triumphgal

June 29, 2021

I went in at a decent time after watering the garden. It was the first day that the air conditioning came on before 8, and I wasn’t even able to open the windows last night as it was still so hot at 1130 pm. I couldn’t get Missy to come in and I am worried about her for the day so I hope she finds a shady spot under a deck or something. I did leave her a dish of water. I am barely keeping some of my garden alive but Groot is happy.

I had my appointment for my ultrasound and while I was there had the x-rays of my knee. It was actually a great experience due to free parking, lovely reception, seeing Ms Marsha, having the Ultrasound done by a sweet BCIT student and sharing a couple chuckles with the woman in Radiology. I look forward to getting results no matter what they may be. I swung through the DQ drive thru to use my free small sundae coupon as it seemed the perfect day to do so. Back at the office in the cool again I managed to get quite a bit done. I was happy to hear we are moving to stage 3 restrictions as of Thursday July 1st which means no restrictions on indoor dining, churches can meet again, festivals, concerts and theatre, etc. Masks are recommended until 2 weeks after 2nd shot but not mandatory unless a store posts that they are. I have no problem with that and will likely always wear one while travelling now.

Danika texted to see if she could take me up on the spaghetti and swim night so I booted home and got ready. We all had a nice visit but the heat was so intense today we had to actually add cold water to the pool so we could cool down and enjoy it.

I watched the news after they left and the record breaking temperatures were ridiculous! That is 120.9 F. Even at my place it is 111.2 . I have been in the Amazon and it didn’t feel as hot as today did. The air has a physical feeling at the moment. I feel so sorry for anyone suffering through this without any kind of Air conditioner. I hear they have set up a cooling station at the library which I hope the homeless are taking advantage of.

It took a long time to convince Missy to come inside and cool down. She is very affectionate and I am sure is suffering, is shedding like crazy and doesn’t seem to be hungry but she also wants to be outside. All I can do is keep caring as she will let me.

I’ve just gone out and watered everything and filled Missy’s water dish as she again doesn’t want to come in. It is still over 30 though so I won’t be able to open the windows again. I seem to be obsessing about the temperatures but more in a recording them kind of way. I have observed that the hottest time is typically around 6 pm.

June 28, 2021

I got up and got on the treadmill but didn’t stay on it very long as I am completely exhausted. Missy meowed all night long. She has been so weird, ever since a few nights ago when it seemed like she became spooked by the house. I managed to keep her in for the day as it was going to be stinking hot and she was not happy. I am glad though as it was ridiculously hot. I did manage to get some steps in though and get out to deal with the garbage and watering before heading to work. So tired! My week overall was good for step goals though!

I had a good laugh when my Cannabis store client dropped her paperwork through the mail slot and we had a funny text moment.

My watch seems to think the temperature is Fair, I may disagree.

I had a Dr appointment by phone and she referred me for an X-ray to try to get to the bottom of things. I picked up a prescription for Gabapentin as Dr S thinks it is nerve pain I am suffering. Afterward I headed to the Theatre to get organized for the people who would be arriving to help take down all the lights and projectors and empty the Tech room behind the booth in anticipation of it being renovated. So much is going on and I am so happy that Peter, Jennifer, Sandy, Deb, and the Penny’s, Amy, Kevin and Lincoln came to get it done. I already feel like I wish I had been more involved with the building of the work surfaces. I thought what I had said would be sufficient. I am practicing patience to see the final project . We did put everything in the lobby into two piles of keep or go. I will put pictures up on line soon offering people to come get if they can use it. Lots of old gear, etc. We got it all done in under an hour and a half. It was nice to see Sandy and Deb again and everyone was very understanding that I couldn’t lift.

Tomorrow I go for my follow up ultrasound to see if the mass has grown and I will wait around to get X-rays as well while I am there. It is nearly 11 pm and still 27C out. When I got home it was 41!! I really can’t complain though. I work and live in climate controlled environments. Good thing too, as the heat makes it hard to breathe.

