Christmas from the Bernhardsen's

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!!



The Bernhardsen's got together Christmas day for supper at Austin and Lisa's place. In case you are confused, the theme for this year was crazy hats!!!

Starting from the left, there's Scottish Grandpa, Green Eggs and Ham Darlene, Leopard Spot Barb, Sadie in one of her two hats, on the floor is Dylan in his Charlie Sheen Hat and pose, yes that is a bottle of beer in his hand and yes he is of age.Back on the couch, is Josh in his child size Mexican Hat - inside joke (which doesn't look like it went over too well!!) - next to him is his girlfriend Sam, then there is Lisa looking lovely in pink and last but not least, Austin in his joker hat with bells.

A Great time was had by all, hope everyone is doing fine.

Lisa and Austin

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hi Everyone
Hope this Thanksgiving finds everyone healthy and happy.
Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
Austin and Lisa
Josh and Dylan

Uncle Robb Rides to Conquer Cancer

This past weekend Uncle Robb was one of over 2000 cyclists in the more than 200km ride from Vancouver to Seattle, Washington as part of the 3rd Annual Ride to Conquer Cancer.  Robb finished the first leg in 5hrs:26 mins and the second day in even less time, completing the ride in the top third of the field.

Joining Robb on the back of his bike were photos of those deeply missed after their battles with cancer.

The Ride raised over $11 million for the BC Cancer Foundation, with Robb's participation in the event adding $5290 in donations.

We're all very proud of you Robb.

Thank You

Thank you to John, Rick, Jackie and Joe and their families for a beautiful service for Pat. I was very impressed with the Nurse's, the music and the memories. It was so nice to see people from Edson and surrounding areas there to celebrate Auntie Pat.

I was wondering if the presentation that was on the computer at the service would be downloaded on the Blog for the family that were not able to attend? Or a link of some sort so we could all see it.
Sometimes it would be nice to see Auntie Pat at her best, to bring sunshine on a cloudy day, a smile to a sad face or just to enjoy family memories.

Thinking of you all....
Lisa

The Gathering

Hello O'Hara's!
I'm just sending out a quick reminder of the planned gathering for the August 7th weekend. I have the hall booked for us for Friday, Sat, and Sunday. The hall is equipped with a full kitchen, a large gathering area, tables, chairs, some board games (bring some if you want), flush toilets, and a fairly large fridge. For those that were there it is located at the same place that we the party for Dave Jr. and his family when they came out. Directions to get there: Go east on Hwy 14 from the Hwy 14/Hwy 21 interchange for approx 22 kms, you will see a stone cairn on the north side of the hwy with a flag pole, turn in there, there will be a gate, go through the gate and follow the road until you see the hall. My campsite is right there so stop in and I can direct you to where you need to go. There are campsites available (Tenting is free, trailer spots without power free, with power is $5/night).

The plan for the weekend is pretty open. I think that the only thing really planned is a pot luck supper for the Saturday night. No one has offered to organize that yet, so we're taking offers. Just someone to make sure of numbers, and kind of make sure we don't get 6 Jelly salads. There is some limited hiking at the lake, there is horseshoes (so we can start a bit of a tourney), mom is bringing a croquet(sp) set, those that have quads are welcome to bring them but they have to be operated at a reduced speed and there really isnt anywhere else to operate them, the fishing is not great, but we do have a beach area, I may bring my Wii in case the weather turns sour. Long story short use your imagination for the weekend.

This year has been trying, especially for the aunts and uncles. The ordeal that Auntie Pat and her family is going through is especially rough. Also the O'hara matriarch, Nan, hasn't been in the greatest health this year also. I guess what I am getting at is that it would be very good to see everyone, sit around a campfire, burn some wood, tell some lies, and sing some songs (okay, I won't sing but I'll hum). If people could give me a bit of an idea on numbers I would appreciate it, and if someone could organize the Saturday night supper that would be appreciated too. Please pass this onto/mention it to everyone.

Thanks
Nick Jr.

Sunshiny Day!

Today, we are sitting at Mom and Dad's house in Devon! May I clarify that John, Pat, and Jacquie are having a lovely afternoon sitting in the backyard. Mom returned home for a few hours today.....what a sunshiny day! Could it be the Shirley and Linda visit that perked up the Patsy....probably. Or the laughter which Rick and Joey left behind during their visits.....likely! Whatever it is keep it coming!

Must keep this short....like me! Important flower gazing ensuing and I am missing it!

Thank you all,
Jacquie

The Great White Hunter

Rick, you asked us to post memories of Pat and here is one that I retell often (even though it’s been embellished through the years and the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent).

One summer the Maddisons and the Marcettas decided it would be a grand adventure to go camping together. Now I can’t remember where we went, how long we were there or even if the parents remembered to feed us children (I'm writing this before I've had dinner so it's a recurring theme). The one thing I do remember though, is the Great White Hunter.

One afternoon, Jacquie and I being the courteous and industrious children that we were went off to fetch water. Yes, fetch water. To all of you younger O’Hara cousins there were times when we had to pump water in campgrounds it didn’t just come flowing out of a tap. (When did I start sounding like my mother? – I digress). Anyway, Jacquie and I were off to get water and complain about how we were never fed. Maybe it was just me who was complaining, either way we were gone. On our way back from the pump we noticed Pat yelling and screaming at us. Not an unusual sight really but this time she seemed really upset. Wow, did she notice that I stole a Snickers bar?

Apparently, there was a mother grizzly bear in the campground. There also were two cubs in the campground and Jacquie and I were on course to walk right in between these two parties. Jacquie and I noticed Pat and started talking…

Me - “What’s your Mom doing?”
Jacquie – “I dunno, maybe aerobics?”
Me – “She does angry aerobics?”
Jacquie – “Just keep walking”

Well we finally got the point that Pat was trying to keep us out of harms way and we cut through a small bluff to avoid coming between the momma bear and her cubs. That night, the spirit of the Great White Hunter was awoken. The momma grizzly may have roared to protect her young but nothing will match an O’Hara protecting their own.

That night Pat sat by the campfire, gun loaded, or maybe she was loaded and the gun was unloaded? Either way, she stayed out by the campfire all night with the gun with no bullets ready to ward off any danger that came our way.

Thank you Auntie Pat for always making me feel safe.

Luv ya

Dale