I think that Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are just the cutest couple. I love their humour and longevity of relationship and would love to meet them. I think they would just be awesome as friends.
I was so excited to receive my parcel from Georgia, a talented lady in Bella Bella!! Gorgeous hand made earrings! And beautiful packaging with a Great Bear Rainforest sticker I saved
I met with Basem from Andrés electronics today at the Studio to get his opinion on the best sized TV to put in the space for renters to cast to and for our shows to broadcast to. I am really enjoying being able to spend a grant amongst many small vendors in town.
When I went to leave work on my bike, the smoke had socked in since lunch when I met Basem. It is very thick and low and the temperatures are high. I feel bad for my guest tomorrow night who is coming to compete in the Wasa Triathalon. I got her space all ready tonight and am busy thinking about the future. If I am really going to make plans to travel there are several options:
My Mom comes and is able to keep Missy but not the Airbnb space
My Daughter rents from me and can do both
I close up the Airbnb, find a home for Missy, hire a landscaper and hit the road
Sell it all, put what I must keep in storage, stay with Rae when I come back to town and hit the road…
I know the organizations I volunteer for won’t be happy for any of those choices but that is why I won’t make any decision for one more year so I have fulfilled my obligations. It is hard to resign from volunteering because I feel that is the legacy I leave. I have to believe that it is my purpose, to serve. I can’t believe that there is no reason for me to be here. My own mother lived just long enough to get me started in this life, I owe my life and hers to some betterment of society. I know people see me as self centered and egotistical but really at the root of it all is my obligation to my Mom. I do everything I do to honour her and my sister. For some reason, I was not with them that day thus I survived, I must leave some kind of legacy. I don’t know what it is except my children and grandchildren but I will not put that burden on them. I will give when I can and try not to be a burden but live my best life. God, I am maudlin tonight but I think that in the next year I will have to make some big choices that will not make everyone happy… but that won’t be the first time.
This morning first thing I saw a post from a friend about a roller skate key being necessary for fun back in the day which meant I had to post a pic of my key of course!
Ready for fun
On the way to work there was an extremely long truck attempting to make a tight corner. I noticed on my walk this evening that he broke the culvert when he did it.
Much was accomplished although I am really aware of the brain injury effects kicking in as I must be too tired/stressed. I am having trouble pulling words out of my brain. And names are all jumbled. I will gave to get rested. Keri and I had Subway and I am grateful that she went to get it or I may not have eaten at all what with the paid and volunteer work I was engrossed in. I received my newest Hello Fresh order and was sad that the fish was missing from one of my meals. Good thing I can easily replace it out of my freezer and they gave me a credit. I spent time, after my leftover dinner, spraying the tent trailer with canvas sealer. I hope it helps but I can really see where the material is starting to split, probably from not being closed for a couple years even if it was covered in the winter. I will have to decide what I am going to do down the line. I came in and cracked the Polish Beer in my fridge and sat on the couch with chips. I posted on my Facebook ‘whenever I think I need a man in my life, I’ll just take a swig of my beer and eat some more chips and I’m good. I am joking but I seem to fill both male and female traditional roles in my life.
Tracey from next door and I went for a long walk to explore the new construction and snoop the neighbourhood lol. We did find lots of things to follow up on and wonder at the slope of the soon to be paved road and run off. There were stretches of new sidewalk with breaks and chunks out of them unfortunately.
It is a massive development when you get near it! We snooped into the back acreage of the Neighbour with the old Park model trailer that I would love to see someone restore
We then sat in the backyard and had a cider and visited, which was very nice.
I am very glad I didn’t say fuckedy, fuck, fuckers when I wanted to yesterday because today was full of blessings!! I awoke to an appointment on the morning of the 27th for my second MRI and have decided to go visit my cousins, one in Tulameen and one in Blind Bay after, making a big circle. While on the treadmill I said goodbye to Walter White as Breaking Bad came to an end for me. Guess it’s El Camino tomorrow morning. I got lots done and then went for Sushi at Sakura with a new friend for lunch. Introduced her to warm saki, which really only goes best with fresh sushi, especially tempura. When I got back to the office my phone let me know that I had an achievement on Fitbit! I have walked the length of Africa which took me a while but I keep plugging at it. I got a lot done in the afternoon, accepted a booking for next week via Airbnb and then came home to glorious skies.
I just saw a McDonalds commercial with the song Steal My Fries. it took me a minute to realize it is the concept that we can eat together again that is worth having someone steal your fries. Well played Mickey D, well played.
My Hello Fresh at first disappointed as once again it was missing mushrooms, but truth be told, it is now one of my faves, even with the substitute zucchini. Already looking forward to tomorrow’s portion.