June 27, 2021

I got up at a decent time so I could mow the lawn and get outdoor chores done. Had a FaceTime with Diane who is on Vancouver Island visiting in-laws. Got outside around 10 and By 11:30 it was 31c so I came in to the air conditioned home and made toast of the delicious cinnamon raisin bread I bought in the market yesterday. I got a few indoor things done and then went out to start removing the air conditioner from the wall as the new owner was coming from Kimberley to get it. By 1:22 it was 36 and after the unit was removed I put my outdoor table up against it and stuffed it with cushions to keep the hot out and the cool in.

It was so hot all the moisture dried out of my cedar planter and it fell apart! Danika stopped by with Emmy for a few minutes and she had to try my ear hair clips and give me a scary bear roar and a cute mouse face.

I headed off to find a smart cat door. I definitely need a collar activated one so all the animals in the Neighbourhood don’t come in. Unfortunately there were none suitable in town and after all the driving around my car still didn’t cool down, I was having trouble breathing and when I got home it was reading 40 outside. Ashlée asked if she could come float on the pool as her apartment was too hot to be in. I made us a nummy dinner that got creative as it was too hit to bbq and then we both floated around. Unfortunately when I tried to get up my knee gave out and there was a lot of pain. I look forward to my phone call from the Dr tomorrow. It was nice to talk about the Willys and books and that terrible collapse of the condos in Florida. Things instead of people, much nicer. It is also nice to spend time with my middle kid, we haven’t always made an effort to do that.

And now I have watered everything again and put a flea and tick collar on Missy. She is not amused and may not come near me for a while. She is a Covid cat, doesn’t like hugs. It was 29C at 9:47. Heck of a start to summer, just hope fire season doesn’t kick in.

I did spot my dream bbq today…

June 27, 2021

I was awake at a decent time so I got out and watered everything. It was forecast to be very hot. I stayed in and watched footage of yesterday’s grad in Bella Bella. It made me tears to see all those beautiful humans celebrating the success of the large class. There are usually maybe half this many and I knew so many of the families as they were the kids when I lived there. Around 11 I headed into town for The Farmer’s Market. I had made a plan to pick up my winnings from last night at Siobhan’s booth. I was parked already and walking towards when I realized I forgot my phone. I went back home for it and was on my way back when I looked both ways pulling off 4th St S onto 7th Ave when suddenly there was a vehicle with a couple bikes on the back in front of me. I scared the woman and felt bad about it. She was exactly hidden by a parked car until I pulled out. Close call. The market was lovely, by the time I got there it wasn’t too busy and I was able to take in everything. I bought Cinnamon Raisin bread, Pea and sun flour shoots, Ginger Mead, Goats and Hoes Soap, A sunflower seedling from a young girl, a pair of lovely sea glass earrings and met the man who custom made the table I sent home with Jake last weekend. I then purchased an Orange Coconut Cream Popsicle and sat on a shady bench in the park to read a script. I am on the play selection committee and had a new one to read. It was so lovely that I had to close my eyes on occasion and just listen to the sounds of life in the area, including the kids playground, the birds and dogs and the musician down the lane. For the first time since 2019, I was at the market and enjoying a little bit of normal. In a a mask to be careful, but mostly normal. Just as I had finished reading I got a text that my shelter was ready for pick up at Canadian Tire so I texted the neighbor, Tracey as she had said she could grab it for me in her truck. Before I left I had to buy a jumbo hot dog from Keon who was set up in the parking lot for a heart and stroke event. Got home and puttered about the yard, had a drink with Tracey, cleaned the pool and got it ready. I had an edible, put on a bikini and floated about in the pool listening to the Shred Kelly concert again. It was sooooo relaxing. Came in and showered and had leftovers and then Ashlée arrived to take a turn at floating while I sat in a chair and we had a great catch up.

It was so hot that when I got home, the clear plexiglass in the door of my little library had fallen off! My rose does not look very happy either!

