, and a thorough examination of the building and grounds. Working together has enabled us to visit all of the sites during the summer and fall, and take some time to do some hiking, swimming as well as take some side trips along the way. Ken is currently completing the reports (in our improvised home office) while Bev is considering going back to work. It looks like Ken will be able to get another year's worth of work with the project and he's looking forward to some new and different assignments. Working from home has given us considerable flexibility in our schedule.

We'll attempt a quick summary of the year's events.

The winter passed quietly. Ken was working on last year's HPI contract, Bev was working at Ora Dental Clinic. We hosted Bev's family's Christmas gathering on Jan. 7. We made a few trips to Winnipeg to visit Geoff and his girlfriend Lyndsey. Geoff is a Manager at the Tavern United - across from the new MTS Centre. His sporting highlight of his year would be attending the Grey Cup and having a seat on the 55 yard line just a few rows from field level (a perk from his job). Ken managed to spend a few days skiing with Dave at Fernie in March.

In April Jonah started work with Zellers and that continues to go well. He moved into an apartment within walking distance of the store. Also in April, Ken and Dave did some great short canoe trips with the Westman Wilderness Club on the Little Saskatchewan River, and later did a longer trip from Minnedosa down to Riverdale. Spring hiking trips took us to some of the usual spots along the local rivers.

In May we took a trip to Regina to visit Bev's Dad & Nina and later attended our nephew Paul’s marriage in Brandon – it was a great family gathering.

In June we moved (again!) to an apartment out on the western edge of town. We're finding it peaceful. It was a great summer to enjoy the outdoor pool. With summer came trips to Lake Winnipeg as usual.

In July, Bev’s aunt and uncle, Harold and Alma Lobban, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Gull Lake SK. We took time to visit Montana on the way home and really enjoyed the variety in the geography and the historic sites. Bev & Ken (with Tim and Geoff) attended the Crosby, Still, Nash & Young concert in Winnipeg.  Bev's Dad, his wife Nina, and her daughter Carolyn visited for a few days in July & again in Oct. We enjoyed a visit with Bev’s Aunt Joyce & Uncle Bob who were visiting from Kelowna at Pearl & Scott’s. 

The annual Storie Family Reunion was at Ditch Lake (near Clear Lake) in August. We had the biggest turnout yet. Not surprising I guess as some of the younger generation have (finally!) started adding to the clan. (wives, husbands, significant others, even babies)

Fall has gone quickly as we scrambled to visit sites while the weather was good, and still tried to
get some fall hiking in as well. We did get in a few great trips with Tim and Deb.  At the last minute Ken won tickets to see The Who in Winnipeg and that was fun. We'd been there in October 30 years ago, the last time they played Winnipeg.

Then came the Rolling Stones concert in Regina. That prompted a road trip with Tim, Geoff and Lyndsey.  Carol joined us for the concert. Tara and Adam also attended. The post-concert party was at Grant and Carol's.
Cool Nov. weather didn’t stop us from taking a fall trip to Gimli and area, with a stop to see Geoff and Lyndsey of course.

November was baby month! Bev’s niece Cynthia (and Wayne) and Ken’s nephew Paul (and Tina) had baby girls.

As we approach the holidays and grumble about the cold weather we look back on a pretty typical year for us. We spend a lot of time with family. Lots of barbeques at Donna and Dave’s, breakfast with Jerry and Betty, impromptu walks for coffee and road trips with both of them. Ken still takes time to jam with his buddies, keep up his local history and related web-sites, and work on some writing and photography projects.  We look forward to doing some skiing.

Looking forward to the holiday season and spending some quality time with family. That is what it is all about! Wishing you the same!