After dinner I saw that a friend was selling an outdoor fireplace and mine had recently rusted out so I inquired after it saying I had to arrange pick up. A complete stranger offered to deliver it for a case of beer, a friend joked that my Tucson could carry things and then the woman selling it said her husband would deliver it!! I also sent money to buy a tomato plant from her and then when they got here with a huge plant she gave me the plant money back! We were in a play together a few years ago and it was so good to see her and learn about the house sitting gigs they do travelling around the world. Her husband even took away my old one and the box from my shed!! Amazing.
Rae sent me a photo of what her eagle eye spotted, a leftover from Saturday night. The irony once the boundary was gone.
Today a most fantastic parcel arrived from a small bookseller. I only recently discovered a dear friend from the neighbourhood I grew up in had illustrated a book about the area. I can’t wait to read it and already adore the cover. It is also an autographed copy and the wee x on the map, I put there to show where the house boat I grew up in was, at the foot of jardine street. I feel so pleased to have called Charlene Kamachi a friend and hope she is well.
And that is only what I can remember about this really great day!
After I hit post this showed up!!! Icing on the cake!
This morning I awoke after a good comfortable sleep without even the fan on above me. It is clear why! 7-34 range in one week! 44.6F to 93.2F! That is a huge range. My garden and my cat won’t know what to do with themselves…
The rest of my day had moments when I wish I was more like Andrei on 90 Day Happily Ever After. He just calls a bitch when he sees one. There is such a part of me that wishes over the last couple months instead of shoving stuff down, I could have brought myself to call a bitch, a bitch and clear the air. I hate passive aggressive shit and it feels like I am surrounded by it right now. I think it is funny that one of the people who could have had the most reason to stay away from me is actually the one I am feeling closer to every day. I truly have to trust that she is being earnest with me. If I find out that is not true I will move back home in an instant to work as I feel that she is ‘grounding’ me there for now. i did have a great moment when I went to Hometown for Hunger at Denham Ford and ran into Sandy A who has agreed to be the stage manager for the show I am producing called The Aliens. I told her to read the script and confirm but we checked we were both fully vaxxed and had a good hug. She was the woman I recruited to be SM for the show that I quit producing while I was standing at Stonehenge on Friday the 13th of Sept 2019. I am eternally grateful that she trusts me enough to work with me again. Simple things are great blessings.
I replanned the layout of my yard today. I need Rae and the Fam to come and help me move things like one of those tile games to get it to the right spots. There were very negative and positive moments today. I heard from Tanner but it still seemed out of character. I am glad not to worry about him any longer. I have found someone who would like to apprentice under me for a major client that will be problematic to move completely online as I cut their cheques and all. That would be so great!
Lukas sleeps in now! So that was a great start to a Sunday. We both got up and had some cereal and played Little Big Planet 2. After we got to a certain point we headed outside to start building my shed in a box. First there was a lot of pruning of the lilac bushes and raking the ground. He was an incredible help. I then taught him the fine art of laying out all the pieces before beginning the build and how to use a ratchet. We got the whole frame together just before the rain started. I will have to level out the ground before we put the cover on. It is intended to be a storage garage for my 1946 Willys CJ2A and is in a place in the yard that will have a locked entrance so it will be safe from weather and theft. Lukas was so sweet. He thanked me for having him overnight and when I told him I was sorry it was more work than fun, he said it was good to spend time together. We had good talks about last night as well. He felt the Little Jazz Orchestra was really good but not for so long and that the Handsome Devils were more fun and upbeat.
It rained hard today and that was such a blessing. I hope there is good news of fewer fires now. My grass seems to have gotten greener already. I took a photo this morning comparing the beauty of the rose and the rain.
I am still worried about Tanner as I have had no contact from him at all. It feels so unlike him and I reached out to our mutual good friend again. She also is concerned. We both hope to hear something soon. I couldn’t bear to hear something has happened to him.
Dinner was very delicious tonight. I would make this one again!
It is 11 degrees outside and 21 in and yet my AC kept kicking in so I opened doors and windows. It is interesting to check the stats for the year so far on this site. I understand the numbers can be skewed as it doesn’t register all hits but where they are coming from is very interesting to me.