Gene got dropped off from the birthday party he attended so that he could go home with Auntie. He kept hugging me and at one point I realized how tall he had suddenly gotten as my nose was stuck in his teenaged armpit, lol

The auction ended on my AC unit tonight but I have to wit for Admin to decide who won as there was a flurry at the end and I don’t have a computer I can check with at home. Will find out in the morning I guess. I plan to turn the opening in the wall into some fancy cat door and then we will have end to the horrible meowing at 5 in the morning!

June 26, 2021

I don’t believe I have ever noted that before…

I had a pretty chill day. I ordered and picked up lunch from Family Thai which I love and it was so nice to see Mam. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. On the way I picked up a script to read from the theatre as I am on the play selection committee. I found the first one a little depressing and that is not what I think we need for the first season back. Got a fair bit of work done and then headed out for my manicure. It was nice to relax although it made me sleepy. From there I went to the Dollarama and picked up a few things I needed and some fun things for the pool. Next was Canadian Tire where I had seen the perfect shelter for the jeep and my bike on sale for $100 off. I wandered around and ended up doing quite the shop, even found a portable toilet on sale that will be handy when I renovate the bathroom and for the trailer. Turns out in the end I had to come home and order the shelter online so they could pull it out of the warehouse. I have to organize a truck to pick it up anyway. While I was in the store I heard them say they were sold out of air conditioners which spurred me into listing my wall mounted one on Bid Wars. It started at $20 and quickly went up to 55 last time I looked. It is in the wall near the dining room table and once it is removed I am going to fashion some sort of entrance for Missy. Maybe that will solve the issue of her waking me up at 5:30 to go out.

I came home and made a delicious meal although some of the spice makes me gassy, it was tasty. While I ate I watched the Shred Kelly Virtual Tour for an hour and really enjoyed it. I even won a CD and a Vinyl which is awesome.

One thing that I noticed is a new habit I have.. seems I am not worried about Mr Right showing up at my door as I have bee changing into my ‘house dress’ as soon as I get home. Yep, I have officially turned into my Nana.

The officer who killed George Floyd was sentenced to 22.5 years today. I double he will live long in jail. Our MP Rob Morrison voted against the law to make conversion therapy illegal. So old school. Covid is dropping across the province except in our part. Cranbrook, Fernie and Kimberley have had quite a few cases recently. And that was all the news that was not fit to print.

It is a tough time to be Canadian, especially a caucasian one. I will address the subject eventually. I am conflicted.

June 24, 2021

Today had many great moments, including getting super deals at the Showcase store in the mall. Rae had told me about free PPE they had and I received an email from them today to remind me so I popped over to the mall at lunch. I got 2 games and 4 bags of candy (originally 14.99 a bag) that the boys love, a box of masks, package of wipes, a UV cell phone cleaner and charger and a cell stand all for $5.60!! I felt like the Ikea commercial, that I should run for my car!

The day started with confirmation that my client who because of unfortunate circumstances had a demand to pay PST for over 28 thousand dollars and after all my work yesterday, when I checked online this morning, they are getting over 1 thousand back instead! That makes all I do worthwhile to get to phone and tell him.

A whole lot of shit has gone down recently that I can’t even be bothered to write about because it reflects badly on someone and that is theirs to own. That is the second time in a couple weeks that I find myself trying to process something outside of this medium. I have long passed the age of believing I am responsible for others reactions but it doesn’t mean I don’t end up disappointed and sad when a friendship fails. Sometimes you just have to walk away.

It was so great to have a multi-organization meeting in the park today. The weather was perfect and much was accomplished towards an event we all hope to co-produce in September. Even just planning something again feels good.

I came home and put a couple more plants in the ground and happily discovered a few more that I thought hadn’t survived their first winter, including my clematis! I do wish I could grow grass in a replanted area as well as it grows on it’s own in my rock garden, where it shouldn’t.

