triumphgal

The day continues having left McDs after barely containing my amusement at the group of 20-somethings sitting across from me who used the C word as a noun on a regular basis as they shared the woes of working at entry level jobs.

I programmed the route to Signal Hill and wound my way through the maze that is the roadway of St. John’s. Along the way I recognized many of the places my daughter Ashlée had shown me on my visit when she lived here in December of 2014. Part way up I spotted the parking spot that was once the home of my friend Andrea’s Mom and looked forward to letting her know I was thinking of her here.

I crawled on up to the top of the hill and was stunned at the number of dang tourists milling about! Seems the other thing summer brings is cruise ships and one was in Harbour. I managed to wrangle a few angles to get people free pics and stood there for a long time soaking up the sun and the smell of the ocean. The atmosphere was perfection.

Eventually I wandered my way up to the top of the building which involves flights of winding stairs with no passing zones. Patience was the key but I was too tired to be annoyed. The view was spectacular and there was a sweet irony that the phone to listen to the first transmission was out of order.

Next I went to check out the visitors centre because, well, chocolate. Before purchasing a ticket to go through the exhibit I went to use the washroom. Upon exiting my stall I noticed a pair of beautiful sunglasses hanging on the hook so grabbed them to take to the front desk before they went missing for good. As I walked out a woman practically yelled at me that those were hers and snatched them out of my hand. Before I could explain anything she gave a snarl and exited. A woman watching the exchange just looked at me in shock and said, “that was rude” I wasn’t going to let it ruin my day as at that point I was feeling the time change and knew I needed to go for a shower and a nap.

I messaged the Airbnb I had booked and Charlotte told me I didn’t have to wait until 3 and could come then which was a blessing as it was only 11ish (7:30 am at home). i wound my way back down to her home and was very thrilled to meet this interesting lady in her jellybean row house. it turned out that my bedroom window looks out at Signal Hill!

I grabbed a shower, made plans for 2pm and took a power nap. Sometime after 2, a car pulled up with Nancy and Delores driven by Delores’s husband Terry. I was so thrilled to see these two ladies. I had met them when I visited, spending Christmas and New Years in good company. Sometimes one meets friend soulmates and it was like that for us, a connection that has lasted like we only saw each other a few weeks ago.

Terry dropped us at George Street and we wandered, seeking spots in the sun to drink wine and Coronas and catch up. Pub crawl 2019 included bevies at several spots, dinner at The Shamrock and hours spent at The Rose and Thistle side of the Grapevine and Rose.

Nancy made us laugh every time she had to dig through her duffle bag of a purse to find her smokes or lighter.poor picture but these are smart parking meters, against the building for ease of use and plowing

So much good talk and belly laughs. I couldn’t believe my good fortune to find Oban scotch at double for single price until 8. At 8 we were asked to move seats as the comedians were about to start. A loud mouth guy at the bar turned and started heckling us and I realized in a flash that I knew him from Victoria, back before 2010 when I lived on Salt Spring! I gave him a bit of guff and then finally said he ought to recognize me and there was a sudden ding, as the penny dropped. Seems Dave was here on his honeymoon and was going to be onstage last tonight.

We three stayed for 6 or more performances, some of which were quite entertaining and a few that were over the line. The day was catching up,with us and I needed to go convince myself to sleep so we called dear Terry to come chauffeur us all home.

An ongoing thread of amusement with my friends back home is about the lack of practical pockets in women’s clothing and this young lady did a funny set on the topic.

Plans are made for tomorrow and I have had such a good day of laughter and friendship that I know I was supposed to be here in this moment, soaking it all up and filling my tank.