I was not impressed that my super senses overruled and set my alarm last night so it went off at 6:30 am. Better safe than sorry I guess. I was next awakened when my new neighbor and new friend Tracey texted that they were going to the transfer station and could take my stuff. We figured out that we both pay for garbage pickup and don’t use it enough so plan to split the cost and share it going forward. I did chores and got myself ready to meet Rae, Gene and Lukas at Arby’s for lunch before taking Lukas to get the water we needed for Summer Sounds from Culligan. We were at the park for 3 pm to help any way we could since I knew there was a shortage of volunteers tonight. I was happy my friend Tanner had volunteered so we were going early to introduce him to the team. The problem is that he didn’t show up at all, in spite of me messaging and offering to pick him up. I am a little freaked out as I don’t know his habits and there is some bad shit going around in Cranbrook currently. I plan to MOM him tomorrow if I don’t get a Facebook message, I will call his cell. It would break me…. Ironically there was a sudden appearance of police, fire trucks and ambulances tonight at the park as they had received a 911 call from a male overdosing in a bathroom at the park. There was no one, thankfully. But they rushed off to find the next location it may have been. There was also a fire in one of the food trucks which was thankfully controlled immediately thanks to the two young ladies running it. Sure could have been a disaster all around.
I received an odd review from the people I spoke of last night. They were kind and only said my place was hard to find which is because of the construction next door and the dug up roads and the fact I sent them a map but they did not get cell coverage in this country. I will respond to the review with that info, that the detour is temporary.
Lukas is here overnight and I have to admit that he is one of my most interesting Grandsons. I sometimes have to focus him but also, every one just loves him. I am so happy that he is enjoying helping out and I hope some day to bring him to Vancouver Island Music Fest to work with me.
Some photos from the last two days: the kayak in the middle is the one I want… the mug came free with my vodka, Missy is just the best, Blue skies!, my SUV lights up the door handles when I near!
I spent an hour and a half chatting with my cousin Debbi this morning. That filled my tank! We are making a plan for me to go to their cabin in Tulameen at the end of the month. The only problem for me is that she will just have returned from Germany where her man is working and I have to be sure I will still be ok to have my MRI if I am in contact with her…
I really just want to buy a Kayak and go exploring……. Did I mention that my friend who is a manager at Subaru says I got a good purchase with my Hyundai and is happy for me? We had a good laugh that their demographic is the grey haired set…
I will admit straight up that I stopped at the liquor store and bought several options. Tonight I am enjoying Vanilla Crown Royal on the rocks. It has been an interesting 24 hours. My guests from last night left an icky feeling with me. They admitted this morning that they have never even been near a trailer park before and that they were shocked when they arrived, had a big fight and nearly drove away and got a hotel. She then proceeded to tell me that I should make it more clear so that people can decide from home and not be shocked when they get here. I am still waiting for the review from them although she admitted that if she had made it last night it would have been all negative (JUDGEY) I was left feeling very triggered and less than, all day. She did keep saying that I am very creative and I am going to take that as a positive but seriously I am pissed. They made me feel like a lower caste and it is not sitting well with me. I should have known when the fancy Mercedes pulled up. What they don’t know is I have owned two Mercedes in my life and have shaken hands with Queen Elizabeth, who are they to look down on me! I really can’t type much more because my heart has been hurt. I did however speak to clients about becoming paperless and checked out kayak options… step by step to true freedom.
After over 9 hours sleep my alarm still woke me out of a deep sleep. I made up the camper in advance of the guests arriving tonight. While I was making the bed there was a big noise and everything moved. I stopped and listened but nothing so I carried on. Then it happened again and I realized Missy was on the roof. Of course she needed to get down as soon as possible or my ceiling canvas was going to be like a sieve next time it rains. I am going to get some spray canvas sealer, just in case and to be sure it doesn’t leak during the upcoming rains.
I had a busy day of meeting with clients. I made the first one cry as we have actually become good friends and we cried together over a story from the past. I did get excited showing her my new ride though. The second one is a new client after today. She will do her own books but I will transition her to online and give training and assistance. I really like her company. The afternoon was spent on catching up with a few things and then it was time to head home. Before I left though, I drew a map for my guests to find me with the Neighbourhood torn up. I basically did a kids drawing of the area with little arrows and drawings. They did find their way eventually. Later than they thought but I knew they forgot I am in mountain time. Turns out they had to show proof of testing at the border and then were given tests to complete and send in. Seems a little lax… I feel safe with them here and they will be leaving in the morning.
It was a tough night as the pressure was adjusted while I tried to sleep. The irony of finally falling into a deep sleep only to be woken up at 5:30 is sad. I came home and got on the treadmill, showered up and headed to the office. The lack of sleep causes me to feel woozy, like after a big night. Several times during the day I wished my appointment had been on a Friday night. I did work very diligently to not make mistakes, well it was harder to do so than usual. Finally got the must do list done and was home in my jammies having leftovers by 5 pm. I am glad it rained so I didn’t even have to go water the garden. I decided I would think tonight whether to block out the remaining dates on my Airbnb as the Covid numbers are going up fast again in BC and apparently there is an outbreak at a nursing home here in Cranbrook. Then I was asked for a booking for tomorrow night. I have the bedding ready, just have to make it, so I said yes and now it looks like they are coming from Seattle to Calgary. I suppose that could make them the safest if they had to have a test at the border. I wish there was more communication before saying yes. I am going to have to revisit this for the summer. And get sleep….