I had dinner ready from last night so I warmed it up and sat down to eat just as a MusicFest concert series came on with a dear friend, Jemma Hicken. She has been a volunteer on my stage crew for years and it has been a pleasure to know her. I finished eating and then continued working on my puzzle as I had her playing on my iPad. It was so peaceful and lovely and she is a great story teller. Her songs are funny and charming and her voice is unique and lovely. It really was perfect.

https://fb.watch/6l7bByYDmz/

Afterward I moved a herd of one inch long stick bugs from their old home where they had apparently hatched to the new condo which is getting crowded. I hope that is it for the move. Not sure what happens when there are so many…. Guess I had best read the book I bought to learn more about them.

The evening has wrapped up watching Honoring Our Kings: OWN celebrates Black Fatherhood that I had recorded. It made me cry a few times, so many stories, so many great men in the world. It is good to remember that. It is easy to only see the negative, especially in these current times. I admit there is a part of me that never wants to watch or see the news again. It is constantly challenging us to be better, so there is that.

June 23, 2021

Up and on the treadmill trying to get the knee working and headed in. Got a fair amount done today considering all the interruptions. They were mostly planned but still all over the place. In the morning I went to the theatre and met with the electrician to go over some fine tuning for the booths. It is getting exciting around there! Ordered Subway for Keri and I and we sat outside in the sun to celebrate her birthday last Monday. Had two board members from FPPAS stop in for signatures and to drop off cheques. Went to pick up a lovely wooden grill for my furnace air intake that I won for $5 on a bid war. Across the street in a very higher end neighborhood was quite the site. Stopped at La Vie En Rose to buy new jammies because I got booked for my Sleep clinic sleep over! I am soooo happy, as it is only two weeks away. Brought everything home, put my Hello Fresh in the fridge and headed out to drop off some books at a client and go to the strata AGM.

THAT was a joke. The secretary asked for nominations from the floor for the Board. One owner suggested it stay the same, two were coerced into joining and then without warning, the others stepped off the board. As two or three are not enough to have a board, everything came to a standstill. No one knew what to do and there was much kerfuffle about not having a bookkeeper/Treasurer. I was asked by Maggie if I would take over but I did not agree to as I was effectively run off the board. One of the new guys suggested we wait and have a campaign to replace people. There should have been a recruitment committee if they all knew they were leaving. It is shoddy and Fred had the nerve to say that no one had any interest in the park. If their childish behavior means our strata fees go up due to having to hire a management company I will not be happy.

I made another delicious dinner. I am very tired, was falling asleep at my desk this afternoon as well…

June 22, 2021

I think Missy has the right idea.. rush with great urgency into the beyond, roll around on as many surfaces as possible, soak up the heat from the concrete and the cool from the grass. Snuggle up close to those who love and provide for you and avoid things that make loud scary noises. Pretty good rules for living.

And speaking of cats, it seems the injured one is from across the park and I hope it has been tended to. I didn’t see it around this evening.

I didn’t make a lot of money today but I got a lot of things wrapped up and some was even fun. I ordered a new speedo cable for my Triumph through the closest shop in Calgary. There were a few email back and forth before I sent him a schematic and pointed out he had chosen the wrong part, which would have been non-refundable. He apologized profusely and we agree the one I chose is what I need. I admit, that felt good, besting the parts guy. I know my baby.

I met with the general contractor for the theatre renovation and went over the measurements for the new workspaces in the Tech booth and Director’s booth. It will be so nice, can’t wait for it to be done. There is still much to do to prep as far as moving out equipment. I called out for help at the board meeting tonight and next Monday we will make it happen. It was a celebration of sorts tonight as it was our first in person meeting as a Board in a long time. There was lots of chat and discussion. Much more than on zoom and I think it really gets to the crux of things. We really are evolving as an organization and that can grind on some people. I am grateful for Maureen, our executive assistant/Office manager and am happy we are keeping her for another year! She has been a good asset for the Society and a good friend to me.

I think Thom was done with it all by the end, lol. I sure appreciate his steadfastness on the Board. I am also glad Melodie is staying on as Secretary. It is a gift to do that well.

Sat and had a nice visit with Maureen over snacks before we left. Got home in time to water my plants and get this done before it is already 11:30! Morning will come early and tomorrow is another busy day.

June 21, 2021

I hurt bad this morning because I had a good night’s sleep. It is a heck of a trade off. The treadmill is still my best friend to get moving in the morning, I rely on it for even a short walk to get mobile. I left Jake sleeping and headed to the office. It was like working on the weekend as three of the people in my wing were off today. Jake showed up and we went to Arby’s for lunch before he headed out of town. Rae has been training as an assistant manager but I believe she will rise higher. It is weird to see her in a fast food place but she is so good at customer service that I am sure she will excel. Jake headed home with a car full of shopped at Mom’s. A table, two chairs, two stools, pots and pans, my older Tupperware, etc. He even managed to steal my wee bottle of Tequila. It is good to see him doing well and his energy is much happier now. I think it was great for him to go to the cabin this weekend. He saw how the whole family pulls together to get things done and then have fun. I know he has seen it before but appreciates it more of course, now that he is gone.

I got home after completing my reports for tomorrow night’s Board Meeting. It has been great to talk to the general contractor and the subs to confirm the details of my part of the dream. Tech Director has a big Dream! As I was walking to the mail box, I spotted the puffy grey and black cat that has been hanging in the neighbour’s drive area. We first spotted it last Thursday night and wondered where it came from as we’d never seen it before. Tonight it turned and I noticed it had a very bad gash on the left side of it’s head from the ear down. I took pictures, tried to give it food and water and posted on a FaceBook group to try to find the owner. Two women showed up to try to help capture it. Turns out one of them, Leslie, was the woman who arranged my adoption of Missy. She brought a live trap and we baited it with good wet food. Unfortunately the cat wandered away. The Neighbour and her son and I tried to sway it in the right direction but no luck so I set the cage near where it has been hanging out and we have been monitoring it. Keeping Missy inside has been a challenge to say the least. Poor thing, it really brought out the helpless in me. Can’t even grab it by the scruff as it is too near where the injury is. It has to be in pain.

Hope we don’t catch a skunk…

Dinner had several items I am not supposed to have in the Bay Seasoning but it was soooooo tasty. Worth a little heartburn, right?!

Poor Missy is meowing like crazy as I haven’t let her out.

June 20, 2021

For many years I have not loved this day, but as time goes on I spend it in wonderful remembery. Also, more people I know have experienced the same loss I did at a younger age. We are able to share and support in the membership of the Double D club. Now I celebrate that good Father’s that surround me, my son and son-in-law, my daughter’s father, the good men I know.

I spent the day being productive, I have kicked back into get er done mode and finished the trim in my kitchen. I think it ties it all together and of course prevents any water damage as it is a plastic product I used and siliconed it in place. I do love playing with my chop saw. I forgot. I think I will start my bathroom next weekend. In spite of not having a table saw, or air tools, I am sure I can get it done on my own. I also cut to the right height the table legs on an extra table I have that I was using as an island at one point to see if I wanted a permanent one. Jake will be taking it home for he and his roommate as they only have beds so far.

I did sell my Harley Jacket for $75 so after Jake came back and before we loaded his car with a table, two chairs and two stools as well as a myriad of kitchen items, we went to drop off his recycling and then to Home Depot so I could pick up som new plants with the money. I chose a gorgeous rose tree to complete the front. I will plant it tomorrow night. I had made us pork loin chops for dinner and we were done by 4:30 as we were both so hungry. The blue light special dinner hour!

At 6:30 we went to Guedes house to have ice cream cake and celebrate Gene’s 14th birthday as we hadn’t officially yet. He was so happy to get a golf bag with all the trimmings for his clubs from his Père and Granny. I had already given him his gifts so we just enjoyed the evening and then Jake and I came home to watch a show he had recommended.