Went to work, got a lot done before going to drop off my filthy SUV at the dealership for it’s ‘leaving with a buyer’ detailiing and fuel filling. The low tire sensor was also giving a warning so they were going to fix it. Signed more things and paid my down payment and got shuttled back to work. I worked my tail off and still didn’t get all done I hoped too but I was obsessed with the fact I didn’t hear from them and wanted a bill of sale so I texted the finance guy and he came to pick me up. Turns out there was a bit of misunderstanding and he ended up throwing in services and oil changes for the life of me owning it as well as a tow and electrical package. The sensors have to be ordered as they were actually not working. I think there is a problem with the back seat one as well as even after moving everything out of back seat it tells me to check the back seat as if I have left my kid in there which freaks me out that someone got in while I was out of it. Will have to let them know tomorrow. I really hope I didn’t get an electrical lemon! Came home and put the stickers that Rae and then Ashlée had gotten me on the clean car and then made a delicious dinner. Surf, Coop and Crop for the win! And now I am at the keep clinic for the night again…
Jake and Emmy and my guests all left this morning so I spent time cleaning and sanitizing and doing loads of laundry. It was nearly 3 when I got a text from Diane asking if I wanted to go see Meachen Falls out near St Marys Lake where we had gone kayaking. Since it had gloriously pounded down rain for some time today I figured the sky would be clear and that would be awesome. I had also spent part of the day getting part way through the first of two thick manuals for my new SUV and new I needed to break in the engine with variable speed drives so that could be just the ticket. I finished throwing the last load in the dryer, threw on my hiking sandals and headed out to pick up D.
I told Emmy not to open the fridge and showed her the picture after she tried and she was shocked to see her arm disappeared.
We headed out with the goal of driving up to the falls, taking it in and heading back. There was some confusion as to where exactly to stop and she had explained to me that the road continued on to White Boar Lake and glacier but the road to it was usually only usable by trucks so of course I had to prove that wrong…. I was already believing my Tucson was more like a truck than a car anyway, the way it is decked out so we kept going. 11 Km later we were at the Lake and it was the best decision ever!! So gorgeous and the road up was like a riverbed in several spot but I took it carefully and never once bottomed out or scraped the sides. At one point a pickup was coming down and I had to give right-of-way and back down for quite a ways around curves and all until there was finally a pull out wide enough for him so I could go by. Back up camera and nerves of steel for the win!! I have to say he must have been impressed. We parked and there was no one else up there so it was incredibly peaceful. There is a short hike down to the lake and it is stunning, even with the Smokey skies, I can’t wait to go back when it is clear again. We ate huckleberries and took photos and enjoyed stretching our legs. I need to buy bear spray and go back there to camp. No cell service, no crowds, just picnic tables and an extremely well kept, odour free, toilet paper stocked outhouse! I finally got to use my new to me walking stick which are perfect, especially for swiping the cobwebs out of the way in the forest. They are actually kid sized ski poles that I got at the second hand store for $10 and they work perfect for short me.
Walking path
Not much wider driving path
We worked our way back down and easily found the spot to park on the roadside to walk down to the Falls (ok it was a wee bit of flagging tape on a tree limb). Was that ever worth it, spectacular location in so many ways. Again, like the lake, I could have just stayed there and relaxed. I love a falls that is remote enough not to be fenced off. Seeing pink dainties in the tree branches was a bit of a surprise.
Diane came for dinner which was later than usual but after that adventure a little grilled salmon Greek style was delicious. I can’t wait to take my ride into the dealer tomorrow for it’s detail, lol.
It was lovely to hear Emmy in the morning and have her come running to give morning snuggles. I sat out and had coffee with the guests and clarified the comment when they dropped off the kayaks that they are pretty casual about that, meaning Covid. Turns out the Mom is vaccinated but hadn’t told her daughter. It all came out this morning. She told me later that all her kids are conspiracy theorists but she felt safer getting it and her husband is 70 so she wasn’t putting him at risk. Interesting how there can be so much difference within a family. I am glad all of mine are vaccinated and happy to be.