Jake introduced me to Bo Burnham. First we watched Make Happy to set the stage for how he normally is (filmed in 2016) and then Inside (filmed during the Pandemic). He really is brilliant and although I am sure enhanced for entertainment purposes, also vulnerable and real. His prose is amazing. I shall likely be watching Inside again. During the intermission I got us Bowmore to toast to my Dad, Jake’s Grandad. It was Jake’s first scotch so I am glad it was a good one. It has been lovely to spend such quality time with my kids and grands this weekend and get so much done around the place. Very satisfying.

June 19, 2021

I didn’t realize until around 9 pm that one of the best things about the day was spending so much time with other human beings and not once having a reason to put on a mask.

Started the day too early but couldn’t go back to sleep. Got up and made cupcakes to bring out to the Family Fun Day/Father’s Day Dinner gathering. Gene arrived back from his youth group overnight and I made us all poached eggs on toast with hash browns and turkey bacon. It seems that poached eggs are the go to meal in our family. Mom and her cousin Rosie always make them for me when I visit and now I make them for my visitors. After breakfast, Jake headed off to get Emmy while Gene and I headed out to his grandparent’s cabin. It is an adventure ride to get there, with bridges and gates and fields and bushes and forest and forested areas. This was the first time that all of us have been together out there. I was very happy to be invited to bring Gene out. It really was just a perfectly nice day with no stress. Well, Roger may have had some stress when he dropped his canon ball overboard while getting the downrigger ready. He has so far caught the biggest fish in the area although I suspect Sawyer was happier to get his. It really was a lovely day and crazy good dinner that I did not have to prepare. On the way out Lukas drove Bill on the quad to go ahead and open gates and make sure I got out fine. We had brought a shovel and dug up a wild rose for my garden. I hope it roots, planted it as soon as I got home. At the point when Lukas was closing a gate, I called over and said Happy Father’s Day Bill, and thanks for being a great Dad. He said Thanks, you are a great Mom. It was a nice moment that didn’t get awkward and just really made the day. And that says a lot as there were so many great moments.

It was a very ordinary day really, which is exactly what made it extraordinary.

June 18, 2021

Enjoying my evening eating good food, watching Loki and hanging with my son who surprised me by arriving early this afternoon from Vancouver. We have had good talks and caught up on all things. Dinner was so good we both had seconds.

June 17, 2021

Today I cut the cheques for the deposits on the big Theatre refurbish project we are doing for CCT. Things are ready to roll. There’s that to look forward to.

I confirmed I am going to have my grandson overnight after work on Saturday as everyone will be out at the cabin, There’s that to look forward to.

I sat on their deck enjoying a visit before they leave on vacation on Saturday. I enjoyed my Campbells catch-up. There’s that to be grateful for.

I had the gumption to call Shaw and ask them to honour what I was promised in my last Change of service. It took a while but I am getting my time shift back for a small fee, a $20 credit is being added per month and I got a $50 credit for next month. A company is only as good as the way they handle their mistakes. I am happy to stay with them. There’s that to be grateful for.

June 16, 2021

As I write this the TV has landed on The Celebrity Dating Game. Not only is it hosted by Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel but low level celebrities are on it looking for dates. Sigh, everyone needs a job I suppose. Moving on..

Today was trippy. I had crazy hard work to do for payroll and an audit and then at the end of the day, readying for a board meeting. In between I made arrangements to meet a woman at my place to buy my planter boxes I had listed. I had a standing appointment for Fortis to come change out my meter some time between 12 and 4 so I arranged for her to come at 1. I cleaned them out and moved them to the front and when she saw them she was happy to take them for what I was hoping to get. It wasn’t much but was good to pass on to someone who could use them and I will go but a plant to with the money. I took a few pictures while I was out there. I love my yard.

At 2:25 I left a note on the door to call me when I needed to come back and headed back to the office. At 3:12 I received a call from a super friendly guy that he would probably be done by the time I got home. When I arrived I found the best guy ever, Josh. He was so much fun and we spent more time chatting than necessary to get the job done. All he really had to do was lite the pilot light in the hot water tank.

It occurred to me that over the ‘Covid season’ my best dates have been with contractors that come to my house. Much good chat and laughter has happened. I also realized why ‘older’ women are seen as cougars. We are fearless and just call it as we see it. It was easy to thank him for the great ‘nerd’ talk we had today without worrying about anything. If someone is interested me at any point they will know how I feel. It’s simple. I may want to have a ‘gas’ emergency though…. I clearly have a thing for blue collar workers.

I raced back to the office and worked the rest of the time on my Board Meeting prep. It was good but I was starting to have trouble focusing as the meeting went on due to only having a bowl of chicken noodle soup when I was home. After the meeting I came home and made one of my HF meals that was the quickest. It was delicious but I didn’t sit down to eat until 10:01 and now it is 11:27 and I am regretting my choices. It was not the meal to eat before bed, but it tasted sooooo good!

Oh Lord, there is another episode starting, I had best head to bed!!!

June 15, 2021

I fell asleep in my new pillow and the feel of it along my spine left me feeling spooned for the first time in a long time. I slept well even with the effort to roll over. I had no problem getting out of bed once I untangled myself. I went to let Missy out and noticed the most incredible clouds I have seen here. I grabbed my phone to take a picture and saw the weather alert. After a few photos, I saw things were changing fast and started videoing. It was powerful and swept through quickly.

Not sure if it was because of this specific storm but a small sink hole opened up in the parking lot at work. It was all the news of the day!

I had a busy and fun day in my office and at 4:20 the Dr from the sleep clinic called to ask a few more questions and assure me I need to have a sleep over session without my machine and then likely another, connected to theirs so they could monitor the pressure etc. He was so nice and communicated a real desire to help me get better. I look forward to the call to go. Gosh at this point it will be a vacation!

I rushed home and made a quick dinner (yay air fryer!) before heading to the Theatre for Sip and Script, hosted by Melodie Hull. There were 10 of us and the hostess. The script for the evening was a show that was performed at our theatre years ago, Habeas Corpus by Alan Bennett. It was fun and everyone really got into it, masks and all. I liked the end the best when we sat around discussing it through the lens of 2021. The farce was an important staple of theatre but it has some very dated tropes. This script mocked mental illness, priests, Drs and flat chested women. Many of those subjects are off the table now… and I am ok with it. Too be fair I watch some pretty skanky entertainment but reading it in this setting was awkward at times. It was very nice to go out tonight and meet with like minds for sure. And while I was there I took opportunity to inspect the booth now that it is painted and awaiting its electrical makeover.

June 14, 2021

I was inspired by the movie I watched last night, On the Basis of Sex about Ruth Bader-Ginsberg. I have nought to whine about. She had to work so incredibly hard to get where she landed. I knew I admired her, and I had no idea of her story. I thank her for so many of the blessings I enjoy. Equality begins somewhere and then with all good fortune flows throughout the world. So much work still to do.

I then moved on to watch the series Hollywood. Several episodes in I can say it is not for the feint of heart. great cast!

Up early and on the treadmill again. I try to ensure that if I move at all in the night, I roll back onto my side with a bent knee and it really seems to help lessen the pain upon waking. Rode my triumph to work today. I only wish it were more than a 4 minute commute. I may have to take the long way next time. A few nights ago I decided I needed to buy items that make me feel better so I ordered a body pillow and a foot spa/massager. The pillow arrived this morning and Diane kindly dropped it off for me. Rae picked up the next package when it arrived and brought it with them when they came for yard fun. The pillow was crazy packaged for shipping. There was even a message on the box to now open until sold. There is no way to repack it so I’m not surprised.

At 3:30 I was thrilled to have a Zoom interview with Cresslynn for MusicFest filler this year. I was stunned to find out how emotional I got. I know, I know, not shocking to anyone else but I was prepped for the film and got caught off guard. I wondered recently if I would go back but today solidified it. If they will have me, I am there. It was so good to hear her voice!