Suddenly I got a text and realize it was ten to eleven and I was to be at the dealership where one of the owners was meeting me on a closed day to sign all the paperwork. When I left my place I noticed a grasshopper on my mud flap and he was still there when I got to the dealership! Josh was so incredibly trusting as we signed over our vehicles to each other on Saturday, I signed the loan paperwork today and went and transferred ownership and insurance and yet, I still haven’t paid the down payment because he doesn’t know how to use the machine. It was fun to be offered beer while doing the paperwork. His girlfriend even came and had a drink and a visit before they headed off to pick up a dresser and I took off to do errands. He did throw in a remote start, oil changes for life and the tablets and holders and will do a detail and fill it with gas when I go back on Tuesday or Wednesday. I feel like I won the car buyers lottery. Of course I am going to wait until I have the options before I pay now, just to be sure. I am a fan of the CarPlay feature that’s for sure!
I picked up fast food for Jake, Emmy and I and then did her hair before Danika picked her up to go to a wedding. Jake and I went grocery shopping for snacks and some food for his trip home tomorrow. Got back and I made us dinner while he got the old (1985) Apple IIe I have at home from the theatre booted up. He had never seen a floppy disk before so that was cool. Once I showed him how it worked we managed to get the old lighting software program running. It was fun to post online to show friends. Jamie was instantly interested and when they dropped off Emmy he came in and opened it up and tipped it, takin pictures etc and Emmy was monkeying with the buttons, etc. And then it wouldn’t start. I am not going to kid you, I am not happy. Anyway, I told him to go home and talk with his wife and make me an offer as I am using it to fund raise for tech booth. Jake thinks I am being oversensitive about it and it is fixable…
We watched the movie about Ted Bundy with Zac Ephron. He played the part very well. The story fascinates me, that someone had that much charm that even at his trial, after being found guilty, the judge seemed to admire him.
I did the money counting from last night in the park, we are doing well with our new memberships. Everyone is so happy to have live music back. Maureen sent me some pictures from when I was introducing who will be playing next week. I do love emcee gigs. Just need to dress more flatteringly… what a gut, sigh.
It is finally raining! And pretty well soaking things thankfully. I wish Missy would come in but she is still avoiding as Emmy is here. I stopped at Diane’s today and we made a plan to potentially go kayaking tomorrow depending on the weather. We need the rain but I hope it clears.
I got up and made coffee to settle back in bed to watch Loki, my new favourite bad boy crush. I didn’t last long as I realized I needed to get things ready for the guests staying tonight and Summer Sounds. I was making the bed in the guest trailer when I suddenly just started crying. It took me a bit to realize that it was coming from the trigger of it being July 31st. 58 years ago on this day, when I was 3 months old, my Mother and Sister, Rae Ann drowned on my sisters third birthday. Losing my primary bond at that age left me with a hole in my psyche that I have spent a lot of money on therapy about over the years. And, still it seems to haunt me, as came the tears this day. I had been thinking about a new vehicle for some time now so I thought it a good day to go looking as I have a spare two hours and a need to be distracted.
Note the numbers!!!!
After looking at a good number of vehicles I suddenly had a gut reaction to the 2022 Hyundai Tucson in the middle of the showroom floor. I have always wanted to buy a showroom car. It had the Kootenay addition package with fab rims and All Terrain Mud and snows that look more like truck tires as well as a Thule Roof rack to start and is Amazon Grey, how perfect is that. I mentioned I would like to keep the headrest tablets and holders and they threw them in. I also got the full value owed on my Honda for trade in. I am just chuffed, can’t wait to go for a drive and just pull over and sleep!. Now I want to buy a kayak as well. I did find it wasn’t too expensive to get the tow package as well so I could tow my jeep on a trailer to shows when it is fixed up. I honestly am so chuffed and they even let me take it away with transfer papers without even signing the loan documents yet. It pays to shop on the last day of the month when they want to meet their quota. I had to rush off do fulfill my obligations at Summer Sounds but really I wanted to go for a long drive!
I really am ridiculously excited and looking forward to adventures. Jake arrived and brought Emmy to the park for a while. I had fun tonight managing the booth and being water girl. The Quimbys and Voodoo Rhythm Kings performed, Bif Naked was in attendance, the park was packed and it was steamy hot out. I had the most fun doing the emcee part with Maureen and solo. She writes us up a basic script and we take it from there. I have always enjoyed emceeing. I was walking around with water when I heard someone call my name for some and then mention we were a long way from MusicFest. It suddenly twigged that it was Tanner from Courtenay! He is working on the project next door and I am thrilled. Look forward to having him over. This day really did improve immensely and I had a really nice visit with Jake when I got home as well.
triumphgal 