The joy of coming home and having the four boys playing in the pool as Rae and Roger and I visited was fabulous. Hot dogs and Zucchini on the BBQ and sitting in the yard enjoying the beautiful evening was just what my soul needed. Once they left I finished my puzzle and watched the newest episode of Why Women Kill which I love! Went out and watered everything once the shade settled and am amazed at how many cherries there are on my new baby tree.

Decided I had best try out the new foot spa and I was so happy it isn’t too noisy and felt really good. All in all a perfect self care day…

June 13, 2021

It seems my looking after myself with heat and rest intermittently yesterday helped in spite of all I got done. I also tried to prop myself so I wouldn’t sleep on my back with my leg straight out and when I woke up it was easy to move compared to the past few days. I got a lot done outside including painting the other three chairs and the table base. I think it was too hot though as there are odd bubbles on some spots. It is still nicer than they started. I also ordered an elasticized vinyl tablecloth in teal.

Made a plan to have Rae and the family over for hot dogs and a swim tomorrow after work. Made my last meal for the week. It was so delicious! I already can’t wait for lunch tomorrow.

I have to be careful with the best cookies I have tasted in a long time, so I only had two and cleaned the bathroom to wear off the calories. While I was doing that I came across a crazy mask I had acquired along the way and gave it a try. Don’t really know what it accomplished, lol.

June 13, 2021

The beginning of my day did not go well. I tried to roll over and the instant agony was so intense, I cried my way out of bed. I did stretches and slow moves until I could actually bend my knee and get out of bed. I made a coffee and moved my way to the couch and the heating pad. I put baileys in my coffee but it’s not the same apparently when it is non-dairy.

I made a plan to get Sean and Aidens help to bring my bathtub here. We also picked up the window that I was given by Jamie Reid. They removed it to put in a patio door and I plan to replace my den window with it. Will gust take a little work bu will be worth it. I plan to ask Bryan who did my kitchen window for me.

After that I mowed the lawn and started weeding. I realized at one point that I had lost my keys to the sheds. I looked over every part of the yard and then thought to look in the waste pile and there they were! Phew! I decided to take a break to eat and finish my puzzle and put the heating pad on again. I watched to the end of Maniac and it was such a weird little show but I really enjoyed it.

As the wind had calmed and it wasn’t raining, I headed out again to finish weeding the big chunks. I was nearly done when the neighbour across the street came home and popped over to tell me that my yard was looking really good. That was sweet and just what I needed. I had channeled my inner Nigel and was whipping it all into shape. To be honest it didn’t take all that long to make a huge difference. There is still more but my body was done, so I came in to start a new puzzle and have a bevie as I watch Master of None. I think Aziz is funny and it is keeping my attention so far. I chose the puzzle on the left as the one on the right seems to have most of its pieces missing.

I forgot, first thing in the morning I made a video for Cole, Mabel and Josh’s son in Bella Bella. I received back one from him with his sister int he background saying Marnée doesn’t have a man’s voice so I made another, lol.

June 11, 2021

Simply planted before Covid, before winter blanketed 2019, before we knew what was to come. Out of the dirt and darkness and cold, two winters and a long summer.. life overcame it all and like a promise long kept, burst forth from the lips of the earth. A bulb planted is dependent on hope, like planting trees you won’t see the shade of in your lifetime. To see it bloom lifts the spirit and reminds your soul to give yourself future gifts, invest in what is to come. There is no pain in growing things. Not all plants break forth into joy but when they do, there is no comparison. I need to weed and mow and rake up the blown down branches but there is still happiness walking into my yard. I thank my plants for growing in spite of my care or lack thereof.

My house, now that is something I need to spend some time on. My house plants are thriving, except the one that has turned into modern art, petrified branches rising out of the corner, reminding me that it is time to let go. The layer of dust and piles of projects clutter my space and my mind. I will try to gather my gumption to take care of it all tomorrow. I will try…